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

Today it is raining like the devil, I’m not surprised however as we have had beautiful weather the past two days and that is quite unusual here for this time of year. Jessen and I had planned to visit some of the historical spots in Salzburg today and take some pictures but of course this weather changed our plans. As things worked out, I couldn’t have gone anyway because Bob is leaving for Paris on a pass as I have to work in the C.P. until he returns. I don’t relish that idea as that place has too much work but am glad to help him out as he has done a lot of favors for me.

Five of us just returned from having a nice hot shower at the chemical factory and did it ever feel swell. The showers were broken yesterday and are always closed to us from Friday til Tuesday so this was our first since last Friday. I was almost stating to feel itchy.

We are planning on going to the show here tonight and see “Valley of Decision” with Greer Garson. I remember of you writing of seeing it just a short time back. They havn’t had a decent picture here for so long any thing new will be appreciated even if not too good. Also I heard there will be a U.S.O. show again tomorrow night so if I get to see the Rockettes my week of   entertainment will be quite complete.

We had a shake up in ratings here a couple of days ago and I lost my Tee 5 but received the Cpl. so now I have to cut the lower part including the T’s off my chevrons. The hard ratings receive priorities over the “T” ratings, also more responsibility. Personally, I would just as soon have the “T” as the money is just the same and I sure as hell don’t want responsibility of any kind in the Army. I think the main reason for changing me is the fact our T/O in the Station Platoon has one Cpl rating but no Tee 5 and I was previously carried as overage.

Insull returned form the Rivera yesterday afternoon and is as brown as a peanut. He said it as wonderful down there and even liked it better than England. He even got me all enthused so I am sorry I turned down the deal a couple days ago. He left there at 10:30 yesterday morning, flew to Munich, changed planes and flew to Salzburg and arrived here at the Company in 4 ½ hours. Thats really moving around plenty fast. I understand all our trips now will be by plane except to Switzerland.

Yesterday after writing you I also wrote Chuck B, Pete, and Earl White. I am gradually getting caught up on my correspondence now and only have about six more letters. Will try and write at least one extra each day so as to take care of those shortly.

Honey, I looked through our small library   and we don’t seem to have “Earth an High Heaven” however we should get a new assortment in soon and I shall watch for it. I hope if we have to be here this winter we are lucky enuff to get a good stock of novels.

I got quite a bang out of Jurgie’s note, sure would like to see him. Gee honey that old bank account is climbing right up and by the end of this year we should have close to $1000. I would like to send another $50.00 now if I can locate some one to send it for me. WIll also send $50.00 the first of the month. Honey, you’re going to be with me when I get back to the states even if it means spending every cent of it.

You can tell Luana she isn’t the only one hoping it won’t be long before we are back in Lincoln. I didn’t know or else I had forgotten that Stan was going to school this summer or rather fall. I assume he is at Kemper. I imagine Vic will have some plenty interesting letters if he is in Japan. So Pat and Agnes are now in California, I had to laugh at them not having their movie contracts yet — I can just hear Pat making that statement.

I didn’t receive any mail again last night but heard there was a large shipment of it today so am hoping for that beat.

Well darling, I have a little work to do so better get started — Bye for now —

Honey, you might include a carton of cigarettes in your boxes occasionally — $20.00 isn’t a bad price, do you think? You can put the packs in loose. Love Again — Clarence