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September 12, 1945:
Had a very emotional experience yesterday. I came very close
to my first step in getting home. Last night after work, I was
informed I was to ship out with an outfit getting ready for the
States. I was happy and thrilled. I started to pack. About two
hours later, I was called in by my Commanding Officer and informed
that my name was scratched off the list. I was declared "essential".
WOW! Isn't that something. I'm mighty put out about it, but it
won't be too long. I was called up by the Colonel this morning
and he gave me the scoop. Last night the regiment had to fill
a quota of seventy-pointers or better. Among the group I had
the most time overseas and that is why I was selected. The Colonel
told me he didn't want to disappoint me but I would have to wait
ten days to two weeks longer until I trained an understudy. So
that's what I'm doing today.
I got a man to take over and once we have
him trained, I will be on my way. So now, I know it's down to
a few weeks before I start my journey home. I never dreamed that
I would see the day little ol' me in this large U.S. Army was
found to be so important that the regiment could not get along
without me. It makes a guy feel pretty good even if it's a disappointment.
In a way it's a blessing that I didn't get
to go. I would have been stuck with a lot of equipment that I
would not have had time to dispose of. Now, I will have time
to get rid of it. I have my typewriter, my radio, ten sets of
O.D.'s, a lot of souvenirs (which I will now have time to pack
and mail home), etc.
I have been informed by Lale that a surprise
awaits me when I get home. She and my sister have been putting
all the pictures I've been sending home into an album with proper
captions. (I wrote details and identifications on the back.)
I can hardly wait to see the album.
Two years ago I was home on furlough from
Camp Beal, California (September 2 through 16). Last year at
this time we were sweating things out as we crossed into Germany.
September 27, 1945:
The long awaited day has arrived. I got my notice to pack and
prepare to start on that long trail home. I am sorry, in a way,
because I'm being sent to the 12th Armored Division, which is
slated to ship out on October 5th. Looks like I'll be home in
time to help Dad celebrate his birthday (October 25th). There
are twenty of us leaving (all over seventy points). Rumors have
it that we will be boarding one of the "Queens", so
that will make our journey faster.
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