Letter from Clarence Williams to Gretchen Williams, July 19, 1945

I just finished reading what I hope to be some good news in the Stars and Stripes. It stated that it was rumored that at the Big Three meeting, Japan may ask for surrender through Russia or Russia may declare war on Japan. Either of them would make me very happy and naturally I would prefer the first plan.

My days here are practically all the same any more so don’t do much of interest. I helped Bob on some typing again this morning (Bronze Star recommendations) and went swimming this afternoon. We keep getting back the recommendations for awards because of too much detail and some of them I have typed five or six times. I doubt very much if many more will be okayed now as I think they are getting tired writing up the citations. Twelve of the boys received them at a special retreat formation tonite and of course the colonel had to pin them on. The ceremony was very nice except for our standing in the hot sun for about 45 minutes. We were informed yesterday that we received a unit plaque for meritorious service so now we have something else to sew on. It is a gold wreath that is to   be sewed on our right sleeve midway between our wrist and elbow.

I went to the movie last night and saw “Strike Up the Band” with Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland. It is a very old movie in fact this was a re-issue and I had seen it before but still half way enjoyed seeing it again.

We are still having beautiful weather and I’m hoping it will continue a few more days. It looks now as though we may be moving toward Vienna sometime the first of the next week so we are all keeping our fingers crossed.

I received two letters from you tonite one of July 7th and the other of July 12th. Speaking of the Postal employees raise, I saw in the S and S where they were to receive the increase and meant to write you about same at that time. I can imagine how happy your Dad would feel over the deal. I know how raises are appreciated even the $15.00 one I just received. The best feature of that is the fact it will keep me off many pretty little details. I havn’t had any as yet but was always sweating out K.P. and guard. Now it won’t be necessary to worry about those things. I probably will have to pull C.Q. and Cpl. of the guard occasionally but that shouldn’t be too bad and it can’t hit very often. K.P. is   very simple in our company now. We have four Germans and one Russian for that so use only one Pvt or Pfc each day to more or less oversee their work. I think I have almost set a record regarding K.P., so far I have pulled it one day in my Army career and that was at Gruber. Perhaps I shouldn’t be bragging, some thing might happen.

I just heard we are to have a U.S.O. show here Monday night so apparently they are planning on still being here then I have no idea what the show is to be but hope it will be some thing good.

Well darling I’m all out of news for today as will say “Bye for now”.