[Continued from previous page] sanctuary in East Germany, they will only run into death. Our planes are always on the alert, especially at the points where the Jerries are supposed to pass through on their retreat and any movement on the roads or adjacent fields etc. will be bombed and strafed. It is impossible to distinguish between soldiers and civilians. The weather is typically March, SNOW, RAIN, COLD, WARM combine in 1 day. To test our endurance, no doubt. Received 2 letters today and two boxes of candy. Haven’t talked with a civilian (socially) for about a month. We talk with one another just to keep in practice. I hit the sack at 2000. No church services today.
Monday, 5 March [1945] Auw, Germany
Up at 0600. It is snowing but the weather is not cold. Things are really moving along rapidly. Damn it all. The Jerries simply can’t last much longer (or can they?). We’ll soon find out. The pleasant, picture painting, roar of countless heavy bombers, lulled us to sleep, last night. We could picture them flying through the snow, winging with unerring accuracy to targets which they could not see. Their instruments taking efficient charge as their vision failed. They seem very aloof from the battles and individual heroism which is the pattern of war on the ground but their missions are largely to blame (taking a Jerry viewpoint) for the success of terrestrial offensives. Mail came in late today. I received 2 letters. Mail call always holds the possibility of a box of cigars for me. I look forward to it with more than just ordinary anticipation. P.X. Rations came in today. Hit the sack at 2000.