Letter from Clarence Williams to Gretchen Williams, May 15, 1945

Well honey, I did much better on the mail situation today, I received three letters and another package from you. The package was the one containing the underwear, candy, and cookies. Also the pipe tobacco. Thanks loads honey, it arrived at the ideal time, for the underwear I mean. This week I have been wearing the set I brought along plus one pair of shorts I purchased at camp Kilmer. The cookies are delicious with the mixture of dates and nuts, havn’t eaten the candy as yet but know it will taste plenty good.

I am feeling better today than for the past three days in fact tonite was the first I have really had an appetite. I really believe now that I had some type of poisoning but still don’t know what it could have been. Think I will be okay now however.

We got paid today for the month of April, sure have to wait a long time for our money now. Ha! Now that the war is over I don’t know whether to send it home or wait and see what happens. If we stay here for awhile as an occupation Army or move toward C.B.I., I won’t need it but if by chance we go to the states first, I might want a little to take you around with. Whoa, who said that? I must be dreaming again. Any way if I send some home I'll notify you by letter so you can watch for   same. If I do send it, think this time I will use a money order as they make better time.

I have been working in the C.P. the past couple of days helping Bob Cloud and Sgt. Bell. Cloud is the fellow you met with me in the Diner Store in Muskogee, remember? I have been posting War Department circulars but think I will finish with those tomorrow.

Some of the boys here have been up to a lake in the mountains and they claim it is the most beautiful thing they have ever seen. Some of them were up there swimming today. I havn't had a chance as yet to see same but hope to soon. Directly in back of the house we are living in is a large cement factory and much to my surprise it is one of the Portland Cement Works that is common all over the states.

We now have a couple of Russian boys in our company that we picked up along the way. They work as K.P’s and seem tickled to do so even without pay however of course they get their food, clothes, cigarettes and gum which I guess is more than they were accustomed to before. They were both German prisoners and one of them had been at Dachau prison camp so can really tell some stories. He said our plane used to circle there occasionally, come in low and drop Red Cross packages for that the SS Guards would chase them   away and take the packages for their own use. He was really happy when he was given one of our uniforms and combat boots, just like a guy with a $100 suit. Both of them seem smart and are picking up the English expression very fast. They are also eager to learn so the fellows try and teach them.

Well darling the boys just returned with a keg of beer so guess I’ll have one and turn it for the night. Thanks again for the package honey and give my regards to all.

Incidentally, I notice Worgl is on may maps here and we are about one mile from that town if you cen find a map showing its location. (In Austria).

Bye again Honey.