Book
Excerpts
Following are excerpts from Jay Coffman's
diary featured in Under Wraps. You may also
download a sample chapter from the book, specifically from
Jay Coffman's diary.
“We’ll do anything to get this
thing over with. We all want to come home.”
“Wish we had this moon and
scenery at home and I was there ... Wow!”
“Everyone must be in bed by
dark and not move … you may get shot or stabbed if you do. I’m quiet
as a mouse.”
“This is one Christmas that I
shall never forget.”
“Hope I make it back for I have
so darn much to live for.”
“I really feel tired tonight
and am afraid that at last malaria has caught up with me.”
“We aren’t scared, but every
nerve is strained.”
October 16, 1942
"Wondering if I'll ever get to
bring this diary home, or will have to destroy it. I have spent a lot
of hours keeping it up and hiding all of it. If I have to burn it to
keep a Jap from getting it, too bad for him."
November 12,
1942
"Yesterday at 1100 orders came
for us who were at radio school to leave immediately and join our
company. A truck was waiting and we tore back and packed our
belongings. We are shoving off for somewhere--but where? Headquarters
here has everything packed and ready to be loaded on the ship that's
waiting in the harbor. Artillery, anti-aircraft, and anti-tank units
are going along with us, so it looks like we are going to see some
action. Anxious to go, but wondering about our fate. We have known, or
felt, that it wouldn't be long after the 1st Battalion left that we
would follow, but now that it's come, it makes one think of so many
things. We are prepared. I prayed last night that we would come
through whatever our task may be."
December 8, 1942
"Yesterday evening Japs were
seen about a mile from here and we sent out patrols. Didn't get them,
but we are out again this morning. We took precautions last night, but
how dark it gets and every sound is like a blast. There is no one so
brave that they aren't afraid sometimes. The Japs are known to slip in
and slash a throat or two, and then creep out before anyone is
conscious of it. I keep thinking that if my time is up, I'll get it
some way no matter how--but I have the feeling that I'm going to come
through OK. Got to get home and get started with the rest of my live,
with Dot."
January 22,
1943
Today we made our first attack
and gained about 1,000 yards. We had several casualties--one man
killed. Too much action to be scared. Later, snipers fired on us and
it was close--Moe and I dove into a ditch. We are on top of a high
hill overlooking the ocean, and our companies are out in front on a
line facing the enemy. We are 300 yards behind them. Enemy planes fly
over all day and night."
January 30, 1943
On front lines now--right on
the front. We were fired on plenty--never so scared in my life. Fired
back, and advanced under air support. This skirmish didn't last long,
though. Good many casualties, but our detail has been lucky."
August 2, 1945
Have cleared dozens of caves of
Japs. Few prisoners. Mostly we secured caves with flamethrowers and
explosives. Sometimes cornered Japs shoot out of caves, but rounds
mostly ricochet around harmlessly. A few minor wounds, but not me,
yet. Heard of some casualties in other groups. Wish our Jap prisoners
could talk more to surrender and climb out, but most prefer to die in
these awful caves."
You may
download a sample chapter from the book, specifically from Jay
Coffman's diary.
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