April 18, 1942 - Japan Bombed

Jan Palson

18 Apr 2026 — 1 min read

War Extra

First, tomorrow, April 19th in 1942 is Patriots' Day. A holiday celebrated by most of the Northeastern states. It's also the 46th Boston Marathon. I will post results of the race on Monday. I wonder who's going to win??? wink, wink.

Boston Globe Evening Edition

Today, April 18, 1942 we bombed Japan to retaliate for Pearl Harbor. I DIDN'T KNOW THIS. True, I suffer from a public school education but shouldn't this have ended it? Recall that Japan bombed us at Pearl Harbor so we would stay out of the Philippines, the Pacific and the war in general. But the opposite happened. We declared war and joined the allies just last December (1941). Are we hoping Japan will take a hint and drop out of the war while they're ahead? No. Because war is stupid and our leaders never learn. Okay, I apologize. I'm trying not to editorialize just keep track the war.

Next Post - April 20, 1942 - Boston Marathon Results

Next letter Tuesday, April 21, 1942

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April 24, 1942 - Dear Audrey

Oh well, we’re in the Army now. It's a swell day and the weather is warming up. It's starting to turn green. No relaxing, no enjoying anything until after evening chow and mornings are made for marching. Having a band makes marching in step easier.

April 23, 1942 - Dear Audrey

These new recruits are in for a big surprise. Dad's sisters and ma came to visit with his neighbors probably to get an idea of what it's like since more and more young men are drafted. Like from his own neighborhood. Yes, they are getting serious.

April 22, 1942 - Dear Audrey

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Boston Globe Evening Edition

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