October 23, 26, and 28, 1944

Johnnie’s heart likely leaped during mail call when he finally heard his name. The anticipation turned into joy as he received several letters from Lucile. On October 23, 1944, he wrote a V-mail to share the good news with her.

My Dear Darling,

Received seven letters from you today, and you don’t know how good I felt getting to hear from you after not hearing from you in almost a month and a half. I am so glad and happy to hear that your throat is well, and able to eat once again. I bet you really got down to half starving while your throat was sore. I sent you some more money, sometime ago. You should have it by now. Let me know. Yes, I can imagine how tough it was on you starting back to work again after being off sick with your throat. You should have taken your Mother’s advice and stayed off a little longer. I received a letter from your Mother also and one from Dot and Louise. Mom Stacks is worried too much, being in the condition she is in. I hope she can build herself up again. Don’t this sound like the red headed girl I used to know. Same as ever. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie 

Lucile, Elvie, Earl, and Leola

In a second V-mail dated October 23, 1944, addressed specifically to Lucile’s parents, he discussed the health challenges they were encountering.

Dearest Pop and Mom Stacks,

Just a few lines to let you know. I received your nice letter and was very glad to hear from you. I am sorry to hear that you are sick again and to hear that your blood pressure is down so you will just have to start building yourself up again for us when we all get back home again. Where we can have the fun we used to have. I am glad Lucille had her tonsils taken out. Maybe she won’t be bothered with a sore throat no more like she used to have. Say, if Doc keeps building like he is doing, he’s going to have more than he can take care of. Stacksville is really getting big, isn’t it, Ha Ha. Sorry to hear Atlanta lost out on the ball game this year. Maybe we will win the next time. I bet Mary and Betty hate to go back to school. You better get little Melvin started, Ha Ha. Will close.

Lots lots love, Johnnie

Betty Stacks

On October 24, 1944, Company G patrolled in preparation for a night attack. Instead of attacking north up the road, a different approach was used: the draw southwest of the objectives served as a line of departure, with three companies attacking abreast. The objective, including Mezzano, was captured, but reinforcements were needed to hold it. Supplying the regiment became difficult due to rain, washed-out bridges, and muddy trails. Evacuating casualties was slow and sometimes impossible. A minor assault late afternoon on the 1st Battalion position was thwarted by artillery fire, serving as a foreshadowing of future events. On October 26, the enemy attacked the Mezzano position under thick fog, causing casualties and pushing back Company A outpost platoons. Company K reinforced Company A, and Company I relieved Company B on il Poggio to extend the 1st Battalion left flank. The change was completed at midnight.

Lucile contemplated a trip to Miami, a prospect that left Johnnie somewhat uncertain. In a V-mail written from his hospital bed on October 26, 1944, he expressed his reservations.

My Dear Darling,

I received the package with the candy and crackers in it. Also, a letter from you and Nell. I am sorry to say but all the candy and the crackers both were molded. It is just a waste of money I guess to send stuff like that over here. I am glad to hear that you are completely well again. So sorry to hear that you are having such a tough time where you work. It seems to me when bad luck runs it hits us both at the same time. As you know, I wrote you and told you I was in the hospital again with a sprained ankle. Well it’s OK now but now they are seeing what they can do about my eyes. You remember the trouble they gave me all the time and you used to get on me about them. Well, maybe now they will fix them up for me. O yes, about Louise wanting you to go down to Miami. I don’t like the idea of you traveling alone down there and as it is the way you talk about not having the money to do other things with. I don’t see how you can do it and as sick as Mom Stacks is you should stay and help her all you can. But I guess you know what you are doing so that’s up to you. Will close. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Johnnie

Lucile, Elvie, and Nell

On October 27, 1944, higher headquarters ordered the evacuation of Mezzano and Hill 444 to straighten out the entire front due to the enemy’s strength opposing II Corps. II Corps, a combined force of American and British Third Army soldiers, collaborated to ensure the safety of all. The leadership of generals like Mark Clark and George Patton guided their efforts. The 2nd Battalion defended Castellaro and C. Rovine, while the 3rd Battalion defended the Cuccoli Ridge. The 1st Battalion withdrew from Mezzano and rested at a new camp in Migliarina, rotating the battalions for rest.

Johnnie, still hospitalized on October 28, 1944, wrote a V-mail to Lucile sharing the news that her cousin Irvin had also sustained injuries and was currently receiving care in another hospital.

My Dear Darling,

Just a few lines to let you know I am alright and hope and pray that this finds you the same. I received a letter from Irvin today. He is in the hospital also. But it isn’t serious he said. I was glad to hear that. I will be leaving here in a couple of days, going back to my outfit. O yes, honey, I hope you understand me about you going to Florida. But being that you have been on your own since I have been gone, you know what you are doing. I received a letter from Louise, and she said that Bill has bought Evelyn a home and everything she needs and she said he was always asking Evelyn if she’s happy, wanting to know if there is anything else he can get her. Do you think they will make out OK? Will close. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Johnnie

Irvin Stacks

During the final four days of October, the troops actively patrolled and fortified their defensive positions. They installed barbed wire, trip flares, anti-tank mines, and anti-personnel mines. Defensive fires were fine-tuned, and coordination with neighboring units was established. Additionally, a system of night ambush patrols was implemented to cover all approaches to their positions.

Throughout the month, the regiment received crucial support from the 86th Fighter-Bomber Group in preparing targets with air strikes. The armored units provided effective assistance to foot troops during the capture of Spedaletto, progress toward Hill 566, and the attack on Monterenzio.

86th Fighter Group P-47 Thunderbolts, 1944, United States Army Air Forces (USAF),
public domain; https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=9485742. 

October 18, 20, and 21, 1944

On October 13, 1944, Company A, supported by tanks, launched an all-out assault on Monterenzio from the south. Simultaneously, Company C attacked from the northeast. The hill was successfully captured, along with 23 additional prisoners. Later that day, Company B secured the Palazzo position. At 6:30 PM, the enemy launched a fierce attack on the 3rd Battalion at Poggioli, deploying 40 men. However, the German force was repelled with significant losses. During the night, the 339th Infantry completed the relief by 2:04 PM on October 14, 1944, except for Company I, which remained on Hill 418. The regiment assembled in a rest area between Borgo di Bisano and la Villa where they stayed for six days. During this period, the regiment focused on rest, rehabilitation, training, and preparing for future combat. The 85th Division set up a shower and clothing exchange unit close to the front lines. This facility provided soldiers the opportunity to freshen up with showers and obtain clean clothing.

Pvt. Genaro G. Gomez, 337th Regiment, 85th Division, the first man to use the new showers set up
behind the front lines, October 15, 1944. Photographer: Quarrie, 3131 Signal Service Co.
Photo source: U.S. National Archives. Digitized by Signal Corps Archive, public domain. 

After a shower and fresh clothing, the troops were treated to coffee and doughnuts by the Red Cross.

Miss Ruth Bondy, one of three Red Cross girls attached to the 85th Division, serves coffee and
doughnuts to soldiers who have just had their shower and change of clothing at the new 85th Division
shower and clothing exchange unit, October 15, 1944. Photographer: McQuarrie, 3131
Signal Service Co. Photo Source: U.S. National Archives. Digitized by Signal Corps Archive, public domain.

The precise location of the medical facility where Johnnie received medical treatment remains uncertain. Did he have the opportunity to appreciate the rest area facility alongside his fellow regiment members? Regardless of his whereabouts, Johnnie used this time for introspection about the war. And amidst the chaos, he prayed for a world that would one day know peace again—a sentiment he expressed in his October 18, 1944 V-mail to Lucile.

My Dear Darling,

Just a few lines to let you know I am alright and hope with all my heart that this finds you well in health and making out OK back there at home. Also, hope you never get interested in whatever you are doing, or at the place where you are working. Not to give me a little thought and the good times we have had together in the past years when I am where I can think my thoughts and go back to the years of what we need to enjoy so much. And the peace that this world once had and pray that we see it again in peace and happiness. And all of this in the past and I hope forgotten. Well honey, tell all the family hello and to write. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

On that same day, the 2nd Battalion was assigned to the 339th Infantry and took up positions on Hill 578 (also known as Poggioli) to safeguard the division’s right flank.

On October 20, 1944, just under three weeks after Johnnie sustained his injury, Lucile received a Western Union telegram from the U.S. Army Adjutant General, informing her of his condition.

W.WMUC 404 32 GOVT=  WUX WASHINGTON DC 20   900P=

MRS LUCILLE S MARSTON=

ROUTE NUMBER ONE   COLLEGE PARK GA=

REGRET TO INFORM YOU YOUR HUSBAND PRIVATE FIRST CLASS JOHN H MARSTON JR WAS SLIGHTLY INJURED IN ACTION TWO OCTOBER IN ITALY   YOU WILL BE ADVISED AS REPORTS OF CONDITION ARE RECEIVED=

J A ULIO THE ADJUTANT GENERAL.

Western Union telegram to Lucile from the U.S. Army Adjutant General

Adjutant General James A. Ulio; Harris & Ewing, photographer,
public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

On October 20, 1944, the 2nd Battalion relieved the 3rd Battalion, 350th Infantry on Mount Cuccoli. Company A occupied Farnete to the right of the 2nd Battalion. The regiment’s task was to seize Castellaro in the right sector. The maneuver involved a column formation attack, with the 2nd Battalion leading and the 1st Battalion following closely. During reconnaissance, the 2nd Battalion’s patrol captured seven prisoners in Castellaro. Companies F and G secured the hill, and by 9 PM, their defenses were complete. Meanwhile, the 1st Battalion regrouped. The 337th Infantry elements once again led the Fifth Army’s push toward Highway 9.

Despite his hospitalization, Johnnie remained keenly aware of the developments within his regiment. In his October 21, 1944 letter to Lucile, he harbored a lingering suspicion that Lucile had grown weary of his persistent expressions of affection. Simultaneously, he longed for her letters. The confines of the hospital walls physically isolated him from his unit, where her letters seemed lost to him.

My Dear Darling

I will try to write you a few lines but as I haven’t received any mail from you at all this month it is going to be hard. I know it isn’t your fault, of me not getting any mail from you, you see since I am away from my outfit, all of my mail is going to it and they haven’t just yet sent it here to me at the hospital. As you know I could write you all my mail to you and tell you how much I love you and how swell you have been to me, after what hardships I put on you in the years we have been married. But I know you get tired of it and want to hear other things I have to say. As I said before not hearing from you, I can’t think of anything to write. I am sending a clipping out of the Stars and Stripes that they wrote about the outfit I am in and I want you to keep it for me and maybe later on in years I hope I can look at it and think of these days. Well as I said before, I can’t think of much to write except I dream of you often. God only know how much I love you. Tell all the folks hello and to write. I miss you a lot and I love you a million!

Always, Johnnie

On October 22, 1944, the 1st Battalion attempted to take Mount Mezzano, but faced obstacles: Castellaro was not fully cleared, and the enemy counterattacked Hill 568. Company F captured C. Rovine and 17 prisoners. The 3rd Battalion secured Cuccoli Ridge. During the night, the 2nd Battalion cleared Castellaro and established a strong defense. The 1st Battalion faced resistance near il Poggio and withdrew to C. Rovine at dawn on October 23. 

October 9, 10, and 12, 1944

On October 7, 1944, Company L received orders to move to Ridge 407-386, extending the regimental right flank. After engaging in firefights, Company L successfully captured the ridge and established a rear slope defense. Meanwhile, Company E of the 2nd Battalion assembled near Hill 605. Just before midnight, the enemy assaulted Hill 407, suffering the loss of 13 men taken as prisoners. The division advised the regiment to maintain their current positions.

On October 8, 1944, Company K patrolled the areas of Palmona, Hills 423, and 424. After an intense battle, they captured Hill 407 along with 29 prisoners. The 1st Battalion, 338th Infantry, supported Company L for the upcoming attack scheduled at 9:06 AM on October 9.

In a three-battalion assault, the 1st Battalion led the attack to capture Monterenzio. Flanking them were the 1st Battalion, 338th Infantry (left), and the 3rd Battalion (right). Companies B and C of the 1st Battalion advanced 400 yards, securing Hill 408. Despite fierce enemy defense, incremental gains were made against Palmona and La Villa. By late afternoon, Company B had captured Hill 423, but an enemy counterattack at 6:30 PM caused heavy losses for Company C, which held its ground.

On October 9, 1944, Johnnie wrote a V-mail to Lucile, conveying a heartfelt sentiment: ‘You and you alone is what I want to see again.’ Perhaps, in that quiet moment from his hospital bed, he wondered if fate would grant his wish.

My Dear Darling,

Well, how is this finding you tonight? I hope well and alright. As for myself, I am OK. How is your job by now, since cold weather is almost there? I hope it isn’t as bad on you as the summer months was. Gee honey, all I look forward to now is getting back to you and taking care of you and I pray to God every night to help me get back to you. You and you alone is what I want to see again. You are all I have and only God knows what would happen to me if anything should harm you or take you from me. Gee what a day it will be when peace is in the world once more. I pray that it isn’t very far off. Well honey, I will have to close. Tell all the family I said hello and give them my love. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

Johnnie and Lucile

Despite limited progress since the 6 AM attack, Companies B and C of the 338th Infantry achieved significant gains overnight. By 4 AM on October 10, they captured Hill 452 and La Villa. Recognizing the enemy’s vulnerability on the left flank, plans were devised to engage the 2nd Battalion in a night maneuver, aligning it with the rest of the regiment. Unfortunately, the mud rendered close armor support ineffective. Company A’s aggressive push ahead of the 1st Battalion resulted in the capture of Hill 528. During interrogation, surprised German defenders revealed a V-shaped defense centered around Monterenzio, with Hill 528 at its apex. The strongpoint was subsequently relocated to Scaruglio, now that Hill 528 was under our control. Intelligence reports indicated at least 150 enemy troops in the vicinity, prompting Company C to plan an encircling maneuver to neutralize the Palmona strongpoint.

Under the cover of darkness, the 2nd Battalion stealthily advanced past enemy positions on Mount Formiche, capturing Hill 349 and taking prisoners by 9:40 AM. Simultaneously, the 1st Battalion secured Hills 423 and 424, while the 1st Battalion of the 338th Infantry faced heavy shelling but still managed to take Hills 428. The 3rd Battalion patrols approached within 100 yards of Zello before a slight enemy withdrawal. Throughout the day, aggressive small unit actions continued, culminating in Company B holding Hill 409 by 6:30 PM. Despite heavy losses, progress persisted, and by midnight, the left two battalions reached the Ridge 362-449. At dawn, the 1st Battalion, 338th Infantry engaged in fierce firefights, wiping out resistance and securing Hill 520.

On October 10, 1944, amidst these events, Johnnie found himself in a different hospital, his emotions running high. Tragically, during his transfer from one medical facility to another, he lost family photographs that held immense sentimental value. In a V-mail written that day, he confided this heartbreaking news to Lucile.

My Dear Darling,

Just to let you know I am alright and hope with all my heart that this finds you the same. Honey, you know all the pictures I had of you and all the rest of the family? Well, the hospital I was at before I came to this one is where I left them. I put them under my pillow when I arrived there and when they transferred me to the hospital that I am at at the present, I thought I had all my stuff with me but as I later found out, I had left the pictures. I wrote to the hospital to see if they could recover them for me. I hate to think that they are lost from me. They are all I had of you and the family. Of you all being near to me. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

The attack resumed at 7 AM on October 11, 1944. Despite heavy shelling from mortar and artillery, the 3rd Battalion captured 50 prisoners in the Zello area. Company B secured Hill 572. Throughout the day, enemy harassment continued with mortar, artillery, and machine gun fire. To prepare for the assault on Monterenzio, the 2nd Battalion assembled on Ridge 409-528 after being relieved by the 1st Battalion, 338th Infantry. This critical maneuver allowed the 1st Battalion to consolidate its position and eliminate remaining resistance on Hills 520, 362, and 449.

Under the cover of darkness on October 12, 1944, Company B advanced toward Hill 578, narrowly missing their target—the church. Simultaneously, machine guns erupted from bunkers, compelling a 300-yard retreat. Meanwhile, Company I captured Hill 418, and Company L pushed forward, attacking the draws left of Hill 418. Despite their progress, the 3rd Battalion faced unyielding fire from the right flank. Company I later neutralized the bunkers near Hill 356, while intelligence revealed that the enemy still held strategic positions on Hills 378, 392, and 461. Word arrived that the 339th Infantry would relieve the 337th Infantry during the night of October 13–14, necessitating preparations for this crucial passage of lines.

In the afternoon, tanks positioned themselves strategically to fire directly at Hill 578. Simultaneously, efforts were made to dislodge the enemy from the exposed elevation. Meanwhile, 20 soldiers from Company A sought refuge in a nearby church, but it became a trap due to relentless machine gun and mortar fire. Hindered by intense enemy fire, Company A could not advance or assist comrades. Across the battlefield, the 3rd Battalion aimed to secure the high ground near Poggioli (Hill 554). Under cover of darkness, Company I advanced undetected. At 10:15 PM, the 1st Battalion resumed operations against Monterenzio. Company B attacked northwestward to seize Hills 471 and 468. Meanwhile, Company A flanked Hill 578 from the right. Around midnight, Company A faced fierce resistance, prompting Company C to execute a wide flanking movement and assume their critical mission.

Monterenzio is located approximately 12 miles from Bologna (within the red circle). Gothic Line,
The History Department of the United States Military Academy, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

In his letter to Lucile dated October 12, 1944, Johnnie expressed his concern about not receiving her letters. Given that he was in the hospital at the time, he wrote to her using American Red Cross stationery.

My Dear Darling, 

Just a few lines to let you know I am thinking of you and hope and pray that this finds you well and alright. I haven’t heard from you in a good while now. The reason is all the mail I have back at my outfit. I guess is this, they haven’t forwarded it to me here at the hospital as yet. I don’t know whether I will get any of it or not. If you are still writing me pretty regular, I shall have stacks of mail from you personally. How is the home front coming aong? What about little Nell? Is she coming along alright? Has she been hearing from Robert pretty regular? I wrote Dot and Drexter the other day, also Mom Stacks and Doc. O say, if Mickey has left for the Army, I guess I will have to write Gearl and tell him to keep a look out on you for me and to take care of you for me till I get back. Have you ever heard from Louise or any of my sisters yet? I haven’t. I have a good family, don’t I? Can’t even hear from them once in a while. At least Dad and his wife write me pretty often. Have you seen them lately? The last letter I received from them, they were talking about going down to Jacksonville, Fla. for a few days. I guess you will have to start sending me some pictures of you again, just in case I don’t get the others back. It really burns me up to go off and leave those pictures like I did. I surely hope and pray I get them back. You know the other day I got to thinking about all the crowds we used to run around with and was wondering where they all got to be now. Have you ever thought about that? Well, I guess I will close for this time. Tell all hello for me and to write. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

 

October 3, 5, and 6, 1944

Click here to read the Operations Report by the 337th Infantry Regiment for October 1944.

On October 1, 1944, the 85th Division launched a regimental attack. The 339th Infantry secured the left flank, while the 337th Infantry held the right. Supported by various units, including the 85th Reconnaissance Troop, Company A of the 310th Engineer Battalion, Company A of the 752nd Tank Battalion, Company B of the 805th Tank Destroyer Battalion, and a platoon from Company B of the 84th Chemical Weapons Battalion, the 2nd and 3rd Battalions advanced from a line of departure north of the Guignola-Rooo Road. Despite encountering enemy fire, Company K successfully outflanked resistance on the Guzzo Ridge, advancing methodically.

When tanks arrived at the 2nd Battalion, Company F swiftly broke through the ranks of Companies E and G, which were stalled on the ridge near il Caprullo. After five German soldiers surrendered, the remaining enemy forces withdrew. Despite relentless artillery fire, Companies E and F secured L’Oppio and Spedaletto, capturing 22 prisoners by 5:20 PM. Meanwhile, Company L of the 3rd Battalion received orders to advance to the ridge near Spedaletto and capture the next objective: Hill 751. During intense combat, the 1st Battalion, acting as reserves, rested in an assembly area southwest of Piancaldoli. Subsequently, the 3rd Battalion, supported by the 2nd Battalion, advanced under the cover of darkness until encountering enemy resistance. Their objective: Hill 761. Company L skillfully captured a hill, securing six enemy machine gun positions and taking 68 prisoners along with two self-propelled guns. Meanwhile, Company K withdrew from Guzzo Ridge and joined the battalion on the hill. Unfortunately, Company I was forced back to Hill 504 due to intense mortar and small arms fire.

The 3rd Battalion maneuvered through resistance to the east and west of the main ridge line. Meanwhile, the 2nd Battalion apprehended 25 prisoners despite scattered enemy opposition. At noon on October 2, all three companies engaged in fierce fighting. Notably, a patrol from Company L, nearly encircled by enemy forces atop Hill 625, fought their way back to rejoin the rest of the company already deeply engaged in combat. The regiment faced resistance from enemy tanks and an opposing company. A strategic decision was made: first, secure the pocket on Guzzo Ridge before advancing further. Simultaneously, the 1st Battalion, stationed at Spedaletto, dispatched a reinforced company to assist Company I, while Company K halted its progress just shy of Guzzo. During the afternoon, Companies C and I engaged on Hill 550, eliminating enemy machine guns. Simultaneously, Company L repelled two attacks on Hill 751, destroying an enemy tank. Orders were issued to maintain positions and resume the offensive at 3:06 AM on October 3. Under cover of darkness, the enemy launched an assault on Company L before midnight. Company G swiftly moved to Hill 751 to support the 3rd Battalion. The 328th Field Artillery Battalion strategically positioned themselves, laying down defensive fires just 50 yards ahead of Company L. The enemy attack was met with fierce artillery and small arms fire, resulting in significant losses for the assailants. As night wore on, a tense calm settled over the battlefield.

Johnnie was wounded on October 2, 1944 and spent the entire month in the hospital. As a result, he was unable to participate in the intense combat that his regiment faced during that period. Continue reading to discover more about their journey.

Johnnie in Italy

On October 3, 1944, a fierce battle unfolded. The 2nd Battalion aimed to secure Ridge 626-605, supported by tank destroyers. Simultaneously, the 1st Battalion focused on capturing Hill 587, while the 3rd Battalion targeted Hill 625 and the formidable C. Nupolare Ridge. Throughout the day, heavy casualties were exacted on both sides. Despite challenges, progress ensued. By 1 PM, our forces secured Casoncello and la Cella. However, the 2nd Battalion encountered enemy mines. On the right flank, Company L captured 28 prisoners, while the 3rd Battalion struggled. At 3 PM, Company A successfully captured C. di Rotaro. By 5 PM, tanks joined the 2nd Battalion, enabling Companies E and F to advance. By 6 PM, the 3rd Battalion made progress against Hill 635, and Company E secured Hill 628. The 1st and 2nd Battalions organized their objectives for defense and prepared to continue the assault the following morning. At 10:30 PM, Company I gained control of C. del Monte (Hill 588). Although our advances were costly, the enemy suffered heavy casualties, including 45 prisoners.

From his hospital bed on October 3, 1944, Johnnie wrote not one, but two letters. The first letter was addressed to Lucile, in which he discussed the usual topics—her health, financial matters, and family affairs.

My Dear Darling,

Just a few lines to let you know I am OK and hope with all my heart that this finds you the same. I hope you are over with the trouble with your throat since you have your tonsils out now. Also, glad that the doctors didn’t find anything else wrong with you. I am sorry to hear that you had to break one of your checks but you should have that other forty dollars I sent you by now anyway. I hope it don’t get lost like the first forty I sent you. I still can’t understand what happened to that money. I can’t do anything about it now because I have lost the receipt that I got when I sent it to you. But just in case, this other money doesn’t get to you, I am going to make sure I don’t lose these receipts. You asked me have I heard from Louise or Evelyn lately. No, I haven’t heard from them in about three months now. I am still waiting to hear from them first. I have been hearing from Dad and his wife pretty regular lately. O’yeah, I received a letter from Aunt Agnes. I can’t keep addresses so I haven’t written her. I wish you would write to her for me and explain why I haven’t answered her letter. Tell her I will try my best to remember her address on her next letter and will write myself. Tell Mom Stacks and Doc I haven’t forgot them and that I will write them right away. I guess Mickey will be in the Army by the time you get this. If not, tell him I wish him all the luck in the world when he does go. How is Nell? Sure would like to see that fat little pig now, Ha Ha. Just kidding. Well honey, I will have to close for now. I miss you a lot and I love you a million. 

Always, Johnnie

Johnnie and Lucile

The second was a V-mail to Leola and Doc Stacks with Johnnie sharing the delightful news that he had recently encountered Irwin.

Hello Folks,

Just a few lines to let you know I haven’t forgotten two good people and that I never could anyway. I hope this finds you both well. As for myself, I am OK. I haven’t had much time to write lately. But I will try to catch up on all my writing later on as soon as time permits me too. I received a letter from Aunt Agnes about three days ago. I can’t answer it because I can’t keep no writing addresses on me. I have been trying to remember her address but it is no need. Maybe it will come to me later on. Have you heard from Cecil lately? How is he? Tell him to drop me a line. O yeah, I have seen Irwin. He is OK! Hope to see him again soon. Will close. Tell all hello for me. 

Lots love, Johnnie

In neither letter did Johnnie mention his injury.

On October 4 at 6:30 AM, the 1st Battalion received orders to advance through the 2nd Battalion, supported by armored units, and capture Hill 587. Company A faced mines and small arms fire during their morning advance, successfully capturing Hill 587 by 7:25 AM. Despite this victory, numerous snipers continued to engage U.S. troops from concealed positions. By noon, our forces had neutralized or captured these enemy troops. Plans were then made to press forward toward the next objective: Hill 566. However, the regiment’s rapid advances had positioned leading elements significantly ahead of flanking units, exposing them to enemy fire from all directions. At 1 PM, preparations began on Hill 566. By 1:30 PM, Companies B and C launched a coordinated attack, but their advance was briefly halted by heavy artillery fire from the flanks. Undeterred, at 3 PM, a platoon from Company C successfully reached the objective, securing the hill within an hour. The 3rd Battalion reported that all resistance near the village of Sassonero had been eliminated. Despite this success, the enemy continued intense artillery fire within the regimental area, prompting the initiation of a counter-battery program to neutralize the bombardment.

On October 5, 1944, Johnnie finally disclosed his injury to Lucile via V-mail. 

My Dear Darling Wife,

Just a few lines to let you know I am OK and hope with all my heart that this finds you the same. Honey, I received the picture of you. It really looks well. Gosh, I still believe you have grown a little taller. You sure look tall in this picture. It’s really going to be bad if I have to get up on a step ladder to even kiss you, Ha Ha. I am in the hospital again. I sprang my ankle and it swelled up a little bit and they sent me to the hospital. I don’t guess I will be here very long. But who knows? I am very down on my weight now. But you can’t expect to keep that or anything else over here. Have you been getting my mail to you pretty regular? I have been writing to you as much as possible. Will close for now. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

We lack information about the circumstances surrounding Johnnie’s ankle sprain or its initial severity. It is possible that it initially seemed like a mild sprain, but over the course of three days, it progressively worsened, ultimately necessitating the extended hospital stay.

During the intense battle, the 1st Battalion (Johnnie’s) faced Monterenzio as their next objective. Intelligence revealed formidable enemy defenses, including surrounding hills and buildings (Hill 528, Soaruglio, Hill 572, Palazzo, Poggioli). Instead of a direct assault, the battalion probed the area to locate guns and strongpoints, improve the ridge trail for tank support, and soften the objective with artillery and dive bombings. Despite heavy artillery, patrols identified an enemy outpost line from Hill 408 to Hill 407. At 5:40 PM, the enemy attacked, but prepared fires forced their retreat by 6:18 PM. Company I secured the right flank, and Company E defended near Ca di Bellaia (Hill 513). Division ordered a halt, and their position was consolidated overnight.

On October 6, 1944, patrols and reconnaissance occurred. Enemy forces held Hills 496 and 423, while C. Maleta was secured by an E Company platoon. The 3rd Battalion relocated to the Sassonero area, and the 1st Battalion of the 338th Infantry advanced to Hills 301 and 369 on the left flank. However, the attack was postponed due to division orders.

Amidst the chaos of the front lines, Johnnie, a young soldier, confronted the brutal realities of war. His once-untouched innocence lay shattered, replaced by a steely resolve forged in battle. Still in the hospital on October 6, 1944, he wrote a V-mail to Lucile, pouring out his emotions.

My Dear Darling,

Just a few lines hoping that this finds you well and OK. As for myself, I am well. Only wanting to see you so bad, which I hope and pray won’t be so long off. I wonder a lot how things are going back home with you, and I have dreamed often of the day when I return and we can start building up again the things that we both want. I have seen a lot and learned plenty since I have been over here and a lot of things that I have seen here, I know darn well none of the people back there will believe was possible, not unless they’ve seen it all themselves. Things that have happened here, I hope and pray will never happen back there in America. I guess you are tired of all this I am writing so I will close. Tell Mom and Doc I said hello and tell all the rest I am thinking of them. I miss you a lot Darling and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie