1943

(Diary 6. Blue with silver lock, red bookmark. Diary 7. Black, spiral bound.) Written from Denver where Burks joined the Advanced Navy Intelligence School. He has married Jane and is studying the Japanese language. Noteworthy in Diary 6 are comments on a story in a Polish underground paper about what is happening in the concentration camps. He writes, "It is so brutal it is almost impossible to believe that man can so torture man." Jane involves herself in Red Cross work and enjoys small town activity. Burks writes, "Jane and I have come to know each other better than our first year together in the east. It seems a shame in that respect to look forward to a possible separation when this year above all has proved how lovely our marriage is and how perfect our understanding and companionship. A stronger impression, however, the growing impatience at the turn of the year, to turn our tasks. The war is beginning to be won and the critical winning of the peace, not all as certain as the war approaches and I want to be in it." In Diary 7 the Detroit race riots and invasion of Sicily are discussed. Burks graduates and is awarded the title of ensign.