Sunday, May 6 - Gieboldehausen

For a welcome change, the first in the memory of most of us, we were told that this Sunday would be a day of rest. It was another cold day with showers so that outdoor activity was not appealing. Most of the Troop was catching up on sleep or writing letters. During this day the war in Germany was still rapidly approaching the end. Intense activity was now almost completely confined to Czechoslovakia. In and about Prague the Czechs had strongly joined the Allies and were calling for more arms and men to support them. In our somewhat removed sector we eagerly listened to every word of the rapid developments that came by radio.

In the afternoon our short lasting relaxation was disturbed and we were told we would move, not far however, and apparently for the same type of mission we were carrying out in Gieboldehausen. The evening was spent in packing up and stowing vehicles for the next day's departure.

Lt. Smith, T/5 Paulson and Pfc. Luttenton returned from Paris, having been there on pass. All three reported wonderful times, in spite of the bad weather which apparently is not the thing that dampens the charms of that city.

Monday, May 7 - Gieboldehausen to Adelebsen

In spite of the prosaic activities of the day, which were much as any other day of moving from one place to another, this particular Monday should be held in the memory of each and every man in the Troop as one of great significance. It was exactly six months from the day in November when our ship slipped out into the ocean, after leaving New York and its harbor behind us. How peculiarly coincidental that this should be the day when German broadcasts would tell of the last remnants of resistance conceding victory to the Allies. This news came to us shortly after arriving in Adelebsen, a small town in the foothills of the Harz Mountains, only about 25 miles from Gieboldehausen. We went about the business of settling in new billets, thinking not so much of the European war being ended, but more as to whether, and if so when, we might be leaving Europe to go on with the war in the other part of the world.

The Troop settled in houses along the main street leading to the railroad station, and the Kitchen and Supply again, as in Gieboldehausen, took over the ample facilities of the station itself.

The whole Squadron had moved to this area and was attached to CCB. Our responsibility included Adelebsen, where our CP was located, and several other neighboring towns.

Tuesday, May 8 - Adelebsen

Stamp of proof and authority was given the news of Germany's unconditional surrender by Prime Minister Churchill's formal announcement by radio. Soon the radio was reporting the news and reactions from many parts of the world. In our own little section all was quiet. Little or no emotion was shown by the people. The Troop also seemed somewhat subdued. By night the order came that Wednesday, the 9th, would be a holiday for all Allied Nations, including the soldiers in the ETO. The English broadcasts stressed the point that it should be a day of Thanksgiving and celebration but that on the morrow each and everyone should return to the work of finishing the war in the Pacific, with renewed effort and vigor. This view of theirs was reassuring to our ears. Many English broadcasts left one with the impression that they had played the major part in the defeat of Germany.

It was with regret that the Troop said goodbye to Lt. Smith, our popular and respected executive officer, who was transferred to 'A" Troop to be their CO.

The Troop welcomed back two of our men who had been seriously injured in combat some time before. They were Sgt. McGonigal and Pfc. Kowalczyk.

It should be noted that on this day the order was given to remove steel helmets and wear liners only.

Wednesday, May 9 - Adelebsen

This being a holiday on which the Allied world was to celebrate the unconditional surrender of Germany, we had breakfast at 0800 instead of 0700, and were given the day off. The Troop took advantage of this in the few ways available in our somewhat strict confinement. Some of the men played ball, others walked in the brilliant spring sunshine, while still others wrote letters, read, or just relaxed. An air of conviviality and celebration was lent by the distribution of some wine, champagne, and brandy which had been 'liberated' by Division some time back and saved for this occasion. The amount given out was conservative so there were few casualties.

Thursday, May 10th - Adelebsen

This day was of particular interest to the Troop as Major Corley came to address us on the Army's Educational Program, which he had recently been studying in Paris. In outlining its plans and scope he said that each man should know within two to six weeks which of three categories he was to be in.
1. The group going home
2. The group to occupy parts of Europe
3. The group to go to CBI

If the Troop was to contain men mostly headed for CBI, the educational program would not be attempted. If however, the bulk of the men should be slated for occupation or even going home, there would be ample time to undertake the program. Forms were distributed to the Troop with which a survey was to be made as to what the most popular courses might be.

Later in the evening the radio broadcast the much discussed and long awaited 'Point System'. As far as our Troop was concerned, there was little cause for cheer or comfort as but few men had the 85 points necessary for being discharged.

Friday, May 11 - Adelebsen

At breakfast all one heard was discussion of the Point System. We had men with anywhere from 11 points to 100. Few, however, had 85 or more, and the majority of the men were in a middle bracket having from 35 to about 70 points. There was little cause for excitement or elation.

The Troop went about its daily routine. The Recon Platoons sent out patrols periodically and did what little screening work remained. After lunch Capt. Stone addressed the Troop, giving final and definite orders on looting and fraternization, with clear information as to what punishment could be expected for infractions of the laws dealing with these crimes.

In the evening there was a ball game on the local athletic field. In a closely matched contest Headquarters Platoon beat the 2nd Platoon 7 to 5.

Another one of our earlier casualties was welcomed back when Pfc. Caccia returned to the Troop. Lt. Thompson, whom for some time had been reported on his way to join our Troop, arrived today.

Saturday, May 12 - Adelebsen

The morning was much as any other morning in Adelebsen. During the afternoon however, the whole Troop journeyed in relays to a neighboring town and saw a film called 'Two Down and One To Go'. This film was to be seen by every man in the ETO as soon as possible after V-E Day. Its message was that of explaining in detail the workings of the Point System and the problems and plans facing the United States in carrying on the war in the Pacific to the fullest degree along with partial demobilization of the Armed Forces. There were few notes of encouragement for the men in this Troop as far as a possible date for early return home. As yet there was little basis for forming an opinion as to whether our future would be spent in Europe or the CBI.

In the evening we had another ball game which finished with considerable excitement. The last inning began with the 3rd Platoon ahead of the 1st, the score being 6 to 5. In the last half of the last inning however, the 1st Platoon rallied and won the game with a score of 7 to 6.

Sunday, May 13 - Adelebsen

The Troop again enjoyed a day of rest. It was brilliant, clear and warm, all very fitting for Mother's Day. In the morning Protestant service was held in the 'town hall', and in the afternoon there was a Catholic Mass in the same place. Late in the afternoon there was another ball game in which Headquarters Platoon beat the 2nd Platoon with a score of 7 to 4. With dusk not coming until about eight, these evening ball games had become very popular.

Monday, May 14 - Adelebsen

The new week began with 13 enlisted men and an officer going on three day passes to Heerlen, Holland. The rest of the Troop spent an uneventful day, still gathering rumors and swapping ideas about whether we would occupy a part of Germany or go to the CBI, and if the latter became our lot, whether it would be via the United States with a furlough, or going directly from here to there.

In the evening there was the usual ball game. Headquarters Platoon played the 3rd and in another closely matched engagement, won with only a score of 6 to 5, after 10 innings.

Tuesday. May 15 - Adelebsen

On this day the Troop went through a hasty formation which was called a physical examination. During the day Supply was able to issue some boots, clothing, etc., having received these items for the first time since March when the Troop was in Grefrath. In the evening there was another ball game. The 1st Platoon played the 2nd and won with a score of 13 to 10.

At this time the Troop was getting ready to turn in all excess and unauthorized Ordnance equipment. This meant parting with many weapons and several vehicles, both GI and foreign, which had been acquired with considerable effort or expense, often in combat. Here again we were baffled as to the significance whether it meant we were preparing to operate in Germany with a minimum of equipment, or getting ready for traveling light, for a long distance, no one could be certain.

Wednesday, May 16 - Adelebsen

Three more men left on pass, this time for Paris. Capt. S:one, Sgt. Sullivan and Sgt. Schmiedler were the lucky men. This indicated that for the present at least, allotments of passes might be generous. Fourteen enlisted men and two officers were away.

There were signs of a return to a garrison type of living. The first hour in the morning schedule was devoted to close order drill for the first time since the Troop left England. There was talk of our having a complete training schedule with classes, etc.

Thursday, May 17 - Adelebsen

This day was marked by a Division Ordnance Inspection which included all authorized vehicles. The inspection took place late in the afternoon and the day was spent in preparing for it. By noon we had to turn in our extra vehicles which included one peep, one half-track and our recently acquired German Bus and Ford truck. Requests were made to retain some of the excess particularly the Ford, as its uses had been many and it had proved invaluable.

Friday, May 18 - Adelebsen

The Troop arose earlier than usual and had a 0600 breakfast, as most of the men were to go to a newly laid out range and fire the M-l Carbine and Sub Machine gun. This was another step in the organized routine of a training schedule.

At noon a Red Cross mobile Canteen came to our area with coffee, doughnuts and canned music, dispensed by two attractive American girls, one from Hartford and the other from Providence. Needless to say they were warmly welcomed.

During the week a large swimming pool at the edge of town was filled and opened. At certain times it was made available to the Troop and it promised to be a favorite recreation spot as long as we remained in Adelebsen.