Thursday, March 25, 2010

Telegram - Nov 24, 1945

WESTERN UNION
TELEGRAM
1945 NOV 24 PM 12 12

FROM: A.L Q 230 8 TOUR=CAMP MILES STANDISH MASS 24 1059A
TO: MRS E L REGISTER=


ARRIVED SAFELY BE HOME IN TEN DAYS LOVE=
KENNY.

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

I'm In France - Oct 26, 1945

France
Oct 26, 1945

Dear Mother,

I’m back in France once more. For a much shorter stay this time I hope.
I’m in the One Ninety Third field artillery battalion being processed at Camp Baltimore. The camp is about thirty miles from Reims.
We are living in tents and just about freezing every night. One thing we are thankful for is the fairly dry weather we have been having here. - So far -
We hope to move out of here next week for Marseilles. We will be there about two weeks and then a boat ride once more. From that port it takes a little longer crossing, so if nothing happens we should sight land about the first week in December.
I am having all mail sent home so it won’t do much good for anyone to write. All mail gets stopped at the A.P.O. and sent back.
You hold the home fort down and keep your fingers crossed - if nothing happens I’ll be home for Christmas.
Till then I’ll send my Love
Kenneth

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Brrrr - Sept 30, 1945

Germany
Sept 30, 1945

Dear Mother,

Brrrr, I think it's going to snow. It's been raining now for over a week. This morning it stopped raining and turned cold, and we're just close enough to the Alps for it to start snowing about this time of year.
I received the pictures of your camping trip to the place. They are very good. Maybe I can help take the next ones - yes.

Oct 1945

That was very rude of them. Taking me away from my letter writing just to pull guard duty for a few hours.
Did I tell you about my present home? We are living in houses that were originally divided into four apartments. Each apartment having four rooms and a bath. Three of us live in this room where I sleep. We have some prisoners who clean up our room every morning, wash and iron our clothes, and if it's cold they build us a fire. If it wasn't for guard duty this would be pretty nice around here.
I'll have to say good-bye now and pleasant dreams to you. Here's an extra large bundle of Love for all of you
Kenneth

Friday, March 19, 2010

Guard Duty at Dachau - Sept 23, 1945

Germany
Sept. 23, 1945

Dear Mother & Dad,

It's been a few days sense my last letter, so now I'll tell you the whole sad story. Ten days ago I was transferred out of the Seventy-first Division. Supposedly to go home, but someone sent us to the wrong outfit. We got into an outfit peddling prison guards at the Dachau concentration camp. Instead of being on our way home we sit here and watch these SS troops. The officers claim we will be relieved just as soon as another outfit can be found to take our place. As yet none are available.
I expect to leave Dachau between the first and the fifteenth of next month. After that I'll be jumping around from place to place. So I'm going to ask you to stop writing until you hear from me again. Maybe by then I'll have some definite news.
I figure I've got good reason for being mad about this mix up on going home. Every day I talk to men going through here on their way home. They have sixty and seventy points. Here I sit pulling guard everyday. Of course I only have eighty-five points as of V-J days - so maybe I'm being unreasonable.
I guess that's enough crying for now -
Here's loads of Love
Kenneth

Monday, March 15, 2010

Went to a Show - Sept 11, 1945

Germany
Sept 11, 1945

Dear Mother,

Just a short note to assure you that I am still thinking of you and home.
By the by; how is everyone on this crisp September morn? I hope everyone feels as good as I do today.
How are Dad's salesmen progressing? Has he found a one for Peoria yet? Two more questions and you will think this is a quiz program.
I went to a show sponsored by the Red Cross the other night. It was put on by a group of DP's from the Baltic states. They sang some of their native songs also a few American songs they have learnt lately. They danced a couple of their dances. They were so much like our square dances that I had the urge to get out there with them. All together it made a nice little show, and was enjoyed by everyone.
Well you are probably busy today so send some more of this love I am saving up - and don't forget - if you can't be good be careful.
Kenneth

Friday, March 12, 2010

Hectic Week end - Sept 9, 1945

Germany
Sept. 9, 1945

Dear Mother,

This has been a hectic week end. I don't know if it's possible or not but I'll try to make my hand and eyes track together long enough to beat out this letter.
Friday night the company had a small party - with cognac, rum, wine, and beer. It shouldn't have been bad but they didn't have enough of any one to last out the night. So during the course of events a little of each was consumed. Boy oh boy! What that does to your head the next morning.
I received your letter of the third this morning. From the sounds of things the advertising business should be good for a while next year. It would be nice if Dad gets some good salesmen trained so he can help us get started producing again.
Things have been happening around Springfield, haven't they? It seems funny Junior with a baby. I wonder which one it will look like.
Too bad about Clifford, but maybe he will think twice before hoping trucks in the near future.
You know it's hard to think of Millie and Roy out of the restaurant business. I wonder will they stay out or is it just wishful thinking. I wish them a lot of luck and hope they can stay out longer than they did before.
Darn but time flies - sometimes. At any rate the rattle of mess kits says it's chow time. We have ice cream and cake today so I can't afford to be late.
So I'll say Good-bye with loads of Love.
Kenneth

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Points, age and discharges - Sept 4, 1945


Germany
Sept 4, 1945

Dear Mother,

You should hear everyone talking about points, age and discharges in general. - Don't tell anyone but I think, now mind you just think and hope that I will be in the States by Christmas.
Don't go making any rash plans but it doesn't hurt to hope does it?
I thought I would have a nice quiet morning here to write this letter, but someone else thinks differently. They just brought in twenty pair of binoculars to be repaired. That's the way it goes - for a week we sit around and loaf and then bingo! they drop everything in our laps at once.
What is Dad doing - Taking charge of a group of men covering a large section? It sounds like they are pleased with his work in that case - Good for him and lots of luck.
Well I've got to dive into that work or I might lose my job (oh yeah)
So here is a river of Love flowing your way.
Kenneth

Here are some pictures we took in our walks by the river in Augsburg.

Friday, March 5, 2010

Went To USO Show - Aug 30, 1945

Germany
Aug. 30, 1945

Dear Mother,

Well blow me down! Here it is another sunny day. It looked for a while like rain was on the menu permanent like, but for two days now we have had wonderful fall weather.
Some one must have given mail service a blood transfusion. I have received letters from you and Vanita in six days. Now if they just speed letters going the other way up a little - why who could ask for more.
We had a couple USO shows playing here at Augsburg this week, and I went to both of them. One was the Broadway hit play "Blithe Spirit" - It was a very good play about a mans first wife who came back as a spirit. No one but the man could see or hear her. So you can see the hot water he got into with his second wife.
The other was "Flying High". It was just a vaudeville and about like average. Gals, Gags, and songs.
I received your birthday card and here is a word of thanks to all. I just wish I was in a position to thank you personally.
Those old St. Louis Red birds are sure burning up the diamond on that home stretch. Here's luck to them I hope they win again this year.
You probably have lots of work to do this morning - so I'll say Bye-now - and leave you toil in peace with all my Love to help you out
Kenneth

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

I Hate This Point System - Aug 24, 1945

Aug. 24, 1945

Hello Mom,

Boy oh boy! it rains more here than any one place I know of. I don't think there has been a day this month when I have written a letter that it hasn't rained. Of course it could be that I chose rainy days to write. After all the sun shine's so seldom that it must be taken advantage of at every opportunity.
I received the pictures of the "Sky Ranch". It looks like you must have been all over to get those views. If the lake fills all that valley it's going to be a nice swim across. I hope Dad got that big order he was trying for. That would be a nice feather in his cap, besides supplying a tidy sum of money for the home team.
That's a dirty trick, sending Milton back into training. I don't know who thought up that point system. I haven't seen very many fellows that think it's fair. Some like it, especially those with kids, but they don't think it's fair. Oh well maybe we will all get out now.
I have to run into town today and pick up my laundry. There is a German woman in town that washes and irons my clothes each week. When I pick up my laundry I give her some oranges for her kids and some smokes for her and her old man. She does a pretty good job and saves me from getting dishpan hands.
I've just about got room left to include a small portion of the Love I'd like to send
Kenneth

Monday, March 1, 2010

I'll Keep My Fingers Crossed - Aug. 19, 1945

Germany
Aug. 19, 1945

Dear Mother,

I hardly know what to write. I keep feeling like there is a joker in this surrender business some place. So until the Japs have been disarmed and Japan occupied, I shall continue to keep my fingers crossed.
I'm saving up all my celebrating until I get home and then - look out. As far as I'm concerned the real V-day will be when i set foot on American soil again.
Are Vanita and Al coming down for Vanita's birthday? Even though I'm not there in body I'll be there in spirit wishing you all a happy time.
Well it's raining again today so I guess I can't go swimming. Every day the sun shines and I can get off, down for the old swimming I head. I don't like swimming that well, it's just something to break the monotony.
How is Dad doing with his light bulbs? Salesmen will have to be careful now or people will mob them trying to buy things. A salesman's paradise.
Someone yelled that there is hot water, so I had better get moving before it's all gone. -
Bye - now, Love from me to all of you.
Kenneth

Friday, February 26, 2010

Got A hair Cut - Aug. 11, 1945

Germany
Aug 11, 1945

Dear Mother,

I just received your letter telling how hot the weather was in St. Louis. I looked outside here and seen the wind blowing a near hurricane and the rain coming down. Darned if I didn't get almost homesick for a sight of God's country again.
I went uptown the other day and visited a German barber shop. They had one barber that couldn't have been over seventeen years old. He must have started the trade when he was only knee high. I watched him for a while and he did darn good job. One of the older men cut my hair - it was alright except for the dry shave on the neck. The thing that surprised me was the price of one mark for the hair cut!
Oh me! we have to attend a lecture of some kind - so I'll send all my Love
Kenneth

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

At My New Home - Aug. 8, 1945

Germany
Aug. 8 1945

Dear Mother,

I'm about to get settled into my new home. We moved about two hundred miles south of Ausgurg, Germany. This is a fair size city a few miles northwest of Munich. That two hundred miles makes quite a difference in the weather. It's nice and warm here where as the other place was cold.
We are living in barracks at the edge of town. Just a short walk to town or if walking is too strenuous, there is a trolley that goes up town!
There is a river that runs through town where I intend to spend some time swimming. I went down last night after supper and tried the water out. It felt like liquid ice but if you keep moving you won't freeze to death. After a few minutes of that water it feels doubly good laying on the beach and absorbing sunshine.
I've got a German five mark note I'm putting in this letter. At the present rate of exchange it's worth fifty cents. Here is also a Greek bill. I don't know just what it's worth but it looks good any way.
It seems funny this is the first time in over three years that I haven't had an armoured force patch on my sleeve. Now then I wear the patch of the seventy-first Infantry Division Of course I'm still in the ordinance so the type division doesn't make too much difference. From what they tell us fellows from the sixth our stay with this division is more or less temporary. This division may go to the Pacific and if it does we probably won't go with it. That suits me.

Until next letter - Loads and loads of Love
Kenneth

Monday, February 22, 2010

Got my Transffer Papers - Aug. 2, 1945

Germany
Aug. 2, 1945

Dear Mother,

Summer's just about over - it seems more like it should be just starting. The weather here leaves no doubt in the mind on that score. Cold winds and rain describes the weather we are having - and us living in tents on an open field.
The end of this tent sleeping is in sight now. I got my walking papers from the Sixth today. I bid goodbye to this outfit Saturday afternoon. I'm not sure of my destination but I think it's the Seventy - First Infantry Division. That's just guess work for now. I'll let you know for sure next week.
You must have a nice store of fruits and vegetables put up by now. Every once in a while you write that you have beets to pickle or strawberries (yum yum) to can. Or do you eat them up as fast as you can?
I'll have to close now and get ready to move. I'll let you know where I am as soon as possible
Love
Kenneth

Sunday, February 21, 2010

We Had a Sport Carnival - July 28, 1945

Germany
July 28, 1945

Dear Mother,

They have the darndest weather over here. One day it's so hot you can't stand it and the next it's so cold that you shiver with a jacket on. Even when it's hot the nights are so damp that clothes feel clammy in the morning. It might be good for crops, but I don't feel like a crop.
We had a division sport carnival Thursday and Friday. There was track events, baseball games, boxing, horseshoe pitching, and volleyball. Besides there was the usual midway with games of skill and chance, a few beer tents and of course sandwich counters.
I ran in the two hundred meter race and the eight hundred meter race and the eight hundred meter relay. Couldn't get past the simi-finals in the race but we took fourth place in the relay. I thought that was pretty good considering the poor condition we were in.
I also picked up a nice case of sunburn while running around out there in trunks. Maybe it will turn into a nice coat of tan someway or other.
Next week-end the division is going to hold a water carnival. I'd like to enter but I'm afraid I can't swim anyways near that good.
Well I've got a little guard duty to pull tonight. So I'll say Goodnight for now
Lumps and Lumps of Love
Kenneth

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Got Back From Three Day Pass - July 23, 1945

Germany
July 23, 1945

Dear Mother,

I just got back from a three day pass at Metz. In a couple more days I'll be rested up enough to try for another pass. - I hope.
There isn't much to do there - but it's a place to go and get away from the company for a few days.
The Army has taken over a swimming pool where a guy can spend a nice afternoon. And the sixth has a dance every night which isn't too crowded because nobody else but Sixth boys are admitted.
Your card of July sixth came today. Thanks a lot for your picture climbing that cliff at the "Sky Ranch."
I have never been able to contact Dave. In all my jumping from Army to Army I haven't seen a truck from his outfit.
I'm glad to hear Milton got back alright. He should just about be eligible for a discharge by now. I hope he gets one after all he went through.
It's kind of nice to able to say we OWN a small place on a lake in the Ozarks. It's a nice feeling even if there isn't any home - yet.
Here's a little bit of Love I'm sending your way
Bye-now
Kenneth

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Still Waiting - July 9, 1945

Germany
July 9, 1945

Dear Mother,

Well I'm still here with the sixth. A sweating it out you might say. Every day I look at the bulletin board with apprehension, expecting to see my name on a transfer list. Going to some outfit to replace a high point man. I'm not letting it worry me too much right now.
About half of the Instrument section has been transferred to the Third Armored. Of the six of us remaining four have enough points to get home. that leaves two of us still waiting and hoping.
The boys who transferred took the radio with them. They had the majority staying in the army, so it was only fitting. There are enough other radios around the company for us to get the news and good programs, if we care to.
Darned ants. The soil here is sandy and every time I put down my bed roll it is a battle to see if the ants or myself will occupy it. I just sprinkled gasoline around so I think I'm safe for a while now.
What's new way back yonder now days? I hope you had a nice warm fourth of July week for celebrating Dad's birthday.
I'm going to sign off now. So lots of good wishes and a barrel of Love to all,
Kenneth

Monday, February 15, 2010

Happy Birthday Dad - July 4th, 1945

Germany
July 4, 1945

Dear Dad,
Happy Birthday to you Dad and may you have many more of them. Maybe we will be together to celebrate your next one.
This has been a very quiet day over here. No elaborate celebration just a nice quiet holiday.
How did you spend the day?
How are the light bulbs coming along? Selling lots of them I hope.
I've got myself a grand total of sixty-eight points - so you can figure out where I stand in this discharge business. Right now it's a toss up weather I get transferred to an outfit staying in the Army of occupation or hit an outfit going to the Pacific - by way of the States. I'm hoping for the later - but the Army has it's own ideas.
Good-bye and Good-luck till later
Kenneth

Saturday, February 13, 2010

Moved Again - July 2, 1945

Germany
July 2, 1945

Dear Mother,

How is every little thing at home? I'm getting along fine, all things considered.
Right now I'm sweating out a transfer to some other outfit. I'll get transferred sooner or later, but the big question is will it be an outfit Pacific bound or one slated for occupation.
About half of the gang has been transferred already. The rest of us are just waiting.
Well I'm sleeping in my little pup tent again. We moved out of the Russian zone at midnight June 30th. We are in a field a few miles from Frankfurt on the Main. Two days ago this was an open field now it is a tent city of twelve thousand soldiers. Anything can happen now. So I'm just holding my breath awaiting, and hoping for the best.
I'll say goodnight now and send my Love to keep you company.
Kenneth

Thursday, February 11, 2010

We Went To The Firing Range - June 27, 1945

Germany
June 27, 1945

Dear Mother,
You are probably wondering what has happened to my writing arm. Nothing special, just the Army and their ideas.
We went out on the firing range last week. Supposedly we were to stay there two days then come back to camp. Due to bad weather and poor management on the range we didn't get back to camp until last night.
I managed to get a sunburned nose - bad weather or not. That's what comes of living indoors. A few hours out in the sun, and bingo! a cute little red snozola. It looks hic! like I might, hic! be a hic! booze hound, hic!
So Dad got caught in the floods. It's a good thing he didn't get stranded someplace. Maybe you can both get down to the place later this summer.
My bowling isn't too hot. Sometimes I do pretty good and then other times those d--n pins just wont fall down. The worst trouble is the size of the balls. The first two or three games are alright, but after that my hand starts getting sore from being wrapped around the ball. After my hand gets sore it's time to quit. About that time my control over the ball goes bye-bye and the score hits rock bottom.
I'll say goodnight for now and send my Love to keep you company.
Kenneth

Friday, February 5, 2010

Thanks For The Package - June 15, 1956

Germany
June 15, 1945

Dear Mother,

I'll bet the heat is really bearing down on St. Louis about this time of month. Over here she's a sometimes good and a sometimes bad. The past week we have been dodging rain showers. (darn but I'm having trouble with my spelling)
I received that package today, with the pencils in it. I don't know who to thank for the candy and everything else. So I'll send thanks to You, Puggie, Dad, and Stubby. That should cover the guilty party or parties. My sweet tooth also sends thanks.
The funny papers are coming through pretty regularly. After they make the rounds of the fellows in the room here - down the hall they go until practically every man in the Company has seen them.
I'm sticking in a few pictures we took last winter. Notations on the back will give you some idea when and where they were taken.
I'll close now so I'll have room for the pictures.
Oceans of Love
Kenneth

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Here I Sit - June 10, 1945

Germany
June 10, 1945

Dear mother,

I intended to go out on the hill this afternoon and write this letter sitting in the sun. A little shower came up and so here I sit in my room inside.
The pictures you took of the family in the park got here. They were very nice. I liked that one of Dad cleaning the car. It's too bad about Stubby. I hope the shots do him good.
$36.45, That sounds really good. Are you going to take care of all of it this month? It really rates a celebration. You celebrate over there and I'll celebrate here. Then when we get together - wow ---.
I've been reviewing my case and checking my chances of coming home. The way things stand now it looks like it will be at least another year. That sounds bad but until Japan falls there is no chance of getting out. So under the circumstances it's better over here than down in the South Pacific.
Did Dad finally get off to his long anticipated trip? I hope he finds business good when he does go. And I sure wish I was going with him.
I'd better close when I start getting thoughts like that.
Love from me to You
Kenneth

Sunday, January 31, 2010

I'm On Guard Duty - June 1, 1945

Germany
June 1, 1945

Dear Mother,

This is kind of early in the day to be writing, but I'm on guard duty today and right now I have a few minutes between guard shifts.
Thank you for the card of May eighteenth. The enclosed letter from Linda Lee was very nice. I'll enclose a few lines for her in this letter.
So you don't think you'll get to go south this time. Maybe you will get the chance to go later in the summer. Then next summer I hope to home then we can carry out all those plans we have been making. Also the more money we can put away will make it that much easier to get started.
See this big cloud of dust - that's just a couple of the boys sweeping out the hallway. Kind of thick but it can't be helped I guess. Things have to be clean.
I'll stop now and see what I can do for Linda Lee now.
Lots and lots of Love
Kenneth.

Friday, January 29, 2010

We Fixed a Day Room - May 29, 1945

Germany
May 29, 1945

Dear Mother,

Dog gone! according to my calculations the "Sky Ranch" should just about be paid for by now. That's what you call good news. The next item on the program seems to be buildings. As long as we are going to spend time and money at might just as well be spent for something we can use later. Either as a cabin to be rented or a playroom as you suggested.
I have birds singing in my ears. Yesterday I did a little pistol shooting in an enclosed range. The cuncusion in a small room makes the ears ring for two or three days. Of course a little cotton stuffed in the ears helps a lot - but who has any cotton?
How is Dad doing this week? Better than ever I hope. Here's hoping people burn out lots of bulbs.
We have a sort of day room fixed up in the basement of our barracks. The room we took has a bowling ally and a bar. The bowling ally is asphalt and you use a ball slightly smaller than ours, without finger holes. It has to be balanced in the palm of the hand which makes it hard to control.
There is a large element of luck involved because more pins can be gotten by missing the head pin, than if you hit the head pin. Sounds screwy doesn't it? Tis too.
Beer is served at the bar. Sometimes I don't think there is any alcohol at all in the stuff. It can be consumed all night long with no outward effects. Maybe it's better that way - who knows.
All good things must come to an end, so I'll end this letter as of now. Now beware and take care.
Love to all
Kenneth

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Rain, rain, rain, - May 25, 1945

Germany
May 25, 1945

Dear mother,

Rain, rain, rain, that's all it does lately. This weather isn't fit for man or beast. Right now I'm shaking so much from the cold - I don't know if you will be able to read this or not.
The point system seems to be the main topic of discussion through out the E.T.O . I could make a few untimely remarks but it all adds up to the fact that I haven't enough points to do me any good.
After looking into my crystal ball I can see nothing but the Pacific for your world traveling son.
Received some more funnies the other day, and wish to thank you for the same. There was also a small package of soap that arrived about the same time. I can see that someone has been hitting a few hotels in Missouri.
I think I heard that gas rationing changed from four to six gallons per week. Is this so, or just a rumor? It would sure help Dad out if tis true.
How does Linda-Lee like St. Louis? It must be quite a novelty for her in a large town. Maybe she won't want to go back down on the farm now.
Good night for now with gobs of Love
Kenneth

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

I'm Now In Jena, Germany - May 20, 1945

Germany
May 20, 1945

Dear Mother,

Hows all the Register family getting along now days? Everything is going along fine for the displaced member of the afore mentioned family. Not too many complaints and no regrets.
I've got a new home again. This time in Jena, Germany. Right now I'm staying in barracks at the Jena airport. I don't know how long it will be before I return to my pup tent, but until I do I shall enjoy my stay under a solid roof.
I received two boxes from you yesterday. One mailed March fifteenth containing a box of caramels. The other mailed April second containing writing paper, candy, etc. I thank you with all my heart.
I'm going to close for now, or I won't get any supper.
So until later - all my love
Kenneth

Saturday, January 23, 2010

Things Haven't Changed Much - May 16, 1945

Germany
May 16, 1945

Dear Mother,

How is everything at home these days? Has everyone gotten over their Victory celebrations?
The ending of our war didn't change things too much for us. We don't have blackout any more. And our work has slowed down just a little. Outside of that things are about the same. I still live in my little pup tent - Wash my clothes in my helmet - and take baths whenever I can.
It seems sort of primitive the way crops are farmed in this country. You look across a field and see four or five men and women hoeing away for all they are worth. They do use horses or oxen for plowing purposes, but cultivators seem to be nonexistent.
Did Dad get to see his canoe? If so, what does he think of it? The tractor is a little different proposition. If it's in St. L there is always a transportation question. It might be cheaper to wait and see about something closer.
The Army has a little job in the truck line I would like to have. The Dodge three-quarter ton, four by four truck with winch is the one. If the Army ever sells any it would be well worth the money for us.
Love from me to you all
Kenneth

Friday, January 22, 2010

Tomorrow Is Mothers Day - May 12, 1945

Germany
May 12, 1945

Dear Mother,

How are you this fine day? Excuse me one minute while I wipe the sweat off my brow. We've had a few days of perfect summer weather. It would be nice now if this sweat was dripping on the place instead of over here.
Tell Dad to keep pitching. It's a good thing he hasn't lost the old selling touch. I guess it seems good to get back to the old trade again. I think I know just how he feels.
So Grand Dad is thinking of coming to St. Louis. It would be a good thing for him if he did. A change of scenery never hurt anyone. (ME INCLUDED). It may tie you down a little but not too much.
Just because I haven't got a card, It's no sign that I've forgotten that tomorrow is Mother's Day. So I'm taking time right now to send greetings to the swellest Mother I know. And I want you to know that I'm always thinking of you.
Lots of Love to you and all the rest -
Kenneth

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Guess You Heard The Good News - May 8, 1945

Germany
May 8, 1945

Dear Mother,

I guess you have heard the great news. Now for the Japs. Then we will be all finished.
All the fellows took the news pretty much in stride. Work continued as always. There was a little shooting and carrying on but not much. Most felt the day could best be celebrated with quiet letter writing home.
Thank you for the nice card of April 27th.
I'm glad Rosalyn has a good job again. Too bad she didn't get that rest she was planning on. But things shouldn't be so rushed at her new place.
Has your winter weather finally come to a stop - or hasn't this sunshine reached you yet?
I'm going to say Good-by now.
With just loads and loads of Love
Kenneth

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Sounds Like The War Over Here Is Over - May 4, 1945

Germany
May 4, 1945

Dear Mother,

Well from the news I guess the war over here is about over. Thank God.
I guess there are a lot of happy people now days. I heard them giving the names of released war prisoner tonight. I got to thinking, those men's folks must really be happy.
I received a Christmas box from Vanita the other day. It was a long time coming but everything in the package was still good. Strange as it may seem.
Another fifty dollars is on its way to you.
That's good news about the place. Only fifty more left. That's pretty darn good. By the end of summer we will own it lock, stock and barrel.
Well I've got to get ready for tomorrow - So Love to all
Kenneth

Monday, January 18, 2010

Thank you For All The Packages - April 28, 19457

Germany
April 27, 1945

Dear Mother,

Thanks a lot for the funnies. Two packages of them arrived and are making their rounds of the section. Also the packages on home steading are here. After looking them over, I find there is nothing of interest for us. I guess you found out the same thing.
I hope Dad's new hat isn't any the worse for its mud bath. That was a dirty shame having something like that happen almost with the first wearing.
So one of your ladies at the Red Cross would like a drink out of that bottle. She would want to get a firm grip on something . That bottle contained a liquid commonly called Cognac. (A mixture of benzen and greased lightning). At the time the picture was taken I could have passed the bottle around her way, but shortly there after the bottle went dry. Oh unhappy moment!
Oh yes, I received a writing tablet from you the other day. Thank you very much.
Dogone I seemed to have gotten all kinds of things from you lately. I sure appreciate all of them too.
I hope you're getting all these bundles and bundles of Love I'm sending.
Kenneth

Sunday, January 17, 2010

A Quick Letter - April 21, 1945

Germany
April 21, 1945

Dear Mother,

I've done pretty good so far. There has been a heading on this letter for half an hour, and nothing else. We have been discussing a few rumors that are floating around. By now the rumors have been well discussed - and cussed, so I can get on with this letter as originally planned.
There goes the National Barn Dance on the radio. You-all listening too? Pretty good don't you think.
How's that trip down to the place coming along? Right about now things should be really nice down there. I wish I could be going down there with you. We could roll up our sleeves and get started on some long delayed work. Well maybe it won't be too long.
They tell me I go on guard duty at nine o'clock. So I've got to close this letter and get ready.
Love
Kenneth

Friday, January 15, 2010

It Seems To Be Spring - April 18, 1945

Germany
April 18, 1945

Dear Mother,

Some days I think spring is here, and others are more like winter. Now last night for instance. It was nice when I went to bed but about two 0'clock I woke up with rain beating against my face. Without wasting a minute I gathered my clothes under one arm and my bed under the other. Into the truck I went, and spent the rest of the night in innocent slumber.
That bottle happens to be full of a little something called Cognac. Sometimes referred to by various other names. For your information I have gone to great pains in the cultivation of that so called dark streak. Therefore please do not indulge in making funny cracks about same.
Things are really coming out around here. All the fruit trees in bloom. The forests turning green, and all the people out planting in the fields.
Here's bushels and bushels of Love to you all
Kenneth

Thursday, January 14, 2010

We Got Paid Today - April 3, 1945

Germany
April 3, 1945

Dear Mother,

Well that ----- generator is working better tonight. As near as I could figure out frost was forming on the carburetor. That's fixed for the time being. Now all I have to do is sit here with my fingers crossed and hope nothing else goes wrong.
April showers bring May flowers. If that's true we should have lots of flowers next month.
Has Dad hit the top of the list yet on new orders? I'm expecting to hear news to that effect in the near future. Lots of luck to him for me.
We got paid again today. We used to look forward to payday but now it's just another day. There is no place in Germany for us to spend our marks, so it's either send them home or have that much more next pay day.
Here's a shower of Love to each and every on at home
Kenneth

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Still Getting Christmas Packages - April 1, 1945

Germany
April 1, 1945

Dear Mother,

Are you joining the Easter parade today? Wish I could say I was, but my only parade will be to these tanks with my tools for another days work.
I'll bet you can't guess what I got yesterday. One of your Christmas boxes caught up with me. After all these months the cookies were still good. The jar of jelly is still good, but the apple was slightly spoilt. The book of jokes from Sardis Breakfast program was good, and of course all stables good are usable. Who know maybe the rest of the packages will get here sooner or later.
This generator of our is acting up. The lights flicker so that it's almost impossible to see. That flickering on and off is rough on the eyes. I'm going to cut this letter off short and try again under more favorable conditions.
Loads of Love
Kenneth

Monday, January 11, 2010

Brandy Distillery - Mar. 28, 1945

Germany
March 28, 1945

Dear Mother,

It's nice and quiet around here for a few minutes. So here goes for a few lines to let you know I'm still a gittin.
Had some night last night. Practically everyone was dirty, drunk, and disorderly. After so long I quit counting the number I put to bed. We had the wrong liquid or I might have been one of those being put instead of the puter.
We ran into a Brandy distillery. That is what started the party off. Each man being able to get five bottles of the stuff is what put the finishing touches on it.
In case anyone asks - I still have my five bottles. And I expect to have them for a long time yet.
Have you gotten that Spring fever yet? You know that old urge to get down to the place and see the leaves pop out. Take a good look for me. Till later.
Here's an Easter greeting to each and every one of my Loved ones at home.
Kenneth

Saturday, January 9, 2010

Still Gettting Mail From December - Mar. 24, 1945

Germany
March 24, 1945

Dear Mother,

All kinds of surprising things happen now days. I'm still getting mail and Christmas cards addressed in December. Also odds and ends from dates in between.
Your letter with the comic pages in also arrived. You don't realize how much you enjoy those Sunday comics until their gone.
I'll bet you can't guess what we had today. - Each man in the company was issued two bottles of good old American beer. That's the first American beer I've had sense I left the states. I don't care what they say there is no place that puts out beer like that except home.
I'm about to get a first class wind burn. Riding around in a jeep the other day did most of it, but living outdoors is helping it along.
Thanks for those clippings about the ninth. Our paper gives the impression that the outfit might be at the front. But there is no real news. Our own division has been mentioned as an unnamed armored division in the paper of late.
I'm putting in one picture from the paper. I'm also trying to get prints of photos some of the boys took. Maybe yes maybe no.
Dad's doing all right. If the product turns over that good all the time - what more could we ask.
Keep on going out with him. It'll do you good. It won't hurt that old car to get out and around a little either. No sense having it dry rot.
All my Love to the best little Mother I know.
Kenneth

Friday, January 8, 2010

I'm In The Field Again - March 22, 1945

France
March 22, 1945

Dear Mother,

How are you'all this fine sunny day? Yours truly is coming along fine at the present writing.
We've got a couple of rabbits boiling out here in a pot. If they don't boil too long we'll have fried rabbit for supper. If they boil too much we'll have rabbit stew. It makes no difference we will have rabbit one way or another.
In case you didn't know it might be a little longer between letters now than it used to be. I am living out in the field again. That means that at dusk lights are out so it cuts down the time we usually spend in writing, reading, and such things.
Sounds like Dad is getting a good start. Glad to hear it - Keep up the good work. Between us we might be able to lay enough aside to make a fair start down on the place.
Be good and don't forget to give Stubby his run in the park. Lots of Love
Kenneth

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Just A Short Note - March 15, 1945

March 15, 1945

Dear Mother,

Your letter of March first just came. So I take my pencil in hand to answer same.
I've really been taking advantage of all good weather lately. Of an evening I take a short walk. It furnishes exercise and I get to see the countryside.
I picked up a little curio in Brussels you might be interested in. I won't make any remarks. That way you can draw your own unbiased opinion.
Things looked bad for a while. Our radio stopped working. Lucky for us it was only a burnt out condenser. That was easily repaired and now the old radio gives just like of old.
It's strange where baseballs and things like that come from. When a few days of nice weather come along - bingo - out comes the baseball for a little game of catch in spare moments. It always happens with Americans on the loose.
- LOOK - no paper. So Loads of Love for now -
Kenneth

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Got Your Letter From February - March 12, 1945

March 12, 1945

Dear Mother,

I've been reading in the paper were Portsmouth came close to getting a soaking again. They learnt their lesson in thirty-seven I guess. Even at that their new flood wall wouldn't have kept out the water if they hadn't used sand bags. The last I heard they were still dry - but it was nip and tuck.
I wrote a letter to Junior last month. Yesterday I got it back marked - "Not delivered as addressed." I turned right around and put the letter as was in another envelope and sent it to the old address on 14th Street. That should reach him - I hope.
Just received your letter of February twenty-six and seven. I gather from the hints you dropped that you have a little snow and ice. Never fear - it won't last long. - Spring is just around the corner.
If you need any of the cash that's coming your way - don't hesitate to use it. While Dad's getting started around there you might need a little extra.
Say can you get any more paper like this? I could use a couple more pads if you can.
Bob Hope's on the air - so I think I'll listen for a while. Do you mind? If not I'll sign off in favor of the radio.
Love
Kenneth

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

We Got Hold Of Some Horses - Mar 6, 1945

Germany
March 6, 1945

Dear Mother,

So your having some big snows again. From the sounds of it every place had it's share of of snow this year. We still get flurries of snow off and on. Usually they don't stay on long - thank goodness.
Dad should have an idea by now how well the lights are going to do. What's he think - will he like the new product? I hope he does good with the lights.
Some boys in one of the battalions of our Division got hold of some horses. Now then every time they move up four of the men ride horseback. After a long move the men can't hardly walk after being in the saddle - I think the horses are in about the same shape - They just don't say anything about it is all.
I'm glad to hear Harry Heissinger is home for good now. He probably feels he's done his share - can't say as I blame him either.
Here's a great big bunch of Love to the Register's at home
Kenneth

Monday, January 4, 2010

It's Cold Again - Mar 5, 1945

Germany
March 5, 1945

Dear Mother,
I knew everyone was jumping the gun a little. Just because of a few warm day in February. Here it is March and cold weather has returned. It can't last too long - we hope.
I sent off another fifty to Dad yesterday. It should get there in a month or two. It's a good thing I didn't get a chance to borrow any money before taking off for Brussels. Or there wouldn't have been any check going your way this month.
If I don't get a hair cut right away soon - you'll have to send me a violin. Or maybe that's the reason we are issued us Dog Tags.
I'm keeping in practice with an ax. Chopping wood to feed this hungry little stove of ours keeps me from forgetting how to hold an ax to obtain the best results. - Dad will please take note.
Cords and cords of Love
Kenneth