Letter from Clarence Williams to Gretchen Williams, October 27, 1945

I am really tired tonite because of pulling guard duty last night. I just finished having a shower and am going to bed as soon as I finish dropping you a few lines. This guard job was a new deal for me, actually they aren’t allowed to use me for that detail as according to international laws a medic cannot carry a weapon. I knew I could get off but felt if I did so I would draw K.P. or some thing else so took it without complaining. Because of so much rank here they have Cpls. pulling out of the guard and had three of we buck Sgts as Cpls. of the Guard. All I did was post the guards the first time but of course had to   stay awake so as to awaken the next relief, consequently I didn’t get much sleep. It was a hell of a night with a hard rain falling almost continuously and a very high wind that was very cold. No doubt you have read about the terrible storms here in the channel and we being so close are naturally receiving our share. The wind has gone down tonite, the first for five days and the sky looks quite clear so perhaps we are due for a little nice weather. According to the S & S the wind has been so high it was impossible for ships to dock so that may slow us up a few days in leaving Antwerp although I hope not.

I started reading a new book today, “Rebecca,” which I think I remember your reading. I have   finished about ⅓ of same and like it very much. Read that while pulling guard duty this morning.

Tomorrow being Sunday, think perhaps I will try for a pass and visit the city of Namur. Some of the boys say they have had some delicious steaks and french fries there. I told the kid from the Field Artillery that came with me, that I would buy him a steak if he would come along since he finished me the ride to Munich by jeep. His name is Charles Lamberta, lives at Long Island, N.Y. and is Italian. Seems to be a very nice kid, isn’t rowdy, and doesn’t care about drinking and raising hell so we get along very well.

One of the guards on my   relief last nite was kid form Hutchinson, Kansas. He is a young fellow but has a wife and baby and of course like me, he can hardly wait to get back. He will also be going to Leavenworth so we think perhaps we can go together if we are lucky enough to get the same shipping dates.

I am amazed at the number of reenlistments they are getting over here and I am also happy as it means I will be out for good that much sooner. I think a lot more fellows would enlist if it wasn’t for the chicken thrown at them from places such as this one. I think it is about the only place left in the E.T.O. that doesn’t use PW’s for K.P. and etc.

Well honey thats about all the news — hope to see you soon.

I surely do miss not receiving your letters honey. I Love You C.