July 3, 4, and 12, 1945

As July began, the 1st Battalion and Service Company were stationed in the Belluno-Sedico area, the 2nd Battalion was located at Agordo, the 3rd Battalion operated in the Mis-Sospirolo area, and the Special Unit Companies were positioned around Lake Alleghe. Throughout this period, light training persisted, focusing on orientation, education, athletics, and recreation.

Amidst the changes taking place within the Regiment, Johnnie found himself part of a significant transition—the Army transferring him to the Corps of Engineers. Yet, he remained uncertain about the implications of this shift. On July 3, 1945, he shared his new address with Lucile in a V-mail.

Dear Darling Wife,

Please address as shown below until otherwise advised.

PFC John H. Marston

Co. A, 404 ENGR. C BM

APO No. 464

New York, NY

The above complete address should be placed on all mail sent to me.

Well, here is my new address. I am now in the Combat Engineers as I told you in my other letter that there was going to be a change in my address. I also told you not to write till you receive this. I can’t tell you anything about the engineers because me being a front-line soldier up till now there isn’t a thing I know about how they work or anything else for that matter. Well, I will close. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

After the war ended in Italy, combat engineers were crucial in rebuilding the war-torn country. They repaired infrastructure like roads and bridges, cleared mines and unexploded ordnance, and supported military occupation efforts. Additionally, they trained local engineers, participated in long-term infrastructure projects, and provided humanitarian assistance to displaced persons and refugees. These efforts were vital for stabilizing and aiding Italy’s recovery and development.

World War II recruiting poster for the U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

How long will it take for Lucile’s letters to catch up with Johnnie’s new location? That was something he pondered when he wrote a V-mail to Lucile on July 4, 1945. He made no mention of the July 4th holiday.

My Dear Darling,

Just a few lines to let you know I am well and I hope that this finds everything with you going OK. Well, I guess now that I have a change of address, it will take what letters you have wrote me a good while to catch up with me. I hope not too long. O yeah, I received the package with the candy and hair oil. Thanks a lot. Say did you ever go out to see Kate? How is she? What did she have to say about the money? O’yeah, did you ever send off my pen yet? I really need something to write with. I doubt if you make out what I am writing on this, with this piece of pencil I got. O’yeah, I am out of writing paper again and airmail stamps or airmail envelopes. So, if you want me to write you something besides V-mail you better send the material, Ha Ha. I miss you a lot and I love you a million. 

Johnnie 

On July 6, 1945, the 337th Infantry received movement orders from their headquarters. On July 7, the Special Unit Companies relocated to Belluno, and the Regimental Command Post was established there. Subsequently, on July 9, the Regiment commenced movement by rail and organic motors to the Volturno Redeployment Training Area near Caserta, Italy. The 310th Medical Battalion furnished one ambulance to accompany the convey. Before troop departure, trains were positioned two hours in advance. The Train Commander and Entraining Officer inspected the entraining point according to Society of Automobile Engineers (SAE) Instructions Section T-1070 (dated February 7, 1945). Entraining involves assembling and boarding soldiers onto trains or other transport. Upon troops’ arrival, they were divided into groups for car loading. For trains with “40 & 8” boxcars (40 men or 8 horses), each group included 25 individuals, excluding the officer. Roll call occurred, and entraining groups were positioned at car entrances. Troops rapidly boarded upon the Entraining Officer’s signal. During the convoy movement, troops were strictly prohibited from firing any type of weapons at telephone poles, wires, insulators, or other objects. The Regiment arrived in the Volturno Redeployment Training Area on July 11, 1945. The Army had strict procedures for these troop movements, as follows:

Detraining operations were overseen by the Advance Detachment of the 85th Infantry Division in Caserta. Upon reaching their destination, Train Commanders promptly contacted the Division Detailing Officer at the Caserta Railhead. Adequate transportation was available to move troops and equipment from the railhead to the Volturno Redeployment Training Area. Clearly marked rest stops were strategically planned at Poggio Ruscio, Bologna, Florence, Leghorn, Grosseto, and Rome, with 20 minutes allotted per stop. Train Commanders ensured that staff were well-versed in safety precautions, including not detraining without specific authority, avoiding damage to railway property, and conserving water. During rest stops, troops refrained from using train lavatories. Proper uniform was required except during rest periods. Bars were off-limits to officers and enlisted personnel. A bugle signal prompted immediate entrainment, and a command post was established by the train commander. Water pickups occurred at stops in Leghorn and Rome.

Troop uniforms consisted of wool OD shirts and trousers, helmet liners, combat boots or shoes, leggings, packs, and individual arms. Each soldier carried their own duffle bag, while officers had hand luggage. Duffle bags and bedrolls for officers were placed in cars with officers. A train surgeon was assigned to the train, responsible for knowing hospital locations along the route. During movement, the four kitchens in boxcars were unavailable. No inflammables or explosives were loaded in baggage or boxcars. Ranges and gas cans were drained and aired before loading. Guards were posted for the kitchen car, carrying sufficient ammunition. They rode on the 40 & 8 car closest to the equipment car, and no ammunition was allowed aboard the trains.

During troop movements, each individual carried three days of hard rations. In the 40 & 8 boxcars transporting personnel, three full five-gallon water cans were loaded. A hot meal awaited all troops in Rome, while coffee and doughnuts were served in Grosseto and Vicenza before train departure.

Convoys, guided by Division Military Police, departed each morning from the previous night’s bivouac at 7:10 AM, with subsequent departures every 20 to 30 minutes. The guide speed ranged from 20 to 25 MPH, depending on the location. Six checkpoints were established along the route. The estimated arrival time at the training area was 50 hours from departure in Feltre. An appointed captain served as the investigating officer for any accidents en route, collecting witness statements and conducting on-the-spot investigations. The captain’s sole duty was to report incidents, riding at the end of the convoy.

During the convoy, four Ordnance facilities were strategically placed along the route. If any vehicles became disabled, they were either towed to a new area or to one of the Ordnance installations, depending on their condition and distance from the destination. In cases where towing was not possible, a call was made to the nearest Ordnance installation. No wrecked or disabled vehicle was left unguarded. When turning in vehicles, a tally was secured and later submitted to the Division Ordnance Officer upon trip completion.

Troops established temporary camps during their journey. The first night, they camped at Staging Area #1, located four miles south of Pisa. The second night, they stayed at the PBS Convoy Park, 11 miles south of Rome on Highway 7 near TCP ‘R.’ Water was available at the temporary camps near Pisa and Rome; all water cans were refilled before departing from camp. Insect repellent and mosquito bars were used at these camps, which were clearly marked. All vehicles departed with full tanks and gasoline cans. Four designated refueling points were planned along the route, each allowing 20 minutes for refueling.

Route maps to Volturno Redeployment Training Area

On July 12, Colonel Raymond C. Barlow assumed command of the Regiment, replacing Colonel Oliver W. Hughes, who had been transferred to 5th Army Headquarters. During their time in the Volturno Redeployment Training Area, all organizations continued training, focusing on subjects with disciplinary value, including military courtesy, close order drill, ceremonies, interior guard duty, and Articles of War.

Johnnie’s last letter barely had time to reach the States before his address changed again. The past two weeks had been busy for him—new job, training, and getting new eye glasses. He wrote to Lucile about it all in his letter dated July 12, 1945.

My Dear Darling,

Well, I guess you want to know why I haven’t been writing you regular here lately. Well, a lot has happened in the last two weeks. I am now in an engineer outfit, not in the infantry no more thank God. I sent you an address to write me which is right except since I sent you that address, I have been transferred to another company. I will put my correct address at the end of this letter. So, you will be sure and get my address right, OK? Well, you can quit sending me packages now because by the time they get here, I will be on my way. I am going to take six weeks of engineer training over here. Then the commanding officer said we were going to load up and head for home for more training. So, the way things seem right now, I will be home. Keep your fingers crossed. Did you receive any package from me here lately? Let me know. Well honey, since I have changed addresses, your mail to me hasn’t caught up yet. So, it’s kind of hard to write a very long letter. Tell Mom Stacks I received the marshmellows and they were swell. What did Kate have to say? I have been back in the hospital with my eyes. In case you don’t know it, your Johnnie has to wear glasses now. I really look like an old man, Ha Ha. Well honey, that’s all the news for now. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

P.S. My address is P.F.C. John H. Marston Jr., H&S Co. 404 ‘C’ Engineer, A.P.O. 464, c/o P.M. New York NY

June 24 and 26–29, 1945

On June 22, 1945 at the Belluno air strip, the regiment took part in a Field Day featuring athletics, military events, and horse racing. The competition was organized on a company-versus-company basis, with H Company securing the most victories.

In his letter dated June 24, 1945, Johnnie expressed strong feelings about the girlfriend of an old comrade who had been seriously injured during the war.

My Dear Darling,

Received a letter from you yesterday. Sure was glad to hear that you are well and alright. As for myself I am still sweating it out. Still waiting. Yes, I can understand what you mean about the days seeming longer. It gets me the same way too. Yes, I guess you are getting fed up on working. You have been at it so long now. I have told you in my other letters that if it was harming your health any, I wanted you to quit. And I mean just that. I received a letter from Louise yesterday. Also, one from my old buddy Forest Tubbs. As you know, he is back in the States in the hospital. He was wounded in the arm, and hand, and side. He said he didn’t think he would be able to use his right hand anymore. He wrote to me left-handed. I have to read his letters over three or four times before I can make out what he is talking about. I really feel sorry for the kid. But it could have been worse. Right? His girl came to see him, he said while he was in the hospital near his hometown. She hurt him, worried then that shell that got him, by telling him that in the condition he was in they could never get married now. He wrote and told me about it and asked me if I was in his shoes what I would do. I told him I would mostly shoot her if not that. I would beat the hell out of her. Because if somebody didn’t do it. She would mostly ruin some other guys life. If so, she doesn’t know the good things of life so why should she stay around at all. Right? Well honey, I will close for now. Anyway, I might blow my top if I stay on this one subject. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie 

Johnnie had previously mentioned Forest in a letter dated December 4, 1944. Discharged in June 1944, Forest remained in contact with Johnnie. According to World War II Hospital Admission Card Files, Forest Tubbs, back home in Tennessee now, had sustained nerve damage in his armpit from shrapnel caused by an artillery shell. This injury resulted in brachial palsy, causing weakness, numbness, or paralysis in his arm, which forced Forest to write with his left hand. Although we do not know who his ‘girl’ was during his recovery, Forest married Rhetta Olivia Doom in 1949, and their union lasted 50 years.

Pfc. Forest Tubbs

On June 26, 1945, a delegation from this Regiment departed for the Volturno Redeployment Training Area near Caserta, Italy. In a letter Johnnie wrote that same day, he expressed a longing for Lucile. As the war’s end drew near, he yearned to see her once more and asked for her help in reclaiming the man he once was.

Hello Babe,

I received a letter from you yesterday and glad to hear that you are getting my mail OK. I am OK as far as health is concerned. But as usual missing you more. I don’t know why, but I have had the feeling that I will see you sometime this year. O’yeah, you took what I wrote you about waiting for me the wrong way. What I meant is that I hope nothing ever came between us that would make us part. And Gosh Lou, lets never let that happen. I love you so much. I doubt that is one thing I couldn’t take. I can stand the Germans shooting all around me and the Japs too as far as that goes. But for me and you to break up, that’s something else. In other words, a song I just learned fit me to you, like a T. The name of the song is ‘I am all alone.’ At the end of the World. And it has a verse in it that says ‘What good is the world without you.’ Please take what I said above serious. I am trying so hard to be the same Johnnie again that you once cared so much about. A lot of times when I haven’t anything to do, I just sit and think about you and me and the future. And the one thing you and me both want. You can’t blame a guy for dreaming, can you? There’s a lot I have to forget and you can help me too by bringing the same Johnnie back to his normal mind again. So much has happened the last two years for us both. And I know it has put a strain on you also. Forget about the trip to Warm Springs, my error. O’yeah, about the house whatever way you want it is OK with me. You have always been boss of that part anyway, Ha Ha. Right? Yes, I will write Mom Stacks. I know how it is. You know I haven’t written Dad and his wife. Not even since she has had that operation. I better get on the ball or Dad and her are going to think I am not around anymore, right? Well honey, I will close for this time. Tell all hello for me. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

P.S. How quick can you send me a carton of cigarettes?

Johnnie 

Johnnie’s father, John

Johnnie continues to send words of encouragement to Lucile’s mother in a letter dated June 27, 1945.

Dear Mom,

Just a few lines to let you know I am well and I hope and pray that this finds you and the kids in the best of health. I hope you have everything straightened out by now on the lumber company and other things that had to be taken care of. I know Mom just what you have been through in the last few months and it has hit you very hard. I know he would be proud and I’m sure he knew you could carry on for the kids. Which you are doing such a swell job of. Mom, don’t worry so about us boys. You see that we have a job to do which one now is finished. Thank God. I don’t want to live under a Jap dictation. Neither does Mickey, Cecil, Robert or any of the boys for that matter. So, to stay free and to keep freedom, we have to keep these guys out, right? A buddy of mine just brought me two letters, one is from you and the other is from Luke. I am going to stop writing and read them. Then maybe I can answer some of it in this letter, OK. Mom, in this letter you wanted to know if I received the Bible with the steele case. Yes, and I think it’s very nice. Thanks a lot. I haven’t received the package with the marshmallows yet. But thanks for getting them for me. Yes, I can bet the way you have the house fixed up now that it looks good. Keep your fingers crossed, for I think I will be home soon to see it myself. O yeah, get that out of your head about not seeing Mickey anymore. He will take care of himself and I will be sure he would want you to look on him as a man now, not as a kid, right? Well Mom, I will close for now. Tell all hello for me and give my love to Luke.

Lots Lots Love, Johnnie

Johnnie’s mother-in-law, Leola Stacks

In his June 28, 1945 letter, Johnnie mentioned a dream Leola told him she had about him. He was also appreciative that Lucile was looking after his sister and her children. 

My Dear Darling Wife,

Received two letters from you yesterday and was glad to hear that you are well and alright. Sorry to hear that you are not working here lately. Because I know when you don’t have nothing to do, you just sit around and worry. Right? That place you worked at sure does have a lot of trouble with their machine and so forth. Why don’t they invest some money in some new machines and they wouldn’t be having so much trouble? Right? Thanks for going out to see Kate and see what she needs. Whatever you loaned her, I am sure she will pay us back. If she doesn’t, it’s OK, right? Because I know it’s hard to raise two kids, just her alone trying to raise them. Right? O’yeah, honey, have you ever received any of the packages I have sent home? Why I ask is most of the fellows that sent guns and other things home their folks have already received them. I just hope mine gets home OK. I wrote your Mother yesterday. She said in the letter that she wrote me that she dreamed I brought a baby home. Isn’t that something, Ha Ha. Did she say anything to you about that dream? I know if I done anything like that, I would just as well go fight the Japs because you would shoot me anyway, Ha Ha. Sorry to hear that you are having rained weather that when I shall be home with you. Right? Well honey, I will have to close for now as I go on guard in about ten minutes. Tell all hello for me. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

In a June 29, 1945 V-mail, Johnnie shared that he has a new assignment and will have a new address soon. He also continued to offer hope to Lucile.

My Dear Darling,

Just a few lines to let you know I am well and hope with all my heart that this finds you in the best of health. Well, you better not write me no more after you get this. I am leaving tomorrow to another outfit. So, I will have a new address. So, wait till you hear from me again. OK? I know one thing about it, I won’t be a front-line soldier anymore. That’s in my favor. Right? And I am still pretty sure I will be seeing you soon. So, don’t give up hope as yet. I will let you know more about the setup when I write you the next letter, OK? Boy, the weather sure is hot over here now. How is it back home now? Has it ever stopped raining? Ha Ha. Lately every letter I receive from you, you said it was raining. I wrote you an air mail yesterday. Also, I dropped Dad a line. I have been getting your mail pretty regular here lately. How is my coming? How is Mom Stacks and the kids? Well, I hope. Well honey, I will close for now. Tell all Hello for me. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

Front and back of Johnnie’s June 29, 1945 V-mail to Lucile

As the period concluded, all organizations remained in their initial dispositions. However, significant personnel changes occurred among both officers and enlisted men throughout the month.

During the month of June, 1 Legion of Merit Medal, 22 Silver Stars Medals, 3 Oak Leaf Clusters to Silver Star Medals, 636 Bronze Star Medals (7 posthumously), 9 Oak Leaf Clusters to Bronze Star Medals, 1 Soldier’s Medal, 91 Purple Hearts, 36 Oak Leaf Clusters to Purple Heart, 5 2nd Oak Leaf Clusters to Purple Heart, 19 Combat Infantryman Badges, and 105 Medical Badges (includes 103 Badges issues to 310th Medical Battalion) were awarded. Four enlisted men were killed in action, 3 enlisted men died from wounds, and 2 officers and 10 enlisted men were wounded in action. The Regiment now consisted of 168 assigned officers, 1 attached officer, 5 warrant officers, 3273 assigned enlisted men, and 19 attached enlisted men. 

Click here to read the Operations Report by the 337th Infantry Regiment for July 1945.

June 10, 11, 15, and 20, 1945

On June 10, 1945, Johnnie included a recently taken photograph of Company B in his letter to Lucile.

My Dear Darling,

Well, here it is Sunday and a pretty bad day too. It has been raining for the last two days. I used to like for the weather to be like that. But not no more. Since I am away from you. You remember where I was back home if it was a rainey day. I always laid off of work. It’s funny but when the weather is like it is today, I just enjoyed staying home and having a time with you. Honey, it has been three days since I heard from you. I have written you every day this month so far except two days and at that time I was where I wasn’t able to write. A couple of days ago we had a pretty good size picture of our outfit made. We all received a picture this morning. I am sending it home so that it is taken care of. In case you can’t find me on this picture, I am laying down on the front row with my hair down on my forehead next to the guy with the watch on his arm. Don’t I look cute, Ha Ha. How is Mom Stacks? Well, I hope the rest of the family are OK. I hope you understand me about Kate in what I wrote you in that V-mail. Say honey, in that box with the blanket, there is a box, rather a match box, and in it is a compass and a German Purple Heart. Let me know if you receive that also. Well, it’s time for the mail check to come around and pick up the mail so I will close for now. I miss you a lot and I love you a million. 

Always, Johnnie

337th Infantry, Company B, Italy, June 1945

 

Johnnie is in the front row, third man from the left (center)

A Rememberance from the 1st Battalion Enlistedmans Club (Belluno, Italy).
Many of Johnnie’s fellow soldiers signed the photo on the back.

In his letter dated June 11, 1945, Johnnie sought to clarify to Lucile both the points he had accumulated and the criteria for earning additional points in his Advanced Service Rating Score.

My Dear Darling,

I received your letter to me, the first one of this month, yesterday, which was dated June the first. I got one today which was dated the fourth. That’s not bad at all. But what happened to the second and third? Maybe they are on their way. My mail to you is coming pretty regular, that’s good. You wanted to know about this point system. Well, I told you I had just seventy points. The day after I wrote you that, I was told I was awarded the Bronze Star for a heroic deed in action so that gives me five more points and makes my total seventy-five. And they say they are going to give us another battle star for fighting the Germans here in the Alp mountains of Italy. If so, that will be five more points which will make eighty. And I get two points for every month I am in service and two for every month I am overseas. Well that take care of that. O’yeah, the latest we have heard over here is every guy with sixty points over will go home for a furlough before being assigned. Gosh, don’t give up hope for me. If I do have to go to the Pacific, I am pretty darn sure to come by home first. I will be home by two months and a half from now, or not at all. What I mean by that is I really don’t believe I will see any more action, and they might put me as army occupation over here till the war is over in the Pacific. I am not sure of anything as yet. But you will know about two months from now. You can bet on that. I know one thing, all us old men here in the outfit are pretty sure we will go by home before we are assigned to any more jobs to be done. They say when a woman senses anything like her husband: or sweetheart that something is going to happen to them it usually comes true. Just do something like that and maybe before you know it, I will be right by your side back there at home, Ha Ha. Well honey, I will close for now. Tell all the folks hello for me. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

P.S. in your next letter send some airmail stamps, OK?

Love, Johnnie

In his June 15, 1945 letter, Johnnie mentioned receiving several letters, including one from Lucile’s cousin Irvin. Like Johnnie, Irvin was stationed in Italy and had also acquired a few gifts during his time in Venice.

My Dear Darling,

Received a letter from you yesterday. Also, one from Dot. The first mail I have got in about five days. You know since this war has been over here it just seems like the mail has fallen off for me. I guess everybody figures that being that it is over, they just say well he is safe and OK now. There just isn’t any use writing him so regular now. What do you think? Also, we are having it pretty easy now. But what next? Who knows? I got a letter from Irvin a few days ago. He was telling me he didn’t have to worry any more about being shot at or shelled. He is back in Naples, about six hundred miles below Italy from here. The first time I have heard from him in about six months. He is driving now a bus. O’yeah, I went on a pass to Venice a couple of days ago. While I was there, I bought you a pair of beads. Also, Mary and Betty a little pin with a boat on it. Let me know if you received them or not. Sorry to hear that you are not working now, don’t let it get you down. I know it’s hard on you when you haven’t anything to do but it around and worry wherever I will be home soon. I have the same trouble myself here lately. Just waiting. A couple of days ago we had two of our boys killed. They were guarding an ammunition dump and it blew up. About seventeen Germans got it also. That’s hell to go all the way through a war, then get it on something like that. A guy never knows when his time is up though. How is Mom Stacks? And the rest of the family? OK, I hope. Tell them all hello for me and I hope to see them soon. O’yeah, Dot said if I stay away much longer, she would forget how I looked when I left. She doesn’t know the half of it. I have forgot that myself, Ha Ha. I feel my age too much now. Because I know ten years of my life is gone. Well honey, I will close for now. Keep writing, praying and hoping I will see you soon. I miss you a lot and I love you a million. 

Always, Johnnie

Johnnie visited Venice (see blue star on map). Image from Library of Congress, Washington, DC,
Geography and Map Division.

Johnnie and Lucile were ready to start a family, something he alluded to in his letter dated June 20, 1945.

I love you a million, always

My Dear Lou,

Received a letter from you yesterday which was mailed the tenth of June. Honey, have you received the blanket I sent you? You should have by now. A lot of the fellows that have sent them say that their family have received them. Let me know, OK. Well, a lot of the fellows have left to go to other outfits. I am expecting to leave any day now. I just hope the outfit I go in stops by the States before going on to the Pacific. Keep your fingers crossed. Sure would like to have been there for that wine roast. I am really a chow hound now, Ha Ha. I can eat anything now. I am glad you are having folks to come around and see you. It keeps you from being so lonely, right? Sorry to hear that you haven’t heard from Mickey. But I am sure he is alright. I guess by the time you get this Robert will be home. Some guys have the best of luck, right? Yes, it’s been every bit of eighteen months and more since I saw you last. That’s one reason I think I may be home soon being over here so long. Boy, I sure hope they lower the points if I am going to get out on a discharge. They better. Yes, I sure would like to start a family if I can get back to you before I get too old, Ha Ha. Being what I have been through, I wouldn’t want no boys being fear that they might have to go through what I been through, get what I mean? O’yeah, get those crazy dreams out of your head. If we had a baby and me thinking all the time that you bear us a daughter or son. Would make me feel proud all the time. You get what I mean. Well honey, I will close for now. Tell all hello for me. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

Johnnie’s brother-in-law, Robert Astin

June 1–4, 6, and 8, 1945

At the start of the period, the 1st Battalion and Service Company were stationed in the Belluno-Sedico area, the 2nd Battalion was located at Agrodo, the 3rd Battalion operated in the Mis-Sospirolpo area, and the Special Companies were positioned around Lake Alleghe. During the month, light training persisted, focusing on orientation, education, athletics, and recreation.

Johnnie had experienced enough of the war, and as he looked ahead, he made a conscious effort not to dwell on it once he returned home. At least, that is what he shared with Lucile in his June 1, 1945 V-mail.

My Dear Darling,

Just a few lines to let you know I am well and hope with all my heart that this finds you in the best of health. I received a letter from you yesterday that was mailed the twenty-third of May. Not bad, do you think? In this letter you wanted to know where I am at. Well, I am two miles from a town called Belluno, south of it. If you get an Italy map with most of the towns on it, you shall be able to tell about where I am at. You said when I did get home, I could just talk till my heart was content. That’s OK too, but that’s something I don’t want to do. What I mean is, not think about this war. That’s just over. Or the present one with Japan. That’s one thing I want to forget, and all the rest do too that are in the infantry. Well honey, I will close for now. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

As you read Johnnie’s June 2, 1945 V-mail, it initially seems like he might fuss at Lucile about something. However, as it turns out, he is complimenting her instead.

My Dear Darling,

Just a few lines to let you hear from me and to let you know I am well. I hope this finds you the same. How is Mom Stacks making out? Well, I hope. What about the rest of the family? I just hope soon I will be with you. That’s what most of us that came over with the outfit are worrying about at the present. If we do have to go fight the Japs, we all are hoping to go by the States for a thirty-day furlough. Keep your fingers crossed. We will know soon. O’yeah, not to get you mad or anything, but every time I have been getting a letter from you here lately, I have been keeping account of the dates of the letters. And you have been doing a good job of writing me and letting me know what’s going on back there at home pretty regular. Keep it up. Will close. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

In his June 3, 1945 V-mail, Johnnie expressed concern about Lucile’s financial well-being. His primary focus was ensuring that she had everything she needed.

Hello Darling,

I received one letter from you today and one from Mary. Sure was glad to hear from you both. Yesterday, I received the nice Bible your Mother sent me. It sure is a nice one too. Honey, the reason I asked you about your savings account is I just wanted to know if anything happens where you might need money, that you would have it on hand. If you didn’t, you could write me and I could help. I hope you get what I am trying to say! Do you? I am glad you like the pictures of me. But as my opinion of them, they are not worth looking at. I can’t understand where you and the rest of the family think I am getting better looking. Wait till you see me as myself. I look like sad-sack, Ha Ha. No kidding. Well honey, I will close for this time. Tell all the folks hello for me. And to you I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

Johnnie and unknown man (post-WWII)

During World War II, pin-up girls played a significant role. They contributed to the war effort by selling war bonds and boosting morale through letters to soldiers. These images adorned military publications and magazine covers, eagerly anticipated by servicemen. Johnnie had his own pin-up girl back home in Georgia, and made sure to convey this sentiment in his June 4, 1945 letter.

My Dear Darling,

I received two letters from you today and was glad to hear that you are well and alright. As for myself, I am OK. Glad to hear that you are getting my letters to you pretty regular here lately. Remember every chance I get I try to get a letter off to you. As long as I know you are still waiting and there no other guys beating my time while I am away doing things that I thought once was inhuman, I am perfect in feeling and very Damn Happy to know I have as a wife such a swell woman and not one of those I used to run around with before I met you. You know some of the ones I am talking about very well. Right? Well that’s enough on that subject. Just remember you are my number one pin up girl and mine alone, OK? You say Mom Stacks is painting her house inside. I bet it looks nice. Say, by the way, are those rooms you painted different down at our house still the same? You remember you had one blue, orange, pink and white, I think. Anyway, it really looks good. Say if you are getting mail from McClueley you could send me his address yourself. Couldn’t you? Or haven’t you ever thought of that. Anyway, you told me a couple of months back he was going to write. But he never did. Where is his wife anyway? O’yeah, you said here in one of your letters that you were going to Warm Springs with Woodrow and a bunch but you were sick at the time and said you wasn’t going. That’s OK too. But you said the bunch. What’s wrong, don’t I know the crowds or are they a new bunch since I left? Must be. All you named was Woodrow. What about your side? Did you go to have a checkup? One thing I have learned since I have been away and that is if I say I am going to do something I do my darndest to do such. Which I see I have to teach you the same when I get back, Ha Ha. Maybe you think I am blowing my top. Well I am in a way. This was over here while it lasted much had got the best of me. Sometimes I wonder. Yeah, I guess there are a lot of guys around there at home coming back now. I just hope I can get a boat going that way. Well honey, I will close for now. Tell all hello for me. I miss you a lot and I love you a million. 

Always, Johnnie

Although we cannot be sure, we believe this photo was taken ca. 1945 so may be the “bunch” mentioned in the letter.
Back row: Woodrow Oglesby, Francis Stacks Oglesby, Elvie and Earl Stacks, Mary Stacks, Leola Lemon Stacks.
Front row: Shirley Oglesby, Betty Stacks, Melvin Stacks. We believe the baby off to the left on the ground is Jerry Oglesby.

In his June 6, 1945 V-mail, Johnnie requested that Lucile send financial assistance to his sister Kate.

My Dear Darling,

Just a few lines this morning to let you know I am well and OK and hope with all my heart that this finds you in the best of health. I received a letter from Kate today. She sent me a picture of her and the two kids. She said she was going to move out to College Park sometime this month. She said she would be able to see you a lot then. As I wrote you before, she wrote to Louise for some money to help her with the kids. But all Louise could send her was ten dollars. From what I get out of Louise’s letter, she has been sick here lately and Louise said a few debts have piled up on her while she was sick. Louise wanted to know if I could help Kate out any and I told her I would. What I want you to do is take thirty-five dollars out to her. Louise said she would help Kate pay back to us whatever we loan her. If she doesn’t, it’s OK because they are my sisters and I can’t let them down when they are in trouble, right? Kate’s address is 100 5th Street NW. I will write you a longer letter. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

In his June 8, 1945 letter, Johnnie attempted to reassure Lucile in case he was sent to the Pacific instead of returning home. He also apologized for something he had mentioned in a previous letter.

Dearest Lou,

Received three letters from you yesterday and one from Mary. Sure was glad to get them too. Say what about you taking it easy. Every letter I get from you, you say you are OK except only tired. Remember you don’t have to work yourself to death. So, go easy for awhile. You might work yourself down to nothing then what will I have to come back too? Ha Ha. I am glad to hear that you are getting my letters right along now and yours to me isn’t bad at all. You wanted to know whether I might get to come home soon. Well, I can’t say for sure as yet. But all of us that came over with the outfit think we will go by home, if we are shipped to the Pacific. Don’t worry about Mickey. I think he can take care of hisself. O’yeah, thanks a lot for consenting my wish about us getting together when I do make that boat for home. I know it’s going to be hard to get away from the folks. But we will do it someway. Right? About me being a machine gunner, if I do go to the Pacific, if the Army wants me to stay as one, I haven’t got much to say about it. Anyway, it’s a good weapon to have around when things get to going tough. And I should know. Let’s hope I don’t have to see anymore action. Right? I doubt if I could take anymore anyway. O’yeah, about Dad’s wife having an operation on her breast, I wasn’t making fun of her or was I offending you. That’s just my old opinion of a breast, when I used to run around. Known as a tit. About the way men and women are doing. Let’s don’t let things like that happen between us. You remember the trouble we had once before. I made a promise to you and I also asked forgiving from that swell guy above. Well, I know now I am on the right track with him. Because he could have had me knocked off if he wanted me to go. Alots of times. As you know. Well honey, I will close for now. I miss you a lot and I love you a million. 

Always, Johnnie 

Mary Stacks

May 25 and 27, 1945

In his May 25, 1945 letter to Lucile, Johnnie felt the need to reassure her. He wanted her to know that his love was unwavering, and there was no one else but her. Additionally, he referenced the Advanced Service Rating Score, a system used by the military for demobilization. Soldiers earned points based on their service: 1 point for each month of military service, 1 point for each month service overseas, 5 points for each combat award received, and 12 points each for dependent children under 18 years of age (up to three). 

My Dear Darling,

Received two letters from you yesterday. Also, one from Nell. Sure was glad to get them too. Haven’t heard from you in quite some time. Glad to hear that Dad’s wife is coming along OK. I have been wanting to write to her. But tonight is the first chance I had time to write in the last five days. We had to haul prisoners from Austria down here to the prisoner of war camp and I have been riding back and forth the last few days. Tomorrow we pay tribute to the boys in our outfit that have given their life for this great victory for freedom and peace here in Europe. The only thing about this is it just makes me think of the pals that are gone. But not forgotten, right? Well that’s enough on that. Honey, you were talking about this point system, wondering if I had enough. No, I have just seventy. If I had a couple little Johnnies I would be setting pretty, Ha Ha. If I knew what I know now, we would have quantriblist, Ha Ha. Right? I think that’s the way to spell that word isn’t it? Anyway, I think you can make it out. What are you talking about wondering if I feel about you the way you do me? Listen here. All I have been through I know I couldn’t have if I knew you wasn’t with me and waiting for me! You remember when we started going together and I told you that if anything came between us, I would let you know. Well, you are still tops to me and there is none that can take your place. And everything that I have hoped for and dreamed about is built around you. Lou, you don’t want the same Johnnie back and I doubt if you are getting the fool that thought the world was built just for him. There are changes. A lot from the other Johnnie you married. But as far as loving you there are none. You are part of me in everything I do. Remember that. Well sweetheart, I hope you understand me. I could do better if I was there. I pray that will be soon. Tell all hello for me and drop a line. Will close. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

 

US troops aboard the USS Gen. Harry Taylor reverse their route back to
New York, August 11, 1945. National Archives and Records Administration,
public domain.

In his May 27, 1945 letter, Johnnie shared details about their experiences transporting prisoners of war and described their living conditions.

My Dear Darling,

I received two letters from you yesterday. You were saying something about your side being sore since you fell off of the ladder and that you were going to the doctor to have a checkup on yourself. I think that’s a darn good idea. Your side could be serious and you not knowing it, except once and awhile when the pain hits you. I am very concerned about your health and I am wondering all the time if you are well or not. As for myself, I am not too well here lately. But the reason is I am at war rather was moving day and night with German prisoners that we didn’t have time to sleep or eat regular. I have lost about eight or ten pounds. All of us have for that matter. But the last two days we have been staying in a hotel with a few soft beds in it and all we have been doing is sleeping and eating. It’s not bad at all. But I don’t know just how long this will last. I am sure not for long. Glad to hear that you got the gift I sent Doc. It just doesn’t seem right him being gone. But as you say he is a lot better off than a lot of us are. I am glad all of you like your gift. What I want to do now is get back and give you a honeymoon if I am able. On your money of course, Ha Ha. O yeah, you wanted to know whether I received your picture or not. I’m sure I wrote you and told you I got the pictures. Maybe I didn’t though. Anyway, it’s a swell picture of you. It even looks better than the Lucile I used to go with. Maybe you know her. She lives down in Stackville, Ga. and boy can she make a chocolate cake, Ha Ha. Know her? Well honey, I guess that’s enough of that. So, I will close. Tell Mom Stacks and the rest of the family hello for me. And I pray to see you all soon. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

On May 29, 1945, the 3rd Battalion relocated to the Mis-Sospirolo area. By the end of the month, the 1st Battalion was stationed in the Belluno-Sedico area, the 2nd Battalion in Agordo, and the special companies were positioned on Lake Alleghe.

Panoramic view of Agordo in Italy. Photo by Circolo fotografico agordino (an Italian photography
club based in Agordo), CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/, via Wikimedia Commons.

Although Johnnie did not mention it directly, a newspaper article in Kentucky’s Paducah Sun-Democrat on May 31, 1945, revealed that his best friend, Sgt. James Lamb, had received the Silver Star. Sgt. Lamb was recognized for “gallantry in action on April 19, 1945, in Italy.” It is highly likely that Johnnie was alongside Sgt. Lamb during that significant day.

Sgt. James Lamb Wins Silver Star, The Paducah Sun-Democrat,
Paducah, Kentucky, May 31, 1945

During the month of May, 25 Silver Stars Medals (4 posthumously), 3 Oak Leaf Cluster to Bronze Star Medals, 124 Bronze Star Medals (4 posthumously), 86 Purple Hearts, 35 Oak Leaf Cluster to Purple Hearts, 217 Combat Infantryman Badges, and 67 Medical Badges were awarded. Four enlisted men were killed in action, 3 enlisted men died from wounds, and 2 officers and 10 enlisted men were wounded in action. The Regiment now consisted of 168 assigned officers, 1 attached officer, 5 warrant officers, and 3273 assigned enlisted men, and 19 attached enlisted men. 

In May 1945, General Mark W. Clark, the Commander of the Allied Forces in Italy, wrote a letter to the 15th Army Group at the end of the war. The letter reads: 

With a full and grateful heart I hail and congratulate you in this hour of complete victory over the German enemy, and join with you in thanks to Almighty God.

Yours has been a long, hard fight—the longest in this war of any Allied troops fighting on the Continent of Europe. You men of the Fifth and Eighth Armies have brought that fight to a successful conclusion by recent brilliant offensive operations which shattered the German forces opposing you. Their surrender was the inevitable course left to them, they had nothing more to fight with in Italy.

You have demonstrated something new and remarkable in the annals of organized warfare: You have shown that a huge fighting force composed of units from many countries with diverse languages and customs, inspired, as you have always been, with a devotation to the cause of freedom, can become an effective and harmonious fighting team.

This teamwork which has carried us to victory has included in full measure the supporting arms which have worked with us throughout the campaign. The services that have supplied us have overcome unbelievable obstacles and have kept us constantly armed, equipped, and fed. The magnificent support which we have always had from the Allied air and naval forces in this theater has written a new page in the history of cooperative combat action.

Our exultation in this moment is blended with sorrow as we pay tribute to the heroic Allied soldiers who have fallen in battle in order that this victory might be achieved. The entire world will forever honor their memory.

I am intensely proud of you all and of the honor which I have had of commanding such invincible troops. My thanks go to each of you for your capable, aggressive, and loyal service which has produced this great victory.

MARK W. CLARK
GENERAL, USA, COMMANDING
May 1945

Click here to read the Operations Report by the 337th Infantry Regiment for June 1945.

May 16, 19, and 21, 1945

In his letter dated May 16, 1945, Johnnie finally shared with Lucile a little of what he had been doing during the war over the past eight months, though he refrained from providing specific details. This was the first time he had been able to communicate this information.

My Dear Darling Lou,

I received a letter from you yesterday that was mailed the fourth of this month with you talking about not hearing from me in a good while. Well, that’s the first letter I have had from you in a week. One reason you are not hearing from me here lately was that we started this last drive that finished up the war over here. Three weeks I wasn’t able to write you but two V-mails. But here lately, I have been writing you at least every other day. So, you shall be hearing from me pretty regular soon. About me coming home now that this war is over with. I can’t really say but things look good so far. I am hoping if I do have to go to the Pacific that I go by home for a thirty-day furlough. A lot of guys will get them before they go there or maybe I might stay here for Army occupation. I can’t say as yet, lets hope for the best, OK? Yes, I bet that baby of Bob and Nell’s is growing. You talk about Dot and Drex being down at the home. What about telling them to drop me a line. Long time no hear, Ha Ha. O’yeah, I didn’t want to tell you what my job is but now that things have quieted down over here, I will. I had myself transferred out of a rifle company to the machine guns about eight months ago. I am the gunner. I was in charge of the section. But the guy came back from the hospital he still wanted me to stay in charge. But I told him that job wasn’t for me. The reason I got in the machine guns was they throw more lead than any other weapon and they will stop a lot of Germans when they were making attack at our position. I can tell you, it’s really a good weapon to have around when there is a lot of Germans coming at you. I shall know. Well honey, I will have to close to now. Tell all the folks hello for me. And write. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

Robert (Bob), Nell, and their daughter Judy

The photos below show Johnnie and his friend James Lamb after capturing Germans and their machine guns. He explained to his son Randy that they used these German guns because they were superior to the ones issued by the U.S. Army. According to Johnnie, the German guns were more reliable and did not emit smoke like the American guns did when they were overheated. The absence of smoke made the American soldiers less conspicuous targets. Johnnie was vigilant—when his gun started smoking, he promptly moved to avoid becoming a mortar target. On the back of the partially damaged photo, Johnnie wrote ‘Love, Johnnie. In case you don’t know, this guy is me. Taken right after we captured twenty Germans. That is a machine gun. …’ 

Johnnie

Back of photo

Johnnie’s ‘buddy,’ James Lamb—taken the same day

Back of photo

The bayonet and case in the photo below were removed from one of the captured Germans mentioned above. Johnnie’s son, Randy, was not sure whether the German soldier was dead or alive, but he knew that his father was not inclined to take items from deceased individuals. After returning home, Johnnie gifted the bayonet to his brother-in-law Earl Stacks. Earl held onto it until around 1993, when he passed it on to Randy.

Bayonet and case from a captured German

On May 18, 1945, an additional 1,600 troops from the 73rd Corps were evacuated. On May 19, 1945, an explosion at the German ammunition assembly point in Mas resulted in one American soldier killed, two wounded, and 20 German casualties (half of whom were killed).

In his May 19, 1945 letter, Johnnie began crafting secret plans for his homecoming. His desire was clear: he wanted Lucile all to himself.

Dear Darling Lou,

Just a few lines hoping that this finds you in the best of health. As for myself, I am OK. You say Robert is in England. It looks like he would be able to tell he was if he is there now that the war is over. We won’t now. We don’t have our mail censor no more. I am at the present about forty miles from the country of Austria border. But still in Italy. All we are doing at the present is guarding German prisons and resting up. We have a nice hotel to stay in that the Germans had and as far as that we are pretty costly at the present. O yeah I sent off those guns I was telling you about in one of my letters yesterday. Also sent you a blanket which is new. It is a German blanket and I sent a German purple heart and compass which I want you to put up for me. You shall receive all of that stuff in about a month, I hope. I still haven’t heard from you in a good while now or anybody else for that matter. O yeah do you think you could get me a good pencil and a few stamps? This pen I have now isn’t mine and the guy I have been borrowing it off of is getting tired of me asking for it all the time, which I don’t blame him. I have been using it more than he has lately. See what you can do about the situation, OK? O yeah, just in case I do come home one of these days, which I have my hopes on, we are going to take off. I want you to myself for a few days anyway. I know darn well what its going to be like when I do get back. We won’t have one minute to ourselves because everybody will want to see me and talk to me and if we don’t take off for a few days people will even be at the house all night just talking. Where all I would have on my mind is you. Don’t you think it will be something like that? Let me know your opinion. Well, I guess that’s enough on that. Let’s just hope and pray I will be seeing you soon. How is Mom Stacks? Has she ever finished that letter to me, Ha Ha? Give her my regards. Tell all the rest of the family hello for me. Well Darling, I will close for now. Hoping to hear from you soon. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

Johnnie was near the border of Italy and Austria when he wrote his May 19 letter
(somewhere in the vicinity of the blue star on the map). Image provided by:
Library of Congress, Washington, DC, Geography and Map Division.

After learning from Lucile that his stepmother had breast cancer, Johnnie confided in her during a letter he wrote on May 21, 1945. He expressed having many questions about women and other personal matters.

My Dear Darling Lou,

I received two letters from you yesterday. Also, one from Mom Stacks. Sure was glad to get them after not hearing from you in twelve days. So glad to know you are alright. I was sorry to hear about Dad’s wife. Honey, you said she had a growth on her breast and they had to take it off. What I want to know is were you talking about the growth on her breast or the whole breast. Or better known to me as the tits. I didn’t know a woman could live with one of them taken from her. But of course, there is a lot I don’t know about the female sex and other things about women. You don’t know it, but there is a lot of questions I want to ask you when I get back about such things which I thought I knew. But I have heard the fellows here in my outfit talk about women and sex. I found out I don’t know half of the things about such. And I am sure you can answer such questions for me. OK? O yeah, a friend of mine got a letter from his wife the other day saying that she was getting ready to have a baby. He has been over here about as long as I have. He went and had her allotment stopped and wrote her that when he did return, she better be many miles away from him because he would kill her just like he had killed the Germans over here. Boy, this kid really went out of his head when he read that letter she wrote him. And I don’t blame him either, do you? Well, I guess thats enough on that. But things like that just burns me up. When guys like him have been over here fighting and going through hell for nothing. Well honey, I will have to close for now because we are getting ready to move to another area. By the way, since the first of this month, six fellows have left to go home. I still have my hopes up. I miss you a lot and I love you a million. 

Always, Johnnie

On May 21, 1945, 1,500 troops from the 73rd Corps were escorted to Bassano. Then, on May 25, 1945, several thousand captured horses were handed over to the Army remount service, and the 600 troops with service trains completed the evacuation of the 76th Panzer Corps and all enemy troops in the regimental zone. At 2 AM, the regiment was relieved of all military duties as elements of the Italian Folgore Group took control of the zone

Throughout the rest of the month, the regiment focused on light training, emphasizing athletics and recreation. Additionally, all battalions held solemn memorial services to honor the men who sacrificed their lives during the Italian campaigns.

May 10, 12, and 14, 1945

On May 10, 1945, Johnnie wrote a letter to Lucile, sharing the news that he was sending several German items back to the states. He also expressed concerned about his sister’s well-being and the possibility she was facing financial difficulties.

My Dear Darling,

Just a few lines to let you know I am well and alright and hope that this finds you the same. Honey, about the watch I sent to have fixed. Just forget about it. I have another watch. So, put it away till I call for it, OK? Honey, I am sending a German blanket which is new, also I am sending a German rifle and a German bunt pistol. I want you to put them up for me. Not the blanket though. That is yours to do whatever you want to with it. Be sure and let no one fool with the guns. They are not to play with. Or to be messed with. Regardless whoever it may be. I hope you understand, OK? We are not doing much now except guard duty. And getting rested up and I can grant you, we really need the rest. How are the folks there at home taking the ending of the war here in Italy and on the other fronts over here? I guess everybody is pretty happy about it and are praying that soon we will have peace all over the world once more and I just hope and pray it won’t be long off. How is the rest of the family? O yeah honey, how is our bank account? Or rather yours. Let me know. Louise wrote me and said that Kate sent her a letter wanting to borrow some money. She must be having trouble. I hope she isn’t out of a job. Especially with those two kids. I wish you would check up on her and if she needs any money or that you can help her any at all, do so. She’s still my sister and I know you understand. Let me know the result and also if you let her have any money let me know. Well honey, I will have to close for now. But be sure to let me know what the result is of our bank account before you do anything OK? And remember about those guns. I miss you a lot and I love you a million. 

Always, Johnnie

Johnnie and Lucile (before the war)

Johnnie’s unit is finally enjoying a well-deserved rest now that the war has ended. In his letter to Lucile dated May 12, 1945, he mentioned craving several sweets—something he likely had not tasted in quite some time.

Hello Babe,

Just a few lines to let you know I am thinking of you and I hope this finds you in the best of health as I am OK. Just wanting to be with you is my only trouble at the present. Well, I guess you want to know what we are doing since the war has ended over here. Well, mostly just resting up and doing a little general duty. O yeah honey, just before we started this last push over here, which ended the war here in Italy and elsewhere, I was at the rest hotel and a buddy of mine took a couple of pictures of me. One isn’t no good at all but the reason I am sending it is to show you one of our rest hotels of our own outfit. Do you think the pictures look like the guy that left you at the train station the last time we were together? I don’t. These pictures were made sometime in March, which are about two months old now. I haven’t heard from you in almost a week now. I hope to get some mail from you today. Say, how quick could you get me a box off? I would like to have some hair tonic because my hair is getting pretty dry. Get some of the rose hair oil if you can. Also, what I would like to have is some marshmallows, which I haven’t had in a long time, and a few candy bars! And whatever else you can think of I would like, OK? Well honey, I will close for now. Tell all the family I said hello. I miss you a lot and I love you a million. 

Always, Johnnie

We have not been able to verify the specific rest hotel where Johnnie spent time after liberation. However, among his personal belongings, we discovered a booklet titled City Plan of Florence, Italy: Compliments of Fifth Army Officer’s Rest Hotel, along with a placement-style map titled Firenze, which translates to Florence. Below, you will find select images from these artifacts.

Map on the back side of the Fifth Army Officers’ Rest Hotel placemat

 

Enlarged to see ‘Fifth Army’

Johnnie shared a grim statistic with Lucile in his May 14, 1945 letter from Italy—only 47 out of 198 men in his unit were left—some still hospitalized, some back home crippled for life, and many that did not survive.

My Dear Darling,

I received your letter that was written May second. Sure was glad to hear that you are alright. As for myself, I am OK. Yes, I still can’t believe the war is over here. It really seems funny and makes you have some kind of a feeling not to hear shells busting and machine guns firing after being around them so long. Thank God I was spared through all of this horrible war or seeing your buddies getting killed around you or hurt and seeing people suffer as I have. I wouldn’t think a person could stand it all. But there is something in you that just keeps you going. I wasn’t able to write this till now. Because the censor wouldn’t let it go through. But it’s those people back there that aren’t helping in war work or anything to help put a stop to all of this with Japan I am talking about now. They should see or go through the horrors of war and I will grant you they will do something about helping us end it all. Lucile, when I came overseas, I was with a hundred and ninety-eight men which was in my company. And I knew them all pretty well and some of them who discussed their family with me, and their troubles. Well, most of all the old men that came over with me are gone now. Some are still in hospitals, some are back home crippled up for life, and a lot that won’t see home no more. There are just forty-seven men that I came over with left out of a hundred and ninety-eight. We might have won this war with Germany, but a lot of us lost too, right? But they didn’t die in vain or get crippled up for nothing. They just didn’t want their family to suffer like what the Germans did to these people over here. They wanted their family to live without being in fear like Germany had the people over here. I could tell you a lot more but that’s not for me. I just want to forget all of this. I hope you understand me. This picture you sent of Drex looks like the same old Drex to me. He hasn’t changed much at all. He really looked good. O yeah, that gift of your Mother, when I sent it, I was hoping it would get to her around Mother’s Day and yours I was thinking of your birthday. But I see it missed that day a long way off, right? Sure glad to hear that Dot got a nice set of teeth. How does she like them? Well honey, I will close for now. So, keep writing. I can answer any question now as they don’t censor my mail anymore. I think you are swell. And I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

Johnnie in Italy (unknown whether it was taken
at the aforementioned rest hotel)

On May 15, 1945, a mass evacuation began, escorting 18,532 troops and 540 enemy vehicles to Bassano.