Letter from Clarence Williams to Gretchen Williams, March 3, 1945

Happy Anniversary Darling, hope we are together for the next. I have been thinking of you all day and know you should be in Kansas City with Hal and Kay. Hope you had a drink for me, for our anniversary.

I received three letters last night at mail call. Two from you and one from Dorothy. It was also the best mail service I have had. Received your Air Mail in 6 days (dated Feb 24) and Dorothy (dated Feb 23) also a V-mail of Feb 16th.

Must say I was certainly surprised to hear of Nadine’s marriage however was glad and know she will make some one rather a Mr. O'Neill a swell little wife.

Honey I know it was plenty tough on you to stay away from those close to you so long. I must admit that I thot you would return before this but know when you decide on some thing you seldom quit or change your word. I guess that is why I love you so much along with millions of other reasons. I realize it was terribly lonesome and homesick for you even though Manns were thoughtful and did everything possible it just isn’t the same.

I was glad to hear you were finishing with your dental treatments. I too hope it will never be necessary for you to suffer through another of those ordeals. You have surely had your share of trouble with teeth so perhaps that will be your last.

I have been wondering if you ever received any more than the initial 12 letters from me. Hope so as I know it is just as tough for to go without mail as for me. Was glad that you notified me of receiving the $30.00 and think I can send more again next month. The reasons for not needing much money here are many. Practically all necessities are supplied free of charge including soap, dental and shaving creams, blades, pipe tobacco, cigarettes (1 pack per day) candy (1 per day) and two sticks of gum per day. About the only thing we spend for is laundry, hair cuts, and a little beer now and then.

Regarding our activities, our station platoon is divided into two sections and we change off being on duty. Being on duty this week we go back and rest next week so will have more time to write you then. I have been on two weeks in succession so that I could get acquainted with the work. Our section consists of Sgt. Cooper, Sgt. Harris, Sgt. Insull, Cpl Miller, Pfc Darron and myself and they are really a bunch of congenial fellows to work with. Insull is really a comedian and I laughed several times this   week until my sides hurt. For example we had a big fab M.P. come in a few nites ago with nasopharyngitis which means a head cold with fever and sore throat. Insull started to put some dropes in his nose with a glass dropper. His hands started shaking purposely and he said to the M.P. now don’t be nervous the last guy I did this to I broke it off in his nose. He finally had the M.P. laughing so hard he asked him to please quit because it made his throat hurt. Oh yes, he also took the stethoscope, placed it on his back and chest and then told him he had hemorrhoids. The M.P. told Insull he was going to watch for him if he ever came out of this building and that he would get even with him.

Honey the salted peccans sound wonderful and I can hardly wait until they arrive. Also the brownies sound swell and I guarantee they won’t last long.

Apparently that deal was true about Sam and Dorothy back together. I wonder if he has changed or if Dorothy will be sorry for giving him another chance. After the things he pulled I don’t see how she could have confidence in him again. If I get a chance, I should like to write Crosbie’s a letter as they were surely grand to us.

Maybe Fran will land in our outfit, if you get his address later let me know. Also I would like Pete’s and Alvin’s addresses as I may some time later have a chance to look them up. A lot of crazy things can happen over here.

Dorothy wrote me about the General's speech and the publicity for the Division. I guess the old veterans will see that you are kept posted as to our accomplishments and whereabouts.

We had some snow here today but it didn't last long. Dorothy stated they had the heaviest snow is six years so you better get out the fur coat when you arrive home. Guess it shouldn't be too cold there now however.

Some time ago I wrote you about visiting an old castle which I told I thought was built in 1831. Today I found out the facts, the oldest part was constructed in 1556 and the new part in 1648. That's even farther back than I can remember, an old grey haired guy like me. Ha! Seriously tho it was very interesting.

Well darling, think I better close for today. Enuf is Enuf. Bye for now.