They Spoiled Us Rotten

From Naomi Mitchell

Returning to the US from the Philippines aboard the troop transport in January 1947.

What an adventure it was. My mom, sister, and I were the only 3 females on a ship full of servicemen returning from World War II. Many of them had not been home for several years, and morale was high as we made our way over thousands of miles of the Pacific Ocean.

My sister and I, ages 10 and 11, had the run of the ship, and as the GIs had not seen their families in a very long time, they spoiled us rotten. We were allowed to go into the mess hall whenever we wanted; the guys always found ice cream for us, and they also helped my mom by watching out for us.

The one thing that stands out the most in my memory about that trip is our arrival back in San Francisco. I still remember the thousands of troops on board, all out on the decks, as we made our way beneath the Golden Gate Bridge. The cheers were deafening and everyone was singing at the top of their lungs. Many were crying as they got down on their hands and knees and kissed the deck. It was a sight and sound I will remember as long as I live.