11 Aug August 11, 1945

Letter
from: PFC George W. Shonkwiler
to: Mrs. Alice Shonkwiler
Compiegne France, 9 July 45, 2 p.m. Thursday.
(month mistaken, should be August)
Noteworthy: Dad predicts the war’s aftermath as concerns "Russia"

  and to the future threat of the atomic bomb
Dearest Alice and Ronnie,

Nothing much to do right now, so will spend part of the afternoon with your
letter.  I’m at the office but that doesn’t necessarily mean anything.  Things
are still very quiet and little or no rumors.  The talk is all about the new
atomic bombing of Japan  and today’s news of Russia entering the fight.
Either one of which would mean a very early end of the war, we hope.
Personally, it does seem very likely now with these two new developments

that the war may end quite suddenly with Japan giving up.  Perhaps without
us ever having to actually invade Japan proper.  My own reaction to these
newest wrinkles in the fight aren’t so very favorable.  I believe we could
easily defeat Japan without Russian aid and the price we are

going to have to pay Russia for her belated help will far exceed any aid
she will actually give us.  Russia will now demand and no doubt get large
concessions in Manchuria and along her East coast, thus making her stronger
than ever in the years to come.  Plus being a strong influence in determining
how China will eventually go potentially.  These things may mean much to the
United States in the years to come.  Then the utter destruction that this one
small bomb can bring to a city or a nation is just a fore runner of the
terrible things to come should its power ever

page two.
come to rest with the wrong people or wrong nation.  I’m definitely in favor
of doing all we can to end the war as quickly as possible, but it does seem
like wiping out whole cities at one time is a bit more barbaric than anything
before in history.  Frankly, I wonder sometimes if it is worthwhile having a
family just so they can grow up to be part of the next war of seemingly total
destruction to the less fortunate people,  whether innocent or guilty of any
wrong.  One thing shows we are living in times of great historical events.
I hope everyone appreciates the greatness of the revolutionary changes now
taking place without a full understanding of its meaning, the multitudes will
in the end allow the full power of these new scientific discoveries to fall
unto the hands of a few unscrupulous men who will use its powers to further
their quest for individual glory.  And in the end plunging the entire world
in a war of complete destruction.  Only time will tell.  We live in an
interesting world to say the least.

I received two old letters yesterday written while you were at the lake.  Also
a letter I had written to Don Sweeney a long time ago was returned.  It was
marked on the outside -- Missing.  Guess it got lost while in Belgium, at
least as far as the Post Office was concerned.  I wonder where he is by now.
Also received a letter from Marge’s brother Jack. It was mailed the latter
part of June and he said they were then expecting to leave any

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day so I suppose he has left for somewhere by this time too.  Have you heard
anything about Al Evers?  It’s possible that he has left too.  It really
looks like about everyone will go someplace before I get away from here.
This camp is getting so large here and of such a permanent nature that I
wonder sometimes if we won’t to be here for many months yet.  My only hope
is that I know when the time comes the army can move in a big hurry no
matter how permanent things look.  And I’ve never yet known anyone connected
with the army to worry about the financial side of things.  It’s always
brushed aside by saying any expense is justifiable if aiding the combat boys.
Very true but sometimes I question if it’s always aiding the combat troops.

My skin condition is still very much in the infection stage but is a little
better and as long as it shows improvement at all or doesn’t get too bad

 I’m going to try to keep my status quo.  Time may prove my plan
foolish but then six weeks in the hospital didn’t prove anything either so
it is pretty hard to figure out the best thing to do.  I’m hoping that we
do get a break and some of the many good rumors about the depot returning
to the States sometime this fall or early this winter comes true.  I know
if I am home for Christmas I will be very fortunate indeed.

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Didn’t write yesterday because there was so little to write about.  And
then I feel sometimes as though you surely must grow tired of receiving a
daily report on my physical status. Life is really so hum drum here now
that it is difficult to find anything interesting to write about.
Watched a very good baseball game last night and then finished up the
evening playing poker with moderate success.  I have another seventy five
dollar money order made out to you which I am holding a few days to see if
I’m going to get that furlough.  if it doesn’t come through pretty soon
may have enough accumulated so I can send it without worrying about money
for a furlough.  Have you ever received the last three money orders I sent
you?  As yet you haven’t mentioned receiving them.

That’s about all for now my dears.  It’s possible may add a few words later
this evening.  Until then, love you both.

wes 9:30 p.m

Went downtown to the show.  Had seen it before so walked out.  Then went to
the PX for ice cream.  All sold out.  Did have a cup of beer and watched a
GI show which wasn’t too bad.  Right now everyone is in the room and it’s
quite a mess.  So until tomorrow all my love to you both,

Daddy