1946
Bud writes home
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January 25
Letter follows a month-long leave
"The Prairie is scheduled to leave Mare Island on 16 Feb. for a shake-down cruise to San Diego and thence to Pearl Harbor to pick up ComDesPac ... it is almost definite that all rated men in the radio gang will be transferred to shore stations to await accumulation of points and discharge."
February 3
"My Jap rifle is on its way home, and should be there soon. Ahem, I sent it collect."
February 10
"I'm still on the draft for Treasure Island the Fourteenth. The Navy is keeping me and the rest of us aboard until the very last minute."
March 1
Notice of Separation from U.S. Naval Service
"You have served in the greatest Navy in the world." - Secretary of Navy James Forrestal
Bud was honorably discharged as a Radioman Third Class and was awarded these service medals. From left, the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, the Victory Medal World II, and the American Campaign Medal.
A note from a shipmate containing a roster of names sent to Bud after he separated from the USS Prairie.
Your guess is as good as mine for the nickname he got in the greeting.