Tanks Closing In

We were permitted to go to our rooms in small numbers, provided we ran near by the buildings. Stoney and I went to our room and completed our packing for we wanted to march out with our own men. We talked of eating K and C rations, of being back in American hands and of the glorious liberation that was taking place. Small pieces of bread that we had saved seemed insignificant now that our own forces were near at hand. We began to think things were not so bad after all. It had been only one hundred days since most of us were taken prisoners. However, it looked like Jerry would never leave. We kept asking ourselves: "Will the tanks come on in? Will there be a long battle over us? How many will be killed? Will we make it?"

Stoney and I finally finished packing and were ready to leave at a moment's notice. I looked out the window and saw the bullets passing. The tracers could be seen and others could be heard. We hoped that it would not be long. We realized the buildings were well built and the walls might withstand tank fire but we were afraid the shells would come through the windows.