[Continued from previous page] its perfection. Clear, warm, sun shining. (Good bombing weather.) Today 3600 bombers hit the German city of Dresden.1 Dresden is the capital of the Saxony region of Germany and is situated in eastern Germany near the border with the Czech Republic. Goetz here describes the massive bombing attack on Dresden, which occurred in four raids over the three day period of 13-15 February 1945. The bombing and resulting firestorm destroyed over 1600 acres of central Dresden. Approximately 25,000 Germans were killed in the attack. Most of them came home via our C.P. After hundreds of them had passed very high up, two came straggling by on a wing and a prayer losing altitude steadily. They were practically torn apart but they brought their crews back safely. The crews bailed out a mile or so beyond our C.P. and the planes crashed several miles further on. Another B-17 came in low from another direction over the Siegfried line. Jerry sent up a lot of flak but the Fortress shook it off and went serenely on its way. Last night our heavy artillery kept me awake and instead of sleeping, I listened to the music of bombers passing over head. The roads are in terrible condition and traffic really takes a beating. I wrote two letters today, brought our situation map up to date. Hit the sack at 2200.
Thursday, 15 February [1945] Auw, Germany
Up at 0700. A very busy day but nothing eventful. A few Jerry shells but they have become S.O.P. Another perfect day and plenty of air activity. I wish to hell this war would end. Hit the sack 2100.
Friday, 16 February [1945] Auw, Germany
Up at 0730. Very ordinary day. Something is bound to cut loose soon. Radio brought us the story of Japan versus our fleet. Cheering news. Those GI’s in the South Pacific are going to be browned off when they have to come over here to help us. 2nd Platoon shelled today [continued on next page]