Captain
Harold F. Kleindienst
September 13,1944
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Captain
Harold F. Kleindienst |
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| From Capt.
H.F. Kleindienst | Return
to M. Cryan |
September
13, 1944 |
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Hello Gang -
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| Just a few lines to let you know that we're stil percolating in these parts - moving ahead continuously. The Krauts find it difficult standing up against the never ceasing pressure being applied in all sectors and as a result, the distance 'tween us and Berlin is swiftly being whittled away. Weather
is cooler and in all probability this coming winter will not be much like the
mild one we had last year on the sunny "boot". Of course, we're a good
bit north of gay Napoli and our other Italian playgrounds so the winter is bound
to be a lot rougher. Oh well, Uncle Sam will probably come through in his usual
efficient manner, supply us sufficient equipment and clothing to cope with the
icy blasts. | ||
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Here one sees many wonderous sights - not only the terrain, which in itself would take pages and pages to adequately describe - but the people themselves present us with sights none of us will find easy to forget. Believe I've mentioned the very wonderful manner in which these people greet us as we enter the freshly liberated towns - the hugging and kissing, the offering of liquor and food, the flower strewn streets, the bumnting draped homes and buildings (Tri-color, Stars and Stripes and Union Jack), the cheers amid tears, the music, the singing. In one town a brass band played as we rolled on through - music international: "Wild Irish Rose", "K,K,K,K, Katy", "Tipperary", Le Marseilles", Over There", and some | |
| other ditties I failed to recognize. On a road between towns, a little boy stood at attention, hand raised in salute, singing the last war favorite "Over There" just as loud as he possibly could. Best of all, of course is "fighting" our way through all that wonderful lipstick. Of course, the old, longbearded menfolk pull the same stunt and thats not so nice. To refuse their slobbering embrace might bring about repercussions - anything for allied unity, you know - so, to prevent "incidents", we smile very politely as the bushy stuff whisks from cheek to cheek. I've enjoyed the very fine hospitality of several families and believe me, the cooking, cordiality, the sincerity of their welcome, plus the genuine friendship and fellowship, is just not to be outdone. They simply put out with allthey have to impress upon us their complete joy over our arrival. Once again the homes ring with laughter and music but even that does not hamper these people in the work they realise must continue - helping to beat the enemy into defeat complete. They wage a relentless and merciless war against those who occupied and bled their country feeble for four long years - a war such as we'd never before seen or known, They're out for vengeance and getting it too. | ||
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Received
the razor blades and cigarette lighter and many, many thanks - sure do appreciate
all the thoughtful gestures. |
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| Oh yes, was promoted to Captain and am quite excited over the two bars I now wear. Glad
to hear that Ev Thiele is back in the fold. Well, it's nearing two in the A.M. and I'm about to trudge 200 yards through a heavy rainstorm from our command post here to my cot and sack. Good night for a while and do please keep 'em coming. Willwrite soon again. | ||
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| Reguards to all, As ever Harold | ||