September 14 and 22, 1944

On September 14, 1944, Johnnie wrote a letter to Lucile, expressing his astonishment that she had chosen to marry him.

My Dear Darling,

Received your letter today and was sure glad to hear from you after not hearing from you in about four days. This letter had the pictures of you, Mickey, and Geral in it. That sure is a cute dog you have holding in your arms. Be sure that’s all you hold, Ha Ha. Say, Geral has a good looking little old gal, hasn’t he? What has that little dope got now, Ha Ha? Honey, you look darn good in this picture. It makes you look so real or rather you are looking like Lukes once more, you know the girl I used to date so much, and you tried so much to get rid of me. But it didn’t do any good, Ha Ha. And I finally talked you into marrying a dope like me. You don’t know it or I guess you do by now, but when I first saw you, I did a little bragging. I told all the fellows I knew that I was going to marry you. And I didn’t even know I was going to make a hit with you then or not. Honey, I’m glad to hear that Mom Stacks is feeling much better and I hope with all my heart she gets completely well once more. Am glad that Doc is OK also. You can’t get that old Bull sick anyway, Ha Ha. Well Darling, I will close for this time so write and keep writing. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Love Johnnie

Lucile (unknown as to whether this is the photo Johnnie mentions)

Geral’s “gal” Evelyn and Elvie

On September 15, 1944, the Regiment encountered fierce German resistance, stalling their advance along the entire line. Despite efforts, they could not capture Mount Altuzzo on the left, leaving the right flank in a stalemate. The 337th Infantry received orders to relieve pressure by seizing Mount Pratone and assuming objectives previously assigned to the 339th Infantry. Amidst sniper fire, mortars, and heavy machine guns, a tragic incident of friendly fire caused 12 casualties. Undeterred, the Regiment pressed forward, securing Mount Pratone by day’s end and taking enemy prisoners.

On September 18, 1944, the 1st and 3rd Battalions, fatigued from climbing and lack of rest, ceded leadership to the 2nd Battalion. Their goal: capturing Mount Fellone. Despite encountering fierce enemy resistance and difficult terrain, the attack continued into September 19, resulting in the successful capture of Mount Acuto. The Regiment made commendable progress, securing 50 prisoners, and during nightfall, they resupplied and evacuated casualties.

Machine gun crew of 338th Infantry, 85th Division, fires at German carrying demolitions, September 19, 1944.
Photographer: Schmidt, 3131st Signal Service Co. Public domain.

Troops of 338th Infantry, 85th Division, marching toward newly-won position in Gothic Line, September 19, 1944
(Firenzuola area, Italy). Photographer: Schmidt, 3131st Signal Service Company. Public domain.

85th Infantry Division infantrymen marching over an area in the Gothic Line smashed by our artillery,
September 19, 1944. Photographer: Rusbar, 196th Signal Photo Company.
Photo Source: U.S. National Archives. Digitized by Signal Corps Archive. Public domain.

On September 20, 1944, significant military actions unfolded. While one battalion seized Mount Montale, another advanced toward San Pellegrino. Simultaneously, the 1st Battalion undertook the task of capturing two remaining uncaptured hills. Despite no enemy contact, it took them 10 hours to secure both hills. Throughout the day, the Regiment engaged in minor skirmishes, aiding two battalions from the 88th Division as they passed through the front line, resulting in the elimination of numerous enemy troops and 23 captured.

On September 21, the Regiment enjoyed a day of rest. However, on September 22, 1944 Johnnie took a moment to write a letter to Lucile. In his message, he gently reminded her that there might be occasions when he would not be able to write.

My Dear Darling,

First, a few lines to let you know I am OK and hope that this find you the same. I guess you have been wondering why you haven’t been hearing from me. But as I told you before, there will be times I won’t be able to write and when I can I will try to make up for what time I lost writing to you. So, please don’t worry if you don’t hear from me now and then. How is your throat now since you had your tonsils took out? Has the sores gone out of it? I guess it has by now. I sent you some more money. Have you received it yet? Will send you some more when I get paid again, which shall be soon. Has Nell heard from Robert lately? How is he making out? OK, I hope. Well Darling, I will have to close for now. Tell all the family hello for me, and give them my love. I miss you a lot Darling and I love you a million. 

Always, Johnnie

On the night of September 22–23, while the 339th Infantry advanced toward the Bordignano sector, the 337th Regiment (Johnnie’s) received urgent orders to relocate swiftly to an assembly area east of Firenzuola. The 339th encountered intense enemy artillery fire, while the 337th held a defensive position on Hill 690 near La Torta. 

On September 24, the 1st Battalion (Johnnie’s) resumed its movement at dawn. A report revealed that 100 Germans in Giugnola were ready to surrender, prompting plans for their escort. However, the mission did not come to fruition. By mid-day, the battalion had gathered near Visignano, despite encountering intense enemy fire. In the early evening, a curious scene unfolded: German infantry and vehicles attempted to advance along the highway. Unbeknownst to them, the area was already firmly under our troops’ control. Meanwhile, the 3rd Battalion set up camp near La Torta for the night.

On September 25, the battalions thwarted a planned enemy attack after gathering intelligence from captured prisoners. The 1st Battalion received orders to relieve Company G on high ground east of Monzano, supporting the 2nd Battalion’s efforts to prevent enemy territorial reclamation. Simultaneously, another company within the 1st Battalion relieved the 349th Infantry on Hill 954. Unexpectedly, the impending attack was postponed, prompting the 337th Battalion to secure the entire Mount La Fine hill mass. Despite fierce enemy resistance, our forces held firm, denying any progress. Meanwhile, on September 27, the 3rd Battalion successfully seized and occupied il Poggio, completing their mission by September 28. Word quickly circulated that the enemy had retreated overnight. Consequently, all three battalions received orders to verify this information. On September 29, their withdrawal was confirmed, and the highway was reported to be in excellent shape. In preparation for the upcoming attack scheduled for October 1, orders were issued to position the battalions along a suitable line of departure. By September 30, they were fully prepared, marking the commencement of another pivotal phase in the Italian campaign.

Troop movements during September were concentrated is in the vicinity circled in red.
Source: https://mapcruzin.com/free-italy-maps.htm.

In late month, the weather turned reminiscent of an Italian winter. Troops faced driving rain, biting winds, and relentless cold while navigating rugged terrain. Steep peaks over 3,000 feet high loomed, and bottomless valleys and treacherous trails hindered speed. Despite challenges, they moved supplies and evacuated with support from the 2nd and 9th Italian Mule Groups. Company A of the 310th Engineer Battalion worked to clear vehicle routes.

The 2nd Indian Mule Company, Royal Indian Service Corps. This company helped supply the British 1st Division.
While not the same company that supported the 337th, it would have looked similar.
Photo taken October 2, 1944 near Crespino, Italy. Photographer: Yaskell, 3131st Signal Service Corps.
Photo source: U.S. National Archives. Digitized by Signal Corps Archive, public domain.

GIs with mess gear standing in the mud in Gothic Line in Apennines, September 29, 1944,
Fifth Army, Route 65, Italy. Photographer: Schmidt, 3131 Signal Service Co.
Photo source: U.S. National Archives. Digitized by Signal Corps Archive.

During the month of September, 126 prisoners were captured and 1 Distinguished Service Cross Medal, 3 Legion of Merits, 11 Silver Stars (1 posthumously), 1 Oak Leaf Cluster to Bronze Star Medal, 72 Bronze Stars (2 posthumously), 46 Purple Hearts, 17 Oak Leaf Cluster to Purple Hearts, and 289 Combat Infantryman Badges were awarded. Company C was cited for outstanding performance of duty in action, from May 12-16, 1944 near Tremensuoli, Italy. One officer and 29 enlisted men were killed in action, 3 officers and 184 enlisted men were wounded in action, and 1 officer and 102 enlisted men were missing in action. The Regiment now consisted of 171 officers, 5 warrant officers, and 3291 enlisted men.