Letter from Germany, 1944 December 26

Creator

Robert D. Davis

Files

Creation Date

12-26-1944

Keywords

WWII, letters, World War 2, Christmas meal, Army, gifts

Subject

World War, 1939-1945; foods; United States--Army; Xmas; Presents

Description

Davis describes his Christmas meal. He has received 3 boxes from his parents and one from his Aunt Mattie. He says he hasn't seen much of the war yet. He mentions two recon planes were spotted flying by, and writes that he heard about two Germans captured in G.I. uniforms. Everyone has been asked to identify themselves, Davis has lost his dog tags and it takes two months to get new ones. His German is improving.

Transcription:

AFTER FIVE DAYS RETURN TO

Pfc Robert D Davis 18107121

CoE, Det. I7E3, 3^rd ECH

APO 658

c/o Postmaster, NY. NY.

Mrs. R. L. Davis

1619 Boston

Muskogee, Okla.

AIR MAIL

1^st xmas

midnite

26^th December, 1944

Germany:

Dear Folks:

I hope that you both had a good x-mas, a quiet day, a good meal; and thought of me as I was thinking of you. Our Christmas day was wonderful as nice as it could be here, under there conditions. Our cook out did herself, we each had 1/3 of a huge cake a piece, and a large dinner plate stacked so high with goodies that it’ll take us ‘till new year’s to eat it down. We had cookies with our own initials on them marking each plate on the top! We set a large table together-for officers and men, and what a feast! Turkey- all kinds of cakes and puddings-champagne which the officers contributed- and a beautiful table arrangement + personal service. Oh me!

So far I have only received 3 of your boxes- and one from Aunt Mattie. Haven’t had any mail up here since I’ve been here, but a delay is to be expected, since it will have to be readdressed.

Haven’t seen much of the war yet. Planes come over more often- two recon planes were zooming over the house at about 500 ft. We emptied our guns at them- futilely of course. One was hailing smoke tho’, and we later learned from nearby into that both planes were gotten. Jerry comes over singly at least a few times a day tho’, and the sky blossoms spiteful little ack-ack dots, by the thousands.

With the stories out about Jerrys captured in O.I. uniforms – no one is safe. People snipe at everyone- good clean fun. And everywhere you go you’ll lable to be stopped and asked to identify yourself with dog tags etc. I lost my dog tag at the last place- which doesn’t make me feel so hot. Takes two months to get some. My German is really picking up. Plenty of opportunity to use it.

We’re all pretty leery here. I’m alone in the kitchen and just heard a mouse at the door. Last nite we heard (Jerry’s upstairs now- hum, hum) footsteps, and three of us grabbed guns and combed this end of the block.

Love, Bob