Letter from Germany, 1944 December 22

Creator

Robert D. Davis

Files

Creation Date

12-22-1944

Keywords

WWII, letters, World War 2, Nazi, Army, Anti-fraternization, food, cook

Subject

World War, 1939-1945; United States--Army; Neo-Nazi groups; Foods

Description

Davis writes that he is enjoying his work and finds it satisfying. He describes the destruction of Germany as 'unreal, worst than France'. He writes that the armed forces will go farther in as the Nazis continue to resist. He mentions General Ike's anti-fraternization policy "sticks". Davis praises the new cook, mentioning that she used to cook at hotels. Davis continues to describe his meals.

Transcription:

AFTER FIVE DAYS RETURN TO

Pfc. Robert D. Davis 18107121

CoE, Det I7E3, 3^rd ECA

APO 658, c/o Postmaster, NY NY

Mrs. R.L. Davis

1619 Boston

Muskogee, Oklahoma

Air Mail

#1

meals

Dec. 22^nd, ‘44

Germany

Dear Folks:

I’m enjoying this new life very much. The pleasure of course, is partly compounded of novelty, but it is more solidly based on satisfaction in finally beginning the work for which I am best suited and inclined. It’s no cinch stepping into a full pledged job with nothing but “book-learnin,” but all the officers and men are pretty nice about my inexperience, and so I think I’ll swiftly overcome it.

Unhappy Germany is literally being ripped to hell. In France the destruction was bad, even horrible in some places like St. Lo. But here, it is universal; and I doubt not it will continue inexorably in land as far as the Nazis choose to resist. Now the German folk under the allies, are experiencing all the of the conquered, except sadism and cruelty. You know of General Ike’s non-fraternization policy. Believe me, its one army rule that sticks! For all the interchange of communication and courtesy the Germans might as well not be around for the GI’s. They are nothing but so many tragic shadows, flitting in and out of [I just finished using that pocket pencil sharpener in an earlier box. It’s handy.] their wrecked and gutted houses. No doubt they feel sorry for themselves- but how can they combine self-pity with the knowledge of their hellish acts? Oh we feel sorry for the average German, too; wouldn’t be human if we didn’t. But its a pity for individual misery, not a pity that they’ve had to suffer their inexorable retribution.

We eat at a beautifully set table, with some “borrowed” Chinaware and service. What a treat to have a clean table cloth and to be waited on so individually! But the best thing about this is our cook. (Naturally, with no social life, and us social contact-even saying hello- with civilians, the three meals assume a primary importance.) She has cooked for large hotels over a period of years, and is marvelous! She slanes over our meals, and serves-not meals but banquets. Listen to our meal last night; which altho’ the best, is typical in quality of food, method of serving and attention. First the waitress brought us soup- a meat broth, very good. Then thick pork chops, fried potatoes, (also potatoes) a bowl of lima beans like and corn, and two huge platters of salad with the following items among other things: beats, cabbage, lettuce, pickles, onion, string beans, (and more) all beautifully arranged. Then when we were served she poured the coffee. There was bread, butter and marmalade. Then, after we’d stuffed ourselves, came the dessert, a beautiful custard, served in transparent glasses- y’know– with currants and other stuff and designed on top with icing! (when your tiny coffee cup emptied one of them filled it) And, the custard was really egg-nog, flavored with brandy. A col. who dined with our captain that nite declared it the best meal he’d eaten in 8 mos. And it was my best one since the ETO. And the cook’s imaginative. With roll army sausage this morning she made patty-cake sausages and served up the best artificial eggs I’ve had. The way she cooks them they’re like real eggs. We’re all just moanin’ and groanin’ over her cooking. So your son may get fat here, as, indeed, is the cook’s (a fat girl herself) intention. Not understanding some of U.S. physical types of leanness, she said “I’ll make you boys plumper before you leave.”

Just 2 more shopping days to x-mas. Our cook is cooking late at nite + early in the morning making cookies. She uses fancy cutters – little girl + boy shapes etc. We’re really going to have an x-mas.

Love, Bob