*Contains language typical of 1945 (and slang)

Change moves through San Francisco like ribbons of gray fog enveloping the bay while moving its way inland from the Pacific Ocean. While our ship was docked at Hunter’s Point for repairs after our tour in the South Pacific, we would get two weeks of long overdue shore leave. I was born and raised in San Francisco, so to sleep in my childhood bed, enjoy home cooking, a hot shower, and time off from the military clock was something I was looking forward to.

I‘m a Petty Officer in the United States Navy. My most problematic responsibility is Billy, a 22 year old Seaman who wasn’t adjusting well to military life or war. Like my parents, Billy’s dad hoped that military would provide him with a good e...

Please subscribe to keep reading.