[Continued from previous page.] We will probably take up new quarters soon. Perhaps tomorrow. I would like to move into Berlin. I think that the men would be willing to do anything, if it got them home sooner. Mail came in today. I received one letter. Hit the sack 2100.
Thursday, 8 March [1945] Auw, Germany
Up at 0600. What a day. It is almost impossible for G2 to keep track of our front lines. The 3rd army in a lunge which took them 57 miles has reached the Rhine between Bonn and Cologne and has succeeded in making a crossing at, at least one point. The 1st and 9th armies have taken Cologne and the whole line from Arnheim to Strasbourg is on the move. We have hopes that this may be the final push. According to my own estimate, we are less than 250 miles from Russian troops.
About 1200 planes went over last night. We are praying for just one week of clear weather. Instrument bombing is effective against cities and harbors etc. but for vehicular traffic, troop movements and smaller pin point targets, observation is indispensable. No mail today. This Non Fraternization is a good policy but it is going to be difficult to abide by it. We haven’t talked to anyone in civilian clothes for at least a month and Germans look just like people, in spite of the cruelties which they are credited with. We forget their past actions when we see them in their roles of repentant submission. I don’t mind the looks given by the older people, but children are children even in Germany. They are very appealing. I hit the sack at 2000.
