Roy Edward FLANERY

Roy was a World War II veteran. Following is a letter he wrote to his family at the war's end and was printed in a local paper.

Dear Mother, Dad and Donna: Just received three letters from you and was very happy to know that everyone is getting along O.K. Well, folks, they say the war is over here, so it must be, as the censorship rules are lifted a little. Anyhow, I am permitted to say I am near Heikelberg, Germany. But prior to this, I have covered a good portion of Germany on into Austria. I have been with the 7th Army since leaving England, and have traveled thousands of miles which were not lined with roses, either, but guess we are lucky, for a lot of the boys who traveled the same road won't ever be writing home. I suppose you will be expecting me home soon, but Mom and Dad, I don't know when I will ever get back. I may get stuck here with the Army occupation: then, too, I may be sent to the Pacific. Although, I hope I'm lucky enough to be sent to the States. As for points, I only have 70, which is 15 short of getting my discharge. I know you are anxious to hear what I've been doing, but it is such a long story, and I don't feel like telling it all now.

I went through Southern France, Nancy and Saverne, from there through Hagenau to Wissenbourg: then into Germany across the Rhine River. Incidentally, that is where I won my one and only battle star. By rights, I think we should have had two more, but that still wouldn't put me out of the Army, so I won't argue about it. I went through Worms, Germany, a long time ago, crossing the Rhine, and that is one town that really made me feel good, because once it was a large city, but now all it is is a pile of bricks and debris. I would like to see every city in Germany ruined like that one.

The day after the war ended, I was in Austria, a town bv the name of Berchtesgaden (Hitler's Mountain home). Once, he had a beautiful, well fortified home, with under ground tunnels manned by thousands of guns, but thanks to our boys in the Air Corps, they bombed hell out of his little hideout. We found Hitler's car abandoned on a side street, and what a car! The glass was five inches thick, the doors and body were built of bullet-proof steel.  The doors of the car were so heavy, one had to pull like hell to open them. The right front door glass had a hole through it as large as a person's fist, evidently caused by some heavy automatic gun. Another fellow and I tried to start the car. Boy, would I have been proud to have ridden down the street in that buggy.  We were nearby when Hitler and Goering were captured*, but I didn't get to see them although some of the boys did. I suppose I didn't miss anything.

For two months, I was going day and night.  No sleep, no baths, no mail, nothing but hell and aggravation.  One thing we had and that was plenty to eat, but many a time I've been too tired and sleepy to eat.  Many a time I would have given five dollars for a cup of hot coffee.  It seems almost like Heaven now to be able to sleep at night, have a hot bath-makes one almost feel human again. Every letter I get from you, I expect to hear that Coy is home.  Oh, God, I hope so and pray that he won't have to ever leave again.  I'm so proud of him. As for me, Im so tired, tired in a way that you can't understand, but guess when I get back with you, Dad, Myrtle and the kids, I'll be the happiest guy on earth. I know I will. Mom, share this letter with Grace, Wayne and Lucille for it was a great effort for me to write this much.
Love to you all, Roy Battery "D" 910 AAA

*This proved to be just a rumor he had heard.

Editor's Note: Coy Flanery, Roy's younger brother, arrived home just recently after being a German prisoner for several months.