In
the meantime, General Douglas MacArthur had decided to force the Japanese out
of the Philippines and return to Manila. From February to March, the United
States bombed the city and finally defeated General Yamashita’s forces there.
By the time that the battle was finished, over 100,000 of the civilian citizens
of Manila lay dead among the rubble.
2
On March 21, 1945, Clayton and his buddies arrived in Manila. They were
appalled at the death and destruction apparent everywhere. They had been given
a brief foretaste of this in New Guinea, but nothing could prepare them for
what they witnessed here. The smell and the smoke still rising from the ruins
were almost too much, even for the strong constitution of Clayton Jones.
3
Even so, the Seabees quickly set to work and began to make a difference almost
immediately. They set up camp in a place called the Mango Grove.
4
Clayton resumed his work with the movie projector and even had time to
construct a booth to house his bunk and equipment. For the rest of his time
overseas, he slept next to his projector.
5
Manila was hot and humid, but Clayton was the only person in the area with
fluorescent lighting. The rainy months were especially difficult; but somehow,
they all made it through the experience.
6
Clayton made it back to the U.S. in December and was mustered out of the Navy
at New Orleans. There was yet another physical.
7
“What’s wrong with you?” the doctor asked. “Not a damn thing!” was the reply.
8 He just wanted to go home, and the doctor and the Navy complied. The war was finally over for Clayton Jones.
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