As we approached and entered Czechoslovakia our march became really tough. The roads were narrow, broken up and winding, and choked with dust. In the villages it was almost impossible to see the buildings, streets and crowds of people, because of the clouds of dust. We were enthusiastically greeted with waving hands and smiles, and flowers were thrown to us as we passed. We were in the long disputed Sudetenland, and it seemed our mission was to keep law and order in a region which since the beginning of modern European history had harbored ticklish problems and misunderstandings. At present the problem or rather one of them, seemed to arise from the Czech's occupying it and wanting all Germans to leave, whether they had moved in just before or after the plebiscite, or even if they had been here long before that time. We came to a halt and were billeted in the little village of Hyrsov, only about two miles inside the border and in the south western part of the disputed area. It was populated mostly by Germans.

Monday, June 4 - Hyrsov

We slept late and had breakfast at 0800. This was appreciated by everyone after two strenuous days of travel. Aside from getting the vehicles and personal equipment cleaned up and in order, nothing much could be done as it had not been definitely decided whether or not we were to stay in this village. As yet we had seen no indications of violence or disorder, although we had heard many stories to this effect. In the evening the 2nd Platoon was sent to guard a nearby hospital which harbored German Casualties. This move was made to protect the Germans from probable harm from angry Czechs. It was also learned that another element added to the general confusion in the area. Many of the people feared and dreaded the idea of Russian influence and control.

The village itself was very colorful but primitive. It was exactly as one would expect in this part of Europe. The buildings were brightly painted inside and out, and they were remarkably clean. There were no plumbing facilities and no effort made for sewerage disposal. The numerous barnyards amongst the houses added to the general atmosphere's aroma. There were a few old men about but the population was mainly women and children of all ages.

Tuesday, June 5 to Monday, June 11 - Hyrsov

The week was uneventful in many respects but it had its moments of unrest and uncertainty. Several times we were told we would move to some neighboring area or town, but nothing definitely materialized. The Czech soldiers moved out of town leaving things under our control. A few Czech officers remained in their office in the school house. Supply and the Library established themselves in the school house. Lt. Thompson and Sgt. Van Edsinga succeeded in getting a German motor-generator outfit so that the buildings we occupied could be wired for lights and radios. Several times during the week the Troop enjoyed some light Czechoslovakian beer which was drawn from the kegs with the European version of the old picnic pump, ably handled by T/5 Bartos. Although there were no facilities for bathing in the backward little village of Hyrsov, most of the men were able to get and keep clean by swimming in a little lake nearby. This also added some fun and recreation to a rather dismal location. During time off there was little or nothing to do.

During the week Sgt. Sjaarda was transferred from Headquarters Platoon to the 2nd Platoon and Pfc. Pappas from the 3rd Platoon to Headquarters.

The following privates were made Pfcs.:
Joseph A. AveryHarold F. Hartranft
Samuel P. AveryJames H. Marable
Richard BensingerWiIliam T. McFarland
John BubaloLynford L. McKirdy
Albert P. ClarkCharles S. Parker
Ralph S. CliftEdward J. Pietrzak
Thomas F. CoenGeorge J. Raso
Alexander B. CrenshawRaymond E. Smith
Herbert T. DavisHershell H. Sullivan
Norman L. DelTurcoKermit D. Sumter
John J. DePintoHarold D. Swain
Felix J. DiNardoEdmund Swierczewski
David A. DoranClaude S. Swoverland
Patrick E. DoranJohn Their
Thomas N. Eldridge Charles F. Ziehlsdorff
Robert H. EwellClyde R. Zimmerman
Mathias GimbleFrank X. Zullo

On June 11 the following promotions were approved:
Cpl. Robert M. JordanT/5 Palmerino Caccia
T/5 Edwin J. KowalczykT/5 Jacob Vollmer
T/5 Wiley R. AllmonT/5 Joseph P. Della Puca

Tuesday, June 12 to Tuesday, June 19 - Nyrsko

On Tuesday the Troop moved from the little village of Hyrsov to a town of some size named Nyrsko. We were in the same general area, largely populated by Germans but under Czech control. The Troop moved into sixteen fairly modern houses located on the edge of town, near a beautiful clear, clean stream. These houses were comfortable, and for Europe, well equipped with conveniences, including bathrooms in several of them. We again settled down to wait and see what our lot would be. Each day different rumors came down from Squadron and Division.

By Friday the Troop had completed preparations for an IG Inspection which took place in the afternoon. It went off without much difficulty and was confined almost completely to Supply.

The week-end passed uneventfully. The weather though fair, was cool, so that the large, nearby swimming pool, officially denied to us because of fraternization rules, was not too tempting. The men walked about and explored the town and surrounding countryside which was about the only recreation available.

On Saturday night a movie was shown in a hall in town which served as a theatre. On Sunday Protestant service was held in the same hall and for soldiers of the Catholic faith there was Mass in one of the town's two churches.

The Troop had become convinced that our importance in immediate military plans was temporarily diminishing. B rations grew slim and PX rations shrunk in size and came to us less frequently. We were advised that for an indefinite period no clothing or equipment requisitions would be filled. By Monday we were not surprised, when at a Troop formation preceding the Retreat Parade in which we joined our neighbors, D Troop, we were told by Lt. Collins and Lt. Thompson that we were in Category 4. Various interpretations were given this news when it was made clear that troops destined for occupation, going to the United States, and going direct to the CBI, were in Categories 1. 2. and 3. The most optimistic view was that we might miss the CBI, but still get home before occupational troops, while the blackest outlook was that we could be used for individual replacements. It was anybody's guess and everyone had an idea on the subject. In the meantime all we could do was live from day to day, follow a training schedule which had again been set up, and be confused by the abominable way non-fraternization rules were being interpreted, enforced, understood and obeyed throughout the ETO.

Wednesday, June 20 to Friday, June 22 - Nyrsko

These three days were uneventful in our stay in Nyrsko, save for inspection of Troop property and equipment made necessary by the recent change in Commanding Officer.

Saturday, June 23 - Pilsen

On this morning, shortly after 0600, the Troop left for Pilsen to take its turn at a week of guard duty. Several Troops in the Squadron had already completed this experience. Ten or twelve men stayed behind in Nyrsko to guard our billets and Headquarters Platoon loaned men to the Recon Platoons in sufficient numbers to adequately man the various posts we were to guard. These outposts consisted of food, clothing and liquor warehouses, a gate at the Skoda Works, a hospital, and a few other spots that needed watching.

In setting out for Pilsen the Troop was in a gloomy frame of mind as late the night before we had learned Lt. Collins was being transferred out of the Division to duties elsewhere, and that as CO we were getting an officer from outside the Troop. By noon however, it was learned that the order had been changed and that Lt. Collins would remain. Gloom gave way to elation immediately and the good news traveled fast.

Upon arriving in Pilsen the various sections of the Recon Platoons at once took over their outposts and what remained of Headquarters was established in a long, rambling, and battered old building which had played a part in a garrison of some sort. It had adequate kitchen facilities, fairly good plumbing, and a series of rooms for sleeping, eating and offices.

Pilsen, though a large, crowded and busy city, at first appeared to be dull, as there were little or no recreational facilities apparent upon our arrival. Few if any bars, restaurants, theatres, etc. were open. There were two movie theatres available, and also an amusing imitation of an American road house or beer and dance place was doing a terrific business near a little lake a few miles from the city. It was named the 'Club Tobasco'. This spot became very popular with the men in the Troop, and already it had been discovered by every GI in Pilsen.

Sunday, June 24 - Pilsen

This week started with new reports and rumors to worry about. It was learned that over 1000 men were to be transferred from the Division by the end of the week. Added to this, Supply was told by S-4 that certain articles of winter clothing must be ordered by ten Monday morning. Putting the two things together made it seem as if the Division would remain in Czechoslovakia indefinitely, but that personnel, probably those with low points, would be moved out as replacements, and that their vacancies would be filled by men with high points, but not enough to be on the critical list for immediate discharge.

Monday, June 25 to Saturday, June 30 - Pilsen

On this day we learned that Squadron was to lose 21 men, three of these coming from B Troop. They were as follows: T/5 Allmon, Pfc. Bradley and Pfc. Zimmerman. Bradley however was returned to us.

During the week the Troop ran into trouble as the 612th TD's moved into our area in Nyrsko, which had been given up by the 8th Armored Division. This left our Troop and D Troop out in the cold. Lt. Torrey joined our eleven men left behind for guarding the billets, and they were able to hold off the TD's and take care of what we left behind until arrangements could be made to move everything to Pilsen. This move was made on Thursday and Friday was spent in searching for a place for the Troop to move Saturday, after finishing the week of guard duty. No suitable location could be found in so short a time so it was decided that the Troop would remain indefinitely in Pilsen and continue with the guard detail. This seemed a good deal until what enthusiasm there was became dampened by the information that C Troop, who had been chosen for Escort duty, was also to move into the building where our Headquarters was established. They arrived during the week-end and made us look a bit shabby and down at the heels, with their newly painted vehicles, new clothing and equipment.