love the photo, and the story!
My great-uncle was in the 32nd “Red Arrow” infantry division throughout the war, and they were in the Philipines in the summer of ‘45 preparing to take part in the invasion of Japan. They actually fought more combat days than any other US unit in WWII, I believe. Anyway, they were quite relieved to avoid the invasion after having fought through New Guinea and the Philipines. They ended up being sent to Japan as part of the occupation force instead of as an invasion force. My mother’s family joined countless millions of Americans in being grateful for the atomic bombings!!
My father fought in concert with your great uncle. He was a member of the 31st Infantry “Dixie” Division. New Guinea, Morotai, P.I./Mindanao.