P.S.
I am being recommended for "The Legion of Merit". Add cole slaw
to the meal.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lenggries,
Germany
May
18, 1945
Dear
Mother,
I
am staying in an ex-German military academy about thirty miles south
of Munich. I have a sizable area under my control to secure and
get settled. However, most of it consists of mountains and since
there are about three hundred SS troops up in the mountains who
have refused to surrender the are is not exactly settled. I have
sent them an ultimatum giving them until noon tomorrow to surrender
or to be hunted down and shot on sight. My peep driver and I captured
37 yesterday but they didn't put up any fight which was a good thing
since we were lost in the mountains and had no help around. Tell
Jug Haid I collected a few more lugers. I had a high German general
report in to me yesterday with a request to establish his C.P. here
while he tried to get all of his troops down out of the mountains.
However, he received such a rude reception from me that he has moved
over to Beverley's area and I hear that Beverley is trying to persuade
him to move back over here before he gets killed. Caught a colonel
today who objected to walking because his boots hurt so I sat him
on the hood of my peep and rode him twenty miles over a mountain
trail. I'll bet something else hurts tonight besides his feet. We
had a physical check-up today and the doctor says I will probably
be ineligible for combat duty in the Pacific because I have had
a stomach ulcer. Will those fools never admit when they're wrong?
Now, I'll have to get started working my way over there just to
prove them wrong again. They're more trouble than the enemy. I am
one of the three remaining original Bn. C.O.'s in this entire division.
Am enclosing the citation we got from Col. Lubberman for our fight
in Luxembourg. The Div. Commander would not approve us for a Presidential
citation so I guess that is all we'll get. Must close as it is late.
I received two boxes last week and we really enjoyed them. Remit
another. I am saving my Confederate flag for you as a souvenir.
I hauled it down on V-E day.
Love
to all,
Claude
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fleck,
Germany
May
25, 1945
Dear
Father-Dess,
I
received Mother's letter telling me of your operations and what
a tough time you've had of it. I am certainly relieved to hear that
you are now getting along better. As soon as you are able to travel
I wish both you and Mother would go on down to Miami and spend about
a month. I'm sure it would do both of you a lot of good and you
can turn your office over to Jug Haid until you've fully recovered.
On second thought maybe you'd better lock up the office so you'll
have one left to come back to. Neither of you have had a real vacation
in a long time and you'd better take one before all of us get home
because then you'll be pretty busy explaining to Billie Brilton
and the Sheriff that it couldn't possibly have been your children
who blew up the monument after the dance. I hope you will feel free
to use my account to the limit both for hospital expenses and the
trip for the money is of no use to me. I believe that you have authority
to cash those war bonds of mine if you need to. I am going to spend
a week in London so I expect to see both William and Clifton if
they are still in that vicinity. I'd certainly like to find someplace
where I wouldn't see a uniform of any type. We are all very interested
in what will be worked out with the Russians on the occupation.
I hope the politicians don't mess everything up and that America
will show that she won't tolerate any funny stuff. The weather here
in the Alps is cold and I'm still wearing long underwear. This is
really good hunting and fishing weather though. Must close and get
some sleep. I hope you will soon be up and please take care of yourself
until you've fully recovered. I expect to hear that both of you
are in Miami very shortly.
Love
to all,
Claude
P.S.
How do you like the General's stationery?
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fleck,
Germany
May
25, 1945
Dear
Mother,
Received your letter tonight about Father-Dess's operation. I am
certainly glad to hear that he is on the road to recovery and know
it must have been a tough pull. Wish we could have been with you
during the critical period. Why didn't you say something about it
in your last letter? You can say what you want to about premonitions
but I woke up on May 1st in the middle of an artillery barrage dreaming
that Father-Dess was desperately ill. It worried me all the next
day until I figured that I was so scared of the barrage I was probably
dreaming that I was ill. I wish you'd find out what the total cost
of the operation will be and see that everything is paid for from
my account. Then as soon as he is able to travel both of you go
on down to Miami for at least a month with Uncle Oliver. I'll pay
for the whole trip so you'd better take advantage of it now before
I get home and squander my money bailing Jug Haid out of various
and sundry jails. I am leaving Wednesday for London. Seems that
I waited until the war ended to get a case of jangled nerves so
I think a week away from the outfit might settle me down. This business
of not having anything to do has probably gotten me nervous. I intend
to see both William and Clifton if I can locate them. Think I can
get a plane from Munich to Paris and then another one from Paris
to London. Am taking Hutchison with me to carry the suitcases. I
am sitting here drinking a can of American beer. I don't like the
taste of it but I'm drinking it because it tastes like America and
besides we only get one can per week. I went mountain goat hunting
yesterday and ended up killing an old billy goat belonging to some
farmer. The Battalion is still laughing, but I have rounded up eight
good German Cato cavalry horses in the hills and I think I'll just
make everyone take equitation's. Then I will laugh. I hear the 1st
Army is headed for the Pacific. If Dessie gets over there in the
same locality with Thomas I guess I'd better get on over there to
preserve peace in the family. Tell Dessie to keep his rifle trained
on Thomas or he'll pull every tooth in his head while he's still
talking. Tell Father-Dess to take care of himself and to stay away
from the office until he has completely recovered. I expect to hear
from both of you in Miami within a month.
Love
to all,
Claude
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fleck,
Germany
May
29, 1945
Dear
Mother,
Received
your letter of the 20th stating that Father-Dess is getting on fine
and I am certainly glad to hear it. Now if both of you will just
head for Miami as I suggested he will probably be buzzing around
in no time. You can tell the folks at home who inquire that I'll
be home after I get a whack at the Japs. If Thomas and his marine
friends can't even get out of a boat without banging up his leg
I guess the Army will have to go on over and straighten things out
for them. Next time you write Thomas tell him to have the Marines
hang on to what they have as the Army is coming over to save them.
Are you sure he didn't hurt his leg on purpose? I understand if
we go to the Pacific we will get 21 day furloughs in the States
en route so I am all for it. I am fed up on this Army of occupation.
They even have us practicing the tests that we had to pass before
we came to Europe. Kind of like sending us back to kindergarten
after finishing college. I don't know whether I'll get to London
or not as my leave request hasn't come back yet. If they disapprove
it, I think I'll just up and go AWOL. I haven't been in trouble
now in over a week. Must close as I have a class to teach. Tell
Father-Dess to take life easy and not to fool around his office
until he has fully recovered.
Love
to all,
Claude
P.S. Did you get my menu for my first meal at home? Also can you
send me some hooks and fishing line? I'm tired of trying to catch
them with a pin.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lenggries,
Germany
June
15, 1945
Dear
Mother,
I
arrived back from England yesterday. I did a lot of hitchhiking
at Clemson but this is the first time I ever hitchhiked around Europe
by plane. We caught a plane in Munich and got to Paris, spent one
night there and then flew on to London. Found Clifton and spent
six days with him. He got the Col. of his base to fly us back in
a B-17 and Clifton came along. They spent last night and today with
me and left this afternoon for England. Clifton was really loaded
down with pistols, rifles, shotguns, and daggers. They even took
a German motorcycle back with them. They would have taken a German
tank if the bomb bay had been big enough to get the tank through.
Clifton's group may move to a field only 20 miles from me pretty
soon. He hasn't heard anything about going home. I saw William twice
but I guess he'll be home before this letter gets there. He left
today. I certainly enjoyed my trip. I'm just beginning to realize
how much my nerves were on edge before I took leave. They seem to
be O.K. now though. Glad to see from your letters that Father-Dess
is getting along so well. Know he is glad to get out of the hospital.
If you think the trip to Miami is too far why don't you go to Pawley's
for a month. I know William would want to go and he should be home
by now. If you'll find a cottage you can charge the rent to my account.
I just heard from a pretty reliable source that the 10th is going
to be in the Army of occupation. At least we're not in the group
slated to leave Europe between now and Jan. 1946. We have just been
shifted back into 3rd Army so it looks bad. I'm going to have to
calculate some way to get out of this mess. Are you and Father-Dess
still on friendly terms with Jimmy Byrnes? Maybe I'll write Truman
a letter this time. Paris and London must have really been the places
to fight the war. Next war I'm going to get in the rear echelon
and try out London. I had a little trouble the night we spent in
Paris with the gendarmes. They became rather upset about 3 A.M.
when I unhitched one of the horses from a hack and started riding
him home down the main drag. Our M.P.'s intervened and escorted
me back out to the airport, saw that I had a plane for London, and
requested that I just skip Paris on my way back to Munich. I think
I'll see De Gaulle about those gendarmes. I had already paid the
driver of the hack more than the horse was worth for driving me
six blocks. I knew Jug Haid was going to get into trouble with one
of those girls. Kind of a fast marriage isn't it? I must investigate
that when I get home. Tell him Clifton ran off with him luger but
I'll get him a dog house instead. That's probably what he'll need
now anyway. Must close and get some sleep as I didn't sleep a wink
last night with Clifton's snoring. Am sending you a write-up for
the county record.
Love
to all,
Claude
Lt.
Col. R.C. McCabe of Kingstree recently flew from Munich, Germany
to England to visit Captain E.C. Kinder also of Kingstree. After
a delightful visit Col. McCabe flew back to Munich accompanied by
Captain Kinder for a return visit. During his visit Capt. Kinder
enjoyed some SS hunting which is a popular sport in Col. McCabe's
area.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Weilheim,
Germany
June
22, 1945
Dear Mother,
Hope
Father-Dess is still improving. Also that both of you are down at
Pawley's taking life easy. I heard from Dessie today. He didn't
know when he'd be starting home. I had a chance to take over a Bn.
in an armored division which is slated to leave for the Pacific
but I suspect that it is going direct and via the States so I didn't
accept as I certainly want to come by home before I start tangling
with the Japs. I moved this week to an area about 20 miles SW of
Munich. It is a much better area. I am living in a baron's chateau
on the edge of town. Admiral Horthy's niece is my housekeeper. Don't
get excited. She is about 60 years old. I have been given 13,000
SS troops to guard. It is a mean job as they are a tough bunch.
I expect I'll kill off half of them before it's over. Tell Roy Epps
I expect to be home about the time the barbequing starts. That is
if there's anything else to barbeque. I am sending Clifton five
pistols and a dagger next week. We have arranged a smuggling system
via Paris since pistols can't be sent through the mail. Next time
you hear from me I'll be in the Bastille. I have received the Oak
Leaf Cluster to the Bronze Star. It looks like I'll never get that
Legion of Merit because of my enemies in Div. Hq. Must close as
it's pretty late. Don't let William eat up everything before I get
home.
Love
to all,
Claude
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Weilheim,
Germany
July
2, 1945
Dear
Mother,
Well
I guess William has completely cleaned up the country ham by now.
I can see if I'm the last one to get home I'll just be out of luck.
I know when this division is sailing but of course I may not still
be with the division then. Things are changing fast around here
so I don't know what the future holds for me. I have gotten my physical
status changed to when I am eligible for Pacific duty by plenty
of persuasion and threats of violence. Mostly threats! If these
doctors tangle with me one more time, Father-Dess will have to represent
me in a manslaughter case. I had a Bn. parade on Saturday where
the General presented decorations to 51 of my men. He told us we
were the best marching men in this division. I think he must be
near-sighted. I had him over to lunch after the parade. Did you
say "politician". Had venison steaks from my hunting lodge and my
housekeeper fixed some Hungarian punch which practically finished
off the group before lunch was served. Thomas wrote me about you
wanting him to get a discharge. Is that necessary or just what is
the reason? If you and Father-Dess are in need of money I expect
you to use mine including the cashing in of the war bonds if necessary.
If you want Thomas discharged it will have to be done through the
Red Cross and you must prove that he is the sole support available
for the family and I don't see how you can prove that. If it is
a matter of money I wish you would let me know as my bank will advance
me any reasonable amount and I certainly don't need money now nor
for quite a while. I plan to fly up to Crailsheim Saturday to see
General Daniel who commands the 1st Armored Division now. He was
my C.O. when I was in Div. Arty Hq. at Benning. The weather here
has been awful for a week. We wear overcoats part of the time. I
understand that Obie is probably being transferred to VI Corps Hq.
Must close as it is getting late. Glad to hear that Father-Dess
is getting along so well. Make him take it easy until he has completely
recovered. Hope Jug Haid doesn't faint during the wedding ceremony.
Don't let him forget the ring.
Love
to all,
Claude
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Weilheim,
Germany
July
16, 1945
Dear Mother,
Well
I guess Jug Haid will be shaking in his boots tomorrow. Hope you
people have him guarded so he won't take off for Santee swamp before
the wedding. I had a farewell luncheon for some of my officers who
are being transferred yesterday. As usual we ran out of food. I
had a date with Countess Horthy so now everyone is calling me "Count
McCabe". She was rather cute and spoke excellent English but she
wants to come back to America with us when we leave so I may have
to leave here fast. Things are mighty dull around here. There isn't
much to do except wait on our boat. The 10th is scheduled to sail
early in November. Maybe you can expect me for Thanksgiving dinner.
Tell Grace to add cranberry sauce to that menu I sent earlier. Obie
has reached the depths as far as I am concerned. He has become General
Morris' aide. If that isn't the lowest job an officer can attain
I'd like to know which one is. Especially to be a flunky for a politician
like Morris. I understand since taking over as aide Morris has awarded
him the Silver Star but I haven't seen it in orders yet. The food
situation around here is pretty tight. I'm guarding 12,000 SS troops
and we're feeding them the smallest ration we can. Must close as
it's pretty late. Tell J.H. I want he and his new boss to chaperone
me for a week at Pawley's when I get home.
Love
to all,
Claude
P.S.
I have been put in for the following decorations: Another Silver
Star, the Legion of Merit, the DSC, the French Croix de Gueue, the
Luxembourg Croix de Gueue. Wonder if I'll get any of them.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Swabish
Hall, Germany
July
27, 1945
Dear
Mother,
I
think my goose is cooked as far as getting home in the near future.
I have been transferred to the 1st Armd Div. which is going to be
in the Army of occupation. General Daniel who was Division Arty
C.O. of the 10th when I was in Div. Arty is now commanding the 1st
Armd Div. and he asked for me by name so they rushed my over here.
Beverly was shifted over too and he is about to chew off all his
fingernails. The 10th A.D. is being used mostly as a replacement
outfit now so all my officers and men had been practically transferred
out by the time I left. It certainly hurt to see my Bn. scattered
to the four winds after three years of building it into a fighting
unit. I am now located about 35 miles NE of Stuttgart where Clifton
will be stationed when his outfit moves in here as part of the occupation
Air Force. I guess if he and I get together again they will no doubt
ship us both home (to Leavenworth). The city I'm living in now is
one that I shot up during combat and now I'm sorry I didn't skip.
It is really beat up. I am Executive Officer of combat command "A"
which is not exactly to my liking as I'd rather have my own outfit.
However, my C.O. is a pretty good fellow and I knew him back at
Ft. Myer in 1938. Beverly has an Arty Bn. but he wants to go home
and see Hank. I am about 130 miles from where I was and it is really
hot after leaving those mountains. Practically all my clothes were
in the wash so I plan to fly back this weekend and pick them up.
Woe is me. Just save that ham as I believe my ulcers are going to
start raising cain.
Love
to all,
Claude
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hall,
Germany
August
5, 1945
Dear
Mother,
I
have just returned from a trip to look over our permanent occupation
area which we expect to move into next week. It is at Wiesbaden,
about thirty miles west of Frankfurt. A pretty nice area right on
the Rhine with nice quarters including a private swimming pool in
my back yard. I stopped by the 3rd Armd Div. en route to do a little
politicing but they didn't have any vacancies for a Lt. Col. I'm
still trying to work my way into a unit bound for the Pacific via
the States. I have no idea of sitting over here in the Army of occupation.
General Daniel went on a week's leave this week and wouldn't take
me because I was "too young". He expects to get 30 days in the States
in October. Let me know where Dessie is located as I wouldn't be
surprised if we aren't pretty close together. I have really been
eating since I arrived here. I guess not having a Bn. to worry over
has increased my appetite. We have an excellent officer's mess.
I ran into a Lt. Col. Cheves from Anderson on my trip. He is a good
friend of Bill Orr's (West Point roommate). I had supper with him
last night and he had his cook prepare rice and roast beef. We really
stuffed and I told him I'd be by for more rice next week. Did you
buy me a wedding present for Jug Haid? Please do or I'll never hear
the last of it. Remember Louise Britt, the girl from Rock Tavern,
N.Y. whom you met at West Point? She writes that she's getting married
this month to an officer in the Air Corps. I have another gun on
the way home. It is an old museum piece and after you clean it up
you should hang it in the living room. Tell Bunky to keep her paws
off of it. By the way since the war ended I notice an abrupt halt
to all boxes. Just remember that my stomach functions during peace
as well as war. How about some canned goods--I know you have plenty
of points. Send me some salad spread. I'll finish the bread. Well,
must close and see what the Col. has mangled up since I've been
gone.
Love
to all,
Claude
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hall,
Germany
August
9, 1945
Dear
Father-Dess,
Glad
to hear from Mother that you're getting along so well. Know it must
feel good to be up and about again. We were scheduled to move to
our permanent occupation zone on Wednesday but I doubt if we move
before Sunday. It is about thirty miles NW of Frankfurt and near
Cobleng. It looks as though I'm going to be stuck over here another
year unless I can pull something. I have just found out that a friend
of mine is in the Theatre G-1 office at Frankfort so I intend to
drop in and see him. Now with the atomic bomb and Russia in the
war I would not be surprised if Japan doesn't fold up before X-mas.
I am very anxious to get back to the States and establish residence
in a state where I can start divorce proceedings. Do you know if
there's any way that I could transfer my residency from S.C. to
N.C. by stating that I wish to do so but am prevented from doing
so because of military duties. Or could I get Uncle Oliver to file
residency for me in Miami by my statement that I wish to establish
residency there. I believe both N.C. and Fla. require six months
residency before divorce proceedings are filed. I also read where
some states will grant an annulment because of fraud when one of
the parties conceals insanity before marriage. If you can find out
anything on the above I would appreciate it as I am convinced that
Mary and her family are perfectly content with things as they are
as long as the money comes in every month. I wrote her in May and
told her that I didn't care to hear from her anymore unless she
went ahead and started divorce proceedings. She wrote back a very
nasty letter. I think she's still batty. Also could you get me an
affidavit from the state hospital and one from the state hospital
in Ga. as I imagine I will need that when I start proceedings. I
also may need a copy of the marriage certificate, which is filed
in the court house in Columbus, Ga. As soon as things settle down
after the war I intend to try out a civilian job and I don't want
this thing hanging over my head when I do. While the fighting was
going on I could forget it but now I'd like to get it finished off.
I can't say much for my new job. It's supposed to be a step-up but
I'd much prefer a Bn. I haven't done an honest day's work since
I left the 419th. I'll bet I develop ulcer trouble if they don't
send me back to the States. I'm liable to get combat fatigue just
sitting around here thinking. Haven't had any excitement since I
stole the horse in Paris. I wrote Mother to let me know where Dessie
was as when we move we'll be almost on the 7th and 9th Army's boundary
where I presume he is. The Army Educational Program starts in the
Division, so I am studying mathematics and surveying. In the 419th
I had an excellent transit from my survey section to work with but
now that I'm in a Combat Command I don't have any transit. I guess
I'll have to borrow Beverly's if he will trust me. He certainly
is a sad sack lately. He says Hank will be fighting in the Pacific
before he ever gets back home. I hope you got Jug Haid married off.
Expect it will keep him out of jail for a while. He ought to make
a good chaperone for Pawley's when I get back. Must close and pack
as the Col. just came in and told me to go up to our new area tomorrow
and pick out a good set of quarters for us. I guess he don't know
that I still sleep best in a cellar.
Love
to all,
Claude
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Weisbaden,
Germany
Dear
Mother,
I
located Dessie yesterday about twelve miles from me. They have his
outfit working on bridges across the Rhine. He expects to remain
at his present location for about two more weeks before they move
to another bridge. He seems to be in good health but doesn't know
when he will get home. His Bn. is at present in 7th Army which is
Army of occupation but of course many of the units now in 7th Army
will go back to the States. Dessie is just about as tall as William
and most of his talking was on the subject of food. I'll probably
bring him up here this weekend if he can get a pass. Beverley came
over to see me Sunday still moaning about going home. He is afraid
he may have to stay here another year, but I told him I expect to
be home by X-mas. I have put in for the Command and Staff course
at Leavenworth beginning in October and upon completion of the course
in December I would get 30 days leave before coming back to Germany.
That is if they're able to get me back to Germany. Hope the application
is approved as I certainly am not doing much work over here. If
you're able to buy schick razor blades again I wish you'd send me
some as I can't get them over here. Also you ought to be able to
get sardines again soon. Let me know if you hear anything about
Bill Orr being found in China or Japan. I may fly down to the 10th
Armd this week to try and swipe my Bn. standard. Beverley got away
with his and so far they haven't caught him. They are supposed to
be turned in to the W.D. when the Division is demobilized. Must
close as I have some work to do before lunch. Did the box with the
antique rifle ever get home?
Love
to all,
Claude
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Weisbaden,
Germany
August
24, 1945
Dear
Mother,
Go
ahead and give Roy the gun I sent home and I'll see about getting
myself another one. The military governor here is a good friend
of mine so I'll just tell him to produce and pick out the one I
want. Tell Roy I expect a good piece of barbeque as swap on that
gun. I am flying down to the 10th Armd area tomorrow to try and
get away with my Bn. standard. Expect to get back Sunday. The military
governor just came in to try and borrow twenty trucks from me. He
got the trucks after promising me that I could come over and pick
out any shotgun I wanted so tell Roy to take the one at home. Military
Govt. has about 1000 shotguns locked up so I really intend to pick
a good one. Got a letter from Hutchison today and he says he hears
that the 10th Armd may not sail until January. Everything is mixed
up now. Must close and try to find the 20 trucks I promised that
Joe.
Love
to all,
Claude
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Weisbaden,
Germany
September
6, 1945
Dear
Mother,
I
forwarded Mrs. Trott's letter on to Col. Cherry who was her brother's
Bn. C.O. as I didn't find him. I wrote her that I had sent it on.
The 10th is pulling out next week but not many of the old members
are left in it. Only one regular Army officer per division is allowed
to return with the divisions going back to the States so it looks
as though we're going to have a tough time getting back. We are
moving again next week. Every time I get settled down, some Brass
Hat, with nothing else to do moves a pin on the map and off we go
again. Dessie was supposed to spend last Sunday with me, but as
he didn't show up I presumed his outfit has moved. He expected to
move shortly. This is certainly a dull life. Think I'll go burn
down a few houses.
Love
to all, Claude
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
October
30, 1945
Monday
night
Dear
Father-Dess,
Received
your letter today and was very glad to hear about the annulment
law in Fla. I think that would be much simpler than the divorce.
However, in just what status would that place Mary? It seems to
me that is a ruling which puts us both in the position of having
lived together for a year without being legally married. If that
is the case I would prefer to use that as a last resort. I'd like
to get my residency established in Fla., get the suit ready, and
then notify Mary that unless she divorces me immediately I will
go ahead and have the marriage annulled. I am writing General Henry,
who is G-1 of the War Dept., explaining the situation to him and
asking if I can be ordered to a station in Fla. for two months until
I get this thing straightened out. I would like to be ordered there
immediately upon completion of the school, report in, and then take
my 30 days furlough. Then the furlough time would be counted as
time stationed in Fla. I would prefer to go direct to him rather
than Marshall as he is in charge of all officer assignments and
is an old Armored Forces officer. I believe it would be better to
leave Mary alone at least until I hear from General Henry. You might
tell her that I expect a 30 day leave in February or March and you'd
prefer to wait until I get home. I'll let you know as soon as I
get a reply from General Henry. This school is getting duller every
day. I fall asleep in every class. It's amazing that we won this
war with all the hidebound rules and red tape that this course reveals.
According to the instructors anyone who fought overseas without
first taking this course was just lucky not to have had his outfit
wiped out due to his ignorance. Needless to say the students hold
a slightly different viewpoint on the matter and some of them are
not very bashful about getting up and stating their opinion. I wish
you'd thank Uncle Oliver for all the trouble he has gone to for
me and tell him I appreciate it very much. Must close and start
collecting up the books I have to carry to class tomorrow. Tell
Mother those sox must belong to Col. Dewey my C.O.
Love
to all,
Claude
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
November
7, 1945
Tuesday
Dear
Mother,
Things
are pretty dull around here. I think I'm passing the course but
I'm not getting much out of it. All regular officers had to take
a physical exam Saturday. I passed O.K. but I certainly was tempted
to retire. My nerves are still not in very good shape. Heard from
William Holt. He has been transferred to the 12th Armd. Div. and
wants to know when he can come home. Have you heard anything from
William on when he will get out? It would be nice if he and Dessie
both got home by X-mas. I suppose Thomas is still eating with chopsticks.
I expect to get a reply from General Henry this week regarding my
transfer to Fla. and will let Father-Dess know. Must close and get
some supper.
Love
to all,
Claude
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
November
14, 1945
Tuesday
night
Dear
Mother,
Had
been waiting to write hoping I would have a reply from General Henry.
However, shortly after writing him I saw in the paper where another
general had taken his place in the W.D. so it may be some time before
I hear. Our X-mas leave has been extended two days so I have been
trying to change my plane reservations but am having trouble. I
still arrive in Washington early on Dec. 23rd and Charleston at
1:55 p.m. I'm trying to get a plane out of Charleston on Jan. 1st
as I have one leaving Washington that night at 10 o'clock which
puts me in Kansas City at 4 a.m. That just about gives me time to
get to class if the plane isn't late. Is Mary Lib Dove still in
Washington? If so send me her address as if I have to stop over
in Washington in order to make connection I'll phone her on my way
down to reserve me a hotel room. The airline is supposed to let
me know this week. Tell William to keep his paws off that P-38.
That's the only souvenir I have left of the war except for a slight
case of jitters. The other day while standing outside the school
building a car turned the corner and the wheels sliding on the ground
sounded like an 88 coming in. The next thing I knew I was behind
the concrete steps looking very sheepish. Know William was glad
to get home. Hope he doesn't eat up all the meat points before X-mas.
Let me know when Clifton gets to Kingstree as I want him to check
up for me with the Medical Dept. and see at what rank and pay I
would retire if I retired now on physical disability. The medical
Col. here doesn't know. He called me in after looking over my physical
exam papers and wanted to know whether I wanted to retire or stay
in the Army. I told him to let things ride until I found out what
the present retirement policy is. Heard from Johnny Johnson today
and he can get me and Arty Bn. in the 5th Div. at Camp Camphell,
Ky. but he says the Division is headed for an army of occupation.
I declined! Must close as I have some work to do.
Love
to all,
Claude
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
November
27, 1945
Monday night
Dear
Mother,
Things
are pretty dull around here as usual. I'll certainly be glad when
this school is over. I received the pecans and we really are enjoying
them. Did you get Jug Haid to shell them for you? In your next letter
please send me a check on my bank for $100. My clothes are falling
apart and after buying my plane ticket I won't have enough on hand
to buy clothes. Is Father-Dess still trying to locate that wristwatch
for you? They have quite a variety of the best watches in the jewelry
dept. at the P.X. if he will let me know what kind to get. Must
close and see what the lesson is about for tomorrow. Still now news
from that general about transferring me to Fla. I'll write Truman
if he don't wake up.
Love
to all,
Claude
P.S.
If you can get a barbeque for X-mas I'll pay for it. Let me know
if you can't and I'll bring a pig home on the plane.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
December
14, 1945
Thursday
night
Dear Mother,
I
mailed twelve boxes of 1 lb. Norris yesterday. If you need more
let me know and I'll bring them with me. Still haven't found out
anything definite about my plane ride but I'll go in Saturday and
check again. Sure will be good to get home. Wish Son could have
made it as I know it must be a disappointment to him. Where is Thomas--back
in China? I think it might be wise to lock him up in the back yard
for about a week. Yes, I'd like for you to ask Bill down. His address
in "Lt. Col. W.A. Orr, 743 W Market St., Anderson, S.C.". Have to
stop and study some more. Don't meet me in Charleston unless you
get something definite from me between now and the 23rd.
Love
to all,
Claude
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
December
18, 1945
Monday
Night
Dear
Mother,
Just
received the telegram from Thomas and right behind it the one from
you for 12 more boxes of candy. Who is he marrying in such a hurry?
If he is having a big church wedding it may be better for him to
get someone else for best man. My nervous system still hasn't gotten
back into good shape and when I get up in front of a bunch of people
you can see me trembling for a block. I guess I'll get all right
eventually but right now I still get pretty jittery. I wouldn't
want to break up the wedding. Do you realize that 12 boxes of candy
weigh 18 lbs. and that I'm restricted to 40 lbs. on a plane? The
only thing I can think of to carry them in is a laundry bag. I'll
check at the P.X. tomorrow and see if I can't send them home by
air mail as I'm having enough trouble getting myself home without
the extra weight. I can't get a plane by Greenville or Augusta but
I think I may be able to get an Army bomber out of here for Harrisburg,
P.A. in time for me to catch the Charleston plane out of Washington.
An Air Corps officer here wants to go to Dayton, Ohio and the pilot
of the bomber doesn't want to stop there so I'm planning on swapping
my ticket to Dayton for a seat on the bomber. I should get into
Washington about 1:00 a.m. However it all depends on the weather
and right now is a foot deep and still coming down hard. Don't meet
me in Charleston at 1:54 p.m. on Sunday unless I call you from Washington
Sunday morning as we may get held up. Sure will be good to get home
I guess with Thomas getting married I'll be able to get a few words
about the Army in on the conversation. I received the letter from
Father-Dess today. The post office sent it to Ft. Riley, Kansas
although it plainly had Ft. Leavenworth on it. Must close and get
some sleep. Hope to see all of you Sunday.
Love
to all,
Claude
P.S.
Is there anything in Kingstree I can get Thomas for X-mas and is
there anything there to give them for a wedding present?
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
January
7, 1946
Saturday
night
Dear
Mother,
I
feel as though I'd just been through Thomas and Mae's wedding again.
My plane out of Washington was grounded at 6 p.m. Thursday afternoon
so I fought my way onto a train. Arrived in Kansas City at 12:30
last night and one of my classmates was there to meet me. I found
out that all four of the boys in my apt. were late so I started
feeling a lot better. About 40 were late altogether because of plane
flights being canceled. Of course I had to outdo the others and
be a whole day late. Then to add insult to injury I overslept this
morning and arrived at class almost an hour late. You think I ought
to call Jimmy Byrnes on the phone or send him a telegram? The class
director said the General was taking a very dim view of the episodes
because he didn't think much of planes anyway but I doubt if I get
any more than a reprimand and loss of pay for one day. However,
I am thoroughly through with planes. I didn't accomplish much in
Washington about getting stationed in Fla. Col. Revie said that
not only were there no ground force installations in Fla. but a
circular has just come out stating that all regular Army officers
will serve a minimum of 30 months overseas before being stationed
in the States. Since I am here on temporary duty that means that
upon completion of my 30 days leave I would be returned to Europe
for 17 months. That is out of the question as I intend to get things
settled as quickly as possible. I also talked to Col. Smith in the
Adjutant General's office who is head of regular Army personnel,
and he strongly advised me to go ahead and retire now as a Lt. Col.
rather than run a chance of getting retired later as a 1st Lt. or
a Capt. He said that all regular officers who had a physical history
that might flare up and cause retirement later were getting out
now on their temporary rank. I think I'll return home on leave in
February and go on down to Fla. and turn in to a general hospital.
In that way I should be able to establish residence and also retire.
Can you find out from Uncle Oliver if there is an Army General Hospital
near Miami? I'm pretty sure there's one at Coral Beach or some such
name near Miami. It certainly was wonderful to get home for X-mas
and I hated to leave. You and Father-Dess really make home something
to look forward to. Hope you have completely recovered from your
flu by now. Must close and get some supper. If you don't hear from
me for a month I am in the prison.
Love
to all,
Claude
P.S.
Ask Ed what my chances are of getting a job with the State Highway
Dept. in Columbia. There is no octagon soap at the grocery but there
is some Fels Napha. If that is similar to octagon let me know and
I'll send some. Your box of sardines has arrived back from overseas.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
January
8, 1946
Monday
night
Dear
Father-Dess,
After
finding out from Col. Revie about the 30 months overseas tour apparently
after my 30 days leave is up I would still have 17 months of overseas
duty before I can get assigned to the States. If I am going to get
out of the Army I think now is the time to do it while I can retire
on $2600 a year. However, what are my chances on securing a job
in S.C. in Civil Engineering or construction engineering that would
bring my total earnings up to then $4200 pay and allowances or $5300
that I would earn as a Captain or a Major. I am trying to balance
my financial salaries against each other and also my desire to settle
in S.C. with a civilian job against the 8 years service that I would
have spent preparing for an Army career. I think I would really
like to get out of the Army if I knew I could get a job in S.C.
with a future to it. I don't mind starting at the bottom providing
there is something to work toward without running into the favoritism,
boot-licking, and advancement by time in grade that I have run into
in the Army. I don't know enough about the employment situation
and pay scale in civilian work to get a clear picture and make a
definite decision. I have considered spending a year at Cornell
and get a Master's degree in C.E. if that would help get me the
right kind of job. Also I don't feel like waiting almost another
two years to get my marriage annulled and if I stay in the Army
it looks as though I'll have to wait. As Col. Smith over at the
A.G. Dept. reminded me if I have a real reoccurrence of this ulcer
within the next 10-15 years I would probably be retired at less
pay than I can retire on now. So, if you can give me any advice
on the matter I would certainly appreciate it as I'll have to act
one way or the other next month. Tell Mother I got the pecans today
and everyone is in here eating them. They really are good. No word
from the General yet on the verdict for my late return. Must close
as we had three hours of classes tonight and it is late.
Love
to all,
Claude
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
January
14, 1946
Dear
Mother,
Things
are pretty dull around here. I haven't had any verdict on my AWOL.
I think General Gerow is still pretty well tied up in Washington
trying to explain the Pearl Harbor episode so maybe I can get away
from here before he gets back. I found the sox in the pecan box
after we ate down to them and have been wearing a pair all week.
It has been snowing and very cold but seems to be warming up now.
Heard from Bill Orr and he is still trying to buy an automobile.
He reports back to Moore General Hospital in Asheville on Feb. 2
for a check-up. Am enclosing an X-mas card I got from one of my
men. I thought it was very nice of him as I hardly knew him since
he was in one of the gun batteries and not in my Hq. If the roads
are good I'll come home via Washington as I want to talk to the
judge advocate General there about any Army regulation that could
be use against me if I were to cut out Mary's support. That is apparently
the only way to get any action out of her. I should get to Kingstree
on Feb. 6th if the tires hold out. Must close as we had two night
problems last week and I could use some extra sleep.
Love
to all,
Claude
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
January
15, 1946
Monday
night
Dear Father-Dess,
I
was certainly surprised to hear that Mary had been in Kingstree.
However, I think the main purpose of her visit was to get the wedding
silver out of her cedar chest. When I got back here X-mas I wrote
her and told her I planned to ship all her things home in February
and that I wanted the key to the cedar chest to make sure none of
my things were in it. I also told her that I was contemplating leaving
the Army and that when I did I intended to stop supporting her and
advised her to get a job and be ready to support herself for a change.
If she still hasn't done anything about it by the time I get out
of the Army I think I'll go on down to Fla. and try to get it annulled
without giving her any settlement. I would like to know what her
lawyer has to say about the matter. If there is no General Hospital
in Fla. I think that shortly after I get home I'll turn in at Oliver
General Hospital in Augusta and tell Col. McMurdo that this time
he can retire me. Am not absolutely sure that I can get retired
but with my medical history I believe they will retire me if I turn
in. I'd like to get out and get into Cornell by next fall. I understand
a master's degree requires a summer school plus the regular 9 months
course. I haven't seen the General yet about my being AWOL and haven't
been exactly looking for him. I think he has the Pearl Harbor probe
on his mind right now. Let me know if you can reach any kind of
definite decision with Mary's lawyer.
Love to all,
Claude
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
January
21, 1946
Sunday
Dear
Mother, It is cold and rainy around here as usual. I have such a
bad cold that I couldn't go to a class party at the club last night.
I have about fifteen classmates here at school. I went over to see
the post adjutant yesterday about turning in to a general hospital
and he says I will have to be assigned to one since it is not an
emergency illness. I think I'll have to turn in to the hospital
here on Feb. 2nd and as I understand it they will transfer me to
any general hospital that I wish to go to. I'll see the C.O. at
the hospital here this week and get the facts. If there is no general
hospital in Fla. I'll probably go back to Oliver General in Augusta
or Moore General in Asheville, N.C. I can just see Col. McMurdo's
face when I walk in. I'll let you know something definite about
my plans as soon as I find out. Hope Dessie is on his way home by
now. Wonder if he went by my outfit and picked up my other pistols
as I suggested. Who would I write to at Cornell to get the course
and the prices etc. on getting my master's degree in C.E.? It would
be the same as the adjutant in the Army but I can't remember who
it is. I know it's not the president. Did Clifton get married yesterday
as scheduled or did Speedy show up at the wedding and ruin it? Hope
you got to Columbia today as planned. Must close as it's time for
supper.
Love
to all,
Claude
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
January
26, 1946
Thursday
p.m.
Dear
Father-Dess,
Am
enclosing a letter I just received from Assistant G-1 War Dept.
I thought I would see him on my way through Washington on Feb. 5th
and I'd like to know what you think about his suggestions before
I talk to him. Since Mary is from Ga. I still think Fla. would be
the better of the two. I think the best plan would be to get assigned
to a Service Force installation there, establish my residency as
soon as I can, get the annulment papers ready, and then turn in
to a hospital there for a reconsideration of my stomach condition.
What do you think of that? I would be definitely assigned to Fla.
even though there is no general hospital there and I could kill
two birds with one stone. Then if it turns out that the Army won't
retire me on my present physical status, I could still get the annulment.
Let me know if possible before the 2nd what you think and I'll see
Col. Rogers in Washington. The medico here says I can turn in at
any hospital I want to so the problem of waiting here until assigned
to a general hospital doesn't enter into the problem anymore. Expect
to arrive home for supper on the 5th if my tires hold out.
Love
to all, Claude
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
January
28, 1946
Sunday
night
Dear
Mother,
Well
I guess we'll close things up here this week. We graduate Sat. afternoon
and I'm going to try to reach St. Louis that night. Hope my tires
hold out O.K. We have a continuous 72 hour problem which ends Saturday
at noon so I'll probably be needing sleep Saturday night. Think
I'll take someone along so he can help drive. I'm stopping in Washington
to see G-1 about my assignment in Fla. and also I want to see the
Judge Advocate about cutting out all of Mary's support if she doesn't
go ahead with the divorce. I'm rather in favor of going on to Fla.
and getting it annulled without giving her anything. I'm convinced
that she and her family are out for all they can get out of it and
since I'm gradually getting in a position where I'll hold all the
high cards I feel like using them. The only flaw I can't figure
out is if I get it annulled and therefore was never married what
would the govt. do about the rental and ration allowances that I
have been drawing as a married man? If she's willing to settle for
what she wanted minus the car I guess I'll agree but if they start
haggling over it I'm in favor of getting it done in Fla. If I wrote
her a letter offering her what she says it was probably written
before I went overseas and since she ignored it I don't consider
it binding since my last offer to her written in Nov. or Dec. of
'45 was much less. It's pretty warm here tonight but with my usual
luck I expect ice on the road on Saturday. Am enclosing a clipping
I took out of the F.A. journal. I guess someone from my Bn. must
have turned it in. Must close and see what we have for tomorrow.
See all of you on the 6th in time for supper.
Love
to all,
Claude
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
April
16, 1946
Tuesday
Dear
Mother,
Glad
to hear that Son is home. I presume after your past week that there
is no food left in the pantry. Don't let Son forget to have his
friends mail those pistols on to him although I believe that is
illegal. I'm glad he got them back here. I don't expect to get home
until the middle of June. I expect to be in the hospital at least
a month and probably won't leave here until shortly after May 1st.
If the Army pay raise goes on through before I retire I will draw
$265 a month. I think I may set up some kind of business in Kingstree
if I can figure out what. Must close as I want to get this off today.
Love
to all,
Claude
P.S.
Now that Father-Dess is an Elder, please stay out of the liquor
stores.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
May
1, 1946
Wednesday
Dear
Mother,
I
have already made plans to be transferred to the Fort Meade Hospital
as soon as we can get the National Guard to stop talking about nothing
and take over this post. We're ready to turn it over but someone
has to sign for all the property here. I expect I will leave about
the 15th. We had a farewell party at the club Saturday night and
I won two bottles of champagne in a drawing contest. I drew a cartoon
of the Colonel and won first prize. He is still demanding one of
the bottles for being the inspiration. Unless I get held up in the
hospital longer than I expect I should be home by the middle of
June--or on my way back to Germany. The X-ray man here can't find
any ulcer. However, I may be able to get out on insanity. This post
is certainly dead. Everything is closed up except Post Hq. and the
Q.M. The Colonel has gone to Baltimore today to try to get the War
Dept. and the National Guard together. He wants to get on out to
Ft. Sill and get settled down before it gets too hot. How did Obbie
get out? I thought he was all lined up to become a General any day.
Has anybody shot his friend Gen. Morris yet or will I still have
the honor? Must close and get to work.
Love
to all,
Claude
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
May
22, 1946
Tuesday
Dear
Mother,
This
cemetery is quiet as usual. We're still sitting waiting. I hope
to leave for the hospital around June 1st now, but everything is
very indefinite. I went before a medical board here Friday and they
found I have gained five pounds in the past month so now they have
me running around the parade ground trying to take it off. The War
Dept. has a job ready for me in Washington if I don't get retired,
so I don't guess I'll go back to Europe regardless of the outcome.
I hope I get out though because the more I see of the Army these
days the less I like it. Go ahead and eat the ham if you want to
as I can probably get another at Meade before I start home. I could
have sent about 20 pounds of butter but I couldn't locate any dry
ice. Someone has been stealing lumber out of the woods in the back
part of the post so I went down and prowled around last night to
see if I could catch them. I finally succeeded in falling in the
creek so I came back to quarters. I would like to put a booby trap
on the lumber pile but the Colonel is afraid we'll kill the wrong
man. I expect to get home sometime in July providing I get retired.
Otherwise I'll probably be sent straight from Meade to Washington.
Must close and run around the parade ground.
Love
to all,
Claude
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
May
1946
Wednesday
Dear
Mother,
The
reason I don't want to gain weight is because I want to look ill
and rundown when I go to the hospital. I am trying to cultivate
a gaunt look. I have set up housekeeping as the mess hall here has
a habit of running out of food. Went over to Waynesboro yesterday
and bought a hot plate, skillet, soup, pork and beans, spaghetti,
and sardines. Talked to Julie on the phone last night but Thomas
and Mr. Morrall were doing so much yelling we could hardly understand
each other. It's a wonder the cop didn't drag them off. I wish you'd
try one can of that bacon and see if it's worthwhile for me to get
another case when I get to Meade. I can also get a few more hams.
Heard from Bill Orr last week. He was still loafing in Anderson
but has now gone to Texas A&M to get his Master's Degree in C.E.
He is still looking for a wife so he can get more pay. Must close
and look for some work.
Love
to all,
Claude
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
June
5, 1946
Tuesday
Dear
Mother,
I
received a phone call from Washington today notifying me that I'm
to return to Germany in August. They wanted to know what I wanted
to do between the time this place closes and August so I'm going
down Thursday and try to get things straightened out. I plan to
leave here on June 15th for the hospital at Meade. Thought I'd pay
a visit home this weekend as I won't be able to get there for Father's
Day. I plan to catch the champion out of Washington which arrives
at Florence at 2:10 a.m. Saturday morning. I will leave Florence
at 9:15 Sunday night. How about phoning Julie and asking her up
for the weekend? Also can Thomas meet me in Florence Saturday morning
or is there a bus that I can catch there? I guess I'd better phone
you tonight before you get mixed up. I'm trying to get you another
case of bacon from Fort Meade but they only allow two cans to a
customer. If I can't figure out any other way I may send twelve
men down there and have each one buy two cans. Is there any chance
of getting down to Pawley's this weekend or is Miss Barbara's cottage
in use? Tell Father-Dess I expect a pine bark stew Saturday night
(I don't mean a chicken one either). Maybe I'd better bring the
fish. Unless you hear otherwise I'll arrive in Florence at 2:10
a.m. E.S.T. Saturday morning. Tell Grace to get the big rice pot
ready.
Love
to all, Claude
P.S.
I am too tired to mow the lawn on Saturday.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
June
12, 1946
Tuesday
Dear
Mother,
Guess
Dessie told you I got on the train all right with a little finagling
from the Major who got on in Charleston. We arrived back here in
time for a quick breakfast. Certainly enjoyed my trip home and it
seemed mighty short. I could get off again this weekend but I think
I'd better go on down to Meade and start through the mill. The medical
board here has recommended that I appear before the Retirement Board
recommends retirement I am as good as out because the Secretary
of War automatically approves them. Tell Father-Dess he'll have
to accept that case of bacon as his Father's Day present because
I can't find a thing around here. Even the P.X. has closed. I'm
trying to get another ham from Meade and will mail it if I get it.
I forgot to go by and see Miss Barbara. Tell her that Julie had
me confused. There isn't anything going on here and the Colonel
has gone to Washington so I might as well go out and play some tennis.
I expect to leave here Saturday so don't write me until I let you
know my new address at Ft. Meade.
Love
to all,
Claude
P.S.
I wrote the Ford Co. at Ft. Dearborn. Do you want to buy a good
Mercury (without lights)?
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
June
14, 1946
Thursday
Dear
Mother,
I
mailed you a ham this morning so you should get it either tomorrow
or Saturday. Tell Thomas I also have another case of bacon and will
let him have half of it as I want half myself. Received a call from
Washington today ordering me to report Monday for duty in "the office
of Chief of Staff". Didn't know I was running the Army did you.
I'm leaving for the hospital Saturday though so someone is going
to be badly confused. Hope it isn't me. The doctors here have changed
their minds and decided that I have a chronic peptic ulcer and have
recommended that I appear before a Retirement Board. This is one
time when I think I'll keep quiet and let these smart doctors give
all the answers. They still claim I should have been retired in
1942 when I was operated on and think I must have pulled a fast
one to stay in. I'll let you know my new address at Meade as soon
as I find out.
Love
to all,
Claude
P.S.
Let me have the list of stuff you want at Meade and find out from
Dessie how many shirts and pairs of pants he wants. I may not be
there too long.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
June
16, 1946
Friday
Dear
Mother,
Enclosed
you will find citation for the DSC which Patton awarded me last
September and which the Div. G-1 evidently failed to send me. It
has been bouncing around ever since on my trail. The Colonel is
forwarding it on to Washington in order to have a formal presentation
made there. I just wanted to buy a ribbon at the P.X. at Meade and
let it go at that but he was horrified at the idea and insists on
a formal ceremony. I guess I'll live through it. The Legion of Merit
is also probably trailing me around.
Love
to all, Claude P.S.
I
want a good write-up in the paper with a note that I'm looking for
a job. If you still have the original recommendation I left at home
I would like the certificate by Lt. Dawkins included as part of
the letter.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
June
18, 1946
Monday
night
Dear
Mother,
I've
been here since Saturday morning and haven't seen a doctor yet.
This place is about as efficient as I suspected it was. Guess I
ought to be at Oliver General with Col. McMurdo so I could get some
special attention. They have a wonderful bland diet here. We had
roast beef for dinner and steak for supper. The nurse caught me
putting Worchestshire sauce on my steak tonight and I think she
has given me up as a total loss. I had to listen to a ten minute
lecture on "Officers, especially colonels, should be trustworthy
and not sneak around breaking rules." I have the sauce bottle hidden
in my suitcase. This place is really hot after the mountains. I
slept practically all day today as the colonel in the bed next to
mine like a walrus and I can't get to sleep at night. I contemplated
knocking a knot on his head last night but after finding out that
he is a full colonel I guess I'd better not be too rash. I'm going
to wait two weeks and if I haven't seen a doctor by then I think
I'll pack up and go on down to Oliver General. I'm not sure that
anyone knows that I'm here. Will keep you informed on my progress
if I make any.
Love
to all,
Claude
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
June
19 ,1946
Tuesday
night
Dear
Mother,
Can
we get a cottage at Pawley's for the first or second week in July?
They expect to send me on 30 days sick leave within a few days while
they collect my medical records. I could leave tomorrow but I want
to get my teeth fixed up and see a nerve specialist while I'm here.
The ward doctor came around this morning and told me I'd probably
be retired because of a bad heart condition. After much screaming
and shrieking he discovered that he had someone else's records in
my manila binder. This place is an absolute madhouse. Expect me
home in a few days.
Love
to all,
Claude
