Letter from Clarence Williams to Gretchen Williams, July 7, 1945

Well honey, I guess there is now no doubt about our moving and we expect to take off either tomorrow or Monday. I understand the Adjutant General left last night to try and find a location for all personnel sections and we are keeping our fingers crossed in hopes that he can. If not, I guess we will go back without our own Bn Hq’s and none of the fellows seem to like the idea. Our consolation is the fact Lt. Devine our own adjutant, is now working in Division Hqs, consequently he wouldn’t be around. At present Mr. Tollefson is acting adjutant in his absence.

I ironed all my clothes last night and finished up at 11:45. Of course I took time out about 11:00 for some chicken noodle soup which George had made. I timed myself on my shirt and it took me 45 minutes, of course that included military creases in the back and front. Ahem. Ha! I don’t know why I was so particular as if we move into tents, they will look like hell anyway. I finally got my ETO jacket back from the tailor shop. Had to have it shortened a couple of inches as it is supposed to come only to our belt or rather just over the top of the belt. I don’t know why they made them so long as   everyone has had them altered. Mine fit okay otherwise. When we all get them we want to have our pictures taken as a group.

Sounds as though it was a good thing your dad had the growth removed when he did. I hope it comes along okay and that the other two spots go away quickly. I am glad you called mother as she mentioned in one of her letters of trying to call you after you had moved to Omaha. Her sister from Colorado is there with at present.

So Dorothy and Ruth brought back some salted nuts, they sound swell and I can hardly wait until they arrive. That is one thing that always tastes good as we seldom if ever get them in Px Rations. Occasionally we got a few peanuts but that is all.

Honey regarding the parts about the 42nd in the May 14th issue of Life, that was an overseas edition and perhaps they are different. They are much thinner for one thing because they contain no advertising. Perhaps the entire magazine is different.

Well darling I must get to work so think I better close for now —

I just happened to find my berthing[?] card [?]