July 9, 1945

July 9, 1945 Monday
Len dear,

Received three swell letters from you today postmarked June 30, July 1 + 2nd and a letter from Bob postmarked June 27th. Sure swell to get that mail.

Last night I went to bed real early for a change – was in bed after 10 P.M. and after reading for awhile went to sleep (almost immediately instead of the usual 1-2 hours of tossing and restlessness)

This morning I was up by 8 A.M. – It’s going to be tough to get use to regular hours again. I usually don’t roll out of bed till 9:30 or 10 A.M. but I’m not particularly concerned about it as I belive I can adapt myself very easily to civilian ways again. After sick call, I drove over to see Major Gautsch. he expects to leave here about 13 July and was packing. It seems taht a multitude of officers and enlisted men are going to the 9th Inf. Div. Major Gautsch has 96 points but it doesn’t make any difference in his case as he is regular army — Supposedly the 9th Inf. Div. is Army of Occupation. Practically the whole division staff is leaving including Gen. Rheinhart + Col. Eppes (Chief of Staff)

Col. Carl, the division surgeon, has left already – Major Gautsch was anxious to leave this division but is so disappointed that the 65th staff is going to accompany him – he thought that he was going to get away from all the children in this outfit – I’m sorry to see him leave – I learned to like him very much – For all practical purposes the 9th Inf. Div. will be that only in name, but will be composed almost entirely of 65th personnel – And reciprocally, the 65th will have all the high point 9th Inf. personnel, who undoubtedly will be sent home after a few months + be inactivated. Meanwhile those of us that still remain are waiting impatiently to receive orders for where or what we do not know. Three Lts. in this battalion were alerted today and are suppose to fly home Friday for 30 days + some undisclosed assignment – Boy, oh boy, what I wouldn’t give to fly home would be home in 2 days-

This afternoon I sat inside and read some magazines and the N.E.J.M. I was called across the street to see a sick lady – she delivered an 8 lbs. girl last night and was quite weak today. You begin to appreciate how kind mother nature is and what wonderful machine the human body is when you see how some of these people fare without medical attention – Dr. Schwary, the local doctor who has been practicing here for 30 odd years, is a quack who knows no medicine whatsoever – This I learned from the various civilians I’ve treated in the aid station and if I didn’t discourage their coming to me (tell them that my aid station is for American soldiers + not civilians) I would be overwhelmed – The people dislike their doctor but there is nothing they can do about it as he represents the only medical attention they have for a radius of many many miles. This woman I saw this afternoon was delivered by the midwife in the town here – a common practice. The midwife looked about 75 years old and I’ll bet in her lifespan she has delivered more babies than the late Dr. De Lee. It was the woman’s 7th child, in addition to two abortions — she’s 39 years old. I spoke to the midwife + found her interesting – they use no anesthesia at all – this labor <del>I<del> was about 4 hours long + the delivery took 15 minutes — the woman was

complaining of pain in her chest, appeared emaciated + very anemia -looked bled out – I had no medicine for pregnant women in my aid station, so I gave her 500 cc of plasma – she’s feeling better tonight- While I was there, I was asked to look at another woman who delivered her baby 3 months ago – she had severe pain + swelling of her left breast since the child’s birth – I examined her and honestly she had the worst – the largest abscess of a breast I’ve ever seen – how she could tolerate the pain she must be having, as long as she has, I can’t imagine. I made arrangements to take her to Linz to the hospital in our ambulance tomorrow-

These people all look healthy though it’s sy of medium stature + husky – In Linz, a large city, the women dress very modern, appear neat + clean + are attractive – but quite obviously they are all diseased with some venereal disease- It’s such a common story for me to hear “I can’t understand it, doc, she looked so clean”- as the boys come in to see me with V.D. the old saying I tell them —

“You can’t judge a book by the cover” V. D. is still a major problem.

Tonight there was a variety show here in town for the G.I.- Irv + I went – It was an exceptionally good show for a change – Austrian performers – dancers, singers, comedians, etc – It’s very humorous at tiems – invariably some performer will sing or play an American song – the band tonight played American songs, almost exclusively, and obviously they have learned that the G.I> looks his jazz + swing music – boogie-woogie- so they try to imitate – they do fairly good but it does sound funny- It’s like a good classical musician trying to play jazz – it just doesn’t sound right. Their impression of American music is that everything is set to swing – two sisters and a man with good voices sang “Indian Love Song” as it should be sung and then swung out on the 2nd chorus – I thought it was sacreligious but there was a very receptive audience and the applause was deafening –

I’m so glad to hear that Pat ate her meal by herself. Your patience and teaching have been rewarded and I know the satisfaction it must give you and don’t blame you for being so excited + pleased – that’s a personal triumph- She must be a honey- Bob’s letter was all about how wonderful she is. You mention something about Pat’s black eye – I didn’t receive the letter yet describing how Pat acquired the discoloration. I assume that it was nothing serious.

I’m so glad to hear that Re is pregnant – just hope that nothing happens as I realize how anxious they are for one – She’s foolish to go about broadcasting as she is, ’cause if anything should happen she would be inconsolable as you say. It sounds like you are having a tropical summer back home – wish I were home to suffer with you – Sorry to hear that Mrs. Pollak feels so badly about Carl’s girlfriend – I’ll bet that she is a nice girl-

Well, darlin, Bob got 3 packages from home today, including a birthday cake (his birthday was June 19th) so we are about to indulge in some niceties-

Enclosed is a money order for $70.00 – This, my darling, is towards your anniversary gift – I want you to get yourself something nice from me – It’s unlikely that I shall be home to celebrate this one – but one can never tell-

Goodnight, my wonderfuls, all my love for ever + ever. I love you more and more every day.

All my love,
Hal

P.S. Love to all

July 5, 1945

Thurs. July 5, 1945
Len dear,

It’s shortly before supper and Irv + I just returned from our mew location which is about 45 miles from here – We left at 9 A.M. and came back about 4:30 P.M. – an all day affair – The town is a small one, but slightly larger than this one. However the problem of finding a place to live is always an unpleasant job. Now it is necessary to find public buildings for billeting the men before you resort to private homes- i.e. public buildings as schools officers and “gasthauses” – This town has many “gast hauses” but the majority were dingy, dirty and small. One is almost always sure of finding Nazi collaborators no matter how small the town populace, and their homes are naturally nicely furnished with all modern conveniences – We found such a “gasthaus” – very clean, huge rooms, electricity, running water, tile bathtub + shower, flush toilet, and very nice furniture – a jewel in a tarnished setting – We always also looked at two nice private homes which would have housed my men + all the officers very nicely – I was very reluctant to take it for fear that the Col. would want to move in too. Instead I showed one of the houses to the Col’s billeting officers + he is reserving it for the Col. + his stooges. There we found a beautiful dental office with all modern equipment – 2 dental chairs, x-ray, etc. – obviously a Nazi sympathizer – It’s funny to go into a little farm town where the main street is cluttered up with cows, oxen, horses, pony  and the smell of cow flaps + manure is prevalent and find an elaborate, modern dental office such as you could expect to see in a large city in the states. There is also a beautiful castle with 40 well furnished rooms owned by a Graf Corte – the Nazis used it as a “mutterheim”- for pregnant femmes of the SS men – However Service Co. has it – they had priority on the buildings – The Graf is living in a small adjacent building – apparently formerly occupied by his servants but in which he + his family, in laws, etc, now live – Irv + I went through his home and what wonderful furnishings he has – hand carved furniture, ornate clocks, etc – china, silverware, etc- and antiques – you’d of had a picnic there-

Hello again, darling, I decided not to go deer hunting tonight – I felt tired and also a little guilty as I have been monopolizing the best guide, Hubert – thought I’d give somebody else a chance with him – Irv, Bob + Rick went out and should be back soon – I’ve been reading the past hour or so, after a delicious supper – Maria made “buckburgers” from the buck – that’s the last of the poor buck – but it sure was swell while it lasted.

I saw Major Kelman today and on my way through Linz and his orders have been cancelled and he is to remain with the division but he doesn’t know for how long. It’s common knowledge now that this outfit is breaking up eventually and most of us will be transferred to other units – just a question of when.

I don’t know when we are going to move to this new town but tomorrow I’m going to start moving some of my aid station equipment and other furniture which may add to our comfort – plan to take a few radios, the frigidaire (it’s working fairly good now), some easy chairs, some beds, a nice sliding table for eating As I’ve related the dentist who lived in this house was a high Nazi official and is now a prisoner with his wife in Mauthausen (?): Consequently I have no compunctions about what we remove from his house for our benefit – If this new town didn’t have a dental office, we were planning to move out the entire dental outfit, x-ray machine, dental chair and all, to our next location- The nice dental office there has made this unnecessary-

The Col. doesn’t know yet that he isn’t going to live with us  – He’ll be quite disappointed. I’m sure, ’cause he’ll miss Maria taking care of him.

I received a letter from you today dated 27 June – nothing new in it except that you have been doing a load of reading – How’s Bob enjoying himself- I wish he’d write to me and describe some of the places he’s been to and some of the experiences he has had. How’s Larry? Does he know what the Army is going to do with him yet?

Well, my loves, nothing more to write for today so I’ll say “Goodnight, pleasant dreams”- I love you + adore you with my might, heart and soul. A million hugs + kisses.

Love to all-
All my love, forever + ever,
Hal

July 4, 1945

Wed. Independence Day (What a laugh!)

Len dear,

Again no mail from you today although I received a V-mail from Helene, a letter from Jack and few News-week magazines from Dan. Jack writes about the wonderful time he is having down in Florida and all the flying he has been doing – He flew to Havana Cuba for a weekend, to Memphis, Tenn to atten his brother Sydney’s wedding and in addition has been flying around to various general hospitals in a hospital ship. Apparently the setup is quite permanent as he expects to be sent to the Don Cepar in the near future for a month’s course on N.P.

Although I’m envious as the devil, I certainly don’t begrudge his good fortune. He’s a swell guy and I pray that he doesn’t have to come overseas. He says that Mort wrote to him and is back on the U.S.S. Cummings again – Helene sounded very happy and in excellent health- no pains or aches and also thinks that Jim’s position is quite permanent for which I am very happy. I know how badly I felt not being present when Pat was born, and know it would ^have been twice as bad if I were overseas at the time –
The weather continues to be miserable and if in the month’s time that we spent up here in the mountainous country, I doubt if we’ve had 3 good days. It poured all day today and just stopped a few minutes ago — just enough to go deer hunting tonight. Hubert my guide brought in the horns of the buck I shot the other night. They are mounted on a stained piece of wood and look swell – As soon as I can, I’ll send them home.

This afternoon Bob + I went over to Major Gautsch’s. My boy Pvt. John Austin returned from the hospital today. He’s sober now and soon we shall start section VIII proceedings and have him discharged as “Const. Psycho — Chronic Alcoholism.” best thing for him — I spoke to Major Kelman who related that he is leaving this division, he is being transferred tomorrow to a division headed for the Pacific via the states – that makes 10 medical officers who have left this division in the past 2 weeks- just keep hoping + hopint that if I do get transferred that I’ll get home first — Incidentally, they are doing a swell job in the Pacific as you know and I still anticipate an early end. What does Bob think about the duration of the war? He should be in a better position to judge than I and can speak more authoritatively — the China situation is relly holding up things — if the Chinese government settles their dispute with the Chinese communists, than I believe, Russians would attack Japan – and we’ll all be home much sooner –

Tommorow I have to reconnoitre the new town we are going to move to – I’m so anxious to get separated from the Col. + major but fear that they expect me to live with them again – I intimated that I planned to look for a place for myself to-morrow and the Col. as much as insinuated that it was unnecessary ’cause his seperts has already been out to locate a place for {und} us – He likes me a lot but the main reason, I imagine, that he wants Irv, Bob + I living with him is because of Maria who after all, is our housekeeper and not his — If we don’t live with him, it means that I will lose her and as I’ve related, she’s of inestimable value — Naturally he enjoys the convenience that she makes possible for him — breakfast in bed, clean house, clean clothes, etc – Well, we shall see. Irv + I are going to try to find some excuse to get away from him.

Time for supper, darling. I’ll be back later to let you know how I made out in my hunting – I love you + adore you – you, too, Pat.

Hallo again, darling. it cleared up and was beautiful out tonight but cold and I wore my Air Corps fatigues, a woolen shirt, sweater and my lined jacket as well as gloves. We saw plenty of doe but no buck tonight but I got plenty of exercise walking about 2-3 miles then thru the woods – It’s so beautiful going through this countryside – the pine trees, the meadows, the wheat fields + fields of clover as far as the eye can see – it sometimes looks like an artificial movie prop — how I wish you could see it and how I wish I could see you and Pat – every day gets harder + harder to accept this separation –

Goodnight, my wonderful ladies, I adore you + love you with all my heart + soul – Happy Independence Day — frankly it was the loneliest 4th July I ever spent.

Love to all –
all my love, forever + ever-

A million hugs + kisses,
Hal

July 12-14, 1945

Friday, July 13th

Darling Len,

Got 2 swell letters from you today dated 5 + 6th July-

Today was beautiful out and actually warm in the sun – that must sound funny to you ’cause I know how you folks are sweltering home – but it’s true that it’s rarely warm here and never hot – there are a few streams and ponds nearby but noone goes swimming ’cause it just isn’t that hot.

I spent a most enjoyable afternoon for a change – I saw a baseball game and a darn good one at that – Yes this division has one asset, believe it or not. They have an excellent ball team composed of 5 ex-Major leaguers and a galaxy of minor league stars. The game today was against the XI Armored Division for the Corps championship, 3 out of 5 series. The 65th won today in a tight pitchers duel, 2-1. It was their 3rd straight victory and gave them the series. Now they play winners of other Corps for the ETO championship – They have a nice baseball field out by the Linz airport – I took 6 of my men, baseball fans like myself, and they were so pleased at the opportunity to see the game – Irv, Bob, + Rick are not particularly interested in baseball + didn’t go – There were 4 generals in the audience – our 2 <scribble> 2 from the 11th Armored – so you see all the stars weren’t on the baseball diamond.

Got back about 5:45 p.m., had a good supper and planned to take in a movie which was scheduled in town here tonight but got down to the school house where the movie was to be shown to find that they had to postpone it because the sound wasn’t working – Just as well as I’m tired + just as soon listen to the radio. Rick went deer hunting tonight and I hope he gets a buck – he’s so anxious for one-

I must tell you in detail about last night. Bob, Irv, myself and 3 of my men went into the movies in Liz as I related in yesterday’s letter. The movies was over about 9:15pm and we were planning to go directly back to Lemfelden – my driver who was in the movies with us <cross-out> went to get the 3/4 ton which he parked on a side street, but it was gone – so we proceeded to MP head – quarters + discovered that the MPs picked up the truck to MP their headquarters — It seems my driver committed a cardinal sin – a terrible violation – he left his vehicle unattended and the division’s policy is that the driver must be with the vehicle at all times – I knew what the outcome would be – the driver, far from a mental giant but a swell kid who does everything he’s told to and undoubtedly never did an off color thing in his life, would be broken from Cpt to Pvt and have his license suspended – At times I’m convinced that our army is the most undemocratic of all organizations and this was a perfect example – We are allowed to give 5 men passes to Linz every night – Division’s generosity – because curfew is at 10 P.M. and they must be back here by then- that’s a 40 mile round trip – Naturally, they all want to go to a movies but the catch is there is no place to park the vehicle as division conveniently forgot to make such provisions – Well Rob, Irv, + I went in to talk to some 2nd Lt. Wood in charge of the MPs and explain what had happened – we were tactful + nice + explained what a good man the driver was, how Major Gautsch commended him for keeping the vehicle in such good shape (which he did yesterday), how it was his first offense and would he (the Lt.) be good enough to foget about it – Well he certainly was an officious bastard – one of those the many the army has with whom invested with a little authority are dangerous as they wield it injudiciously 0 He said that he was sorry but there was nothing he could do about it. Then I exploded as did Irv + Bob and told him in no pleasant terms what we thought of him – if he were a decent fellow his ears will burn for the next year every time he thinks of it. To add to the unpleasant

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ness one of the tires on the truck was flat and as we had no spare the men had to change the tire – Meanwhile Irv, Bob + I were standing outside the MP station, still fuming and quite disquieted with the army because of products as this being officers. We noticed that one of the MP jeeps was parked outside with no driver in attendance for about 10 minutes so we returned to the Lt. inside and told him about his own jeep – He started to make excuses saying that the driver was inside and could watch the jeep from there – all which was true but Bob knew the regulations which stated the driver had to be with the vehicle so we could just as chicken as he – We made the Lt. press charges immediately – told him that we would gladly drop charges if he would against our driver – but no, he wouldn’t – We knew that we were bumping our heads against a stone wall but were bound to get some personal satisfaction – such injustice – We finally got home after 12.

This morning Bob called up the Lt. again- perhaps he reconsidered but no – he knows that he is in the driver’s seat, saying the MP are a big organization (and as popular as a slap on the back on a sunburn) and the Provost Marshal was behind him – I know that my driver will be broken + lose his license – the new Col. will receive the report, submit it to Majr Gautsch for proper action, namely, breaking him – However

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I’m anxious to know what will be done about the M. P. driver- I plan to follow it through although I know it is useless. Little injustices like this are daily occurrences and take to long to explain on paper – I elaborated tonight to give you a vague idea of why the poor enlisted man bitches -he has many legitimate complaints and his lot is not a happy one- One of my other drivers was broken from Cpt. to Pvt. in Linz for exceeding the speed limit by 5 miles- also had his license suspended – for punishment I restricted him for one week but higher authorities decided that the punishment was too lenient and he should be broken – that was 2 months ago and I have to wait 3 months before I can promote him to Pfo – However it’s perfectly ok for officers and MPs to drive their vehicles at break neck speed – Our democratic army- phooey!! G.I. Joe certainly can write a book-

You seem fairly certain of going down to Florida. What I’ve been wondering is what are you going to do about your allergy shots? Have you consulted the Dr? Darling, be sure that he says it’s O.K. first – I’m concerned about it and want you to be sure to get adequate treatment first and build up your immunity so as to ward off future attacks – no sense suffering as you did last year- don’t forget I don’t want you to neglect yourself – I insist

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on it. Thank Dr. Shiller for his contributions of the journal. If I knew what was in store for me in the future and were sure I were to remain I think I would resubscribe for the JAMA – Don’t send any medical magazine books until I tell you – Thanks, dear, for sending the journals. Incidentally I received June Life’s Magazine. Thanks, darling. As for packages of food perhaps you could send out a package or two-

Major Gautsch is leaving this coming Wed. and Lts. Rodney Larson + Earl Schmalle are leaving this Monday for the 9th Inf. Div. which is Army of Occupation – they are situated near Munich – they are all rather pleased – so I imagine that next week there will be many new faces replacing the departed. As soon as I know what’s what with me I’ll let you know- meantime I’m still deteriorating with the 65th-

I’m so sorry to hear about Aunt Fan – I know that the prognosis was very poor – she obviously has cancer, perhaps perinarity of the uterus with metastasis to the lungs which is the cause of the fluid- what a shame!!

Well, darling, that’s about all the news for tonight. Was quite surprised to hear about Iver Raven – too bad- Glad to hear that Elaine has gone to meet Jim- Wish you were on your way to meet me in N.Y.- some day-

Goodnight, my darlings. Can’t begin to tell you how much I miss the best daughter and wife in the world, let alone try to tell you how much I adore + love you – I’m the luckiest fellow in the world-

Love to Nana and all,

All my love, forever + ever.

Hal

Saturday July 14,

Len dear,

No mail today so I’ll have to wait till Monday now for word from you.

Last night after writing to you I went for a ride with Bob, Irv, + Rick. Rick had your hunting with 2 of the guides and returned about 10 P.M. with-out buck – the guide had 2 horses hitched to a buggy so we decided it was a nice night for a buggy ride, hopped in and went down the road for a couple of miles. Came back and had bologna sandwiches and coffee and then to bed.

Today was lovely – actually hot in the sun and this afternoon we donned our shorts and sat in the backyard sunning ourselves- I started reading “Claudia”- don’t know if you read it or saw the play but it’s unusual be-cause it’s about a very happy marriage – two people very much in love and it made me lonesome and long for you all the more.

Here it is just before supper and I’m racking my brains for something to write to you but nothing of interest appears on the horizon- Maria has been acting up lately- she’s highly neurotic and always complaining that she’s sick – she wants sympathy and is getting it in reverse – We’ve more or less told her to get on the ball and it has had results because she is going out of her way to do things