Letter from Clarence Williams to Gretchen Williams, June 5, 1945

This has really been a day of rumors and I do mean rumors. First of all I heard we were soon moving to the assembly area at Rheims, France. Tonite I hear we are going down into Austria which I believe is authentic. We have been reported to be in the 3rd Army but attached to the 7th for administrative purposes. Tonite I hear for sure we are now a part of the 3d army. I have noticed several of their vehicles in this vicinity here of late so apparently some other unit is replacing us at this location. One of the Red Cross girls who supply our Div. with doughnuts was here today and she stated from their orders, she thought we would be in the states in August. You can imagine our suspense wondering what in hell the scare is after hearing all those rumors. With the 3d moving down here now, I am wondering if perhaps it will be Army of Occupation for a while. I see in the S & S where Patton is now in the states. Perhaps he will give some report while over there   as to the new assignment of his Army.

I had quite a full day today. Got up this morning, bathed and shaved and then pressed a nice clean uniform. Even have military creases in the shirt I’ll have you know. Oh yes, I also washed my belt so now I am nice and clean again. After that, one of the boys who is very good at sketching wanted to draw my profile. That took about 45 minutes but he wasn’t satisfied so tore it up however he wants to do me again some time. He did a perfect job on Cooper. This afternoon Insull and I went swimming and took a sun bath at the pool. The water was very cold but certainly is invigorating. While we were getting dressed the clouds started rolling over and it began raining like the devil. We had to sweat that out about ½ hour before returning.

Bob hasn’t gotten back from Bn Hq. as yet so don’t know whether or not I have any mail from you. I didn’t receive any yesterday so of course am expecting some today.

I played poker again last night and believe it or not honey I won again this time. $13.10. not as much as before but better   than loosing that amount. I’m afraid my luck can’t always hold out that way so plan to loose next time I play.

I received a letter from Mother and she told me of receiving your card and gift. Thanks for doing it honey, she was very pleased.

I am inclosing a money order for $50.00 as I am carrying too much money at present. I still have too much but would like to know what our destination is before cutting myself short, so decided to wait until next pay day before sending more.

I see Bob pulling in with the mail now so will close and run down to see what luck I had in letters. Goodnite darling.