April 17, 1945

On April 13, the receipt of orders signaled that the day of attack was imminent. This was confirmed by the constant presence of bombers flying north. Allied troops were urged to strike boldly and crush the German armies in Italy.

On April 14, the regiment was placed on a six-hour alert, but regular training continued. By late afternoon on April 16, orders arrived to move the regiment by motor to the vicinity of Sassomolare on April 17. The 60-mile journey was completed by midmorning. The plan involved relieving elements of the 10th Mountain Division in the newly assigned sector of the 85th Division and continuing the attack northward. Despite time constraints, trucks were requested to shuttle one battalion forward. The 1st Battalion headed to Cereglio upon receiving these trucks, while the remaining units marched to the same area. 

Infantrymen of Company I, 3rd Battalion, 85th Infantry Regiment,
10th Mountain Division, march in a column of file up the road to the trucks
which will take them to more forward positions, Castel D’Aiano area, Italy,
April 17, 1945. Photographer: Emery, 196th Signal Photo Company.
Photo Source: U.S. National Archives. Digitized by Signal Corps Archive.
Public domain.

Despite the challenging circumstances, Johnnie managed to write a letter to Lucile on April 17, 1945. In the letter, he subtly hinted at their future, suggesting the possibility of starting a family once he returned home.

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. I received a letter from Happy yesterday. He seems to be OK, at least he seems perfect. He sent me a picture of his future wife. The way he wrote they are sure crazy about each other and he plans on marrying her as soon as he gets leave. He told me to be sure and send the picture back. By looking at the picture, she seems to me to be older than him. But you can’t go by pictures, right? By the way, when I get back, we will go on a honeymoon, OK? What about Detroit? You always wanted to go there. Then from there maybe Texas, then home to settle down and raise a little Lucile and maybe another Johnnie, Ha Ha. No kidding. I think it will be a swell idea. What about you? How is the rest of the family? O’yeah, I received a letter from Mary. She was telling me about how she made out at school. She sure is a smart kid. Tell little Melvin I said that he is getting about big enough to write me a few lines. You say he is seven now. It just doesn’t seem like he’s that to me. But it has been a long time since I saw him. Well honey, I will have to close for now. Tell everybody I said hello. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

Johnnie’s brother-in-law, Melvin Stacks
(taken years later)

Infantrymen of Company I, 3rd Battalion, 85th Infantry Regiment,
10th Mountain Division, entruck to move to more forward positions,
Castel D’Aiano area, Italy, April 17, 1945. Photographer: Emery,
196th Signal Photo Company. Photo Source: U.S. National Archives.
Digitized by Signal Corps Archive. Public domain.

The 86th Mountain Regiment, with one battalion committed, captured M. Vignola on April 18. Their next move was to swing left and continue the attack once our forward elements passed through. The 1st and 2nd Battalions were ordered to attack abreast after completing the relief. The 1st Battalion on the left relieved the 1st Battalion of the 86th Mountain Regiment and captured Hills 699, 703, and 678. Meanwhile, the 2nd Battalion on the right seized M. Laminazio and continued northeast, taking M.S. Andre and supporting the 338th Infantry’s advance along Highway 64. The night was spent coordinating plans and issuing necessary orders.

At 9 AM on April 19, the Commanding Officer of the 337th Infantry assumed control and set 9:30 AM as the attack time. Following a 15-minute artillery preparation, the assault battalion moved forward as planned. The 1st Battalion swiftly captured Hills 699, 703, and 678 by 11 AM, advancing 800 yards north of M. Bonsara. Simultaneously, the 2nd Battalion occupied M. Luminasio without encountering any resistance. Meanwhile, the 3rd Battalion, positioned in reserve, assembled near M. Vignola.

Troops of the 2nd Battalion, 86th Infantry Regiment,
10th Mountain Division, moving through Badia, April 19, 1945.
Photographer: Graning, 196th Signal Photo Company. Photo Source:
U.S. National Archives. Digitized by Signal Corps Archive.
Public domain.

As the afternoon unfolded, the attack continued, albeit hampered by rough terrain, light enemy resistance, and an exposed right flank. By late afternoon, the 2nd Battalion had successfully taken M. Torrenera and was approaching Lagune, where the enemy decided to make a stand. In parallel, the 3rd Battalion received orders to follow the 2nd Battalion, seize Lagune, and then continue the advance northward. As darkness fell, the two battalions made contact just short of Lagune and arranged to assault this objective. Despite several failed attempts by Company I to take the knoll, at 2 AM on April 20, Companies I and G coordinated an attack, met with intense machine gun and rifle fire from the buildings and reverse slope of the hill.

Meanwhile, the 1st Battalion consolidated its position on Ca di Co and Sotto il Sasso, preparing to advance north toward Rasiglio at dawn. Throughout the day, 51 prisoners were taken. Although all forward movement had been ordered halted for the night, clearing out Lagune was deemed necessary to position for the next day’s attack.

Map of US IV and II Corps breakthrough into the Po Valley, April 14-21, 1945

Orders were issued for all battalions to continue the attack at 6 AM. However, a boundary change received from higher headquarters at 3:40 AM shifted the entire regimental sector westward, placing the Lagune-M. Grolla Ridge in the sector of the unit on the right. Troops outside the new boundaries were ordered to withdraw by daylight, and the regiment advanced in the new zone.

The 1st Battalion, being the only unit in the new zone, secured high ground near Rasiglio and launched a northward attack. Despite enemy fire from la Collina (400 yards west) and the Lagune ridge, Company C cleared out the enemy at la Collina. The other 1st Battalion companies advanced toward Rasiglio. By 11 AM, the objective was taken, but the enemy stubbornly held at la Collina. Tanks and artillery supported the assault, eventually overcoming the opposition.

The enemy persistently targeted the sole access road to Rasiglio using rifles and machine guns from Lagune, di Sopra, and la Torre. To counter this threat, the Antitank Company and the remaining tank company were attached to the 1st Battalion. They positioned themselves on the ridge road, ready to engage any hostile fire from the west. Meanwhile, the 2nd Battalion secured the regimental right flank by placing one company on the Saralunga Ridge and one platoon on la Collina. By late afternoon, most of the fire from the parallel ridge on the right had been neutralized.

At dark, Companies A and B were 1200 yards beyond Rasiglio with an open right flank spanning over 5000 yards. At 10:30 PM, commanders received an order to advance to Gesso, marking the beginning of the Po Valley. The 1st Battalion, with tank and tank destroyer companies (each minus one platoon), aimed to capture Casetto, M. Rocca, and the left portion of M. Malgotto. Meanwhile, the 3rd Battalion, with a platoon of tanks and tank destroyers, was assigned Tignano, M. Capra, and the right portion of M. Malgotto. The Intelligence and Reconnaissance Platoon had the vital task of reaching Gesso swiftly via the Lavino River road.

April 3, 5, 8, and 12, 1945

In April 1945, the regiment trained intensively in a temporary camp south of Lucca, gearing up for the impending Spring offensive in Italy. The rigorous schedule covered weapons training, range and field firing, and practice of newly adopted battle drills for small units—aiming to prepare all troops for offensive combat.

Although Johnnie could not be with Lucile on her birthday, he made sure to express his heartfelt closeness when he wrote her a letter on April 3, 1945. He also hinted at family issues regarding the Stacks Lumber Company.

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 everything is OK back there at home. Your birthday just passed and on that day was also Easter Sunday. I hope on that day you enjoyed yourself as I know it wasn’t so good being that the way things are. But just remember I was thinking of you as I am always doing as you shall know you are my favorite dream. Honey, I am glad to hear that Mom Stacks is able to get up for a little while. Give her my regards. Also, glad to hear that the rest of the family are well and alright. I am sorry to hear the way Charles Stacks and the rest of your kinfolks are going about over the lumber company. I didn’t think they would be that way. But usually when you think some people are your friends you find out about how they are when things like that come up. I hope Mom make out with them. You are more than right they shall be ashamed. Tell Nell, I can’t hardly wait to see the pictures of the baby. Thanks a lot. Well Darling, I will have to close for now. I miss you a lot and I love you a million. 

Always, Johnnie

Lucile

When Johnnie wrote a letter to Lucile on April 5, 1945, he was certain that he had sent her more than one letter in March. He was right! Looking back, he wrote her at least six times.

My Dear Darling,

I received two letters from you today. One was the 27th of this month and the other one was the 30th. So glad to hear that you are well and alright. But sorry to hear that where you are working you are not doing so well. What I mean on that is you said you wasn’t getting the stuff to keep running. You were saying in one of the letters about Mickey getting you a locket. I hope it don’t turn out to be one like I got you in Texas that was supposed to be gold and wasn’t, Ha Ha. You remember that? I surely felt cheap, no kidding. Sure glad to hear that Nell and the baby are well. I hope to see it someday. Like to see little Carol also. Honey, you should have received more than one letter from me for the month of March. I didn’t have time to write much. But I grant you I wrote more than one letter. Sure glad to hear that you heard from Mr. and Mrs. Day. Yes, I hope someday we can go visit them. They were swell to us. You said something about painting the rooms over again. What color are you painting them now? Ha Ha. If I remember right the last time, I saw those rooms they all were different colors, Ha Ha. Right? Glad to hear that Gearl is helping you. Maybe he’s good for something after all, Ha Ha. Well honey, I will close for now. Tell Mom Stacks and the rest of the family I said hello. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

Leola, Carol, and Mary

Although Johnnie could not mention it in his letters, the Spring Offensive commenced in Italy on April 6, 1945, lasting until May 2, 1945. Codenamed Operation Grapeshot, this marked the final Allied attack during the Italian Campaign in the closing stages of the war. 

A map of the Spring Offensive that took place from April 9 to May 2, 1945
(http://www.army.mil/cmh-pg/brochures/po/map2.JPG, public domain,
via Wikimedia Commons)

In his letter dated April 8, 1945, Johnnie’s genuine care for his nieces and nephews’ shines through. He frequently inquired about them and even requested photos to keep their memories close.

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 [unreadable] which you get off a street car and buses. I have never received the handkerchiefs 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 commanders 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’s brother? How did it come out? OK, I hope. O say, have you ever received my watch and the rifle badge? You shall have by now. O yeah, tell Nell I am still waiting for the pictures of the baby. Also tell Dot to send me a picture of Carol. I would like to see how much she had changed since I last seen 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

Johnnie reflected on the time he had been away from Lucile in his April 12, 1945 letter, which included a message for his brother-in-law Geral.

My Dear Darling Wife,

I am writing you again today, what I mean again is I wrote you a V-mail but I didn’t answer all the questions in the two letters I received from you. So, to make up for it, I am writing a full letter. Yes honey, you are not kidding when you said that it seems twice longer than what it is since I have been overseas. It has been a long time at that, eighteen months about. Sometimes I wonder if all this is a nightmare or a dream, and that I would wake up. I guess you think I am crazy or something, but that’s the way I feel. Maybe I am off the beans, Ha Ha. Anyway, regardless wherever I am, or what I am doing, you are with me as if I was back there at home at your side. Remember that I am glad Mom Stacks finally got my letter to her. I hope to hear from her soon. Sorry to hear that Mickey’s wife’s folks lost their home. Give them my regards. Glad to hear that you have finished up on the house. I bet it looks good. O’yeah, tell Geral I said he had better buckle down and help Mom Stacks or I will spank his fanny when I come home. That is if he isn’t too big, Ha Ha. No kidding, honey, tell him I said he was the man around the house now, and it is up to him to look after things. Maybe being that I said that it might do some good. 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

Gearl Stacks (years later)

On April 12, 1945, Franklin D. Roosevelt passed away from a cerebral hemorrhage while sitting for a portrait at his retreat in Warm Springs, Georgia. Vice President Harry Truman took the oath of office the same day, marking the end of an era. Roosevelt’s passing stunned the world, and hundreds of thousands of people paid their final respects as his body was carried from Georgia to Washington, D.C., and then to Hyde Park, New York, where he was buried.

Photo by FDR Presidential Library and Museum, - 03-46, public domain; 
https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=43540741

March 19 – 31, 1945

Jeeps and bunny rabbits—Johnnie took advantage of the Army’s Easter template in his March 19, 1945 V-mail to Lucile. 

Easter Greetings from 85th Division
To My Dear Darling Wife
I Miss You alot. I Love You a Million.

Johnnie

Johnnie sent an identical V-mail to Lucile’s mother, accompanied by a single line: ‘To You, Mom, who holds a special place in my heart.’ With love, Johnnie.

On March 21st, the Commanding General of the 85th Infantry Division issued orders for Combat Team-7 to relocate from their current position to a special training area near C. Nuovo. The purpose of this move was to conduct four days of river crossing training. Upon completion, all units except the 328th Field Artillery Battalion were to return to the Gagliano area by March 27. To maintain security during the move:

• Operational radio silence was enforced, except in emergencies.
• In the C. Nuovo area, infantry units operated only radios 300 and 536 during exercises; all others remained silent.
• Identifying markings were removed from vehicles, and personnel removed the Division insignia from clothing and headgear.
• Personnel were warned not to disclose the unit’s identity to unauthorized individuals.

At that time, the 1st Battalion, Antitank Company, ½ Service Company, and ½ Headquarters Company were stationed at the Montecatini Rest Center in Tuscany, while all other organizations were undergoing training in the Gagliano area. The rest center offered soldiers a respite from the challenging conditions they encountered during combat. On March 22, the Regimental Command Post was set up near C. Nuovo, and all units smoothly transitioned to this new area. Notably, the 404th Engineer Combat Battalion and the 52nd Quartermaster Dukw Company now supported Combat Team-7 during training. The DUKW (pronounced “duck”) was an amphibious truck used during World War II. 

On March 23, 1945, the Paducah Sun-Democrat from Paducah, Kentucky reported that Johnnie’s friend James Lamb was “promoted to sergeant on the Fifth Army front in Italy. He is the squad leader with the 85th “Custer” Division.”

The Paducah Sun-Democrat, March 23, 1945

Between March 23 and 26, Combat Team-7 focused on river crossing training. The regiment conducted drills, followed by a specific exercise for Combat Team-7. Afterward, the 328th Field Artillery Battalion and Company A, 310th Engineer Battalion were detached from their previous roles.

On March 27, the 1st Battalion, ½ Headquarters Company, and ½ Service Company returned to the Montecatini Rest Center. Meanwhile, the rest of the regiment set up a temporary camp south of Lucca, with the Regimental Command Post established at C. Paladini. Stringent security measures ensured that the identity and destination of the 85th Infantry Division remained undisclosed. Additionally, new installations were camouflaged, and all identifying markings were removed from vehicles and personnel. The regiment spent the next day improving the temporary camp.

The photo below, dated March 28, 1945, was likely taken while in the rest area. The back of the photo reads:

    Left to right: S/Sgt Pomana, Sgt Gondal, PFC Stalrioutee

    Back row left to right: PFC Lindbird, PFC Wright, PFC Pikes
    4th Platoon, March 28, 1945
    Love, Johnnie

On March 29, the regiment initiated regular training. The 1st Battalion and elements of Service and Headquarters Companies moved to a temporary camp south of Lucca on March 30, Easter Sunday. 

Fifth Army soldiers sing hymns during Easter sunrise
services high in the Apennine Mountains in Italy.
Organist is S/Sgt. William D. Wilkins. Photographer
unknown. Photo Source: U.S. National Archives.
Digitized by Signal Corps Archive. Public domain.

All units (except the 1st Battalion) completed their inspections, with the 1st Battalion finishing theirs in the Gagliano area on March 31. The month concluded with ongoing regular training for the regiment.

During the month of March, 1 Distinguished Service Cross, 2 Legion of Merit (1 posthumously), 8 Silver Stars (2 posthumously), 1 Oak Leaf Cluster to Silver Star Medals (posthumously), 4 Oak Leaf Cluster to Bronze Star Medals, 93 Bronze Stars (8 posthumously), 2 Second Oak Leaf Clusters to Bronze Star Medals, 42 Purple Hearts, 11 Oak Leaf Cluster to Purple Heart, 2 Second Oak Leaf Clusters to Purple Heart, 1 Third Oak Leaf Cluster to Purple Heart, and 158 Combat Infantryman Badges were awarded. Four prisoners were captured. Six enlisted men were seriously wounded in action, 4 enlisted men were lightly wounded in action, and 3 enlisted men were lightly injured in action. The Regiment now consisted of 174 officers, 4 warrant officers, and 3459 enlisted men.

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

March 7, 10, 12, and 17, 1945

The 1st Battalion, 339th Infantry, captured two prisoners of war from the 7th Company, 4th Parachute Regiment, during their 72-hour patrol to M. Grande. Additionally, Company E’s ambush patrol apprehended two deserters from the 6th Company, 4th Parachute Regiment. The captured POWs revealed that the 6th Company consisted mostly of young, fanatical Nazis who were recent replacements. They believed in a German victory. Furthermore, due to our formidable defenses and limited ammunition, ambush and combat patrols were not deployed.

Johnnie responded to three of Lucile’s letters when he wrote to her on March 7, 1945. Additionally, thoughts of his late father-in-law weighed on his mind.

My Dear Beloved Wife,

I received three letters from you today and it really made me feel good as I haven’t heard from you in almost a week. I am going to try and answer all of them in this one the best I can. Well Darling, the first thing I want to know is that this finds you in the best of health and all the rest of the family the same. As for myself, I am as well as can be expected, just wanting to be back with you more each day I am away from you. You know how I feel. So, there isn’t any use in going into that, right? Yes Darling, I pray by the time I have another birthday, I am back home with you and I hope our prayers are answered. You said you was wondering where I spent my birthday. Well I can’t say much on that part. But there was a lot of other places I would rather had been on that day. I hope that answers your question. I am glad you like the Valentine. Yes, I have the one you sent. It was very nice, so was the others the rest of the family sent. I wouldn’t doubt what that boy of Louise’s wouldn’t do. It was a wonder he sent the picture of his girl instead of the girl in person, Ha Ha. Yes, I remember Mickey McCluskey. I am glad to hear he is still OK and well. We really used to have a time with that car of his, didn’t we! Ha Ha. I hope Woodrow makes out OK with the Army. I doubt if they will take him though. O yeah, glad to hear that your old boyfriend is home on furlow, Ha Ha. Of course, I mean Dean. I surely hope he doesn’t have to go overseas. Tell him I said hello. Honey, I wrote a letter a few days ago in care of Dot. But I want all the family to read it. It is my way of telling all the family my feelings when I received your letter telling me that Doc had died. It is really hard to tell your feelings when you like a person so well. So, I hope you and all the rest of the family understand that. All of you know my feelings through him, as we always joked to one another about everything or you know I still can’t believe he is gone. About a month ago we over here had a chance to send some gifts home. We selected from a catalog. I sent you, Mom Stacks, and Doc a gift. But being that he is gone now tell Mom Stacks to give it to anyone she desires to. I didn’t want to tell about the gifts because I wanted it to be a surprise to you all. But being what has happened, I think this is better. Don’t you? Well Darling, I will close for now. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

True to form, Johnnie’s thoughts were with others as he wrote a letter to Lucile on March 10, 1945.

My Dear Darling,

Just a few lines to let you know, I am well and OK and hope with all my heart that this finds you in the best of health and making out alright back there at home. I hope my mail to you is coming pretty regular. I haven’t heard from you in almost two weeks’ now. I received a letter from Dad and his wife yesterday. They are well. I guess I told you about getting a five-pound box of chocolate candy from them, didn’t I? I eat so much of it I got pretty sick, Ha Ha. I hope Earl gets out of the Navy. They shall let him out. Has Irwin come home yet? He shall be by now. How is Mom Stacks? I hope much better. Give her my regards. Is little Melvin any better? Gosh, I hope nothing happens to that kid. How is the weather at home now? It isn’t so bad here now. I read in the paper the other day about the big flood that hit up north. What I read it seems pretty bad. Well honey, there isn’t much to write this time so I will close. Tell all the folks hello for me and God bless you all. I miss you a lot and I love you a million. 

Always, Johnnie

Lucile and Elvie

On the night of March 10, the 2nd Battalion (excluding Company G) was relieved by the Lovett Scouts. Meanwhile, Companies G and A of the 339th Infantry were relieved by the 3rd Battalion of the 18th Rifles. Company G relocated to the assembly area near Sassimo, and Company A, 339th Infantry, moved to the rear under parent unit control. On March 11, the 2nd Battalion established a temporary camp near Gagliano. The 1st Battalion, 339th Infantry was relieved by the 3rd Battalion, 18th Rifles. Meanwhile, the 3rd Battalion, 1st Punjab Regiment (part of the British Indian Army) completed their relief. Additionally, Headquarters 25th British Brigade took over from Headquarters 337th Infantry, and command of the sector shifted to the commanding officer of the 25th British Brigade.

On March 12, 1945, Johnnie wrote a letter to Lucile’s mother, offering words of comfort following the passing of Lucile’s father, Sam.

Dear Mom Stacks,

Just a few lines to let you know I am well and pray that this finds you much better. I can understand just what you went through and how much Doc meant to us all. Please, let’s try to carry on because I know he would want us too. And you, Mom, know better than I do that he was never a quitter. So, we all have to carry on for his sake. Please forgive me for not writing you sooner. That I know you can understand. Lucile wrote me and said that Melvin was sick. I pray he is much better by now. I hope Earl gets out of the Navy. I am sure he will. I am glad to hear that Edna is out of the hospital. Give her my regards. How is Betty and Mary? Tell them I am still waiting for an answer to the letter I wrote them. Tell Gearl I am depending on him now. And I know if he tries, he can look after things, right? Well Mom, I will have to close for now. Tell all the family’s I said hello and God bless you all.

Lots lots love, Johnnie

Earl Stacks

In the first half of March, clear weather and improved visibility allowed for easier supply maintenance. One-quarter ton vehicles freely moved along the jeep trail created by the Antitank Company and Company A, 310th Engineers. Despite the enemy’s stubborn defense, our observation posts spotted enemy personnel along various routes. Flare activity persisted, and artificial moonlight aided visibility for ambush and screen patrols.

On March 12, the 3rd Battalion established a temporary camp near Gagliano, while the regimental command post was set up in Pruneta. All organizations (except the 1st Battalion) were in the Gagliano area. Subsequently, the regiment’s units moved from Gagliano to the Montecatini rest area. During the period from March 12 to 24, each battalion and separate company spent four days at the rest area. Meanwhile, the remaining organizations in the Gagliano area underwent training in preparation for early entry into offensive combat. Finally, on March 14, the 1st Battalion closed into the temporary camp.

The 1st Battalion stayed in reserve near C. del Chin and took charge of regular ambush patrols across the entire sector until at least March 14. This likely explains why Johnnie had not found time to write to Lucile in several days. However, in his letter on March 17, 1945, he emphasized that she had complete authority to make any alterations to the house as she saw fit. Clearly, she was the boss!

My Dear Darling,

Received two letters from you a couple of days ago. But haven’t had time to answer them till tonight. I hope this finds you in the best of health and all the rest of the family the same. You wanted to know if I care if you fix up the back porch of the house. Well as you know, I told you in most all of my letters to you that I wanted you to do the things that you thought was best on anything that we had or share when I was home and you know now since I am away from home you are the boss, Ha Ha. You mentioned something about Mom Stacks saying that I could still buy the little house down by Woodrow if it is still in pretty good condition. I would still like to have it. One reason is I like the area it is in. I just received another letter from you and you said you was going to get those handkerchiefs for me. Be sure they are the big large one. The reason I want them is I have just a couple of handkerchiefs and I want to get a supply of them kind because I can use them for my cold and being that summer is about here, they will come in handy because it gets pretty hot and they will be alright when you start sweating. I hope Mom Stacks is a lot better and give all the family my regards. God bless you all and I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie