Letter from Clarence Williams to Gretchen Williams, June 17, 1945

Well honey I just finished my shower so now for letter #2 today. It is almost time for chow and will probably have to take time out for eating before finishing this. Oh yes, I washed my hair so of course am wearing my little knit cap and my shorts. The guys here think I am as nuts as you did the first time you saw me wearing my hat and shorts. Can you remember the first time?

Honey you remember my writing you about some correspondent taking picture of some of our medics at Dachau? I have found out since they were in the Sat. Eve. Post. One of the boys saw them and recognized some of the fellows. If ever you see any medics wearing nits on their helmets you can almost bet they are our group since we are the only ones I know of that do so. Also in the May 14th issue of Life Magazine there are several articles about the 42d and a few pictures. Incidentally a few minutes ago the radio was carrying a broadcast from Munich, I think presenting a drum to the British Grenadiers that had previously been captured by the Germans. Anyway when they mentioned the colorful 48 flags   we of course all perked up and sure enough, the Rainbow was showing off again. They also announced there was a man from every state in the union carrying that states flag.

The special service officer has set up a pretty good deal for the boys around this locality in an old hotel. They have a game room with billiard tables, a tap room where you can get beer, a barber shop, a bath, and rooms for GI’s who are traveling through. They call it the Awol Club and being next door to the theatre, it receives quite a play. Here in Schwaz is a mamouth (?) old Catholic Church. I don’t know its date but it must be very ancient. I looked inside and it is beautiful. The floor is made of huge blocks of stone and even they are made of heavy planks and straight carved blocks but the planks are warn considerably from the standing and sitting. Between the two entrances is a large statue dedicated to the soldiers who have died in action and around the square base were many wreaths of freshly placed flowers. They apparently try to tie in death in the Army with the church as a great honor. Perhaps that is another reason these people are easily aroused to war and fighting. They probably consider it a great honor to have their name carved in their plaque on the wall.

Honey it sounds to me as though the Dr. was giving Mae the run around. It is considered a very serious operation? Personally, I think by this time I would have lost all confidence in him. I have learned a lot about doctors since working around three of them for this period of time. I have formed a lot of new opinions and changed several old ones.

We now have orders to paint a red cross on the back of our helmet liner so perhaps we shall discard our steel helmets for a time at least. That will really seem swell as the thing gives me a headache when I wear it for a long time. Also just heard we are again to have Div inspectors around so I guess the old chicken S— is starting soon, just like garrison in the States. Anyway, I can take quite a lot of that in preference to going to the Pacific.

Sgt. Cooper is now on pass in Paris, left a couple days ago. I think I will take the deal to London if I have the chance again. I talked with the boys in Personnel and they didn’t seem to think it would make any difference if and when we got to the states. It may be my only chance to see England and I figure if we go to the states later, I will still take my full time even if A.W.O.L. to get it. One consolation they can’t bust me so what the hell do I have to lose. I probably will never be lucky   enough to win anyway so won’t worry about it.

I had some fresh cherries a couple days ago and gee they tasted good. There is a small orchard near here with a high cement wall around same. I stood on the wall and ate to my hearts content. Reminded me of climbing up in the tree at home a few year back.

When you mention your bridge game schedule with Fern and Eileen it reminds me of old times. Won’t it be fun when we can again play with Fern and Leonard and Herb and Eileen. Has Fern heard as yet where Leonard is located?

Your hospitalization policy sounds very good honey and I think I would like it also when I get home. I hope also to continue to carry this Army policy as I am not getting any younger and I can convert it to another type. At least I hope to carry a part of it.

I was surprised to hear of Walter Wendt being sent to the Pacific. He has been over so terribly long it seems they could surely find some one to replace him. Suppose by this time he is a full colonel. Perhaps he could even take his wife along if he wished. Funny thing Colonels seem to have a slight preference over the E.M. on deals like that. I am glad to hear Otto is not subject to rotation and believe it won’t be too long before the   age limit will be reduced enough to let him out.

Honey the cigarettes I sent weren’t some I got over here. They were some I bought at Camp Kilmer and included the one’s you sent me. They all have the Federal Revenue Stamp on them and that is how I got permission from the Cap’t to send them home. They should be arriving soon and I hope they aren’t too dry to smoke. Anyway I’m glad you still have some in reserve.

I see in the S & S where five more divisions have been ordered shifted to the Pacific. They were the 2d, 5th, 44th, and 37th. Seems to me Faye Best (the kid who used to work for me in Lincoln) is or was in the 44th when they left the states for the E.T.O. I hope nothing happened to him. The other division was the 13th armored and all were going by way of the states.

Well darling, this is almost nine pages to you today so think I better close. Perhaps I should write you a book instead.