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.

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

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

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

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

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

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