April 18, 19, and 20, 1944

Is Johnnie trying to tell Lucile that she is not writing him often enough? It almost sounds like it in his April 18, 1944 V-mail.

My Dearest Wife,

Well here it is a little over half of the month gone and I have received four letters from you so far. I don’t consider that bad, being where I am now, but honey, I tell you I miss the way I used to receive mail from you when I was back in the States. I guess it is the same way with you now, isn’t it? Honey, do you know whether Johnny Puckett is in the Army yet? Let me know. Has Mary his wife had another kid? I guess so by now. Say, is Mildred still working up at the lumber company? Being as she is married now. I can’t understand why Frances hasn’t answered my letter. I wrote to her when she and the baby had the flu. Sure would like to hear from them. Well Honey, I guess this is all the news for this time. Will close. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie 

Every soldier loves to receive packages and Johnnie wants to know where his are in an April 18, 1944 V-mail to Lucile.

My Dear Darling, 

Well, how does this find you today? I hope well. This leaves me OK as far as health is concerned. Honey, have you ever sent me any packages yet? I just want to know if you have or not. Dad said he sent me a couple of packages, but I haven’t received them yet. I guess they will catch up with me soon though. Honey, are you saving any money at all? I want you to get everything you need. Will close. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Johnnie 

Johnnie’s father, John Marston

Johnnie had a lot of questions about family members in his April 19, 1944 V-mail to Lucile. 

My Dearest Wife,

Just a few lines to let you know I am well and hope that this finds you the same. I received an Easter card from Dad the other day. I am going to try and drop him a line as soon as I finish this to you. How is all the family? Well, I hope. I guess Doc has already started going to the ball games, hasn’t he? Have you heard from Nell lately? How are Robert and her getting along? I wrote Hoppy the other day. Carl also. I am expecting a letter from Louise any day now. I wonder how Evelyn and Roy ever came out. Has she ever written you anything about it? Will close. Answer soon. I miss you Darling. I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

It had been almost two weeks since Johnnie last wrote Lucile by the time he wrote her on April 20, 1944. And he was missing her that night. Thinking of her appears to be what is getting him through each day.

My Dearest Wife,

I received two letters from you today and also one from your Mother and Dot. Sure was a happy guy. Darling, how does this letter find you? Well, I hope. As for myself I am OK, just miss you sweetness. There isn’t but one thing I think of right now and that is getting back to you. That will be one great day for me. You said in one of your letters that I wouldn’t know the house now. That’s where you are wrong, because I will never forget that house and I don’t believe you could change it much where I wouldn’t know it. You say you planted another tree and that it’s a lot larger than the one you had out there before. What did you plant? One of those big pine trees, Ha Ha? Your mother wrote and said she and the kids have changed their front yard around again. You know Ma works around that house more than anything else I know of. You know what she needs? A long rest. She just wears herself out every day. I know every time I used to go up to their house, she was always doing something. I wrote her and got on her about working too darn much. Especially some work she shouldn’t be doing at all. I want you to get on her about it also. And another thing, you take it easy also. I am sorry to hear about Mickey having the sore eyes. I know just what it’s like. Honey, it wouldn’t hurt you to go see a doctor about your eyes. As for myself, they are a lot better. Honey, I will have to quit for now, but I will write you more next time. Remember, I miss you a lot and I think about you all the time. I love you a million.

Always, Hubby = Johnnie

Johnnie’s sisters-in-law, Betty and Dot Stacks

Johnnie wrote a V-mail to Lucile’s parents on April 20, 1944. For the second time, he referenced a newspaper clipping that mentioned Henry Ford. 

Hello Doc and Ma,

I received your letter today and was sure glad to hear from you. Ma, I hope this finds you a lot better and I wish you would quit working so hard. Remember you are no young girl no more and you have to cut down on your work. What you say, will you? Ma, I hope that Henry Ford said in that clip in the paper you sent, knows what he’s talking about. There sure would be a lot of joy in this old world, wouldn’t it! That sure was some trick they played on Mr. Henry, but I know how Doc is, he sure likes to have his fun once in a while. Well Ma, I hate to write such a short letter to you after getting a nice long letter from you but I will write more next time. Lots love to you and all. Write me as much as you can. Lots love to you and all. 

Your son-in-law, Johnnie

This article, published in the Atlanta Constitution on April 18, 1944 may have been what Johnnie was referring to when he mentions Henry Ford.

(click to enlarge)

April 12, 15, 16, and 17, 1944

Johnnie could not tell Lucile what was happening in Italy in his April 12, 1944 V-mail to Lucile.

My Dear Darling,

I received two letters from you today and I hope by the time you get this, that your measles have left you, because I know that kind of sickness isn’t fun, right? As for myself, I am as well as can be expected. Yes honey, I am hoping to be with you on your next birthday, or sooner. Anyway, that will be one great day for me, and I know for millions of other guys. I am glad to hear that the kids had a good Easter and that Mom Stacks was able to be up and enjoyed it with them. Yes, I bet Melvin does look good in his new suit. Well Darling, I will close for now. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

Leola Stacks and Johnnie’s daughter, Diane Marston (after the war)

Johnnie asked for writing supplies in his April 15, 1944 V-mail to Lucile. His request came with a dire warning if she did not send any!

My Dearest Darling,

Just a few lines to let you know I am OK and hope that this finds you the same. Honey, you said you have never received the last money I sent you. I am sure by the time you get this you will have the money. Honey, I wish you would send me some writing paper and also a pen and pencil set. Be sure and get me a good one too. If you don’t, I am running short of paper and I am borrowing a pen to write with all the time. Send it as quick as possible. I won’t be able to write you as much as I have been on account of that. Honey, I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Lots love, Johnnie

Johnnie was thinking about his and Lucile’s future in his April 16, 1944 V-mail. 

My Dearest Darling,

Just a few lines to find out if you are OK and well. This leaves me about the same. Only missing you a hell of alot. I hope it’s the same way with you. Honey, has the Army ever got Mickey yet? I hope not. How is the rest of the family? I hope they are all well. Has Doc ever got another car yet? Your Mother wrote me in one of her letters that he might swap it for another car. That’s why I ask. I guess its pretty nice back home now, isn’t it? Honey, you asked me if I wanted the house down below Woodrow? I would give anything for it if it is as good as it was when I last saw it. I hope to own it some day for me and you. Will close. I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

Johnnie was very close to talking about something most women do not want to hear in his April 17, 1944 V-mail to Lucile—her weight!

My Dearest Wife,

I received a letter from you today and also the picture of you and little Carol. They both really look good to me. Little Carol sure has grown alot and she looks mighty healthy and honey, you are looking grand yourself. You wrote and told me in one of your letters that you were gaining weight. You can look at the picture you sent me and tell that. Honey, I wish there was some way for me to have a picture made. I doubt if you would know me. I have a mustache and I have let my sideburns grow about an inch longer and I weigh about a hundred and fifty. I hope this finds all the folks well and tell them all hello for me. Will close. Write me. I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

Lucile

March 31, April 6, 7, 8, and 9, 1944

Birthday wishes to Lucile were all that was on Johnnie’s mind in his March 31, 1944 V-mail.

My Dearest Darling,

Just a few lines tonight to let you know I am thinking of you and hope this finds you in the best of health. Well Darling, tomorrow is your birthday, and I hope you have twice that many more. Honey, how does it feel to be twenty-two years old, Ha Ha? You know, I am not running your age up this time, Ha Ha. You remember how I used to kid you about your age? I never forget the times we have had together. Will you? Lots Lots Love.

Always, Johnnie

Johnnie mentioned that his unit has been on the move in his April 6, 1944 letter. That would probably explain why it had been six days since his last letter.

My Dearest Darling

Well, here it is April the first and I hope this finds you in the best of health and also hope that you had a wonderful day being that you have had a birthday. I just hope and pray that I am with you on your next one, and the way things are going now, I will be. I haven’t heard from you in a good while now. I guess it is because I have moved on over here in Italy and my mail hasn’t caught up with me yet. How is the little old house, have you made much changes since I was there last time? I guess you have. Honey, I received a V-mail letter from Louise today. She seems to be getting along OK. Say Darling, have you heard from sister Kate lately? I haven’t heard from her since I’ve been overseas. It seems she would drop me a line by now. How is Doc and Ma getting along? Well, I hope. Darling I wish you would thank all of your family for me and let them know I received all the Easter cards they sent. Well Darling, I will have to close for this time. So, write me all you can and I will do the same. I love you a million. 

Always, Johnnie

Johnnie’s sister, Louise Marston

Extended family members are always on Johnnie’s mind. He asks about several in his April 7, 1944 V-mail.

My Dear Darling Wife,

Just a few lines to let you know I am thinking of you and hope that this finds you well. I received a letter from Louise today. Sure was glad to hear that she, Baby Sis, and also the Baby are getting along alright. Darling, has Nell ever come back from visiting Robert yet? I guess she has by this time. Has Mickey heard any more about the Army? Let me know. How is the rest of the family? Is little Melvin growing any lately? Sure would like to see that little devil, Ha Ha. O’yeah honey, did you ever send me that wedding band? Sure would like to get it. Well Darling, will close for this time. I love you a million.

Johnnie

Melvin Stacks

Johnnie tells Lucile he recently sent pictures to her in his April 8, 1944 letter from Italy. He is also wondering where items are that she has sent to him.

My Dear Darling Wife,

Hello honey, I hope this finds you in the best of health. As for me, I am OK. I received two letters yesterday from Dad and his wife. Just one was really a letter. The other one had some clipping of the paper. Also had a couple of the two bel— [unreadable] which you get off of street cars and buses. I have never received the hankerchiefs or the other things you sent me. I sent you some pictures of some pals of mine that are in my outfit and one of my old company commander who went to the States. He was one swell guy: and a fighting fool. We all miss him. Well Honey, how is Mom Stacks? Is she able to get up and around good yet? What about the trouble with your Dad brother’s? How did it come out? OK, I hope. O say, have you ever received my watch and the rifle Dodge? You should have by now. O yeah, tell Nell I am still waiting for the picture of the baby. Also tell Dot to send me a picture of Carol. I would like to see how much she has changed since I last saw her. Well honey, I guess this is all the news for this time. So, keep writing and God bless you. I miss you a lot and I love you a million. 

Always, Johnnie

An early photo of Leola (Mom) Stacks and her son Earl.
The dog on the running board is Trixie.

On April 8, 1944, the regiment was in a temporary camp near Mondragone, Italy conducting training in preparation of going into the front line. That same day, orders were received from Headquarters 85th Infantry Division to relieve the 351st Infantry of the 88th Division on April 11, 1944. Work immediately began to move troups and equipment into place to accomplish this. Things were getting busy for the regiment. On April 9, 1944, Johnnie warned Lucile in a V-mail that his writing time might soon be limited. According to Wikipedia, “… The 85th Division, under II Corps of the U.S. Fifth Army under Mark W. Clark, was committed to action as a unit, 10 April 1944, north of the Garigliano River, facing the Gustav Line, and held defensive positions for a month.”

My Dearest Darling,

Just a few lines to let you know I am thinking of you and hoping that this finds you well and OK. I received four letters from you today and I sure did feel good over it. Honey, maybe later on I won’t be able to write you as much as I have been writing you in the past. But I don’t want you to be worried about me cause you know I will write you every chance I can get. I received another letter from Louise today also. She said they are getting along OK. Well Darling, I will have to close for this time. So, write all you can and honey I love you a million.

Johnnie

March 28, 29, and 30, 1944

The regiment arrived in Naples, Italy on March 27, 1944, departing the same day by foot and convoy for Staging Area #1 in the vicinity of Bagnoli, Italy. They arrived at Staging Area #1 the same day and preparations began to “go into the line near Minturno, about 40 miles to the north.” On March 28, 1944 when things settled down, Johnnie wrote Lucile a V-mail, gently reminding her that there would be times when he could not write to her.

My Dear Darling,

Well, I finally got around to being able to write you a few lines once more. There isn’t anything wrong with me. I am as well as can be expected. But as you know I have told you in my other letters that there would be times when you won’t hear from me so regular and I know you understand that part. I hope this finds you in the best of health and I am also glad to hear that Mom Stacks is lots better. Give her my regards. I received the Easter card from you today. Also, three letters. The card was very nice. I know what you mean when you said you were looking over those letters I wrote you before we were married. I didn’t keep my promise to any of them, did I? I will do my best to make up a lot of things when we are back together again. I owe a lot to you. Will close. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Johnnie

Map of Italy with Naples circled in red (The World Factbook 2021, Washington, DC:
Central Intelligence Agency, 2021, public domain)

Johnnie wrote his March 29, 1944 letter from Italy on United States Navy stationery. He again changed “Navy” to “Army.” He had to use whatever paper was available. 

My Dearest Darling,

I am sorry I haven’t written you in the last few days but as I told you in my other letters, there will be days that I won’t be able to write. But don’t worry about me, for you know I will write you every chance I get. Darling I am in Italy now and I am OK and well. Honey, have you ever received any of the money I sent you? I guess you have by now. Darling, have you been having those pains lately. If so, please go see a doctor. That’s one thing I want you to do is to take care of your health. How are all the folks? Well, I hope. Tell them all hello for me. Well Darling I will have to close for this time. 

So, lots lots love, Johnnie

Johnnie had lots of questions in his March 30, 1944 letter to Lucile—13 in all.

My Dearest Darling,

Just a few lines to let you know I am well and OK and hope that this finds you the same. Darling, has Nell ever come back from visiting Robert yet? Are you both still working at the same place? I hope you never got on the night shift. Have you? How is Mickey and his girl getting along? Swell, I hope. Has Mickey heard anything from the Army yet? I hope not. How is Doc and Ma? Tell them I said hello. O’yeah, has that little Melvin grown any yet? Have you a picture of him taken recently? If so, send it to me. How is Dot and Drex and the baby getting along? Tell them to write me. Honey, has Grandma ever received the letter I wrote her? Let me know. Say, have you ever sent me those packages yet? I hope so. Have you ever heard from Louise yet? She wrote me and said she dropped you a line. I wonder how Evelyn ever came out with Ray. Have you heard? Well Darling, I will close for this time. So, keep writing. 

And lots lots love, Johnnie

Johnnie

When out of paper, you use what is available. Again, Johnnie crossed out “Navy” and wrote “Army” on this letter, something he did in several of his letters to Lucile.

Note the ‘Army Examiner” stamp in the bottom left corner of the envelope below.