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

Well honey, this is the day, I am to leave tonight at 6:30 for Division Hq’s at Salzburg and am to be there by 7:30. I have been working like a beaver today getting my things packed that I want to take along and I believe now that I have all that finished. It is now about 3:00 P.M. and all I have left to do is to go for a shower at 4:00 and eat chow at 5:00. According to Insull, one has very little time for writing letters on the trip because of moving so much however I will try and drop a few lines at every chance honey. I do plans to keep a sort of diary of the trip so that when I return I can write the complete story to you. I also have the three rolls of film now so can send you some pictures describing same. This is another gloomy rainy day and I hate to start such a trip in this kind of weather but perhaps it will change before we arrive, I hope. I also hope they have a top on the truck to keep us dry between Salzburg and Munich.

I heard today that the surrender terms had been signed with Japan. I wish I could have been in London when that news came through just to have seen their reaction. I suppose if it is true, there are plenty of celebrations being held in the States right now. I am still hoping for some thing to happen to get us back there in a couple of months or at least.   before the winter starts here in the section.

I received your letter of the 31st last night so that completes the month of July. You asked about points on the Unit Plaque Award, honey there are none. I really dont believe they will follow the point system too closely now any way with the Jap War over with. They may at first to give the few real high point men a break. I think the people in the states will start raising hell to get the boys home now as early as possible and I hope they really put the pressure on. The fellows wil go crazy if they keep them over here for a long period of time now that all the fighting is finished.

Honey I havn’t had any letter since Aug 1st when you mentioned about your back and I am wondering if it is still bothering you. I am hoping I may get some mail from you before leaving tonite but it is doubtful. If not I probably won’t hear for about three weeks. That seems rather funny when I stop and think — by the time you receive this letter, I will be on my way back to Hallein.

Well darling there really isn’t any more news at present so will close and drop you a few lines at my first opportunity. Will also inclose a couple more cards.

"HOPE TO SEE YOU SOON"