The Korean War in Germany

Letters To Home - September 20, 1952

2008-01-17T15:12:00.000-05:00

Bremerhaven, Germany
September 20, 1952

Just a short note with the latest news. We board the ship tomorrow morning at 9:30, and will sail at 2:30 p.m. Instead of ten days, the trip is going to take 13 days because we are going to dock in Southampton, England for two days to pick up the Army Air Force Band.

By the looks of the weather, it is going to be a rough trip until we get through The Channel. It is very cold today. I looked for snow this morning, but nothing but hail.

Almost time for the lights to go out, so I had better close. As soon as I get to Kilmer I'll call.

Letters To Home - September 18, 1952

2008-01-17T14:51:00.000-05:00

Bremerhaven, Germany
September 18, 1952

We're just about ready to start back to the States. We left Giesen last evening at
11:00, got here about 10:00 this morning. It rained the whole way North, and the closer we got to the sea, the colder it got. Right now it's pretty chilly, but no snow as yet. Anyway, our ship leaves Sunday afternoon at 2:00, so we should be in New York City by October 2 at the latest.

This is a pretty nice little camp. It reminds me a lot of Schweinfurt, especially the barracks and all the trees. It was probably one of the camps that the German navy used during World War II. There aren't many troops permanently stationed here, either. Almost everyone I see is waiting to go home.

Almost all of the guys I took basic with are here, even though we didn't see each other during our time in Germany. Most of them were sent to the Infantry when we hit Fort Benning. Ray, my old bunk-mate from Fort Dix, is in the bunk right next to me, and my buddy Joe is on the other side. I heard Bob Nelson's name called today, but didn't see him. I don't think he's going to be leaving when we do; some are being held over for the next ship, and lots of them will be catching KP much of the time while they're here. We all were surely afraid that that might happen to us, but it didn't. It seems that the guys from the 28th Division are the ones doing all the dirty work.

From what we hear, most of us will be processed in Camp Kilmer, New Jersey for two days at the most, then will go elsewhere for separation. We'll be separated from a camp closest to our home; that would be Fort Indiantown Gap, I believe.

I sent three packages out yesterday, so they should get there about the same time I do.

I'm a bit tired from the train ride, and the "hurry up and wait" we've been going through here. I did sleep a bit on the train, though. It was just about like those Youngstown to Cleveland rides I used to take on the Erie. Most of the guys couldn't sleep while sitting in a coach, but it didn't bother me a bit.

I'll keep you informed on what is happening. If you write, I probably won't get the letter.

Letters To Home - September 1, 1952

2008-01-17T14:39:00.001-05:00

Giessen, Germany
September 1, 1952

This is a holiday for us, so there's nothing much doing today. I'm going into Giessen this afternoon to finish up my shopping. I found a nice Hoener harmonica for Mr. Montgomery the other day, so that's one less I'll have to worry about.

It's just about certain that there is anothe shipping list for September 18, and there are just four ahead of me on the rotation list. The Captain has been after me to draw up a new schedule as to who and when will be rotating in the next month.
I do believe that the higher-ups are getting worried about not having any people for the jobs in a month or so. No one has re-upped as yet; I must have been a bad influence on some of the ones that were leaning in that direction.

When we do come back, it will probably be on either "The General Patch" or else on "The General Rose." One of the guys has a relative who's son is in the Navy, and this relative passed the word along that both ships are on the way over here with some replacements.

Curly and I went to Kassel to see the motor-cycle races. Quite a few accidents, but nobody got badly hurt. Next Sunday there will be sports car races, but we'll be out on the border again.

How is the television reception now? Do they still show wrestling on Wednesday nights? When will the Youngstown station be ready to broadcast?

Nothing much is happening, really. We now have some new replacements; none have had any artillery training, so that is putting quite a burden on the section chiefs and the officers. I am still in the orderly room, but may have a gun section of my own for a week or so on the border on account of all the guys being rotated. That's fine with me, because I really do like it on the border.

If you happen to get some packages before I arrive back, open them if you want, or else save them until I get back. I'm interested in seeing the condition they are in when they arrive.

Time to eat now, so will close. See you soon, I believe.

Letters To Home - August 18, 1952

2008-01-17T14:29:00.000-05:00

Bad Bruckenau, Germany
August 15, 1952

We came back from Baumholder, stayed at Giessen for two days, are now on a three-day maneuver with the infantry. The weather is rainy, but warm.

It looks as though most of us will be home quite a bit before we're supposed to be. Nine of the guys have left this week, and none of them are due to get out untl October. This may be my last field trip in Germany.

Has "High Noon" played there yet? I saw it Wednesday night; very good movie, especially if you like Gary Cooper as I do.

Is "Auf Wiedersehn" first place on the Hit Parade over there? Over here it's an old song. When did it get started over there?

When I get back to Giessen I'll send some of the pictures I took in Copenhagen. If you get "Look Magazine," there is a good article about Germany in the latest one.

Did you get the jeep fixed yet? How are the Dodge and the Plymouth running? Which one do you think is the best?

Has anyone done any fishing this year? Maybe I'll get back in time to do some before it gets too cold.

The paper is still coming about the same as usual. It's getting so that I don't know anyone the paper writes about lately. I must have missed a whole group of people while I was gone to Cleveland and in the army.

Almost time for supper, so will close. Write soon, please.

Letters To Home - August 3, 1952

2008-01-16T16:33:00.000-05:00

Giessen, Germany
August 3, 1952

The weather has turned warm again after three days of rain and cold winds. We came in from border patrol on Wednesday afternoon, will leave for nine days of shooting at Baumholder tomorrow. I think I will go out with one of the gun sections at least one day next week for service practice just to see if I remember how to gun. I sure hope I do, because I hear that some of the officers will be checking things pretty closely this time.

Yesterday evening a few of us went to Marburg, and had a good time. Marburg is one of the prettiest little towns I've seen in Germany. It seems to be a very old town; the Church of St. Elizabeth in the square was built away back in 1202. It's a very pretty little church. The town itself seems to be built on the side of a mountain, and it seems to have no actual main street. It would be very easy to get lost, even within sight of the market place. There are lots of little alleys and streets cutting in and out between the buildings. I took some picures of the town, and will send them along.

Rotation has started at last. The first one left yesterday, and five more are due to leave this month. I sure will miss some of them; we've been together for quite awhile, and most are good guys. I guess I will be leaving in late August or early September, if things go as scheduled. Things are looking better and better every day.

I am sending along a few pictures that have been lying around much too long. The colored ones are the ones that were taken during our air-lift back in April. I think they came out very well.

That's about all for now, so will close. Please write soon.

Letters To Home - July 26, 1952

2008-01-16T16:11:00.000-05:00

Giessen, Germany
July 26, 1952

We're still on the border, and having a very good time of it, too. It rained the past two days, and was a bit chilly, but the weather has turned beautiful today. We will be out here until the 29th, then go back into camp.

On August 4 we're heading for Baumholder again for a week or so to shoot. This will probably we my last time for that trip. I may go back into my old section as asst. gunner for awhile, since there is not much for me to do when we're at the range, and some of the sections are short of man power due to rotation. I usually get lots of reading done, but that gets a bit boring at times. I really do enjoy shooting the 105, and his may be my last chance to do it.

We have a shortage of drivers right now, so I have a jeep of my own until our regular driver gets back from wherever he's been.

Yesterday I went back to camp to get some supplies at the PX, and guess who I ran into? I just walked out the door, and met Rollie Emmett coming in. I didn't recognize him at first, since there is a fellow in Headquarters Battery that could be his twin, and I see him quite a few times during the day. It was Rollie, all right. He's stationed right across the parade ground from our barracks in the 18th Combat Engineers, and has been in Giessen about as long as I have. I sure didn't know he was here, or I would have looked him up. He looks good, but seems a bit thin.

This location where we are now is a pretty nice place. We're away back in the woods, about 30 miles north of Giessen. The German foresters really know how to take care of their forests. The trees are thinned almost in rows, with not much brush lying around. In fact, we usually have a hard time finding enough wood to keep our fires going, and we're not allowed to chop down one of their trees. Our spot is flat as a table, which makes sleeping good. The nights are a bit cool, which makes things even better.

That W. P. description you asked about means white phosperous. Jack must really have a bad burn if he got mixed up in that stuff. We have some W. P. shells in our truck, but have never shot any yet. I've seen it shot, though, and it's mean stuff, and pretty hard to put out. Jack was lucky it didn't get him worse than it did. I saw it shot at night once, and it's quite pretty to watch. Almost like civilian fireworks.

I'm going to try to get to Frankfurt next month for some last-minute shopping. I still have some things I want to get, and send back by mail so I won't have so much to carry with me.

I read in "Time Magazine" that Youngstown has permission to build a TV station. You'd probably get better reception from Youngstown compared to Cleveland. Is your reception any better than it was before I left? Did the conventions come in clear?

That's about all for now. Please write soon, and I will do the same.

Letters To Home - July 22, 1952

2008-01-15T16:16:00.000-05:00

Giessen, Germany
July 22, 1952

The weather has been pretty nice this week, not too hot, and a bit chilly at night. We're still out on the border, but we'll be going in on Wednesday.

When did they put in the drinking fountain in front of Penn High? I didn't know anything about it. Did they ever fix the dam on the river?

I won't be taking another leave before I come home. Too many of the guys want to go in August, and I've had two already, so I'll settle for a three-day pass once in awhile. I would like to get to Munich one more time before I leave Germany.

What's wrong with the jeep? Is it motor trouble? When does Wayne get out?

This evening, three of us are going fox hunting for awhile. This forest if full of them; we hear them barking almost all night long, and they don't seem to be too afraid of us. I left my carbine back in the barracks this time, but can borrow a .45 Colt from one of the sergeants if I keep it clean, or clean it after I shoot it. If we can get close enough to a fox, I just might be able to hit it with the .45.

The mail has slowed down quite a bit over here. We have mail call about four times a week instead of every day as we used to.

That's about it for now. Please write soon, and keep sending me those newspaper articles. They are very interesting.

Letters To Home - July 17, 1952

2008-01-15T16:07:00.000-05:00

Giessen, Germany
July 17, 1952

Nothing much new is happening here. The weather if quite a bit cooler than it has been, but we haven't had any rain for almost a month.

Tomorrow morning we're supposed to go out on border patrol near Fulda. I guess we'll be out there for two weeks, come back for a day or two, and then head for Baumholder for a week or two. That should be just about the last field trip for us. Five of the boys, who weren't supposed to get out until about the middle of September, are leaving this month. That should let them out of the army about two months ahead of schedule. It sounds good; maybe I'll be home by August or September.

I hear that the new fighter base at the Youngstown Airport is now open for business. Do they fly over Greenville at all? We see a few jet fighters here, but not as many as you might think. On the way back from Copenhagen we passed beside a British air field near Hannover, and I saw quite a few of the Vampire fighters on the field. I didn't know that they were over here.

I may get one more leave, but probably not. I think I've seen enough of foreign cities for awhile, with the exception of Munich, which I enjoy very much.

That's about all for now. Please write soon.

Letters To Home - July 12, 1952

2008-01-14T22:04:00.000-05:00

Giessen, Germany
July 12, 1952

My leave is over much too soon, and I'm back in camp again. I got back today about noon, so that will give me today and tomorrow to get all my things straightened out and to rest up a bit.

I spent six days in Copenhagen, and the rest of the time was spent in Germany seeing some of the territory that I had not seen before. Copenhagen was the best; I'll never forget it. Everything there is so modern and clean. Almost everyone speaks English, and every so often someone would stop me and ask if I was enjoying my stay in Denmark. I stayed at the Axelborg Hotel the whole time. It compares with anything in Cleveland. It cost 17 kroners a day, which is about $2.50 American, but that included breakfast, always a very large breakfast. I usually had bacon and eggs, Danish pastry with marmalade, strawberries and cream, and coffee or tea. For lunch I usually wasn't too hungry, but would maybe eat a shrimp sandwich or something like that, and try to get hungry for dinner. Almost every restaurant had something on the menu called a "mixed grill," which is really a large meal. It's usually several different kinds of grilled meat, with a vegetable salad, bread and butter, and a glass of beer. Almost more than I could eat, but I managed. I found wonderful meals almost every place I stopped, and the prices were reasonable.

I did get to Malmo, Sweden for just a few hours. The Swedes and the Danes don't seem to be too friendly to each other, probably because the Swedes were neutral, and Denmark was occupied by the Germans. Malmo was pretty, but I didn't go much beyond the water front. You can see Sweden from Copenhagen on a clear day. A ferry runs back and forth about every hour. You do have to go through customs, but that was no problem.

The one thing that really bothered me was that at this time of the year, there doesn't seem to be much night. It seemed that I could go to sleep in daylight at 11:30 p.m., and it was broad daylight again about 3 a.m. That would be hard to get used to.

On the map I sent, you can see how I made the trip; from Giesen to Frankfurt, then to Kassel, Gottingen, Hannover,Hamburg, Neumunster, Flensburg, Padborg, Fredericia, Nyborg (ferry boat) Korsor, then Copenhagen. The trip was 21 hours one-way, but was pleasant. I had a 4-place compartment, shared it with a British soldier, a Canadian soldier who is also in the British army, a very pleasant Danish lady, and myself. We all spoke English, got along fine. The Danish lady was quite helpful when it came to paying for the meal I had on the train, told me all about the Danish money I would have to get from the American Express office in Copenhagen.

I certainly would like to take another trip to Denmark, but probably won't get the chance in the time I have left here. When the pictures come back, I'll send them along.

I have to close now. Is the Plymouth still running well? Write soon, please.

Letters To Home - June 30, 1952

2008-01-14T21:53:00.001-05:00

Giessen, Germany
June 30, 1952

Your heat wave has finally gotten over here. Really hot for the past few days. This camp is mostly white concrete, and that makes it seem much hotter than it probably is. At night, though, it cools down, is almost chilly. Sleeping is good.

My leave starts at midnight tonight, but my train to Copenhagen doesn't leave until 1:43 tomorrow afternoon. I lose thirteen hours that I hadn't counted on because the girl at the station gave me the wrong information. That's all right, though. The First Sergeant says I can hang around the office until I get ready to leave.

Tell Mr. Carlson that I intend to go over to Malmo, Sweden for at least a day. It's just 20 miles by water from Copenhagen.

How does the new Plymouth run? Is it as good as the Dodge? Is the jeep still running?
I would like to borrown one of them when I get back in October for a little running around.

Do you have the coal bin remodeled yet? Who plays my records now, or does anyone?

I'm going to get some sleep now. Big day tomorrow. I'll send some pictures and cards from Copenhagen.

Letters To Home - June 22, 1952

2008-01-14T16:44:00.000-05:00

Giessen, Germany
June 22, 1952

We have finally gotten things straightened out after the big move, and things are pretty much back to normal. It's quite crowded here, but we'll survive.

The trip up was very nice. It was more enjoyable for me, because I got to drive part of the way. Our truck is a little three-quarter ton Dodge, and a good one, too. Lots of power and speed. I enjoyed the driving, especially on the German version of our Pennsylvania Turn-Pike.

Just eight more days to go until I go on leave. I'd like to leave early on the 30th so I can catch the early train. The train goes directly north, instead of back-tracking to Frankfurt.

I'm sending some pictures I took with the new camera. I think they came out fine; this might be the camera I've been looking for.

I really hated to leave my German friends. They took me out for a final meal last week, and seem quite sad to have me leave. They were very good to me; I hope I can return the favor some time.

If Jim can find my old camera equipment, please have him take the batteries out of the flash attachment. I think I forgot to do that before I left. Also, there may be some film in the camera, with pictures on it. Maybe he could have them developed.

I'll send some cards and pictures from Copenhagen.

Letters To Home - June 26, 1952

2008-01-14T16:32:00.000-05:00

Giessen, Germany
June 26, 1952

The weather here is quite nice right now. Not as warm as Schweinfurt. So far, only I day of rain since we've been here, and it didn't last too long.

This camp is really a disappointment after Schweinfurt. Big barracks-type building, with two floors, and not much land-scaping, with very few trees. There's a large parade ground right in front of the barracks, big enough to drill and hold reville or retreat. An engineer outfit is the other bunch here, and I don't think they like us, because they had their own way before we arrived. Last evening they gave one of our guys some trouble at the club; a few of his buddies came back to our truck park, pulled out a few M-100s and set them off in the club. No trouble after that.

My leave starts officially on July 1, and I'm taking 11 days this time. I've decided to go to Copenhagen, mainly Jerry and Bob talked me into it. I'll have to get some American Express checks before I leave, since Denmark won't take our military funny money. They will take American green-backs, though, but we're not allowed to have any of those.

How is the Erie Railroad doing during the steel strike? What's wrong with the Pirates this year? Are the car races still as good as they were?

The papers are still coming pretty well, but they come in bunches. I think the post office in Frankfurt must same them up until they get five or six.

Did the package get there yet? Was it in good condition? I tried to pack it so it would hold together.

I guess we'll be starting border patrol again next week. Giessen is pretty far from the border, so I guess our gun positions will be about fifty miles from here. That will be a nice ride. We're supposed to be pretty close to Fulda.

About all for now, so will close. Please write soon.

Letters To Home - June 12, 1952

2008-01-14T16:24:00.000-05:00

Schweinfurt, Germany
June 12, 1952

Nothing much is happening here; just waiting for official word about our move.

The weather is hot and rainy most of the time, but it never seems to rain during the daytime. The roses in front of the mess hall are now in full bloom, which seems strange for early June. Most of the flowers we planted early in the Spring are out, too. Quite pretty around here right now.

Just got word that we are moving to Giessen on Wednesday morning. It's going to be about a 7-hour trip by convoy. We'll be going through some territory that is strange to us, so I think I'll enjoy the trip.

I still have my job in the orderly room; it gets better every day. My typing is beginning to improve, too, which pleases me.

Did the pictures and the package arrive yet? I was a bit worried about the envelopes I used.

That's about all for now, except that my leave starts on June 30. I'm taking 12 days in Munich this time. I really do like that city.

Letters To Home - June 4, 1952

2008-01-14T16:12:00.000-05:00

Schweinfurt, Germany
June 4, 1952

The weather is still pretty nice, especially the afternoons. The work in the orderly room has slacked off quite a bit, so now I get a little time off in the afternoons to play ball with the rest of the guys. We have a new ball diamond right in front of the barracks.

Nothing much new on our move to Giessen, except that we'll probably be all moved by the 20th of this month. All the battery commanders went up to look the place over today, so we'll soon learn more about it. I hope we get all moved and set up before my next leave comes up. Curly has just about decided to come along this time. It should be a fun time; he always manages to stir something up.

I sent a package today. You'll find two books and some pictures. One of the books is the 4th Division yearly report, and the other is our battalion year book, something like the high school book. The pictures include our battery group picture. You'll see some tough looking guys, but don't tell the tale.

I've sent a copy of the "Stars And Stripes" too. The second inside page has some pictures of our plane ride.

I sold my old Argus camera to one of the guys, and am going to pick up a Voitlander 35 m.m. next pay day. The little Argus has been good, but most of the guys have been buying Voitlanders, and they swear by them.

That's about all for now, so please write soon.

Letters To Home - May 25, 1952

2008-01-13T20:45:00.000-05:00

Schweinfurt, Germany
May 25, 1952

The weather is still a bit chilly for this time of year, I think. We're having lost of rain, but not much mud as yet.

We came back from Grafenwohr yesterday afternoon. We'll be staying here for another week, then back to Wildflecken to shoot for a week.

On Friday we got word that we'll all be moving out of Schweinfurt during the next month to a camp in Giessen. Look on the map I sent you and you'll find it directly north of Frankfurt, between Frankfurt and Marburg. The location seems all right, since it's close to Frankfurt, Kolh and Dusseldorf. I think it's close to the British and French zones, too. I understand the camp is not nearly as nice as this one, but I guess I can stand it for another three or four months.

I've finally fixed up some of the packages I want to send home. I found some empty bazooka rocket tubes that make wonderful mailing tubes for the large pictures. I'll be sending them soon, so please watch for them.

Nothing much is happening now, so will close. Please write soon.

P. S. I'm enclosing a label from one of the beers we get at the E. M. Club. It's called Tuborg, is made in Denmark, and is quite good.

Letters To Home - May 19, 1952

2008-01-13T20:32:00.000-05:00

Grafenwohr, Germany
May 19, 1952

The weather has turned quite a bit cooler than it has been. The wind is coming from the East this time, gets quite cold at night. Our coal stove work well, though, and we have no trouble keeping warm.

I may take another leave before I ship back to the States. I'm hearing lots of good things about Denmark and Sweden, also Paris, but I'm not sure yet which it will be.
Jerry and Bob swear that Denmark would be the best, but we'll see.

We're starting to get in some replacements at last. Since last Thursday we have five new ones, but the problem is that they are just out of basic, and have no idea of how things work in the artillery. We'll probably have to hand-feed them for a month or so until they get their feet on the ground.

The new job is still the best one in the battery. I don't have to do anything at all except what pertains to the job; no extra duty, guard duty, KP, etc. My boss is a Warrent Officer. A Warrent Officer answers to the name of Mister, is considered an officer with all the benefits of an officer, but also gets all the benefits of a Sergeant as far as food and clothing allowance goes. Warrent Officers are administrative; they don't go out with the gun, just keep track of the paper work in the Battery. His name is Mister Sims; he spent 6 months in Camp Reynolds during the war, and remembers things about Greenville. He's been in the Army for 16 years, is good to work for, never gets excited, is never in a hurry. He comes from Virginia originally, has that Southern drawl. I think that he is just about the best officer in the battery.

I'm sending along an article from "Stars And Stripes" about the German beer industry around Munich and Berlin. I really believe that Munich has the best beer in Germany.

Nothing much else is new, so will close. Please write soon.

Letters To Home

2008-01-13T20:19:00.000-05:00

Frankfurt, Germany
May 15, 1952

I'm in Frankfurt for a two-day leave to attend a T. I. & E. briefing. It's all about rotation and discharge information. I've started to get lots of questions about that; almost 5 a day from the guys who are getting close to having their time in. Whatever I can find out in the next few days will probably go over quite well when I get back to the battery.

Last evening I went from Grafenwohr to Schweinfurt in a jeep. I stayed over-night at the barracks, then caught a train to Frankfurt this morning. The trip by jeep last evening was quite nice. Just the driver and I, and the weather was cool and clear. It didn't get dark until about 9:30. We made the trip in three hours, which is good time, considering the secondary roads and traffic.

The weather in Grafenwohr has been a bit chilly for the past few days. It's quite a bit warmer here in Frankfurt, which is supposed to be the warmest city in Germany.

The khakis got here on Monday, but I haven't yet had a chance to wear them. I'll get them pressed when I get back from Frankfurt. I did try them on, and they fit fine.

Did I tell you that I am now officially the new battery clerk? I took over on Wednesday morning. It's supposed to be just about the best job in the battery; I know that I'll miss the gun, though, but what with all the new replacements and rotation, I'll probably get a few more chances to shoot before I leave Germany.

Nothing much else is new, so will close. I'll tell you all about my time in Frankfurt when I get a chance.

Letters To Home - May 7, 1952

2008-01-09T21:55:00.000-05:00

Grafenwohr, Germany
May 7, 1952

This has been a pretty good week so far. We went out every day to fire, and the weather has been hot and dry. It rains a bit every afternoon, but stays warm.

I've been going out almost every day with my old gun section because they don't have a trained asst. gunner yet, which was my old job in the section. One of the new colored replacements has been breaking in with me on the job. I think he'll be good at it.

Over the week-end seven of us went to Weiden on a week-end pass. Weiden is just about the prettiest and cleanest town I've seen yet in Germany. It isn't much larger than Schweinfurt, but much nicer. Over the week-end there was a carnival in town, so we had to go see it. It wasn't much different from the ones back home, except that the rides were probably a bit wilder.

My new supply job is a pretty good deal. I'm exempt from duty, so that means I won't be Corporal-Of-The-Guard, or have to pull Charge-Of-Quarters.

We'll be shooting our carbines and the .50-caliber machine guns next week. That will be fun if the weather holds out.

Tomorrow is a holiday for us. I can sleep late if I want to, but we're very close to the Czech border, so maybe I'll take a look at it.

Nothing much more to say, so will close. Write soon, please.

Letters To Home - May 1, 1952

2008-01-09T21:40:00.000-05:00

Grafenwohr, Germany
May 1, 1952

The weather here is the strangest I've ever seen. During the day it's almost too hot for comfort, but as soon as the sun goes down the cold comes in. About midnight it's cold enough to freeze ice, but as soon as the sun breaks through the mist, it warms up. I've put my sweather on every morning when we get up at 6, but by 7:30 I have to take it off, along with my wool undershirt. Really strange weather.

Another strange thing about this place is all the gulls around. There are a few small lakes here, but no ocean, and gulls are all over the place.

We're at a different locaton on the camp this time. We're living in permament tents with wooden floors and coal stoves. Not bad at all. We aren't too far from the firing range. A few tanks pulled in over the hill this morning and they've been shooting their 90s most of the day. Nothing else in the army sounds quite like a high-velocity 90 m.m. gun.

For the past week I've been working in the supply room. Not a bad job at all. There's quite a bit of paper work to do, and I do miss the gun section, especially when they go out to fire.

We got some new replacements last Saturday, and, so far, no trouble. I was looking for some on pay day, but nothing occurred. Maybe it won't.

I don't really know just what you could send the Thain family. Amanda, the young fellow's wife, is nuts over American movies. She works in a grocery store, so can probably get all the food they need there. If you don't have to fill out a form now to send anything overseas, maybe coffee would work. Cigarettes might get through, and might not.

Joe and I have about decided to take our next leave in June. We want to see Hamburg, and then head to Copenhagen for about a week. Jerry and Bob were there, say it's wonderful, and very friendly to American soldiers.

I have a few more forms to type up, so better get to it. Please write soon.

Letters To Home - April 16, 1952

2008-01-09T21:30:00.000-05:00

Schweinfurt, Germany
April 15, 1952

The airplane ride came off today in good shape, even though it was a bit hazy and the air was rough. The whole battalion went up in 39 Fairchild C-82 and C-119 transports, and the formation was really something to see. They took off in groups of four; our group was the second in a group, and the other three were almost close enough to touch, or so it seemed. Just before we took off, everyone was issued a parachute. The pilots decided we might as well see the sights, so they left both back doors open. That way we could see almost all of the formation. Sam Young took quite a few pictures from the doorway, so I'll get some from him.

The whole flight took an hour and a half. We went up over Frankfurt and back, and then circled Wurzburg three of four times. The air was pretty rough in spots, a few of the guys got air-sick, but, all-in-all, it was lots of fun.

The weather is still warm. We had a hard thunderstorm yesterday afternoon, but things stayed warm.

When we drove to the airport today, we took the tops off all the trucks, and the ride was nice. I was surprised to see how much the crops have grown. The last time I was around Wurzburg it was in February, and nothing was growing. Now, the potatos seem to be up about a foot, along with the grain. Looks like a good year for the farmers.

It's been a rough day, so I'm going to turn in. I'll write soon.

Letters To Home - April 15, 1952

2008-01-09T21:20:00.000-05:00

Schweinfurt, Germany
April 15, 1952

The weather is still the best I've ever seen for April, not counting Georgia. Yesterday's paper said it's the warmest April since 1830.

Tomorrow morning we're going to drive about forty miles to an airfield and take a little ride over Germany. The air force is going to show us how they'd move a battalion in war time. We're going to load into a bunch of C-119s and stay up for an hour or so. If the weather stays good, it should be fun. I've always wanted to see Germany for the air.

I'm still holding down the clerk's job, much to my dislike. Frank, the original clerk, got tired of it, complained so much that the Captain decided to put him in a gun section to see if that would change his mind. I guess I must be the only other guy in the outfit that knows how to type, so I'm "it" for awhile longer. The job is pretty good, but I do miss going out with the gun. I was just getting good as Number Two man, too. Maybe I'll get back if Frank gets tired of the section.

That's interesting about you making the basement into a family room. Please save me some space for my records, if you think it won't be too damp for them.

That's about all for now. Write soon please, and I'll do the same.

Letters To Home - April 12, 1952

2008-01-09T21:08:00.000-05:00

Schweinfurt, Germany
April 12, 1952

The weather has turned spring-like, a bit cloudy this evening and looks like rain, but is warm.

Next week we go to Wildflecken to fire the little 37 m.m. automatic cannons, for some strange reason. I'm still working as Battery Clerk, so I may or may not get a change to shoot the things, but I hope I do. I have an interest in all the weapons of the army, and want to shoot as many as I possibly can.

We'll be in Grafenwohr from April 28 until June 26 to shoot everything we own; our howitzers, carbines, .50-caliber machine guns, .45 pistols, bazookas, etc. We have yet to shoot the .50s; in fact, we've never yet mounted them on the anti-aircraft mounts that fit on the roofs of the trucks. I shot the .50 in basic at Dix, but just a few rounds to see what it was like. We have a few .45-caliber grease guns that have never been shot, either. If the weather stays warm, it should be a pleasant month.

The check came yesterday. I'm going to try to get it cashed at an American Express office here, and put it into soldier's deposits.

We got the word this afternoon that Eisenhauer has turned in his resignation. I guess I'll have to vote Democrat this year; can't see myself voting for either Taft or Eisenhauer. If Kefauver is nominated, I'll probably vote for him.

Did the map get there yet? I'm going to try to fix up another package this evening; just a few pictures and books.

That's about all for now, so please write soon, and I'll do the same.

Letters To Home - April 5, 1952

2008-01-09T20:40:00.000-05:00

Schweinfurt, Germany
April 5, 1952

The weather is still a bit chilly this week, and we're back at Munnerstadt on border patrol. The Russians have come back south again for their Spring maneuvers, so that means we have to sit around on the border until they decide to leave. That's good, because I still like being in the field.

We watched the Russian tanks running around yesterday, about 4 miles across the valley. Our gun sights are quite powerful; it was almost like being there. This time we're set up in a beautiful position, probably the best one we've ever found. We're just off the edge of Highway 19, right on the edge of a pine woods. We can see for miles in three directions. After the sun burns off the haze some morning, I'm going to take some pictures through the gunner's sight. I hope the Russians will be running their tanks when I do.

I'm writing this letter back in camp. The Thains (my German family) are having a late birthday party for me in town tonight. I have an over-night pass so that I could come in from Munnerstadt. They wanted me to come down on the 27th, but that was the day before a big inspection and I couldn't make it.

The package came the day before yesterday, but I haven't opened it yet because Sarah's came the day before yours, and we're still working on it. She sent some of her molasses cookies and some fudge. Jerry really likes those cookies. We should be finished with the package Monday, and I'll open yours.

Is Sonny Hagerman in the 47th Division or the 82nd? We ran up against the 82nd at Fort Benning one night. They were dropped by mistake on our convoy while we were heading back to Sand Hill after shooting a night problem. Some of them wanted to fight us, even though we didn't have anything to do with their problem.

I have a pretty fair map of this section of Germany, so I will mark off the sections we travel through most of the time.

Guess I'll start out for the party, so will close. Please thank Sarah for me, and write soon.

Letters To Home - March 28, 1952

2008-01-09T20:34:00.000-05:00

Schweinfurt, Germany
March 28, 1952

The weather has turned quite a bit colder than it was, with a bit of rain.

Nothing much new has been happening here since we got back from leave. After all that time in Munich, we really hated to come back.

I wonder if the army surplus store there sells khaki pants? I don't mean the olive colored ones that are the color of my uniform pants, but the ones that are the color of my shirts. We can't seem to find them over here at all, and they would be nice to have this summer. If you can find any, let me know the price. My size is 36 waist and 33 length.

I'm sending a few more pictures along with this letter. Some of them are quite old.

That's about all for now, so please write soon.

Letters To Home - March 24, 1952

2008-01-09T20:16:00.000-05:00

Schweinfurt, Germany
March 24, 1952

Joe and I got back "home" Saturday evening about eight o'clock after a very wonderful leave. It was so good that we're thinking of going back in June or July, if we're still here then. The weather wasn't so good during the days, but it seemed always to clear up early in the evenings. It snowed a few times, got cold just one day, but warmed up again. Spring in Germany seems to be quite mild.

Munich is a very nice place to spend a leave. We did quite a bit of sight-seeing around the old town, which is pretty-well bombed out. The old town still has its old fort at each end and its big draw-bridge, even though it isn't used anymore. We went to the circus as often as possible, also went to the zoo.

We found a little night club that I believe would go quite well back home, especially in Youngstown. It was located in the basement of a large building. You went down a flight of stairs, and walked right into the bar. Off the bar was a room that would hold, probably, 40 people. There were huge wine casks scattered around the room, about ten of them, I guess, with doorways cut into one side. Inside each cask there was a table for four. On the table there was an empty Four Roses bottle, with a candle stuck in the neck. That was the only lighting for your table. The juke box was wonderful; Red Nichols and Muggsy Spanier and lots of American big band swing. Better than anything I ever saw in the states.

One night there was a small band playing; a vibraphone, bass and drums, but it was good. No singers, thank heavens. The place seemed to be open all night, though we never stayed beyond midnight.

On our last week in Munich we found an Italian restaurant, with the best spaghetti I've ever eaten, so that's where we ate most of our meals. The prices were very reasonable, too. That's the first spaghetti I've had since I've been in the army, believe it or not. We never get it in the mess hall.

Regards my income tax refund, if you can get it cashed there, do it. If you have to, you can send it over, and I'll sign it and send it back. We have a pretty hard time getting checks cashed over here.

That's about all for now. Tomorrow, back to the old routine. I feel rested, though, so it shouldn't be too bad.

Letters To Home - March 21, 1952

2008-01-07T16:30:00.000-05:00

Munich, Germany
March 21, 1952

This will be a short letter until I get back to Schweinfurt. Our leave is just about over, so Joe and I want to get an early start on our last night here.

The weather has been pretty warm for all twelve days, but it usually rained during the day and cleared up at night. We found that Munich has so much to offer that we stayed here, especially since our room was so comfortable.

Munich has so much to see. We have gone to the winter circus four times, maybe will go once more. And the zoo is terrific. I thought the one in Cleveland was good, but there is no comparison.

That's about all for now. Will write longer next time.

Letters To Home - March 12, 1952

2008-01-07T16:22:00.000-05:00

Munich, Germany
March 12, 1952

Joe and I started our leaves right on schedule, got here at 6:30 Monday morning. We have a very nice room right across the street from the train station.

The weather is warm, but rainy. As long as this wet weather holds on, there isn't much use to go to Garmisch, which is mainly a winter resort and a place to go sight-seeing. Anyway, there is lots to do and to see here in Munich.

As yet, I haven't been out to see Bernie, but will soon. Tomorrow Joe and I are heading to Regensburg to see his frind from home. In his last letter, Bernie told me he will be going to the school in Dachau, too, possibly this week, but I'll check before I go.

That's about all for now. Joe is asleep, wrapped up in his feather tick. I still can't get used to it, but it will be O. K. for a week.

I'll write soon, and please do the same.

Letters To Home - March 6, 1952

2008-01-07T16:10:00.000-05:00

Schweinfurt, Germany
March 6, 1952

The weather has turned quite a bit colder again after a beautiful week. On Monday it was almost too hot. Today it started to snow a bit, but has cleared up again. Maybe we'll have another good week-end.

Since yesterday afternoon I haven't been doing much of anything. My trick knee went bad on me while we were playing soft ball, and has swelled up about three times its normal size. Frank, our battery clerk, is taking a 3-day pass to Paris, starting tonight, so I've been breaking in on his job so I can do it while he's gone. It isn't too hard after you get all the rules and regularions down pat. Quite a lot of book-keeping and typing, and keeping track of who is available for duty and who is not. I should be able to enjoy myself for the next two or three days, and then start my leave with Joe on Sunday morning. My knee is still swollen, but it isn't huring so much and isn't quite as stiff as it was.

The whole battery had its picture taken about a month ago, and we got the results the other day. I'll be sending them home in a few weeks.

The movies here have been pretty dull for me for about the past two weeks, mainly because I had seen most of them while at Dachau.

When the weather gets a little warmer we'll be starting border patrol again. Good deal, because I surely do like the field much more than garrison life. Being out on patrol is a very good life.

Going to give my knee a rest, under orders, so I'll close now. I'll keep you posted on everything. Please write soon.

Letters To Home - February 8, 1952

2008-01-07T15:52:00.000-05:00

This letter is out of sequence since some were misplaced and found a few days ago.
Please excuse me.

Baumholder, Germany
February 8, 1952

We got here the day before yesterday after two days on the road in convoy. This is really a hole, believe me. The place is just being built, and everything is in quite a mess.

Besides the 2nd Armored Division, which is stationed here, there are quite a few French soldiers, and a few from the new German army. The Germans will surely be all right after they get some training.

Today was the first day we could get in any firing. We fired with C-harge 7, which is maximum for the 105, at a range of about 6 miles. Pretty noisy day. Saturday is supposed to be our last day here, but we might stay a few more days to get in some more firing, if the ammo holds out. Our sergeants from the 1st Division in the war cant' seem to get over the amount of ammo we're burning up in practice, but I'm sure, if we ever get into it with the Russians, this practice will pay for itself.
One of the sergeants, Sgt. Carson, put on a wonderful demonstration of how to shoot the 105. He took over the loader's job. If you hadn't been able to see the gun, just heard it, you would think that it was a semi-automatic gun. Amazing.

This place is about half-way into the French zone of Germany, south-west of Weisbaden. The country is pretty rough, with quite a few mountains. It's probably very pretty when the weather is clear, but, so far, it has been snowing almost all the time. There is more snow here than we've had in Schweinfurt all winter. It isn't too cold, though, just cold and windy. I got myself a beautiful wind burn today. Shaving tomorrow will be rough.

I've been eating some of the tuna you sent in the last package. Just about the best you've ever sent. The sardines came in handy on the trip down, too. Jerry likes that puffed wheat candy.

We have enough radios with us this time. I brought mine, the 5th section brought theirs, and so did a guy from the 4th section. We're all bunking in the same room.

Time to get some rest, so will close. Write soon.

Letters To Home - March 2, 1952

2008-01-06T22:07:00.001-05:00

Schweinfurt, Germany
March 2, 1952

The weather is a bit cooler, but still fine. I went into Schweinfurt to visit yesterday. The people have started selling things in the open-air market like they were doing last summer. This morning I woke up earlier than I usually do on a Sunday morning, and heard something that sounded like our robin. I don't believe that there are robins in Germany, but it sounded good, anyway.

I have now moved into another room, since my promotion came through. Jerry, our truck driver, and Bob, another driver, and I are sharing a very nice, comfortable room. But, on Friday evening they both left for seven days in Copenhagen, so I now have it all to myself.

Joe and I leave Sunday midnight for Munich and Garmisch, too. If this weather will just hold up, we'll have a pleasant leave.

A new radio stationed opened in Nuremburg, and it's better than any I've ever heard before. They seem to get all the new releases from the States, and broadcast 24 hours a day. At night, they sometimes have broadcasts from the States, too. I heard something last night called "Pete Kelly's Blues," and it was terrific. Jack Benny and Phil Harris come on every Sunday night; right now I'm listening to the "Hit Parade."

I've definitely decided about what I'm going to do about staying in the army. I am going to take my discharge in October and get back to work on the railroad. I don't believe that I could stick out three more years of this. I don't really enjoy the army that much, either. Maybe an inactive reserve outfit would be better.

That's about all for now. Please write soon.

Letters To Home - February 27, 1952

2008-01-06T22:01:00.000-05:00

Schweinfurt, Germany
February 27, 1952

Nothing much is new here, just putting in my time until leave starts.

We're supposed to have a big division inspection on March 14, but Joe and I should miss that one. Maybe we'll be ice skating in Garmisch in the Alps.

The weather has turned into something like late Spring in Pennsylvania. Warm and sunny today, in the high 60s.

I'm sending a few postcards from Frankfurt.

That's about all for now, I'm afraid. Please write soon.

Letters To Home - February 22, 1952

2008-01-06T21:42:00.000-05:00

Schweinfurt, Germany
February 22, 1952

The weather is quite a bit warmer now than it was a few weeks ago. Most of the snow is gone, and it's raining today.

We came in from three days of maneuvers on Wednesday evening. The maneuvers weren't bad at all; started out at Munnerstadt, then to Wurzburg, and finished up at Karlstadt. You can follow our travels on the German road map I sent.

We slept out in snow drifts every night, but it wasn't cold at all. I think the Eskimos have something. Snow can keep you warm if you put enough under you, I guess.

We ran out of rations the second day out. So, one of the cooks took his carbine, walked back into the woods and found a small deer. The city guys claim it's the best beef they've ever eaten. We had all the meat we wanted to eat, and everyone pitched in.

My leave starts on the 10th of March, and Joe and I are going to Munich to start, then maybe to Garmisch for a few days. We'll probably go to Regensburg for a day, since Joe has a friend from home stationed in the 43rd there. We'll finish up at Frankfurt.

The mail is getting held up somewhere along the line lately. I got seven papers last night, but have had only two letters since we came back from Baumholder. Probably because of all the snow we had last week. The weather department says it was the worst snowfall in over 30 years.

This is Washington's Birthday, so we have it off. Tomorrow, we have to remove all the whitewash from the guns and jeeps, which should be fun. Today I want to get some of my things straightened out, including the enlistment thing. I'm having second thoughts about that, but will tell you about it later.

Almost time to eat, and we're having cherry pie with vanilla ice cream, along with other things, of course. Write soon, please.

Letters To Home - February 16, 1952

2008-01-06T21:35:00.000-05:00

Schweinfurt, Germany
February 16, 1952

It's still very cold, about the worst of the winter so far. It was 16 above yesterday morning, the lowest it's been this winter. Not much snow left, though. We leave tomorrow for a 3-day maneuver around Wurzburg.

We white-washed all the guns and jeeps today so that they would blend in with the snow. They look very strange.

I got a package from Irene the other day. Very nice of her. Home-made cookies, some candy, nuts, puffed wheat candy, stationery and stamps.

Not much more to say right now. The papers have finally got back on schedule. The late ones were just a few strays, I guess. It really is interesting to check things out back home. Some things are changing, aren't they?

We're getting up early tomorrow, so better get some rest. Write soon, please.

Letters To Home - February 12, 1952

2008-01-06T21:18:00.000-05:00

Schweinfurt, Germany
February 12, 1952

We got back here yesterday afternoon, after another two days of riding. We spent last night out in the woods near Darmstadt, during the biggest snow storm of the year. It really came down most of the night. I had a chance to make a fairly good bunk under a tree; spread out my water-proof sheet, put two blankets over it, with my sleeping bag and two blankets on top. Surprisingly warm most of the night, but did get up early and got some coffee from the cooks, who had been up most of the night. I hear that it snowed every day in Schweinfurt while we were gone.

Maybe you noticed the return address on the envelope. You'll notice that I finally made Corporal. The orders were waiting for me when we came in from firing on Saturday. Now my days of walking guard are over, I think. Anyway, the hardest-to-get rank is mine. Sergeant should be easier.

What's wrong with the weather back home? It seems to be raining much more than I can remember. Is it cold, too, or is it like a Spring rain?

The mail service at Baumholder was the best I've seen in Germany. I got one letter from you in just four days. Jerry, our driver, got one from California in four days, too.

Tomorrow we have a day off because we were on the road Sunday.

While we were in Baumholder, I heard that my old bunk-mate, Ray, from Dix was in the infantry barracks, so I paid him a visit. He is scheduled to make Corporal in a few days, too. We had a nice visit; I surely wish that he had come with me to the artillery. We always got along fine; good disposition, rarely bothered by anything. He's in the 22nd Infantry, a rifleman.

Can't think of much more to say, so will close. Please write soon.

Letters To Home - January 31, 1952

2008-01-06T21:08:00.000-05:00

Schweinfurt, Germany
January 31, 1952

We're having some terrible weather. It snows quite a bit, but isn't very cold, and the ground is pretty messy. Tonight it's raining, but is supposed to get colder by tomorrow.

Yesterday morning we went out to see how the Reo trucks behave in snow. I took a few pictures, will have them developed soon.

I didn't give my scheduled T. I. & E. class this week, but will next week, so I am told. That will be the week before we move to the French zone. I hope the next class will go over as well as the first one did.

Another bundle of papers arrived today, and also a package. It seems strange that almost every time we get ready to go out in the field, I get a package from home. I really do appreciate it. It will be used.

This will be a short letter, mainly because nothing much of interest has been happening lately. Please write soon, and I will do the same.

Letters To Home - January 26, 1952

2008-01-06T20:50:00.000-05:00

Schweinfurt, Germany
January 26, 1952

The weather during the past week has been the coldest we've had in Schweinfurt so far this year. Light snow today, and maybe it will stick this time.

The other day I got 17 papers in one big bundle. The oldest was November 13, and the latest was December 22. I had to read for a whole evening to get caught up. That must have been some snow you had.

I've just about decided to sign up for those three extra years. The First Sergeant told me the other day that I've been put in for Corporal, and I'll make it when one of the sergeants is promoted to SFC. It shouldn't be too long.

Some orders came through from Seventh Army last week that I don't like. It seems that the 28th Division has most of its equipment over here, but not enough men to do anything much with it. The 4th Division is presently over-strength by quite a bit, so some of us may be transferred over to the 28th. They want nothing but Privates, PFCs and Corporals that had high scores on their tests, and who haven't been in any trouble with the army since they've been in. I surely don't want to go to the 28th, especially if its anything like the 43rd. National Guard outfits are usually pretty much all fouled up.

If I do enlist, I'll be taking the 30-day leave about the middle or last part of May. Tell grandpa to get the fishing stuff in shape, just in case.

Time to eat, so will close. I'll keep you informed as to what is happening.

Letters To Home - January 22, 1952

2008-01-06T20:22:00.000-05:00

Schweinfurt, Germany
January 22, 1952

I got back "home" at 8 p.m. Saturday after a long, pleasant train ride. Fourteen of us came back together, and we had quite a time, too. We ate dinner in a German dining-car. The food was excellent, cost about 40-cents. For some reason we took a long way home, though, and it did get a bit tiresome towards the end. From Munich we went first to Augsburg, then to Regensburg, then away over to Nuremburg, across to Wurzburg, and finally to Schweinfurt. The whole trip took something like seven hours, but the coach was comfortable, so it wasn't too bad.

This morning I gave my first T. I. & E. class; went over quite well, I think. The guys were especially interested in hearing about the Dachau concentration camp. I guess I forget to mention that we spent a whole afternoon there. Our guide through the camp had once been prisoned there. I believe he was Polish; anyway, his accent didn't seem to be German. He was authentic; had the tattoo mark on his arm that all prisoners received. The place is definitely spooky, especially after you learn what went on there. The gas room was the worst. There is still a "high-water" mark in the room, which shows just how high the bodies were stacked. Some fools, even in the army, claim that the death camps didn't exist, and, even if they did, nothing too much happened in them. I think "fools" is not strong enough to call them. Anyway, my first attempt at "teaching" is over. The rest should be easier.

Next Saturday evening I'm going to bring my German family out for dinner and a movie. I don't know what will be playing, but hope it will be a musical or a western, which should be easier for them to understand. They took me to a German movie one night. It was a mystery, but, even though the film was in German, I could follow it pretty well. Good movie, too, with good actors.

I didn't get a chance to see Bernie again before I left Dachau, but will when Joe and I go there on leave in the Spring. I think the army is doing him a world of good. He looks better now than I ever saw him look. He doesn't like the army, though, can't wait to get out.

As yet, I haven't quite decided about enlisting for the three years. There is something else I can do, I have discovered, and I can get the sergeant's rating and my own gun section if I do it. I can extend my service for one year in order to get out of the reserves, and that would mean that I'd get out in October of 1953 instead of October, 1952. If I would enlist for three years, my time would start on the day I would sign the papers, not after I'm due to get discharged now. I don't know whether or not I would stay in Germany, but probably would. I should be able to get a 30-day leave, plus travelling time, out of it, too. I now have 39 days coming, so that would mean at least 69 days leave time. I could take only 30 first, though. If I do decide to do it, I'll wait until May or June to take the leave because I want the cold weather to be mostly over when I get there.

Most of next month we're going to out in the field, I hear. We leave for Baumholder, in the French zone, on Feb. 4th, and then come back here for two days on the 14th. After that, we go North somewhere for the rest of the month.

It's getting late, so I will close. Write soon, please.

Letters To Home - January 17, 1952

2008-01-05T16:16:00.000-05:00

Dachau, Germany
January 17, 1952

Tomorrow I finish up my two weeks here at the school, with graduation in the afternoon. I guess I'll leave for Schweinfurt sometime Saturday. This has been a very pleasant stay; wish I could stay here for six or more weeks.

Last Saturday afternoon I caught a train to Munich and found Bernie. The army seems to be agreeing with him because he looks better than ever, and seems to have lost some weight. He and his friend showed me the sights of Munich that evening and also Sunday afternoon and evening, and we had a very good time. I think I like Munich now. It was pretty-well bombed during the war, hasn't recovered as much as Frankfort has, but it's a nice place to spend time.

The weather has been very nice ever since I got here. On Sunday we had a blizzard for awhile, but it hasn't been very cold. Today was about the warmest day we've had this winter.

The train service between Dachau and Munich is just about the best I've seen anywhere. The trains seem to run about every hour during the day, and it takes just 20-minutes from here to there. The round-trip fare is 60 pfennigs, which is about 15-cents American. When I head back to Schweinfurt, the train will stop just three times between Munich and there, and makes the trip in about 6 hours.

Joe and I were going to take a 15-day leave to Paris in March, but now we've decided to change it to 15 days in Germany. We want to see some of the British and the French zones, and I want to see more of the U. S. zone, too. We should be able to see most of the big cities of Germany in that time, and the cost will be about half as much. In Garmisch there is a small camp that has a nice hotel reserved strictly for soldiers. You pay just 50-cents a night and meals are 10-cents apiece. We were thinking of staying there for awhile, and then travel north towards Bremerhaven, and stop when we feel like it. Should be fun.

I have to go to the library for some information now, so will close. Write soon, please.

Letters To Home - January 11, 1952

2008-01-05T16:09:00.000-05:00

Dachau, Germany
January 11, 1952

The weather is turning very warm. The classes are still interesting. It would be nice to stay here for about six weeks instead of just two. This seems to be the best deal I've found in the army.

Tell Mr. Mowry that his son is in a movie called "Decision Before Dawn." I'm reading the book right now, and if the picture is as good as the book, it will be one of the best. It was filmed in Germany in 16 different cities, according to the "Stars And Stripes." Much of the film was shot in Mannheim, Munich and Frankfort.

I'm sending along a post card of the market place in Munich. I hear that this is where Hitler got his start. Munich is really a beautiful city, maybe the prettiest in Germany, but Frankfort seems to be more modern.

Tomorrow I'm going to try to find Bernie. It's late, and I'm tired.

Letters To Home - January 9, 1952

2008-01-05T16:02:00.000-05:00

Dachau, Germany
January 9, 1952

Things here are going very well; much better than I expected. It's almost like being back in school again. This course is a course on public speaking, and being able to put over some information in an interesting manner. This is going to be a very pleasant two weeks, I think.

I'm supposed to get a week-end pass, am going into Munich and try to look up Bernie. I hope he won't be out on maneuvers.

The weather has turned very warm today, and the snow is almost gone. This is supposed to be unusual for Germany this time of year.

The instructors here should be teaching in some small college instead of in the Army. Just about the best I've ever run across. The Army should have people like these in basic training instead of what they do have, I think.

I just finished the outline of my scheduled lecture for tomorrow, so will close. We have four hours of lectures each day, then four hours of classes.

Please write soon. If I find Bernie, I'll tell you all about it.

Letters To Home

2008-01-05T15:59:00.000-05:00

For Letters To Home dated December 23 and December 27, 1951, please check "Older" category. These letters were taken out of order on account of the Christmas and New Year's holidays. The next letters will be all about my weeks spent in T. I. & E. School, Dachau, Germany.

Letters To Home - December 17, 1951

2008-01-05T15:26:00.000-05:00

Wildflecken, Germany
December 17, 1951

We got here at about noon today. It took us a bit longer than usual because of the fog. It's quite thick here in the mountains; I've never seen anything quite like it. One of our sergeants was stationed in London during the war; says this is nothing like they get there. I can't imagine that.

We're supposed to shoot tomorrow, but I don't believe we will. Our F. O.s (forward observers) say they doubt that we will. Joe, our assistant driver, is also on the F. O. squad; he says we won't. There is also quite a bit of snow on the mud roads; it will give some of our California drivers something to think about.

The 44th is going to put on a big Christmas party for the kids of Schweinfurt this year. There will be a Santa Claus, a tree, decorations, all kinds of candy and small presents. I would like to be back then to see it.

How is the weather back there? I read in the "Stars And Stripes" that there has been quite a bit of cold weather in the East.

Something strange happened to me today. The battery is going to be pretty hard up for trained men after rotation starts in February, and the General Staff wants as many of us as possible to re-enlist for another three years in our batteries. Tonight, while I was waiting for chow, the First Sergeant came up and made me a very tempting offer. He says that if I sign up for three more years, he'll give me a gun section of my very own and give me sergeant's stripes. That would mean that I'd be in charge of a howitzer, the howitzer section of 9 men, a Reo truck and driver. In return, I would get $185.00 cash right away, plus a 30-day leave back home whenever I want it, plus $185.00 a month. Right now I'm scheduled to get discharged in October, and will have to stay in either the active reserves for 3 years, or the inactive reserve for 6 years. All in all, the offer sounds pretty fair, but I'm not sure about it. I'm still gathering time on the railroad; will have 6 years of service when I get discharged, and don't know whether or not I should give that up. Still, I would be making $185.00 a month here, with clothing and food paid in full. I could probably save some money, because most of the sergeants seem to keep to themselves and don't go running around like we privates and corporals do, spending more money than we make. I really don't know what to tell them. What do you think?

Guess I'll get some sleep now, just in case we do shoot tomorrow. We'll be getting up early if we do. Please write soon.

Letters To Home - December 16, 1951

2008-01-05T15:17:00.000-05:00

Schweinfurt, Germany
December 16, 1951

The bad weather is still holding on. The fog and frost lasted until sometime last night, and then it warmed up quite a bit. The fog is still thicker than I've ever before seen it, but the frost seems to be going.

Tomorrow we go to Wildflecken to shoot up all the old ammo. We'll probably be there about five days, then will come back for Christmas.

Rotation will definitely start on February 3, and nine more of the guys will leave the battery in February. My turn should come up in April or May, I think. We haven't heard just what the guys who are going back to the States will be doing after they get there. Probably help in the training at Dix or one of the other camps.

Does the town have its decorations up this year. We have a few here at Conn Barracks, but not like in Schweinfurt. We don't have any snow as yet; Christmas needs snow. I imagine we'll run into some at Wildflecken.

Still nothing much more to tell. This is about the slowest time I've put in since we arrived in Germany. Please write soon.

Letters To Home - December 13, 1951

2008-01-05T15:10:00.000-05:00

Schweinfurt, Germany
December 13, 1951

We're having some of the strangest weather I've ever seen. On Tuesday evening it got very cold and froze the ground solid. On Wednesday morning the ground and trees were white with frost, and the frost was also hanging in the air just like fog. The sun tried to break through, but couldn't quite make it. Last night the temperature went down to 10 above zero, and all day today the frost hung like fog again. It's the strangest thing I've ever seen. If the sun comes out tomorrow, I'll try to take some pictures of it.

The rotation is definitely starting in February. Five of the guys have already been told to get their affairs here in Germany in order, that they are going home. I should be due in April or May, I think.

We had an alert earlier this evening. Because there was a shortage of drivers I got a chance to drive one of our new jeeps. It was fun while it lasted, but, tomorrow, back to the gun.

Nothing much more to tell you, so will close. Please write soon.

Letters To Home - December 10, 1951

2008-01-04T22:31:00.000-05:00

Schweinfurt, Germany
December 10, 1951

It's getting very cold this morning and is snowing again. This time it looks like it will stick if it stays cold enough.

This week is "B" Battery's turn to be on alert status, so maybe we'll get called out early in the morning for a practice alert. Hope not.

Curly and I went to Frankfort on Friday. We left Schweinfurt at 12:35 and got there at 4:30. The ride was very comfortable, with a new, modern coach. We got a room in a pretty fair hotel, and stayed until Sunday noon. I can't get used to the German beds; too short for me, and instead of sheets and blankets, they use feather ticks.

Frankfort is just about the nicest city I've ever visited, including Cleveland. It reminds me a bit of an American city, with traffic and street cars and busses. Many modern stores, too.

My Christmas shopping is about finished, except for one more present. It's supposed to come to me by mail in a week or two. I'm going to mail everything at once, so maybe the presents will be a bit late. I'll do my best, though.

What's new in Greenville? How is the basketball season going?

I guess I'll get some rest now, just in case we do happen to get called out early.
Please write soon.

Letters To Home - December 4, 1951

2008-01-04T22:21:00.000-05:00

Schweinfurt, Germany
December 4, 1951

We had our first snow of the winter this morning, but it melted about as fast as it fell. Still hasn't turned very cold, seems warmer right now that it was this morning.

I guess we'll be going out at least once more to shoot. It seems that there are about a thousand rounds of old ammunition that we are supposed to use up, so we'll be going to Wildflecken around December 17 to shoot them up. We'll be staying there for six or seven days, will be back around Christmas. We've been promised that we'll have Christmas back here in camp, and so far, promises have been kept.

Tomorrow, if all goes well, Curly Adams and I will be on our way to Frankfort for Christmas shopping. The guys who have been there say that Frankfort is almost like one of our big cities, with department stores and a U. S. shopping center.

I sent a few Christmas cards this morning, so be on the watch for them.

I think I'll send Uncle Carl a German pipe for Christmas. I've seen some nice ones in Schweinfurt, but some are much too big; more for decorations than for smoking, I think. I'll try to get Uncle Carl's and Grandpa's as much alike as possible, so that there won't be any arguments.

Nothing much happening yet, so will close. Did the pictures get there yet?

Letters To Home - November 30, 1951

2008-01-04T22:12:00.000-05:00

Schweinfurt, Germany
November 30, 1951

Just a few lines to let you know all is well. The weather has turned bad; lots of rain, and everything not paved is a sea of mud.

Did the Thanksgiving menu get there yet? It's a nice little book, isn't it? I was really surprised when I got mine.

Those pictures about Fort Benning were interesting, especially the ones covering the infiltration course. I went through it twice in one day; once in daylight and once at night.

I'm sending a few pictures to you that were taken from the back of our gun truck on the way from Grafenwohr to Schweinfurt. I think my little camera does a fine job. I looked it up in a catalog one of the guys got from home. It's listed in the catalog for $35.00. I got mine in the PX for $12.95.

Tomorrow is supposed to be a busy day. Some kind of inspection or parade, so I'd better get some sleep. Please write soon, and I will do the same.

Letters To Home - November 28, 1951

2008-01-04T22:01:00.000-05:00

Schweinfurt, Germany
November 28, 1951

Our weather is a bit colder, but still nothing to worry about. It's raining quite a bit, but no snow as yet. Did you really have zero weather there? That must be a record; I can't ever remember zero weather in Pennsylvania in November.

I guess we've gone on border patrol for the last time. The rumor has it that all the Russian troops have left our area, have moved North. That's good news in a way, but I will miss the patrol. It was fun to get out to see the country, and we got lots of rest usually.

I heard from Bernie today. He seems to like what he has seen of Germany so far. He's stationed in Munich. I hear that Munich is a good leave town, so will probably get a chance to visit him.

One of the photographers in the outfit is making some pretty nice Christmas cards, so I think I'll buy a few. They are quite a bit different from the usual ones you see.

Nothing much is happening to write about. No more patrol, just keeping the truck and gun looking good. Too rainy to do much drilling. Please write soon.

Letters To Home - November 20, 1951

2008-01-03T14:13:00.000-05:00

Munnerstadt, Germany
November 20, 1951

The weather has turned beautiful for the past three days. It rains a bit every day, but then clears off and gets warm in the afternoons. We turned in our coal stoves the other day, now have oil stoves that burn diesel fuel. The first few days the stove in our tent didn't work right, but one of the mechanics worked on it a bit, and it now works fine.

We've been laying a new road into our position. I've had an 8-man crew back in Schweinfurt tearing up the the metal landing strips at our airfield at Conn Barracks. "A" and "C" Batteries then haul the metal out to our position, and lay out a pretty nice road. Should take care of the mud.

The pictures I took still aren't finished. I hope they turn out as well as I think they will.

Our Captain has pulled a fast one on the rest of the Battalion. At an officers' meeting the other day, he volunteered our services here on the border for the next three weeks. When we heard about it, naturally, some of the guys complained. However, the Captain had checked the dates, discovered that if he volunteered for us to stay out here for Thanksgiving Day, we would get Christmas and New Year's Day back in the barracks. Smart man. Anyway, our cooks will get the chance to cook Thanksgiving Day dinner for us.

The latest rumor out seems to be right for a change. According to the rumor, we'll start rotating back to the States in February, with a thousand a month going. I guess the ones that go first will start training the 18-year olds that will start under the V. M. T. program.

I didn't know that Bernie was in the 43rd Division. He's probably stationed around Munich.

Curl Adams and I are going Christmas shopping in Frankfort on December 4. We're taking a 3-day pass to do it.

Can't think of much more to say, so will close. We finally have lights; the generator is noisy, but seems to work well.

Letters To Home - November 16, 1951

2008-01-03T13:56:00.000-05:00

Munnerstadt, Germany
November 16, 1951

The weather has been terrible ever since we got here last Saturday morning. I has rained almost steadily, with a little snow mixed in. It's still warmer than Grafenwohr was, though. The road into our position is so muddy that we haven't been able to get our guns out for two days. Even though our gun trucks have all-wheel drive, they get stuck. We have Reo/Studebaker trucks, brand new. One of our sergeants, who was in the 1st. Division, says that the old GMC trucks wouldn't get stuck, even in mud like this. The 1st is still using the GMGs, I think.

The rumor mill is active again. It says that this time is probably our last on border patrol. The 631st is supposed to take over, along with the 5th Field from the 1st Division. So, we'll probably be back in barracks most of the winter.

The N. C. O. Academy is a school for Corporals and Sergeants that the Division has dreamed up. It's located here in Schweinfurt, will take candidates from all the other outfits in Germany. The school is supposed to help train the students better than they could be trained if they had stayed in their own outfits. Maybe it will, but we have our doubts. It may be sour grapes on our part, but the school has already gained a name: "La-De-Da School."

I got a letter from Bob today. The letter came from Korea in just 11 days, which seems like very good time. He says he's about due to be rotated back to the States soon. Paul is with him in the same Company, which is news to me.

The 4th Division is putting out special Christmas cards and I ordered some.

That's about all for now. Please write soon.

Letters To Home - November 11, 1951

2008-01-03T13:42:00.000-05:00

Munnerstadt, Germany
November 11, 1951

We got back from Grafenwohr on Thursday, stayed in the barracks at Schweinfurt for two days, and will be out here until the 22nd. There is quite a bit of difference in the weather here. Has been almost like Spring ever snce we got back.

On pay-day some of the guys talked me into a little game of 7-car stud. Two hours later I was $60.00 richer. I put most of it into Soldier's Deposit, which is like a bank, and with what was left, bought a little Argus 120 camera. Last week I shot three rolls of film that should turn out well. I'll send them along soon.

I played the records on Thursday night, and they are perfect. A number of the guys like the music I like, so we really enjoyed the evening. I thought most of them would like hill-billy music, but not so.

I was counting up my leave time a few days ago. I now have 32 days coming. I want to go to Paris in either January or February, and then to Italy in the Spring. One of my friends has an uncle there, and the uncle tells him that the Baretta factory is now working again, and pistols are quite cheap.

From what I now hear, most of us are due to rotate back to the States about May or June. Not too much more time left in Germany.

It's getting dark, and, as yet, we don't have any lights set up. A generator is on the way from Schweinfurt, should be here soon.

Letters To Home - October 26, 1951

2008-01-03T13:31:00.000-05:00

Schweinfurt, Germany
October 26, 1951

After four days of rain, we're having warm weather again. Today was almost like early Spring. I hope the weather holds like this, because we're leaving for Grafenwohr soon.

We played football yesterday afternoon, also this afternoon. We seem to be playing a lot of football lately, since we've been getting quite a few of free afternoons.

I guess my last letter must have been on that airplane that was lost last week. I got your box in good shape about three weeks ago. Thanks for those extra socks; I can really use them. The fish will be very good on border patrol.

On one of my letters I said that I didn't know exactly what I want for Christmas, but I could use a few records for our day room. The ones I would like are the following: Woody Herman's "Sequence In Jazz" (Columbia LP), George Shearing's album on M-G-M LP, Sharkey's "Southern Comfort" on Capitol LP, and any of Les Brown's allbums, on Columbia or Coral LP, and finally, if you can't find any of those easily, Benny Goodman's "Carnegie Hall Concert" on Columbia LP. We really don't get too much good music here, and those albums would be a blessing for lots of us.

I'm afraid that your Christmas presents might be slightly late. I haven't been able to get a pass lately to do any shopping, but hope to once we get back from Grafenwohr.

The lights are about to go out, so will close. Please write soon.

Letters To Home - October 21, 1951

2008-01-03T13:14:00.000-05:00

Schweinfurt, Germany
October 21, 1951

I'm on guard duty again this evening, and have the main gate. The weather is clear, a bit warmer than it has been for the past few weeks. It hasn't rained here for almost a month. It's so warm this evening that the mosquitos are out again. The locals tell us that it's unusual for October.

We leave Thursday for two weeks away from Schweinfurt. We'll go to Munnerstadt for two days, then drive in convoy to Grafenwohr for the rest of the time. We're supposed to fire again this time. I hope we do.

Last Thursday evening we had to move into different rooms. Service Battery had to move out of their barracks because the N. C. O. Academy moved in and took over our building. The whole move went quite smoothly, and turned out fine for us, because the sixth section (my section) is now living in three 3-man rooms. I'm living with Jerry, our gun-truck driver from California, and Joe, the assistent driver, who's from Audobon, New Jersey, which is about three miles from Haddonfield. Joe used to live in Haddonfield, went to the same school as Jean. Anyway, we now have a confortable little room, and get along with other fine. Should be easy to keep clean for inspections and such.

When we get back from Grafenwohr, I'm going to take my 3-day pass and take a trip for Frankfort. There is supposed to be a big U. S. shopping center there, so I should be able to get my Christmas shopping done.

The papers are still coming pretty regularly. The regular mail, however, seems to be taking a bit longer to get here. Your last letter took 11 days, even by air mail.

While I'm writing this letter, I'm listening to the Phil Harris show on the radio. Jack Benny's show finished up last week. The programs must be quite old because on Friday I heard a Bing Crosby show that was broadcast while we were back in Benning. probably in April. Good program, though.

Almost time to head back to the guard-house, so will close. Write soon, please.

Letters To Home - October 19, 1951

2008-01-03T13:04:00.000-05:00

Schweinfurt, Germany
October 19, 1951

The weather has started to turn quite a bit colder the past week. It will probably be a cold winter here.

You asked about border patrol. When we go out on border patrol we're about 5 miles from the Russian territory. We just drive out to a level spot along Highway 19 and set up the tents to stay for two weeks at a stretch. Somebody is supposed to be on the border at all times, so we are there two weeks out of every month. The other batteries share the remaining time. We really don't do much except drive around, "showing the flag" as the English say. We do get lots of rest, though. I enjoy the field; camp life is boring, with too much spit-and-polish.

We now have a photography shop in the attic. Our whole section is due to get our picture taken soon.

We get lots of chances to listed to the Voice Of America on the radio, plus lots of ball games, even the Dave Garroway Show, which is good.

Almost time for chow, so will close. I have guard duty this afternoon; we even do it out on the border, but it is more interesting here.

Letters To Home - October 30, 1951

2007-12-31T18:27:00.000-05:00

Grafenwohr, Germany
October 30, 1951

I hope its warmer there than it is here. We came here Sunday afternoon and are living in buildings this time. This whole area was used by General Rommel when he trained his Afrika Corps during World War II. We're living in their old quarters. It would be nice to stay here for awhile, especially this time of year. This is a nice little camp, and we're close to everything.

Yesterday and today it was pretty cold. The sun is warm, but there's a cold wind that blows most of the time. These barracks are quite comfortable, and we have a coal stove in every room. The smell of the coal smoke reminds me of both Fort Dix, and being back on the Erie when an east-bound freight goes by. We'll be heading back to Schweinfurt next Thursday.

So far, we've been doing quite a bit of firing, which makes me happy. I guess we'll be doing quite a lot more of it while we're here. Today, the whole battalion lined up the guns in a single line and fired to see which ones fired the furthest. If ours doesn't fire like the rest, we'll have to trade with either "A" or "C" Battery. Our gun is quite old, so I hope we trade.

I saw that article about Bob in one of the papers I got last week. I heard from him about a month ago while he was still a Corporal. Have you heard anything about Paul or Walter lately?

I see that the 28th Division is coming over soon. The 43rd is all here now. I hope a dozen more come over.

Our border patrol duty has been changed from one week to two weeks at a time. That's O. K. We have a pretty good set-up at Wildflecken right now.

When this maneuver is over we'll probably be done with maneuvers until April. Of course, we'll still be pulling border patrol on schedule.

I had a pretty rough day today. I pulled the lanyard most of the day, but once in awhile spelled the loader while he took some training as asst. gunner. Not used to all that weight being passed around. Feel good, though, and it's fun to change jobs once in awhile.

Letters To Home - October 12, 1951

2007-12-31T18:12:00.000-05:00

Schweinfurt, Germany
October 12, 1951

It's another nice evening, but still getting a bit colder every night. Last night I set a quart of milk on the window sill and there was ice in it this morning. The days are still pleasant, though.

The package came yesterday evening. Thanks for all the things. I can use the fish when we go out on border patrol. I tried on the stocking caps and they fit just right under my helmet liner. I was afraid maybe they'd be too tight, but they aren't.

On my last day of guard duty I managed to make Colonel's Orderly. The colonel's orderly is chosen by the Officer Of The Day as being the best-dressed guard at guard mount. All the orderly does is act as a messenger all the next day, and doesn't have to walk guard. I slept in the guard house all night and sat around in the Sergeant-Major's office all the next day. There must not have been any important messages to deliver that day.

In return, I get a 3-day pass whenever I want it. I think I'll take it about the first of next month and go to wither Wurzburg or Frankfort. Both places have big U. S. shopping centers.

I don't have any idea of just what I want for Christmas, unless you could send over two or three more long-play record albums for our new record player in the day-room. I would like, if possible, Woody Herman's "Sequence In Jazz" on Columbia LP, or Sharkey Bonano's "Southern Comfort" on Capitol LP, or George Shearing's album on M-G-M LP. If they can't be found, how about Les Brown's LP album on either Columbia or Coral? Both are good.

Getting late. Please write soon, and many thanks for the package.

Letters To Home - October 8, 1951

2007-12-31T17:48:00.002-05:00

Grafenwohr, Germany
October 8, 1951

This was a surprise move. The outfit got back in Schweinfurt late on October 6, and we were put on orders to re-pack, get cleaned up, and get ready to move out soon. We will be staying here until Thursday or Friday. I finished my guard duty just about the time the outfit got back, so am now with them.

The weather has been quite cold since we arrived, almost like January in stead of October. It snowed a bit on Saturday, but the weather has been clear since then. Should be warmer back in Schweinfurt.

We finish up with all our tests tomorrow. So far, we've been top-dog on all of them. We haven't done any firing since we arrived, but tomorrow our gun is supposed to be the base piece, and we should do quite a bit of firing. On Monday we got some new ammo to shoot. It's a regular high-explosive shell without a fuse. When you get the projectile ready to shoot, the fuse is separate, and has to be screwed in. From what I'm told, the new fuse has a amall radio transmitter built in, and after we shoot the thing and it travels five seconds away from the muzzle, the transmitter turns on and starts sending out radio waves. As soon as the projectile comes within 20 feet of the intended target, it explodes.

On Monday evening we shot a few of these rounds, but there were some heavy rain clouds about half-way to the target, and when we shot, the shell went into the clouds and exploded. I guess the same thing happens if you shoot through heavy fog.
The people in the ammo section say the fuse is quite sensitive after it gets out of the muzzle about 500 feet, but before you shoot it, it's just as safe as any other fuse. The ammo people say you don't want to shoot it during a heavy rain storm, or shoot over a heavy wooded area. Quite a thing.

Masny thanks for the records I ordered. They arrived Sunday in very good condition. Just what I wanted. Some of my jazz-loving friends can't wait to hear them as soon as we get back to Schweinfurt.

When we get back to Schweinfurt, we'll be going on border patrol again. According to the schedule some of us have worked out, we'll come off patrol just after Thanksgiving day. I can probably get a pass to go Christmas shopping in Frankfurt.

Getting late, so will close. The newspapers are coming in good shape now. Write soon.

Letters To Home - October 8, 1951

2007-12-31T17:48:00.001-05:00

Grafenwohr, Germany
October 8, 1951

Letters To Home - October 8, 1951

2007-12-31T17:48:00.000-05:00

Grafenwohr, Germany
October 8, 1951

Letters To Home - October 6, 1951

2007-12-31T17:38:00.000-05:00

Schweinfurt, Germany
October 6, 1951

This is another beautiful day, just like October back home. The nights get down to freezing, but the days are warm.

I guess I mentioned that I didn't get to go along with the rest of the battery on Eucom maneuvers. I'm pulling guard duty back here in Schweinfurt; 24 hours on and then 24 hours off. In this weather, it isn't bad at all, but I'd much rather be with the rest of the gang.

Have you been listening to the play-off games? I listened to all three of them, and the first game of the World Series. The reception was quite good all during the games. One good thing about the army broadcasts is that the Gillette commercials are cut out. No advertising on the Armed Forces Network.

We were finally issued our winter clothing. I now have four pairs of extra-heavy wool socks, a pair of winter boots, a pair 0f 3-fingered mittens, a fur-lined cap, a scarf and a fur-lined jacket that looks something like that surplus tanker jacket I used to wear.

I'm enclosing some pictures of the maneuvers, cut out of the Army newspaper. So far, there haven't been any taken of the 44th Field.

Almost time to get back on duty, so will close. Please write soon.

Letters To Home - September 29, 1951

2007-12-31T17:24:00.000-05:00

Munnerstadt, Germany
September 29, 1951

This is the third day of border patrol. So far, the weather has been fair, with cold nights. We don't mind that anymore, because we have been issued 10-man tents, heated by an oil stove in the center, and the stove seems quite efficient. Winter shouldn't be bad at all.

I won't get a chance to go on Eucom maneuvers after all. Five from each battery has to go back to Schweinfurt to pull guard duty, and I'm one of the unlucky ones. I sure would like to be going with the rest, because they'll be covering 1700 miles in just a week. That would be quite interesting, I think. They will probably be travelling at night and sleeping during the day. Maybe next time, if there is one.

Do you have any ideas on what everyone wants for Christmas? Please let me know, and I will start shopping.

We've been getting quite a few replacements in the battery. Four new ones last week. Maybe some of us will be leaving for other places soon.

Jerry, our gun-truck driver, really enjoys the papers. He fools around with hot rods back in California, likes to read the used-car ads and compare prices. Every time I finish a paper, he takes it with him. As I mentioned, he's our gun-truck driver, and the best one in the battalion, to my way of thinking. He's trying to teach me how to drive out truck, a big Reo 6 x 6 with automatic 6-wheel drive. I don't think I'm cut out to be a truck driver.

Time to eat. We'll be leaving here in the morning, and I have to get packed. Please write soon.

Letters To Home - September 26, 1951

2007-12-31T17:12:00.000-05:00

Schweinfurt, Germany
September 26, 1951

This is a very warm, foggy evening. It rained most of the day, but now is clearing up and getting warmer.

We leave tomorrow for over two weeks in the field. We will stay at Munnerstadt, on border patrol, for just five days this time, then go the northern part of the U. S. zone for Eucom maneuvers. We don't know yet exactly where we will be headed, but the scuttle-butt has it that we'll be near Cologne. That will be all new territory for us; I'm looking forward to it.

We had a Seventh Army inspection by the general of division artillery yesterday. Supposedly, "B" Battery was top dog as far as artillery batteries are concerned. We really worked the guns over, sanded off all the rust, and re-painted them. They look almost as good as new. These inspections come off twice a year; the next one should be sometime during the Summer.

I'm sending a 10-pfennig coin with this letter. A German mark is now worth 24-cents, and there are 100 pfennigs to a mark, so you can see just how much the coin is worth. To the Germans, though, it's worth about a dime.

Our winter clothes have arrived, but haven't been distributed as yet. The jackets have a thick wool lining, so should be quite warm.

Getting late now, so I'd better close. Jean has been writing quite regularly; she has started school at N. J. C., is now going through initiation.

Write soon.

Letters To Home - September 23, 1951

2007-12-31T16:58:00.001-05:00

Schweinfurt, Germany
September 23, 1951

The weather is still very nice, but it's beginning to get colder during the nights. The locals tell us that we could expect snow in late September.

Sorry I haven't been writing more often. Things keep happening to take up my spare time. Sometimes prisoner guard, which I do not like one bit, but I can't argue about it. I'll tell you about it sometime.

We finally got our new day-room radio. The first one was a piece of junk. The new one looks impressive, is made in France, has a 3-speed record player. However, do date we don't have any records to play. The next time I go into town I'll see what's available.

We now have a dark room for photography in the upper level of the barracks, along with a small gym. Soon there will be no reason to leave the post, but, I'm sure, we'll manage to find reasons.

I went to church this morning for the first time since I arrived in Germany. The chapel is a pretty, little place. The Chapain is from Mississippi, is ex-Air Force, and a good speaker.

On Thursday we go back on border patrol for a week. The schedule is starting to develop; one or two weeks on patrol, then back in barracks for a week to clean up our equipment, get hair cuts, etc., then back on patrol. I really do enjoy life out in the field; more informal, usually nice weather, and we get to see some new territory. However, this time I'll probably try sleeping in my sleeping bag. I don't like the thing, but it is warm.

Can't think of much more to say, so will close. Write soon, please.

Letters To Home - September 3, 1951

2007-12-28T21:29:00.000-05:00

Schweinfurt, Germany
September 3, 1951

The weather is turning colder. It rained last night, and most of today. I'm on guard duty right now. I was lucky, caught the main gate, and will take it this time because it will keep me out of the rain. All I do is check passes, so I will be out of the rain most of the time. Today is a holiday, but I'll miss most of it.

I haven't been able to make contact with my German family for quite some time. Either we''re out on patrol, or I have some kind of duty. They've been checking on me, I know, but don't come into the camp.

I sent a few things to you. If they arrive safely, I'll send a few more.

Thursday we're supposed to go to Munnerstadt for border patrol. Another new territory for us, so should be interesting.

You asked about the word "Bad" in the name of some of the towns. It means that there are mineral or warm springs in the town. Bad Kissingen has quite a few big springs, and so does Bad Neustadt. Did the post cards ever arrive?

We traded in our old radio on pay day and got a new 6-tube R. C. A. table model with short wave and a phonograph jack. It's a very good radio, especially the short wave part. On Saturday night I got a Giants ball game, and the Voice Of America. In the afternoon I found a broadcast in English from Radio Moscow. It was funny to hear their versions of the Korean "police action."

Yesterday I got eight papers at one time. The latest one was dated August 3rd, so they are slowly catching up.

Almost time to go back on guard, so I'll close. Write soon.

Letters To Home - August 23, 1951

2007-12-28T21:11:00.000-05:00

Hammelburg, Germany
August 23, 1951

Our maneuvers have turned into something called "border patrol," which means that we drive around in our territory close to the Soviet territories, and keep watch on things. Something like the British "showing the flag" thing. We are in support of the 22nd Infantry, which is with us somewhere in front.

We're in all new territory. I don't know exactly where we are, but one of the officers told me we are fairly close to Hammelburg. Hope the 631st doesn't come visiting. We'll be out here for about nine days, go back to Schweinfurt for pay day.
Next month we'll be moving into the French zone, somewhere near Worms, for maneuvers with the French army. Should be fun, and something different.

Last week I got to shoot the big 3.5-inch bazooka. We shot a packing cases used to cover our big trucks when they were shipped over. Instead of practice ammunition, we used the high-explosive anti-tank rockets. They really make a mess of things. Fun to shoot; absolutely no recoil, much noise.

The weather has been quite warm for the past week. On Tuesday, it rained all day, but stayed warm. Saw three large deer Tuesday afternoon. They seem a bit smaller than ours in Pennsylvania.

From our gun position I can see ten small towns in the valley. This part of Germany is almost as pretty as Wildflecken, but the mountains aren't nearly as high.

I tried sleeping without a tent last night. Worked quite well. We're set up in a pasture, with grass high enough to make a good mattress. Sleeping out is very nice; I seem to sleep better here than back in camp.

Nothing much more to write about, so will close. The papers haven't been coming lately. Maybe back in camp. Please write soon.

Letters To Home - August 14, 1951

2007-12-28T20:54:00.000-05:00

Schweinfurt, Germany
August 14, 1951

I'm back in Schweinfurt for two days, then back on maneuvers. Next week we'll be going away up to Fulda instead of the usual places. I've never been that far east before, so new territory will be interesting.

I left Hammelburg on Saturday, just before the officers and most of the 631st arrived, and joined the 44th again at Wildflecken. I was really glad to get back, and away from what might happen when the officers from the 631st find the short-sheeted bunks. It's funny to think about, but maybe they won't think so.

The weather has been pretty warm back here, but there is also quite a bit of rain. At night, when we're out in the field, we build a fire and cook. We get Dutch salami at the PX, and buy large loaves of rye bread from the Germans. Last Saturday evening a few of us walked down the mountain to a little town and bought some eggs and meat, and then cooked it back in the woods. I think I'd much rather live in the field than back in barracks.

Germany is getting quite crowded with soldiers. When the 28th and the 43rd arrive, there won't be much room.

On our off hours, most of us play cards of some sort. I especially enjoy 7-card stud, nothing wild. Great game. Instead of money, most of us will use packs of cigarettes. Cigarettes cost us $1.00 per carton, but those that sell them in town on the supposedly illegal black market will pay you $2.00 a carton for all you want to sell. Since I don't smoke, I'm always glad to sell. Yesterday afternoon I bought three cartons, and after our card game was over I had seven cartons. The game started badly for me. Lost a carton and a half right away, but then the luck turned and I couldn't lose. One of the guys was going into town, so I sold them to him for $14.00. Who says you can't make money in the army?

For some reason, we're starting to get quite a few replacements. Rumors are flying that some of us will be leaving for the States soon. In fact, the strong rumor has it that three bunches will be leaving by June 1, 1952, which would be quite early if I'm in one of the bunches.

Getting late, so I'll close. Did the books arrive there yet?

Letters To Home - January 6, 1952

2007-12-27T13:49:00.000-05:00

In my Letters To Home dated December 23, 1951 and December 27, 1951, I told about my first Christmas in Germany, spent with a German family. This letter tells about my spending New Year's Eve with the same German family, and my being chosen to spend a few weeks at T. I. & E. School (Troop Information and Education School) in Dachau, Germany

This letter is out of sequence, but I will get back in sync soon.

Dachau, Germany
January 6, 1952

I'm now living on the fourth floor of a very large brick building, and this is where I will be going to school for the next two weeks. I came off a week-end pass to Frankfurt, found that I was to get my gear, including my carbine, and catch the next train to Munich for schooling.

I left Schweinfurt at 12:35 a.m. today, travelling on orders so that it wouldn't cost me any fare. The train ride to Munich was very confortable. I am beginning to like the German railway system more and more as time goes by. I arrived at Munich about 6:30 this morning, arrived here in Dachau at 7:20. Dachau is about a 20-minute train ride from Munich, and the trains run about every hour. I'll probably try to look up Bernie one of these days, if he is still in Munich.

The camp here is quite small. Part of this building is being used by the 43rd Division for a leadership school, another part is taken over by the 201st Field Artillery (a 155 m.m. outfit), and the rest is the T. I. & E. School. The dining hall is on the first floor. The meals, so far, seem quite a bit better than the average army meal, probably because all the cooks are German women. All my classes will be held in this building, so I really won't have to go outside for any reason. It looks like it is going to be an interesting two weeks. In the second week, I understand that we will take a whole afternoon tour of the Dachau death camp.

My New Year's Eve party was really something to remember. I got to the house about 7:30 p.m., and from then until 5:30 the next morning we did nothing but eat and drink and dance. The father of the house, Mr. Thain, is quite a character. He and his two brothers-in-law started feeling happy, started putting on some of the old German beer hall acts, with quite a bit of singing, too. The German radio stations seem to play some very good dance music after midnight. The German people seem to celebrate New Year's Eve as some of us do; many fire crackers, flares, noise makers, etc. There were 12 of us at the party; all friendly and good-natured to a stranger.
The women cooked up a punch that I want to make some day. Four bottles of red wine poured into a kettle. Heat the wine over a low heat, add some black tea, orange peels and cinnamon. Simmer the mixture for about an hour. When finished, strain to remove the peels and any other residue. It is supposed to be as good cold as warm. You have to watch it, though; sneaks up on one without warming.

The evening, before I left for Munich, I went to a movie with the German family. The film was in German. I think I'm starting to understand the German language a bit more than I thought. I get along much better than before with my conversations with my German family, but, maybe, they are learning some English from me, too. I'm supposed to teach them English in exchange for them teaching me German. I think that will be fine.

The weather here in Dachau is the coldest I've seen yet in Germany. It's a very dry cold, and the frost hangs in the air like fog. The country here appears to be quite flat and swampy. A little bit of snow on the ground, too. Lots of the German travelers appear to be going skiing somewhere; many skis being carried, with much winter clothing. I understand the Alps aren't that far away.

The address I'm putting on the envelope is my address at the school, but I think the 44th will forward my mail to me here, so I guess you had better use my old address when you write. Classes start tomorrow, so now I think I'll catch some sleep.

Letters To Home - August 10, 1951

2007-12-26T21:29:00.000-05:00

Hammelburg, Germany
August 10, 1951

We're still waiting for the rest of the 631st Field Artillery to arrive. An advanced party arrived about an hour ago from Mannheim. The outfit trained at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and isn't attached to any particular division as yet. I thought it might be part of the 2nd Armored, but it isn't. It's a 155 m.m. outfit, so now we have two battalions of big guns with us.

Our duties here were to clean up the barracks for the new outfit, set up beds and lockers, and generally get things in order so that they won't have to do too much work when they arrive. Not hard work, really; someone hired a bunch of Germans to do the sweeping and mopping, also the KP while we're here.

I'm a bit nervous about hanging around here too much longer. One of the guys in "A" Battery was in charge of setting up the B.O.Q., which means Batchelor Officer's Quarters. That's where the officers who don't have families with them live. Anyway, he got the bright idea of short-sheeting all the officers' bunks when the detail made up the beds. I don't think I want to be around here when the new outfit arrives, and the officers decide to go to bed. Heads may roll.

Today is the first day with no rain since I've been here. It's still chilly, though. We finished all our work on Wednesday, have been doing nothing much except playing soft ball since then. Eighteen of us are still here, so we have 2 teams, and have had some pretty fair games.

I guess I'll miss most of the latest maneuvers this time. The rest of the battery left last Monday for Wildflecken, are due back on the 14th.

Have you heard anything about the rest of the bunch that went to Fort Dix with me?
I haven't heard a word about them.

Letters To Home - August 4, 1951

2007-12-25T21:47:00.000-05:00

Hammelberg, Germany
August 4, 1951

Fifty of us from the 44th Field have been transferred here for a week or ten days to set up Camp Clarke so that the 631st Field Artillery of the 2nd Armored Division can move in. I wasn't in the original group, but one of the guys got in trouble here yesterday and had to be replaced. I was pulled off guard duty at 5 p.m. Thursday evening and delivered here by jeep. The driver took the back roads and got lost, so didn't arrive here until 9:30 p.m.

The country here is even prettier than Wildflecken. The camp is right on top of a high mountain. The nights are chilly. For some reason, there are quite a few mosquitos here; first I've run across in Germany, and they turn nasty at night.

Last night I went into Bad Kissingen on a pass. Pretty little town. All the rich people come here to drink the mineral water. I tried some; bad taste. You can hire a coachman and his coach for six marks, and he will give you a nice tour of the area.

Most of the water I've run across in Germany is bad-tasting. For some reason, you can drink lots of water, but it doesn't seem to help your thirst. We drink mostly Coke while on duty, or else buy a quart of Dutch milk for 15-cents. The milk here seems to be more creamy than that in the States.

It's raining right now. Six of us have one whole building to ourselves, quite aways from the rest of the battery. Sometimes the orderly room doesn't remember us. Yesterday morning, they didn't give us a wake-up call until 7:30.

Letters To Home - July 27, 1951

2007-12-25T21:32:00.001-05:00

Schweinfurt, Germany
July 27, 1951

The weather has turned hot; almost like Georgia when we left.

One of the our sergeants told me today that the new rumor is that some of us might get transferred to the Coast Artillery in either France or England. The coast artillery shoots 240 m.m. guns, mounted on railway cars, with an 18-man crew. That would be a good deal, if it is true. I'd like to see England while I'm over here.

We went out patrolling yesterday, pulling our guns, and one jet fighter kept attacking us all morning. He'd come in as fast as possible, about 100 feet over our heads. We didn't see him coming the first time; woke some of us up very fast.

Our First Sergeant bought a new car the other day. It's a 4-cylinder German Ford, and cost him $1200.00 dollars. Doesn't look at all like any American Ford. It's named, I believe, a Taunus.

In this part of Germany, you don't see houses scattered around the country side as you do in the States. Most of the people here are farmers, live in towns, and either walk or ride their bicycles out to the fields in the mornings. If they are doing any field work, such as plowing or mowing, they seem to use oxen more than horses. The animals are also kept in town, usually in the basements of the houses. Most of the mowing is done with scythes. If you do see a team of horses, the harness is decorated with emblems or other things.

On Sundays, the people wear their best clothes, even when they go into the fields. The crops here are mainly potatoes, wheat, and some sugar beets.

Not much more to say today, so will close.

Letters To Home - July 24, 1951

2007-12-25T21:08:00.000-05:00

Schweinfurt, Germany
July 24, 1951

The weather lately has been cool and rainy. It rained most of today, and tonight looks like more rain. I think it will be a cold winter over here.

On August 5, we'll be going back to Wildflecken again for two weeks. I don't mind; it's really beautiful there.

We got wall lockers last week. They are made in Sweden out of cedar. There's now room for all my uniforms and other stuff. We also sanded down the floors. When we get some wax, the barracks will look better than ever before.

The scuttle-butt has it that most of the 4th Division will be leaving for the States next June. According to the rumors, the 3-months extension doesn't apply to draftees, so there's a good chance that I will be coming back to Benning or Dix in September to help train another outfit, but I'm not counting too much on that.

I sent a small package last week. Just 5 books I ordered through the VFW. A history of World War II.

Had quite a bit of excitement Saturday night. I had guard duty that night, drew guard for the main gate. I don't much care for that post, so I worked a trade with Lon, because he likes it. About 1:30 a.m. a Captain drove up and told Lon he saw an escaped prisoner down the road, and wanted some help catching him. Lon got into the jeep with the Captain, and they took off.

I was on duty at the post next to the main highway, saw Lon and the Captain going by. Pretty soon I heard two shots, and a bit later Lon, the Captain, and the prisoner drove back headed for camp. When the Captain picked Lon up, Lon was carrying a Colt .45 pistol instead of his carbine. That is what probably saved the prisoner's life, because Lon admits that he can't shoot the pistol worth a darn, but is quite good with the carbine. The escaped prisoner wouldn't stop when ordered to, and Lon let go two shots to make him stop. I'm really not sure that Lon shot at him, but one never knows, knowing Lon.

Letters To Home - July 15, 1951

2007-12-25T20:48:00.000-05:00

Schweinfurt, Germany
July 16, 1951

We got back from Grafenwohr yesterday afternoon, will be staying here for at least three weeks. On August 5, we'll be going out again for a few maneuvers. I enjoy living out in the field; no foolish inspections, more informal than garrison life. The weather has been good, but we did have quite a bit of rain during the nights last week. No trouble, though.

Last night I went to the E. M. Club (Enlisted Men's Club), ate two steaks with all the fixings. We rode all day yesterday getting back, didn't have much for lunch. The steaks are the biggest I've seen in a restaurant, and you get toast, fried potatoes and a salad along with each steak. A steak dinner costs us $1.00. Back home, the whole thing would probably cost at least $3.00 for the same meal.

At about 10 p.m. every Saturday at the club, there's a floor show, and the shows are usually pretty good. The band starts playing at 7, and keeps up all evening. It's just a 5-piece German band, but they play as well as most little American bands. On Wednesday nights there is bingo, with a jackpot of either $50.00 or 250 German marks, your choice. The club is closed on Fridays. It's a good place to spend an evening.

The 2nd Armored Division started landing in Bremerhaven yesterday. I understand the 28th Division (Pennsylvania National Guard) and the 43rd Division are due to arrive soon. Germany will be quite crowded when they all arrive.

We went through Bamburg and Bayreuth yesterday on the way back here. They both look like very nice cities. The big German cities remind me of our large cities, although not so crowded. I'd like to go visit Berlin some day, but Berlin is in the Russian zone, and I hear it's hard to get a permit to visit.

The newspapers are still going to Fort Benning, then being transferred here. They're beginning to catch up, though. Your letters usually get here from 5 to 8 days after they are post marked.

Letters To Home - July 9, 1951

2007-12-25T20:29:00.000-05:00

Grafenwohr, Germany
July 9, 1951

Please forgive my not writing lately. We've been quite busy, looking over our territory, shooting, etc.

Last week we started maneuvers. The weather has been almost perfect. We moved north to Wildflecken last Sunday. You should see this country; almost the same as around Franklin or Oil City; hills, valleys small streams. Very beautiful. We camped on top of a large hill, with valleys on all sides of us. When we'd go out in the mornings it would take almost 1/2 an hour to get to the bottom of the hill. The weather has been nice all week, except for one day when it dropped to 40 degrees. Most of the time it has been between 60 and 70. The air is always clear and cool, and we have all developed large appetites.

We went out to fire almost every day. This time I got to pull the lanyard; lots of fun. We fired mostly smoke shells this time. They are pretty to watch.

Yesterday we left Wildflecken at 8 a.m., drove in convoy, towing the howitzers, to Grafenwohr. I understand that the German general Rommel trained his tank corps here. It was a long drive, about 150 miles. We are located in Bavaria; pretty country.

We'll stay here for at least another week, and then move back to Schweinfurt. I'd much rather we stayed out here for the rest of the summer, but I don't think we will.

The weather in Germany isn't as warm as it is back home. Reminds me a bit of early October in southern Ontario. The nights get pretty chilly, but the days are warm, though not really hot.

I found out yesterday, according to the records, I was not charged any leave time for the leave I had before shipping out. Somebody in our Battery, due, I suppose, to the confusion of packing up and moving, didn't mark me down. So, now I can put in for leave and they can't prove I've already had one. I think maybe that I'll save up my time and try for a month in the States later.

Getting dark, and I want to mail this, so will close. Please write soon.

Letters To Home - June 27, 1951

2007-12-23T21:18:00.000-05:00

Schweinfurt, Germany
June 27, 1951

The weather turned cold yesterday, after a hard rain, and has been cold and cloudy all day. Seems a bit warmer this evening. We're all hoping that it rains all this week, but clears next week, because we're going on maneuvers. The scuttle-butt said we'd be staying in barracks there, but no, it will be two-man pup tents. The gunner and I are going to stock up on food to take with us. One never knows what may happen in the field, and we probably won't be near any towns for the three weeks.

The conditions here are just about as good as in the States. Schweinfurt was a large, ball-bearing center during World War II, was heavily bombed, with very heavy losses, by the American air force. The town seems to be practically re-built by now. There aren't as many bicycles here as there were in Mannheim; many motor cycles and Volkswagans. I rode in a Volkswagan last night; very nice little car. It rides better than you would think, and visibility from the driver's seat is fine. The army is using them for messenger cars, and for some officers.

The railroad here doesn't seem to be as good as the one we rode from Bremerhaven. I guess the Germans don't use turn-tables, because they seem to run the engines forward to wherever they are going, then run them in reverse on the trip back. The engine, though, seems to be able to run as fast backwards as forwards. The tracks are located just behind our barracks, but the trains are very noisy. The engineers don't use their whistles as much as you would think they would. The engines have two headlights, just like an automobile.

There is quite a bit of grass here at camp. Instead of using troops with lawn mowers to keep the grass cut, the army lets a shepherd take over. About twice a week the shepherd brings his three dogs, and about 100 sheep in, and they stay all day. The dogs are quite intelligent, interesting to watch. No sheep gets a chance to stray off.

We also have some quite large rabbits on the post. They seem much larger than the ones at home. And, there are also many ravens around in the mornings. They look like our crows, but much bigger, and make more noise then our crows. Lots of purple martins (I think), and something that looks like a large wren.

I can't think of a thing that I really need right now, unless it would be steel wool. We have wooden in-laid floors, and the only way to really clean them is to brush out the foot prints with steel wool. Everything else I can get either at the PX or in town.

Cigarettes I don't need because everyone gets a carton and a half every week. Pall Malls sell the best on the black market, which is why they are very hard to get.

Going to chow soon, so will close. Please write soon.

Letters To Home - June 26, 1951

2007-12-23T21:04:00.000-05:00

Schweinfurt, Germany
June 26, 1951

The weather has been quite warm, but with about a half-hour of rain almost every day. It doesn't turn dark until about 10 p.m., and daylight arrives around 3 a.m. In time, were about 6 hours ahead of you people in the East.

On Sunday the whole battalion is going to a place called Wildflecken for two weeks of maneuvers. We'll be doing some firing, I think. This time, when we fire, I'll be pulling the lanyard. Our gunner is going to Erlangen for six weeks advanced training, so I moved up to assistent gunner. If I can hold on to the job, it means Corporal stripes. I've never done much shooting as yet, but do know how. Quite easy.

We got some new equipment for our day room (rec room) the other day. A new Brunswick pool table, a ping-pong table, two sofas, two easy chairs, four coffee tables, two desks, two floor lamps, and a Sonora combination radio and record player. Radios seem quite cheap here, but they run on 220 instead of 110, which means that, if you brought a radio with you from the States, or an iron, you will have to buy a little transformer to operate the appliance.

Last week we got our own tailor and presser, too. For $2.00 a month we can get all our pressing and tailoring done. Our laundry is free now. The German government pays for it. No more KP, either.

I'm writing this letter during lunch break, and it's almost time to fall out again. I hear we'll be moving into barracks at Wildflecken, so I should be able to write pretty regularly.

P. S. The papers have caught up with me, pretty regular.

Letters To Home - June 17, 1951

2007-12-23T20:34:00.000-05:00

Schweinfurt, Germany
June 17, 1951

We left Mannheim at 6 a.m. Friday, got here in Schweinfurt about 4 p.m. We drove here in convoy, towing our howitzers, saw some very beautiful country. There are a number of mountains in this part of Germany. On top of some of the mountains are old castles. When I get my camera I'll take some color pictures.

The camp here is nicer than many colleges. We live here in large brick apartments with individual rooms. Six of us are in my room, but some rooms have just two or three people. I understand that this was an airfield for German fighters during World War II. Is now called Conn Barracks. We have hot-water heat, air conditioning, showers on both floors, beds with inner-spring mattresses, painted walls and wooden floors. The grounds are nicely landscaped.

We pay $2.00 a month to the Germans, and they pull KP for us. Pretty nice deal.

Last evening seven of us went into Schweinfurt. We ate at a gasthaus, the Gasthaus Paul. I had one of the best restaurant meals that I've ever eaten. Weinerschnitzel, salad, potato salad, coffee, and 3-litres of beer. Total cost was less than 20 marks. That's about $4.50 American. Weinerschnitzel is something like breaded veal.

The German beer you get in town is just about the best you can drink. It isn't like the stuff they sell at the PX. It's about the color of cider vinegar, a bit sweet, and very powerful. I think I'll be eating in town regularly.

We rode back to camp in a taxi that looked something like a 1947 Kaiser, but smaller. It ran almost too fast, and was comfortable. The Germans seem to make great cars.

I was looking at the prices in store windows. Clothes are quite expensive, but cameras and food are pretty cheap. A Leica camera sells for about $385.00 in the States, but over here you can get one for about $85.00.

We have a few Germans working in the kitchen. The food seems to have improved since they arrived. We don't have our individual cooks here at camp. The whole battalion eats in a combined mess. However, when we start border patrol, and start staying in the field for weeks at a time, our cooks will be back with us. The mess hall must have been for officers only during the war. It is beautiful, has marble floors, hard-wood panels on the walls, and pictures on the walls, too.

I hope you got all the letters I wrote while on the ship. I got 3 issued of the newspaper while in Mannheim, May 24, 25 and 26. The rest haven't caught up with me as yet.

Letters To Home-December 27, 1951

2007-12-23T20:24:00.000-05:00

This is an addition to my Letters To Home, which describes my spending Christmas Day with a German family. I forgot to include this in my letter at the time, but will always remember it.

Growing up, I had always heard from my grandfather and my father, about how, in the days before electricity was common in homes, that the Christmas trees were decorated with actual lighted candles. The German family I visited on Christmas had a tannenbaum, of course, and along with the usual ornaments, tinsel, etc., there were actual lighted candles on the tree. One of the most beautiful things I've ever seen, especially in a semi-dark room. What they did to prevent the tree from catching fire, I don't know, but the people didn't appear to be concerned about it.

Letters To Home - December 27, 1951

2007-12-21T20:54:00.000-05:00

Schweinfurt, Germany
December 27, 1951

The weather is still cold, with rain this evening.

On Christmas day I went to celebrate with the German family, and what a wonderful time I had! I've finally found some people with bigger appetites than I have. The meal started about 11:30 a.m. with a glass of white wine apiece, very good wine, too. After the wine came a bowl of chicken soup with dumplings. Then we had roast goose, red saurkraut and baked potatoes. After that was roast pork with noodles and cheese, and more white wine.

For dessert there were two kinds of pudding, vanila and chocolate. I was quite full when the meal ended. Then, in the afternoon there was a big bowl of cookies, and something called kimmell to drink. Tastes kind of like spearmint, warms you up in a hurry.

We had supper about 8:00 p.m. This time there were all different kinds of cold cuts, potato salad, four kinds of cheese, and pickeled herring. For drinks we had the blackest beer I've ever seen, darker even then Coke. Then, after the supper was over, there were still two more kinds of drinks. One was a brandy made from oranges, and the other was a hot punch of some kind. It was quite a day; we had lots of fun.

There are four in the family. The older man, about 50, works on the street car line. He reminds me of Wallace Beery, the Hollywood actor, in appearance. His wife is about the same age, I guess, is very quiet but nice. Their son, Willie, walks with a limp, was in the German submarine service in the war. He now works in a bicycle repair shop. The son's wife, Amanda, is 23, works in a grocery store in Schweinfurt. She can speak a little English, I can speak a little German, and, after all, we had my German-English dictionary to fall back on. We got along all right after awhile. She's trying to learn English, seems to getting along quite well. The four live in a very comfortable apartment in a large building near the barracks that formerly housed a German tank unit.

I'm invited back for New Year's Eve, and will go if I'm not on guard duty or KP. I left about 11 p.m. They thought I was leaving too early.

The mail is really slow coming over. I haven't had any letters post-marked later than December 10. I guess the planes are pretty much grounded on account of the fog we've been having almost every day.

Letters To Home - December 23, 1951

2007-12-21T20:30:00.000-05:00

I was fortunate to spend one Christmas in Germany. The following are two letters I sent home during the Christmas season in 1951. I know that these are out of sequence, but I will get back in sequence in a day or two. The first letter, the one dated December 23, 1951, was written home just after the battery came back to our barracks after some time spent at Wildflecken, where we shot on the artllery range.

Schweinfurt, Germany
December 23, 1951

We're back from Wildflecken after two days of firing. Right now we have a three-day holiday. We're off until Wednesday morning, with nothing to do except eat and sleep.

Today is the day of our Christmas party for the German kids. They've started coming in already. It should be a fine party. I just came back from the E. M. Club, there is a big tree with all kinds of decorations. The Germans seem to celebrate Christmas almost as we do. Schweinfurt is all decorated with lights and trees. There is even a Santa Claus walking around on the sidewalks.

The two days at Wildflecken were fun. We got in the most firing we've done since we left Benning, and for the first time we got a chance to do some direct fire. We shot at an old pill box about 1600 yards away. Scored five direct hits out of six; the first round was a complete miss, but the next 5 right in the front door. We could probably make things rough for a tank at that range.

The weather at Wildflecken was the best I've ever seen for December. It's so high up in the hills that we were above the fog most of the time. It was pretty warm, too. As soon as we started back, and got below the fog line, it turned cold. Still pretty cold today.

On Christmas day, I'm going into Schweinfurt to spend the day with a German family. Five from each Battery were picked to go if we wanted too, and I was one of the lucky ones. I'm going in this afternoon to meet them, then will go again on Christmas day, to spend the whole day. The German families asked us not to bring any presents unless we really wanted to. If we do take a present, it should be something like fruit or candy, nothing that could be re-sold on the black market. The families are afraid that their neighbors will accuse them of inviting us just to get coffee and cigarettes to sell. I think it's pretty nice of them to do this for us.

I'm making out pretty fair on Christmas packages from the States. I got two the other day, and from people I did not expect would send me anything. One came from Cleveland, and the other from Youngstown. One package had cookies, candy, two decks of small playing cards, and a pen and pencil set. The other was a box of fudge. I have found out that five more are on the way. I'm eating well.

It's almost time for dinner, and we're having chicken today.

SATURDAY SWING SESSION CHRISTMAS SHOW

2007-12-20T23:48:00.000-05:00

Following is the line up of my live Christmas Jazz Radio Show on Saturday, 12/22/07 8PM EST at www.wqln.org
I hope that you can join me.

1. BRING A TORCH JEANETTE, ISABELLA - Philadelphia Brass
2. LIKE NUTTY OVERTURE - Shorty Rogers
(from CD "The Swinging Nut Cracker)
3. ARAB DANCE - Claude Thornhill Orchestra
4. BOUNCE OF THE SUGAR PLUM FAIRY - John Kirby Orchestra
5. WE THREE KINGS - The Swingle Singers
6. RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER - World's Greatest Jazz Band
Bob Wilber - clarinet
Billy Butterfield - vocal
Vic Dickenson - vocal
Bud Freeman - tenor sax
7. SLEIGH RIDE - Russ Peterson/Reuben Ristrom
Russ Peterson - flute
Reuben Ristrom - guitar
8. THE TOY TRUMPET - Raymond Scott Sextette
9. ONE HORSE OPEN SLEIGH - Robert DeCourmier Singers
10. BLUE REEDS - Shorty Rogers
(from CD "The Swinging Nut Cracker")
11. MIDNIGHT SLEIGHRIDE - Sauter-Finegan Orchestra
12. MEDLEY - Vikki Carr
JOLLY OLD ST. NICHOLAS
UP ON THE HOUSETOP
13. THE CHRISTMAS SONG - Nat "King" Cole
14. CHRISTMAS WALTZ - Russ Peterson/Reuben Ristrom
15. BELL CAROL BLUES - Scott Hamilton
16. ENGLAND'S CAROL (GOD REST YE MERRY, GENTLEMEN) -
Modern Jazz Quartet
17. SNOWFALL - Claude Thornhill Orchestra
18. DON'T WANT NO BLUES THIS CHRISTMAS - Dave McKenna
19. WINTER WONDERLAND - Johnny Mercer
with the Paul Weston Orchestra and The Pied Pipers
20. SILVER BELLS - Dave McKenna
21. CHILD'S PLAY - Sauter-Finegan Orchestra
22. MEDLEY - Dave McKenna
O LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM
MARY'S LITTLE BOY CHILD
23. JINGLE BELLS - Dick Wellstood
24. SANTA CLAUS IS COMIN' TO TOWN - Big Al Carson
25. HOOTIE'S CHRISTMAS BABY - Jay McShann/Jim Galloway
26. GOOD KING WENCESLAS - Sackville All-Stars
27. THE SHEPHERD'S PIPE CAROL - London Brass
28. IT CAME UPON THE MIDNIGHT CLEAR - Summit Reunion
29. THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS - Louis Armstrong
30. O TANNENBAUM - Mr. Jack Daniel's Original Silver Cornet Band
31. SANTA CLAUS BLUES - Bob Wilber & The Bechet Legacy
32. AWAY IN A MANGER - George Shearing
33. MEDLEY - Mark Shane's X-Mas All-Stars
OH DU FROHLICHE
ALLE JAHRE WIEDER
34. MY FAVORITE THINGS - Tony Bennett
35. GREENSLEEVES (WHAT CHILD IS THIS?) - Kenny Burrell
with the Gil Evans Orchestra
36. JOY TO THE WORLD - Mark Shane's X-Mas All-Stars
37. SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN - Nancy LaMott

Incidental music between tracks by Charlie Byrd - solo acoustic guitar

Letters To Home - June 12, 1951

2007-12-19T22:06:00.000-05:00

Mannheim, Germany
June 12, 1951

Arrived in Bremerhaven 7:45 a.m. Sunday, after a very smooth trip from England. The Channel and the North Sea both quite smooth, but chilly.

After berthing, we stayed on the ship until almost 8:30 in the evening, then boarded a train. Had a mis-conception about German railroads. One might think that, due to the war, the German railway system would be in shambles. Not so. The train we rode would stack up to almost anything in the States; air-conditioned, smooth road bed. The engine was steam, and fast.

From Bremerhaven to Mannheim is about 600 miles, which we made in 12 1/2-hours, counting stops. Our coach developed a hot box, so we had to transfer into another coach at Hanover. We stopped in Bremen and bought sandwiches, then made another stop in a litle town to pick up a kitchen car.

First impressions of Germany are favorable. Pretty little homes in a pretty country. Beautiful gardens, too. The rows are planted so neatly, almost geometric in design.

We are now living in large squad tents. We're scheduled to move out Friday to our permanent base. We were originally scheduled to go to Grafenvere, but now has been changed to Schweinfurt. We'll be living in barracks formerly used by the German flyers in World War II.

Six of us went into Mannheim to pick up some supplies. Have never seen so many bicycles before.

Understand we will be getting a cigarette allowance of 15 cartons per week, plus a pound of coffee or Nescafe. There seems to be a lively black market in operation here. Cigarettes are supposed to sell on the black market for eighteen marks per carton, which is about $4.50 U. S. We will pay $1.00 per carton.

We received our army money yesterday. American money not allowed here, except on the black market. The stuff we were issued reminds me of Monopoly money. No coins, either. The dollar and ten dollar bills are large. The nickel, dime, quarter and half-dollar bills are small and different color than the big bills. We use this money in the PX only. If we spend money in town, we must buy German money at the going rate of exchange. The German mark is presently worth 24-cents; for a dollar bill, we get in return four marks and twenty pfennigs.

I tried some German beer last evening; quite strong compared to the American kind. The German versions of Coke and Pepsi seem to be sweeter than American. We can buy a can of pork and beans for 10-cents. Coke is 5-cents per bottle, beer 10-cents a liter. Milk is also 10-cents a liter, and comes from Denmark. Ice cream is 25-cents per pint.

Letters To Home - June 9, 1951

2007-12-19T21:59:00.000-05:00

Aboard The William O. Darby
June 9, 1951

We went past the White Cliffs Of Dover at nine this morning. Beautiful sight, and the English Channel is as smooth as a duck pond. The North Sea has been quite smooth, too. Many fishing boats, quite far from land.

I got slightly sea sick the other day. Rough sea, and the propeller was coming out of the water once in awhile, vibrating the whole ship. One of the cooks gave me some soda crackers, told be to go out on deck and let the cold air hit me. It worked. I've heard that sour pickles will work, also.

The only bad feature of this trip, so far, is that I catch KP every other day. We also seem to lose two hours of time every other day, too, which means that I am short on sleep. Shipboard KP not bad at all. When we are finished after serving a meal, get to watch movies or loaf around.

Supposed to land in Bremerhaven about 7 a.m. tomorrow.

We all received the Royal Order of Atlantic Voyageurs from Neptune Rex, via Captain Hines. Something for my scrap book.

Letters To Home - June 7, 1951

2007-12-19T20:57:00.000-05:00

Aboard the William O. Darby
June 7, 1951

We left New York on Friday afternoon, on the good ship William O. Darby. Almost 500 miles off the coast of England today, and only about a thousand miles away from our destination in Germany. The trip has been quite smooth so far.

The ship seems quite fast, as ships go, averaging 20 m.p.h. Our quarters are air-conditioned, we have ice water, and the PX opens for two hours each day. They sell almost everything except beer and ice cream. The ship' food is quite good.

We are supposed to land at Bremerhaven, then go to Mannheim by rail. Will stay at Mannheim until the rest of the division arrives. The tanks are behind us, as is one Infantry group.

Letters To Home - May 30, 1951

2007-12-19T20:47:00.000-05:00

Camp Kilmer, New Jersey
May 30, 1951

The trip north was fine. Rode Pullmans, and I had a lower all to myself. Nothing to do except watch the scenery, or sleep. Food good, and plentiful.

Very busy during processing at Camp Kilmer during the day, but lots of free time.

Had the week-end off. Found out when I called Jean that her parents had invited my folks in for the week-end. I caught a southbound Pennsylvania local to Philadelphia, a bus to Haddonfield. Jean was waiting; we got to her home just as the folks arrived. They finally got delivery on a beautiful brand-new 1952 Dodge Coronet. Jean and I went out Saturday night for awhile

Spent most of the week-end at Haddonfield, then the folks drove me back to New Brunswick, where we spent Sunday night at a downtown hotel. Met Sgt. Petruzzi next morning in the coffee shop, went back to camp with him.

Monday evening 60 of us went by bus to the Polo Grounds in New York City to see the Braves beat the Giants. Good game, and close. Saw a rookie named, I believe, Mays hit a home run.

Got another overnight pass yesterday, so went back to Haddonfield. Jean met me at the bus stop. Spent the night at her home, then back to Kilmer this afternoon.

We'll be staying here until Friday, we hear. One of our officers went into New York to look over our ship. Has air-conditioning and fresh-water showers, he says.

Letters To Home - May 20, 1951

2007-12-19T20:43:00.001-05:00

Fort Benning, Georgia
May 20, 1951

The only units left on Sand Hill are the 44th Field Artllery (us) and a tank group over on the other hill. Will leave Thursday morning, headed for Camp Kilmer, New Jersey and should arrive there Friday.

Went swimming this afternoon at the main post, in the largest pool I've ever seen.

Still no training being done. Never thought I'd want to do any training, but life is quite dull without the other outfits here.

When we move out, a colored airbourne unit will be moving in. Some have arrived already; all quite large, in fine shape and mostly pleasant.

The word is that we'll be riding Pullmans on the trip north.

Letters To Home - May 17, 1951

2007-12-19T20:39:00.000-05:00

Fort Benning, Georgia
May 17, 1951

Still very hot during the day, cold at night. Went on a hike today; nothing else to do except play softball or sleep.

Many Canadian soldiers moving in. Our ordnance people left Saturday, and are to be replaced by the Canadians on Sunday.

Went to the main post last evening to hear the Charlie Spivak band. Another terrific outfit, less progressive that Elliott Lawrence, but good, just the same. Again ran into two friends from home. They are stationed in the Third Army, won't be going overseas.

Letters To Home - May 14, 1951

2007-12-19T20:34:00.000-05:00

Fort Benning, Georgia
May 14, 1951

Back from Jacksonville Beach Friday morning about 2:15. Wild trip back. Rode from Jacksonville to Willicoochie, Georgia with a salesman. After being dropped off, were escorted out of town by the police chief of Willicoochie just as a thunder storm was about to break. Luckily, another salesman came along, brought us into Columbus, where we caught a bus to Sand Hill.

Now supposed to leave early a.m. May 24, destined to Camp Kilmer, New Jersey. We've been having some German language classes for the past few days.

Letters To Home - May 9, 1951

2007-12-19T20:23:00.001-05:00

Jacksonville Beach, Florida
May 9, 1951

Too many troops doing nothing at camp, so most were given 3-day passes to go anywhere they want to go. McDonough, Bill Stewart and I hitched a ride here, have rented a small cottage right on the ocean. Went swimming in the Atlantic for the first time this afternoon. Locals thought the water was too cold, but seemed all right with me.
Got a ride from Columbus to Waycross, Georgia with two wild women; scary drivers, both of them. Then, from Waycross to Jacksonville, nice old couple in a big, new Cadillac.

Letters To Home - May 5, 1951

2007-12-18T22:35:00.000-05:00

Fort Benning, Georgia
May 5, 1951

Still very hot, with thunder storms now and then. Still playing lots of soft ball in the afternoons. Too hot for touch football.

Monday morning we're scheduled to have a Division Review for the Secretary of the Army; supposed to be televised on Vaughn Monroe's show. Movies will be made of it, too.

After the parade, "B" Battery is trucking out to the rest area for a big party. We all chipped in 50-cents; that should buy enough beer. The privates are going to challenge the non-coms to a soft ball game.

Watched the engineers loading our guns and trucks on flat cars. Amazing the amount of equipment the 44th has. Almost two miles of cars, and not done yet. Hope my request for train guard comes through.

We're getting our overseas shots now; typhus and yellow fever.

Told the folks to sell my old Dodge for what they can get. They'll hold the money until I get home.

Letters To Home - May 1, 1951

2007-12-18T22:27:00.000-05:00

Fort Benning, Georgia
May 1, 1951

Hottest weather of the spring so far. Not a cloud in the sky, not much of a breeze. Very little training since all our equipment is packed for the move. Have been playing lots of soft ball.

Out of sheer boredom, we talked the non-coms into a little close order drill. Some of the non-coms, who were in World War II, know about some of the fancy drills that the colored troops used, so we tried them out. We had fun, too, until the Colonel happened to spot us and put a stop to it. Captain Galloway came out, passed the word, then decided to drill the whole battery. Disaster, since the group was too large, and we couldn't hear his commands.

Supposed to leave May 20. I'm going to try for the job of guarding heavy equipment on the railroad trip north. Would ride in the caboose, see lots of the country.

I now have the rank of PFC, but, for some reason, the pay hasn't caught up with the orders. Maybe double pay next month.

Letters To Home - April 25, 1951

2007-12-18T21:48:00.000-05:00

Fort Benning, Georgia
April 25, 1951

Back in camp after leave. Went on leave April 12, drove with Sgt. Wyatt to Birmingham in his car. He's not one of my favorite non-coms, but we got along, and the trip was pleasant. On the way to Birmingham, we drove through a "dry" county, which means that no alcoholic drinks can be sold in that county. This is a perfect example of Yankee (or should I say Rebel?) thinking. On driving west, just before you come to the county line, there is a saloon with a large roadside sign announcing "last chance for a drink." After you drive through the county, just before you reach the county line, there is a large roadside sign about 100 yards from the border announcing "first chance for a drink," with another saloon at the border. Of course, if you are driving east, the signs are reversed. We had to stop at both of them, just to compare. I understand both saloons are owned by the same man. Business must be good.

Sgt. Wyatt dropped me off at a hotel in downtown Birmingham, where I sat in the lobby from about 5 p.m. until 10 p.m., waiting for the airport bus. The time went fast; the hotel quite busy, with comfortable chairs. At about 8 p.m. a very good band started in the ballroom, so time went swiftly after that.

The flight was on time; left around 12:30 a.m. April 13, enroute Birmingham to Pittsburgh, with a 20-minute stop in Chattanooga, Tennessee, via Capitol Airlines. After leaving Chattanooga, the pilot wandered through, spotted me in uniform, passed on the information that President Truman had just sacked General MacArthur. Guess this will be the first "war" (we're supposed to call it a "police action') that the United States is not trying to win. Regarding the "police action." I once almost earned myself a 3-day spot on K. P. by declaring, in too loud a voice, that I could not possibly be sent to Korea until I was issued my police whistle and billy club. Anyway, nothing came of it, but I was warned not to be too smart.

Went to sleep shortly after receiving the news, and my seat-mate wakened me about a 1/2-hour out of Pittsburgh. We arrived in a heavy fog, but the pilot got us down safe and sound. My personal funds were pretty low, so I rode the airport bus downtown, where a kind street car conductor took me out to Route 19 without charge. A truck hauling steel came along, the driver picked me up. As luck would have it, he was hauling steel for new construction at the college in my home town, and he dropped me off right at my front door.

Leave went faster than it should have. The weather was chilly compared to Georgia; rainy and a bit snowy most of the time, but it was good to rest up. I cranked up the old Dodge (circa 1942). It ran very well. Did lots of dancing, dating and visiting, with much good food. Everyone seemed happy to see me.

Since leaving Dix, I had been writing regularly to Jean, so she arranged things for me to stop over for 1 day enroute back to Benning. I left Youngstown, Ohio on a Saturday morning on a Capitol Airlines flight, which was at that time still using DC-3s. The flight was Youngstown to Philadelphia, with a stop at Wilkes-Barre. Arrived in Philadelphia, caught a local bus to Haddonfield, New Jersey, and Jean was waiting. Went to her place, met her folks, who were friendly. She borrowed the family car, went driving awhie, then to a movie. Stayed over at her place, and she drove me to the airport in the morning.

Got a flight from Philadelphia to Washington, D. C. Beautiful Lockheed Constellation. Smooth trip. Spent some time on stand-by at Washington, finally left Washington on Eastern Air Lines, enroute to Atlanta. Very rough trip. We had a scheduled stop at Charlotte, but spent over an hour circling there due to a thunder storm.

Finally got down, about two hours late, with quite a few sick passengers. Were late getting out of Charlotte for Atlanta, and didn't seem to make up any time. Eastern must be one of the slowest, inept airlines in the business.

Arrived in Atlanta late in the evening, tired and cross. Found a bus to Columbus, Georgia, got back to camp about 2 a.m., checked the duty roster, found that I was on the K. P. list. Wonderful welcome.

Almost everything here is packed for the big move north. Scuttlebutt has it that we'll be leaving for Germany on May 22. We'll go either to Dix or Camp Kilmer, New Jersey for over-seas processing.

Now very hot, but can now legally wear our summer uniforms.

Letters To Home - April 10, 1951

2007-12-17T22:05:00.000-05:00

Fort Benning, Georgia
April 10, 1951

Still on the job at Benning. Leave was supposed to start tonight at midnight, but, as usual, Headquarters screwed up and my new date is April 13.

Still quite warm, with lots of rain. Warm rain, though.

Saw no bear tracks near the chapel, but did carry the M-1, with the ends of the bullets filed off for expansion, just in case.

Letters To Home - April 6, 1951

2007-12-17T21:58:00.000-05:00

Fort Benning, Georgia
April 6, 1951

Leave officially starts on April 11, and should be home on April 12. I get 11 days total. Red and I are going over to Maxwell Field tomorrow to see about a hop in an army transport.

Hot and rainy yesterday, cooler today.

The guard job is working out fine. Have every other day off, with all the sleep i need. Lon and I are trading posts to keep variety in our lives. Had the motor pool site last time, close to the Central Of Georgia tracks. A long, fast freight goes through every morning about three, so I try to manage the shift to be at the tracks when it goes through.

Lon claims he saw bear tracks near the chapel on his tour, but I wonder if maybe he's trying to work on my mind. He's from the hills of West Virginia, though, and maybe knows bear tracks when he sees them. Anyway, I'll be walking post around the chapel this evening with a borrowed M-1.

Letters To Home - April 1, 1951

2007-12-17T21:51:00.000-05:00

Fort Benning, Georgia
April 1, 1951

Almost everyone is gone now from Sand Hill. Mighty lonesome. The leaves started coming through about 5:30 last evening, and from then until after midnight there was massive confusion. Things quieted down close to dawn.

Pulled my first tour of guard duty yesterday, have all day today off, go back on duty at 11:30 a.m. tomorrow. This week should be a snap. I'll walk guard duty for 8 hours out of the 24, then have 24 hours off; not exactly as promised before Lon and I volunteered, but acceptable.

We're all messing at Headquarters Battery. One cook from each battery stayed back, so food is excellent. Chicken today for dinner. Best I've had so far in the service. Should be on leave sometime between April 10 and April 15.

Got promoted to PFC yesterday, this time for good performance, not time-in-grade. Maybe Corporal in a month or two.

Weather still warm. Spring peepers now active, and the dogwood is blooming.

Letters To Home - March 25, 1951

2007-12-17T16:22:00.000-05:00

Fort Benning, Georgia
March 25, 1951

Another very hot day. Violets in the lawn, and bluebirds everywhere. The robins have apparently all gone back up north, I guess. Many mockingbirds, though. I sure do wish we had them in Pennsylvania.

Hear that the folks are getting a new 1952 Dodge. Guess the 1941 wore out.

Went to the main post Sunday to catch the Elliott Lawrence Band in concert. Terrific outfit, even though one of the tenor sax men appeared to be elsewhere. The band has really changed direction since 1948. I caught them at a dance in Cleveland then; the band was playing dance-type music, and actually got booed by the Cleveland dancers, who were apparently more used to Sammy Kaye. Now, the band has some fine swing arrangements, swings wonderfully well. The audience at the main post was a sell-out, and quite appreciative of the music.

I ran into two of the guys from home while at the concert. I didn't know that they were in Georgia, let alone in the army. One told me that Paul, who went to Dix with me, is headed for Korea. Understand that he is in a 4.2 heavy mortar outfit. Strange. That's a pretty heavy weapon. Paul was always sick in high school, supposed to have heart problems then. The 4.2 is not for a guy with health problems.

Slight change in the leave situation. Ten guys have to stay behind to pull guard duty and K. P., so Lon and I volunteered (one should not do that, I know), with the understanding that we would pull guard duty only, no K. P. duty. We'll do this until someone comes back from leave to relieve us. Guard duty will be: two hours on and four hours off for 24 hours, and then free of duty for 36 to 50 hours, depending. This way, I'll miss all the rush in getting out of camp, since the 12th Infantry, and the 42nd, and the 29th Artillery are all leaving on April 1, too. I have finally decided to use the train to get home, subject to change.

Letters To Home - March 18, 1951

2007-12-17T16:19:00.000-05:00

Fort Benning, Georgia
March 18, 1951

Raining again today. They call it a "Frog Strangler" down here.

Finished our training on March 14, don't have much to do. Saturday we'll be taking part in a big parade for General Church at the main post.

Got in 12 brand-new Garand M-1 rifles for the rifle team. Also, some of the big 3.5-inch bazookas.

Letters To Home - March 13, 1951

2007-12-17T16:08:00.000-05:00

Fort Benning, Georgia
March 13, 1951

Weather has made a turn for the worse. Very cold, with actual snow. The natives appear to be in shock, as are most of the Californians. Only supposed to last a day or so.

The demonstration by the air force was terrific. A mortar company from the 4th. shot some smoke to indicate the target. An infantry officer then called in the air support. They worked the target over with their machine guns, dropped some 500-lb. bombs, dropped some napalm, finally finished with rockets. Very, very impressive.

While at the demonstration, ran into my old buddy, the disgraced squad leader from basic. He is still a Private, in the 22nd Infantry, appears to be the class clown.
Didn't have much to say.

We took our gunnery tests this afternoon, and "B" Battery took top honors for the entire 4th Division.

We took a 6-mile forced march yesterday afternoon; took just one hour to do it. Then, played two hours of touch football. We'll be playing football again this afternoon.

Latest scuttle-butt is, according to the Captain, that we will get leaves starting March 29. The whole battalion will shut down for 15 days, possibly less. The 42nd Infantry is shutting down the same time, so there will be a hectic time getting out of town.

Latest scheme; some are planning to hire a bus to Pittsburgh if enough guys are interested and can be located.

Signed up for the battalion rifle team today. We will be shooting competition against other outfits in the 4th Division.

Letters To Home - March 8, 1951

2007-12-17T15:59:00.001-05:00

Fort Benning, Georgia
March 8, 1951

Back in camp after maneuvers. Haven't done much of anything since we came back. Tomorrow the air force is giving a demonstration. Sixteen F-84s are coming in from Polk Air Base to shoot up some targets, drop bombs, napalm, etc., and fire rockets. Should be a good show. The planes went over this afternoon, quite low, and in perfect formation.

Learning to shoot the .50-caliber machine gun this afternoon. The .50 will be our main protection against air attack, will be mounted on the roof of our gun truck's cab on an anti-aircraft mount. I shot the .50 at Dix in basic, but there was not enough ammo to really work it over, and the training guns didn't work too well.

Latest word on training is that we'll most likely be here until May 1, but that leaves will start around March 28. Hope my leave will be scheduled after pay day. Am looking into train schedules. Can leave Columbus on Centrl Of Georgia Railroad at 3 p.m., arrive in Pittsburgh at 8:55 the next morning. Not bad. Also, can get a special rate by rail.

Weather is still hot. When it rains, the rain is warm. Very beautiful in the country. Lillies in bloom, also peach and apple blossoms.

Letters To Home - March 4, 1951

2007-12-17T15:48:00.001-05:00

Fort Benning, Georgia
March 4, 1951

Still on maneuvers. Will be out until Wednesday morning. Rained a bit this morning, and a bit cooler, but still better than being up north. Winter seems to be about over here.

Went out Thursday night and fired some time-fire for the officers. We were shooting at 2400-yards, with fuses set for 9.2 seconds, which made the shells burst about 100 feet off the ground. Quite pretty to watch. Driving back to the barracks, were quite startled to see (and hear, because of the language) bodies dropping from the sky. Seems that a night-training mission by the airbourne had gone astray, and they were falling directly into our area. No one hurt, I hear.

Friday afternoon we marched twelve miles; much griping and complaining from the softer souls. Not too bad, except Spring in Georgia is getting warm. We're in the hilly section of the state, so the terrain is rugged at times.

Captain Galloway told us this morning that as soon as we finish our artillery basic, we'll all get a 7-day leave, plus travel time. I should get either 10 or 12 days, travel time being figured at 500 miles per day. If I fly, that will put me away ahead of the game. Our 8-weeks training is finished on March 14.

Nothing doing this afternoon, so most of us pitched some horse shoes, then got together for a game of touch football. We use the packing shoes off the shells for horse shoes. They work quite well.

Letters To Home - March 1, 1951

2007-12-17T15:34:00.000-05:00

Fort Benning, Georgia
March 1, 1951

We have been on maneuvers five days now. No major problems. We're sleeping twelve to a tent; nights are warm, and daytime temperatures are in the low 90s. I wouldn't care if we stayed out here for a month or so.

Now the story is that we will get just 7 days leave. The famous service scuttle-butt
is now working full-time.

Another story. The 4th Division (this outfit, included) will be going overseas, either to France or Germany after we finish artillery training. We'll be augmenting "The Big Red One," the 1st. Infantry Division there, which seems to make sense since all our cadre is former 1st. Division. Some have families back in Germany, too. That sounds much better than Korea.

Have fired quite a bit so far; tomorrow, our first experience in night firing. We put on a demonstration Tuesday for a colored infantry outfit. They didn't seem to be afraid of the gun, as many others are, especially our own Headquarters Battery when they happen to be around while we are firing. However, a few made the mistake of standing off to the side of the muzzle when we fired. They were warned to move back, found out that is a very bad place to stand, since most of the muzzle-blast goes to the sides and front of the gun; very little to the rear. Some left with ringing ears and headaches. Muzzle blast from a 105 can be rough. I found that out for myself early in the game.

"A" Battery shot over us Tuesday. We were allowed to go to within about 200 yards from the impact area. Quite impressive. War movies do not do justice to the actual.