Worked all day around the supply room. Played some cards and went to bed early.
Your Son, ‘Chick’
January 13, 1945 – Saturday
January 12, 1945 – Friday
We moved today to the next town. Took us most of the day to get settled. We have a nice room in a house. The people are good people. Found a room down in the cellar for the supplies. Went to bed early.
January 11, 1945 – Thursday
There’s rumors that we may move tomorrow. Too much danger of being cut off if the Germans counter attack through here. Did a little work and that’s about all for today.
January 10, 1945 – Wednesday
About the same as yesterday. Had to make a trip to the battalion. Played some more cards. We sat around and talked till bed time.
January 9, 1945 – Tuesday
No mortars today, a few shells and that’s all. Not much to do. We are on another infantry alert. Played some cards and wrote a letter.
Reconnaissance Plane Runway
The 10th engineers built a runway for a reconnaissance plane in an open field out of board planks. Although Chick doesn’t mention it in his diary, the images speak for themselves. During an interview in 2014, I asked dad about this:
[sc_embed_player_template1 fileurl=”https://70yearsago.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Landing-strip-19450102.mp3″]
Posted in 1945, In his words
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January 8, 1945 – Monday
Old Germany gave us a working over this morning. One of the fellows got hit. A piece of shrapnel broke his arm and cut up his face a little. Did a little work. It snowed most of the day.
January 7, 1945 – Sunday
Everyone is on the alert to move out as infantry. Spent most of the day trying to get the company fixed up. Kept me busy most of the day. We played a little cards at night. Listened to the radio.
Letter Home – January 6, 1945
Dear Mother & Dad,
Received a package from you and dad. Thanks a million. I received a few more packages so now I have received 39 packages. I have received a few you of your letters they date Dec. 1, 13, 14, 16, 19, 21, 22, so I’ll answer a few of your questions. Yes, I think Armon will get along okea. I think I told you Joe waters was transferred to HQ Co. He was pretty nervous anyway. From the way you sounded in your letter you haven’t received my mail, but it should catch up soon. When we get busy it’s hard to get our mail censored. I write when I have time, but when you’re on the move it’s hard for the officers to find time to censor all of them. It’s been snowing here again. It surely looks pretty with the snow all over. Right now I’m just not in the mood to write letters so tell everyone a low for me and when I get time I’ll write to them. Goodbye and I love you with all my heart. By By.
Your Son,
“Chick”
Charles Bruns recipient of French Legion of Honor
Charles Bruns served with the 3rd Division, 10th Engineer Battalion throughout WWII and was active during the invasions of North Africa, Sicily, Italy and Southern France. He ended military service in August, 1945 at the rank of Technical Sargent. During his service, Chick kept a diary, took photographs and collected postcards. This along with the letters he wrote home to his parents is being shared in the most complete daily account of a solider during WWII on the Website: 70yearsago.com
Presented by Vincent Floreani, Consul General de France a Chicago, “you gave your youth to France and the French people. Many of your fellow soldiers did not return but they remain in our hearts”. The French National Order of the Legion of Honor is an order of distinction first established by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802. American recipients include Generals Dwight D. Eisenhower and Douglas MacArthur and Admiral Michael Mullen. Today there are approximately 93,000 Legion of Honor recipients.