Bio: Kramer, TSgt M. G. (Military - 1945)

Contact: Robert Lipprandt
Email: bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surname: Kramer

----Source: The Tribune - Phonograph (Abbotsford, Clark Co., Wisconsin) Wednesday, January 19, 2011, page 2

Partial letter as it was reprinted in the January 19, 2011 Tribune-Phonograph.

TSgt M. G. Kramer is somewhere in France, part of Mike’s letter, dated December 29, reads:

Your package was received the day after Christmas, but a gift like that is never too late. I consider myself rather lucky to be in the position that I am. 

My Christmas was spent with a French family, and although not the same as being home, I had quite a happy Christmas. We had turkey and goose and many other delicious foods. 

The French custom for Christmas is a bit different than ours. On the evening of the 24^th, before attending the night Mass, the people get together and eat waffles, and after Mass they return to their homes and have a full meal of either turkey, goose or whatever they have for the Christmas day. 

Also, after Mass, the gifts are given out. The children here do not follow the custom of the American children. They place their shoes by the fireplace instead of our practice of hanging up the stocking, which is prominent in America. 

As all of you know, France was hit rather hard from the four years of war. In the little town that I am near, all the American soldiers donated money, candy, gum and whatever they had for the children. I cannot quote the exact total to you, but it was quite large in francs, plus the candy, etc. 

Hope you had a Merry Christmas and have a Happy New Year.