ENS Arthur Thomas Burke was supposed to graduate from the US Naval Academy in June of 1942, but instead found himself on the deck of the USS Enterprise at the battle of Midway, having been graduated early and sent to the Pacific. The following letter was written on "V-mail" and sent home to his mother and brother in San Pedro, California.

Following the letter is a typed transcription. The sections deleted by censors in the original letter appear as '(CENSORED-" plus a probable phrase")'.

A brief interview with Commander (USN, retired) Arthur Burke concerning V-mail

Transcription of Ensign Burke's Letter

June 8, 1942 Dearest Mom & Dan,
How's everything by you all? I am still
allright.( Just to let you know).
Well, the Navy gave the Japs quite
a licking, eh? It sure sounds like propaganda
and exaggeration for (CENSORED-"Admiral Spruance"?)
to say that all those Jap carriers, battleships,
cruisers, and transports were sunk and
damaged with US losses only a damaged
(CENSORED-"carrier"?), doesn't it? But it is a very conservative
communiqué. The Navy is making no
false or colored statements and is being
very careful not to have to take any
statements back, so, incredible as it may
seem, it's all true and as he says himself,
all the returns aren't in yet. But I still
(CENSORED-"shudder"?) to think of what might very well
have been had (CENSORED-"our bombers been a few"?)
minutes later in their (CENSORED-"dives. How many of
our carriers"?) would have been (CENSORED-"sunk"?). Oh, well!
Say hi to everyone for me, please.
How are you making out, Dan? In the army
yet? Honest folks, I am tired so I'll end
this letter right here and write more when
there is a chance of getting it off again.
                Love, Art
Arthur T. Burke

End

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