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

This has been a beautiful day until about seven this morning when it started to rain. I slept until ten this morning, got up and took our mail over but received none for us in return. After noon chow we walked up to the lake and went swimming. The water was wonderful and was just the right temperature for good swimming. I can’t understand how the water in these mountain lakes can be so nice and warm when the small pools such as the one at Bayrischzell was like ice water.

Last night we went down to the enlisted men’s club and had a very enjoyable evening. They had fried hamburgers on buns and everything to go with them except onions however they had mustard, a hot sauce of some type and sliced tomatoes. I don’t know when any thing has tasted better to me and I guess the feeling was mutual as they served over 800 and I don’t believe there was over 200 fellows present all evening. I understand they are to have them each Saturday nite so I know now where I will be when next Saturday rolls around.

They also have all the beer you want such as it is. A couple glasses of it is enough for me. It is very filling but has no kick whatever and I believe one could drink a gallon with out even feeling a slight bit oozy. Tomy, one of the boys from Div. Hq. got a quart of bourbon from one of the officers which of course didn’t go far for twelve of us. They also had a six piece band from boys in the Div to play Beer Barrel Polka and a few other old songs which the boys sang. It closes at eleven so we were home by 11:15.

I am inclosing a few pictures Sgt. Waples took when we first moved up from Marseilles, Fr. He developed and printed them himself and I think he did a good job for not having much equipment. I have several more that I will inclose with my next letters.

Well darling thats about all the news for today. I hope you are feeling well and okay. All my love and kisses —