February 25, March 4, and 5, 1945

On the night of February 23, Company I took over from Company K. The following day, Company K relieved Company L, which then moved into battalion reserve on Hill 455.

On February 24, the 85th Division received orders confirming that the enemy had been employing small infiltrating reconnaissance patrols—consisting of two to three men—who operated stealthily at night and concealed themselves during the day behind our lines, meticulously documenting their observations. In response, our regiment established daylight patrols in nearby areas, thoroughly searching houses, ravines, and prepared positions not typically occupied by our troops. Each battalion was assigned a specific area, and rear area patrols operated during daylight hours. Remarkably, no enemy patrols were encountered for the remainder of the month.

On February 25, 4.5-inch rockets were positioned and fired at targets. Sixty-three rounds were launched, with only three rounds missing the mark. Remarkably, this marked the 85th Division’s first use of the 4.5-inch rocket on the front lines.

Illustration of the 4.5-Inch Beach Barrage Rocket (“Old Faithful”)
with Mk. 9 motor, U.S. War Department, public domain,
via Wikimedia Commons

Johnnie grappled with the loss of his dear friend and cherished family member when Lucile’s father passed away. In his February 25, 1945 V-mail to Lucile, he struggled to articulate the depth of his emotions.

My Dear Darling,

Well, I received your letter today telling me about one of the saddest things I never would had wanted to hear, and I grant you this is one of the hardest letters to write because there is no words I can express to my feelings about Doc leaving us all. As you know he was Tops to me, and he always treated me as if I was his own son and as you know Darling, we were always great pals. I know it was the worse thing to Mom Stacks to ever happen and I can’t put in words how I know she must feel, as they loved each other so much and I know how the rest of the family feels after losing one they love so dearly. Honey, it is going to be hard for me to write Mom Stacks and tell her my feelings as it is hard to write you this. But as you go by, God knows best for us all. So, please give my regards to all the family. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Johnnie

On February 26, 75 rounds of 4.5-inch rockets pounded Castellaro—the target area was thoroughly saturated. By February 28, the 337th Infantry’s Company A had been relieved by Company B, 339th Infantry, and Company C, 337th Infantry was replaced by Company A, 339th Infantry.

In February, as the snow gradually melted, the regiment’s focus shifted to enhancing defenses. They fortified dugouts and improved position camouflage. The once-used white camouflage suits and mule capes were abandoned. The weather remained relatively dry, with better visibility due to increased sunshine. To tackle the melting snow and treacherous trails, they launched an extensive road and trail improvement initiative. Specifically, Company A, 310th Engineer Battalion widened the previously one-way road from the 3rd Battalion Rear Distribution Point to Casalino, allowing for two-way traffic. Their efforts also significantly enhanced the supply road.

During this period, the battalion ammunition and pioneer platoons, aided by a reserve company in each battalion sector, expanded existing trails. They carved stair-like steps into the hard-packed snow and ground, deeply ditching both sides and piling excavated soil directly onto the route. To complete the path, they laid a felt and wood mat over the spoil. Despite their efforts, the enemy persistently defended the sector. Their activity remained light, primarily involving long-range two-man patrols, with little progressive patrolling. Enemy fire targeted their positions, including machine gun fire, continuous mortar fire, and an escalation of artillery and self-propelled fire. Flare activity remained typical, and we encountered enemy propaganda shells landing in our area on several occasions. To enhance visibility during nighttime operations, we effectively utilized artificial moonlight for ambush and screening patrols.

A Quartermaster Dogs Platoon was deployed for five nights on ambush patrols, but they were subsequently withdrawn due to excellent visibility, rendering their use impractical. During World War II, the Quartermaster War Dog Program played a crucial role in deploying trained dogs for combat. German Shepherds, Belgian Sheep Dogs, Doberman Pinschers, Farm Collies, and Giant Schnauzers were accepted breeds. These platoons trained and deployed dogs for various roles, including scout and messenger duties. For example, the 34th and 38th Quartermaster Platoons supported the Fifth Army in Italy. Despite being wary of mortar and artillery shells, these dogs served in frontline foxholes, patrolled roads, guarded command posts, and even had night guard duty around supply dumps. Injured dogs received a Purple Heart and commendation, while owners of fallen dogs received certificates of merit.

Browny, a night patrol scout dog and his handler
Sergt. Blaine K. McGaughy. Signal Corps photo
from Evening Star, Washington, DC,
May 20, 1945.

During the month of February, 1 Distinguished Service Cross (posthumously), 6 Silver Stars, 4 Oak Leaf Cluster to Bronze Star Medals, 51 Bronze Stars (3 posthumously, 1 missing in action), 23 Purple Hearts, 9 Oak Leaf Cluster to Purple Hearts, and 268 Combat Infantryman Badges were awarded. Four prisoners were captured. Two officers and 9 enlisted men were killed in action, 39 enlisted men were wounded in action, and 1 enlisted man was missing in action. The Regiment now consisted of 160 officers, 3 warrant officers, and 3371 enlisted men. 

Click here to read the Operations Report by the 337th Infantry Regiment for March 1945.

In March 1945, the regiment, along with attached Companies A and B from the 339th Infantry, held defensive positions. These included the Cuccoli-Farneto Ridge, the northwest slope of M. Grande, and Montecalderaro. The battalions were deployed as follows: the 2nd Battalion (excluding Company F), the 3rd Battalion, and the 1st Battalion (including Company F, 337th Infantry, and Companies A and B, 339th Infantry). The 1st Battalion, 339th Infantry, along with Companies A and C, 337th Infantry, remained in reserve near C. del Chin. Ambush patrols covered all approaches, while reconnaissance patrols maintained contact with the enemy at Albereto, Di Sopra, Casetta, and Bertochi. Combat patrols consistently identified enemy forces. Normal communication with neighboring units was maintained, and daylight patrols operated in our rear areas. Although enemy positions remained static, there was heightened self-propelled activity after midnight on March 1. A propaganda broadcast to the enemy on the night of February 28 to March 1 had no effect. Meanwhile, a Company A combat patrol, led by one officer and 12 enlisted men, found no enemy presence during their mission to Casetta. Our artillery, mortar, and .50 caliber machine gun fire inflicted casualties on the enemy. Simultaneously, the 1st Parachute Division maintained control over strategic locations, such as C. del Braglia, Alberto, Di Sopra, C. Nuova, M. Castellaro, Ca di Ca, Bursano, M. Mezzano, Casignola, Il Polggio, Bertochi, and Casetta.

The 1st Battalion, 339th Infantry took over from the 1st Battalion, 337th Infantry. Company G replaced Company F. Command of the sector shifted to the commanding officer of the 1st Battalion, 339th Infantry. Meanwhile, Johnnie and the 1st Battalion, 337th Infantry gathered in reserve near C. del Chin for rest and light training.

During the night of March 3, a Ranger Combat Patrol, consisting of one officer and 10 enlisted men, encountered two friendly casualties while attempting to approach a house near Albereta. The patrol observed nine enemy personnel in the vicinity of the house and subsequently withdrew, directing artillery fire toward the objectives.

On March 4, 1945, Johnnie wrote a letter to Lucile using whimsical stationery. It seems likely that Lucile had sent it to him along with other supplies.

My Dear Darling,

I received two letters from you yesterday and was glad to hear that you are well and all right. As for myself, I am OK. I hope this finds Mom Stacks a lot better after what she just went through. That was one of the worst things to happen and being that her health is so run down. I just pray and hope she pulls out of it OK. Honey, I know I shall write her, but being that Doc just passed away it's really hard to write and tell her my feelings. I hope you understand. I think it's best to wait till she’s feeling a little better. Don’t you? I am sorry to hear that the lumber company is being sold. It seems like she could have someone to take charge of it and kept it going. But I guess who ever is looking out for her business and what Doc left her, knows what best. I am glad Bob got to come home and see Nell and the baby. And I can just imagine how he felt to see his baby. I don’t blame him for crying. Well Darling, I will have to close for now. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Johnnie 

While writing his March 5, 1945 letter to Lucile, Johnnie likely indulged in chocolate-covered cherries. 

My Dear Darling,

I received a letter from you today, also the box with the pocket book socks and writing tablet and envelopes. Thanks a lot. I also received a box from Dad and his wife. It was chocolate cover cherry candies. Boy, I really dug into that, Ha Ha. I am sorry to hear that you haven’t been feeling well lately. Please take care of yourself. Sorry to hear that little Melvin is sick. I surely hope he is much better by the time you get this. It made me feel good when I read your letter saying that Mom Stacks is able to be up. Gee, I sure hope she comes out alright. Sorry to hear that Nell’s baby is sick. Surely hope it isn’t serious. I am sending you the watch back to have it fixed. That is if it doesn’t cost too much. If so, don’t bother with it. Also, I am sending you my badge with the rifle on it. It is broken where it’s supposed to fasten on at, but you shall be able to have it fix for a very little. I received a letter from Dot. Going to answer it one of these days. Dad wrote me about this J. M. Marston and said it might be one of his cousins that’s trying to found out whether he is any kin to me or not. Anyway, quit writing him. If he wants to know whether he is kin to me or not tell him to write Dad or go see him or tell him you have one guy that’s writing to you named Marston and that’s enough. That shall fix him, OK? Ha Ha. Well Darling, I will have to close for now. Thanks again for the package and God bless you. I miss you a lot and I love you a million. 

Always, Johnnie

Melvin Stacks (ca. 1954)

February 19, 22, and 23, 1945

On February 18, a 3rd Battalion ambush patrol encountered interference on their SCR 300 radio, likely originating from the radio lost during the previous raid on Di Sopra. Meanwhile, Company I, 339th Infantry was relieved by Company A, 337th Infantry, and Company L, 339th Infantry was relieved by Company C, 337th Infantry, all by day’s end. Company K, 339th Infantry was relieved by Company B, 337th Infantry, and Company B, 337th Infantry was relieved by Company F, 337th Infantry. These transitions were completed, and command of the sector was assumed by the Commanding Officer of the 1st Battalion, 337th Infantry by February 19.

Johnnie was still unaware of Sam’s passing when he wrote Lucile a V-mail on February 19, 1945, eight days after his passing.

My Dear Darling,

Well, how is this finding my Baby today. I hope well and making out OK back there at home. Honey, guess who I received a letter from today. Grandma Marston. Sure was glad to hear from her. The way she wrote though, her and Grandpop are not doing so well as far as their health is concerned. Both of them are up in their eighties now. I sure hope their health improves. Honey, can you get some of those big red handkerchiefs? If so, send me about a half dozen. Honey, have you heard from Earl yet? How is he making out? Say, do you realize in five more days I will be twenty-five? Getting old all the time. What’s your age now? Thirty-five, isn’t it? Ha Ha. Remember how I used to kid you about your age? At least I got memories. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Johnnie

John H. and Mattie Marston on left
(Grandpa and Grandma Marston)

On February 20, the 1st Battalion, 339th Infantry moved to the assembly area via C. del Chin and joined the 337th Infantry. Simultaneously, the 3rd Battalion, 339th Infantry detached from the 337th and returned to its parent unit’s control. Unfortunately, during this time, the 1st Battalion’s advance command post building near La Costa was struck by several rounds of heavy mortar fire, resulting in five fatalities and 12 wounded. Among the casualties were Lieutenant Colonel August R. Schmidt, the battalion commander, and 1st Lieutenant Dow. K. Payton, the S-2 officer.

Enemy mortar and artillery fire escalated daily along supply routes near Cuccoli, Farneto, and the M. Grande trail between La Costa and Vezzolo. Buildings across the front faced harassing fire. In response, command posts and installations previously housed in buildings at Farneto, Montecalderaro sector, and C. del Fabbi were relocated to dugouts on reserve slopes. All positions were fortified, and the battalions intensified harassing and counterbattery missions. Each battalion deployed six .50 caliber machine guns to disrupt enemy installations and supply trails.

Browning .50 caliber machine gun. Photo courtesy of PEO Soldier,
via Wikimedia Commons, public domain.

On February 20, a Company G combat patrol, led by one officer and 15 enlisted men, encountered stubborn resistance while approaching a house at Di Sopra. The patrol split into two groups: one from the left and one from the right (southeast). As the second group neared the house, an enemy soldier fled from the well to a haystack, and automatic weapons opened fire. Simultaneously, the left group faced enemy gunfire and grenades. The patrol withdrew, reorganized, and called for artillery support. They then resumed their approach from the same directions. Despite casualties from hand grenades, the left group advanced within 20 yards of the house before being forced back. The right group could not get as close. Our artillery struck the house five times. The patrol leader estimated 10 enemy soldiers inside the house, with an additional platoon reinforcing the ridge behind it. Machine gun fire came from C. Nuova, Castelletti, and the house and ridge. Enemy medium artillery covered the eastern approaches to the house.

On February 22, Company M mortars targeted enemy dugouts atop Castellaro with fuse-quick mortars. Soon after, two enemy “medics” emerged, brandishing three Red Cross flags. These “medics” stood openly, waving the flags—one even planted in the ground nearby. Subsequently, additional troops arrived, digging into the dugouts, and evacuating six enemy soldiers under the guise of the Red Cross. As the last enemy departed, the “medics” retrieved their flags and vanished over the hill. Our artillery responded swiftly, and later-captured prisoners of war revealed that more casualties had occurred. In a separate incident, Company C, 339th Infantry apprehended two tough prisoners from the 6th and 7th Companies, 3rd Parachute Regiment. Although tight-lipped, these prisoners disclosed their mission: to assess whether our forces were amassing for an attack.

Infantrymen passing through a bend in the road, after coming out
of the front lines. Mt. Grande area, Italy, February 22, 1945.
Photographer: Levine, 196th Signal Photo Company, public domain.

Johnnie probably longed to be home, where he could celebrate his birthday—a sentiment he mentioned in his February 22, 1945 letter to Lucile.

My Dear Darling,

Well, here it is just a few more days and this month will be finnito. That is, in good old English, through. That is one of the two words I know in Italian just in case it might have slipped your mind. Just two more days and I will be twenty-five. The old rocking chair will soon come in handy, Ha Ha. Regardless of all of that Darling I hope this finds you in the best of health and all the rest of the family the same. Honey, you don’t know the half of it when you say you are missing me more each day. You shall know how I feel. It’s even making me age a lot. That, and this war. Yes, I will drop Mickey a line and see how he is making out. I am sure he will do well though. Yes, I can imagine how Gearl feels after having Mickey around him all the time and they being separated now. But things like that are going on all over the world now, right? You are not kidding when you say something about me liking to stay in bed on Sunday’s like I used to and I really miss that. Those was some of the good old days wasn’t it. Honey, this picture of you is really super. You really are showing all your charms and I am not kidding either. You are a sweetheart if there ever was one. Are putting it’s the old slang’s I once knew. You are the cat’s meow. Anyway, you know what I mean. How is Doc and Mom Stacks? Tell them I said hello and give them my regards. Well Darling, I will have to close for now. O yeah, tell Nell and the baby hello for me, Ha Ha, and all the rest of the family. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

Nell, Lucile, Geral’s wife Evelyn, Gearl,
and an unknown man

Happy Birthday, Johnnie! In his February 23, 1945 V-mail to Lucile, he made sure she was aware of the occasion. And as for himself, he harbored a special wish. 

My Dear Darling,

Just a few lines to let you know I am well and hope with all my heart that this finds you in the best of health and all the rest of the family the same. The last letter I received from you was the fifth of this month, and that’s been almost three weeks ago. As you know, today is my birthday, which makes two I have had since I’ve been overseas. I hope and pray by the time the next one rolls around we all are back home and we have peace once more in this world. Well, I guess that’s enough on that subject. How is your work coming along at Sewell? They are not still rolling over you, are they? Don’t let that girl you had an argument with pull out your hair, Ha Ha. No kidding, I think you can take care of yourself, right? Well honey, I will have to close for now. Tell all hello for me. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

Johnnie’s letter provided a clue regarding Lucile’s occupation when he mentioned ‘Sewell.’ It seems that she worked as a seamstress for the Sewell Clothing Company, situated in the Atlanta area in 1945. 

February 12, 15, and 16, 1945

On the night of February 11, a Company F combat patrol, led by one officer and 24 enlisted men, approached Di Sopra. They found the house occupied but were forced to return due to heavy machine gun, artillery, and mortar fire. On February 12, each battalion established a provisional .50 caliber machine gun platoon within their respective heavy weapons companies. These platoons were deployed to provide direct support for raids, assist in limited objective attacks, and defend against enemy assaults by delivering harassing fire on enemy positions.

Johnnie’s father-in-law, Sam Stacks, passed away on February 11. Unaware of this news, Johnnie wrote a V-mail to Lucile on February 12, 1945. Sam was only 51 years old.

My Dear Darling,

I received your letter that was mailed the twenty-fourth of January. That is the last one I have received from you. Friday is the twelth of February and another one from you is about due. Honey, I told you in two or three letters of mine that there would be times when you might not hear from me in a good while. But when I do get to write you, I try to make up for lost time. Tell George, Earl, and Geral I miss all those old card games we used to have together. But one thing, when you told me it was time to quit if I was there now playing, you wouldn’t have to beg me, or even if I was playing your Dad a game of horseshoes, Ha Ha. Well honey, I will have to close for now. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

Johnnie’s father-in-law, Sam Stacks

On the night of February 12, Company K took over from Company L. The following day, Company L was relieved by Company I, which then assumed the reserve position.

Sam’s obituary appeared in The Atlanta Constitution on February 12 and 13, 1945.

The Atlanta Constitution, February 12, 1945

The Atlanta Constitution, February 13, 1945

Still unaware that Sam had passed away, Johnnie playfully bantered with Lucile in his February 15, 1945 V-mail—one says wife, one says mother—you figure it out. 

My Dear Darling,

Received two letters from you yesterday and was very glad to hear that you and your Mother received the pillow tops and that they were OK. You wanted to know which was which. Well, the way those were bought, I had one of my buddies to get them while he was in one of the town’s over here and I give him the address to send them to you while he was there. He said he got one with wife on it and one with mother. I am sure the one you have that has wife on it is supposed to be wife, Ha Ha. Get what I mean? I am sorry to hear that you are having trouble with one of the girls where you work. Also, glad to hear that you can look out and take care of yourself, which I know you could do all this time. Will close for now. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Johnnie

Members of Battery A, 328th Field Artillery Battalion, 85th Infantry
Division, firing their 105mm howitzers at German positions in the Apennine
Mountains, Ramagnola area, Italy, February 15, 1945. Photographer: Hartman,
3131st Signal Service Company, public domain.

In a V-mail dated February 16, 1945, Johnnie asked about Lucile’s father. Although Lucile might have written to inform him of Sam’s passing, the letter would not have reached Italy by that date. In a more relaxed tone, he also casually mentioned receiving a medal for his injury.

My Dear Darling,

Received two letters from you today and was glad to hear that you received the book about Rome and also the menu. I am glad Nell likes the things I sent her for the baby. I received a letter from her the other day saying she had received the baby’s things. She said she was going to send me a picture of the baby. Be sure she doesn’t forget. Honey, I am sending you a medal I received when I got hurt and was sent back to the hospital. It is one of the pretty medals that the Army has, and I am sure you have heard alots about them. Well, I guess that’s enough on that. How is Mom Stacks and Doc? Tell them both I said hello. Also, little Melvin and the rest of the kids. O’yeah, I wrote Happy the other day and got on him about writing you so much, Ha Ha. I told him not to claim you for one of his girls, Ha Ha. Will close. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Johnnie

On the night of February 16, a Company I combat patrol, consisting of one officer and 12 enlisted men, conducted a thorough reconnaissance before raiding the house at Di Sopra. Despite encountering no enemies at the first three suspected machine gun positions en route, the patrol reached Di Sopra to find an eerily quiet environment. After a 20-minute wait, they closed in on the building. However, as they approached, they were met with intense fire: machine guns from both flanks, machine pistols from the rooftops, and 50mm mortar shells raining down. The patrol retaliated and called for supporting fire. Tragically, one man was killed, and three were wounded. The critique later revealed that the patrol had inflicted casualties on approximately five enemy combatants. The SCR 300 radio used during the raid was dropped near the house at Di Sopra and fell into enemy hands.

On February 17, the 85th Division issued orders for the reserve battalion, 337th Infantry. Effective February 21, they were to be on a two-hour alert for potential counterattacks in the 362nd Infantry sector. Additionally, the 1st Battalion, 339th Infantry was tasked with establishing command liaison to coordinate counterattack plans with the 362nd Infantry. If the reserve battalion of the 337th Infantry received movement orders, the division’s reserve battalion would assume the position vacated by them and continue the current counterattack mission.

On the night of February 17, a Company E, 339th Infantry combat patrol, led by one officer and 10 enlisted men, engaged in a brief firefight with the enemy before withdrawing to reorganize. During this reorganization, they encountered a deserter who approached them, speaking in English: “I’m a Pollack.” The prisoner was identified as being from the 5th Company, 4th Parachute Regiment. Interestingly, he revealed that the paratroopers had been informed that the formidable American “Sturm” Division was their adversary. While paratroopers are typically daring and carefree at the front, in this specific sector, they exhibited exceptional caution.

The pretty medal Johnnie casually mentioned in his last V-mail was a Purple Heart.

Johnnie’s Purple Heart 

Johnnie’s military discharge papers show he was officially awarded the medal on February 18, 1945.

February 5, undated, and 7, 1945

On February 4, Company F relieved Company E. Pre-dawn on February 5, the 168th Infantry launched a limited attack and requested fire support from our regiment’s mortars, heavy machine guns, and artillery near M. Mezzano and M. Castellaro. Our supporting fires ceased at 4 PM. The enemy responded with increased artillery, self-propelled, mortar, and machine gun activity throughout the afternoon and night, covering our entire sector.

After the day’s events concluded, Johnnie took a moment to reflect on Earl and Elvie’s recent marriage as he wrote Lucile’s parents on February 5, 1945. 

Hello Folks,

Just a few lines to let you know I am well and hope this finds you both in the best of health and the rest of the family the same. Well, Lucile wrote me and said Mickey and his wife had a nice shower and received a lot of nice gifts. They are starting off OK, aren’t they? I still can’t get over him and George and all the rest of the kids around there getting married. It makes me feel old. I have a birthday this month. The second one overseas and I hope the last one over here. It used to make Lucile mad when I kidded her about her age and kidding her about her birthday being on April the first, Ha Ha. Sure had some fun out of her on that account. Mary and Betty wrote me two nice letters. I answered them both back, but I doubt if they can read them. My hands were so darn cold, I could hardly hold the pen to write. Will close. Lots, lots love. 

Johnnie

Elvie Stacks, Mickey’s (Earl) wife

The next letter is undated, but since Johnnie mentioned what sounds like Earl and Elvie’s recent marriage, this seems to be an appropriate place to include it.

My Dear Darling

Received a letter from you today and was glad to hear that you are well and in the best of health. Also, glad to hear that the rest of the family are well. I am glad you are getting a few of my letters to you. Every chance I get I drop you a few lines. You are right honey. All we can do it hope and pray for the best and I have really done both. Yes, I hear from the other guys the way things are going back home. A lot of guys over here risking their necks every minute for them and them back home there stepping out on them. It no good. But most of them don’t find it out until it’s too late. I am not worrying about you. You are everything to me. You had plenty of work caring for Mom Stacks. So, I wouldn’t be worry about not getting in enough work on your own job. Right? Anyway, we have a little money save up now. And you know it’s yours to need on what every you may need. You shall consider now that since you have a little money put away in the bank you are rich’s, Ha Ha. I am really proud of you honey. Always was. You know that. O yeah how is George Stacks and his wife? Are they going to make a go of it? I hope so. I am sure Mickey and his wife will do ok. Don’t you think? Well Darling, I will have to close. I miss you a lot and I Love You a millions always.

Johnnie

On the morning of February 6, a deserter from the 6th Company, 577th Regiment, 305th Division arrived at our outpost on Hill 425 from C. del Braglia. The prisoner revealed that their bunkers had been struck by our artillery the day before. Additionally, they received orders to dig deeper into the mountains, and the new officers and non-commissioned officers are all former members of the Hitler Youth. The Hitler Youth was the Nazi Party’s youth organization in Germany. It indoctrinated young Germans with Nazi ideals and served as a paramilitary group. From 1936 to 1945, it was the official boys’ youth organization. After World War II, it ceased to exist and was outlawed. 

Company B was relieved by Company I, 339th Infantry, while Company C was relieved by Company E. Company G also underwent relief by Company E. The 1st Battalion sector command transitioned to the Commanding Officer of the 3rd Battalion, 339th Infantry. Simultaneously, the 1st Battalion, 337th Infantry assembled in the reserve area at C. del Chin just before midnight for rest and light training. Additionally, Company G moved to a reserve position in the 2nd Battalion sector.

A combat patrol from Company B, led by one officer and a reinforced rifle platoon with bazooka teams, raided Casetta. They found the house and positions nearly vacated. Despite receiving enemy machine gun fire from the vicinity of Bertochi and positions north and east of Bertochi and C. Raggi, the patrol persevered. After being pinned down several times, they pulled back and called for accurate and timely support fires. All men returned safely, with only one slight head wound casualty.

Bertochi is located approximately 38 miles from Bologna,
circled in red. You see the Po River within the circle.
Map source: The World Factbook 2021, Washington, DC:
Central Intelligence Agency, 2021, public domain.

Amidst the challenges of war, Johnnie found solace in thoughts of Lucile and his family. His February 7, 1945 letter frequently mentioned his loved ones.

My Dear Darling Wife,

I hope this finds you well and in the best of health and all the rest of the family the same. I received a letter from Nell yesterday and she said she and the baby was well and coming along alright. I sure was glad to hear from her and to know that both are doing OK. She said that Bob might get to come home soon. I bet he is very anxious to see that baby of his. I know I would be if we had one. She said she was staying with Dot and Drex. I told her to get Dot on the ball and tell her to drop me a line. I know that husband of hers won’t write. If he did you would have to get him down and hog tie him, Ha Ha. I dropped Mom Stacks and Doc a line. The last letter I received from her she said as soon as she got able, she would write me more often. I think I wrote you about getting a letter from Evelyn. I sure was glad to hear from that baby sis of mine. Maybe she will write me more often now. Louise writes me pretty regular. I haven’t heard from Kate in a long time. I have done forgot how it feels to even get a letter from her. If you ever see her, or call her, remind her she still has a brother that would like to hear from her. I would like to know if you or Mom Stacks or Nell has ever received any of the gifts I sent. I sure hope they didn’t get lost. O say, do you think you can get me a couple of boxes of cherries coated candy. I sure could enjoy some of that kind of candy right now. Say, are they having a cook shortage there at home? Some of the guys here in the outfit that live in New York and elsewhere up around North say its pretty bad there. Honey, I am sending you this picture of me back. I told you that in one of my other letters. But I forgot to put it in there, Ha Ha. Well Darling, I will close for now. Tell the folks I say hello and to write. God bless you. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie 

Johnnie’s sister, Kate Marston

On February 7, 1945, Johnnie sent a V-mail ‘Valentine Greeting’ to Lucile.

A Valentine Greeting
for my Darling Wife
My heart beats faster, Darling,
When I see the flag we love –
It stands for peace and victory –
The things we’re dreaming of –
And it makes me think of You, Dear,
As I think of you each day –
With love, and lots of wishes
That I can’t find words to say!

Johnnie