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OCCUPIERS
What's Next?
Berga to Gross Gerau, Germany

May 8-14, 1945

 

May 10, 1945: Now that the war is over the German people seem as relieved as we are. They also seem friendlier. I have one family who has washed by clothes. They sure needed it; they smell so clean and fresh.

Wouldn't you know, rumors are beginning to circulate. We are expected to move out. But where? Some say to a port of embarkation to either go home or go to the Pacific. Others say we are going farther south near Frankfort, which is not too far from Afschaffenburg, my grandparents' birthplace. It is beautiful weather and I'm so happy the war is over and the possibilities of soon going home. Oh me! What good things to look forward to. It is also Ascension Thursday and, of course, a day of prayer.

It sure is wonderful now that the war is over. It will probably take a little time for the effects to sink in. I do know this, there are many happy G.I.'s around here. Quite a few doing a little celebrating, including me. All in all, it's great to know it's over and now all our power can be turned toward Japan.

We are all wondering just what is in store for us. Are we going to the States? Going to the Pacific? Or staying here for the Army of Occupation. If the worst comes to the worst I am willing to sweat out a few more months over here, rather than taking another chance in the Pacific.

May 12, 1945: After a pleasant stay in Berga, we headed out for a 235 mile drive, which was to take us to Gross Gerau, twenty-eight miles southwest of Frankfort. It was a very beautiful and long drive. We left Berga at 6:15 a.m. and arrived in Gross Gerau at 7:30 p.m., dirty, tired, thirsty, and hungry.

What a strange feeling on this drive. It was hard to realize that this was the first time we drove in convoy in Europe without the fear of being bombed, strafed or shot at. It was an experience I shall always cherish. It was our first taste of freedom of movement. We traveled on the famous German Auto Bahn Highway (the grand-daddy of the super highway system). This highway reminds me of the Pennsylvania Turnpike. (It should because the Pennsylvania Turnpike was copied after the German Auto Bahn). It is a four lane highway. I don't think it can compare to the Pennsylvania Turnpike.

It was a treat for us. After traveling all the secondary roads and byways in Germany these past ten months, it was somewhat of a dream to drive on this nice road. It was always a desire for me to tour southern Germany as a sightseer rather than a combatant. Also, I saw much of central Germany during the war. I heard my Aunt Mathilda speak so much of this southern part (she visited Germany in 1930.)

We are not too far from Afschaffenburg, the birthplace of my dad's parents and grandparents. I sure hope I can visit this town in the future. I still can't get over this experience of the war being over. The freedom of movement; trying to realize you don't have to pick up your gun everytime you leave the premise; getting over the idea you no longer have to worry about incoming artillery or mortar shells. Yes, it's a weird experience. I still find myself looking all around the area as I walk down the streets of Gross Gerau, anticipating someone shooting at me from a basement window or a church steeple.

I've been taking pictures like crazy. Also, I finally got sixty pictures that I took in France last August. I believe the censor held them up. These pictures tell a story I'll never forget.

I now have more free time to think about conditions at home. Now that my kid brother Paul has gone in the Service, and being the last of the family to go (all told this makes the fourth son that Mom and Dad supplied for the war effort) it will be quite hard for Dad and Mother without one of these boys being around. I sure hope Dick gets a chance to get home, for it will make things a little easier. (Dick was at the Josephinum in Worthington, Ohio, studying for the priesthood. During the war they had to be there all year around - no summer vacations.)

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