Letter from Clarence Williams to Gretchen Williams, May 24, 1945

This is one of those gloomy old rainy days and since I can’t do much walking any way, think I will take advantage of same to catch up on my correspondence. This morning I have just been sitting here in my doorway watching the clouds passing through the mountains. They are very low today and it is really interesting to watch. I am inclosing two pictures, one a winter scene, the other of summer of this little village. It will give you an idea of the mountains in this vicinity. The city itself is already very high in the mountains so you can imagine the height of these peaks. The first sunny day we have I should like to get a few picture myself.

The hope here are really treating me swell since hurting my ankle. The kitchen is about a block away and they bring my food to me in my room, help me up and down the stair way, etc. I surely appreciate it however I would gladly do the same for any of them if necessary. It feels much better today and is gradually getting to where I can   put a little weight on same when walking. I can get along fairly well now by using my cane.

Regarding my picture or rather negative I mailed to you, it was taken in the yard beside our station bldg. in Furth, Germany. The pale I am holding was a long pale we were using for one end of our radio aerial and I was just tieing the wire to the end when Cooper took the picture. The steps directly in back of me led up into the bur garden where our kitchen was located. The yard was really quite pretty but was littered up by the ladder and bottles. We moved in when the aid station moved out and they had thrown the trash in the yard.

I see by the Stars and Stripes where the age limit has now been reduced to 40. Perhaps in time they will get down some lower. Also there are lot of gripes about the point system from the old combat men who think it unfair to grant so many points for children. I agree with them, as some of them stated, what effect does that have toward winning the war. As yet no one can locate any more who had voted for the point system which was supposed to be the soldiers choice.   Personally, I think the English System is much simpler, and more fair to the men with the most service.

Regarding your shipping of packages, our expectations at present are to be around here for 6 wks to 2 months however that isn’t definite. I believe we will be here until the Army of Occupation moves in to relieve us. There was some rumour that 3rd Army, of which we are now a part may be A. of O. but has not been confirmed. I think eventually it will wind up in the Pacific unless Patton is changed from C.G. We hear it will probably be by way of the states and of course everyone is hoping that will be the case. Also, we are being issued the Eisenhowever jackets and I don’t believe they would give us those if we were going direct to the Pacific. I don’t believe I have written previously about receiving our E.T.O. ribbons. We got them last week.

As to the apartment, naturally I hate to see you move alone however I think it is entirely up to you honey. If you feel you will be happier, that is the thing to do. One thing there, the girls can see you occasionally and make sure you are well and okay.

Your idea of picking up extra points while in the states on furlough was the same as what we were saying. I told Cap’t Martin if I got home, I was going to gain 36 points all at one time. Some what of a braggart don’t you think?

Well darling, I’m all out of news for today so will close.