Letter from Frances Smith to Her Family

HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES, EUROPEAN THEATER Office of the Commanding General Frankfurt, Germany 17 August, 1945 Dearest Folks: This is V-J Day. The world over is enjoying the first day of peace it has known in a long time and a well-deserved rest has been granted everyone. I've been working today, along with Nana cause the Boss evidentally forgot it was a holiday. However, my day will come next week when I think I'm going to London for a few days with the Boss. I'm really looking forward to it, as London is one city I've always wanted to visit and this chance may not come again. Have really been the nomadic little WAC of late, as last Tuesday I went to Paris for the day when Col. Gault, Lt. Summersby and Nana and I flew down in the Boss's plane - He was in Moscow. I went up to 29 Rue de Beri to see the Hanford, but she was out and I didn't have another chance to see her all day, although I did leave a message for her. Had lunch at the Ritz (took my insignia off and made out like I was a civilian so's I could eat in Officers' Dining Room). Jack Benny, Mary Livingston, John Kiernan, F. P. Adams were all there and I was, of course, all thrilled and stuff. Bought some perfume and was most fortunate to be able to buy a gorgeous little travelling alarm clock which I have sent home - along with perfume for you, Mom, and ome china, etc - with Capt. Irv Unger who is one of General E's navigators. The boys are flying home tomorrow for a week or so and Irv promised to deliver the package for me. I gave him the keys to the apt. and he may stay there a night or two as he plans to be in N.Y. a couple of days before they take off again for Frankfurt, okay? I have written Tom a note to let him in and also a note which he will put with the package in the apt. if he goes to N.Y. If not, he will mail the package and it will be in the apt. on your return to New York. Sho wish I could stowaway one time, but my day will come: In the meantime I am having beautbip fun running - or rather flying - around the countryside. Please excuse the typing and messy appearance of the letter. I'm rushing like the dickens to make it home by 6:30 in order to get to the train on time. Capt. Cannon is having a farewell party for Van, one of the Boss's orderlies who is going home with the plane. He is also going home to a discharge! Has been overseas almost 4 years: Thanx for all your letters - they are really wonderful and you sho do sound like you are having fun at the Lake, Be sure and give my love to all the folks at the Lake and take good care of yourselves. Must really run off now - more later. Love, Frankie.