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