German Civilians

The people lined the streets as we passed through and it was amusing to try to read the various expressions. It seemed some were sympathetic and yet afraid to say so. Others had blank stares that I had never seen before. You could not tell whether you were hated or welcomed, whether they were glad or sorry. However, there were others whom we did not have to question. I saw many that laughed and reminded me of a conqueror's glee. They even placed their fingers to their throats and drew the hand across. We could easily guess what they meant when we noticed the hatred in their eyes and the hiss in their voices. Their little children did not stand and wave in innocency. They were corrected when an attempt was made, and most of them knew we were the "hated enemy."