January 14, 1946
Giessen, Germany (Hesse)
Dear Mudder and Dad,
Giessen, Germany (Hesse)
Dear Mudder and Dad,
Today after not receiving any mail for a long time I got another letter. I was beginning to think that the mail was lost again or something. I don’t know what to say about the letters that you’ve sent me during the last two months but if I don’t receive them I’m afraid that I won’t be able to answer the questions that you’ve been bawling me out about. I’m sure that the new set for the kitchen must be very beautiful. I certainly are—are? Listen to that—am eager to get home but the way they talk now I guess that I haven’t got much chance before May or June. It’s an awful blow but that’s the way it goes. They’re talking now a great deal about devising the discharge system but as sure as God made little green apples if they change it I’ll even get a worse kick in the pants than I’ve received already. I guess a guy just can’t win in the army. I’ve about given up hope. Unless the people are willing to send us replacements we don’t get out. Never believe that we don’t need an occupation force. We may not be doing much over here but the only reason we’re not doing a lot is the fact that these people respect the force we maintain. It’s a bad situation but it’s not one that cannot be figured out if people are only willing to think realistically. I don’t care but a year or so in the army under peacetime conditions certainly won’t hurt anybody.
It’s about time I start a new paragraph. We have not been doing much as usual around here lately. We’ve got an enlisted men’s club going now for the men of the various labor supervision company groups around here. I go there quite a bit but you know how it is. Nothing’s any good over here.
It’s late now so I’d better close now.
God, what English. That’s what happens when I try to write a letter late at night.
Best Love,
Bill
Wow, what an interesting blog! I happened to "Next Blog" onto yours, and now am so curious to follow your father's journey. You see so many movies, read so many books, and play so many video games about WWII, but to have an actual account from the eyes and mind of someone who went through it, that is something else. Thank you for sharing. I guess I have a lot of reading to do, starting from post #1..
ReplyDeleteYes, these letters written by my father over 65 years ago really bring to life his experiences of being an 18 year old boy going off to war and returning as a man. Bill has excellent writing skills and a keen power of observation. With so many letters written describing his daily experiences from boot camp to combat and Occupation reading them is almost like being there in person. I think it is the best way for our generation to really get the feel for what it was like to be a soldier in the greatest war of the 20th. century.
ReplyDeletePlease enjoy the letters. -Greg