Explosive TLS signed “Dick B.,” two pages, 8 x 10.5, U. S. S. Essex letterhead, August 1, 1945. Byrd writes to a friend while positioned off of Tokyo. In part, “Before this letter reaches you, the world will have received the momentous, in fact, epochal news about the secret weapon we have been working on for so long; further, it will have been tried out on the enemy. This discovery is so monumental that it may not only stop the war with Japan, but may change the social structure of the United States and later of the world. It is a dangerous discovery and must be handled carefully.…When I left the States, I went straight to Okinawa and remained there until the Japs surrendered. The Japs fought very hard for Okinawa because it is so near Tokyo…We have been attacking the Japs now with this powerful fleet for about a month.” Byrd adds in his typed postscript, “I have had some very interesting experiences with the kamikazes.” In fine condition, with punch holes to top edge and expected folds. A simply amazing letter! R&R COA.
