Long Ago and Far Away: Reminiscences of Robert Sams of his 27 months aboard the USS Cambria APA-36 during the Pacific Campaign of World War II

Sadly, it is a little-known fact that the men of the U.S. Coast Guard served bravely alongside the more-oft thought of branches of the US Military during a time of great turmoil in our country’s history. If you were to ask 100 random people to tell you what role the U.S. Coast Guard played in World War II, it is likely that many of them would talk about defending our own coastal areas. It is unlikely, however, that most of those queried would be able to tell you that on September 17, 1945 the Coast Guard vessel USS Cambria APA-36, designated as flagship of Temporary Squadron 12, led her squadron into Japan after the bomb was dropped. It is also doubtful that those questioned would know that once the Cambria arrived, a Japanese delegation boarded the vessel and the Japanese Governor of Nagasaki Prefective and the Acting Mayor of Nagasaki received instructions from Major General LeRoy B. Hunt, USMC, Commanding General of the 2nd Marine Division Occupational Forces regarding the signing of surrender papers. Author Robert Sams was one of the brave men serving on the Cambria at that time. His memoir not only gives insight into the day-to-day life of a sailor in wartime, but is a valuable historical chronicle as well. More than just a “history book”, Long Ago and Far Away beckons the reader to step back into time and experience what Sams experienced. So grab this book, find a comfy place to relax and prepare to experience history in a way that you may never have experienced it before.