Letter from Clarence Williams to Gretchen Williams, October 3, 1945

Honey, believe it or not we are sitting here tonite listening to a play by play description of the World Series game. It is 8:00 P.M. here and darker than hell but of course it is only 2:00 PM in the states where they are playing. Also, here tonite it takes turns raining, sleeting and snowing. It seems odd listening to a ball game over there while having this weather over here. I went down to Zell Am See this afternoon to pick up some supplies and we ran into a hell of a snow storm in the mountains. That is one of the most beautiful drives you can imagine with the road winding down through the mountains following along side of the river. The mountains are heavily wooded and the trees are now changing color which adds to the beauty along with the snow at few hundred feet up the mountain. While at Personnel I talked with Sidney and I guess they finally got a line up on a clerk for our company from one of the new fellows coming in. He is now assigned to Hq’s but they will transfer him to us if he works out satisfactory. I also saw Cap’t Keating who is now adjutant and one who tried to get me to go to Hq’s. He asked me   what I was doing in the Company now so I told him I was working in the Station running supply and was clerk in the C.P. He said it sounds like you have enough to do for the present so guess I will stay in the Company for the time being.

We found out today that we got the Combat Medics Badge and the additional pay from Aug 1st so I should draw an extra $30.00 next payday. The extra combat pay amounts to $10.00 per month which will help some especially in the amount I can send home. One of the boys is going to Italy this week for liquor and believe it or not I ordered $60.00 worth. That is for 10 bottles of cognac, not for me to drink of course as I can’t say I like the stuff but I am sure I can sell it for $20.00 per bottle which is a pretty good profit. I might save one to sip on occasionally.

I am inclosing a clipping regarding wives of occupation troops coming over that was in our S & S today. From all appearances it may not be too long before it becomes a reality, I hope. Also, I like the deal about purchasing cars as there is without a doubt some of the most beautiful country in the world here in Bavaria and Austria that would be available for men and their wives to see.

Honey your mention of the box with the popcorn sounded wonderful. You can’t imagine what a craving one gets for things like that occasionally. Some one mentioned last night how good a toasted bacon and tomato with lettuce sandwich would taste with a nice dish of french fries and everyone was ready to murder the guy.

I was glad to hear you received the other bottle of perfume and that you liked it. It at least made better time than the first I sent.

Honey as I mentioned yesterday, I put in for the furlough to the states because as I said before something may happen to keep me there. If not and I had to come back perhaps by that time you could also come over or shortly thereafter. Anyway, I think its worth a try. Of course I may not get it but if anything develops I will let you know.

Well darling thats about all the news for today so — Bye for now —