MS 984 - Byron Armbruster World War II Papers Transcripts (June 1945)
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| Title | MS 984 - Byron Armbruster World War II Papers Transcripts (June 1945) |
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June 10, 1945Lofer, Austria Dear Mom - To-day I'm batallion C.Q., here at Headquarter's, so I'll have a little time to write a few letters. I received a letter from you, this noon, dated 3 June. That made pretty good time, didn't it? I received the box you sent and we have been popping corn nearly every nite since, altho it doesn't pop very good. I don't know why. Thanks a lot. If you want to send me any thing, send large peanuts or mixed nuts (vacuum packed) pop corn (large size) and some 616 films. I'm really fussy, don't you think so? You ask about Sgt Bernth. He never did return but was discharged just a few days before he was supposed to catch a boat to come back. Lucky fellow, I must say. It would be nice if Lauren and F.M. or Eloise would invite he and his wife to pay another visit. He happened to have one more child than, than I. Did you ever receive the glasses I sent home? I hope they didn't break. I really will prize them when I get home. Inclosed are a few more snaps. How I wish I had more film. The enclosed pictures of the parade were taken last Sunday. It was held at 7:30 A.M. It was a catholic procession. It was the first time they were able to have it since 1938, as the Nazis forbid it. They received permission from our officers. When you mention strawberries, my mouth waters. I haven't had even one for over two years. I received a nice long letter from Mrs. Brinkman the other nite. Hoping alls well at home. I'm willing to stay here for the duration as much as I'd like to come home. They say that the snow gets from six to eight feet deep here in the valley, during the winter months. My Love to All, Dear Mom - If you should ever receive duplicates of any snaps, please give some to whomever you think might like them. Love, June 21, 1945Lofer, Austria Dear Folks - Just a few more snaps. You should be getting a quite a collection by now. Do you like them? I wish I had more films. The camera that I take all these pictures with, I picked up in Normandy, the first day I hit the beach. You see I lost everything I had, including my weapon when I went ashore, so I had to re-equip my self. The pack that I took off a dead paratrooper contained this camera. I've had it on every mission with me. What do you think of the award I received. I'll mail the medal home as soon as I find something to wrap it with. The picture that I sent home in that box with the wooden shoes, were all taken in Normandy, France over a year ago. Received a letter from pop to-day. My Love to All, June 26, 1945Lofer, Austria Dear Folks - Mom, I received your letter to-day and one from Pop several days ago. Pop ask that I send some German rifles home. Several weeks back, we picked them up by the hundreds and I could have sent any amount home, but I hated the sight of them so much, I didn't ever want to see one again. We turned them all in to a collecting point or smashed them beyond repair. It would be rather difficult to obtain one now. I intend to bring home with me, a pistol. We don't dare mail them. Its an Italian Beretta, cal. 25. Some of the weapons that we procured while disarming civilians, were American made. Enclosed are a few more snaps. I have my last roll of film in my camera, so if possible, send me some 616 films. I don't hear much news from home, whats the matter? I received a letter from Emma, Sunday. Everything is O.K. here and I hope the same at home. Love, P.S. To-day I mailed my medal. Let me know as soon as you receive it. Citation for the Bronze Star Technician Fourth Grade Byron B. Armbruster, 15100919, Airborne Engineers, while serving with the Army of the United States, distinguished himself by meritorious service in connection with military operations against the enemy of the United States from 7 June 1944 to 8 May 1945. Throughout the Normandy Campaign, operation in Holland and defense of Bastogne, Belgium, he rendered outstanding service as a clerk in the battalion supply section. His actions were in accordance with the highest standards of the military service. Entered military service from Ohio. Official Headquarters Hqs 101st Airborne Division June 30, 1945Lofer, Austria Dear Folks - Today was rather a sad day. Of course there are only a few of the originals left in our company, some killed, wounded, missing, transferred etc. However five of us in our section had gone thru hell together, but to-day the tears flowed freely. T/Sgt Bernth was discharged a short time back and to-day Cpl. Underwood and Sgt Phillips left for home. Phillips has a child, therefore over 85 points. Underwood was in three months before myself, therefore he had over 85 points. After working, living, laughing and crying to-gether for over three years, parting really hurt. It almost seems like a death in the family. We have lived like rats, in the ground, afraid to stick our heads out in the open and have also lived like kings. Sgt. Hodel and myself are still to-gether. However things look bright. I have 83 points and a possibility of getting 5 more. However 83 will get me out in time. Today I received letters from Kenny, Eloise and Marcille. Please thank Freda for the swell pictures. It's a good thing they were written on the back as I took Jay to be Herby. My how they grow. Even Dwight makes Freda and Clarence look like midgets. Yes Freda, I received the picture of Jay and Marilyn but I guess I forgot to mention it. Thanks a million. What was Uncle Dave's wife's first name and his sons first name. It is right that they live in Baden Baden? How old would she be? Does she speak English? I would like this information, just in case. At present, we aren't allowed to fraternize. DiId I ever tell you, we are not in the third Army? Love, P.S. Received a nice letter from Rev. Zschoche and one from Mabel |