December 22 and 24, 1942

Cigarettes, shoe polish, and coat hangers—items that were becoming important to Johnnie—was what he wrote about to Lucile in a letter from Camp Howze dated December 22, 1942.

Dear Darling, 

I have been here a week and two days and have not received a letter from you or anybody else. I can’t understand what the matter is. It seems like nobody is writing. I am out of cigarettes and tobacco and I believe I have bummed everybody in camp for a cigarette. I guess they are getting tired of it to. I have to ask you to send me some money but if you can get me some to last to the time I get some I will send you some of mine to pay it back with. I wish you could get me a shoe polish set and send it to me. I have tried to get some here, but they sell out as fast as they get it. I have written you at least six or seven letters since I have been here, not counting the ones I sent to your Mother and Dot and Drextel at the saw mill. See if you can get me some coat hangers, because I cannot buy any here. And I have to have them, send me all you can, because I can get ten and fifteen cents for just one and that will be some extra money for me and you. If you can, send some of my mail by air, but if you can’t it is all right, just so you write me every day. Darling I really have missed you; I just didn’t know I could be so bad off for you. In other words, I didn’t realize what you meant to me while I was with you. Tell Earl and Geral hello for me and all the rest the same. And tell Earl and Geral they should see the new rifle I have now. They could really kill some rabbits with it. Ha Ha. Well honey I guess that is all the news so please write me right back, because I will be waiting for it. So, lots of Love and I will always be the same to you. 

Kiss x x x x x x x, Johnnie

Earl and Gearl Stacks

Johnnie wrote two letters on December 24, 1942 from Camp Howze. The first one was to his mother-in-law, whom he clearly loved.

My Dear Beloved Mother-in-Law,

I received your letter and was glad to hear from you. I have not been in the hospital but I have been taking at least six or seven shots in my arm since I have been here. My arm looks like as if you could pour water through it. It has had so many needles in it, Ha Ha. I have not received the package yet, but it might be in the evening mail. I can’t show you how much I appreciate it but you know I do and thanks a lot. You are talking my kind of way when you said you baked a chocolate cake and I can’t hardly wait till it gets here because you know that is my favorite kind. Tell Earl and Geral hello for me and to write. Tell Betty and Mary hello and also tell Melvin to keep dancing and keep in practice where I can see him dance when I come home. Tell Doc I said hello for me and to keep his ten-cent self out of that fifty-dollar chair, Ha Ha Ha. Well write me right back and let me know you got this letter.

Lots of love, Johnnie

P.S. Please write me in this manner

Pvt. John H. Marston Jr.
Co “L” 334th Inf.
A.P.O. #84
Camp Howze, Texas

Christmas Eve 1942, probably the first Christmas Johnnie had spent away from home. That alone would make a soldier lonely, but Johnnie also knew his wedding anniversary was just three days away and he missed his darling Lucile. After dinner, the soldiers at Camp Howze gathered for mail call. Johnnie was probably anxious, wondering if he would have a letter from Lucile and she didn’t let him down! His name was called, he most likely walked away from mail call one happy soldier. Johnnie wrote Lucile a long letter that evening.

Dear Darling,

Received your letter right after dinner and was so glad to hear from you that I just hollered out loud and boy did everybody laught at me, and I didn’t give a darn either. You said something about we have to get a copy of our marriage license before you get any money. My company officer said he would let me know sometime this month what to do about that, so don’t worry, I will see that you get every penny that is supposed to come to you and also some for me. I will let you know if we do have to get a marriage license copy and the right place to get it. Because I know you will have to go to Jonesboro at the city hall. I have had but one bottle of beer since I been here and that is all I want, because the beer is fixed where it hasn’t got any affect at all and you know if I drink, I want to feel it. Ha, Ha. Darling, I know the 27th of this month is our anniversary and I hate to be apart from you. But that is something we cannot do anything about, as you know. Being as I haven’t got any money, I cannot get you anything to show I really care for what time we have spent so many happy days together. But you know there is no one else that will take your place with me, you know I would give anything in this world to be with you at that certain date, and as soon as I get my basic training which won’t be long, I will be home for a while. I am sure I will. I am sorry to hear about the dog running away, because he was so cute. Maybe you will find him, I hope so. I was glad to get the dollar, but I had to give it to one of the boys because I borrowed it to get some cigarettes with two days ago. Darling I guess that is all the news right now, beside I just got time to write your mother a line or two before evening drill.

So, lots of love, Johnnie 

December 19 and 20, 1942

In a letter written from Camp Howze on December 19, 1942, Johnnie asked about family members and requested that they write him. When Johnnie refers to Doc, he’s talking about his father-in-law, Sam Stacks.

My Dear Darling, 

Just a line to let you know everything is going all right and that I am well. I hope you are the same. How is everything back home? Fine, I hope. Say, give my horseshoes to your Dad and tell him I said to keep in practice, because I will be back one day soon and he will need it, Ha Ha. I haven’t received any mail from you yet. I hope to get some today. We are having inspection this morning. That is why I can’t write you a long letter, but I will write you again tonight. How is Earl and Geral getting along? Fine, I hope. Are they still going hunting? Have they killed anything yet? How is Grandma? I hope she is well. Tell her hello for me and get her address so I can write her. How is Nell and Robert doing? OK? Tell them I said hello and for them to write me. Tell all that live in the Pines hello. Tell Doc I hope he has got the farm and that it is a good one. Well, that’s all I can write right now because I have to get dressed for dinner. But I will write more tonight.

Love, Johnnie

Johnnie's brother-in-law, Earl Stacks

Photos were an important part of a soldier’s life when they were away from home. Johnnie often wrote to Lucile, sending photos of himself or asking for photos of her and other family members as he did in a second letter from Camp Howze dated December 19, 1942. He was beginning to understand why America was at war.

Hello Darling, 

Just a few more lines from where I left off this morning to let you know I haven’t forgot you and I couldn’t forget if I wanted to. I have just been gone a week, and to me it seems like a month. As soon as I can I am going to have some pictures made and send them to you. Have some pictures made of all the crowd and send them to me if you can. If not, send them as you get them. Have some pictures made of you and send them to me. I have two pictures of you, but I want some late pictures of you. So, have them made right away. I have been pretty busy here learning to be a soldier and I haven’t been doing so bad at all. But there is a lot of work to be done to be a good one yet. Since I have been in, I have been learning a lot why we are fighting, and I really don’t mind fighting at all. The main thing is that our country is about to lose its freedom, and they need men to defend it. That is one reason I am here. The other is I want to talk when I want, live like I want, and to do other things like I want to. So Darling, that’s one thing we all want to do. Please answer this letter right back. Lots of love and I keep thinking of you + + + + + + + + + + + 

Johnnie

Merry Christmas x Happy New Year

Snippet from the December 19, 1942 letter

Pictures, weather, addresses, old friends, his dog, and insurance—Johnnie’s letter dated December 20, 1942 from Camp Howze was all over the place. His mind must have been racing that night.

Dear Darling, 

Just a line to let you know that another letter is being written to you. How is my baby today? Fine, I hope. I am the same. I guess you have already gotten that letter asking you to have some pictures made. Have you started working yet? If so, let me know. What have you been doing since I been gone? Are you having any “dates.” If so, who is the luckie fellow? Ha Ha Ha. How is my dog? Is he still lazy as hell? Ha Ha. Are you going to send me those addresses or not? Or have you received the letter asking to get them for me yet? It is kind of chilly here today. I believe it is going to rain or snow. I have wrote you telling you that I have met some boys here I used to know when I was a kid and it sure does feel good to have somebody here you know. One thing if you are lonesome like me. I am sending you my insurance papers, but I have put in for $5,000 more after this month, so if I need it back, send it when I write you for it, just in case they need it. Be sure to put this insurance papers in a safe place. Well, I guess that’s all the news for today so please answer right back. So, lots of love. Kisses x x x x x x x x x 

Yours, Johnnie

That number I put by my name every time is my serial number. You know, the one I have around my neck.

Snippet from the December 20, 1942 letter

Camp Howze - December 15, 16, and 17, 1942

On December 15, 1942, Johnnie told Lucile that he was now located at Camp Howze, an infantry training facility in Texas. He was already looking forward to the end of training so he could be with Lucile once again.

Dear Darling, 

Just a few lines to let you know that I am still thinking of you, and haven’t forgotten you. When you write me please do not print my name on the front of the letter. Please write it out in long hand. Say, can you get me a couple of bucks till pay day? I have to have a little to buy some soap and shoe polish and a few other things. Well I’m starting in for training today and it isn’t so hard. There is a lot of boys in I use to go to school with and that’s one reason I don’t feel so bad. But if I could see you and be with you, I wouldn’t feel bad at all. I will be with you, as soon as I take all of my training, I hope. Well, this is all I can write right now, because I have to get ready for inspecting. So, answer right back by airmail if possible where I will know you got this. 

So, lots of love, x x x x x Johnnie

Please write my name out like this:

Pvt. John H. Marston Jr. 34575705
Co “L” 334th Inf.
A.P.O. #84
Camp Howze, Texas

Camp Howze was located on about 65,000 acres of land near the city of Gainesville, Texas. Activated on August 17, 1942, it was the training camp for the 84th and 86th divisions of the U.S. Army. Soldiers stationed at Camp Howze received actual combat training. They trained in all types of weather—rain or shine—to learn about “concealment in the field.” Soldiers were required to train in obstacle, infiltration, and mental conditioning courses, knowing that all of them would make them a better soldier.

Site of Camp Howze Historical Marker (click to enlarge), image from HMdb.org,
photographed by Mark Hilton July 21, 2016; https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=96908.

 

Camp Howze poem from an unknown newspaper found with Johnnie’s letters.

Johnnie quickly got into the routine of writing as often as he could, sometimes daily. In a letter from Camp Howze dated December 16, 1942, he assured Lucile that he was alright and told her about the camp. 

Dear Darling, 

Just a few lines to let you know that everything is all right and I am learning fast. We are having some mild weather up here, but I still have a little cold. The way the boys on the train was talking, I thought I was coming to a bad camp. But the infantry is the best outfit there is, especially the one I am in. I have just come in for a two hours rest and have to go out on the rifle range with I go back. I took another shot today and my arm is a little sore. Please send me Arnold’s address and Dad’s address so I can write to them. Also, Louise and Mother and Evelyn. 

Love always x x x x x, Johnnie

P.S. Here is a little note for Dot and Dres and the kid. Tell all hello.

Johnnie sent Lucile this “safe arrival” postcard postmarked December 17, 1942.  

Co. “L” 334th Infantry

APO No. 84. CAMP HOWZE, TEXAS.

I have arrived safely at my new station. I am well, and in order that I will receive my mail promptly please address it to me as indicated below. Notify my friends of this address.

Camp Howze is five (5) miles north of Gainesville, Texas, on the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railroad and Santa Fe Railroad. My Regiment is part of the 84th Division, “The Rail Splitter Division.”

Will write you more later.

Pvt. John H. Marston Jr.
Co. L, 334th Infantry, 34595705

APO No. 84, Camp Howze, Texas. 

  

December 17, 1942 safe arrival postcard from Camp Howze

You’re in the Army now - December 13, 1942

Johnnie was inducted as a private in the U.S. Army at Fort McPherson in Atlanta on November 30, 1942. He entered active service as a rifleman on December 7, 1942 and was assigned to Company L of the 334th Infantry Regiment, 84th Division. At the time of his enlistment, Johnnie worked as an off-bearer, someone who picks up the freshly sawed lumber and piles it up in appropriate stacks, at the sawmill when he joined the Army. 

Johnnie, now weighing in at 120 pounds, had lost 15 pounds since he had registered in July 1941.

Camp Howze, Gainesville, Texas

It didn’t take long for the Army to send Johnnie to the military training camp he had been talking about for so long. A young new soldier, Johnnie could now tell Lucile he had been sent to Texas in a letter dated December 13, 1942. He couldn’t give her an address yet but still had a lot to say in this first letter from camp.

Dear Darling, 

I finally reached my camp today, and guess what, I am back in Texas again. I can’t give you my address in this letter because I don’t know what outfit they are going to put me in just yet. I just arrived tonight. Well is everything going alright with you? Are you alright? Keep your chin up darling, because I am going to be alright. This camp is just being finished up and I have a chance to make corporal if I want to. What do you think of that? Say honey I made up my mind to do just what you said to do, leave drinking, and gambling and everything else that would make me sorry alone, I am going to be the best a fellow can be. Say honey, how is my little dog getting along? Fine, I hope. Has he had any more fits? I hope not. Tell Dot and Drexted I will write them right away and the rest of them the same. Tell Earl and Geral I said hello and to write me. Tell all the kids hello for me to. And honey don’t worry because I have been treated swell. This camp I have been sent to is a nice place so far. Well Darling that all the news so far, and except I am still reading in the bible and I found out a lot I didn’t know. I will not mail this letter tonight, so I will wait till morning, where I can put the address in here. So, goodnight and lots of love to you mostly, and all the rest the same. 

x x x x x Johnnie

Johnnie also sent a postcard to his mother-in-law on December 13, 1942 to let her know where he was now.

Tell all hello

Hello Mother,

Just a line to let you know I am OK and hoping you are the same. I was shipped into camp today and I am a pretty good ways from home. I am in Texas. I will send you my address as soon as I get my station address. Well, I will write you a letter next time. So, lots of love.

Johnnie

December 13, 1942 postcard to Johnnie's mother-in-law

Nov. 19 and 26, 1940, marriage, the draft, America attacked, and Selective Service

In Johnnie’s November 19, 1940 postcard to Lucile, postmarked in Atlanta, you begin to see his sense of humor.

Dear Darling,

Just a little note on this card to let you know I feeling I have you, but can’t reach you, Ha Ha. But putting all jokes aside, I hope this finds you well and happy as I am. Darling I will be down Wed nite if possible. But I sure will be down Thursday afternoon, about one or two o’clock. So, break all your dates and stay home. As you know by now, I am boss. So, this in an order so obeying with Lots of Love. 

Johnnie

That postcard was followed by a letter Johnnie wrote from Atlanta on November 26, 1940 in which he expressed concerns of losing Lucile to another boy while he is away during his military training.

Dear Darling, 

I guess you think something has happened to me writing you a card and following it up with a letter, but I just can’t help it because every time I get to thinking about you, I want you with me more and more every day and always. Darling I am afraid when I am on that year military training that you will meet some other boy, and that your love or care for me will die. And that’s just about what I would do if I lost out with you. So, lots of love. 

Always, Johnnie x x x x 

Approximately one and a half years after meeting his darling Lucile, they were married in a simple ceremony by the Justice of the Peace in Jonesboro, Clayton County, Georgia on December 27, 1940.

Six months later, Johnnie registered for the World War II draft in College Park on July 1, 1941. He was 21 years old at the time and lived at R.F.D. #1 there in College Park. Johnnie listed his father, J. H. Marston living at 487 Forrest Road NE in Atlanta, as the person who would always know his address. Johnnie was still working as a stock clerk at the F. H. Jackson Dental Supply Company located in the Mortgage Guarantee Building in Atlanta. His employer was Mrs. Leila C. Jackson. Johnnie described himself as being 5’ 8 ½” tall, weighing 135 pounds, and having a ruddy complexion, brown eyes and hair. His registration card noted that he had a scar on his right cheek under the eye. 

Johnnie's World War II Registration Card

As we all know, the attack on Pearl Harbor took place on December 7, 1941—a day that changed America and the world forever. Like many others, Johnnie and Lucile probably listened to the radio as President Franklin Delano Roosevelt gave his “Day of Infamy” speech to congress the next day. 

Attack on Pearl Harbor (photo taken from a Japanese plane; public domain)

USS West Virgina after the attack (U.S. Navy, Office of Public Relations, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons) 

At some point, Johnnie received a 3-A classification in which he was deferred for dependency reasons. On February 26, 1942, he received a letter from the Selective Service System notifying him that his “present classification of 3-A will be reconsidered by this Board on Wednesday, Mar. 4, 1942 at 2:00 p.m.” The Selective Service System must have determined that Johnnie was no longer eligible for deferment.

Notice of 3-A classification hearing from the Selective Service System (click to enlarge)

October 9, 29, and 31, 1940

Four months passed since Johnnie’s friendship with Demp became strained and it appears to have gotten worse. In a postcard dated October 9, 1940 and postmarked in Atlanta, Johnnie made it clear he didn’t want to be near Demp.

Dear Darling,

I receive your letter and didn’t like it at all. Me and Demp still don’t like one another, and if you go to that shower and expect for me to come you are going to get fool. Don’t say anything about this to anybody because I don’t want it to get to Demp’s Mother. If you go, I am going to get Bill to come by for you. But if you rather stay there, they will see you later next year. 

Love, Johnnie

October 9, 1940 postcard

In a postcard dated October 29, 1940 and postmarked in Atlanta, Johnnie referenced attending a party with Lucile. 

In a hurry

Dear Lucile, 

Just a line to let you know I am OK if you care to know and hoping this finds you the same. I really enjoyed myself at the party Sun___ night. Tell Dot I am trying to find that flower jar for her. I will write you a letter following this card. 

Love, Johnnie

October 29, 1940 postcard

Johnnie worked as a supply clerk at F. H. Jackson Dental Supply in Atlanta. It was from that business that he sent his next postcard to Lucile on October 31, 1940. His job was keeping him busy at the time. In the postcard, Johnnie mentions his old friend Demp, whom he must have mended fences with. Unfortunately, it appears that Demp was still letting Johnnie down when it came to rides to College Park though. 

Dear Darling, 

I am sorry I didn’t get down Wednesday night, but Demp didn’t come by like he said he would, and I didn’t have no other way to go. Darling I hate to tell you this, but I won’t get to come down there till about three weeks, one reason I won’t be able to is this is our busiest season and I will be working till 8 and 9 o’clock at night but please don’t be mad at me. I will write you every day till I see you. 

So, lots of love, Johnnie 

October 31, 1940 postcard

September 19, 24, and October 7, 1940

We all take telephones for granted today, but in 1940, only 36.9 percent of households had a telephone. It’s apparent that neither Johnnie nor Lucile had access to a one, so he continued to communicate with her via postcards. In a postcard dated September 19, 1940, and postmarked in Atlanta, Johnnie told Lucile the exact day and time of his next visit to College Park.

Dear Lucile, 

Just a line to let you know that I am sure I will be down Saturday about three o’clock so don’t go off. Tell Dot and Nell and all hello and lots of love to you. 

Johnnie

September 19, 1940 postcard

Lucile must have been sick when Johnnie arrived on Saturday. He mailed her another postcard on September 24, 1940, postmarked in Atlanta, inquiring about her health … and her cow.

Dear Darling,

Just a line or two hoping you are better. Did any of that ice cream and fish make any one sick down there. I hope not. Did you ever sell your cow? Ha Ha. I expect to be down Wednesday nite if nothing happens so till then lots of love and tell Dot and Nell and all hello. 

Johnnie

September 24, 1940 postcard

As required by the Selective Training and Service Act of 1940 passed by Congress on September 16, 1940, Johnnie knew he would be required to serve in the military for 12 months. Goodbyes can be hard on the soul, and Johnnie expressed his feelings about leaving Lucile for a year in a postcard dated October 7, 1940 and postmarked in Atlanta.

Dear Darling,

I am awful sorry about not seeing you Sunday. Please forgive me. I found out it is going to be hell for me when I leave for a year of military training with you near me when we parted Friday night. I didn’t sleep a wink all night long. 

So, lots of love. Johnnie. 

October 7, 1940 postcard

July 2, July 18, and September 3, 1940

Johnnie didn’t make it to College Park to see Lucile that weekend nor did she make it to Atlanta. It was too far for Johnnie to walk, and his now ex-friend Demp was no longer an option. Johnnie expressed his love and then explained why he didn’t make it to College Park in a postcard to Lucile dated July 2, 1940, postmarked in Atlanta. He lived at 553 Washington Street in Atlanta at the time.

Dear Lucile, 

I love you and always will. I am very sorry I didn’t get down there last weekend. But I didn’t have no way to come. Me and Demp are not on speaking terms now so I didn’t ask him to take me. I thought you would be up here Sunday, but you weren’t. I will try to be down Fri + Sat. If not, you try to come up here. 

Love Johnnie

I still care and always will.

July 2, 1940 postcard

In a postcard dated July 18, 1940 and postmarked in Atlanta, Johnnie seemed a little concerned about his relationship with Lucile. He hasn’t been to visit her in several weeks, so he probably expected her to be upset. In this postcard, Johnnie hints at something … perhaps a marriage proposal?

Dear Darling,

Or shall I say Lucile. I am very sorry you haven’t heard from me sooner. But it is my fault and I think I shall be shot. But Darling, I have been getting ready to go to camp Aug 4. I want to see you this weekend and next week. So please don’t have no date. Because I want to ask you one thing before I go. 

Johnnie

July 18, 1940 postcard

A month and a half passed before Johnnie’s next communication to Lucile and it provides no clue as to whether he made it to visit Lucile or whether he got the chance to ask her “one thing” before he went to camp. In a postcard dated September 3, 1940 and postmarked in Atlanta, Johnnie wanted Lucile to know he was thinking about her, and her sisters as well.

Dear Lucile,

Just a line to let you know I wasn’t fooling you when I said I was going to write you. I will see you Saturday at noon. So be good till I see you. 

Love, Johnnie

Tell Dot and Nell hello. 

September 3, 1940 postcard

Lucile's sister Nell Stacks

June 14 and 26, 1940

Over two weeks passed before Johnnie wrote Lucile again. In a postcard dated June 14, 1940 and postmarked from Atlanta to her College Park address, Johnnie referred to Lucile as having been sick. Perhaps that was why he didn’t make the trip to Red Oak.

Dear Lucile, 

I received your card and was glad to hear from you. I am sorry you had the sore throat. Bill said Hello to all of you. This card makes us even again so start writing. 

Lots of Love, Johnnie x x x 

 

June 14, 1940 postcard

Trouble was brewing between Johnnie and his friend Demp, who apparently was not following through on promises to give Johnnie a ride to Red Oak. Johnnie complained about Demp in a postcard dated June 26, 1940, postmarked from Atlanta to Lucile at her College Park address.

Dear Lucile, 

Please excuse me for not writing sooner. But I been expecting to be down there. I would have if it hadn’t been for Demp. He was supposed to pick me up at my house. We made a date to come down, three times the last two weeks, but I haven’t saw him yet. So, I just quit trusting him anymore. If I can I will be down there this weekend. Try to be up here Sunday. If I don’t show up down there. 

Love, Johnnie x x x x x 

June 26, 1940 postcard

May 20 and 28, 1940

Johnnie lived in Atlanta; Lucile lived in Red Oak, almost 14 miles away. He didn’t have a car, so had to depend on others for a ride, or walk, which he hinted at in a postcard dated May 20, 1940. The postcard was postmarked from Atlanta to Miss Lucile Stacks, College Park, Ga Route 1. He used a different term of endearment this time when he addressed Lucile.

Dear Darling, 

I am sorry, but I couldn’t get down Sunday. But I will be down there this weekend. Boy is my feet sore, Ha Ha. That the first time I have ever walk six miles for any girl, and for you I will do it again. 

Love, Johnnie x x x x x

May 20, 1940 postcard

Although he had good intentions, Johnnie apparently didn’t make it to Red Oak that weekend. On May 28, 1940, he sent an apology via postcard, postmarked from Atlanta to Lucile at the same address. Johnnie didn’t include a return address on this postcard.

Darling, 

I am sorry I wasn’t down there on the weekend. I didn’t have no way to come. But I will be there next weekend if I have to walk, so be good till I see you. 

With Lots of Love, Johnnie

 

May 28, 1940 postcard

January 3 and February 16, 1940

It was five months before Johnnie mailed another postcard to Lucile, at least that we know of. This one was postmarked January 3, 1940 from Atlanta and addressed to Lucile at the same College Park address as the previous postcards. Like people often do after a year changes, he wrote 1939, the old year instead of the new year, 1940.

Dear Lucile, 

I haven’t much to say, except I hope to see you Friday night if nothing happens. Tell Dot, Dent sent his love and I will give you my when I see you again. Tell Nellie I bring her a boyfriend. 

All my love, Johnnie

January 3, 1940 postcard

By February 1940, things must have started getting serious between Johnnie and Lucile. In a postcard dated February 16, 1940, he addressed her for the first time with a term of endearment. This postcard is addressed to Lucile at the same College Park address.

Dear Sweetheart, 

Just a line to let you know I haven’t forgot you and thanks for the valentine. I am coming down Thurs evening if I have to walk this weekend. You just don’t know how much I miss you. 

So, Lots of Love, Johnnie

February 16, 1940 postcard