Welcome home soldier

Johnnie arrived in the United States on November 8, 1945, having completed 2 years, 10 months, and 16 days of military service. During that period, he spent 1 year, 10 months, and 8 days on foreign soil. His mustering out pay amounted to $300, with a $100 payment made at that time. Additionally, he received $9.60 as travel pay.

PFC John Henry Marston received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Army at the Separation Center in Camp Gordon, Georgia on November 22, 1945, which happened to be Thanksgiving Day. President Truman, in proclaiming November 22 as a day of national thanksgiving, stated:

May we on that day, in our homes and in our places of worship, individually and as groups, express our humble thanks to Almighty God for the abundance of our blessings and may we on that occasion rededicate ourselves to those high principles of citizenship for which so many splendid Americans have recently given all.

World War II summary from US Military academy. 
Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=683817. 

Decorations and Citations

Johnnie was awarded the following medals and decorations during his service in the Army:

Good Conduct Medal

Awarded to any active duty enlisted member of the U.S.
military who completes three consecutive years of honorable and
faithful service

Combat Infantryman Badge

Awarded for “performing duties while personally present and under
fire while serving in an assigned infantry or Special Forces capacity, in a unit
of brigade, regimental, or smaller size, engaged in active ground combat”

 

American Theater Service Ribbon

Awarded to a member of the U.S. military service in the American Theater
for at least 30 days outside the U.S. or 1 year inside the U.S. between
December 7, 1941 and March 2, 1946

Purple Heart

Awarded for “being wounded or killed in any action against an enemy of
the U.S. or as a result of an act of any such enemy or opposing armed forces”

Bronze Star Medal

“Awarded to members of the U.S. Armed Forces for either heroic
achievement, heroic service, meritorious achievement, or meritorious
service in a combat zone”

 

World War II Victory Medal

Awarded for service in the U.S. armed forces between the dates of
December 7, 1941 and December 31, 1946

U.S. Pin

Represents the United States  

Crossed rifles pins – Infantry  

Honorable Service Lapel Button, also known as the Ruptured Duck,
issued by the military to soldiers who wore them on their uniform to show
they were an honorably discharged veteran. Randy said Johnnie wore the button
on his suit after the war as well. 

Distinctive Unit Insignia for the 85th Infantry Division Headquarters  

Ribbons

Top left: Bronze Star ribbon
Top right: Purple Heart ribbon

Bottom left: Good Conduct medal ribbon
Bottom middle: European–African–Middle Eastern Campaign ribbon

Bottom right: World War II Victory Medal ribbon

Honorable Discharge

In the booklet Minturno to the Appennies, published by the Information-Education Section of the 85th Infantry Division on January 1, 1944, General Mark Clark expressed his gratitude to the 85th. His words remained steadfast and meaningful even as the war ended.

Headquarters, 85th Army Group

During the course of the Italian campaign the arrival of the 85th Infantry Division was an event which to me was of profound significance. Its arrival in Italy had been heralded by glowing reports which told of a thoroughness and completeness in training which few U.S. combat units had been able to equal. Seldom had adequate time and opportunity been available in such full measure prior to a division’s entry into combat.

The excellent combat record of the 85th Infantry Division attests eloquently to the soundness of our War Department policy to grant the maximum in training facilities to our fighting troops. You of the 85th Division have thereby contributed not only in the military victories which you have gained but also in passing on to your successors the heritage of indisputable proof that there is no substitute for intense, well-planned and intelligently executed training, under superior leadership.

I was glad to welcome the Custer Division to my command. I am and always shall be proud to include it among those gallant fighting forces on which I may place the fullest dependence under all conditions of combat.

To General Coulter, to the officers and men of the 85th Infantry Division I extend my sincerest congratulations on a tough job well done.

MARK W. CLARK, General, U.S. Army, Commanding

General Mark W. Clark (1945)

U.S. Army, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

October 16, 20, 25, 31, and November 3, 1945

In his letter dated October 16, 1945, Johnnie mentioned two guns he had sent home—a chrome nickel-plated Ruger and a sniper rifle. He entrusted Lucile with their care, asking her to seek assistance from her brother. Unfortunately, both were later stolen.

Dear Darling,

Just a few lines to let you know I am thinking of you and hope that this finds you in the best of health. You said something in one of your letters I received yesterday about you didn’t want other people reading your letters to me. I don’t get what you mean about that so please explain yourself, OK? O’yeah honey, I want you to get those guns I sent home and get Geral to help you and oil and clean them up. I put oil on them before I sent them and I was expecting to be home before they had to be oiled again but things didn’t turn out that way. Do you think you can do that? Be sure and don’t lose any of the parts. Well, when is the last time you seen or heard from Kate or Dad or any of them? They have quit writing me for some reason. Well, I don’t care as long as you keep writing or maybe it would be better if I hadn’t been one of the lucky guys to come through this war. I don’t know. 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 sister Kate and father John Marston

In his letter dated October 20, 1945, Johnnie approached the topic of his return home with caution. He did not want to shatter Lucile’s hope prematurely. Instead, he discussed his job with the military police.

My Dear Darling,

Received a letter from you yesterday and was glad to hear that you are well and OK. Yes, I guess you are right. The mail is kindly messed up now. With me moving about so much and I know it isn’t your fault that I am not getting any mail from you so regular. You wanted to know if I had any idea when I will come home. Well, I am not saying because something might happen again and I won’t get to come so as it stands, I am not letting you know till you see me there you will know I am home. Right? You want to know what that M.P. stands for on my address. It stands for Military Police. Yes, at the present, I am a cop. Yet while the war was going on, I couldn’t get in the M.P. for hell. Well, I guess this is all for this time. Tell all the folks I said hello and I hope to see them soon. Lots Love. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

When writing his V-mail dated October 25, 1945, Johnnie was experiencing inner turmoil, likely stemming from his wartime experiences, and possibly exacerbated by PTSD.

My Dear Darling

I received two letters from you today. Glad to know that some of your mail to me is finally coming in. That’s what counts. Right? Well, you say you heard from Dave Bullard. Glad to know that he is still alive. Sure would like to see him. So, he heard I was killed. No, well if you see him tell him I just as well be. My memory isn’t even good anymore. You know I had to think and think to even remember him. What about that? You can about understand now. What you are getting back for a husband. Maybe all this sounds crazy. But I can’t even understand what its all about myself. So, what else can I say. No, there isn’t any women Lou. That’s one lesson I have learned. And can’t forget. Well honey, that’s all of this time. Tell all hello. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

Worried about missing Lucile’s letters, Johnnie took extra care to ensure she had his accurate address in a second V-mail he wrote on October 25, 1945. He addressed the template portion to ‘Dear Darling Lou.’

Change of Address

P.F.C. John H. Marston

Co. C, 101 M.P. Bn.

A.P.O. 782

New York, NY

Honey be sure and put this address correct. I believe that’s one reason I haven’t been hearing from you so regular. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie 

On October 31, 1945, Johnnie wrote his last V-mail to Lucile. His mind surely swirled with emotions as he wrote those words—he was finally going home.

Tell Mom Stacks I will write her when I get to the shipping area.

My Dear Darling,

Well, here I go again. I am leaving in the morning to the shipping area. How long I will be there before I catch the boat I can’t say. If I did know, I wouldn’t tell you because something may come up again and delay me. I don’t want to tell you I will be home a certain day and not show up. You know how it was the last time. I was just too sure of myself. After you receive this letter, don’t write me till you hear from me again. Because from now on I will have a shipping address. I am glad to be going there at this time because I have a good chance to be home by Christmas, right? Tell all hello for me. And tell Mom Stacks I finally received a letter from her that got to me. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Johnnie

Johnnie’s last V-mail to Lucile

Leola Stacks

Johnnie’s service records indicate that he departed from Italy on November 1, 1945. However, just two days later, on November 3, 1945, he wrote a letter to his mother-in-law from Italy, mentioning that he was ‘down at the shipping area again.’ In the letter, he expressed hope that he would be leaving by the middle of the month and might be home in time for Thanksgiving. Johnnie was also quite sure that he would be back to spend Christmas with his family.

Hello Mom,

Just a few lines, to let you know I received your letter a couple of days ago. Sure was glad to hear from you and to know you are well and OK. Well Mom, I am down at the shipping area again, and I think this time I will make the boat. Who knows, I might be eating Thanksgiving dinner with you. But the way things have been I will be happy to be with Lucile and you this Christmas. I am pretty sure I will be home for that!! I am supposed to leave around the fifthteen of this month. But things can happen to change that so don’t depend on that too much. Excuse this pen and my writing. O yes, don’t write me back, because I might not be here to receive it. I will let you know when I leave this place.

Lots lots love, Johnnie

September 22, 23, 27, October 1, 8, and 15, 1945

In his V-mail dated September 22, 1945, Johnnie tried to console Lucile about his delayed return home and also seeking solace for himself.

My Dear Darling Wife,

Well since I have a new change of address now, I haven’t heard from you in two weeks. And it is so hard to write unless I hear from you. Darling, don’t feel so bad about me not coming home as we expected. That’s the kind of breaks I have always got since I have been in. All bad. I still believe I will be home before this year is out, yet I am so disgusted the way things have turned out, I can’t do anything. Well, I can’t write anymore without hearing from you. So, I will close for now. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

If Lucile was writing to Johnnie, her letters were not reaching him. In his V-mail dated September 23, 1945, Johnnie shared updates about the weather and inquired about his family.

My Dear Darling

Well, here it is, another week has gone by and I haven’t heard from you. I hope this finds you in the best of health and everything is alright back there at home. Well, old October is about here and they say that is the month that it starts getting cold. Well, it sure has to change a lot to help this weather. It’s really hot here now and I mean hot. Have you heard from any of the family of mine? You know Louise, Kate, all the rest. I believe they have even forgot they have a brother. Right? Just as long as you don’t forget. I don’t care. Will close. I miss you a lot and I love you a million. 

Always, Johnnie

Like many soldiers, Johnnie grew increasingly frustrated with the military’s point system for demobilization. Many of his fellow servicemen shared this sentiment, believing the system to be unfair, which heightened anxiety among the troops. In his V-mail dated September 27, 1945, Johnnie expressed his frustrations. 

My Dear Darling,

Well, I still haven’t heard from you and it has been all most three weeks now. I can’t figure out what is wrong. I know since I wrote you that last letter and told you I would be over here a little bit longer you would start writing regular again. But not a word from you as yet. You talk about a raw deal. The Army is really giving me one. I have seventy-eight points and still here. They tell me it will be another month before I will be able to go. Can’t figure that one out either. Can you? Well, I will close. I miss you a lot and I love you a million. 

Always, Johnnie

Johnnie had always recognized Lucile’s beauty, but now his fellow soldiers were equally captivated. In his V-mail dated October 1, 1945, he shared with Lucile the news of a beauty contest in which she was a participant.

My Dear Darling

I hope this finds you much better. Gee, I hope you did go to a doctor to have a checkup. Your side giving you trouble can come to be very painful later on in life as you know. Honey, you know what I did? Up at the Red Cross Club here where I am at, they were having a beauty contest of pictures of the soldier wives or sweetheart. I turned in a picture of you. And out of two hundred pictures that was turned in for the contest, you won second place. Now don’t you go around thinking you are the stuff. If so, I’ll break your neck when I get back, Ha Ha. I am really proud of you. And God only knows why I have you. I miss you a lot and I love you a million. 

Always, Johnnie

Lucile

Johnnie has not received any communication from Lucile in a whole month, and his frustration is growing. In his V-mail dated October 8, 1945, he expresses concern about the lack of news from home.

My Dear Darling,

Well, I have quit counting the days I haven’t heard from you. I tell you this is the longest I have ever went without hearing from you. What’s wrong? If I don’t hear from you soon, I am going to blow my top. It’s bad enough having to stay over here another two months. It can’t be that you are not writing I know. But maybe I don’t. I have been gone so long there could be a lot of changes. But not with me. I couldn’t love another woman, regardless of what may happen from you. I have learned a lot in the rightness of being square. That I always keep in mind. Well Honey, I will close for I sure hope to hear from you soon. I miss you a lot and I love you a million. 

Always, Johnnie

After another week of anxious waiting, Johnnie finally received a letter from Lucile. His joy knew no bounds, and he promptly shared the good news with her in his V-mail dated October 15, 1945.

My Dear Darling,

Well, yesterday I finally received two letters from you and I can’t say just how glad I was to get them. I am well but I can’t say that everything is going OK because it isn’t. They have kept me over longer than I am supposed to. I should have left sometime last month. But all I ever have got out of this Army so far is a raw deal! I am not telling you when to expect me home because something may happen and they might hold me longer. So, don’t ask me. I hope this finds you in the best of health. The rest of the family’s the same. I miss you a lot and I love you a million. 

Always, Johnnie

August 28, September 3, 5, 11, 12, and 16, 1945

In a letter dated August 28, 1945, Johnnie attempted to clarify matters after Lucile expressed dissatisfaction with one of the photos he had sent her.

My Dear Darling

Well, I shalln’t be long now. Day after tomorrow, which is Thursday, we are leaving here and going to the shipping area. Five days after we get to that other area, we are supposed to get on a boat. From there on its how long it takes to get to the States and from there to home. I filled out a V-mail yesterday addressed to you telling you to not send me any more mail at the care of P.M. New York, N.Y. That’s telling you I am on my way so till you get that V-mail keep writing. I also filled out a card telling the post office in New York, N.Y. not to send my mail over here anymore. That card won’t be mailed though till the day I get on the boat. I am sorry to hear that you didn’t like the picture with me holding the bottle of beer. I guess I shouldn’t have sent it to you in the first place. No, I am not a what you call a drunkard. Though I do like a bottle of beer once and a while and just in case you don’t know it, that’s the first beer I have had in a devil of a long time. Anyway, I could have kept you from even knowing I had a beer at all by just tearing up the picture but that I couldn’t do. I have one thing and that’s honesty. The hard way too. You know that. Well honey, tell all the folks hello for me. Be seeing them soon. I sure hope to hear from you today. It’s been five days and I haven’t. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

P.S. I just received a letter from you telling me you received those other pictures. Glad you like them. Sorry this isn’t a long letter. But there’s not much to say as yet. 

Love, Johnnie

On September 1, 1945, President Truman delivered a radio address to the American people following Japan’s signing of the terms of unconditional surrender.

From this day we move forward. We move toward a new era of security at home. With the other United Nations, we move toward a new and better world of cooperation, of peace, and international goodwill. God’s help has brought us to this day of victory. With His help, we will attain that peace and prosperity for ourselves and all the world in the years ahead.

The celebrations continued until V-J Day (Victory over Japan Day) on September 2, 1945, when Japan officially surrendered aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay. The end of World War II marked a turning point in history, shaping the post-war world and emphasizing the importance of peace and cooperation among nations.

Headline, The Atlanta Constitution, September 2, 1945

In his V-mail dated September 3, 1945, Johnnie delivered disappointing news to Lucile: she would have to wait a little longer for his return home.

My Dear Darling Wife,

Well as luck has it, we are going to be stuck here a little bit longer. We are at the staging area. But that is as far as we got. For some reason, this outfit just got stuck here. There are so many rumors why. It’s just hard to pick any out. We are not going to be held up long. But the way things stand now, I can’t promise I will be home this month. Anyway, when I do get back, I will be discharged. I have eighty points now. We have been told the point system is going to drop to seventy-five for discharge sometime this month. We got eight more points from May the second to September the second. I had seventy-two. Eight more makes eighty. Right? Well honey, just hang around and I am sure I will see you soon. I miss you a lot and I love you a million. 

Always, Johnnie

In his V-mail dated September 5, 1945, Johnnie vented his frustration, unable to contain his impatience any longer.

My Dear Darling,

Just a few lines to let you know I am well and OK, and hope that this finds you the same. Well as yet, I don’t know any more news of when I am going to catch the boat. I have been so disgusted here lately I don’t feel like doing anything. After telling us we would be home sometime this month and then putting it all off till further notice, we all got pretty mad but little good it did us. I know one thing, I am not going to tell you when we are supposed to leave here anymore for, I can see now anything can happen, right? I’ll just drop in when you least expect me. I haven’t been hearing from you here lately. One reason this mail service isn’t any too good here, I guess. I haven’t written you in the last three days, mostly the reason though is I just about blew my top on the dirty deal we got. I am still not over it yet. But I knew if I didn’t write, you would be worried. Well honey, I am sorry the way things came out. But it’s a cinch they can’t keep me over here much longer. Well, that’s all for now. Tell all the folks hello for me. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

Johnnie and Lucile

In his V-mail dated September 11, 1945, Johnnie teased Lucile after discovering that she had shared something with her mother—a secret he had believed was exclusively theirs.

My Dear Darling,

Well, here we have been at the staging area for ten days and nothing as far as us leaving has come up as yet. We were told yesterday that all the troops were supposed to be out of Italy by the first of February. That don’t sound so bad. Also, we are supposed to be one of the outfits to leave next. I can’t say when that will be though. We just have to sweat it out till that time comes. Right? I haven’t been hearing from you here lately. I hope that everything is well back there at home. You are still writing, aren’t you? Ha Ha. Remember, I am the guy that dope you up to marry me. I know you didn’t get no prize. But I do love you and I want the world to know that. I guess I told you that so much though you are tired of hearing it. But I will never get tired of telling you. So, you can see what you are in for when I do get back. Honey, I received a letter from Mom Stacks the other day. I am glad she enjoyed herself on her little trip down to South Georgia. I believe that was the best thing for her to do, to get away from the house and get a little rest like that. There’s so much she has on her mind. She should get away more often, right? O’yeah, I thought that was our little secret about us going on a little honeymoon. Here your mother is telling me all about it here in her letter. Now we will never get away, Ha Ha. I should have known by now a woman can’t keep a secret. Well honey, I guess this is all for this time. So please from now on when I tell you something concerning us, don’t tell everybody, Ha Ha, OK? Well goodnight for now, as it is ten o’clock and my bedtime. I hope my dreams are of you as they have been. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

excuse the pen

Johnnie’s mother-in-law, Leola Stacks

In his V-mail dated September 12, 1945, Johnnie’s impatience to come home was evident as he wrote to Lucile.

My Dear Darling,

Just a few lines tonight hoping that this finds you well. I haven’t heard from you in ten days now. There isn’t anything wrong, is it? Write and let me know something at least. When I don’t hear from you pretty regular, I get blue as the devil and worry. I tell you this waiting around for something to happen really gets on a guy’s nerves. It can’t be much longer though and it can’t be too soon for me. How is all the family? Tell them I am sorry to disappoint them on coming home when I thought I was but the Army is really blamed for that. Well honey, this is all for this time. Tell all hello for me. I miss you a lot and I love you a million. 

Always, Johnnie

Still in Italy, Johnnie’s mission has transitioned to the military police. In his V-mail dated September 16, 1945, he wrote to Lucile about this new role.

Hello Darling

Well, I am stuck here a little bit longer. I can’t say for how long. I missed going home by one point. So, they put me in the M.P. for the present. Now I have been in everything. Think of me being a police, Ha Ha. It really burns me up. You will just have to wait for you see me before I can say I am home myself. We have waited two years to be back with each other and I can say that seems a whole life time to me. Well, write me at this address now. I will write a longer letter tonight. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

Lucile

August 7, 10, 14, 20, and 25, 1945

Johnnie had no particular agenda when he wrote to Lucile on Johnnie had no particular agenda when he wrote to Lucile on August 7, 1945. He chatted about the weather, his job, family members, and even joked about how handsome he was. Notably, he made no mention of the atomic bomb that America had detonated over Hiroshima the previous day.

My Dear Darling,

Just a few lines to let you know I am well and OK. My arm is coming along pretty nice. I had the cast taken off a couple of days ago. Well, how are things going back home with you? OK, I hope. Boy, the weather here is really hot. But at night, it gets pretty cool. Crazy weather over here I am telling you. How is it back there at home? By now, I hope it’s cooled off enough where you work at. Has it? For myself, I have a pretty good job at the present. I am running the dispatcher office for heavy equipment at this engineering training center. All I do is check out and in, these big Army tractors, tanks, and trailers. As far as I know now, I am still planning on seeing you sometime next month and I just hope there is nothing to change those plans. I wish I could hear from you more often and I know it isn’t your fault. The mail just doesn’t come in like it used to. Maybe they’ll let the mail loose soon. Yeah, if I get to come home, I hope Mickey and I make it together. Sure would like to see the boy. Say Honey, what makes Drexter have a wave put in his hair for? Don’t tell me Robert is still doing the same thing also. Won’t those guys ever grow up? You better not say anything about this. Cause I don’t want your two sisters and brothers-in-law on me if I have to improve my looks to hold you. You just as well take off. Because that’s impossible, Ha Ha. Take another look at those pictures of me and you can see that, right? How can you improve a mug like that? It can’t be done. Well, that’s enough on that. How is Mom Stacks and the kids? Tell them hello for me. Well I will close for now hoping to get a letter from you this evening. Lots love to all. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

On August 9, 1945, America detonated a second atomic bomb, this time over Nagasaki. 

Atomic cloud rises over Nagasaki on August 9, 1945.
Photo by Charles Levy, U.S. National Archives and Records
Administration, public domain.

In his August 10, 1945 letter to Lucile, Johnnie revealed the emotional impact the bombings had on him and his deep longing for her. Despite the distance and the war, he poured out his heart, expressing sentiments that any woman would cherish. The only thing that could have made it better was if he had been able to say them to her in person.

My Dear Darling,

Received three letters from you yesterday. One had the picture in it. This picture doesn’t look like you at all compared with the others I have of you. You look as if you just got over being sick and I don’t mean what you call monthly either. Look honey, if your health is bad and you are trying to keep me from knowing about it, you just as well get that out of your head because you can’t keep nothing like that away from the guy who loves you. If you are sick, I am sick. If you are well and happy, I am well and happy. To die for you honey would be a pleasure. To me to grieve in pain is natural. Also, to know real life is to know Love. I have found out two of them. I have been spared so far, to not find the other. I have heard people say that you had to be crazy to put into writing, just how a person feels. Well, I must be crazy then. As you know I am shy on public speaking and worse on other things as in common life. Well, that’s enough on that but remember and bear in mind regardless or above anything I love you and I am sure no one can break our love for each other. That is, as far as I am concerned. Well honey, in one of these letter’s you wanted to know if I could send you a picture of me with my glasses on at the present. I haven’t any but I am sending you a picture with me and a couple of my friends on it. It was taken four day’s after the war ended over here in a German prison camp. We had just got an order of good old U.S. beers in and I was sampling it, Ha, Ha. It’s still as good as it was when I left the States, Ha Ha. In case you notice, that’s a mustache I have under my nose, not dirt, Ha Ha. I believe I can tell you the latest. We are supposed to get on the boat the twenty-eight of this month. I hope so. Be seeing you and I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

 

Johnnie (back right) enjoying a good old U.S. beer with his buddies.
The man kneeling on the front left is Johnnie’s friend James Lamb.

In his letter dated August 14, 1945, Johnnie alluded to the significant changes he had undergone while stationed in Italy. As he anticipated his return home, he spoke of the differences Lucile would notice—a testament to the profound impact of his wartime experiences.

My Dear Darling,

Received one letter from you yesterday. Boy is your mail to me coming slow. But I think I know the reason they are holding up your mail to me. The reason is we are starting to be on our way home the last part of this month. That’s the rumor that is spreading around now. And it looks good too. Keep your fingers crossed. Honey, in this last letter I received from you, you were giving me the devil because you weren’t getting my mail to you as regular as I usually write. Well, I wrote you and told you about hurting my arm and hand. Well, that knocked me out of writing you for a while, and as you said, me being moved about a lot has a lot to do with it also. Look Chick, you have to look over a lot of things, and me being in the Army makes it worse on us both. It’s been like hell especially since I‘ve been overseas. But I think things are beginning to come our way now. Don’t you? Remember I love you. And all I have on my mind now is coming home to you. O’yeah, you wanted a picture of me with my glasses on. Well you remember me telling you about hurting my arm. Well I broke my glasses also. They are being fixed at the present. Is it anyway? I went ahead and had some made here in camp at a photograph studio and I went and got them this morning. The guy told me I put him out of business. I broke the camera. I do it every time, Ha, Ha. What a mug, well you got to know the truth on how I look now anyway. Because you’ll be seeing it soon and I thought it best to kindly soften you up a little bit so that when you did see me you wouldn’t take off “scared to death,” right? There are five of them. Get the one you want and if Mom Stacks can stand one let her have it, Ha Ha. Also, Nell, Dot, and Frances. Now that you have looked at them, I know what you are going to write in this next letter. What’s wrong that one eye is about closed? That’s the way I smile now, Ha Ha. No, it’s really because my eyes can’t stand bright lights. Look Chick, I will try and make my letters longer. But I am like you when there’s no mail it’s kindly hard to write. O’yeah, please take care of yourself for me and you shall go to a doctor instead of fooling around with some kind of a tonic to know that you are not well. Make me worry, and not well. I know where you work isn’t good for you and I told you so many times in my letters to quit if it was hurting your health. But you keep giving me excuses. So, if I get on you about it when I get home you can’t say I didn’t warn you. Well, that’s enough on that. Tell all the folks I said hello and I hope to see them soon. I miss you a lot “Chick” and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

In his letter dated August 20, 1945, Johnnie shared that the Army was in the process of shipping items back to the States—a hopeful sign that his long-awaited return home might be drawing nearer.

My Dear Darling,

Received a letter today from you that was mailed the ninth of the month!! Darn if I know what’s wrong with the mail here lately. I know I haven’t been writing to you regular here lately. But I told you one reason that was when I hurt my arm and hand pretty bad. But its OK now. And we are doing a lot of work of loading things on the ships to carry back to the States. Now that there is peace in the world once more, they are shipping everything back there. O’yeah honey, your Mother might be right about me getting home before October. Things look good enough that I have a good idea I will be in the States next month. So, keep your chin up. I can’t get over Happy getting married. He was such a silly kid when we saw him last. Boy we must be getting old. Right, Ha Ha. Well Honey, there’s not much new as what I haven’t told you in this letter. So, I will close. I love you and I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

 

Johnnie and his friend James Lamb (August 20, 1945)

In his letter dated August 25, 1945, Johnnie’s words reveal the deep emotional toll he endured from the traumatic experiences of war. It becomes evident that he was grappling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and in this letter, he turned to Lucile, seeking her support to navigate his inner turmoil.

O’yeah why is it you don’t put your name and return address on your letters to me anymore?

My Dear Darling Wife,

Just a few lines to let you know I am well and OK and hope that this finds you in the best of health and the rest of the family is the same. Well here it is likely a few days and this month will be gone. We are supposed to go to a shipping area sometime between now and the first of next month. That’s the big talk around here now. But I wouldn’t put any bets on such talk that we are leaving at that time. But I do have the feeling that I will be home sometime next month or rather in the States. Something will happen soon. Just keep your chin up and I will be walking in on you soon. Please don’t faint! Ha Ha. O’yeah and if we can, I would like to borrow a car and drive out where we can be alone and just with you and tell you what I have been thinking and dreaming to tell you for almost two years since I saw you last. Is it a date? I guess all this sounds crazy to you. But if so, I am a crazy guy. I tell you one thing about me now, you heard people talk about such people having nightmares. Well, I know what they are. There is no pleasure ones. They all are horrible things that have really happened and mine, of course, are the buddy I knew in this war that aren’t coming back. I woke up sweating all over and that’s the end of my sleep for the night. The rest of the night I just lay thinking and smoking till its time to get up. I often wonder how long things like that go on before it really drives a fellow nuts. I guess I shouldn’t have told you about all this, but my reason is I thought if you knew, you would be able to help me more and not be scared in case I did have such while I am home. I guess you are thinking “why don’t I go see a Doc” about such. Well, I did and they told me there wasn’t anything they could do for me in a case like that. It was up to me to keep my mind occupied on things that didn’t concern war at all. How can a guy do something like that when just about every place you see over here is torn up by bombs or big guns? I hope you see my point on what I am talking about. Well honey, that’s all for now. I sure hope to get a letter from you today. Till I see you, I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

On August 25, 1945, the United States Army disbanded the 85th Infantry Division and the 337th Infantry Regiment through General Order No. 39. 

337th Infantry Regiment coat of arms, U.S. Army,
public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

July 15, 18, 21, 27, and August 1, 1945

The only thing on Johnnie’s mind when he wrote to Lucile on July 15, 1945 was getting home to her.

My Dear Darling,

Just a few lines to let you know I am well and thinking of you. And I hope this finds you in the best of health. The latest letter I have received from you was mailed the twenty-fifth of June. But the reason I guess is I have a change of address. In this last letter, you were telling me about letting Kate have twenty dollars. Say, are you hard up for money? Let me know and I will see if I can’t send you some money, OK? Did Kate say anything to you about moving out to College Park? What kind of work is she doing now? Well, that’s enough on that. All I am doing now is training about the engineers. If luck is with me, I shall be seeing you in about two months. That’s all I have had my mind on, is being back with you once more. I would really blow my top if they weren’t to change the address on this outfit not coming home. They have already told us after six weeks of training we would be heading home. Well, I guess that’s enough on that. Have you ever received anything I have sent home? Gosh, I hope those guns get there. How is Mom Stacks? Tell her to keep her fingers crossed and that I am planning on seeing her soon. Well honey, I guess this is all the news for now. I miss you a lot and I love you a million. 

Always, Johnnie

Johnnie’s sister, Kate

Training and waiting—that is how Johnnie described his days when he wrote to Lucile on July 18, 1945.

My Dear Darling Wife,

Received two letters from you yesterday. Glad to hear that you are on vacation and well. As for myself, I am OK, just sweating and waiting. And doing every day training. Glad to hear that Mickey is OK. Did he say where he was at? I guess he couldn’t tell you. Well at the present, I am in a town called Montecatini. This is the place where you come and wait for a boat and if there isn’t a boat handy you just wait and train till there are. You get what I mean? Well, that’s enough on that. So, Mom Stacks finally is driving up to College Park. I am glad to hear she is doing so well at least that she is getting over her nervousness. Right! So, Robert is home. Boy I hope I make it. How many days did he get? O’yeah, in one of the letters I received I got the picture. Boy, I always said I had the most beautiful baby in the world! You really look swell. I am going to have a picture of me made with this mustache I got and permanent wave. I guess that’s the way you spell that. Anyway, what I am talking about is my wavy hair, Ha Ha. Well honey, I guess that’s all the news for now. And I pray to see you soon. I miss you a lot and I love you a million. 

Always, Johnnie

Lucile

Johnnie would soon be facing the General, but for all the right reasons. He shared the good news with Lucile in his letter dated July 21, 1945.

My Dear Darling,

I received four letters from you today. Boy, was I glad to get them. I haven’t heard from you in quite sometime till today. Glad to hear that everybody is well and OK. So, you finally got those guns I sent. Well, it’s about time, don’t you think? So, Kate did move out to College Park. Glad to hear she and the kids are OK. If you call or go see her tell her I said hello. Well, I was told today that the General was going to pin the Bronze Star on me. I got the paper already saying I was awarded the medal. I will send you the paper. It tells all the guys names and why they are getting the medal. Even me, Ha Ha. I doubt if I send you the medal. The reason is I am planning on wearing it to the States, OK? We are supposed to land in the States sometime in October. But don’t get your hopes up too much about it. Because anything can happen. 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

My address is changed again. P.F.C. John H. Marston Jr., Co C 404th Engr Bn., A.P.O. 464, P.M. New York, NY

Johnnie’s Bronze Star medal

Johnnie received a typhoid vaccine on July 25, 1945. He was eager to go home but struggled with the wait. In his letter to Lucile dated July 27, 1945, he shared other feelings he grappled with during the war.

My Dear Darling,

I received one letter from you and one from Dot today. It was mailed the nineteenth of this month. I am glad to hear that you are well and alright. As for myself, I am still waiting for the boat and training. Why waiting and boy it’s really getting me sweating it out too. You talk about getting the blues, you should know how I feel. Robert and Cecil home and me thinking what a time they are having. Get what I mean? It hasn’t been long since they were home before they come home this time. But me, it has been twenty months or more, going on two years and I have been lucky to come through what I have. Sometime, or rather a lot of times, while the war was going on over here, I just give up all hope and would get to thinking that I didn’t care what happened to me. But I would get to thinking about you and knowing that you were waiting for my return. I would do my darn’est to get through whatever mess I was in. It was tough Lou. But you can say and be telling the truth that it was you who pulled me through this war with Germany. What ever I did, it was for you. Well that’s that and honey, war is no glory either. You say Mickey might get to come home soon, that’s good. I hope he don’t have to ever see any action. Honey, about Doc I am sure he would have wanted it that way. I think about Doc a lot and how swell of a guy he was. He sure helped us and a lot of other people. Right? So, read in the paper where the eighty fifth was coming home. Yes, they are on their way. They took guys out of the outfit with eighty five or more points and put in it and took all the guys with under eighty five and put them in other outfits. Get what I mean. In other words, the whole outfit is made up with high points men to get discharged. I have just seventy-two points. What I should had given you for us was twins, that’s twenty-four points, Ha Ha. Right? Well honey, I guess this is all the news for now. So, keep your fingers crossed and I hope to see you soon. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

Johnnie’s late father-in-law, Sam “Dock” Stacks

During the month of July, 1 Silver Star Medal, 1 Oak Leaf Cluster to Silver Star Medal, 5 Oak Leaf Clusters to Bronze Star Medals, 25 Purple Hearts, 3 2nd Oak Leaf Clusters to Bronze Star Medals, 7 Combat Infantryman Badges, and 2 Medical Badges were awarded. At the beginning of the month, the regiment consisted of 125 assigned officers, 5 warrant officers, and 2260 assigned enlisted men. By the end of the month, the Regiment consisted of 145 assigned officers, 5 warrant officers, and 809 assigned enlisted men. 

A minor injury had kept Johnnie from writing to Lucile for several days, but he was back at it. In his letter dated August 1, 1945, he continued to warn Lucile that he did not know when he would be able to come home. 

My Dear Darling Wife,

Received three letters from you yesterday. The first I have received in almost two weeks. Boy, was I glad to get them and to know you are well and alright. This is the first time I could write you since the twenty-fifth of July. The reason is I hurt my right arm and hand in training. But they are coming along pretty good now. Most of the swelling has gone out of my hand. My arm is still skinned up a little bit but a few more days and I will be OK. Honey, in one of the letters you wanted to know how many more weeks before I will be coming home. Well, we are supposed to leave about the middle of September. That’s what they’re telling us. But honey, don’t plan too much on me coming home. Because anything can happen in this Army as you know. And my luck has never been good on any breaks in this Army as you know. So, you will just have to keep your fingers crossed, get what I mean? Honey, about that pen and pencil set, just wait and let’s see what happens OK. Glad to hear that the family is all well. Tell them hello for me and I hope to see them soon. Well, I have to see the Doc about my arm so keep writing. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

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