January 16 and 17, 1943

In Johnnie’s January 16, 1943 letter from Camp Howze, Texas we learn that he’s a boxer. It also sounds like there is a good chance he’ll get the promotion to corporal.

Dear Darling, 

Hello honey, I hope this letter finds you OK as I am the same. Well, I believe they will make me a corporal. In a way I want to be one, but if I do make it, I will not come home till about a month afterward I am supposed to. In other words, I will have to stay here in camp a month and go to a non-commissioned officer school. I know I can be one but that is the way it is. So, what do you think of it? I told you in my other letter that I was acting corporal now. That means I can give orders to all privates just like a regular corporal does. It sure surprised me when I got a letter saying I was one of the ten new men to be promoted to a corporal if I passed the final test. The letter was from the commanding officer of my company. I can’t understand why they want me to take that test. Since I’ve been here, I haven’t shown them anything to make them think I have had training before. Well let’s skip that and talk about you. How is your whole family getting along, Ha Ha? You get what I mean don’t you? Honey, I will get some money the first week in February and I will send you some if you pay me back when you get yours, Ha Ha. I am supposed to get a pretty good pay and you know I will send you about half of it so look for some about that time. By the way, I am glad Geral’s hand is lots better and getting along alright. I guess you will have to wait till after I get paid before I can have any pictures made because I am on the bum again. You know what that means, no cigarettes, no anything. But I guess I can hold out till pay day. It looks like I am going to have to. I haven’t received a letter from Mildred yet to let me know she got mine thanking her for the cigarettes. I guess she is having so many dates, she hasn’t had time to write. What about Nell and Bob? I wrote them and have not received an answer. When you see them ask if they got the letter I wrote them. O yeah, I was in a boxing match Wednesday night and I won. Hurrah for me, Ha Ha. I knocked this fellow down two times in the third round and the referee stopped the fight. That shows I still got the old punch I used to have when I boxed about all the time. I am about two inches bigger in the waist since I left Fort Mac. I weighed a hundred and forty-four Wednesday night when they weighed me for the boxing match. You shall feel around me now, Ha Ha. Well honey, I will close for this time but as being tomorrow is Sunday, I will write you another letter.

So, lots love to the one that means the world to me. Johnnie

Turn this over when you get through reading it. Tell your Mother and Dot and Earl I will write them tomorrow when I write you. Check that. Love, Johnnie

P.S. Remember you are my sunshine. So, don’t ever darken it. Love

Partial view of January 16, 1943 letter

Johnnie’s next letter to his mother-in-law was written on January 17, 1943 from Camp Howze. He had some big brother advice for her in helping to raise Lucile’s little brothers.

Dear Mother,

Received your letter but I’ve been on guard duty, that’s why I haven’t answered it sooner. I hope this letter finds you well, as I am the same. No, the cake wasn’t too dried to eat. If it was, I didn’t look to see, you know if I get chocolate cake, I sure am not going to look at it, Ha Ha. That box you sent Hildreth, I sure will get to him, because they will send it whereever he goes. It will reach him sometime. I am glad to hear it is warming up down there. I told you how this weather is. It’s cold for a while, well it is kindly cold right now, but the climate will change much tonight. You can’t tell here. Yes, Lucile told me about Gearl getting his hand shot about off. I am glad it is a lot better. I hope he watches his self from now on. Get that idea out of your head about dreaming that Cecil went to the electric chair. I wouldn’t worry about Cecil so much. That’s one reason you dream that, because you are worrying too much. No, I don’t blame you and I know how you feel so get other things to occupy your mind. Try to anyway. Tell little Melvin I will come home soon, and his ear better be washed or I will be awful mad at him, Ha Ha. I believe they have quit giving me shots. I haven’t had to take any in about a week now. I hope so anyway. I have gained six pounds since I left Fort Mac. I had to take my pants to the tailor the other day to have him to let the waist out some. I wrote Robert and Nell the other day and have not received an answer yet. I guess they have been working so hard, they just haven’t had time to write. Well Mom, I guess that’s all the news right now. So, answer back as quick as you can. Also, tell Doc I said hello for me and I will see you all soon. Love to you and all the rest the same.

Johnnie

P.S. How is that little dog Melvin is always playing with? I can’t think of his name. Let me know what his name is in your next letter. I have so many other things I got to learn here in the army. I can’t remember hardly nothing.

Johnnie’s brother-in-law, Melvin Stacks. Photo taken in front of the Stacks home.

January 11 and 15, 1943

As often happens with soldiers who have been deployed, Johnnie’s January 11, 1943 letter from Camp Howze was filled with self-doubt. Fearing the worst, his emotions got the best of him that day.

My Dear Darling Beloved, 

Hello honey, what are you doing tonight? I guess you are doing just what I am doing, just wishing that we were back together. Are you? Darling, I know you don’t have the same love for me as you did, when we were going together, and the first few months we were married. And I know I am the blame for losing that love, the way I have done and treated you what time we did live together, before they took me in the Army. I know I just have a small part in your heart now, but if I can’t have it all, which I have to win back, you can’t blame a fellow for trying to win back the love and respect he did once have, can you? Lucile, I know you are going to write back, and ask where I get that silly idea. Well, I knew a good while about that and I also wanted you to know I knew it, but I thought I could change it back. But the Army got me before I got a chance to even try. I expect to still try, when I get out. What made me write and be telling you this? I had a terrible dream the other night that you came down here, asking me for a divorce, and I asked you why you were getting it. And then I dreamed you said don’t you think I stood a lot off you, and the next thing I know I woke up, and sweating all over. Lucile for gosh sake, don’t let that dream come true. You are just like the sunshine, if you leave me, I would be in the dark. Well darling, I told you how I feel and if you ever believe me do now, will you. My heart, my soul, and my love, my life go to you. So, lots of everything that is within me.

Love x x x x x x Johnnie

January 11, 1943 letter (click to enlarge)

Johnnie’s been on guard duty and that has hindered his writing to Lucile, something he likes to do every day. He promises to make it up to her in his January 15, 1943 letter from Camp Howze.

My Dear Beloved Darling, 

I have received two letters from you in the last two days, but I haven’t had time to answer them till tonight. The reason I haven’t had time is because I have been on guard duty most of this week, and I go on again tonight. This will be my last time to go on till about a month and boy am I glad. I will write you two letters tomorrow to make up for the lost time. We had short arm inspection tonight and little John Jr. is still OK, Ha Ha. In other words, the doctors came around and looked at my thing, and I am in good shape. I received the marriage license last night. Thanks for getting them so quick. Darling, this picture you sent me is the best picture of you yet. Of course, the others are good too, but this one shows your beautiful looks more. And baby I sure mean looks cause you really got that. Every boy here in camp is always asking me how I rate with you. In other words, they mean how did I get such a beautiful woman. I told them it took me two years or more to get you and it was a hard struggle at that. Well Baby, I signed the payroll tonight and I will get paid the first week in February. Honey I found out today it will be about a month and a half before you get any money, but you will draw about a hundred and seventy dollars. I will get a pretty good bit the first and I will send you half of it and let you owe me when you get yours, Ha Ha.

Well honey, I am sorry, but I will have to close this letter because it is about ten thirty and that is the time I go on guard duty. But I will write you two tomorrow. So be good till I see you, Ha Ha. Love always to you as you know.

xxx Johnnie

P.S. I got Dot, Mother’s and Earl’s letter. Will answer them tomorrow. Love Johnnie

P.S. They made me an acting corporal for no reason at all. I will take a test next week. Do you want me to make one?

Love, Johnnie

Partial view of January 15, 1943 letter

January 6, 7, and 9, 1943

Johnnie felt an urgency to help Lucile get the paperwork in place so she could start getting a check from the Army. In his January 6, 1943 letter from Camp Howze, he told her what she needed to do to get the paperwork finalized.

Check this, Ha Ha

Dear Darling,

Just a few lines to tell you what to do about getting your money. I have done signed some papers out for you to get the money tonight. You will have to go to Jonesboro to get a duplicate of our marriage license. I guess you will have to take the real one so they can make a duplicate of it. I don’t believe it will cost over fifty cents or a dollar to get a duplicate. Darling, get this right away and send it to me airmail. You will get your money the first of next month, by that I mean the first of February. Darling, try to send it back as quick as possible. The quicker I get it back, the quicker you get your money.

Lots of love, Johnnie

Partial view of January 6, 1943 letter

Lucile needed to step it up to keep up with Johnnie’s wishes to read her letters all night. Was that what he was hinting at in his January 7, 1943 letter from Camp Howze?

I love you always: check that

My Dear Beloved,

Receive another one of your letters tonight, and it does me a hell a lot of good to get one. In other words, I wish I could get a 100 at a time where I could just sit or lay down on my bunk and just read them all night. Honey, you said something about if I got those pictures of you and little Carol. Yes, I got them. Every time I pull out my wallet, or shall I say every time I look at your picture, I feel so bad. It makes me want to see you in the flesh. Check that, Ha Ha. No kidding darling. I do miss you, and you know it too. Say babe, you still love me. Check that. Say babe, did Mildred get that letter thanking her for the cigarettes. Say, I got Dot and Drex’s letters tonight with yours, check that. It’s about time I got one, don’t you think so? Say, we been having some bad weather here, but bad or not we keep right on drilling and learning about the army. I know you will come here if you have to get here the best you can, but I don’t want you to. So, stay there till you get enough money to come here like I want you too. Well Babe, that all the news so write right back. My love for you as you know always.

Johnnie

Lucile

Partial view of January 7, 1943 letter

Johnnie was happy to receive common, everyday items from Lucile when he wrote his January 9, 1943 letter from Camp Howze, Texas. He also sent advice to Lucile’s 16-year-old brother Geral about guns.

My Dear Darling Beloved Baby,

Hello honey, I received the shoe polish and coat hangers yesterday and was sure glad to get them. Thanks a lot. I am sorry to hear about Geral getting his hand all shot up. Tell him I said a gun wasn’t anything to play with, especially a shot gun. I hope it heals back alright. Darling, I can’t wear one of them caps you like just yet, because this camp has been just filling in with new soldiers and we will have to wait till it gets organized and straightened out. But I can wear them outside of camp, like going to town or driving home just so it is outside the camp. How is my little baby getting along? I hope you have been a good gal. Keep my Love, and God knows I keep yours. When I say I love you, you don’t know just how much I mean it. Check that. Darling, I wrote to Grandma about two days before hers came to me. I guess she got it by now. I am going to answer this one I got with yours as soon as I finish writing this to you. How is my mail coming now? You shall get a letter a day. Excuse this dark writing, because my pen gave out of ink and I had to borrow some other kind. I have had a sore throat all this week and can’t hardly talk. My voice is so hoarse, it sounds funny when I do try to talk. They have been putting macurcone on a little stick with a piece of cotton and rubbing my throat inside. I guess it will get better in a few days. Well honey, I guess that is all the news right now, except I wish I had you with me tonight. I will soon. Don’t worry about that. Darling, did you get a copy of my marriage license yet? Get them as quick as possible.

Lots and Lots and Lots of Love: check that. Johnnie

P.S. Uncle Sam may have me, but you got my heart. I love you: check that. 

Partial view of January 9, 1943 letter

January 3 and 5, 1943

The year 1943 started out quietly with Johnnie settled in at Camp Howze. He often talked about money in his letters to Lucile. He sent money when he could, but he had to pay for his toiletries and cigarettes. The soldiers borrowed money from each other, so he had to pay them back as well as send money to Lucile. He also wanted to make sure he had a constant stream of letters coming in at roll call so asked her to remind friends and family to write him. His first letter of 1943 was dated January 3, 1943 from Camp Howze.

My Dear Beloved Darling,

I received yours and Mom’s letters last night but didn’t have time to answer them till this morning and also the cigarettes. I will write Mildred and thank her for them as soon as I write this for you. Darling, I am glad to hear that you are well and all right, because if anything shall happen to you, I wouldn’t care what happens to me. I wouldn’t care if they sent me across and right on the front line there and I mean that too, because I don’t want to live then. Darling it might be the first of Feb. before you get any money, but you will draw a hell of a lot then, if you don’t get all that coming to you let me know. How is old Bill getting along? Did he say write him and put my address in there and tell him to write me. Darling what is the matter with Dot and Drex, they haven’t forgot how to write I hope. If they have, tell them to put exsel [sic]. I will understand what they are writing, Ha Ha. Have Earl and Geral received the letters I wrote them? If so, tell them to answer them and tell Mildred if she received a letter from me not to laught if I spell her last name wrong. Ha Ha. Well Darling, keep writing because I am still way ahead of you on sending letters. So, answer right back. I will always be the same to you.

Love, Johnnie x x x x x x x

P.S. You still love me? What did you say Gal?

P.S. I will send you all some pictures pretty soon.

Partial view of January 3, 1943 letter (click to enlarge)

The discussion of finances continued in Johnnie’s January 5, 1943 letter to Lucile. He also mentioned a foot injury in this letter.

My Dear Baby,

I received two letters from you yesterday but haven’t had time to write till now. I guess you have received that money order for $20.00. I wanted you to keep it and buy you something for yourself. And pay your Daddy when you get yours. See if it is alright with him to draw $73.00 but I had a big laundry bill and I owe about ten dollars to a fellow here in camp. I have about thirty dollars now. If you need any more, let me know. I hurt my foot the other day and it is swollen so much I can hardly get my shoes on. I guess it will be OK in a couple of days. Well, I guess I will close for tonight but being tomorrow is Saturday I will write you two or three more. 

So, lots lots of love, Johnnie

Johnnie’s father-in-law, Sam “Doc” Stacks

 

Partial view of January 5, 1943 letter

In a second letter written from Camp Howze, Texas the night of January 5, 1943, Johnnie scolded Lucile for writing such short letters. He wanted to hear more from her. But on the other hand, he was worried about her worrying about him and tried to sooth her nerves. He even introduced a new catch phrase—check that.

My Dear Beloved Darling, 

I received your nice little letter. The only thing I didn’t like about it was that it wasn’t long enough. Darling, what’s the matter? Can’t you write a letter a little bit longer or are you worried about me so bad that you can’t think of what to write? Darling, don’t worry about me because I will take care of myself. Let me do the worrying for both of us. Anyhow, the company command said he didn’t think we would ever go across because he said the way the Japs and the German were losing now the war would be over sometime this year. I believe he is right too. Honey don’t worry about us owing money to your Daddy and on the watch, I believe when you draw your money, you could pay him back twice and still have a pretty good bit left. Say babe, you still love me? Check that. Hey, tell Earl and Geral to write some more. I still like to hear from them. I wrote Grandma last night. Also wrote a letter to you and Mary. So, answer them as fast as they come where I will know you got them. Check that, Ha Ha. Well Darling, I guess that answers the letter I got from you for tonight. 

Lots of Love to you always, Johnnie

Thanks for getting me the shoe polisher. I really need it. Love, Johnnie

You will always be next to my heart.

P.S. In your next letter, let me know how many letters you got from me. Love 

Doodles around the eagle stamped on the stationery of Johnnie's January 5, 1943 letter to Lucile

December 31, 1942 and January 2, 1943

New Year’s Eve 1942 and Johnnie’s wasn’t thinking about a big celebration or the ball dropping in New York (although there wasn’t a ball drop in 1942 due to a wartime blackout). Instead, he had his beloved Lucile on his mind.

My Dear Beloved,

I received your letter today and I was just about to think you had forgot me because I am at least expecting a letter from you every other day. I want to hear from you so bad and wanting to know what you are doing. Gosh, you don’t know just how bad I do miss you. Darling, I wrote your Mother, not to tell you how long I would be here, because I didn’t want you to be so worried, but as I hope you can come out here, I will tell you how long I expect to be here. I will be here about eleven more weeks at least before I can come home, and you know I can’t stay away from you that long. So that’s why I want you to try to save some money to come out here. It is about nine hundred miles from here to Atlanta. Please call up the bus or train station and they will tell you how much it will cost to come out here to Gainesville, Texas. Remember this name, Gainesville, Texas. Darling, I am glad to hear you had such a nice time Christmas. I wish I could have been there to enjoy it with you. This Christmas to me wasn’t so hot. I received the package your Mother and Dad sent me, and I thank them very much. I will write your Mother and tell her how much I appreciate the things she sent to me. It’s a good thing she sent me a package of cigarettes because I have been burning them the last two days and I really needed some. I am sorry to hear about Cecil. Tell him I said that stuff never will get him anywhere and won’t do him a bit of good at all. Don’t worry about me getting that way. I will keep my word and you got to believe me. Tell Dot and Drex and the baby Hello. Answer back. 

Love, Johnnie x x x x x x x x x 

An earlier photo of Johnnie's mother-in-law, Leola Lemons Stacks

Johnnie wrote a letter to his mother-in-law on January 2, 1943, writing the year as 1942. 

Dear Mom,

Just a few lines to let you know I received your nice letter and also the package a day ago. I would have answered your letter then, but every time I would start, they would call me out for drill or something and I just couldn’t answer it with them calling me every minute. But I did get around to it after all. I am glad to hear that all of you had a good Christmas. Wish I could be there, but as you know I can’t, but I expect to be there for the next one. I hope anyway. I appreciate the package very much, and thanks a lot. Wish I could return the same. I am awful sorry to hear about Cecil. I hope he is better by now. It shall learn him a lesson. I hope he leaves the stuff alone for your sake anyway. I haven’t drunk any since I been here and don’t intend to either. That’s one thing I am pretty sure of. And another thing, I have learned a lot in the Bible I didn’t know and everything in it is very interesting too. I hope to drop Grandma a line or two tonight or tomorrow because I’m sure she wants to hear from me. Tell her she has a letter coming anyway. I have written Dot and Drex two or three times and haven’t received an answer yet. Tell them if they can’t write to let Carol write for them, Ha Ha. I am going to drop Nell and Robert a line too. I will send it at your address and you can give it to them. I just answered the mail call and received yours and Lucile’s letters. I also received the cigarettes. I am sure glad to receive the pictures of Doc, you, Robert and Nell. They are good pictures of all of you. Little Melvin looks good. Tell him to have one made all by his self and send it to me. Mary and Betty’s pictures are good ones too. It looks just like them, don’t you think so? Well, that’s all the news so answer right back and tell all hello for me and to write.

Love to all, Johnnie

P.S. Did the gang up at the sawmill ever receive the letter I wrote them? 

December 28, 1942

Johnnie didn’t have time to write Lucile on the 27th but he received a letter from her. He found time to write Lucile on December 28, 1942, trying to keep her from worrying about him being sent overseas.

Dear Darling,

Received your letter yesterday but didn’t have time to answer it until today. How is my baby tonight? Fine, I hope. I am the same. Honey you said you been getting two letters a day, you should get more than that, because I have been writing to you every chance I get. You said you miss me a lot. Gal you don’t really know just how I miss you. It’s getting where I can’t do nothing, because I have you on my mind all the time, wonder what you are doing and other things. I sure would like to see the sawmill and the mules your daddy got now. Tell him I said hello, and don’t work so hard. Don’t worry about me having to go across right away because this camp just started and it will be a good while before they fill it up. And when I do go, I will be well trained. And don’t worry, I will take care of myself. I do hope you get a job for a little while any way because you will have something on your mind, and you won’t be worrying about me so much. I wish I could have got you and all the rest something for Christmas, but you know why I can’t. I will send you a carton of cigarettes for Drexel, as soon as I get paid. Thanks for Grandma’s address. I will drop her a line tomorrow sometime. I will send you and all the rest a picture of me as soon as I get some made. I have written Dot and Drex a couple of cards and letters and have not received any answer from them yet. Tell them if they can’t write, get Carol to write for them, Ha Ha. Well sugar I got Earl and Geral’s letters with your mail so I better write them. So am right back. 

Lots of love, Johnnie

He also took the time that day to write two other letters on December 28, 1942—one to Lucile’s brother, Geral Stacks, who lived in College Park, Georgia. 

Hello Pal,

I am glad to hear you are getting along OK. I am the same. Keep the rifle shining and clean and it will shoot a lot better. I am glad to hear you caught a rabbit. I guess you will get another by the time this letter reaches you. I hope so. I am sorry I wasn’t there for Christmas but that is something I can’t help, as you know. I hope you shoot something when you go hunting. You better quit shooting them ducks, Ha Ha, and start shooting rabbits, Ha Ha. I am doing a little shooting myself now and I sure have been hitting the mark too—200 yards from it. Well answer right back. 

Your ole pal always, Johnnie

 

Johnnie wrote a third letter on December 28, 1942—this one to his mother-in-law.

My Dear Mother-in-Law,

I hope this letter finds you well. I am doing as well as can be expected so far. I have been here in camp one week and four days and have not received any mail from Lucile or any one and I can’t understand what is the matter. Have you received that card I wrote you? I have written at least ten or eleven letters since I been here and have not got an answer back yet from any of them. How are all the kids? Fine, I hope. How is little Melvin? Is he still dancing? I guess he is if there is music playing. Tell him I said hello. Betty and Mary the same. Send me a picture of all of them the next time you get some. I guess you all won’t see me till at least two months because I have to get that much training before I get a pass to come home. I don’t want Lucile to know it is that long because she will worry that much more. So please don’t say anything about it to her. How is Doc getting along? Fine, I hope. Tell him I said hello and to take care of my car, Ha Ha. This weather is very funny here. It is cold in the morning and hot in the evening. What is Robert and Nell’s address? Tell them I said hello and to write me. I guess Lucile received my clothes alright. Write and let me know. Well, I guess that is all the news for right now so please answer right back. Loves of love to you and the rest.

Johnnie

P.S. All I can say for this Christmas is Merry Christmas to you all and a Happy New Year.

Leola (Lemons) Stacks, Johnnie's mother-in-law

December 26, 1942

Johnnie made it through Christmas, but their wedding anniversary still weighed heavy on his mind. He made sure Lucile knew he missed her and wanted her near him in his December 26, 1942 letter from Camp Howze.

My Dear Beloved Darling, 

How is my baby tonight? Fine, I hope. This letter finds me the same as ever, except I wish to be with you, holding you so tight that you can’t breathe. I would give all the money to get in this army just to be back with you again, which I will be back soon just as soon as I get my training. Darling I am going to try to save some money so you can come out here and stay for a while, anyway. I want you to save some to. Try to anyway. A lot of the boys here sent for their wives to come live here, the rent is only five or six dollars a week and Gainesville, Texas is only five miles from where I am stationed at. So, you see I would be able to come there and stay with you every night and on weekends I wouldn’t have to come back to camp till Monday. I can get another boy to go in with me and it wouldn’t cost anything at all. You see his wife and you could split on eats and rent too and it would be easy on all four of us, don’t you think? Let me know what you think on this idea. Well honey, I guess that is all the news right now, except for the 27th day of this month is the day we got married two years ago, and to think I have to be on K.P. that day. You know what K.P. is don’t you. It is washing dishes and mopping floors and they would get me on that certain day, Ha Ha. Well honey, ans. right back. 

Lots of Love and Kiss x x x x x x x x x x x x x, Johnnie

Partial view of December 26, 1942 letter (click to enlarge)

It was the day before his wedding anniversary and Johnnie couldn’t get Lucile off his mind. In addition to the letter he’d already written to her earlier that night, he also sent a postcard on December 26, 1942.

Dear Beloved Darling, 

Just a card to let you know that I may be in Texas but my heart still belongs to you or you will always know no matter where I am. I have wrote a letter at least for every day I been here. So, you see I do write you many times. 

Love, Johnnie

   

Postcard Johnnie sent to Lucile from Camp Howze on December 26, 1942—front and back

December 22 and 24, 1942

Cigarettes, shoe polish, and coat hangers—items that were becoming important to Johnnie—was what he wrote about to Lucile in a letter from Camp Howze dated December 22, 1942.

Dear Darling, 

I have been here a week and two days and have not received a letter from you or anybody else. I can’t understand what the matter is. It seems like nobody is writing. I am out of cigarettes and tobacco and I believe I have bummed everybody in camp for a cigarette. I guess they are getting tired of it to. I have to ask you to send me some money but if you can get me some to last to the time I get some I will send you some of mine to pay it back with. I wish you could get me a shoe polish set and send it to me. I have tried to get some here, but they sell out as fast as they get it. I have written you at least six or seven letters since I have been here, not counting the ones I sent to your Mother and Dot and Drextel at the saw mill. See if you can get me some coat hangers, because I cannot buy any here. And I have to have them, send me all you can, because I can get ten and fifteen cents for just one and that will be some extra money for me and you. If you can, send some of my mail by air, but if you can’t it is all right, just so you write me every day. Darling I really have missed you; I just didn’t know I could be so bad off for you. In other words, I didn’t realize what you meant to me while I was with you. Tell Earl and Geral hello for me and all the rest the same. And tell Earl and Geral they should see the new rifle I have now. They could really kill some rabbits with it. Ha Ha. Well honey I guess that is all the news so please write me right back, because I will be waiting for it. So, lots of Love and I will always be the same to you. 

Kiss x x x x x x x, Johnnie

Earl and Gearl Stacks

Johnnie wrote two letters on December 24, 1942 from Camp Howze. The first one was to his mother-in-law, whom he clearly loved.

My Dear Beloved Mother-in-Law,

I received your letter and was glad to hear from you. I have not been in the hospital but I have been taking at least six or seven shots in my arm since I have been here. My arm looks like as if you could pour water through it. It has had so many needles in it, Ha Ha. I have not received the package yet, but it might be in the evening mail. I can’t show you how much I appreciate it but you know I do and thanks a lot. You are talking my kind of way when you said you baked a chocolate cake and I can’t hardly wait till it gets here because you know that is my favorite kind. Tell Earl and Geral hello for me and to write. Tell Betty and Mary hello and also tell Melvin to keep dancing and keep in practice where I can see him dance when I come home. Tell Doc I said hello for me and to keep his ten-cent self out of that fifty-dollar chair, Ha Ha Ha. Well write me right back and let me know you got this letter.

Lots of love, Johnnie

P.S. Please write me in this manner

Pvt. John H. Marston Jr.
Co “L” 334th Inf.
A.P.O. #84
Camp Howze, Texas

Christmas Eve 1942, probably the first Christmas Johnnie had spent away from home. That alone would make a soldier lonely, but Johnnie also knew his wedding anniversary was just three days away and he missed his darling Lucile. After dinner, the soldiers at Camp Howze gathered for mail call. Johnnie was probably anxious, wondering if he would have a letter from Lucile and she didn’t let him down! His name was called, he most likely walked away from mail call one happy soldier. Johnnie wrote Lucile a long letter that evening.

Dear Darling,

Received your letter right after dinner and was so glad to hear from you that I just hollered out loud and boy did everybody laught at me, and I didn’t give a darn either. You said something about we have to get a copy of our marriage license before you get any money. My company officer said he would let me know sometime this month what to do about that, so don’t worry, I will see that you get every penny that is supposed to come to you and also some for me. I will let you know if we do have to get a marriage license copy and the right place to get it. Because I know you will have to go to Jonesboro at the city hall. I have had but one bottle of beer since I been here and that is all I want, because the beer is fixed where it hasn’t got any affect at all and you know if I drink, I want to feel it. Ha, Ha. Darling, I know the 27th of this month is our anniversary and I hate to be apart from you. But that is something we cannot do anything about, as you know. Being as I haven’t got any money, I cannot get you anything to show I really care for what time we have spent so many happy days together. But you know there is no one else that will take your place with me, you know I would give anything in this world to be with you at that certain date, and as soon as I get my basic training which won’t be long, I will be home for a while. I am sure I will. I am sorry to hear about the dog running away, because he was so cute. Maybe you will find him, I hope so. I was glad to get the dollar, but I had to give it to one of the boys because I borrowed it to get some cigarettes with two days ago. Darling I guess that is all the news right now, beside I just got time to write your mother a line or two before evening drill.

So, lots of love, Johnnie 

December 19 and 20, 1942

In a letter written from Camp Howze on December 19, 1942, Johnnie asked about family members and requested that they write him. When Johnnie refers to Doc, he’s talking about his father-in-law, Sam Stacks.

My Dear Darling, 

Just a line to let you know everything is going all right and that I am well. I hope you are the same. How is everything back home? Fine, I hope. Say, give my horseshoes to your Dad and tell him I said to keep in practice, because I will be back one day soon and he will need it, Ha Ha. I haven’t received any mail from you yet. I hope to get some today. We are having inspection this morning. That is why I can’t write you a long letter, but I will write you again tonight. How is Earl and Geral getting along? Fine, I hope. Are they still going hunting? Have they killed anything yet? How is Grandma? I hope she is well. Tell her hello for me and get her address so I can write her. How is Nell and Robert doing? OK? Tell them I said hello and for them to write me. Tell all that live in the Pines hello. Tell Doc I hope he has got the farm and that it is a good one. Well, that’s all I can write right now because I have to get dressed for dinner. But I will write more tonight.

Love, Johnnie

Johnnie's brother-in-law, Earl Stacks

Photos were an important part of a soldier’s life when they were away from home. Johnnie often wrote to Lucile, sending photos of himself or asking for photos of her and other family members as he did in a second letter from Camp Howze dated December 19, 1942. He was beginning to understand why America was at war.

Hello Darling, 

Just a few more lines from where I left off this morning to let you know I haven’t forgot you and I couldn’t forget if I wanted to. I have just been gone a week, and to me it seems like a month. As soon as I can I am going to have some pictures made and send them to you. Have some pictures made of all the crowd and send them to me if you can. If not, send them as you get them. Have some pictures made of you and send them to me. I have two pictures of you, but I want some late pictures of you. So, have them made right away. I have been pretty busy here learning to be a soldier and I haven’t been doing so bad at all. But there is a lot of work to be done to be a good one yet. Since I have been in, I have been learning a lot why we are fighting, and I really don’t mind fighting at all. The main thing is that our country is about to lose its freedom, and they need men to defend it. That is one reason I am here. The other is I want to talk when I want, live like I want, and to do other things like I want to. So Darling, that’s one thing we all want to do. Please answer this letter right back. Lots of love and I keep thinking of you + + + + + + + + + + + 

Johnnie

Merry Christmas x Happy New Year

Snippet from the December 19, 1942 letter

Pictures, weather, addresses, old friends, his dog, and insurance—Johnnie’s letter dated December 20, 1942 from Camp Howze was all over the place. His mind must have been racing that night.

Dear Darling, 

Just a line to let you know that another letter is being written to you. How is my baby today? Fine, I hope. I am the same. I guess you have already gotten that letter asking you to have some pictures made. Have you started working yet? If so, let me know. What have you been doing since I been gone? Are you having any “dates.” If so, who is the luckie fellow? Ha Ha Ha. How is my dog? Is he still lazy as hell? Ha Ha. Are you going to send me those addresses or not? Or have you received the letter asking to get them for me yet? It is kind of chilly here today. I believe it is going to rain or snow. I have wrote you telling you that I have met some boys here I used to know when I was a kid and it sure does feel good to have somebody here you know. One thing if you are lonesome like me. I am sending you my insurance papers, but I have put in for $5,000 more after this month, so if I need it back, send it when I write you for it, just in case they need it. Be sure to put this insurance papers in a safe place. Well, I guess that’s all the news for today so please answer right back. So, lots of love. Kisses x x x x x x x x x 

Yours, Johnnie

That number I put by my name every time is my serial number. You know, the one I have around my neck.

Snippet from the December 20, 1942 letter

Camp Howze - December 15, 16, and 17, 1942

On December 15, 1942, Johnnie told Lucile that he was now located at Camp Howze, an infantry training facility in Texas. He was already looking forward to the end of training so he could be with Lucile once again.

Dear Darling, 

Just a few lines to let you know that I am still thinking of you, and haven’t forgotten you. When you write me please do not print my name on the front of the letter. Please write it out in long hand. Say, can you get me a couple of bucks till pay day? I have to have a little to buy some soap and shoe polish and a few other things. Well I’m starting in for training today and it isn’t so hard. There is a lot of boys in I use to go to school with and that’s one reason I don’t feel so bad. But if I could see you and be with you, I wouldn’t feel bad at all. I will be with you, as soon as I take all of my training, I hope. Well, this is all I can write right now, because I have to get ready for inspecting. So, answer right back by airmail if possible where I will know you got this. 

So, lots of love, x x x x x Johnnie

Please write my name out like this:

Pvt. John H. Marston Jr. 34575705
Co “L” 334th Inf.
A.P.O. #84
Camp Howze, Texas

Camp Howze was located on about 65,000 acres of land near the city of Gainesville, Texas. Activated on August 17, 1942, it was the training camp for the 84th and 86th divisions of the U.S. Army. Soldiers stationed at Camp Howze received actual combat training. They trained in all types of weather—rain or shine—to learn about “concealment in the field.” Soldiers were required to train in obstacle, infiltration, and mental conditioning courses, knowing that all of them would make them a better soldier.

Site of Camp Howze Historical Marker (click to enlarge), image from HMdb.org,
photographed by Mark Hilton July 21, 2016; https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=96908.

 

Camp Howze poem from an unknown newspaper found with Johnnie’s letters.

Johnnie quickly got into the routine of writing as often as he could, sometimes daily. In a letter from Camp Howze dated December 16, 1942, he assured Lucile that he was alright and told her about the camp. 

Dear Darling, 

Just a few lines to let you know that everything is all right and I am learning fast. We are having some mild weather up here, but I still have a little cold. The way the boys on the train was talking, I thought I was coming to a bad camp. But the infantry is the best outfit there is, especially the one I am in. I have just come in for a two hours rest and have to go out on the rifle range with I go back. I took another shot today and my arm is a little sore. Please send me Arnold’s address and Dad’s address so I can write to them. Also, Louise and Mother and Evelyn. 

Love always x x x x x, Johnnie

P.S. Here is a little note for Dot and Dres and the kid. Tell all hello.

Johnnie sent Lucile this “safe arrival” postcard postmarked December 17, 1942.  

Co. “L” 334th Infantry

APO No. 84. CAMP HOWZE, TEXAS.

I have arrived safely at my new station. I am well, and in order that I will receive my mail promptly please address it to me as indicated below. Notify my friends of this address.

Camp Howze is five (5) miles north of Gainesville, Texas, on the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railroad and Santa Fe Railroad. My Regiment is part of the 84th Division, “The Rail Splitter Division.”

Will write you more later.

Pvt. John H. Marston Jr.
Co. L, 334th Infantry, 34595705

APO No. 84, Camp Howze, Texas. 

  

December 17, 1942 safe arrival postcard from Camp Howze

You’re in the Army now - December 13, 1942

Johnnie was inducted as a private in the U.S. Army at Fort McPherson in Atlanta on November 30, 1942. He entered active service as a rifleman on December 7, 1942 and was assigned to Company L of the 334th Infantry Regiment, 84th Division. At the time of his enlistment, Johnnie worked as an off-bearer, someone who picks up the freshly sawed lumber and piles it up in appropriate stacks, at the sawmill when he joined the Army. 

Johnnie, now weighing in at 120 pounds, had lost 15 pounds since he had registered in July 1941.

Camp Howze, Gainesville, Texas

It didn’t take long for the Army to send Johnnie to the military training camp he had been talking about for so long. A young new soldier, Johnnie could now tell Lucile he had been sent to Texas in a letter dated December 13, 1942. He couldn’t give her an address yet but still had a lot to say in this first letter from camp.

Dear Darling, 

I finally reached my camp today, and guess what, I am back in Texas again. I can’t give you my address in this letter because I don’t know what outfit they are going to put me in just yet. I just arrived tonight. Well is everything going alright with you? Are you alright? Keep your chin up darling, because I am going to be alright. This camp is just being finished up and I have a chance to make corporal if I want to. What do you think of that? Say honey I made up my mind to do just what you said to do, leave drinking, and gambling and everything else that would make me sorry alone, I am going to be the best a fellow can be. Say honey, how is my little dog getting along? Fine, I hope. Has he had any more fits? I hope not. Tell Dot and Drexted I will write them right away and the rest of them the same. Tell Earl and Geral I said hello and to write me. Tell all the kids hello for me to. And honey don’t worry because I have been treated swell. This camp I have been sent to is a nice place so far. Well Darling that all the news so far, and except I am still reading in the bible and I found out a lot I didn’t know. I will not mail this letter tonight, so I will wait till morning, where I can put the address in here. So, goodnight and lots of love to you mostly, and all the rest the same. 

x x x x x Johnnie

Johnnie also sent a postcard to his mother-in-law on December 13, 1942 to let her know where he was now.

Tell all hello

Hello Mother,

Just a line to let you know I am OK and hoping you are the same. I was shipped into camp today and I am a pretty good ways from home. I am in Texas. I will send you my address as soon as I get my station address. Well, I will write you a letter next time. So, lots of love.

Johnnie

December 13, 1942 postcard to Johnnie's mother-in-law

Nov. 19 and 26, 1940, marriage, the draft, America attacked, and Selective Service

In Johnnie’s November 19, 1940 postcard to Lucile, postmarked in Atlanta, you begin to see his sense of humor.

Dear Darling,

Just a little note on this card to let you know I feeling I have you, but can’t reach you, Ha Ha. But putting all jokes aside, I hope this finds you well and happy as I am. Darling I will be down Wed nite if possible. But I sure will be down Thursday afternoon, about one or two o’clock. So, break all your dates and stay home. As you know by now, I am boss. So, this in an order so obeying with Lots of Love. 

Johnnie

That postcard was followed by a letter Johnnie wrote from Atlanta on November 26, 1940 in which he expressed concerns of losing Lucile to another boy while he is away during his military training.

Dear Darling, 

I guess you think something has happened to me writing you a card and following it up with a letter, but I just can’t help it because every time I get to thinking about you, I want you with me more and more every day and always. Darling I am afraid when I am on that year military training that you will meet some other boy, and that your love or care for me will die. And that’s just about what I would do if I lost out with you. So, lots of love. 

Always, Johnnie x x x x 

Approximately one and a half years after meeting his darling Lucile, they were married in a simple ceremony by the Justice of the Peace in Jonesboro, Clayton County, Georgia on December 27, 1940.

Six months later, Johnnie registered for the World War II draft in College Park on July 1, 1941. He was 21 years old at the time and lived at R.F.D. #1 there in College Park. Johnnie listed his father, J. H. Marston living at 487 Forrest Road NE in Atlanta, as the person who would always know his address. Johnnie was still working as a stock clerk at the F. H. Jackson Dental Supply Company located in the Mortgage Guarantee Building in Atlanta. His employer was Mrs. Leila C. Jackson. Johnnie described himself as being 5’ 8 ½” tall, weighing 135 pounds, and having a ruddy complexion, brown eyes and hair. His registration card noted that he had a scar on his right cheek under the eye. 

Johnnie's World War II Registration Card

As we all know, the attack on Pearl Harbor took place on December 7, 1941—a day that changed America and the world forever. Like many others, Johnnie and Lucile probably listened to the radio as President Franklin Delano Roosevelt gave his “Day of Infamy” speech to congress the next day. 

Attack on Pearl Harbor (photo taken from a Japanese plane; public domain)

USS West Virgina after the attack (U.S. Navy, Office of Public Relations, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons) 

At some point, Johnnie received a 3-A classification in which he was deferred for dependency reasons. On February 26, 1942, he received a letter from the Selective Service System notifying him that his “present classification of 3-A will be reconsidered by this Board on Wednesday, Mar. 4, 1942 at 2:00 p.m.” The Selective Service System must have determined that Johnnie was no longer eligible for deferment.

Notice of 3-A classification hearing from the Selective Service System (click to enlarge)

October 9, 29, and 31, 1940

Four months passed since Johnnie’s friendship with Demp became strained and it appears to have gotten worse. In a postcard dated October 9, 1940 and postmarked in Atlanta, Johnnie made it clear he didn’t want to be near Demp.

Dear Darling,

I receive your letter and didn’t like it at all. Me and Demp still don’t like one another, and if you go to that shower and expect for me to come you are going to get fool. Don’t say anything about this to anybody because I don’t want it to get to Demp’s Mother. If you go, I am going to get Bill to come by for you. But if you rather stay there, they will see you later next year. 

Love, Johnnie

October 9, 1940 postcard

In a postcard dated October 29, 1940 and postmarked in Atlanta, Johnnie referenced attending a party with Lucile. 

In a hurry

Dear Lucile, 

Just a line to let you know I am OK if you care to know and hoping this finds you the same. I really enjoyed myself at the party Sun___ night. Tell Dot I am trying to find that flower jar for her. I will write you a letter following this card. 

Love, Johnnie

October 29, 1940 postcard

Johnnie worked as a supply clerk at F. H. Jackson Dental Supply in Atlanta. It was from that business that he sent his next postcard to Lucile on October 31, 1940. His job was keeping him busy at the time. In the postcard, Johnnie mentions his old friend Demp, whom he must have mended fences with. Unfortunately, it appears that Demp was still letting Johnnie down when it came to rides to College Park though. 

Dear Darling, 

I am sorry I didn’t get down Wednesday night, but Demp didn’t come by like he said he would, and I didn’t have no other way to go. Darling I hate to tell you this, but I won’t get to come down there till about three weeks, one reason I won’t be able to is this is our busiest season and I will be working till 8 and 9 o’clock at night but please don’t be mad at me. I will write you every day till I see you. 

So, lots of love, Johnnie 

October 31, 1940 postcard