Letter from Clarence Williams to Gretchen Williams, September 10, 1945

I received two letters from you last night, Aug 31st and Sept 3rd which was for the two days. That is the 1st mail or rather letter mail that we have received for three or four days.

This is another of those days with a cold drizzling rain and it is cool enough to be quite uncomfortable. It was quite nice all day until about 7:00 last night when it started raining and continued most of the night. From the coolness here I don’t think it will be too long before the snow will begin falling here in the mountains. There seem to be nothing definite about the length of our stay here in Hallein and as yet they have made no preparations for winter in the way of fuel. If some thing isn’t done soon, think I shall get mad and come home — oh! What am I saying! Seriously — Cap’t Martin said this morning that the Division is now in Category I which is occupation. That still doesn’t tell us much however as we don’t know who will be left in it or who will come in. We also heard this morning that all men with 65 points or more and 35 yrs or older would be transferred out of the Div. this week. Where they are   going, no one seems to know. I understand that men in units that are occupation are to be granted furloughs to the states. If that is the case perhaps I can be lucky enough to draw one and stay over there because of my age. They say they aren’t shipping any one over here who is now 34 and has 1 yr in the Army. By that time I would be 34. That’s just a thought however. Also I saw where one congressman was going to bat for the married men, perhaps he can do a little good.

Honey in one of your letters you asked about cold cereal — we very seldom have it and it does taste good occasionally. We had a box of bean flakes yesterday morning and that is the first I have seen for 2 months. I received the box of corn flakes and would have eaten it this morning but forgot to take it to the dining room with me. I am sitting here at present eating the box of fig newtons while writing you. They really taste delicious since those are the first I have had since I can remember.

Lt. Hunter left us yesterday to investigate a deal in headquarters at Frankfurt, Ger. He said if he liked it he may stay there. We hated to see him go as he really turned out to be a swell “Joe” after coming over here. No one hated to see Zander go as he changed for the opposite after coming over. Its funny how some fellows change.

I am glad you got to see the Rubinoff show as I remember how I enjoyed it. If he comes over here he will so doubt hit Salzburg as it seems to be the musical center of this theater. It is nice that some one such as Aksarben will sponsor such shows to give the people a chance to see some of the finest.

Honey, your mention of the shrimp salad and creamed potatoes really made my mouth water. Right now I cant think of a thing that would taste better to me. I guarantee when I get home you won’t have any trouble finding things I like. I am so hungry for all those dishes you used to make, think I will never get my fill.

I wanted to tell you that one of your dreams came true. In your letter of Aug 9 you mentioned, maybe by the time I received that better, the war may be over. You stated of course it was only a day — dreams, any way, the war ended before I received it.

I took my rolls of film down to the shop to get them developed. Miller also had some so we went together. The girl spoke English and told us they could develop them but could not print them because of lack of paper. I said some thing about paying the with money or food and she immediately said if we could give them a little food they could get the paper for printing.   I have a couple of “K” rations which I brought back from my trip so will take those down. Money isn’t worth much to them as there isn’t much to buy with it. I will be glad to get rid of them any way as I cant eat the damn things.

After reading about all your pretty clothes honey, I was just thinking when I get mine too, we will really be hot stuff won’t we. We can just walk around and show off. Ha!

I’ll bet Don and Loretta feel as though they were just now married since they were together such a short time before he had to leave. Honey, when I get back, we will have our first real honeymoon, won’t we? Will make up for not having any time off when we were first married.

Well darling its time for chow so I must close — Bye for now —

Keep your fingers crossed and I will do the same —