July 3, 4, and 12, 1945

As July began, the 1st Battalion and Service Company were stationed in the Belluno-Sedico area, the 2nd Battalion was located at Agordo, the 3rd Battalion operated in the Mis-Sospirolo area, and the Special Unit Companies were positioned around Lake Alleghe. Throughout this period, light training persisted, focusing on orientation, education, athletics, and recreation.

Amidst the changes taking place within the Regiment, Johnnie found himself part of a significant transition—the Army transferring him to the Corps of Engineers. Yet, he remained uncertain about the implications of this shift. On July 3, 1945, he shared his new address with Lucile in a V-mail.

Dear Darling Wife,

Please address as shown below until otherwise advised.

PFC John H. Marston

Co. A, 404 ENGR. C BM

APO No. 464

New York, NY

The above complete address should be placed on all mail sent to me.

Well, here is my new address. I am now in the Combat Engineers as I told you in my other letter that there was going to be a change in my address. I also told you not to write till you receive this. I can’t tell you anything about the engineers because me being a front-line soldier up till now there isn’t a thing I know about how they work or anything else for that matter. Well, I will close. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

After the war ended in Italy, combat engineers were crucial in rebuilding the war-torn country. They repaired infrastructure like roads and bridges, cleared mines and unexploded ordnance, and supported military occupation efforts. Additionally, they trained local engineers, participated in long-term infrastructure projects, and provided humanitarian assistance to displaced persons and refugees. These efforts were vital for stabilizing and aiding Italy’s recovery and development.

World War II recruiting poster for the U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

How long will it take for Lucile’s letters to catch up with Johnnie’s new location? That was something he pondered when he wrote a V-mail to Lucile on July 4, 1945. He made no mention of the July 4th holiday.

My Dear Darling,

Just a few lines to let you know I am well and I hope that this finds everything with you going OK. Well, I guess now that I have a change of address, it will take what letters you have wrote me a good while to catch up with me. I hope not too long. O yeah, I received the package with the candy and hair oil. Thanks a lot. Say did you ever go out to see Kate? How is she? What did she have to say about the money? O’yeah, did you ever send off my pen yet? I really need something to write with. I doubt if you make out what I am writing on this, with this piece of pencil I got. O’yeah, I am out of writing paper again and airmail stamps or airmail envelopes. So, if you want me to write you something besides V-mail you better send the material, Ha Ha. I miss you a lot and I love you a million. 

Johnnie 

On July 6, 1945, the 337th Infantry received movement orders from their headquarters. On July 7, the Special Unit Companies relocated to Belluno, and the Regimental Command Post was established there. Subsequently, on July 9, the Regiment commenced movement by rail and organic motors to the Volturno Redeployment Training Area near Caserta, Italy. The 310th Medical Battalion furnished one ambulance to accompany the convey. Before troop departure, trains were positioned two hours in advance. The Train Commander and Entraining Officer inspected the entraining point according to Society of Automobile Engineers (SAE) Instructions Section T-1070 (dated February 7, 1945). Entraining involves assembling and boarding soldiers onto trains or other transport. Upon troops’ arrival, they were divided into groups for car loading. For trains with “40 & 8” boxcars (40 men or 8 horses), each group included 25 individuals, excluding the officer. Roll call occurred, and entraining groups were positioned at car entrances. Troops rapidly boarded upon the Entraining Officer’s signal. During the convoy movement, troops were strictly prohibited from firing any type of weapons at telephone poles, wires, insulators, or other objects. The Regiment arrived in the Volturno Redeployment Training Area on July 11, 1945. The Army had strict procedures for these troop movements, as follows:

Detraining operations were overseen by the Advance Detachment of the 85th Infantry Division in Caserta. Upon reaching their destination, Train Commanders promptly contacted the Division Detailing Officer at the Caserta Railhead. Adequate transportation was available to move troops and equipment from the railhead to the Volturno Redeployment Training Area. Clearly marked rest stops were strategically planned at Poggio Ruscio, Bologna, Florence, Leghorn, Grosseto, and Rome, with 20 minutes allotted per stop. Train Commanders ensured that staff were well-versed in safety precautions, including not detraining without specific authority, avoiding damage to railway property, and conserving water. During rest stops, troops refrained from using train lavatories. Proper uniform was required except during rest periods. Bars were off-limits to officers and enlisted personnel. A bugle signal prompted immediate entrainment, and a command post was established by the train commander. Water pickups occurred at stops in Leghorn and Rome.

Troop uniforms consisted of wool OD shirts and trousers, helmet liners, combat boots or shoes, leggings, packs, and individual arms. Each soldier carried their own duffle bag, while officers had hand luggage. Duffle bags and bedrolls for officers were placed in cars with officers. A train surgeon was assigned to the train, responsible for knowing hospital locations along the route. During movement, the four kitchens in boxcars were unavailable. No inflammables or explosives were loaded in baggage or boxcars. Ranges and gas cans were drained and aired before loading. Guards were posted for the kitchen car, carrying sufficient ammunition. They rode on the 40 & 8 car closest to the equipment car, and no ammunition was allowed aboard the trains.

During troop movements, each individual carried three days of hard rations. In the 40 & 8 boxcars transporting personnel, three full five-gallon water cans were loaded. A hot meal awaited all troops in Rome, while coffee and doughnuts were served in Grosseto and Vicenza before train departure.

Convoys, guided by Division Military Police, departed each morning from the previous night’s bivouac at 7:10 AM, with subsequent departures every 20 to 30 minutes. The guide speed ranged from 20 to 25 MPH, depending on the location. Six checkpoints were established along the route. The estimated arrival time at the training area was 50 hours from departure in Feltre. An appointed captain served as the investigating officer for any accidents en route, collecting witness statements and conducting on-the-spot investigations. The captain’s sole duty was to report incidents, riding at the end of the convoy.

During the convoy, four Ordnance facilities were strategically placed along the route. If any vehicles became disabled, they were either towed to a new area or to one of the Ordnance installations, depending on their condition and distance from the destination. In cases where towing was not possible, a call was made to the nearest Ordnance installation. No wrecked or disabled vehicle was left unguarded. When turning in vehicles, a tally was secured and later submitted to the Division Ordnance Officer upon trip completion.

Troops established temporary camps during their journey. The first night, they camped at Staging Area #1, located four miles south of Pisa. The second night, they stayed at the PBS Convoy Park, 11 miles south of Rome on Highway 7 near TCP ‘R.’ Water was available at the temporary camps near Pisa and Rome; all water cans were refilled before departing from camp. Insect repellent and mosquito bars were used at these camps, which were clearly marked. All vehicles departed with full tanks and gasoline cans. Four designated refueling points were planned along the route, each allowing 20 minutes for refueling.

Route maps to Volturno Redeployment Training Area

On July 12, Colonel Raymond C. Barlow assumed command of the Regiment, replacing Colonel Oliver W. Hughes, who had been transferred to 5th Army Headquarters. During their time in the Volturno Redeployment Training Area, all organizations continued training, focusing on subjects with disciplinary value, including military courtesy, close order drill, ceremonies, interior guard duty, and Articles of War.

Johnnie’s last letter barely had time to reach the States before his address changed again. The past two weeks had been busy for him—new job, training, and getting new eye glasses. He wrote to Lucile about it all in his letter dated July 12, 1945.

My Dear Darling,

Well, I guess you want to know why I haven’t been writing you regular here lately. Well, a lot has happened in the last two weeks. I am now in an engineer outfit, not in the infantry no more thank God. I sent you an address to write me which is right except since I sent you that address, I have been transferred to another company. I will put my correct address at the end of this letter. So, you will be sure and get my address right, OK? Well, you can quit sending me packages now because by the time they get here, I will be on my way. I am going to take six weeks of engineer training over here. Then the commanding officer said we were going to load up and head for home for more training. So, the way things seem right now, I will be home. Keep your fingers crossed. Did you receive any package from me here lately? Let me know. Well honey, since I have changed addresses, your mail to me hasn’t caught up yet. So, it’s kind of hard to write a very long letter. Tell Mom Stacks I received the marshmellows and they were swell. What did Kate have to say? I have been back in the hospital with my eyes. In case you don’t know it, your Johnnie has to wear glasses now. I really look like an old man, Ha Ha. Well honey, that’s all the news for now. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

P.S. My address is P.F.C. John H. Marston Jr., H&S Co. 404 ‘C’ Engineer, A.P.O. 464, c/o P.M. New York NY

June 24 and 26–29, 1945

On June 22, 1945 at the Belluno air strip, the regiment took part in a Field Day featuring athletics, military events, and horse racing. The competition was organized on a company-versus-company basis, with H Company securing the most victories.

In his letter dated June 24, 1945, Johnnie expressed strong feelings about the girlfriend of an old comrade who had been seriously injured during the war.

My Dear Darling,

Received a letter from you yesterday. Sure was glad to hear that you are well and alright. As for myself I am still sweating it out. Still waiting. Yes, I can understand what you mean about the days seeming longer. It gets me the same way too. Yes, I guess you are getting fed up on working. You have been at it so long now. I have told you in my other letters that if it was harming your health any, I wanted you to quit. And I mean just that. I received a letter from Louise yesterday. Also, one from my old buddy Forest Tubbs. As you know, he is back in the States in the hospital. He was wounded in the arm, and hand, and side. He said he didn’t think he would be able to use his right hand anymore. He wrote to me left-handed. I have to read his letters over three or four times before I can make out what he is talking about. I really feel sorry for the kid. But it could have been worse. Right? His girl came to see him, he said while he was in the hospital near his hometown. She hurt him, worried then that shell that got him, by telling him that in the condition he was in they could never get married now. He wrote and told me about it and asked me if I was in his shoes what I would do. I told him I would mostly shoot her if not that. I would beat the hell out of her. Because if somebody didn’t do it. She would mostly ruin some other guys life. If so, she doesn’t know the good things of life so why should she stay around at all. Right? Well honey, I will close for now. Anyway, I might blow my top if I stay on this one subject. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie 

Johnnie had previously mentioned Forest in a letter dated December 4, 1944. Discharged in June 1944, Forest remained in contact with Johnnie. According to World War II Hospital Admission Card Files, Forest Tubbs, back home in Tennessee now, had sustained nerve damage in his armpit from shrapnel caused by an artillery shell. This injury resulted in brachial palsy, causing weakness, numbness, or paralysis in his arm, which forced Forest to write with his left hand. Although we do not know who his ‘girl’ was during his recovery, Forest married Rhetta Olivia Doom in 1949, and their union lasted 50 years.

Pfc. Forest Tubbs

On June 26, 1945, a delegation from this Regiment departed for the Volturno Redeployment Training Area near Caserta, Italy. In a letter Johnnie wrote that same day, he expressed a longing for Lucile. As the war’s end drew near, he yearned to see her once more and asked for her help in reclaiming the man he once was.

Hello Babe,

I received a letter from you yesterday and glad to hear that you are getting my mail OK. I am OK as far as health is concerned. But as usual missing you more. I don’t know why, but I have had the feeling that I will see you sometime this year. O’yeah, you took what I wrote you about waiting for me the wrong way. What I meant is that I hope nothing ever came between us that would make us part. And Gosh Lou, lets never let that happen. I love you so much. I doubt that is one thing I couldn’t take. I can stand the Germans shooting all around me and the Japs too as far as that goes. But for me and you to break up, that’s something else. In other words, a song I just learned fit me to you, like a T. The name of the song is ‘I am all alone.’ At the end of the World. And it has a verse in it that says ‘What good is the world without you.’ Please take what I said above serious. I am trying so hard to be the same Johnnie again that you once cared so much about. A lot of times when I haven’t anything to do, I just sit and think about you and me and the future. And the one thing you and me both want. You can’t blame a guy for dreaming, can you? There’s a lot I have to forget and you can help me too by bringing the same Johnnie back to his normal mind again. So much has happened the last two years for us both. And I know it has put a strain on you also. Forget about the trip to Warm Springs, my error. O’yeah, about the house whatever way you want it is OK with me. You have always been boss of that part anyway, Ha Ha. Right? Yes, I will write Mom Stacks. I know how it is. You know I haven’t written Dad and his wife. Not even since she has had that operation. I better get on the ball or Dad and her are going to think I am not around anymore, right? Well honey, I will close for this time. Tell all hello for me. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

P.S. How quick can you send me a carton of cigarettes?

Johnnie 

Johnnie’s father, John

Johnnie continues to send words of encouragement to Lucile’s mother in a letter dated June 27, 1945.

Dear Mom,

Just a few lines to let you know I am well and I hope and pray that this finds you and the kids in the best of health. I hope you have everything straightened out by now on the lumber company and other things that had to be taken care of. I know Mom just what you have been through in the last few months and it has hit you very hard. I know he would be proud and I’m sure he knew you could carry on for the kids. Which you are doing such a swell job of. Mom, don’t worry so about us boys. You see that we have a job to do which one now is finished. Thank God. I don’t want to live under a Jap dictation. Neither does Mickey, Cecil, Robert or any of the boys for that matter. So, to stay free and to keep freedom, we have to keep these guys out, right? A buddy of mine just brought me two letters, one is from you and the other is from Luke. I am going to stop writing and read them. Then maybe I can answer some of it in this letter, OK. Mom, in this letter you wanted to know if I received the Bible with the steele case. Yes, and I think it’s very nice. Thanks a lot. I haven’t received the package with the marshmallows yet. But thanks for getting them for me. Yes, I can bet the way you have the house fixed up now that it looks good. Keep your fingers crossed, for I think I will be home soon to see it myself. O yeah, get that out of your head about not seeing Mickey anymore. He will take care of himself and I will be sure he would want you to look on him as a man now, not as a kid, right? Well Mom, I will close for now. Tell all hello for me and give my love to Luke.

Lots Lots Love, Johnnie

Johnnie’s mother-in-law, Leola Stacks

In his June 28, 1945 letter, Johnnie mentioned a dream Leola told him she had about him. He was also appreciative that Lucile was looking after his sister and her children. 

My Dear Darling Wife,

Received two letters from you yesterday and was glad to hear that you are well and alright. Sorry to hear that you are not working here lately. Because I know when you don’t have nothing to do, you just sit around and worry. Right? That place you worked at sure does have a lot of trouble with their machine and so forth. Why don’t they invest some money in some new machines and they wouldn’t be having so much trouble? Right? Thanks for going out to see Kate and see what she needs. Whatever you loaned her, I am sure she will pay us back. If she doesn’t, it’s OK, right? Because I know it’s hard to raise two kids, just her alone trying to raise them. Right? O’yeah, honey, have you ever received any of the packages I have sent home? Why I ask is most of the fellows that sent guns and other things home their folks have already received them. I just hope mine gets home OK. I wrote your Mother yesterday. She said in the letter that she wrote me that she dreamed I brought a baby home. Isn’t that something, Ha Ha. Did she say anything to you about that dream? I know if I done anything like that, I would just as well go fight the Japs because you would shoot me anyway, Ha Ha. Sorry to hear that you are having rained weather that when I shall be home with you. Right? Well honey, I will have to close for now as I go on guard in about ten minutes. Tell all hello for me. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

In a June 29, 1945 V-mail, Johnnie shared that he has a new assignment and will have a new address soon. He also continued to offer hope to Lucile.

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. Well, you better not write me no more after you get this. I am leaving tomorrow to another outfit. So, I will have a new address. So, wait till you hear from me again. OK? I know one thing about it, I won’t be a front-line soldier anymore. That’s in my favor. Right? And I am still pretty sure I will be seeing you soon. So, don’t give up hope as yet. I will let you know more about the setup when I write you the next letter, OK? Boy, the weather sure is hot over here now. How is it back home now? Has it ever stopped raining? Ha Ha. Lately every letter I receive from you, you said it was raining. I wrote you an air mail yesterday. Also, I dropped Dad a line. I have been getting your mail pretty regular here lately. How is my coming? How is Mom Stacks and the kids? Well, I hope. 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

Front and back of Johnnie’s June 29, 1945 V-mail to Lucile

As the period concluded, all organizations remained in their initial dispositions. However, significant personnel changes occurred among both officers and enlisted men throughout the month.

During the month of June, 1 Legion of Merit Medal, 22 Silver Stars Medals, 3 Oak Leaf Clusters to Silver Star Medals, 636 Bronze Star Medals (7 posthumously), 9 Oak Leaf Clusters to Bronze Star Medals, 1 Soldier’s Medal, 91 Purple Hearts, 36 Oak Leaf Clusters to Purple Heart, 5 2nd Oak Leaf Clusters to Purple Heart, 19 Combat Infantryman Badges, and 105 Medical Badges (includes 103 Badges issues to 310th Medical Battalion) 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, 3273 assigned enlisted men, and 19 attached enlisted men. 

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

June 10, 11, 15, and 20, 1945

On June 10, 1945, Johnnie included a recently taken photograph of Company B in his letter to Lucile.

My Dear Darling,

Well, here it is Sunday and a pretty bad day too. It has been raining for the last two days. I used to like for the weather to be like that. But not no more. Since I am away from you. You remember where I was back home if it was a rainey day. I always laid off of work. It’s funny but when the weather is like it is today, I just enjoyed staying home and having a time with you. Honey, it has been three days since I heard from you. I have written you every day this month so far except two days and at that time I was where I wasn’t able to write. A couple of days ago we had a pretty good size picture of our outfit made. We all received a picture this morning. I am sending it home so that it is taken care of. In case you can’t find me on this picture, I am laying down on the front row with my hair down on my forehead next to the guy with the watch on his arm. Don’t I look cute, Ha Ha. How is Mom Stacks? Well, I hope the rest of the family are OK. I hope you understand me about Kate in what I wrote you in that V-mail. Say honey, in that box with the blanket, there is a box, rather a match box, and in it is a compass and a German Purple Heart. Let me know if you receive that also. Well, it’s time for the mail check to come around and pick up the mail so I will close for now. I miss you a lot and I love you a million. 

Always, Johnnie

337th Infantry, Company B, Italy, June 1945

 

Johnnie is in the front row, third man from the left (center)

A Rememberance from the 1st Battalion Enlistedmans Club (Belluno, Italy).
Many of Johnnie’s fellow soldiers signed the photo on the back.

In his letter dated June 11, 1945, Johnnie sought to clarify to Lucile both the points he had accumulated and the criteria for earning additional points in his Advanced Service Rating Score.

My Dear Darling,

I received your letter to me, the first one of this month, yesterday, which was dated June the first. I got one today which was dated the fourth. That’s not bad at all. But what happened to the second and third? Maybe they are on their way. My mail to you is coming pretty regular, that’s good. You wanted to know about this point system. Well, I told you I had just seventy points. The day after I wrote you that, I was told I was awarded the Bronze Star for a heroic deed in action so that gives me five more points and makes my total seventy-five. And they say they are going to give us another battle star for fighting the Germans here in the Alp mountains of Italy. If so, that will be five more points which will make eighty. And I get two points for every month I am in service and two for every month I am overseas. Well that take care of that. O’yeah, the latest we have heard over here is every guy with sixty points over will go home for a furlough before being assigned. Gosh, don’t give up hope for me. If I do have to go to the Pacific, I am pretty darn sure to come by home first. I will be home by two months and a half from now, or not at all. What I mean by that is I really don’t believe I will see any more action, and they might put me as army occupation over here till the war is over in the Pacific. I am not sure of anything as yet. But you will know about two months from now. You can bet on that. I know one thing, all us old men here in the outfit are pretty sure we will go by home before we are assigned to any more jobs to be done. They say when a woman senses anything like her husband: or sweetheart that something is going to happen to them it usually comes true. Just do something like that and maybe before you know it, I will be right by your side back there at home, Ha Ha. Well honey, I will close for now. Tell all the folks hello for me. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

P.S. in your next letter send some airmail stamps, OK?

Love, Johnnie

In his June 15, 1945 letter, Johnnie mentioned receiving several letters, including one from Lucile’s cousin Irvin. Like Johnnie, Irvin was stationed in Italy and had also acquired a few gifts during his time in Venice.

My Dear Darling,

Received a letter from you yesterday. Also, one from Dot. The first mail I have got in about five days. You know since this war has been over here it just seems like the mail has fallen off for me. I guess everybody figures that being that it is over, they just say well he is safe and OK now. There just isn’t any use writing him so regular now. What do you think? Also, we are having it pretty easy now. But what next? Who knows? I got a letter from Irvin a few days ago. He was telling me he didn’t have to worry any more about being shot at or shelled. He is back in Naples, about six hundred miles below Italy from here. The first time I have heard from him in about six months. He is driving now a bus. O’yeah, I went on a pass to Venice a couple of days ago. While I was there, I bought you a pair of beads. Also, Mary and Betty a little pin with a boat on it. Let me know if you received them or not. Sorry to hear that you are not working now, don’t let it get you down. I know it’s hard on you when you haven’t anything to do but it around and worry wherever I will be home soon. I have the same trouble myself here lately. Just waiting. A couple of days ago we had two of our boys killed. They were guarding an ammunition dump and it blew up. About seventeen Germans got it also. That’s hell to go all the way through a war, then get it on something like that. A guy never knows when his time is up though. How is Mom Stacks? And the rest of the family? OK, I hope. Tell them all hello for me and I hope to see them soon. O’yeah, Dot said if I stay away much longer, she would forget how I looked when I left. She doesn’t know the half of it. I have forgot that myself, Ha Ha. I feel my age too much now. Because I know ten years of my life is gone. Well honey, I will close for now. Keep writing, praying and hoping I will see you soon. I miss you a lot and I love you a million. 

Always, Johnnie

Johnnie visited Venice (see blue star on map). Image from Library of Congress, Washington, DC,
Geography and Map Division.

Johnnie and Lucile were ready to start a family, something he alluded to in his letter dated June 20, 1945.

I love you a million, always

My Dear Lou,

Received a letter from you yesterday which was mailed the tenth of June. Honey, have you received the blanket I sent you? You should have by now. A lot of the fellows that have sent them say that their family have received them. Let me know, OK. Well, a lot of the fellows have left to go to other outfits. I am expecting to leave any day now. I just hope the outfit I go in stops by the States before going on to the Pacific. Keep your fingers crossed. Sure would like to have been there for that wine roast. I am really a chow hound now, Ha Ha. I can eat anything now. I am glad you are having folks to come around and see you. It keeps you from being so lonely, right? Sorry to hear that you haven’t heard from Mickey. But I am sure he is alright. I guess by the time you get this Robert will be home. Some guys have the best of luck, right? Yes, it’s been every bit of eighteen months and more since I saw you last. That’s one reason I think I may be home soon being over here so long. Boy, I sure hope they lower the points if I am going to get out on a discharge. They better. Yes, I sure would like to start a family if I can get back to you before I get too old, Ha Ha. Being what I have been through, I wouldn’t want no boys being fear that they might have to go through what I been through, get what I mean? O’yeah, get those crazy dreams out of your head. If we had a baby and me thinking all the time that you bear us a daughter or son. Would make me feel proud all the time. You get what I mean. 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

Johnnie’s brother-in-law, Robert Astin