01 May May 1, 1945

letter
from: George W. Shonkwiler
to: Mrs. Alice Shonkwiler
May 1, 1945
France

My dear Alice and Ronnie,

The start of another month and we are all still waiting for the big news we
expect to break momentarily.  Many had expected today to be it, but the day is
about over and still nothing.  Regardless, however, it can’t be long now.  With
Mussolini dead and there are many reports that Hitler is also dead or dying, I
guess the dictators are beginning to see a definite end both here and in the
S. West Pacific.

Did not write you yesterday because I went to a show at 6:30 and at 8:30 was
invited to Peter’s home.  Peter is the boy who I had met at the circus.  Was
supposed to have gone there for dinner, but the show made it late for me
getting there and besides was none too anxious to go for dinner anyway because
the French have so little.  Another boy from my room went with me and we stayed
until 11 p.m.  Had a very nice time.  His father and mother and little brother
were also there.  His father is a doctor and also a dentist and quite a smart
man and I think well-to-do.  Their home was bombed and ruined by the Germans in
1940 and they were very apologetic about the one they are living in now.
Although it is nicer than ours - older of course - and very big.  They served
wine, coffee,??, and cognac of which I drank sparingly.  Both the boy and his
father can speak pretty good English and we got along fine.  When Dr. Poire
(their name) learned that I had been injured while

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In Germany, with Patton’s Third Army I was made. The French think very highly
of Patton’s Third Army and especially these people because they have just
liberated some of their close relations held prisoner by the Germans.  One of
them being Mrs. Poire’s brother who was a captain in the French Army.
About ten P.M., when we were ready to come home, I got to talking politics with
Dr. Poire and we like to never got out of there.  He also plays bridge and has
invited me to come and play.  [I] expect to see them again Thursday nite.  The
A.G.F. Special Service is giving a concert here and we are allowed to bring
French guests.  So I have invited them.  Certainly hope it is worth while.
Their home is about five minutes walk from here so it looks like maybe I have
fallen into something that may be very nice.

I received a nice letter from Murray today - my only mail - dated April 16th.
Not bad but some of the boys are getting mail here now only six and seven days
off.  So I am expecting great things in the mail line from now on.  Guess I
told you I received another package from Claude a couple days ago.  It had been
mailed before Christmas I think.  I’m still trying to catch up with my
correspondence but having a hard time now that I am working regularly and going
to a show of some kind practically every night.  I figure going to a show is
better than going out with some French gal and I guess will make you happier so
as long as my eyes hold out, at least, I think I will stick to that kind of
entertainment.  But even that gets awfully damn tiresome.  I’ve seen so many
shows

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lately that I think if I ever get home I’ll never want to see another one.

From the prices Murray tells me houses are bringing now I think the price of
this ten thousand net is too low for our house.  Anytime Tostis’ place can be
sold for $6,500 then I know ours is worth $14,000 net and that’s what I think
we should get if you are entertaining any idea of selling.

It’s been very cold here the last few days.  Even had a light coat of snow on

the ground when we got up this morning.  Certainly a huge surprise after the
summer we have been having.  Believe I told you I bought a cheap camera in
Paris requiring a size 120 film.  Have been trying ever since to buy some film
but no luck.  I’ve been told that anything we make a request for over here if
the request is shown to the right people[,] you will have priority in purchasing
that article.  You might see what you can do because I certainly would like to
take some pictures of some of the places I’ve seen here.  You might send me
some coffee too.  My French friends tell me their coffee is made from barley,
and I believe it, thought maybe I could show them what real coffee tastes like.

Better quit now if I’m going to get a chance to write anyone else.  Rumors are
flying thick and fast here about going home, going to CBI and going, going.
I’ve got my fingers crossed and so far feel pretty optimistic.  Perhaps I’ll
see you and Ronnie yet some of these days.

All my love to you both,
Daddy