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Nicholas Willard Bos Part 5

1942 WWII Draft Registration
          Registering for the Draft WWII
          WWII on the West Coast
          Washington State during WWII
1945 First Inauguration Harry S. Truman
         V-J Day
1946 death of brother Chris

1942 age 50

Nicholas signed up for WWII Draft Registration in 1942.  He lists his residence as Oak Harbor WA, with telephone 8F2 (that is an interesting number, is that so the operator knows which plug to put the cord in to connect the call?)  

Nicholas Willard Bos 1942 WWII Draft Registration front
Again, this is a secondary source of his birth date and place.  And, he is self-employed, most likely as a farmer.  I think this is his actual signature, yay!

Nicholas Willard Bos WWII
Draft Registration Back
On the back, we get a glimpse of his physical description -- white, blue eyes, brown hair, light complexion, standing 5'8.5" and weight at 152.  Sound familiar?


You can see his Fold3 information here.

Historical Insight -- Registering for the Draft during World War II


Though the United States wouldn’t enter World War II until December of 1941, it issued its first peacetime draft in 1940, which required all men between 21 and 45 to register for military service. From farmlands, cities, and small towns alike, millions headed to basic training to become soldiers, sailors, and pilots. More than 70 percent of Americans supported the draft, believing the country would soon join Britain’s fight against Germany. And the United States did declare war on December 8, 1941, the day after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. While the majority of American men were proud to do battle against the Axis Powers, some protested on religious grounds—72,000 registered as conscientious objectors. Others emphasized the hypocrisy of fighting for democracy abroad, when the military remained racially segregated. Despite protests, by the war’s end, 16 million Americans, including 1.2 million African Americans, had served their country. -- Ancestry.com Historical Insight "Registering for the Draft during World War II

Historical Insight -- World War II on the West Coast


Credit: PhotoQuest/Archive Photos/Getty Images
from Ancestry.com Historical Insight
During World War II, Japan brought the war to American soil, launching a series of attacks by land, air, and sea on the Pacific Coast.  When the Japanese attacked the West Coast during World War II, Nicholas Willard Bos was living in Swantown Washington near the enemy targets.  -- from Ancestry.com Historical Insights "World War II on the West Coast"

Historical Insight -- Washington During World War II



Credit: Getty Images
from Ancestry.com Historical Insight
From plutonium for atomic bombs, to lumber and tanks, the residents of Washington provided many vital materials during World War II.  Nicholas Willard Bos, a resident of Oak Harbor, Washington, in 1942, likely helped produce vital war materials during World War II. -- Ancestry.com Historical Insight "Washington During World War II"


1945 age 52

Historical Insight -- First Inauguration of Harry S. Truman


Credit: Getty Images
from Ancestry.com Historical Insight
Harry S. Truman was sworn in as vice president only a few months before the death of President Roosevelt. 1945, Washington, D.C.  Nicholas Willard Bos of Oak Harbor, Washington, was likely shocked when Harry S. Truman suddenly became president of the United States in 1945 -- Ancestry.com Historical Insight  "First Inauguration of Harry S. Truman"

Historical Insight -- V-J Day


At 7:03 p.m. on August 14, 1945, the scrolling sign in New York City’s Times Square delivered the news: “Official—Truman Announces Japanese Surrender.” An estimated crowd of 2 million erupted in cheers. The War in the Pacific, and thus World War II, was over. “Victory over Japan,” or “V-J Day” was celebrated August 14 and spilled over into August 15 in the United States. As the news spread, people gathered in large celebrations. Dancing, singing, bonfires, and fireworks demonstrated the sheer jubilation of the American people. In Washington, D.C., crowds danced on the White House lawn and chanted, “We want Harry.” President Truman appeared briefly, declaring “This is the day we have been waiting for since Pearl Harbor.” After nearly four years of war and more than 400,000 lives lost, the United States looked ahead to the homecoming of its overseas servicemen and women, the release of POWs, and the return to life without rationing and air raids.  At the close of World War II Nicholas Willard Bos might have taken part in V-J Day celebrations while living in Oak Harbor, Washington in 1945 -- from Ancestry.com Historical Insight "V-J Day"


1946 age 53

Death of brother Christian Johannes Bos 24 May 1946, Oak Harbour Washington

Born in the Netherlands, immigrated with his parents Johannes and Wilhelmina Usi Bos, died in Oak Harbor, Island County, Washington, buried in Maple Leaf Cemetery, Section 2, block 53, lot 38.  View his memorial at Find a Grave.


Resources

Dunn, C. (2009). Chris Bos. Retrieved from Find A Grave memorial 43783444: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/43783444


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