April 27 – 30 [1945] Oberlosa, Germany
Four more days of idleness. Evidently the war is over for us as far as Europe is concerned. We have begun a training schedule and are learning how to be Garrison soldiers again. According to the Stars and Stripes, some men with 4 and 5 years of service will be released.1 The Stars and Stripes was the official newspaper of the U.S. Government that reported military news to members of the Armed Forces. Founded in 1861 at the start of the Civil War, it is still in print today. Could I be one of them? I am holding my breath (figuratively speaking). When I consider what it would mean to return to the states, I am almost afraid to hope. Germany has offered to surrender unconditionally to the Americans and British but not the Russians. Naturally they were turned down. We were issued our first battle star today. I guess that means we really are soldiers.
May 1-8 [1945] Hammerbrucke, Germany2 Hammerbrucke is a village in the Vogtlandkreis district of Saxony, east of Plauen. See Map, Site #34.
A week of idleness or rather a week of training. Hikes, infantry drill and plenty of recreation. A plane, HE III came over on the 8th. We brought it down. Germany is Kaput. We are waiting for an official announcement that the war is over. The weather has been very unpredictable. Lots of snow flurries. Settled down about the 6th and at present writing is ideal.