Letter from Clarence Williams to Gretchen Williams, August 9, 1945

Well honey, the big news flash we have been waiting for came over the air last night — “Russia has declared war on Japan”. I was in bed but Miller who was on C.Q. yelled up an told me about it. It was only about 10:00 P.M. but I was tired after my train ride to the show so went to bed early. Between that news and the new atomic bomb I can’t see how the Japs can last more than a few weeks. I believe now that Dorothy is a cinch to win her bet that they will be finished before the snow flies. I wish now we were in the states as I believe those guys will get the breaks if that war ends quickly. I still think however we will be back shortly after the first of the year or possibly earlier if shipping space is available. Surely now, Johnson’s argument with the War Dep’t should carry some weight as to this oversized Army for a one front war. According to the news this morning, Russia has already attacked in Manchuria so they apparently didn’t lose any time after the declaration.

The boys returned late last night with the mail and I received your letter of August 1st this morning. So Viola’s Dr   was very happy with the stamped envelope. Surely they can’t be very scarce but perhaps they are unusual in the states.

It was also a shock to me about Churchill being beaten. Apparently he wasn’t as popular in England as every one had thought. I thought they would elect him out of appreciation for the way he carried out the war.

I am evidently short the one letter telling me of your trouble with your back. In this one you merely mention it must be the air conditioning that is causing your back misery. I hope it is nothing serious honey, have you been to a doctor? I guess perhaps air conditioning will bring out any rheumaties or pain one should happen to have but honey I hope it leaves you soon. Please keep me informed.

We have a new C.O. again now, a Cap’t James B. Martin. He is a red head and rather short. Seems to be quite a nice fellow. The other Cap’t Martin left yesterday to be a Bn surgeon in the 242d Regt. We were glad to see him go in a way as he was moody as hell and at times could be very unreasonable and sarcastic. We also had one of the boys leave yesterday for home on an emergency furlough. It seems his mother is very ill and not much chance for recovery. I didn’t know they would grant a furlough for the above   but guess the Red Cross and their doctor at home pushed it through for him. His home was in St. Louis, he is married and I believe has two children.

I enjoyed the stories you wrote very much. Its a funny thing but over here I never hear any stories. I think I could count on one hand all the stories I have heard since being overseas.

Well darling I’m all out of news again —