Page 62

Monday, 12 February, 1945 – Wednesday, 14 February, 1945

[Continued from previous page] We had steak today (caused more comment then the shelling) and it was good. We have been in Germany for more than a week now and on the Front line for about 70 days without a break. I don’t think that any of the men would want to rest now with Germany so near to admitting what is common knowledge all over the continent—that she is whipped. They laugh behind our backs because we treat their soldiers and civilians according to the rules of the Geneva Convention; they think it shows weakness on our part.1The Geneva Conventions were a series of international treaties created in Geneva, Switzerland between 1864 and 1949 to provide for civilians and soldiers who are incapable of fighting. The conventions were amended and extended during World War II after many cases of belligerents abusing the principles were reported. One such example was the Malmédy massacre that occurred on December 17, 1944 in the Belgium city of Malmédy where 72 unarmed American prisoners of war were massacred by a German SS unit. Martin Gilbert, The Second World War: A Complete History (New York, 1989; rev. ed., 2004), 620. We can afford their laughter when we realize that this army of weaklings has decisively beaten the strongest army that Germany has ever mustered and beaten them on their own soil across 3000 miles of ocean. I would hesitate before admitting that an opponent who had kicked me fairly was a weakling. How about it Adolph?

Tuesday, 13 February [1945] Auw, Germany
Up at 0700. Shaved and had breakfast by 0800. More heavy artillery last night but no damage or casualties. The gun, which fires these shells, has an overall length of 64’ 8” a breech ring 8’ 6” in diameter and a range of 70,000 yards. It requires 6 flat cars to move it. Quite a bit of supplies and some personnel were dropped from C 47’s via parachute today. The roads are terrible. The weather continues warm. Wrote two letters today. Hit the sack at 2000.

Wednesday, 14 February [1945] Auw, Germany
Up at 0700. Today has been unusual because of [continued on next page]

Inserts


Insert 36a— Monday, February 12, 1945 (Front)

Cloth memorabilia for an exhibit of the robe of Jesus at Trier Cathedral. It reads: “In memory of the exhibit of the holy tunic of the Cathedral of Trier in the holy year of 1933.” This exhibit was held to mark the signing of the Reichskonkordat, the treaty designed to ensure the safety and free practice of Catholicism in exchange for disavowal of further political activity by clergymen. The treaty was a result
of negotiations between the Vatican and the newly‐installed Nazi government. Two million people visited the relic as part of the holy pilgrimage of 1933.


Insert 36a— Monday, February 12, 1945 (Back)


Insert 36b— Monday, February 12, 1945

A post card that reads: “Happy New Year! It is good that there are stops everywhere. Look out! Stops.” The “stops” alludes to the sign on the lamppost with the winged wheel indicating a railroad stop.


Insert 37a— Tuesday, February 13, 1945 (Outside)

A birthday card from Goetz’s fiancée and future wife, Mary.


Insert 37a— Tuesday, February 13, 1945 (Inside)


Insert 37b— Tuesday, February 13, 1945 (Outside)

A birthday card from a woman named Alice. She writes, “Remember me? I doubt it—probably too many French gals.”


Insert 37b— Tuesday, February 13, 1945 (Inside)