Letter from Clarence Williams to Gretchen Williams, April 23, 1945

My pen ran dry so will use pencil and hope you won’t mind. We havn’t had mail call as yet today so don’t know whether I will hear from you. We moved again today for quite some distance. The Jerries had done every thing possible to slow up our transportation system including many road blocks and about a half dozen bridges blown out. This town had really been hit by our bombs and artillery. We are staying tonite in one of the nicest homes for the middle class people of Germany I have yet seen. The furniture is beautiful and everything has been well kept. The lady of the house here is the first German I have really felt sorry for. She appears to be about 38 or 40 and has a little girl about 7. One of the boys asked where her husband was and the tears starting rolling down her face. She told us that he was in the army and that she hadn’t heard from him in 7 months. I can imagine how you would feel if you didn’t hear from me for that period of time. She also stated the Germans were idiots for continuing the war. I suppose there is no doubt about some people here objecting to the war and Hitler regime but   we have no way of knowing who they are. I do think they are few and far between and of course they all claim to be anti-nazis.

We just had some fellow give us a swell radio and are at present listening to Duffy’s Tavern. We can also get the AEF stations now with no trouble so can keep up to date on the news. Perhaps I wrote you before about the German portable light plant we now have to carry with us so we can have lights where ever we go. Right now we are listening to the song “Dancing in the Dark.” It certainly brings back many memories with you and makes me goose pimply.

Some of the boys found several cases of whiskey in a cavern so we are tonite having a few shots. Its a rare treat to have whiskey anymore as the officers don’t receive rations now. There is so much around everywhere that is isn’t necessary. With all we have to drink I can truthfully say I have only been fairly tight once. When it is so easy to get and so accessible you don’t have the carving for it. I can’t say I have formed a liking for any of it as yet.

Honey I am inclosing a negative of a picture Sgt Cooper took of me a couple days ago. The boys developed them last night but can’t do a very good job of printing so I am sending it to you. If it turns out any good please send me one.

I am sorry to hear of Mr A’s son-in-law’s misfortune. It sounds as though he may be gone but no one can tell. He may be alive and a prisoner and if so I don’t believe he will be prisoner for a long period of time.

We played some bridge again today while awaiting orders to move but couldn’t seem to have much luck.

Well darling I guess this is about all for today except I want to add that I am following out your orders — keeping myself fit for you and I do mean you. My best to all the folks.

I have been forgetting my requests — Please send me a box of food. Thanks honey.