How History Unfolds on Paper: Important Americana from the Eric C. Caren Collection, Part X

California, Japan, China, July 20, 1945-May 18, 1946. In two volumes. Tall 24mo. Approximately 198 manuscript pages, in ink and in pencil. Original black cloth, first volume worn, some sheets sprung or starting.

Personal diary of United States Navy seaman Walter B. Riggs, detailing his service in the Pacific from July 20, 1945-May 18, 1946. The first volume relates to Griggs's training as a radioman, and includes his various notes and schematics, such as types of messaging, communication procedures, lists of frequencies, symbols, ship nomenclature, the addresses of his shipmates, and his account of money spent while on leave in Japan, China, etc. The second volume is Griggs's daily journal, covering nearly a year of his service in the Pacific. Beginning in Los Angeles and his training in radio school, the journal then proceeds to Griggs's deployment on the USS Tolman, first to Pearl Harbor, and then to Sasebo, Japan, Shanghai, China, Yoko Suka and Tokyo, Japan, and then back to the United States, with his discharge in Shoemaker, California. Griggs keeps meticulous records of his daily actions, noting his various duties, activities while on leave, descriptions of the various locales in Japan and China, including Tokyo, and his interactions with their inhabitants. Notably, Griggs mentions both the dropping of the atomic bomb, as well as Japan's surrender and VJ day.

Lot includes 13 pieces of Griggs's personal ephemera, including his Leave Card, pay card, receipts, business cards, etc.