Dear Yuichi:

Your letter of the 18th arrived two days ago.

Finally after years of searching, I have acquired a copy of a photo showing the island, the bridge and some of the mainland. Enclosed is a photo-copy (Zerox) of it. I am having a copy made of it because I have to return it as soon as posiible. I saw the photo in Hap Halloran's book in March and it had some writing on it. When I saw him at the Nimitz symposium that month, I mentioned how much I wanted a copy of it, but without the writing. Unexpectedly, it arrived this week. I am very happy about receiving it because it helps to answer some questions ( length of bridge ); but creates new ones.

I do not recall the building on the island which is to the right of the bridge. I do vaguely recall that there was either an anti-aircraft gun or search-light on that end of the island. Perhaps the building was used to house the crews?

I was surprised to see so many buildings still standing to the left of the bridge on the mainland. One day I went with the blacksmith (POW) and a guard to collect some metal to make into shovels. As we came off the bridge, we could see for miles because of the area which had been burned. Evidently, it was the area to the right of the bridge ( white area ). I have no idea and cannot guess what the white line projecting at an angel to the left of the bridge may represent. It is unfortunate that the original photo is not clearer or more distinct.

Thank you for clarifying the identity of the "gun factory ". I do recall that we were concerned about a gun factory being within a few miles of the camp and how we were afraid it might attract the bombers ( B-29s ) to our area. I will try to get a clarification made in the book, but it may be too late to do so. There are some other clarifications and corrections I would like to make, but I am afraid I cannot do so.

Congratulations on your TV dragon-fly programs. I hope your interview was better than mine. Recently, I acquired a video about the Nimitz Museum and I will be standing it to you. I envy you and Hap Halloran ( B-29er in Special Barracks ) on your Fall trips. He is going to the Scandinavian countries. Austria has been on my list of countries to visit. I had hoped to head in that direction this Fall, but commitments here will not allow it. There are still so many places I would like to visit, but I am being to hate the trouble of getting there. I guess my age in beginning to slow me down.

Sincerely
Bob
Robert R. Martindale