June 20, 22, and 24, 1944

Johnnie wrote a long letter to Lucile on June 20, 1944 in which he put his thoughts and feelings out in the open. They had apparently had some hard times before he went to war, but he had learned a lot since then. 

My Dearest Darling,

Received three letters from you yesterday. That’s the way they came. A couple of weeks may go by and I won’t hear from you. But when I do hear from you, I get three or four at a time. I also received a letter from Sis Dot. Sure am sorry to hear that little Carol is having so much sickness. I surely hope by the time you receive this, she is well. What about you Darling? I really hope and pray that you are well. That’s all I think about, wondering if you are having any sickness and praying that you are making out well and OK back there at home. I haven’t received the watch yet. Surely hope it gets to me. Say you can send me some airmail stamps if you expect my letters to get to you quickly, Ha Ha. I am out and they are not suitable now to get. Also, I am sending you some money this month if I get paid and I am at a place where I can send it. Say honey, look in the paper and get me that Serial on Dear Buddy. I think that’s the name of it. Its just a small article in the paper, but what I have read in them, what the other fellows had was pretty good. Send it every day if possible. Say you are doing alright saving your money. I think you’re swell for doing it. I know a lot of guys here that are writing to their wives and giving them the devil about not saving any money. I’m not worried about how you are running things back home, because I know now, you will handle things to the best of your knowledge. I remember you always made things meet, when I always had given up hope. And you did wonderful in making me realize a lot of things that had to be done after we were married. A lot of things that happened right after we got married, that was mostly my fault. I should have gotten a good licking. Or if you would tell me what you thought, I believe I would have seen the light of things much quicker; you get what I mean? But I guess as the old saying goes, you got to live and learn. And I almost lost you in going through all of that. I just hope I can get back home soon so I can repay you for what you have done for me. I want to say again Lou, you have been wonderful, and you have done great things for me and made me see the light of things. Well honey, I will have to close for this time. So, tell all the folks hello for me and to write and you keep your chin up and keep smiling. I miss you a lot Darling and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

P.S. Have you a small picture of me taken before I came into the Army? If so, send it to me. I want to see how much I have changed in looks, Ha Ha. Will send it back in return letter to you.

Johnnie and Lucile

Below is one of the “Dear Buddy” columns Johnnie mentioned in Johnnie’s June 20 letter.

The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, March 26, 1944.

Lucile’s paternal first cousin, Virgil “Irvin” Stacks Jr., was also serving his country during World War II. Like Johnnie, he was highlighted in the “With the Army-Navy, and Marines” piece that appeared in The Atlanta Constitution on June 21, 1944.

   

With the Army-Navy, and Marines, The Atlanta Constitution, June 21, 1944.

Below is Irvin’s World War II draft registration card and a photo of him in his uniform. 

 

Photo of Virgil Stacks from Jacquelyn Preston, Preston Family Tree, ancestry.com.

Johnnie hinted at regret in not having children yet, but he quickly set that aside in his June 22, 1944 letter to Lucile.

My Dearest Darling,

Just a few lines to let you know I received the watch yesterday and I think it is swell. I am really proud of it. Thanks a lot. Also received two letters from you that was mailed in May, around the tenth and fifteenth. I have already received three from you that you wrote this month. Sorry to hear that you are not working much here lately because I know how it gets you just sitting around the house. I know when you are working you can have something on your mind and you won’t worry too much about me. You get what I mean? Oh yeah, in one of the letters I received from you yesterday you were telling me about Mary and Johnnie Puckett having a baby. I guess the other one is a good size now, isn’t it? They are doing alright, aren’t they? I guess or at least I know that’s where we made our big mistakes, don’t you think so? Well, I will drop that for the present. How is Doc and Mom getting along? Fine, I hope. Say I wish you would get Ma a picture of Mickey and his girl and Gearl and his girl taken all in one picture and send it to me. Do you think you could do it? Say, how is Grandma? Really hope she is lots better. What about little Carol? Is she still sick? Hope not. Well honey, I guess I will have to close for this time. So, keep your chin up and tell all the folks hello for me. I miss you a lot Darling and I love you a million. 

Always, Johnnie

Elvie and Earl, aka Mickey

Johnnie could not understand why it took so long to deliver the mail and he was worried that Lucile may have changed since he last saw her. He mused about both in his June 24, 1944 letter to Lucile. And then he shared a corny joke with her!

My Dearest Darling,

Just a few lines to let you know I am OK and hope that this finds you the same. I received a letter from you yesterday and also one from Dot. You asked me about me getting your mail. If you write me every night it seems like I shall receive one just about every day from you. But as it is, I receive one about every three days. The mail is messed up somewhere. I can’t understand it. Maybe it will be better later on. I hope so. Yes, it has been a good while since we seen each other. I don’t think it will be much longer though. I just pray you are the same way as when I left you. I have a lot of things I want to get straight with you when I do get back. I have lost Irvin’s address. Can you get it for me again? Say did he ever get married? O yes, here a little joke I heard. There was an old woman who lived in a shoe. She had so many children she didn’t know what to do. There was another woman who lived in a shoe. She didn’t have any children, she knew what to do, Ha Ha. You get it? I didn’t. Well honey, I will have to close for this time. So, tell all the folks hello for me. I miss you a lot Baby. And I love you a million. 

Always, Johnnie

June 12, 14, and 18, 1944

The next photo, taken in June 1944, shows a pile of the many mines dug up by American engineers at the harbor in Civitavecchia, Port of Rome, during the cleaning up process by the Fifth Army in the Civitavecchia area of Italy. 

Photographer: Katz. Photo Source: U.S. National Archives.
Digitized by Signal Corps Archive. Public domain.

Lt. Gen. Mark Clark informed his troops “that they had broken the German armies opposing them in Italy.” In speaking to American, British, and French troops to welcome them to the “new rest center on the outskirts of Rome,” Clark told them “You men who captured Rome, I want to congratulate you from the bottom of my heart.” He urged them “to visit and study places of historic interest in Rome … watch your step. Don’t raise too much hell.”

The Regiment spent the next four days “in light training, relaxation, and inspections.” Johnnie used some of that time on June 12, 1944 to write his next letter to Lucile. 

My Dearest Darling,

Well, here it is about the middle of June, and I can bet you all the kids back there are really enjoying it, being out of school on summer vacation. I know I really used to take it all in when I was going to school. That was all I was ever looking forward to, was summer vacation, Ha, Ha. Honey, how is your health lately. I surely hope you have gained it all back. I wrote your Mother and Dot yesterday and of course also you. I wrote you one V-mail yesterday morning and a four page. Me, if I am guessing right, things aren’t going to be so good after all this war is over with, and money is going to be hard to get. Please don’t get me wrong Luke, I want you to have everything, because I know you didn’t have it when I was there. But if you look at it the way I do. If you do buy a car now. I mean a good one, it’s going to cost you and I bet you after this war I can get the same car for half the price you pay. Of course, if you need one, I say go ahead and buy it because what money you have is yours and I want you to get the best out of it. So much said for that. Luke, you should see me now. I doubt if you would know me. I have a tan on me that’s really dark brown. This Italy sun really burns you. I have long sideburns and a small mustache. As for my hair, it’s turning red. I guess it’s the sun. Well Darling, I will have to close for this time. Tell all the folks hello for me and to keep smiling. I miss you a lot Baby! And I love you a million. 

Always, Johnnie

The Stacks kids—Mary, Betty, and Melvin

Johnnie did in fact visit Rome as mentioned in his June 14, 1944 letter to Lucile. He was also not very happy with his sister Louise!

My Dearest Darling,

Received letter from you yesterday and was glad to hear that you are well and OK. Dot wrote me that you are going to buy you a car. Is that right? I guess if you get you a good one, it will come to a pretty good price. You must be in the money now, Ha Ha. I am sending you some more at the end of this month. But if you don’t mind, if I have anything to say about it, I would like for you to keep what I send you as later on we might need it. I hope you understand. I had to stop. I am going to try and finish it now. I received a letter from you yesterday telling me about Louise being in Atlanta and not taking no time to come and see you after you work so hard fixing up the house for her. It really burnt me up and as soon as I finish writing this to you, I am going to write her and tell her just what I think and believe me I will. She put me in a bad spot also. I just wonder what Mom Stacks and Doc thought about that. Don’t worry about it honey. If she wants to be that way that’s OK with us, isn’t it? I had a chance to visit Rome, Italy the other day and I had some pictures made. It cost me a little money, but I knew you wanted a picture of me so I had some made. At the end of this letter, I will put the names I am sending them too. I was going to send Louise one but that’s out now. I sent you twenty-five more dollars yesterday. Let me know if you got it. I received a letter from Kate yesterday. Also, she didn’t have much to say. Wanted to know if I was OK and telling me that she was doing well now and that the kids was OK. Well honey, I will have to close for this time, so keep writing and smiling. I miss you a lot. And I love you a million. 

Always, Johnnie

P.S. I am sending a picture to Dot and Drex, Nell and Robert, Mom and Doc Stacks, Grandma and Dad. Three to you. Love, Johnnie

Once again Johnnie felt he needed to remind Lucile in a June 14, 1944 V-mail that he would not be able to write as often as he wanted to because of the war.

My Dearest Darling,

Received two letters yesterday. One from you and one from sister Nell. Sure was glad to hear from you after not hearing from you in a week. I know my mail to you is not coming like it was for awhile, but lately I haven’t had much time to write. Don’t get the idea I don’t want to write because every chance I have so far I have wrote you. Remember in my other letters to you I wrote and told you there would be days ahead that I won’t be able to write. There was quite a few I wasn’t able to write. I really hope you understand how things are now and try to bear it the best you can. Well, I will close for this time. Keep your chin up. Keep smiling! I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

On June 15, the Regiment moved to a “rest area on the grounds of the Castel Fusano, near the resort town of Lido D’Roma on the sea.” They began intense technical and tactical training, physical conditioning, disciplinary drills, and preparation for future combat. They used the time to train replacements, review lessons learned, and practice marksmanship and weapons firing. A fortified area was set up and “each battalion ran this course twice firing live ammunition,” including using a company of tanks in their practice operations. The troops were granted time to see the city of Rome and many visited the Fifth Army Rest Center. A beach was cleared for their use and a former night club by the sea was opened for the enlisted men. The USO provided shows and movies. Showers were available and clothing exchange units set up. Music was provided by the Regimental bugle and drum corps for several battalion retreat parades, one of which was attended by Major General John B. Coulter who decorated the Regimental colors and company guidons with combat streamers and presented nine Silver Star medals.

Johnnie held his father-in-law, Sam “Doc” Stacks, in high regard and he shared that with Lucile in a June 18, 1944 letter.

My Dearest Wife,

Just a line or two to let you know I am well and hope that this finds you in the best of health and making out OK back there at home. I received two letters from you yesterday and I thought they were swell. Honey, you said in one of your letters that you should not be telling me your troubles. Well, I want you to because I may can help you out in them. You understand what I mean? Honey, you said when I do come back home, you weren’t going to let me out of your sight. You won’t have to worry about that. You have a changed Johnnie now and I mean changed. I am just realizing what a dope I was when I was home. I just pray now for everything to go along OK so I can show you after all this is over with, the good things about life. You say Virgil’s son is over here in Italy now. I may run into him someday. I hope so. I would like to see the kid. I sure hope I receive the watch you sent me. It should have arrived by now if you sent it when you said you did. Tell Mom I don’t care how long it takes her to write me a letter. Just to know she is writing makes me feel swell. And honey another thing, about your father, if I could only be a guy like him and build myself up among the people he has dealt with, and have friendships with them all, that’s all I would ask for. If he can do things with what little he got, then many guys can do that. Has … [the end of the letter is missing].

Johnnie’s father-in-law, Sam Stacks 

June 5 and 10, 1944

Click here to read the Operations Report by the 337th Infantry Regiment for June and July 1944.

June 1, 1944 began with the 1st Battalion 1500 yards north of the town of Lariano in place for a scheduled attack that involved the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Battalions advancing and clearing several Hills (mountains). Over the course of the day, they encountered “heavy small arms and machine gun fire and harassing mortar and sniper fire” slowing their advance. One whole platoon was “surprised by the enemy and taken prisoner.” It took every available man “to scout out and kill the enemy.” The 1st Battalion was in the thick of the “attack with tank and tank destroyer support” but they were hampered by “thick wooded draws.” “All battalions were ordered to advance with all possible speed with the mission of cutting Highway 6” in the advance to Rome. The fight went on all day and into the night. The 1st and 3rd Battalions stopped at 10 PM for the night and spent time getting organized for a strong defense early the next morning. The 2nd Battalion advanced to a position 1200 yards south of Highway 6, two miles “out in front of the rest of the line with no other units on either flank. Prisoners they captured were from the 1059 Panzer Grenedier Regiment” who were reinforcing the Hermann Göring Division. Their mission changed just before dawn but they were able to meet all objectives by 9 AM and then marched in formation into the valley leading to Rome. The Germans took a stand between Monte Compatri and Monte Porzio Catone. This slowed their advance but the 2nd Battalion was able to wipe out their resistence and took 123 prisoners. All three battalions moved to advance forward at 6 AM on June 4, 1944 with support from “one motorized rifle company supported by tanks, engineers, and artillery.” Their purpose was to continue “through Rome after the 3rd Battalion took their objective, and seizing two bridges over the Tiber River west of Rome.” “The Fifth Army Commander sent word to all elements that public and private property in Rome were to be protected and not fired upon unless the Germans chose to defend the city.” Their mission changed again to change position and halt the Germans who were attempting to slow the US Army’s unexpected arrival while they evacuated their troops and equipment from Rome. American troops took possession of Rome on June 4, 1944. They had been under German occupation since September 1943.

American tanks entering Rome, June 4, 1944. Photographer unknown.
Photo Source: U.S. National Archives. Digitized by Signal Corps Archive. Public domain.

The people of Rome crowded the streets on June 5, 1944 welcoming the Allied liberators as the Regiment marched through the city. Headquarters was set up at Forte Trionfale, a military complex built in the 1880s.

Lieutenant General Mark W. Clark at St. Peter’s Square, June 5, 1944, Rome, Italy,
US Army, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

The Atlanta Constitution headline, June 5, 1944.

Johnnie wrote Lucile a V-mail on June 5, 1944. As usual, he did not mention anything about his involvement in the liberation of Rome.

My Dearest Darling,

Just a few lines to let you know I am well and OK and hope that this finds you the same. I received a letter from you a couple of days ago. It sure made me feel good to hear from you. I don’t hear from you as often as I need to. I guess they are holding most of the mail up here lately. I am glad to hear you have a little money saved up. You are doing alright Baby. That’s one of the things I like about you. I hope all the folks are well and Grandma is lots better. I wrote her a letter. Well Darling, I will have to close for this time. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

The Germans retreated towards Florence, Italy, littering the roads with equipment along the way. They destroyed some of it themselves and some was destroyed by allied airforce. With the Germans fleeing Rome to the Gothlic Line via Highway 2, several regiments of the Fifth Army, including the 337th, spent June 6, 1944 advancing in the same direction. The 2nd Battalion met some resistance from the Germans 3000 yards south of Monterosi. The 1st, 2nd and 3rd Battalions worked together to take control of Monterosi but faced many mines in the process. Some prisoners were captured, guns were destroyed, and they confiscated significant amounts of new weapons and ammunition. By nightfall, the command post was “moved to a villa on Lake Monterosi and the Regiment was given trucks and ordered to be prepared to reinforce the Howze Task Force.” The 2nd and 3rd Battalions stopped on Highway 2 for the night, organized a defense, and patrolled the town. On June 8, 1944, the Howze Task Force was ordered north on Highway 2. The 1st Battalion joined the task force, running “into the German infantry in the hills two miles north of Ronciglione,” in the Cimini mountains. They met some resistance and received light casualties but were able to advance. The 1st Battalion advanced to Viterbo the afternoon of June 9, 1944 but received news the Regimental alert had been cancelled. All Regiments, with very little shelter, made camp for the night there.

Little did Johnnie know he would be one of the soldiers highlighted in the “With the Army, Navy, and Marines” section of the Atlanta Constitution on June 9, 1944. The newspaper reported that he was serving in Italy and his wife was Mrs. Lucile Stacks Marston of College Park.

“With the Army, Navy, and Marines,” The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, June 9, 1944

It was five days before Johnnie had time to write his next letter to Lucile. In his June 10, 1944 letter, he wrote two cryptic sentences making sure she understood he had been a little busy lately and had not had time to write.

My Dearest Darling,

Just a few lines to let you know I am well and OK and hope that this finds you the same. I received the writing paper and the pen and pencil set from you today. Boy was I glad to get them. I also received a letter from you, Dot, and sister Evelyn. Not bad at all do you think? Evelyn wrote and said she was expecting again in September. In this letter and the one I received from you was telling me about her also. Gee, I sure am sorry to hear about Dot being sick; also, the baby too. I hope they are much better by now. You say Drextel got rejected? The lucky stiff. In a way though, I didn’t think he would go in. Well I guess Cecil is doing his training now. Has Jennie heard from him yet? How is she taking it? Darn I almost forgot to tell you I received a letter from your Mother the other day. I am going to try and write to her as soon as I finish this to you. As you can read by the paper’s lately, I haven’t had time to do much of anything. I hope you see things that way and understand just why I haven’t been writing to you much here lately. Say this pen don’t write bad at all. It just needs broke in a little bit, you know. Just like a lot of other things need to be, Ha Ha. Honey I am not going to tell you what to do about going down and staying with Evelyln. Just you and her staying together I don’t like that. If Louise was going to be with you down there, I wouldn’t care but the way they have things planned, that’s no good. You better just wait and let them come up to see you, OK? Well Baby, I will have to close for this time so keep your chin up and keep smiling. Also tell all the folks hello for me. I miss you a lot Darling and I love you a million. 

Always, Johnnie

P.S. Are you sure you sent me a watch? I am still looking for it.

Johnnie’s sister Louise and her husband Carl Rowland

Relief came to the Regiment on June 10, 1944 when the 3rd Algerian Division took over “leading elements,” “the Howze Task Force was disbanded, the 1st Battalion moved back to Monterosi,” and the rest of the Regiment got some rest. Thanks to the help of the Italians, some of the Regiment’s men who had been captured were able to escape and make their way back to their units with “tales of German cruelty to prisoners, of the scarcity of the foe’s equipment, and of the confusion in the retreating German columns.” The photo below, taken June 10, 1944, shows the wreckage of buildings in the streets of Civitavecchia, Port of Rome, Italy. The streets were completely blocked by the rubble from the bombed buildings. This might have been one of the sights seen by Johnnie while in Rome.

Photographer: Katz. Photo Source: U.S. National Archives. Digitized by Signal Corps Archive. Public domain. 

May 30 and 31, 1944

On May 26, the Regiment found themselves in an area two miles south of Priverno where the 1st Battalion set up a defense line to protect the Division right flank. Everyone remained in position during the day then moved to a rest area in the Pontine Marshes near Sabaudia, a swampland in the Lazio Region of Italy. They spent a day swimming at the beach, exchanging clothing, and preparing for the combat that was coming. On May 29, several decorations were presented, and congratulations given for what had been achieved. The Regiment was also warned of what was to come—a stronger and more determined enemy. Before days end, the Regiment moved to an area near Cori. On May 30, the Regiment was told to relieve the two left battalions of the 30th Infantry, 3rd American Division and the command post was moved to the vicinity of Valmenti. The 1st Battalion (on the right) relieved the 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry. Some time on May 30, 1944, Johnnie must have been thinking about the war and the things he had seen in Italy that he never expected to see in his lifetime. He was very reflective with his thoughts in a long letter he wrote to Lucile.

My Dearest Darling

Well, here it is about the month of May gone and good old summertime right around the corner. Honey you know this is the time of the year I really like. Everything of nature blooming up and all the birds building up their nests. Sometimes I don’t see why nations are fighting against each other in this world, with things so grand for us all, in all parts of this world. I just pray to God that all this will be over soon, be the only one that can end it and I am sure as soon as he thinks the people that are not living right come to their senses once more, he will end it. Lou, you get to thinking a lot of things over here after you have seen how this part of the world is tore up and the people being treated like they have been. It’s really got me down. I just hope and pray that when I am back home that God will lead us both to the good parts of life. Well honey, I hope you understand just how I feel. You can tell everybody that your husband is a changed man and you won’t be lying at all. Honey, how did little Mary ever come out? I hope she is a lot better. And poor old Grandma, is she any better? I hope so. Is Ma Stacks taking it easy? Gee, I wish she would take care of herself. I wish I was there. I grant you she would settle down then. I just wish I could tell you how much I think of your family, they’ve all been so swell since me and you first started going together and as for Doc for what he done, to help us all out. There can’t be another man that can beat him. That guy has been swell. Honey, have you heard from Louise or Evelyn lately whether they are coming up to see you or not? Tell them to write me, will you. I still like to hear from them both. Well Darling, I will have to close for this time so write me all you can and keep your chin up. May God Bless you and honey, I miss you an awful lot and I love you a million. 

Always, Johnnie

 

Burnt German scout car off the road near Cori, May 31, 1944. Photo by McCrosy, 163rd Signal Photo Company.
Photo Source: U.S. National Archives. Digitized by Signal Corps Archive. Public domain.

Johnnie also wrote Lucile’s parents a V-mail on May 30, 1944. He and Sam have an ongoing conversation going on about baseball in Atlanta.

Dear Folks,

I received the typed letter from you and was really glad to hear that you both are well and the rest of the family also. Doc, I am glad to hear that you are going to the ball games because I want you to let me know how Atlanta came out this year. Yes, I remember Deal and Marchall. They are darn good ball players. I am glad to hear they are still with them. Ma, don’t let nobody kid you. You can type real good. Gee, I am sorry to hear about Grandma. I hope she is a lot better by now. 

Lots lots love, Johnnie

On May 31, 1944, the Regiment, along with the 2nd Chemical Battalion and a medium tank company took part in a coordinated attack along the Division front in which they faced strong resistance as they pushed into Larinola. A Regimental command post was set up just south of Larinola in an abandoned German dugout. Thirty prisoners from the Hermann Göring Division, a German Luftwaffe armoured division, were captured that day. Before the day ended, Johnnie wrote a V-mail to Lucile. His humor comes out a lot in his letters and he often laughs at himself with a “Ha, Ha.” In this V-mail, Johnnie showed concern with regards to carrying on the Marston name. But just when you think he is going all serious on Lucile, BAM, there comes that humor! He must have really been pleased with himself this time because he gave that one three “Ha’s.”

My Dearest Darling,

Just a few lines to let you know I am well and hope this finds you the same. Say honey, you said that Nell was getting ready to have a kid. Gee, I surely hope she makes out OK, she being so small, but what I hear about that is a smaller woman can bear a baby better than a large woman. Am I right? In a way, now I wish that we had one. I surely have to get something to carry on the family name, even if it is a dog or something, Ha Ha Ha. Honey, I haven’t heard from you in a week now. I surely hope there isn’t anything wrong with you. I will have to close. So, keep writing and smiling. I miss you a lot Darling and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

Robert Astin, Nell Stacks Astin, and their daughter Judy (taken several years after this letter was written)

During the month of May, “the Regiment advanced 72 miles, took every assigned objective, captured 485 prisoners of war, and caused the enemy to withdraw in our sector and to abandon much equipment.” They did this by quickly replacing casualties and continuing to train replacements which totaled 51 officers and 1137 enlisted men in May. The medical team contributed a large part to their success. In the first three days of the May 11 offensive alone, the team evacuated over 500 men from the field and the “battalion surgeons and technicians worked tirelessly for days without sleep in aid stations that were always crowded beyond capacity.” They also had help from the Italian litter (stretcher) teams who were “under constant enemy fire.”

 

A German prisoner is given a drink of water at a U.S. medical center in at Altavilla, Italy, where he was treated
for wounds, September 20, 1943, Salerno area, Italy, 36th Infantry Division. Photographer: Oliver. Public domain.

The graves registrations personnel worked day and night to collect American and enemy bodies from the battlefield as quickly as possible. The supply team “functioned well under difficult conditions and rough terrain. Troops were seldom without food, water, ammunition, or necessary equipment. The Italian mule group helped facilitate resupply in the mountainous country. During the month of May, 13 Bronze Stars, 34 Purple Hearts, and 1175 Combat Infantryman Badges were awarded. Eleven officers and 169 enlisted men were killed in action; 44 officers and 756 enlisted men were wounded in action; and 1 officer and 44 enlisted men were missing in action.

May 21, 22, 24, 25, and 26, 1944

The Regiment continued to push west. By May 17, they had taken Trivio and Maranola. The march continued through Fondi, Monte San Biagio, M. Copiccio, and M. Autone among others. Johnnie was very busy, something he alluded to in his May 21, 1944 V-mail. But that did not stop him from thinking about Lucile and the rest of the family.

My Dearest Darling,

I am sorry I haven’t written you sooner than I have but as things are going now, I have been pretty busy. You know every chance I get, I will write you so please don’t think I am not writing if you don’t get mail from me as regular as you have been. Honey, your letters mean alot to me so keep writing as often as you can. Please tell Doc and Ma Stacks I received the fruit cake, and that I thought it was swell and I am sorry that they had to go to so much trouble getting it for me. Well honey, I will close for this time so keep writing and smiling. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Johnnie

Johnnie must have kept track of how often he received a letter from Lucile. And he often let her know like he did in his May 22, 1944 V-mail.

My Dearest Darling,

Just a few lines to let you know I am OK and hope that this finds you in the best of health and sweet as ever. I haven’t heard from you in about four days now. The last letter I received from you, you were telling me about Robert and Nell coming home and that you have sent me the watch and telling me how lucky you were to get it so cheap. Sure will be glad when it arrives. Honey, I want to thank you again for sending it. I have about three months pay coming and as soon as I get it and if it is possible, I will send it all home. Honey, it really made me feel good to get a letter from Doc. Please tell him that for me. I will close for now. I miss you a lot Darling, and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

Nell Stacks, Evelyn Dingler (Geral’s wife), Elvie Orr, Lucile Stacks

Johnnie had lots of questions in his May 24, 1944 V-mail to Lucile. It was probably easier to ask her questions than it was to avoid subjects that he could not write about.

My Dearest Darling,

Just a few lines to let you know I am OK and hope that this finds you the same. Well how are things around home now? Are you having any trouble keeping things going? How is your job coming along? Are they keeping you pretty busy? How did Drex ever come with the Army? I am sorry to hear about Cecil. Hope he makes out OK. Thanks a lot for sending me the pen and pencil set. I haven’t received them yet, but I received the letter saying that you sent them. Will close. Keep writing and smiling. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

By May 25, the “road to the Anzio beachhead was opened” and they “assembled in the vicinity of Terracina for a well-deserved rest.” For the first time in weeks and once the beach was cleared of mines by the engineers, the Regiment was able to bathe, catch up on sleep, and repair and clean their equipment. Johnnie took time on May 25, 1944 to write a V-mail to Lucile, and in his normal way, let her know life was busy in Italy.

My Dearest Darling,

Just a few lines to let you know I am well and OK and hope this finds you the same. Honey, your letters have been coming to me pretty regular and it really makes me feel good to know you are writing me regular. I guess by the time you get this, Louise and Evelyn will be up visiting you if they come up in June like you say. I haven’t heard from them in a good while and I haven’t written anybody in a long time except you and I haven’t had time to write to you lately like I wanted to. But Darling, don’t worry if you don’t hear from me like you have been. I will write you every chance I get. Will close. So, keep writing and smiling. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Johnnie

Lt. Col. Stanley R. Lauferski directs his mine platoon of the anti-tank company, 337th Regiment, in sweeping
the surf of the Terracina beach for mines, May 25, 1944. Photographer: Leibowitz, 163rd Signal Photo Company.
Photo source: U.S. National Archives. Digitized by Signal Corps Archive.

A baby was on the way! No, not Johnnie and Lucile’s but he shared his joy in his May 26, 1944 letter that his sister-in-law Nell was expecting.

My Dearest Darling,

Just a few lines to let you know I am OK and hope that this finds you the same. I received three letters from you today, also one from your Dad. In one of your letters you were telling me about Nell and Robert coming home, and that Nell was expecting a baby. I think that’s great. Tell her I said I didn’t think her, and Robert could do it, Ha Ha. You also said that you sent me the watches, sure am glad. Also, glad to hear you got it so cheap. I knew you could do it, Ha Ha. I am sorry to hear about Grandma. I hope by the time you get this she is a lot better. I will try to write her, but I don’t get to write much now and what I do write is mostly to you. Maybe later on I will be able to write more. I hope you can understand how things are now. I guess Aunt Agnes and Marie are gone back home now. Have you heard anymore about Louise and Evelyn coming up to see you? I’m sure they will come up, aren’t you? Did I tell you that Dad sent me Dave Bullard’s address? You remember him, don’t you? I just pray that all this will be over soon so we can have the happiness we once had. That will be one great day for us all. Well Darling, I will have to close of this time. So, keep praying and your chin up. Tell all the folks hello for me and to write. I miss you a lot Darling. And I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

Early to mid-May 1944

At 11 PM on May 11, Operation Diadem kicked off with the objective “to break the German defenses on the Gustav Line (the western half of the Winter Line) and open up the Liri Valley, the main route to Rome” according to Wikipedia. This operation was coordinated “roughly with the invasion of Normandy, so that German forces would be tied down in Italy, and could not be redeployed to France.” None of the 337th Regiment battalions participated in the initial attack, but soon joined in the fight. Unfortunately, the Regiment suffered heavy casualties from enemy mines, artillery, and automatic weapons. They struggled to evacuate the wounded and dead, and resupply their food, water, ammunition, and replacements but did so with the assistance of Italian mule troops and extra litter bearers. Although under heavy shelling by the enemy, they captured 80 prisoners of war on May 13 and fought off the Germans on May 14. Facing bitter opposition while fighting over the mountainous region, they were able to take Solacciano, Castellonorato, and Formia by mid-May.

What goes through a soldier’s mind before, during, and after combat? How do they emotionally handle what is happening in this war? A one-on-one conversation with God might be enough to get them through the trauma. Johnnie once told his son Randy that when he first arrived in Italy, he was really scared. He eventually came to terms with his fears and accepted it. The poem below, Conversion written by Frances Angermayer in June 1943, may have helped with that. The poem was found by a chaplain on 30 dead and wounded soldiers and scattered on the Normandy beachhead on D-day. Shortly afterward, it was “found on the body of an American soldier in Italy” and then “spread to every corner of the earth.” Reports were that “at least 6,000,000 copies have been printed and distributed.” It was reprinted in “magazines and newspapers, including Yank and Stars and Stripes” and read aloud in Congress. The poem was translated in German, Polish, Italian, Chinese, French, and Spanish. It was even found on a dead Nazi soldier! It was apparently very meaningful and brought comfort to many soldiers, including Johnnie who carried a copy during the war. He probably read the poem many times, possibly before and after the battle that just took place. 

Conversion

Look, God, I have never spoken to you.
But now I want to say how do you do.
You see, God, they told me You didn’t exist,
And, like a fool, I believed all this.

Last night from a shell hole, I saw your sky,
I figured right then they had told me a lie.
Had I taken time to see the things You made,
I’d have known they weren’t calling a spade a spade.

I wonder, God, if You’d shake my hand?
Somehow I feel that you will understand.
Funny, I had to come to this hellish place
Before I had the time to see Your face.

Well, I guess there isn’t much more to say,
But I’m sure glad, God, I met You today.
I guess the “Zero hour” will soon be here,
But I’m not afraid since I know You’re near.

The signal! Well, God, I’ll have to go.
I like You lots and I want You to know.
Look, now, this will be a horrible fight.
Who knows? I may come to Your house tonight.

Though I wasn’t friendly with You before,
I wonder, God, if You’d wait at Your Door?
Look, I’m crying! Me shedding tears!
I wish I’d known You these many years.

Well, I have to go now, God, Good-by!
Strange, since I met You, I’m not afraid to die.

                         – Frances Angermayer 

Johnnie brought his copy of the poem home and Lucile tucked it away in the boxes with his letters. The poem was recorded by Decca as a 78 RPM record in 1945; a copy can be found on the Internet Archive. Click here if you would like to listen to it.

The next letter was undated but appears to have been written by Johnnie in early to mid-May 1944 since Mother’s Day was May 14 that year. Johnnie was looking to the future in this letter. 

My Dearest Wife,

Just a few lines to let you know I am well and OK and hope that this finds you in the best of health. And making out OK back there at home. Have you changed jobs yet? How is your bank account now? I have close to a hundred dollars now I want to send you, but at the present I can’t. I guess by the time I send it to you I will have more. I want you to take out what I sent you for what you pay for the watch and bracelet and use it for whatever you want. Get what I mean? O’yeah, when is Mother’s Day? Has it passed by yet? Regardless of whether it passed by or not, I want you to get Mom Stacks, also Grandma, something for that day. I don’t want them to think I don’t think about things like that. After you have fixed them up, send me the bill, Ha Ha. Darn, I wish we would have had a kid. I could kick myself every time I think about it. Honey, I am not trying to make a job out of this. But here’s what I think will happen. Drex or Robert one, might get a boy before I do, and as they grow up, being as our boy is a couple years younger, they will be picking on him all the time. But I grant you one thing, if they are all the same size or age, I believe the kid we have will be able to take care of itself. You see what I mean, Ha Ha Ha? I can see you now, just thinking. I bet you say to yourself Johnnie must be out of his head. Well, I can’t say nothing on that part, myself, but a guy over here does a lot of crazy thinking sometimes. I can’t explain it to you, but things are like that over here. Well honey, I will have to close for this time so give all the folks my Love and tell them all hello for me. I miss you a lot Darling and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

As previously mentioned, Johnnie loved his mother-in-law Leola Stacks, and thought of her often. We do not know when Johnnie gave her the card below—perhaps Mother’s Day—but she thought enough of it that she framed and kept it. 

Leola Stacks 

May 6, undated, 8, and 9, 1944

Johnnie was a happy soldier when he wrote a V-mail to Lucile on May 6, 1944 after receiving three letters from her.

My Dearest Darling,

Received three letters from you in the last two days and sure was glad to hear from you after going a week and not hearing from you at all. One of the letters you wrote was dated the twenty-fourth of April. It just took eight days to get here, not bad at all. You really put one over on me, you being sick and in bed and not letting me know a thing about it till you are well again. Gee honey, I hope you are well now. Please take care of your health. Honey, I received another package from Dad. It sure was nice. I am getting all the cigarettes I want, so don’t send me no more. Tell all hello for me. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Johnnie

The next letter is undated on American Red Cross stationery so a guess as where to place it. Johnnie mentions Lucile having a sore throat, something that keeps coming up around this timeframe.

My Dearest Darling

Receive two letters today, one from Dot and one from you. Sure was glad to hear that you both are OK and well. There one thing Lou, what have I been writing you about your health. If I told you one time, I told you a hundred times that if you got sick or had any pains to go to a doctor and in this letter you just wrote to me, you said you had a little sore throat. You don’t know just how serious it can be. So please take care of yourself and go see a doctor or anything that trouble you. If I was only home now, I’d make you take care of yourself and I am not just kidden either. Honey, I tell you why I want you to take care of yourself, even if it isn’t a bad pain, or any sickness you have. You see Lou, during wartime a little sickness amounts to a lot and gets pretty serious sometimes. I found that out from the doctor here in the army and one thing they know what they are talking about. They have to be and have a rating in their army. So, I am telling you again, please take care of yourself because you are really all I want to come home to. You shall know that by now. Well that all for that for now. Dot said in her letter that Drex and Geral, really had a lucky break. That the truck he drives turn over and that it tore up the truck so bad that the people who seen it don’t see how they came out of it alive, I say they are two lucky guys. Don’t you think so? You said that you believe that Kate, Louise and Evelyn have forgot they have a sister-in-law. I believe they even forgot they have a brother. I haven’t heard from any of them in such a long time that I can’t say wherever I heard from them this year or not. If they don’t want to write me it OK, just so you keep up the way you are writing. Thats all I wait for anyway is a letter from you. Well, I will have to close for this time. So, tell all the family hello for me and give them my love. I miss you alots Darling. And I Love you a Millions. Always.

Johnnie

Johnnie’s sisters, Evelyn and Kate Marston

The 1st Battalion moved from Minturno back to Mandragone on May 7, 1944. While the 1st and 3rd Battalions moved into position, the Regiment prepared plans to further the attack or repel enemy counterattack. Parts of the Regiment continued training and preparation for offensive combat, and the part of the Regiment that was in the assembly area remained quiet, hidden from the enemy by smoke generators. Meanwhile, Johnnie heard from his brother-in-law Robert Astin and could not contain his excitement in his May 8, 1944 V-mail to Lucile. He also had fond memories of a dog he used to have.

My Dearest Darling,

Just a few lines to let you know I am well and hope that this finds you a lot better with that sore throat you have. Honey guess who I received a letter from today. None other than your brother-in-law Robert, Ha Ha. Him and Nell seem to be getting along nicely. That’s the last guy I ever expected to hear from, but I guess he took time off from Nell long enough to drop me a line, Ha Ha. That’s the only letter I received today. I was really hoping to get one from you, but it didn’t get here. Maybe I’ll hear from you tomorrow. I really hope so. How did Cecil, Drex, and Woodrow come out on the Army situation? I hope they made out on the good part of it. Has Aunt Agnes and Marie ever shown up yet? If so, tell them I said hello. Luke, you know what I dreamed about the other night? You remember that dog I used to have, and I named him Buck? I dreamed I came home, and you and the dog came down to meet me at the crossing. Kind of crazy, don’t you think? Will close. Keep smiling. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

Johnnie wrote a long letter on May 9, 1944 on American Red Cross stationery. Not wanting to worry Lucile, he wrote “this paper was given to us by the Red Cross, don’t worry!!” It also appears the two of them disagreed over something he had written in a previous letter. Hopefully, they were able to resolve that issue.

My Dearest Darling,

Received a letter from you today telling me that Aunt Agnes and Marie are home visiting. I hope they both are well and tell Marie I am expecting that big fat kiss she promised me, Ha Ha. I received a nice card from Dad and his wife yesterday. Also, they sent me David Bullard’s address. You remember him, don’t you? Honey, this letter I received from you was mailed the thirty first of last month, so you can see it just took over a week to get to me. Not bad at all, is it? In the letter I wrote you telling about me wanting to send you a picture of me because my beard has grown out. I think you are mistaken about me saying that. If you look at the letter again, you will see that I said that I have a mustache and have let my side burns grow about a inch longer and that it has changed my looks a little. And that’s why I said I wanted to send you a picture of me because of that. If I did say that, I want you to cut that part out of the letter and send it to me because it’s not true and I know for sure I haven’t wrote you anything like that because I have been getting to shave at least every two days and I have no right to lie about anything like that to you. That’s why I want to see the writing and me saying anything like that. If I am right about all this, please read my letters a little more carefully from now one, OK with you? Thanks a lot. I am glad to hear that you had some pictures made of little Melvin and the rest. Sure would like to see them. Lou, about you and your health, I am still asking you and telling you to take care of yourself. I guess I wrote this about you taking care of yourself so much, that you are tired of hearing it. But that’s one thing I worry about, so I hope you understand me. And as for your weight, I think a hundred and fifteen is very good for your size, don’t you? As for myself, at my size I should weigh a hundred and sixty. But as it is now, I am about thirteen pounds under weight. But as for health, I feel OK. Tell Doc I hope to be back soon and that he will know whose still champion of Stackmill on horseshoes playing, Ha Ha. Also tell Ma Stacks I miss her and to keep her chin up and that everything will come out OK at the end. And also tell the rest of the family hello for me and to keep smiling. Well Baby, I will close for now. I hope you understand me on reading my mail more careful. I don’t like to write things to you which isn’t true and if I am wrong on that beard situation, I want you to give me the devil about it in your next letter to me, understand? I miss you a lot Baby!! And I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

Johnnie’s stepmother, Lola Miller Marston

May 1, 2, and 3, 1944

The first week and a half of May 1944 was spent “in a defensive position north of the City of Minturno, Italy.” Patrols went out nightly and made contact with the enemy on several occasions. “The men learned to distinguish their own outgoing shells from the enemy’s and in addition to sense the direction and distance of incoming shells.” 

Johnnie’s friend, Henry Thurman, killed in action in Italy on February 6, 1944, was awarded a Purple Heart in May 1944 according to two articles published in the Atlanta Constitution. The medal was to be presented posthumously by Major Samuel Mear of the Special Service Division, Headquarters, Fourth Service Command, to Henry’s wife at College Park Baptist Church. 

Published in the Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, April 30 and May 4, 1944, respectively (click image to enlarge)

In the four letters Johnnie wrote to Lucile during this period, he never mentioned what was happening on the front. Instead, he shared his feelings about his in-laws, whom he dearly loved, in his May 1, 1944 V-mail to Lucile.

My Dearest Darling,

I received a letter from you today. Sure was glad to hear from you and to know you are well and alright. I am glad you finally made up your mind about learning to drive. I hope you make out OK at it. Honey, do you know whether Doc received any mail from me in the last month and a half? I wrote him a card and also a letter. I know not to expect a letter from him because he is pretty busy all the time, but I thought if he has received any mail from me you would say something about it in your letters to me. Lou, I want you to tell Doc I miss the swell time me and him have had together when I was home like the old ball games and other things we did. Also tell Ma Stacks I miss her good cooking and her giving me the devil about something, Ha Ha. Will close. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

Johnnie was looking for his brother-in-law’s address and for the second time, mentioned the house he would like to buy when he gets home in his May 2, 1944 V-mail to Lucile. 

My Dearest Darling,

Just a few lines to let you know I am well and hope that this finds you the same. How are you doing at your job? Have they started you working overtime again? What about Nell? Has she said anything about when she will be home? I want you to send me Robert’s address if you know it and I will drop him a line. I haven’t written him but one time since he’s been in the service and that was when he first came in. Honey, who lives in the house I like so well down below Woodrow? I hope they take good care of it because I am planning on buying it after all this is over with. That will be just what I need when I do get out. What do you think about the place? Don’t say you like it just because I like it. I want you to tell me the true facts of what you think. Well Darling, I will have to close. I am going to try and drop Ma and Doc a line. So, keep writing. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie 

Johnnie’s brother-in-law, Robert Astin

Johnnie wrote Lucile’s parents a V-mail on May 2, 1944 expressing shock over the death of Leroy Stacks. Leroy was his father-in-law Sam’s nephew, so it hit close to home. 

Dear Ma and Doc,

Just a few lines to let you know I haven’t forgot you and to let you know I am well and OK. I hope this finds you both and the rest of the family well and OK too. Well, good old warm weather is here again and I bet it is really nice back there at home. I was really shocked when I heard about Leroy. I still can’t believe it. I wrote Aunt Lois a line and told her how sorry I felt about it. I know it hit you all pretty hard and a great shock to you all. I hope the guy gets what he deserves and I am sure he will. Let me know what the result is when he goes on trial. Doc, how is the baseball games going to come out this year? Sure wish I was there to go with you. We used to have some swell times together didn’t we. I miss every bit of it too. Ma, how is your front yard coming out? OK, I hope. Let Mickey and Geral do most of the work. It will do them good, Ha Ha. Will close. Lots love to you all. Keep smiling. 

Johnnie

Lt. General Mark Clark, Commanding Fifth Army, visited the Regiment on May 2 and complimented them on the appearance of their position. Johnnie did not mention the visit in either of his May 2 letters.

Lieutenant General Mark W. Clark, U.S. Army, beachhead near Anzio, Italy, January 22, 1944
(photo by U.S. Army Signal Corps, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons)

Johnnie missed Lucile and told her his true feelings from the last night he saw her when he wrote his May 3, 1944 V-mail.

My Dearest Darling,

Just a few lines hoping that this finds you well and OK. As for myself, I am OK, just get a little blue once in a while for you. Well Darling, I have been overseas five months. By the time you get this, it will be close to six months. It seems five or six years to me since I seen you last. One thing though, I won’t forget that sweet look you had when I left you in the train station that night. I had one of the worse feelings that I ever had that night I left you, but I tried not to show how I felt as much as possible when I was with you. Honey, I will close for this time. Tell all the folks I said hello and to keep smiling. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Johnnie

On May 3, two prisoners were captured by the 3rd Battalion, the first to be taken by the Regiment. On May 5, the Regiment’s first prisoner (a Company “C” man) was captured by the enemy who snuck into their position early that morning. The Regiment also received the attack order to begin the Allied offensive in Italy, and immediately began making necessary plans and preparations. 

April 25, 26, 28, and 29, 1944

The Atlanta Constitution reported on April 21, 1944 that the court case of the stabbing death of Leroy Stacks would take place in May, something Johnnie would have been interested in.

(click image to enlarge)

 Johnnie was thinking about their future again but did not share his plans with Lucile in his April 25, 1944 V-mail.

My Dearest Darling,

Just a few lines, hoping that this finds you well and getting along OK. As for myself, I am OK. Only thing wrong I am thinking of you and missing you a hell of a lot. I have great plans for us when all this is over with and I hope it won’t be long off. How are the rest of the family? Well, I hope. Has the Army ever called Drextel yet? Well Baby, I will have to close for this time. Keep writing. I miss you a lot Baby and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

Johnnie always had something encouraging to say to Lucile as he did in his April 26, 1944 V-mail.

My Dearest Darling,

I received two letters from you today and sure was glad to hear from you. I am so glad to hear that you are gaining weight and to know you are well and OK. Also, glad to hear that you had one week pretty easy at work training these other girls. You said something about you getting lazy. I know you are kidding me on that part because I know you too well for that and I know you are pretty darn smart. I am glad to hear that Mickey and his girl and all the rest of the gang are down at the house to keep you company at times. Well Darling, I will have to close for this time. So, tell all the family hello for me and give them my love. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

Earl (Mickey) and Elvie

Johnnie asked Lucile to send him several items in his April 28, 1944 letter … and he had a special way he planned to pay for them!

My Dearest Darling Wife,

I received a letter from you yesterday and hadn’t had time to answer it till today. Also received the wedding band. It sure is nice and it fits me to a T. Thanks a lot. Honey in this letter I just received from you, you wanted to know if I was in the hospital. I guess you thought something was wrong with me because I wrote on some Red Cross paper I received from them sometime ago. There isn’t anything wrong so don’t worry your pretty head about it. Well so much said about that. Honey how does this find you as far as health is concerned? I hope well. As for myself I am OK. Honey have you ever seen about a watch for me? I know it’s taking a little bit of money to get me all the things but I have some more money to send you as soon as I get to a place to send it and that will help you pay for the things I want you to send me. Is that OK with you? I want you to send me two more things after you send me the watch. That is a French Harp and an identification bracelet with this on it, Johnnie Marston and my army serial number under my name. And on the other side I want you to put Lucile Marston. You get the idea, Ha Ha. Then after you have done all of this for me, send me the bill, and I will get Hitler to pay for it all when I see him, Ha Ha. No kidden Lou, see if you can get me up the things and I won’t bother you about sending me things no more. Well Darling, I guess you are tired of reading of my needs so I will close for this time. Tell all the folks hello for me and give them my love. Keep writing. I miss you a lot Baby and I love you a million. 

Always, Johnnie 

Lucile must have confessed to Johnnie that it is stressful having her husband at war as he again sent words of encouragement in his April 29, 1944 V-mail. 

My Dearest Darling,

I received two letters from you this morning and it really makes me feel good to know you are well and alright. As for myself, as far as health is concerned, I am OK. In one of your letters you said that you have received twenty-one dollars from me. That’s good. Now I think if I am not mistaken, you shall receive a fifteen-dollar check and that will be all that I have sent you so far. I am sending you some more money this month if possible. Honey get the idea out of your head, just because you cry once in a while that you are nothing but a cry baby. I’d like to hear somebody say that you are. Get this, you are one of the best for taking what you have and I love you for that. Will close. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Johnnie

During the month of April, 13 Bronze Stars, 16 Purple Hearts, and 212 Combat Infantryman Badges were awarded. Casualties were light with five enlisted men killed in action; 5 officers and 35 enlisted men wounded in action; and 1 officer missing in action. A system was established to “handle strength reports, decorations and awards, the Units Journal and replacements of both officers and enlisted men. A Casual Company was formed in the rear area to process enlisted replacements and give them training prior to sending them to the front line.” A Graves Registration plan was started incorporating Graves Registration Teams, collecting points and methods for the quick evacuation of the dead. The “regiment received 362 enlisted men and 14 officer replacements.” The troops were provided with two hot meals daily, except those in isolated positions. They established a shower unit for bathing, a plan to give troops new clothing, and kept a close check on ammunition requirements for all weapons. The “most difficult problem was transporting supplies, troops, rations and ammunition over the traffic congested supply route from the rear areas in Mondragone and the front line.” The enemy watched the Minturno Bridge over the Garigliano River during the day so transport was done at night. A good part of April was spent in the southern Lazio region of Italy, specifically Minturno. Johnnie rarely mentioned what he or his regiment were going through or where they were in his letters. If he had, the censors would have removed that sensitive information. The information provided in this paragraph came from the Army. The full details of regimental activities and troop movements can be found in the monthly detailed 337th Infantry Operations Reports. Going forward, links will be provided so you may read them if you are interested. Click here to read the Operations Report by the 337th Infantry Regiment for May 1944.

3rd Division infantrymen enter the town of Mondragone and “capture” it during the
practice of landing exercises held by the 3rd Infantry Division, July 31, 1944, Mondragone area,
Italy. Photographer: Valentine, 163rd Signal Photo Company. Public domain.