The Americans on the Asama Maru arrive at Lourenco Marques – Portuguese territory - and they’re sure for the first time repatriation will be completed.
And they’re thrilled with the welcome too:
The first ship that we saw in the distance was an American oil tanker. There was Old Glory flying from the stern. It was the first time we had seen that in many months….
We passed very close and just as came abreast of her, the captain lowered one of the windows on the bridge, leaned out, pulled on the whistle, and up the masthead ran a brand new American flag which he had saved for the occasion! Did we ever let loose! Absolutely everyone on the Asama shouted at the top of their lungs, waving hands, handkerchiefs, coats, shirts, and in fact everything that we could lay our hands on! It was one of the great thrills of my life…
As we continued on into the harbour, every ship picked up the spirit, blasting their whistles, giving the V for Victory signal as went by. It was truly a royal welcome and made you proud to be an American.
Source:
Carol Briggs Waite, Taken in Hong Kong, 2006, Kindle Edition, Location 3507 and following.