Letter from Clarence Williams to Gretchen Williams, July 14, 1945

Well honey here I am again and believe it or not since ending my other letter and starting this one, I have been on a picnic supper. You see today was a big day for the 42d since it is its second anniversary or activation day. They had a big parade in Salzburg with all 48 flags and a ball game with the 65th Div this afternoon. This evening the Bn decided to have a picnic over at the land pits so we jumped in the truck went over for hamburgers and onions, potato salad, pickles, crushed pineapple, oranges, and lemonade for the drink. It was really delicious and we made the trip over, ate and came back all in 25 minutes. We could have stayed for swimming but decided we wanted to write letters so returned. Anyway Insull and I were in this morning and took a good bath with Lifebuoy. I think I may go back over this evening to see the picture because I hear they are showing “When Hearts Were Young and Gay.” Seems to me I remember of you writing that it was a good picture. On second thought I may not go as the mosquitos are terrible around here in the evening.

When returned from my trip last night I had two letters from you. Also received two packages, one from you dated June 2d and one from Otto. I havn’t opened the one from you as yet but the one from Otto contained several bars of candy, two boxes of cookies, two bars of soap, 3 boxes of razor blades and 12   packs of cigarettes. I hate to open both boxes now because of the damp weather and being here in tents naturally there is plenty of dampness. It looks as though we will be here in the field for a couple of weeks yet. We also got our rations today and I got six bars of candy in it so at present time have a pretty good stock.

Honey you asked about sending whiskey it would taste wonderful but I think I would prefer food. The whisky wouldn’t last long as every one would want a drink and also it is heavy to ship and may get broken enroute. I’ll bet Charlie was happy to wear a new civilian suit again, I can imagine how he would feel. Does he have some kind of a job lined up in the East already or is he just anticipating same?

Your letter of the 4th sounds as though you at least had a little fun. I am glad Hal and Kay came up and surely wish I could have been there to see them. Your room sounded swell and I too can’t think of a thing I would rather do than have shared it with you. As you stated honey, if and when I do get to Kansas City I too think we will mostly be interested in “us” however guess perhaps we could allot a little time to the Young’s and Millers. I think it would be swell if the Millers could come down and it would surely seem like old times with the six of us together again. You mentioned Pat and Agnes also being at the club. How are they anyway? Ill bet Pat is still good for a few wise cracks. Also I noticed you stated Jack had to go home for his usual rest period. Some old Jack huh?

I really wasn’t much surprised to hear that Richard wants to stay in the Army. In a way I dont blame him as he has a nice set up and being his age he could really go places. I doubt that he could find a peace time job that would pay him anywhere near what he can draw in the Army. I think it a good idea for the kids to send Stanley to Kimper[?]. As they say it will give him previous training and I’m quite sure he will be glad he has it. Also it helps to get one accustomed to the regimentation which is probably one of the toughest things in Army life. Whatever they do, I hope they won’t allow him to enlist now. Chances are that he may not see actual combat this far in the game but I think 18 is plenty young especially if they do see combat.

Honey in one of your letters you asked about 120 and 127 films. The 127 are much smaller so I prefer 120’s however will gladly take either if you can get them. Regarding the clipping Elsie sent of the 42d, think I would prefer you to save it and I will read it when I get home. Also, again you mentioned about the Millers coming to K.C. As you say they probably wouldn’t arrive for a few days after we are there or for that matter it wouldn’t he necessary to notify them until we have had a few days to ourselves. I feel as you do, that we will want the first few days to ourselves and I do mean just “US”. Ha! See honey I get all excited just thinking about it. Anyway honey whatever you decide will be okay with me and I don’t plan to telephone a soul to let the know of my arrival except you. After we have our few days then we can see our friends. How does that sound to you? I think   the Millers and Youngs are understanding enough that they would give us some time together even if we told them however I’ll let you decide that, perhaps you know differently.

The weather has been perfect again the past couple of days with plenty of sunshine and plenty of heat. I hope it continues this way as long as we are in the field.

Well darling, guess this is about all for today and think I will get a chance to write again tomorrow either before or after the concert. I am inclosing a few pictures Bob Cloud took with his 35 MM. They were supposed to be enlarged but weren’t for some reason.