EDITOR’S NOTE: This is Clifford's first letter home since being released from hospital care in Nancy, France on July 14th and returning to what is now left of the 468th FA Battalion which had moved from Bad Sodden, Germany to Rheims, France.
July 20, 1945 3340 CF Rheims, France
Clifford apologizes to the Folks for not writing sooner; is disgusted with the current situation; got out of the hospital six days ago; is with what is left of his outfit again in Rheims – about 100 of the men were transferred to the armored division – doesn’t seem like the same outfit; now pulling guard at different warehouses – French & Polish soldiers were doing that but too much stuff was being stolen so now we have to watch the guards; is on duty 4 hours then off 8; PWs (Prisoners of War) cook our meals, clean our rooms, make our beds; sometimes wanders off when he guards them so one will try to get away – they won’t though – I would sure like an excuse to shoot one – it’s an awful way to feel; tells Winfred not to wait for him to get a furlough – won’t be home this year; has gained some weight; feels swell physically; there are beautiful girls in France but hard to date one after seeing them with a negro – has caused some brawls over here – most guys says it’s okay over here but not back home; news is scarce so signs off; his APO is now 513.