Since 1917

We were on our way after our farewell procedure and moved out via truck.  We crossed over into Germany over re-constructed bridges and as we moved northward saw the damaged terrain, buildings and tanks.  Our relentless Air Force bombings of German factories and cities destroyed the Nazis.  WWII really destroyed all of Europe.  I can understand now, why the U.S. had to initiate the Marshall Plan, lending money to our Allies and to liberated German countries.

We camped out on the mountain top that overlooked the University of Heidelberg.  After we unloaded and set up for a night in the campsite.  It was about noon, so I and two GI friends headed for the PX, which was on top of the mountain overlooking the ravine where the University was situated.  We were  amazed when we looked down the valley below to see the University of Heidelberg.  The buildings were untouched by any war action.  At that time, I knew nothing about these stately architectural  buildings of advanced studies. This complex was founded in 1386 and modeled after the French and British style.  I was in awe, seeing this complex of buildings spread out on the mountainsides, surrounding a flat terrain where I saw a stage and chairs being set up to accommodate an audience.  I remarked to my friends, “Looks like a ceremony, grad. day maybe”. I then moved away and headed for the PX, for a look-see, ready to spend part of my bonus.

The PX was uphill to our left, in a building that overlooked the university.  I walked towards the entrance, when I saw Jack Benny emerging.  I stopped in my tracks, amazed and excited. He continued walking towards me and I extended my hand with a greeting.  “Hi, Mr. Benny”.  We shook hands and he was very genial, asked me where I was from, etc.  I was nervous and jittery.  He mentioned that he will be performing a USO show in the evening and to come with friends to see it.  Also, he asked me to wait with him for a few minutes.  “A screen star is coming out of the PX soon.I’ll introduce her to you”.

And within seconds, she emerged from the PX escorted by two Lt. Officers, one on each side.  Jack Benny turned to her and introduced her to me.” “Ingrid,    This is Irv Roth from Brooklyn.  He has been overseas for 3 yrs”. And this memory of meeting her has been my pride and joy.  I was overwhelmed.  And to this day, I can kick myself for not using my camera, which I had on my shoulders.

I went to the show and enjoyed it.  But really what I remember mostly about the show is the performance by Larry Adler playing a Rachmaninoff concerto piece that sounded like a complete orchestra.  I was amazed by his rendition.

We packed early the next morning and went on to  Frankfurt.

     I was able to teach the local help and I was enjoying my time off.  One day, while we were preparinng to set up the meal for lunch, I noticed that we had opened a large can of potatoes, mashed and ready for warming up.  This was a constant staple for army chow.  It was filling and easily prepared, but really boring.  

     I was suddenly inspired to ask the local kitchen staff  ” Kenst du machen Cartuffle latkes? ( Can you make potato latkes?)  Their excited reply was “ Yah, Yah Latkes. .Zer Gut”.  We set up the ovens and metal griddle and began frying the potato pancakes,  Chanuka Style. 

     Our GI buddies were totally surprised when we called them up to get their lunch meal.  Most of the unit never saw or heard of Latkes.  But I convinced them to try it and to put some apple sauce on it, which was also a staple canned food supplied by the army.  The cuisine change was a big success and we, the kitchen staff beamed at the excitement this caused.  We had to prepare and serve seconds and thirds to the guys.

      This is my Latke story and whenever I think of it I beam and smile.  I introduced a new item in the Army menu and taught the GIs a Yiddish word  “ Latkes”.

This period can be considered a period of unemployment for our unit.  Our officers set up minor projects in and around our area, such as debris cleanup and also a social hall in one of the empty buildings in the army compound. Because of my ability to converse with the local people,  I was instrumental in acquiring a piano and also a phonograph player.  We acquired dance music on 75 MPs,  (Big Band and Jazz).  Saturday evenings we sent a truck into Strasbourg and transported interested young ladies  for dance and entertainment.

Another area where my Yiddish was helpful was in the kitchen.  Our head chef had hired two local men to help but he had difficulty c0mmunicating.  he asked for my help and worked out a deal for me.  “Get up early in the morning and teach the locals how to prepare the ovens and set up the kitchen.  After the first week, you work one day and have two days off to be out of the camp, in Strasbourg, if you wish”.

My time during this period was interesting but I was concerned about the family and Shirley.  Our mail was erratic and the regular procedures were disrupted by the shutting down process of warfare. It’s like a car going at full speed that suddenly shuts down and you are now waiting for AAA to come and boot you up again.