Jack Ginther will tell you that two of the darkest days of his life were 1)when he heard President Roosevelt had died in 1945 and 2)when he learned that his basic training had been extended 2 weeks, causing him to be unable to accept his diploma at Ithaca’s graduation ceremony for the class of 1945. Drafted out of his last year of high school, Jack was being trained for what was predicted to be the deadliest action of WWII: the invasion of the Japanese homeland. Victorious in Europe, Allied forces had not yet overcome the aggression of the Japanese. Jack’s mother accepted his diploma for him.
As the young Gratiot County soldier shipped out across the Pacific, history caught up with him. In August, 1945 the United States dropped the world’s first atomic bombs, and Japan surrendered. Instead of facing a destructive fight, Jack Ginther and his unit went ashore in Japan as that uniquely American phenomena: an occupation force intent on helping their former enemies rebuild so they could go home! Jack Ginther’s service involved much construction, including oversight of building two laundries that served thousands of Japanese civilians.
After serving his time, Ginther returned to Gratiot County and resumed normal life. His experiences in the Pacific remain a vivid part of his life, and he has become a valuable resource for local history teachers. In fact, he inspired Ithaca’s 2011 graduating class to include him in their ceremonies. More than half-a-century after missing his first chance, Jack Ginther was able to walk in a graduation ceremony at his high school!
Among items Ginther has loaned is the “dinner” ration in the photo. He recalls eating such meals often during his time in Japan. Enclosed in a waxed container to waterproof it, the meal includes a package of graham crackers, caramels, granulated sugar, cigarettes, matches, a stick of gum, and a tin of cheese.