Letter from Clarence Williams to Gretchen Williams, June 1, 1945

I just returned from Clearing but didn’t get to bring the mail back as it was late in arriving at our A.P.O. however there was considerably more than usual so I am expecting plenty in the morning. I received two letters last night the 23rd and 24th so I can’t be far in arears in your letters.

We received our Px rations for the first time today (I mean for the couple of months). Had more candy than usual in fact I got nine bars also some beer, gum, soap and cigarettes. We have to buy our cigarettes again now since the war is over. I suppose you girls would be plenty happy to buy them if they were available in the states, especially at 5¢ a pack. I only took one carton, could have had more.

Had a beautiful day but rather cool. As I wrote yesterday, it was snowing heavily in the mountain peaks and they were beautiful today with the clean white snow sparkling in the bright sunshine. It is clear yet tonite so hope for another nice day tomorrow.

I almost had to go back to the hospital again today with my foot. Cap’t O’Brien checked it last night and also the Xray. This morning he came in my room and said   he had a conference with Cap’t Martin and they decided I should have a cast on same. It seems to be much better so I asked them if I couldn’t wait a few days to see how it comes along. They consented to do that. Cap’t Martin said it was one of the worst sprains he had ever seen and that he still thought perhaps there was a fracture. I can get around better every day but still take it slow and easy.

I was very surprised to hear of Tammy W. still being at Walters. I thought perhaps he was also overseas by this time. Apparently his wife is still down there with him, some guys certainly get all the breaks. I’ll never forget how happy I was to have had you with me in Oklahoma. What I wouldn’t give to be able to see you as often now. We have a lot to make up for honey when I get back.

So Don and Martha have a new baby boy, I am glad to hear they are both doing okay. Suppose they were a little disappointed at it not being a girl this time.

The military letter I enclosed has no significance but thought you may get a kick out of reading same. All across France and Germany, Lt. Hunter could never keep track of his gas mask and was always asking one of us if we had seen it. Soon it became a joke and even tho we have   now turned them in, he still occasionally asks us if we have seen his gas mask. Yesterday the boys fixed him up and actually put in most of the items he lists. You have to know him to appreciate it because he is always studying maps and likes his GI alcohol very much, which they included. After filling it with all that junk, they put it in his room. He decided they should receive the Silver Star with six Poison Ivy Clusters, hence the letter which I typed for him. As Insull says, “We don’t make much money but we do have some fun”.

Honey, I am glad you mailed Kavka’s phone number just in case I have the privilege of calling. It looks now as tho we may be here still for a month or two however you know the Army. Things can change over night. I heard we would be in the states in August or September, only a rumor of course but am quite sure we are going by way of the States when our move comes.

Regarding your glamour nightgowns, you mention you would be sleeping in the rags you were wearing when I was there. I just wanted to inform you, you wont be sleeping and I don’t want to be bothered with any nightgowns, glamorous or otherwise. Seriously honey, six months is a long time to be without you and I’m warning you in advance to be in condition for the release of all this suppressed desire. Ha!

Anyway, I know I’ll like the nightgowns and can hardly wait to see you in them. One at a time, I mean of course.

Well darling its getting late so I must turn in, anyway I’m all out of news. Goodnight darling —