June 1–4, 6, and 8, 1945

At the start of the period, the 1st Battalion and Service Company were stationed in the Belluno-Sedico area, the 2nd Battalion was located at Agrodo, the 3rd Battalion operated in the Mis-Sospirolpo area, and the Special Companies were positioned around Lake Alleghe. During the month, light training persisted, focusing on orientation, education, athletics, and recreation.

Johnnie had experienced enough of the war, and as he looked ahead, he made a conscious effort not to dwell on it once he returned home. At least, that is what he shared with Lucile in his June 1, 1945 V-mail.

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 you yesterday that was mailed the twenty-third of May. Not bad, do you think? In this letter you wanted to know where I am at. Well, I am two miles from a town called Belluno, south of it. If you get an Italy map with most of the towns on it, you shall be able to tell about where I am at. You said when I did get home, I could just talk till my heart was content. That’s OK too, but that’s something I don’t want to do. What I mean is, not think about this war. That’s just over. Or the present one with Japan. That’s one thing I want to forget, and all the rest do too that are in the infantry. Well honey, I will close for now. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

As you read Johnnie’s June 2, 1945 V-mail, it initially seems like he might fuss at Lucile about something. However, as it turns out, he is complimenting her instead.

My Dear Darling,

Just a few lines to let you hear from me and to let you know I am well. I hope this finds you the same. How is Mom Stacks making out? Well, I hope. What about the rest of the family? I just hope soon I will be with you. That’s what most of us that came over with the outfit are worrying about at the present. If we do have to go fight the Japs, we all are hoping to go by the States for a thirty-day furlough. Keep your fingers crossed. We will know soon. O’yeah, not to get you mad or anything, but every time I have been getting a letter from you here lately, I have been keeping account of the dates of the letters. And you have been doing a good job of writing me and letting me know what’s going on back there at home pretty regular. Keep it up. Will close. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

In his June 3, 1945 V-mail, Johnnie expressed concern about Lucile’s financial well-being. His primary focus was ensuring that she had everything she needed.

Hello Darling,

I received one letter from you today and one from Mary. Sure was glad to hear from you both. Yesterday, I received the nice Bible your Mother sent me. It sure is a nice one too. Honey, the reason I asked you about your savings account is I just wanted to know if anything happens where you might need money, that you would have it on hand. If you didn’t, you could write me and I could help. I hope you get what I am trying to say! Do you? I am glad you like the pictures of me. But as my opinion of them, they are not worth looking at. I can’t understand where you and the rest of the family think I am getting better looking. Wait till you see me as myself. I look like sad-sack, Ha Ha. No kidding. Well honey, I will close for this time. Tell all the folks hello for me. And to you I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

Johnnie and unknown man (post-WWII)

During World War II, pin-up girls played a significant role. They contributed to the war effort by selling war bonds and boosting morale through letters to soldiers. These images adorned military publications and magazine covers, eagerly anticipated by servicemen. Johnnie had his own pin-up girl back home in Georgia, and made sure to convey this sentiment in his June 4, 1945 letter.

My Dear Darling,

I received two letters from you today and was glad to hear that you are well and alright. As for myself, I am OK. Glad to hear that you are getting my letters to you pretty regular here lately. Remember every chance I get I try to get a letter off to you. As long as I know you are still waiting and there no other guys beating my time while I am away doing things that I thought once was inhuman, I am perfect in feeling and very Damn Happy to know I have as a wife such a swell woman and not one of those I used to run around with before I met you. You know some of the ones I am talking about very well. Right? Well that’s enough on that subject. Just remember you are my number one pin up girl and mine alone, OK? You say Mom Stacks is painting her house inside. I bet it looks nice. Say, by the way, are those rooms you painted different down at our house still the same? You remember you had one blue, orange, pink and white, I think. Anyway, it really looks good. Say if you are getting mail from McClueley you could send me his address yourself. Couldn’t you? Or haven’t you ever thought of that. Anyway, you told me a couple of months back he was going to write. But he never did. Where is his wife anyway? O’yeah, you said here in one of your letters that you were going to Warm Springs with Woodrow and a bunch but you were sick at the time and said you wasn’t going. That’s OK too. But you said the bunch. What’s wrong, don’t I know the crowds or are they a new bunch since I left? Must be. All you named was Woodrow. What about your side? Did you go to have a checkup? One thing I have learned since I have been away and that is if I say I am going to do something I do my darndest to do such. Which I see I have to teach you the same when I get back, Ha Ha. Maybe you think I am blowing my top. Well I am in a way. This was over here while it lasted much had got the best of me. Sometimes I wonder. Yeah, I guess there are a lot of guys around there at home coming back now. I just hope I can get a boat going that way. Well honey, I will close for now. Tell all hello for me. I miss you a lot and I love you a million. 

Always, Johnnie

Although we cannot be sure, we believe this photo was taken ca. 1945 so may be the “bunch” mentioned in the letter.
Back row: Woodrow Oglesby, Francis Stacks Oglesby, Elvie and Earl Stacks, Mary Stacks, Leola Lemon Stacks.
Front row: Shirley Oglesby, Betty Stacks, Melvin Stacks. We believe the baby off to the left on the ground is Jerry Oglesby.

In his June 6, 1945 V-mail, Johnnie requested that Lucile send financial assistance to his sister Kate.

My Dear Darling,

Just a few lines this morning to let you know I am well and OK and hope with all my heart that this finds you in the best of health. I received a letter from Kate today. She sent me a picture of her and the two kids. She said she was going to move out to College Park sometime this month. She said she would be able to see you a lot then. As I wrote you before, she wrote to Louise for some money to help her with the kids. But all Louise could send her was ten dollars. From what I get out of Louise’s letter, she has been sick here lately and Louise said a few debts have piled up on her while she was sick. Louise wanted to know if I could help Kate out any and I told her I would. What I want you to do is take thirty-five dollars out to her. Louise said she would help Kate pay back to us whatever we loan her. If she doesn’t, it’s OK because they are my sisters and I can’t let them down when they are in trouble, right? Kate’s address is 100 5th Street NW. I will write you a longer letter. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

In his June 8, 1945 letter, Johnnie attempted to reassure Lucile in case he was sent to the Pacific instead of returning home. He also apologized for something he had mentioned in a previous letter.

Dearest Lou,

Received three letters from you yesterday and one from Mary. Sure was glad to get them too. Say what about you taking it easy. Every letter I get from you, you say you are OK except only tired. Remember you don’t have to work yourself to death. So, go easy for awhile. You might work yourself down to nothing then what will I have to come back too? Ha Ha. I am glad to hear that you are getting my letters right along now and yours to me isn’t bad at all. You wanted to know whether I might get to come home soon. Well, I can’t say for sure as yet. But all of us that came over with the outfit think we will go by home, if we are shipped to the Pacific. Don’t worry about Mickey. I think he can take care of hisself. O’yeah, thanks a lot for consenting my wish about us getting together when I do make that boat for home. I know it’s going to be hard to get away from the folks. But we will do it someway. Right? About me being a machine gunner, if I do go to the Pacific, if the Army wants me to stay as one, I haven’t got much to say about it. Anyway, it’s a good weapon to have around when things get to going tough. And I should know. Let’s hope I don’t have to see anymore action. Right? I doubt if I could take anymore anyway. O’yeah, about Dad’s wife having an operation on her breast, I wasn’t making fun of her or was I offending you. That’s just my old opinion of a breast, when I used to run around. Known as a tit. About the way men and women are doing. Let’s don’t let things like that happen between us. You remember the trouble we had once before. I made a promise to you and I also asked forgiving from that swell guy above. Well, I know now I am on the right track with him. Because he could have had me knocked off if he wanted me to go. Alots of times. As you know. Well honey, I will close for now. I miss you a lot and I love you a million. 

Always, Johnnie 

Mary Stacks

May 25 and 27, 1945

In his May 25, 1945 letter to Lucile, Johnnie felt the need to reassure her. He wanted her to know that his love was unwavering, and there was no one else but her. Additionally, he referenced the Advanced Service Rating Score, a system used by the military for demobilization. Soldiers earned points based on their service: 1 point for each month of military service, 1 point for each month service overseas, 5 points for each combat award received, and 12 points each for dependent children under 18 years of age (up to three). 

My Dear Darling,

Received two letters from you yesterday. Also, one from Nell. Sure was glad to get them too. Haven’t heard from you in quite some time. Glad to hear that Dad’s wife is coming along OK. I have been wanting to write to her. But tonight is the first chance I had time to write in the last five days. We had to haul prisoners from Austria down here to the prisoner of war camp and I have been riding back and forth the last few days. Tomorrow we pay tribute to the boys in our outfit that have given their life for this great victory for freedom and peace here in Europe. The only thing about this is it just makes me think of the pals that are gone. But not forgotten, right? Well that’s enough on that. Honey, you were talking about this point system, wondering if I had enough. No, I have just seventy. If I had a couple little Johnnies I would be setting pretty, Ha Ha. If I knew what I know now, we would have quantriblist, Ha Ha. Right? I think that’s the way to spell that word isn’t it? Anyway, I think you can make it out. What are you talking about wondering if I feel about you the way you do me? Listen here. All I have been through I know I couldn’t have if I knew you wasn’t with me and waiting for me! You remember when we started going together and I told you that if anything came between us, I would let you know. Well, you are still tops to me and there is none that can take your place. And everything that I have hoped for and dreamed about is built around you. Lou, you don’t want the same Johnnie back and I doubt if you are getting the fool that thought the world was built just for him. There are changes. A lot from the other Johnnie you married. But as far as loving you there are none. You are part of me in everything I do. Remember that. Well sweetheart, I hope you understand me. I could do better if I was there. I pray that will be soon. Tell all hello for me and drop a line. Will close. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

 

US troops aboard the USS Gen. Harry Taylor reverse their route back to
New York, August 11, 1945. National Archives and Records Administration,
public domain.

In his May 27, 1945 letter, Johnnie shared details about their experiences transporting prisoners of war and described their living conditions.

My Dear Darling,

I received two letters from you yesterday. You were saying something about your side being sore since you fell off of the ladder and that you were going to the doctor to have a checkup on yourself. I think that’s a darn good idea. Your side could be serious and you not knowing it, except once and awhile when the pain hits you. I am very concerned about your health and I am wondering all the time if you are well or not. As for myself, I am not too well here lately. But the reason is I am at war rather was moving day and night with German prisoners that we didn’t have time to sleep or eat regular. I have lost about eight or ten pounds. All of us have for that matter. But the last two days we have been staying in a hotel with a few soft beds in it and all we have been doing is sleeping and eating. It’s not bad at all. But I don’t know just how long this will last. I am sure not for long. Glad to hear that you got the gift I sent Doc. It just doesn’t seem right him being gone. But as you say he is a lot better off than a lot of us are. I am glad all of you like your gift. What I want to do now is get back and give you a honeymoon if I am able. On your money of course, Ha Ha. O yeah, you wanted to know whether I received your picture or not. I’m sure I wrote you and told you I got the pictures. Maybe I didn’t though. Anyway, it’s a swell picture of you. It even looks better than the Lucile I used to go with. Maybe you know her. She lives down in Stackville, Ga. and boy can she make a chocolate cake, Ha Ha. Know her? Well honey, I guess that’s enough of that. So, I will close. Tell Mom Stacks and the rest of the family hello for me. And I pray to see you all soon. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

On May 29, 1945, the 3rd Battalion relocated to the Mis-Sospirolo area. By the end of the month, the 1st Battalion was stationed in the Belluno-Sedico area, the 2nd Battalion in Agordo, and the special companies were positioned on Lake Alleghe.

Panoramic view of Agordo in Italy. Photo by Circolo fotografico agordino (an Italian photography
club based in Agordo), CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/, via Wikimedia Commons.

Although Johnnie did not mention it directly, a newspaper article in Kentucky’s Paducah Sun-Democrat on May 31, 1945, revealed that his best friend, Sgt. James Lamb, had received the Silver Star. Sgt. Lamb was recognized for “gallantry in action on April 19, 1945, in Italy.” It is highly likely that Johnnie was alongside Sgt. Lamb during that significant day.

Sgt. James Lamb Wins Silver Star, The Paducah Sun-Democrat,
Paducah, Kentucky, May 31, 1945

During the month of May, 25 Silver Stars Medals (4 posthumously), 3 Oak Leaf Cluster to Bronze Star Medals, 124 Bronze Star Medals (4 posthumously), 86 Purple Hearts, 35 Oak Leaf Cluster to Purple Hearts, 217 Combat Infantryman Badges, and 67 Medical Badges were awarded. Four enlisted men were killed in action, 3 enlisted men died from wounds, and 2 officers and 10 enlisted men were wounded in action. The Regiment now consisted of 168 assigned officers, 1 attached officer, 5 warrant officers, and 3273 assigned enlisted men, and 19 attached enlisted men. 

In May 1945, General Mark W. Clark, the Commander of the Allied Forces in Italy, wrote a letter to the 15th Army Group at the end of the war. The letter reads: 

With a full and grateful heart I hail and congratulate you in this hour of complete victory over the German enemy, and join with you in thanks to Almighty God.

Yours has been a long, hard fight—the longest in this war of any Allied troops fighting on the Continent of Europe. You men of the Fifth and Eighth Armies have brought that fight to a successful conclusion by recent brilliant offensive operations which shattered the German forces opposing you. Their surrender was the inevitable course left to them, they had nothing more to fight with in Italy.

You have demonstrated something new and remarkable in the annals of organized warfare: You have shown that a huge fighting force composed of units from many countries with diverse languages and customs, inspired, as you have always been, with a devotation to the cause of freedom, can become an effective and harmonious fighting team.

This teamwork which has carried us to victory has included in full measure the supporting arms which have worked with us throughout the campaign. The services that have supplied us have overcome unbelievable obstacles and have kept us constantly armed, equipped, and fed. The magnificent support which we have always had from the Allied air and naval forces in this theater has written a new page in the history of cooperative combat action.

Our exultation in this moment is blended with sorrow as we pay tribute to the heroic Allied soldiers who have fallen in battle in order that this victory might be achieved. The entire world will forever honor their memory.

I am intensely proud of you all and of the honor which I have had of commanding such invincible troops. My thanks go to each of you for your capable, aggressive, and loyal service which has produced this great victory.

MARK W. CLARK
GENERAL, USA, COMMANDING
May 1945

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

May 16, 19, and 21, 1945

In his letter dated May 16, 1945, Johnnie finally shared with Lucile a little of what he had been doing during the war over the past eight months, though he refrained from providing specific details. This was the first time he had been able to communicate this information.

My Dear Darling Lou,

I received a letter from you yesterday that was mailed the fourth of this month with you talking about not hearing from me in a good while. Well, that’s the first letter I have had from you in a week. One reason you are not hearing from me here lately was that we started this last drive that finished up the war over here. Three weeks I wasn’t able to write you but two V-mails. But here lately, I have been writing you at least every other day. So, you shall be hearing from me pretty regular soon. About me coming home now that this war is over with. I can’t really say but things look good so far. I am hoping if I do have to go to the Pacific that I go by home for a thirty-day furlough. A lot of guys will get them before they go there or maybe I might stay here for Army occupation. I can’t say as yet, lets hope for the best, OK? Yes, I bet that baby of Bob and Nell’s is growing. You talk about Dot and Drex being down at the home. What about telling them to drop me a line. Long time no hear, Ha Ha. O’yeah, I didn’t want to tell you what my job is but now that things have quieted down over here, I will. I had myself transferred out of a rifle company to the machine guns about eight months ago. I am the gunner. I was in charge of the section. But the guy came back from the hospital he still wanted me to stay in charge. But I told him that job wasn’t for me. The reason I got in the machine guns was they throw more lead than any other weapon and they will stop a lot of Germans when they were making attack at our position. I can tell you, it’s really a good weapon to have around when there is a lot of Germans coming at you. I shall know. Well honey, I will have to close to now. Tell all the folks hello for me. And write. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

Robert (Bob), Nell, and their daughter Judy

The photos below show Johnnie and his friend James Lamb after capturing Germans and their machine guns. He explained to his son Randy that they used these German guns because they were superior to the ones issued by the U.S. Army. According to Johnnie, the German guns were more reliable and did not emit smoke like the American guns did when they were overheated. The absence of smoke made the American soldiers less conspicuous targets. Johnnie was vigilant—when his gun started smoking, he promptly moved to avoid becoming a mortar target. On the back of the partially damaged photo, Johnnie wrote ‘Love, Johnnie. In case you don’t know, this guy is me. Taken right after we captured twenty Germans. That is a machine gun. …’ 

Johnnie

Back of photo

Johnnie’s ‘buddy,’ James Lamb—taken the same day

Back of photo

The bayonet and case in the photo below were removed from one of the captured Germans mentioned above. Johnnie’s son, Randy, was not sure whether the German soldier was dead or alive, but he knew that his father was not inclined to take items from deceased individuals. After returning home, Johnnie gifted the bayonet to his brother-in-law Earl Stacks. Earl held onto it until around 1993, when he passed it on to Randy.

Bayonet and case from a captured German

On May 18, 1945, an additional 1,600 troops from the 73rd Corps were evacuated. On May 19, 1945, an explosion at the German ammunition assembly point in Mas resulted in one American soldier killed, two wounded, and 20 German casualties (half of whom were killed).

In his May 19, 1945 letter, Johnnie began crafting secret plans for his homecoming. His desire was clear: he wanted Lucile all to himself.

Dear Darling Lou,

Just a few lines hoping that this finds you in the best of health. As for myself, I am OK. You say Robert is in England. It looks like he would be able to tell he was if he is there now that the war is over. We won’t now. We don’t have our mail censor no more. I am at the present about forty miles from the country of Austria border. But still in Italy. All we are doing at the present is guarding German prisons and resting up. We have a nice hotel to stay in that the Germans had and as far as that we are pretty costly at the present. O yeah I sent off those guns I was telling you about in one of my letters yesterday. Also sent you a blanket which is new. It is a German blanket and I sent a German purple heart and compass which I want you to put up for me. You shall receive all of that stuff in about a month, I hope. I still haven’t heard from you in a good while now or anybody else for that matter. O yeah do you think you could get me a good pencil and a few stamps? This pen I have now isn’t mine and the guy I have been borrowing it off of is getting tired of me asking for it all the time, which I don’t blame him. I have been using it more than he has lately. See what you can do about the situation, OK? O yeah, just in case I do come home one of these days, which I have my hopes on, we are going to take off. I want you to myself for a few days anyway. I know darn well what its going to be like when I do get back. We won’t have one minute to ourselves because everybody will want to see me and talk to me and if we don’t take off for a few days people will even be at the house all night just talking. Where all I would have on my mind is you. Don’t you think it will be something like that? Let me know your opinion. Well, I guess that’s enough on that. Let’s just hope and pray I will be seeing you soon. How is Mom Stacks? Has she ever finished that letter to me, Ha Ha? Give her my regards. Tell all the rest of the family hello for me. Well Darling, I will close for now. Hoping to hear from you soon. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

Johnnie was near the border of Italy and Austria when he wrote his May 19 letter
(somewhere in the vicinity of the blue star on the map). Image provided by:
Library of Congress, Washington, DC, Geography and Map Division.

After learning from Lucile that his stepmother had breast cancer, Johnnie confided in her during a letter he wrote on May 21, 1945. He expressed having many questions about women and other personal matters.

My Dear Darling Lou,

I received two letters from you yesterday. Also, one from Mom Stacks. Sure was glad to get them after not hearing from you in twelve days. So glad to know you are alright. I was sorry to hear about Dad’s wife. Honey, you said she had a growth on her breast and they had to take it off. What I want to know is were you talking about the growth on her breast or the whole breast. Or better known to me as the tits. I didn’t know a woman could live with one of them taken from her. But of course, there is a lot I don’t know about the female sex and other things about women. You don’t know it, but there is a lot of questions I want to ask you when I get back about such things which I thought I knew. But I have heard the fellows here in my outfit talk about women and sex. I found out I don’t know half of the things about such. And I am sure you can answer such questions for me. OK? O yeah, a friend of mine got a letter from his wife the other day saying that she was getting ready to have a baby. He has been over here about as long as I have. He went and had her allotment stopped and wrote her that when he did return, she better be many miles away from him because he would kill her just like he had killed the Germans over here. Boy, this kid really went out of his head when he read that letter she wrote him. And I don’t blame him either, do you? Well, I guess thats enough on that. But things like that just burns me up. When guys like him have been over here fighting and going through hell for nothing. Well honey, I will have to close for now because we are getting ready to move to another area. By the way, since the first of this month, six fellows have left to go home. I still have my hopes up. I miss you a lot and I love you a million. 

Always, Johnnie

On May 21, 1945, 1,500 troops from the 73rd Corps were escorted to Bassano. Then, on May 25, 1945, several thousand captured horses were handed over to the Army remount service, and the 600 troops with service trains completed the evacuation of the 76th Panzer Corps and all enemy troops in the regimental zone. At 2 AM, the regiment was relieved of all military duties as elements of the Italian Folgore Group took control of the zone

Throughout the rest of the month, the regiment focused on light training, emphasizing athletics and recreation. Additionally, all battalions held solemn memorial services to honor the men who sacrificed their lives during the Italian campaigns.

May 10, 12, and 14, 1945

On May 10, 1945, Johnnie wrote a letter to Lucile, sharing the news that he was sending several German items back to the states. He also expressed concerned about his sister’s well-being and the possibility she was facing financial difficulties.

My Dear Darling,

Just a few lines to let you know I am well and alright and hope that this finds you the same. Honey, about the watch I sent to have fixed. Just forget about it. I have another watch. So, put it away till I call for it, OK? Honey, I am sending a German blanket which is new, also I am sending a German rifle and a German bunt pistol. I want you to put them up for me. Not the blanket though. That is yours to do whatever you want to with it. Be sure and let no one fool with the guns. They are not to play with. Or to be messed with. Regardless whoever it may be. I hope you understand, OK? We are not doing much now except guard duty. And getting rested up and I can grant you, we really need the rest. How are the folks there at home taking the ending of the war here in Italy and on the other fronts over here? I guess everybody is pretty happy about it and are praying that soon we will have peace all over the world once more and I just hope and pray it won’t be long off. How is the rest of the family? O yeah honey, how is our bank account? Or rather yours. Let me know. Louise wrote me and said that Kate sent her a letter wanting to borrow some money. She must be having trouble. I hope she isn’t out of a job. Especially with those two kids. I wish you would check up on her and if she needs any money or that you can help her any at all, do so. She’s still my sister and I know you understand. Let me know the result and also if you let her have any money let me know. Well honey, I will have to close for now. But be sure to let me know what the result is of our bank account before you do anything OK? And remember about those guns. I miss you a lot and I love you a million. 

Always, Johnnie

Johnnie and Lucile (before the war)

Johnnie’s unit is finally enjoying a well-deserved rest now that the war has ended. In his letter to Lucile dated May 12, 1945, he mentioned craving several sweets—something he likely had not tasted in quite some time.

Hello Babe,

Just a few lines to let you know I am thinking of you and I hope this finds you in the best of health as I am OK. Just wanting to be with you is my only trouble at the present. Well, I guess you want to know what we are doing since the war has ended over here. Well, mostly just resting up and doing a little general duty. O yeah honey, just before we started this last push over here, which ended the war here in Italy and elsewhere, I was at the rest hotel and a buddy of mine took a couple of pictures of me. One isn’t no good at all but the reason I am sending it is to show you one of our rest hotels of our own outfit. Do you think the pictures look like the guy that left you at the train station the last time we were together? I don’t. These pictures were made sometime in March, which are about two months old now. I haven’t heard from you in almost a week now. I hope to get some mail from you today. Say, how quick could you get me a box off? I would like to have some hair tonic because my hair is getting pretty dry. Get some of the rose hair oil if you can. Also, what I would like to have is some marshmallows, which I haven’t had in a long time, and a few candy bars! And whatever else you can think of I would like, OK? Well honey, I will close for now. Tell all the family I said hello. I miss you a lot and I love you a million. 

Always, Johnnie

We have not been able to verify the specific rest hotel where Johnnie spent time after liberation. However, among his personal belongings, we discovered a booklet titled City Plan of Florence, Italy: Compliments of Fifth Army Officer’s Rest Hotel, along with a placement-style map titled Firenze, which translates to Florence. Below, you will find select images from these artifacts.

Map on the back side of the Fifth Army Officers’ Rest Hotel placemat

 

Enlarged to see ‘Fifth Army’

Johnnie shared a grim statistic with Lucile in his May 14, 1945 letter from Italy—only 47 out of 198 men in his unit were left—some still hospitalized, some back home crippled for life, and many that did not survive.

My Dear Darling,

I received your letter that was written May second. Sure was glad to hear that you are alright. As for myself, I am OK. Yes, I still can’t believe the war is over here. It really seems funny and makes you have some kind of a feeling not to hear shells busting and machine guns firing after being around them so long. Thank God I was spared through all of this horrible war or seeing your buddies getting killed around you or hurt and seeing people suffer as I have. I wouldn’t think a person could stand it all. But there is something in you that just keeps you going. I wasn’t able to write this till now. Because the censor wouldn’t let it go through. But it’s those people back there that aren’t helping in war work or anything to help put a stop to all of this with Japan I am talking about now. They should see or go through the horrors of war and I will grant you they will do something about helping us end it all. Lucile, when I came overseas, I was with a hundred and ninety-eight men which was in my company. And I knew them all pretty well and some of them who discussed their family with me, and their troubles. Well, most of all the old men that came over with me are gone now. Some are still in hospitals, some are back home crippled up for life, and a lot that won’t see home no more. There are just forty-seven men that I came over with left out of a hundred and ninety-eight. We might have won this war with Germany, but a lot of us lost too, right? But they didn’t die in vain or get crippled up for nothing. They just didn’t want their family to suffer like what the Germans did to these people over here. They wanted their family to live without being in fear like Germany had the people over here. I could tell you a lot more but that’s not for me. I just want to forget all of this. I hope you understand me. This picture you sent of Drex looks like the same old Drex to me. He hasn’t changed much at all. He really looked good. O yeah, that gift of your Mother, when I sent it, I was hoping it would get to her around Mother’s Day and yours I was thinking of your birthday. But I see it missed that day a long way off, right? Sure glad to hear that Dot got a nice set of teeth. How does she like them? Well honey, I will close for now. So, keep writing. I can answer any question now as they don’t censor my mail anymore. I think you are swell. And I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

Johnnie in Italy (unknown whether it was taken
at the aforementioned rest hotel)

On May 15, 1945, a mass evacuation began, escorting 18,532 troops and 540 enemy vehicles to Bassano.