Oberkotzau-Bayern   June 21 1945

Dear Aunt Harriett,

the batallion is still near Plauen but I and a few others are down here, 30 miles to the south, on a special detail.  It is pleasant work and there is not much of it, so that there is plenty of time to enjoy the climate and relax.  Yes, at last we have some good warm weather.  Yesterday I could have gone swimming, but had no bathing trunks, so took a sun bath instead; The bathing spot is a deep place in the river that passes through the village.  There are many young people there, especially school children.  The food is good and I have a bed and mattress to sleep on.  There are five of us living in two rooms in a private home here. So you see, we have a pretty good life just now.

I know nothing about my chances of discharge in the near future.  I can only wait and hope that it will be soon.  It is nearing two years since I left home and one year since I left t;he U.S. sic (perhaps U.K.?) — I am writing this under a sun beach umbrella in a lovely garden in back of our house.  There are rose bushes, carnations and rock garden plants in addition to vegetables.  Lots of love to you and Aunt Polly- regards to Bill.  Carl