Finally, we got some action from the Army Staff. Our 2nd Photo Tech Unit was ordered to move into Frankfurt Air Base and join up with the 13th Photo Intel Det. We were moving North into Germany to replace those GIs who were moving into the port of embarkation and homeward bound.
Upon receipt of these orders to abandon our current quarters (we had to be out within 5 days), the officer in charge called me into in his office. “Roth, I need your help. We need to pack up and move north into Germany. Our unit is moving to Frankfurt to be part of the 13th Photo Intel Unit. We are replacing the GIs who have had combat duties and are being sent home.”
” Wow, Great, does that mean we go next.? “
” Not so fast, Roth. We first have to move out and dispose of many items in the recreation room. The items that were in place when we moved here remain, such as the piano, the furniture and ping- pong table belong to the French army. We added the phonograph, radio and recordings., plus any other items you can verify that we brought in. Can you sell these off and recoup our outlay. I would like to give the funds that was spent to our GIs”
“ Yes sir . I will talk with the kitchen helpers “. We should be able to sell off the music players and records”. Mission was accomplished in one day. They came with a horse and buggy and carted off the stuff.
On the morning of our departure, our officer had an early roll call. We had orders to pack our Duffle bags for a 2 or 3 day trip thru mountainous roads. First stop in Heidelberg for a night encampment and then into Frankfurt Air Base .
Upon completion of the roll call our Officer addressed the unit. “I will take this opportunity to wish you-all a fond farewell. We worked hard and achieved our goal. I will not be leaving with you. I need to finish off these premises and work with the French Army, which will be arriving in a few days. M/Sgt. Bean will be in charge .
Sgt Bean will call your name. Please answer “here” and walk towards me, so that I can shake your hand and wish you “Bon Voyage”. Then go towards my left , where Cpl Roth is seated at a table, for a shot of schnaps and the Bonus of $20.00. We sold off the Rec Hall music department and sharing it all with you. It will useful for you at the PX in Heidelberg and also in Frankfurt.
I also wish to express my thanks to Cpl Roth for his usefulness as a translator and for adding unprecedented events into our routine army life. The Bonus and especially the Potato Latkes, which I relished. ” Thank You ” and best of luck to all of you.
