IN my previous reports, I have touched upon the effective cooperation between
our Allies which has been of such fundamental and signal importance in ac-
counting for the success of our combined undertakings. This cooperation has
continued and been extended in the period since my last report.

I have spoken before of the full measure of cooperation and support rendered by
the ground, air and service forces of the Army in a partnership of accomplishment,
which neither Navy nor Army could have carried out singly. For that cooperation,
undiminished throughout the war, and to the wholehearted support from the great
body of citizens who performed the countless and varied tasks which made up our
war effort, I reaffirm my appreciation.

Just as the Navy depended upon its sister services and upon the multitude of
activities which produced the implements of war, so also did the Navy rely for success
upon the Reserves and the Regulars, the men and women who constituted its
mutually supporting elements--the Fleet, the Shore Establishment, the Marine
Corps, the Coast Guard and the Seabees--each of which contributed its full share to
victory.

The end of the war came before we had dared to expect it. As late as August 1943
strategic studies drawn up by the British and United States planners contemplated
the war against Japan continuing far into 1947. Even the latest plans were based upon
the Japanese war lasting a year after the fall of Germany. Actually Japan's defeat
came within three months of Germany's collapse. The nation can be thankful that
the unrelenting acceleration of our power in the Pacific ended the war in 1945.

The price of victory has been high. Beginning with the dark days of December
1941 and continuing until September 1945, when ships of the Pacific Fleet steamed
triumphant into Tokyo Bay, the Navy's losses were severe. The casualties of the
United States Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard reached the totals of 56,206
dead, 80,259 wounded, and 8,967 missing. Many of these gallant men fell in battle;
many were lost in strenuous and hazardous operations convoying our shipping or
patrolling the seas and skies; others were killed in training for the duties that Fate
would not permit them to carry out. All honor to these heroic men. To their families
and to those who have suffered the physical and mental anguish of wounds, the Navy
includes its sympathy in that of the country they served so well.

It is my sincere hope--and expectation--that the United States will hereafter
remain ever ready to support and maintain the peace of the world by being ever ready
to back up its words with deeds.

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