February 24 and 26, 1943

Johnnie sounded like he was getting weary of training in his February 24, 1943 letter from Camp Howze. Or maybe it was his sore foot that was causing the problem.

My Dear Darling Wife,

Well here it is another day almost gone and making my training that much nearer over with. I didn’t go out with the rest of the boys this morning because I had to go see the doctor again about my foot. I have just got back, and it is just a little after eleven o’clock. I am going out with the rest this afternoon but being as I have to wait for them to come in for dinner, I thought I would drop you a line or two. Please excuse this writing because I am laying on my bed writing you. I am kindly resting my foot. What have you been doing all morning, laying in bed, Ha Ha. Say, you’ve been getting a pretty good bit of letters from me lately haven’t you? You should be. I’ve been writing you at least one or two a day. Say you know just four more days and this month will be over with, then I will just have four more weeks for my basic training. Say let me know if you get your money this month. I am sure you will. O yeah, I told you to mail me that card I sent in that letter back and I haven’t received it yet. You did get it, didn’t you? It might be in the evening mail. I hope so. I shall get a letter from you today. I didn’t get none yesterday. You are writing me every day, aren’t you? You better be, Ha Ha. How is the weather down there now? Is it turning any warmer? It is pretty fair here now. The wind is pretty strong, but it is getting close to March, and you know that is a windy month. Well honey I guess this is all the news for this time. So be as sweet as you have always been.

Lots lots lots love + kisses x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x, Johnnie

P.S. You still Love me? If so what about a little sugar, Ha Ha

Love, Johnnie

Someone was trying to call Johnnie at camp but due to his training schedule, he wasn’t available when they called. Johnnie tried to explain that to Lucile in his February 26, 1943 letter from Camp Howze.

My Dear Darling Wife,

Well, I received your letter yesterday but didn’t have time to answer it till now. I also received the card with it. Thanks for sending it back. I will take care of all the papers I got about your money. Honey forget the argument about the money I sent you last month. That’s in the past now. I will send you the two dollars to finish paying on my watch so don’t take any of your money. Be sure and pay your Daddy as soon as you get your money. It’s OK about not writing me back by airmail, but don’t let it happen again, Ha, Ha, Ha. Honey today is Saturday. I started this letter yesterday but didn’t have time to finish it till now. We left on a hike yesterday evening about four o’clock and didn’t get in till about eleven o’clock. When I did get in the sargent told me I had a call from Atlanta, Ga. and for me to call back and ask for operator forty-four. Well I tried to get the call through last night, but I couldn’t do any good. So, I was going to let it go till I got a chance to call today. But before I had a chance to, they called me in the camp. Call operator forty-four so I’ve been trying to get the call through all day. But the long-distance operator said she couldn’t get no line through to operator forty-four. Honey, the call has got me worried pretty bad, so let me know where ever it is sevirty [sic] or not. I wish you would send me a telegram when you want to let me know something really quick because it is hard for me to get to talk to you over the phone here in camp. Well I guess that is all the news for this time. So, answer this back by airmail.

Lots lots love, Johnnie

February 22 and 23, 1943

Monday night, February 22, 1943 at Camp Howze, Texas, Johnnie was probably enjoying a good smoke on the new pipe Lucile sent him. 

My Dear Darling,

Well here it is the start of another week and what I like about it is I am that much nearer to finishing my basic training and so nearer to seeing you. I hope this letter finds you well. It leaves me feeling pretty well as far as health is concerned. O yeah, I received the pipe today and it sure is a dandy. Thanks a lot. I also received a nice birthday card from your Mother. I am going to write her tonight and thank her for it. Honey guess who I received a letter from tonight. From your Mother’s sister, Aunt Agnes Jones. I wrote you telling you about me receiving a letter from Marie, didn’t I? I have answered her letter. I am going to answer Aunt Agnes’ letter tonight if I get time. Well honey, since I have so many letters to answer I will close. So, answer write back. 

Lots Lots Love, Johnnie

A photo from December 1963 of Johnnie enjoying a cigar

It was February 23, 1943, Johnnie’s birthday, when he wrote Lucile a letter as he waited on a testing exercise to take place at Camp Howze, Texas. 

Dear Darling,

Well here it is my birthday and I don’t feel a day older than I was yesterday, Ha Ha. I hope this little letter finds you well. It leaves me OK. Darling what have you been doing lately? I hope you have been enjoying yourself, have you? Gosh when you get in your twenties, time sure does go doesn’t it. It seems like just a month ago I was just twenty. Darling you are twenty-one now, aren’t you? Say, have you had many dates since I’ve been gone, Ha Ha? I bet you have. Say, you know what I would like to have now? A great big sugar tet with a little of this and that, Ha Ha. You get what I mean don’t you? Say, you are coming out when you get your money aren’t you? You better. Say I dreamed about you again last night. I had to send my sheet and blanket to the laundry this morning. If I keep on dreaming dreams like that, I am sure going to have a big laundry bill at the end of this month, Ha Ha. Are you going to help me pay for it, Ha Ha? We are having testing today on things we have studied. I have been out all this morning on different things. I am waiting now for them to call me out this afternoon to finish up. It won’t be long from now, so I better close for this time. So be good and keep thinking of me. Love Lots Love.

Kisses xxxxxxxx, Johnnie

P.S. You still love me? I love you my Darling.

Johnnie spent the evening of February 23, 1943 at Camp Howze thinking about Lucile. He ended his birthday smoking from his new pipe and writing her a second letter.

My Dear Darling Wife,

Well here it is Tuesday nite and I was sitting here smoking my new pipe and thinking of something to do. Well being I didn’t have no studying to do, I thought of nothing to do better than to write you. I wrote you today at dinner, but that don’t mean nothing. If a fellow loves his wife or girl, like I love you, he’ll be writing every chance he gets. And that’s one thing I try to do. Honey what are you doing tonight? I guess you are in bed by this time, aren’t you? O yeah, Mother said in her letter that she was going to write you. Have you heard from her yet? I haven’t got my watch back yet. Every time I go to get it, the man that’s fixing it is sick, and he is not there. Gosh I believe he is sick pretty bad because I sent the watch three weeks ago and he doesn’t seem to be getting any better. I sure will be glad when he gets well enough to fix it. I wrote your Mother also at dinner. I guess she will receive it the same day that you receive yours. Have you noticed lately I have been sending all of my letters to you airmail? I am always as long I can get them. I was telling you at dinner that we were taking testing today, well I passed it OK. It had me worried for awhile though. Honey, Mother wrote me in her letter that she wanted me to have some pictures made and send to her. Well I wrote her back and told her that as soon as I got all of my hair back, I would have some made and send to her, Ha Ha. And that goes to you also, Ha Ha. Well honey I guess that is all the news for this time so Lots and Lots Lots Love # Kisses xxxxxxxxxxx, Johnnie

P.S. You still Love me? Darling I worship you. Love, Johnnie 

In addition to writing Lucile two letters on February 23, 1943, he also wrote her mother. 

Dear Mother,

I received the nice birthday card and I appreciate it very much. Thanks a lot. I hope this letter finds you well. It leaves me OK. I don’t feel like I am any older than I was yesterday, Ha Ha. How are all the kids? I hope they are all well. Tell them all hello for me. How is Doc getting along? Is he still growing younger? Tell him I said to watch his self and not get too young or they might take him in the army, Ha Ha. Also tell him hello. What have you been doing lately? I guess you’ve been pretty busy. You always were when I was home. How is the weather down there now? It is like summer here and boy I sure do like it. Well, I guess that is all the news for this time. So, lots of love to you and all.

Johnnie

P.S. Thanks again for such a nice card. Love Johnnie

February 20 and 21, 1943

In his February 20, 1943 letter from Camp Howze, Texas, Johnnie was concerned that if they promoted him to corporal, he would be shipped overseas sooner than he was ready to go. He knew once he shipped out, he would not be able to see Lucile. 

Johnnie didn’t mention the military parade he had participated in earlier in the day when the 84th “passed in review before high ranking officers of Camp Howze … in the largest mass demonstration by a military unit since the camp was established.” Gen. Nelson M. Walker, the assistant commander of the division “declared that the division had made a distinguished record on the rifle range, considering the short period of time since training began.” The Denton Record-Chronicle reported that it “required 32 minutes for the entire division to march past the stand.” As a rifleman, Gen. Walker’s declaration would have been a proud achievement for Johnnie and his fellow soldiers. 

Johnnie wrote a second letter that night but didn’t mail either so before putting Lucile’s letter in the mail on February 21, he added to it. As usual, he was worried about her.

My Dear Darling,

I hope this letter finds you well by now. I have really worried alot about you. I have really worried about you ever since that night, you remember. I had tears I believe about the first time in a long time. It really gets me all over when you are not well. Honey, I don’t think I want to make a corporal after all, because if I do I will get shipped somewhere and from what I can gather here around camp, they are sending all the fellows that make corporal or sargent across to train the boys there and I don’t believe I want to go just yet. Not that I am scared, but I want to see you as much as I can. My commanding officer said we would all be made corporal or sergeant and be shipped out to train other boys that come in. So, I am sure to be one whether I want to or not. Honey, I guess I told you already about me having my hair cut off real short. You remember how my hair was either red at times or light brown? That was because the sun burned it. Well, it is coming back black as it used to be, and it is kindly wavy coming out. I was hoping it would come back straight where I could comb it straight back, but I guess I will have to let it grow wild, Ha Ha. Honey, I received a letter from Kate tonight. She is getting along fine. So, if you don’t mind for this time, I will close so I can answer her letter before the lights go out.

So, lots of love and kisses x x x x x x, Johnnie

Honey, I didn’t mail this letter last night so I will write a little more this morning. I hope you had a good nites rest. I slept pretty well myself and of course I dreamed about you, and it wasn’t a bad dream after all. I enjoyed every bit of it, Ha Ha. Well this ends another week of my basic training. I have just four more weeks to go and it will all be over with and then I don’t know where I will go. My foot has gone bad on me again. I am going to see about it tomorrow at the clinic. I am going every day till they do something about it. The soldier that sleeps across from me has a radio and it is on now. The Ink Spots are singing now, and the song is “If I Didn’t Care.” It really gives me the blues. It makes me think of the times when I was with you and the good times we had together. Some of my pals that I go around with say I have changed a lot since I have been in the army. I might have changed alot in ways, but I will never change as far as my love is for you, and you know that. Honey, don’t send me anything for my birthday because you need the money. I know that you haven’t forgotten that day for me, so thanks alots. I will be twenty-three, gee I am getting old fast aren’t I, Ha Ha. Well, tell all hello for me and that I wish them the best of health and a long life and give all my love to all also.

So, lots lots love to you x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x, Johnnie

P.S., How many letters have you received from me so far? Let me know. Love Johnnie

Click here to hear the song “If I Didn’t Care” by the Ink Spots.

Johnnie and Lucile

The evening of February 21, 1943, Johnnie sat down and wrote a second letter to Lucile. A 1941 song by The Ink Spots had him thinking about his dear wife.

My Dear Wife,

I received your sweet birthday card for me, and thanks alots. I haven’t received the pipe yet, but I expect to get it tomorrow. Also, thanks for the pipe. I have been trying to get one here in camp, but they are such a high price I just didn’t want one that bad. I also received a nice blessing card from Marie, Joe and Betty Kuebu today. I am going to write them and tell them how much I appreciate the card. They say that Hildreth has been transferred to Nebraska. Boy he really gets shipped alots doesn’t he? He does not stay in one place long enough to get settled good. Marie said something about you coming up there and staying with them awhile. I am leaving that up to you, wherever you want to go or not, you can decide on that yourself. I would appreciate it very much if you would come out here first and see me. Honey, you will get your money this month. I am sure of that. If you don’t, I will do something about it. Say, why haven’t the rest of the folks wrote me. Remind them of it will you? This makes two letters I wrote you today, so you see, you are on my mind at all times. I can’t hardly wait to see you again. I hope it won’t be very long now. Honey, the radio is playing now, and the song is “I don’t want to set the world on fire.” That’s me. I just want to keep that flame you got in your heart for me always there. What about it, will it stay there? I hope so. Well honey, I guess that is all the news for this time so answer it right back.

Lots lots lots love love love xxxxxxxxxx, Johnnie

P.S. You still love me? Johnnie

 Click here to hear the song “I Don’t Want to Set the World on Fire” by the Ink Spots.

Part of February 21, 1943 letter

Before Johnnie went to bed the night of February 21, 1943, he wrote a third letter to Lucile. He reminisced, talked about his dinner, another soldier, and asked about family members, including Mickey, better known as Earl Stacks, Lucile’s brother.

My Dear Darling Wife,

Well here I go writing another letter to you and this one makes three I wrote you today. I haven’t got anywhere to go or nothing to do so what better to do than write you? You are all I am thinking about any how. Say honey, what you are doing today? I hope you are enjoying yourself. I sure as hell aren’t. When I haven’t got nothing to do, I just lay around and think about you and wonder what you are doing and the times we did have together and never realized it. We have had some good times together, haven’t we? You remember the time you met me out at the fair and how late we came in? And do you remember we parked across over there on Welcommed and I started making love to you and you almost slapped my face and you wanted me to make love to you anyway and I knew it all the time, Ha Ha Ha. Those was the days, wasn’t it? Honey, I am going up to the mess hall and eat and I will write some more when I get back. Well honey, I just finished eating and we had a pretty good supper. We had ham, potatoes, tomatoes, and butter and sweet milk and banana pudding for dessert. I enjoyed ever bit of it. I guess you had a good dinner today, didn’t you? Honey, one more week and I will get paid again and I am sure you will get yours this time. Let me know about it, you will?

Honey, how is Gearl’s hand getting along? Fine, I hope. It shall be well by now, is it? How is little Melvin getting along? I bet he has grown alots hasn’t he? I sure would like to see the little fellow. Why hasn’t Dot and Drextel wrote me lately? I would like to know how the baby is coming along anyway. Honey, you know that boy that wrote that letter for me? Well he is getting a discharge. You know who I am talking about, don’t you? His name is James McDonald. He was burned pretty bad when he was a baby all around the stomach and down to his knees. It sure is a pretty bad burn. The skin is pretty thin, and it has burst a lot since he has been in the Army and it sure does bleed too. He does not do a thing but lay around the barrack. Boy is he lucky. Say, we are having some good weather down here. It’s just like Florida. I guess it is pretty cold there, isn’t it? Isn’t Robert riding in his car much now? I haven’t heard you mention Nell to him in a good while. What’s the matter? Say, Mickey hasn’t wrote me lately either. Is he still working at the saw mill? Write me and let me know, will you?

 Well honey, I guess I will close for this time. I believe I wrote you enough today. I have wrote you three letters. I believe that is a record for one day, don’t you?

Love Love Love as you know always, Johnnie

P.S. You still love me? I love you. 

End of February 21, 1943 letter

February 17, 18, and 19, 1943

The possibility of Lucile visiting Johnnie appears to be getting closer, but he wants to make sure he has enough time to get a place for her to stay while she’s in Texas. In his February 17, 1943 letter from Camp Howze, he asks that they exchange letters before she comes.

My Dear Darling Baby,

I hope this letter finds you well and rid of your sore throat. Did you receive that copy to show that your monthly checks have started? I guess you did. I sent it by airmail, and I told you to answer me back by airmail. I should have received an answer from you by now, but I haven’t. I also sent you three dollars to get some medicine. But after I sent off the money for you to get the medicine with, I received a letter from you saying that you had been to town to get you some medicine. So, go ahead and use the money for something you need. Honey what about when you get your money come down here and stay about two weeks. But before you come, be sure and write me so I can get you a place to stay and also wait till I write you back telling you that I have a place for you to stay before you come. I received a card today telling me that your allotment has been received and that you should get your money at the end of this month. I am sending you this card for you to read but be sure to send it back to me in your next letter. Well honey, I guess that is all the news for this time. So, answer back by airmail.

Lots x lots x lots love x love x love, Johnnie

P.S. Honey I am sorry I have not sent you any pictures but if you saw how short my hair was, I guess you wouldn’t want any. I had all my hair cut because it had two or three different colors. It is growing back a lot darker then it was. I guess it will be a month or two before it grows back like it was. So be good till I see you. 

Lots of love Johnnie

Johnnie wanted a constant stream of letters coming in and in an earlier letter had asked Lucile to answer by airmail. She apparently didn’t do that and so in his February 18, 1943 letter sent from Camp Howze, he scolded her for not doing so. 

My Dear Baby,

I received your nice sweet little letter tonight and was glad to hear from you. But one thing you didn’t do and that was send me the letter back by airmail. I will not get mad at you this time, but please, when I write you, and tell you to answer me back by airmail, please do. Well I am finished with the range today and boy am I glad because I believe I have lost at least two nights sleep and I am really tired out. Honey, are you sure I asked you what you got with the money I sent you? I believe you are wrong about that. If I am not mistaken, I wrote you and told you to get anything you wanted to with that money, didn’t I? I know what I sent you wouldn’t do you much good, but it did help you, didn’t it? Yes, I get what you mean when you said you got up sick, and I know it is going pretty bad with such a cold you got. Write and let me know how you come out, will you? Honey, I don’t know what I am going to do if I don’t see you soon. I hope it won’t be long from now. I am going to start counting the days till I see you. So honey, be good till then. 

Lots # lots love x x x x x, Johnnie

P.S. You still love me?

Partial view of February 18, 1943 letter

Johnnie sent the first of many V-mail letters to Lucile on February 19, 1943 from Camp Howze. Victory Mail, or V-mail, was a process used by the United States military during World War II to ship huge quantities of mail to and from soldiers overseas. Letters were written on standard sized paper, photographed, and then transferred to microfilm for shipping. Once the microfilm made it to its destination, the letters were printed and cut to a 4 ¼ x 5 ¼ inch piece of paper. This freed up space and weight for other cargo needed for the war.

From: Co B 337 Infantry, A.P.O. #85, New York, NY

To: Mrs. J. H. Marston, College Park, Ga., Route #1

My Dearest Darling,

Just a few lines to let you know I am well and OK, and hope this finds you the same. I received a letter from you yesterday with the stamps and those other stamps, showing that the letter is air mail. Thanks alots. You asked me in one of your letters I received if they censor the mail you sent me. No, they don’t. I am sure of that. You say Robert thinks he is going to be shipped somewhere. Tell him I wish him luck. Well, I guess this is all for this time. Will write longer letter as soon as possible.

So, lots lots lots love, Johnnie

February 19, 1943 v-mail, first of many (click to enlarge)

The “V Mail BB 60 Display” graphic below, published by the Bureau of Navy Personnel, describes the process for sending a V-mail.

How v-mail works (click to enlarge)

Click here to learn more about v-mail. 

It should be noted that all the V-mails sent by Johnnie were sent from the same address to the same address so won’t be noted further.

February 10, 12, and 13, 1943

By February 10, 1943, training on the range was done, which gave Johnnie time to sit down and write Lucile another letter from Camp Howze. He was in a good mood and joked around a lot that Wednesday night. The Arnold he mentions is his paternal cousin, Arnold Pair. 

My Dear Darling,

I hope this letter finds you well and also hope the rising is gone off of your neck. I received a letter from Mother the other day and she is getting along pretty well. At least that’s what she said. She is going to a doctor every other day. She didn’t say what was the matter with her. I believe it is pretty serious. What do you think? Say, I got a letter from Arnold the other day. He mentioned something about sending you a picture of him. I believe my cousin is trying to get my wife. Anyhow, he wrote me to see if he could send you any pictures of him. He knows who the boss is, Ha Ha. Say, if I don’t go out on the firing range this weekend I am going to town and have some pictures made and if you don’t mind, I will send you some, Ha Ha. If you will give me some, Ha Ha. O yeah, I received a birthday card from Mother yesterday. I really wasn’t expecting that. Say, what did you buy with the twenty dollars? I hope it helps you. If you need five or ten more, write me. I broke my watch the other day and it is going to cost me five dollars to have it fixed. I was playing around with a fellow in the barracks and I hit my arm against the wall and that was how it got broke. So that is that. Well honey, I guess that is all the news for this time so answer this letter back by air mail and make it a long one too. Don’t write as I write. Write as I tell you to write, Ha Ha Ha. 

Well I will be waiting to hear from you. Lots Lots Lots Lots Lots of Love, Johnnie

Buy a dollar’s worth of stamps so you can write me more often. Love, Johnnie

Last page of February 10, 1943 letter

Arnold Pair (years later)

Lucile was sick and Johnnie was worried about her. In his February 12, 1943 letter from Camp Howze he told her he was sending money for medicine. She must have also wanted to come visit him but they didn’t have enough money to spend on a trip to from Georgia to Texas.

My Dear Darling,

I receive your letter tonight telling me that you receive the money order which I am glad to hear that you did. Honey stay inside all you can and get you some medicine for it. I am sending you three dollars to get the medicine for your cold, and if you need anymore, let me know right away, Darling, you said I have not mentioned about you coming down here in my letters anymore. You know I want you with me more than anything in the world at all times and Darling, you know I want you down here with me but being that we haven’t got the money right now, there isn’t much use wishing it. Honey I am also sending you your applicants copy for your allowances, so keep it, and if you don’t get your money when you’re supposed to, you can give them hell about it by showing them this copy, and I bet they will get it for you then. Honey I really thank you for the nice valentine and I really thought it was cute what was wrote in it. Well honey, I will close for this time because I will have to clean my rifle and get a few other things I have to do done. So be sweet just like you always have been.

Lots and lots of love, Johnnie

I would have written sooner, but my work in this Army
demands a lot of close personal attention –
(click to enlarge)

From the sound of his February 13, 1943 letter from Camp Howze, Texas, Johnnie wanted Lucile to come to Texas as much as she wanted to go. 

My Dear Darling,

Well today started another week and I have just five more weeks training to go. Honey, the time I think of you most is at night. Not that I don’t think of you during the day, but at night I just lay in bed and think of the times we used to have together and wish that you were here with me. Gee, I hope you get your money soon. You can come down here then and stay till I get my furlough, then we can go back together, or you can come down here and stay with me. All I want is for you to come as quick as possible. I don’t see how I have stood it this long. Sometime I just think of taking off and coming home to you. But I know that won’t do any good. So, I guess I will just have to wait till you can afford to come. I hope it is soon. Well, it is about time for the light to go out so I will close. Lots Lots Lots Love to my sweet wife. 

Johnnie x x x x x 

January 29, 31, and February 7, 1943

Johnnie’s January 29, 1943 letter from Camp Howze was the longest one to date. He had lots to talk about—getting Lucile to Texas, his mother’s illness, a boxing match among other things.

My Dear Beloved Darling,

I hope this letter finds you well as I am about the same. Honey, I am going to try and get you out here as quick as I can because if I don’t see you I will go crazy as a “bat.” If I get enough money Monday to pay your way out here and to stay here about two weeks and also enough to pay your fare back, I will send it to you. I told you in my other letter that I will get paid on the thirty-first which is Monday. O yeah, I believe you will get your money too because I finished out the alloted and was sworn in, for it to start last Thursday. And the officer that swore me in for it to start your alloted said you might get yours the thirty-first of this month, or two, or three days later. I hope you do. Honey I guess you noticed that the ink is a lot darker now than it was when I first started to write. Well the reason is the pen gave out and I had to fill it with this kind because the fellow I been getting blue ink off of is gone to town. So please look over this change of the ink. Honey, I boxed last Wednesday night and lost the fight, I didn’t get hurt but I got knocked down once. We were just fighting five rounds, and me getting knocked down in the last round lost the fight. That same day I twisted my ankle and I had to hop around the ring. It made me tired out quick, but we will box again in the next few weeks and I believe it will be a knock down and drag out system, Ha Ha. I haven’t been getting any letters from you lately. I wish you would try and write me every night because you know I am waiting to hear from you every mail call. You don’t know just how I feel when the mail call is over, and I didn’t receive no mail from you. So, honey try to write as often has you can. I believe this is the longest letter you have ever received from me, isn’t it? Well I haven’t got nothing to do right now, so that’s why I am trying to write you a long letter for once, Ha Ha. Didn’t I write you in one of my other letters telling you that it was sleeting and snowing? I believe I did. Well it has kindly clearing up now and its turning hot again. Now isn’t that funny weather for you? I have never been in any weather like this before. Sugar, if you are going to stay in our house be sure and keep those doors locked and the windows because you know how dangerous it is with that convict camp so near. So please be careful, will you? I still haven’t heard from Kate or any of them about Mother’s sickness. Darn it I wish they would let me know something. I sent an airmail letter to them and another letter, and it by now and that has been about a week ago since I wrote it. Well tomorrow is Sunday and I hope to receive a letter from you because I haven’t received any in the last two or three days and I hope it doesn’t go another without hearing from you. O yeah, has Nell or Bob said anything about receiving a letter from me? I wrote them and have not received an answer from them yet. Tell them I am not going to write them till I get an answer from that letter. Well honey I guess that is all the news. 

So, lots and lots of love, Johnnie

P.S. The fellow that wrote that joke for me is a boy from College Park, Ga. His name is James McDonald. Do you know him? Let me know. Love, Johnnie

Johnnie wrote his mother-in-law from Camp Howze on January 31, 1943, as always, asking about other family members. 

Dear Mom,

I am writing this letter to thank you for the nice handkerchief. I don’t think I said anything about the handkerchief in the last letter I wrote you. I am awful sorry if I didn’t. You will have to excuse this handwriting with this pen. I never could write so good anyway, Ha Ha. I hope this letter finds you well, as I am the same. How is Gearl’s hand? I hope it is well by now. Let me know in your next letter. Excuse me for misspelling Gearl’s name twice, but I believe it is right now, Ha Ha. How is Doc coming along with the sawmill? I hope he is making good at it. Tell him I said hello and to stay away from them wrestling matches. He’s having too much fun for an old man, Ha Ha. I guess I told you about it sleeting and snowing here. Well anyway, it has cleared up now and it is getting hot here again. How is the weather there? I guess it is still pretty cold, is it? Well, I will close for this time, so answer back as quick as you can because you know I am always waiting to hear from you and the rest. So, lots and lots of love.

Johnnie

P.S. Tell all I said hello.

It was just under a month before Johnnie was able to write Lucile again. In a February 7, 1943 letter from Camp Howze, he warned her, and asked her to tell others, that his writing time would be limited due to training with another company. It’s possible that’s why it had been a month since his last letter.

My Dear Darling,

I am writing this letter to let you know I am going to be mighty busy the next two weeks and please don’t expect many letters from me. The reason is I am going out on the rifle range with another company of soldiers. As an instructor, I will be getting up every morning at 4:30 o’clock and coming in every night at 7:30 o’clock, so you see why I said not to expect many letters from me. I also will be on the range Saturday and Sunday. Darling, also tell everybody that writes me not to expect a letter right back. Tell Woodrow and Frances I will answer their letter as soon as I possibly can. I guess you have spent all the twenty dollars I sent you. Go ahead honey and buy what you want and spend it like you want too. I still have a little money left and if you need any more, let me know. Well Babe I will close. So, write me alots of letters and also, I love you always. 

Johnnie

P.S. You still love me? You should see me now. I have had my hair cut real short, Ha Ha.

Partial view of first page of February 7, 1943 letter

January 24, 26, and 27, 1943

Letters, letters, and more letters. Johnnie worked hard to keep a continuous stream of letters to Lucile and other family members. In his January 24, 1943 letter to Lucile, he mentioned teaching fellow soldiers how to read and write. They probably wanted the ability to read letters they received from their loved ones and to be able to write them as well.

My Dear Darling,

I just received one of your letters, so I will write you a little line to answer it. You know I am not much on writing long letters, so Darling don’t expect a real long one. You said in this letter that you have received twenty-two letters from me. Well there is about five on the way. Because I try to write you everyday or night, I never have gone over two days without writing you. Don’t worry about me getting hurt in boxing. Not saying I won’t but I will try not to. I just sharpened this pencil so don’t you notice the change in this writing? Honey if you need any money go ahead and get some from your Daddy. But if you can wait till I get some next week I will send you some. I have not received any letters from Mother yet. I wish they would write and let me know how she is. Have you heard any word from Kate since she left? Honey, I received a letter from your Mother, Dot and Drex, Frances and Woodrow, and Grandma and Earl. Tell them I will answer them as quick as I can. O yeah, I received a little letter from Betty. Tell her I will write her one too. Well honey, I will have to close because I am teaching four boys in my company how to read and write, and they are waiting by my bed now.

So, lots and lots of love and kisses. To my sweetheart and my beautiful wife. Johnnie

P.S. you still love me. Check that.

Johnnie’s sister-in-law Frances (Stacks) and her
husband Woodrow Oglesby (photo taken years later)

Johnnie wrote another letter to his mother-in-law on January 26, 1943. He talked about the weather, issues she was having back home, and his weight gain.

Dear Mom,

Received your letter and was sorry to hear how sick you have been. I hope this letter finds you well and happy. Please excuse my writing such a short letter because I have just finished giving some boys in my company some instruction on the army rifle and it is just a short time till the lights go out. It has been snowing and sleeting here the last two days. It is about three inches deep, but the sun has come out, and it is going away fast. Have you any idea who has been stealing your coal? I hope you catch whoever it is. Tell little Melvin I said hello and for him to be good and I will be home soon to watch him dance for me. Tell Doc I said hello and don’t let the frost bit his toes, Ha Ha. I feel swell as far as my health is concerned. I also have gained a lot of weight. I weighed a hundred and forty-six about a week ago. Sure do miss you all but I will be back with you all soon. Tell little Betty, Earl, and Grandma I will write them tomorrow and not to get mad if it is a few days late. So, lots of love to you all.

Johnnie

 

Betty and Melvin Stacks 

The letters are not coming fast enough to suit Johnnie. In his January 27, 1943 letter from Camp Howze, he let Lucile know it had been three days since he had heard from anyone. And he was especially worried about his mother.

My Dear Darling,

I will drop you a few lines to let you know I haven’t forgot you, but I really just haven’t had much time to write this week. Will try to make up for it this weekend. How is my little wife tonight? I hope you are well. I am OK as far as health is concerned but still worry about Mother’s sickness. I wish they would let me know something. It’s been a week since I wrote her, and I haven’t received an answer yet. I haven’t received any mail from you in the last three days. I hope you are not tired of writing me. I received yours, Grandma, Frances, and Woodrow’s about three days ago, but haven’t got a letter from nobody since then. I expect to get paid Monday and I will send you some money. Well I have a lot to do tonight. So, I will close for this time. 

Lots of love, Johnnie

January 18 and 23, 1943

In Johnnie’s January 18, 1943 letter from Camp Howze, it appears he had received good news from Lucile. Unfortunately, we’ll never know what that was since we don’t have her letters to him. Perhaps she was responding to his January 11, 1943 letter and told him he had her full heart, not just part of it.

My Dear Darling Beloved,

Received the one letter I been waiting on today. And I was sure glad to hear how you felt about me, now I want be so worry about me and you. I really feel bad about Mother being like she is, I wish there was something I could do, But the way things are now, and me being in the Army, you know there isn’t any way for me to help her. How did you know? Kate must have call you up, and told you. What did she say when you told her I was in the Army, I bet she sure was surprised, wasn’t she? To tell you the truth I haven’t wrote Mother, Louise or any of them since I been here, but I will drop her a line tonight because you know, I just get to write so much, being as they got me on the go all the time. Most of my time I get to spare is writing you, and you know that. Well I am glad Kate got a better job and it isn’t as hard as the other one. Did Kate tell you when she was leaving to go down there? I wonder if Daddy knows about Mother’s sickness? Did Kate say? Write and let me know. 

Well honey, I hate to end this letter so soon, but it is about ten thirty, and the light goes out at eleven o’clock. And if you don’t mind, I want to drop Mother a line or two. 

But I will write you some more tomorrow night. So, goodnight my Love. And sweet dreams. Your as you always know.

Love, Johnnie

P.S. Please excuse writing with this pen. You know I never could write with one. 

Johnnie

Johnnie's sister, Kate Marston

Sometime before Johnnie sat down to write Lucile a noontime letter from Camp Howze on January 23, 1943, he had received a letter from Lucile telling him that his mother had cancer. 

You still love me?

Sat. Noon 

My Dear Darling,

Well here it is, Saturday at noon, and being as I haven’t got anything to do right now, I will drop you a few lines. Darling, how have you been doing? Are you well? How much do you owe your Daddy now? Well, I get some money next week, about Friday or Saturday, and I will send you half of what I get. I am sure you could use some. I wrote Mother two letters asking her about her sickness. I hope what you wrote about it being cancer that it isn’t so. Honey, you don’t know how I worry about Mother since I received your letter telling me how sick she is. Honey, I am sure you all are wrong about not sending any more packages, because alot of the boys in camp receive packages every day. You know what I am talking about, I guess you can’t send packages across sea, but you can send them anywhere in the U.S.A. I have put on two more pounds of weight, now one hundred and forty-six and a half pounds. You should see me now. I have really filled out in a lot of places and I am not fat. It is all solid muscle. They give us an hour and a half of exercise every morning and Gal, you should see my shape now, Ha Ha. Well Darling, it is about time for dinner so I will close. Answer right back.

Lots of love to my best sweetheart and my beautiful wife, Johnnie

P.S. You said in one of your letters that my letters weren’t long enough. You should overlook that because I write you almost every night.

Johnnie wrote Lucile a second letter from Camp Howze the night of January 23, 1943 in which he was clearly worried about his mother’s illness. He was also working on getting Lucile to Texas.

My Dear Darling, 

I am sorry I haven’t written you in the last two days. The reason is I have been showing the other boys in my company how to read an Army compass, the order of arms, and the army general order. And honey, if you don’t think I haven’t been busy you don’t know the half of it. As I told you in my other letter, my company command made me an acting corporal and he wants me to go to school for two weeks and take a test of a regular corporal. I told him I would let him know. That’s why I wrote you about it. Honey I really felt bad when I received the letter about Mother. If there was only something I could do. I guess if she has got the cancer, I pray for the Lord to cure her. Gosh I hope you are wrong about her sickness. There is one thing. If Kate sends a telegram saying she is worse, I am sure I can get a pass to go see her. Honey, there is a little town just about or I would say bigger than College Park about forty miles from camp. A fellow here in camp who is a pal of mine, has sent for his wife and has rented a nice little apartment. The rent is only four dollars a week. We thought if we could get you down here, you and his wife could stay together and the rent would be lots cheaper for me and him both. There are two beds in the apartment, a radio, and a nice small kitchen. What do you think about that, let me know? Well Babe, I guess that’s all I can write right now but I will write you more tomorrow. 

Lots lots love to my best gal x x x x x, Johnnie

P.S. Say, did you know I love you? I suspect the same from you.

January 16 and 17, 1943

In Johnnie’s January 16, 1943 letter from Camp Howze, Texas we learn that he’s a boxer. It also sounds like there is a good chance he’ll get the promotion to corporal.

Dear Darling, 

Hello honey, I hope this letter finds you OK as I am the same. Well, I believe they will make me a corporal. In a way I want to be one, but if I do make it, I will not come home till about a month afterward I am supposed to. In other words, I will have to stay here in camp a month and go to a non-commissioned officer school. I know I can be one but that is the way it is. So, what do you think of it? I told you in my other letter that I was acting corporal now. That means I can give orders to all privates just like a regular corporal does. It sure surprised me when I got a letter saying I was one of the ten new men to be promoted to a corporal if I passed the final test. The letter was from the commanding officer of my company. I can’t understand why they want me to take that test. Since I’ve been here, I haven’t shown them anything to make them think I have had training before. Well let’s skip that and talk about you. How is your whole family getting along, Ha Ha? You get what I mean don’t you? Honey, I will get some money the first week in February and I will send you some if you pay me back when you get yours, Ha Ha. I am supposed to get a pretty good pay and you know I will send you about half of it so look for some about that time. By the way, I am glad Geral’s hand is lots better and getting along alright. I guess you will have to wait till after I get paid before I can have any pictures made because I am on the bum again. You know what that means, no cigarettes, no anything. But I guess I can hold out till pay day. It looks like I am going to have to. I haven’t received a letter from Mildred yet to let me know she got mine thanking her for the cigarettes. I guess she is having so many dates, she hasn’t had time to write. What about Nell and Bob? I wrote them and have not received an answer. When you see them ask if they got the letter I wrote them. O yeah, I was in a boxing match Wednesday night and I won. Hurrah for me, Ha Ha. I knocked this fellow down two times in the third round and the referee stopped the fight. That shows I still got the old punch I used to have when I boxed about all the time. I am about two inches bigger in the waist since I left Fort Mac. I weighed a hundred and forty-four Wednesday night when they weighed me for the boxing match. You shall feel around me now, Ha Ha. Well honey, I will close for this time but as being tomorrow is Sunday, I will write you another letter.

So, lots love to the one that means the world to me. Johnnie

Turn this over when you get through reading it. Tell your Mother and Dot and Earl I will write them tomorrow when I write you. Check that. Love, Johnnie

P.S. Remember you are my sunshine. So, don’t ever darken it. Love

Partial view of January 16, 1943 letter

Johnnie’s next letter to his mother-in-law was written on January 17, 1943 from Camp Howze. He had some big brother advice for her in helping to raise Lucile’s little brothers.

Dear Mother,

Received your letter but I’ve been on guard duty, that’s why I haven’t answered it sooner. I hope this letter finds you well, as I am the same. No, the cake wasn’t too dried to eat. If it was, I didn’t look to see, you know if I get chocolate cake, I sure am not going to look at it, Ha Ha. That box you sent Hildreth, I sure will get to him, because they will send it whereever he goes. It will reach him sometime. I am glad to hear it is warming up down there. I told you how this weather is. It’s cold for a while, well it is kindly cold right now, but the climate will change much tonight. You can’t tell here. Yes, Lucile told me about Gearl getting his hand shot about off. I am glad it is a lot better. I hope he watches his self from now on. Get that idea out of your head about dreaming that Cecil went to the electric chair. I wouldn’t worry about Cecil so much. That’s one reason you dream that, because you are worrying too much. No, I don’t blame you and I know how you feel so get other things to occupy your mind. Try to anyway. Tell little Melvin I will come home soon, and his ear better be washed or I will be awful mad at him, Ha Ha. I believe they have quit giving me shots. I haven’t had to take any in about a week now. I hope so anyway. I have gained six pounds since I left Fort Mac. I had to take my pants to the tailor the other day to have him to let the waist out some. I wrote Robert and Nell the other day and have not received an answer yet. I guess they have been working so hard, they just haven’t had time to write. Well Mom, I guess that’s all the news right now. So, answer back as quick as you can. Also, tell Doc I said hello for me and I will see you all soon. Love to you and all the rest the same.

Johnnie

P.S. How is that little dog Melvin is always playing with? I can’t think of his name. Let me know what his name is in your next letter. I have so many other things I got to learn here in the army. I can’t remember hardly nothing.

Johnnie’s brother-in-law, Melvin Stacks. Photo taken in front of the Stacks home.

January 11 and 15, 1943

As often happens with soldiers who have been deployed, Johnnie’s January 11, 1943 letter from Camp Howze was filled with self-doubt. Fearing the worst, his emotions got the best of him that day.

My Dear Darling Beloved, 

Hello honey, what are you doing tonight? I guess you are doing just what I am doing, just wishing that we were back together. Are you? Darling, I know you don’t have the same love for me as you did, when we were going together, and the first few months we were married. And I know I am the blame for losing that love, the way I have done and treated you what time we did live together, before they took me in the Army. I know I just have a small part in your heart now, but if I can’t have it all, which I have to win back, you can’t blame a fellow for trying to win back the love and respect he did once have, can you? Lucile, I know you are going to write back, and ask where I get that silly idea. Well, I knew a good while about that and I also wanted you to know I knew it, but I thought I could change it back. But the Army got me before I got a chance to even try. I expect to still try, when I get out. What made me write and be telling you this? I had a terrible dream the other night that you came down here, asking me for a divorce, and I asked you why you were getting it. And then I dreamed you said don’t you think I stood a lot off you, and the next thing I know I woke up, and sweating all over. Lucile for gosh sake, don’t let that dream come true. You are just like the sunshine, if you leave me, I would be in the dark. Well darling, I told you how I feel and if you ever believe me do now, will you. My heart, my soul, and my love, my life go to you. So, lots of everything that is within me.

Love x x x x x x Johnnie

January 11, 1943 letter (click to enlarge)

Johnnie’s been on guard duty and that has hindered his writing to Lucile, something he likes to do every day. He promises to make it up to her in his January 15, 1943 letter from Camp Howze.

My Dear Beloved Darling, 

I have received two letters from you in the last two days, but I haven’t had time to answer them till tonight. The reason I haven’t had time is because I have been on guard duty most of this week, and I go on again tonight. This will be my last time to go on till about a month and boy am I glad. I will write you two letters tomorrow to make up for the lost time. We had short arm inspection tonight and little John Jr. is still OK, Ha Ha. In other words, the doctors came around and looked at my thing, and I am in good shape. I received the marriage license last night. Thanks for getting them so quick. Darling, this picture you sent me is the best picture of you yet. Of course, the others are good too, but this one shows your beautiful looks more. And baby I sure mean looks cause you really got that. Every boy here in camp is always asking me how I rate with you. In other words, they mean how did I get such a beautiful woman. I told them it took me two years or more to get you and it was a hard struggle at that. Well Baby, I signed the payroll tonight and I will get paid the first week in February. Honey I found out today it will be about a month and a half before you get any money, but you will draw about a hundred and seventy dollars. I will get a pretty good bit the first and I will send you half of it and let you owe me when you get yours, Ha Ha.

Well honey, I am sorry, but I will have to close this letter because it is about ten thirty and that is the time I go on guard duty. But I will write you two tomorrow. So be good till I see you, Ha Ha. Love always to you as you know.

xxx Johnnie

P.S. I got Dot, Mother’s and Earl’s letter. Will answer them tomorrow. Love Johnnie

P.S. They made me an acting corporal for no reason at all. I will take a test next week. Do you want me to make one?

Love, Johnnie

Partial view of January 15, 1943 letter

January 6, 7, and 9, 1943

Johnnie felt an urgency to help Lucile get the paperwork in place so she could start getting a check from the Army. In his January 6, 1943 letter from Camp Howze, he told her what she needed to do to get the paperwork finalized.

Check this, Ha Ha

Dear Darling,

Just a few lines to tell you what to do about getting your money. I have done signed some papers out for you to get the money tonight. You will have to go to Jonesboro to get a duplicate of our marriage license. I guess you will have to take the real one so they can make a duplicate of it. I don’t believe it will cost over fifty cents or a dollar to get a duplicate. Darling, get this right away and send it to me airmail. You will get your money the first of next month, by that I mean the first of February. Darling, try to send it back as quick as possible. The quicker I get it back, the quicker you get your money.

Lots of love, Johnnie

Partial view of January 6, 1943 letter

Lucile needed to step it up to keep up with Johnnie’s wishes to read her letters all night. Was that what he was hinting at in his January 7, 1943 letter from Camp Howze?

I love you always: check that

My Dear Beloved,

Receive another one of your letters tonight, and it does me a hell a lot of good to get one. In other words, I wish I could get a 100 at a time where I could just sit or lay down on my bunk and just read them all night. Honey, you said something about if I got those pictures of you and little Carol. Yes, I got them. Every time I pull out my wallet, or shall I say every time I look at your picture, I feel so bad. It makes me want to see you in the flesh. Check that, Ha Ha. No kidding darling. I do miss you, and you know it too. Say babe, you still love me. Check that. Say babe, did Mildred get that letter thanking her for the cigarettes. Say, I got Dot and Drex’s letters tonight with yours, check that. It’s about time I got one, don’t you think so? Say, we been having some bad weather here, but bad or not we keep right on drilling and learning about the army. I know you will come here if you have to get here the best you can, but I don’t want you to. So, stay there till you get enough money to come here like I want you too. Well Babe, that all the news so write right back. My love for you as you know always.

Johnnie

Lucile

Partial view of January 7, 1943 letter

Johnnie was happy to receive common, everyday items from Lucile when he wrote his January 9, 1943 letter from Camp Howze, Texas. He also sent advice to Lucile’s 16-year-old brother Geral about guns.

My Dear Darling Beloved Baby,

Hello honey, I received the shoe polish and coat hangers yesterday and was sure glad to get them. Thanks a lot. I am sorry to hear about Geral getting his hand all shot up. Tell him I said a gun wasn’t anything to play with, especially a shot gun. I hope it heals back alright. Darling, I can’t wear one of them caps you like just yet, because this camp has been just filling in with new soldiers and we will have to wait till it gets organized and straightened out. But I can wear them outside of camp, like going to town or driving home just so it is outside the camp. How is my little baby getting along? I hope you have been a good gal. Keep my Love, and God knows I keep yours. When I say I love you, you don’t know just how much I mean it. Check that. Darling, I wrote to Grandma about two days before hers came to me. I guess she got it by now. I am going to answer this one I got with yours as soon as I finish writing this to you. How is my mail coming now? You shall get a letter a day. Excuse this dark writing, because my pen gave out of ink and I had to borrow some other kind. I have had a sore throat all this week and can’t hardly talk. My voice is so hoarse, it sounds funny when I do try to talk. They have been putting macurcone on a little stick with a piece of cotton and rubbing my throat inside. I guess it will get better in a few days. Well honey, I guess that is all the news right now, except I wish I had you with me tonight. I will soon. Don’t worry about that. Darling, did you get a copy of my marriage license yet? Get them as quick as possible.

Lots and Lots and Lots of Love: check that. Johnnie

P.S. Uncle Sam may have me, but you got my heart. I love you: check that. 

Partial view of January 9, 1943 letter

January 3 and 5, 1943

The year 1943 started out quietly with Johnnie settled in at Camp Howze. He often talked about money in his letters to Lucile. He sent money when he could, but he had to pay for his toiletries and cigarettes. The soldiers borrowed money from each other, so he had to pay them back as well as send money to Lucile. He also wanted to make sure he had a constant stream of letters coming in at roll call so asked her to remind friends and family to write him. His first letter of 1943 was dated January 3, 1943 from Camp Howze.

My Dear Beloved Darling,

I received yours and Mom’s letters last night but didn’t have time to answer them till this morning and also the cigarettes. I will write Mildred and thank her for them as soon as I write this for you. Darling, I am glad to hear that you are well and all right, because if anything shall happen to you, I wouldn’t care what happens to me. I wouldn’t care if they sent me across and right on the front line there and I mean that too, because I don’t want to live then. Darling it might be the first of Feb. before you get any money, but you will draw a hell of a lot then, if you don’t get all that coming to you let me know. How is old Bill getting along? Did he say write him and put my address in there and tell him to write me. Darling what is the matter with Dot and Drex, they haven’t forgot how to write I hope. If they have, tell them to put exsel [sic]. I will understand what they are writing, Ha Ha. Have Earl and Geral received the letters I wrote them? If so, tell them to answer them and tell Mildred if she received a letter from me not to laught if I spell her last name wrong. Ha Ha. Well Darling, keep writing because I am still way ahead of you on sending letters. So, answer right back. I will always be the same to you.

Love, Johnnie x x x x x x x

P.S. You still love me? What did you say Gal?

P.S. I will send you all some pictures pretty soon.

Partial view of January 3, 1943 letter (click to enlarge)

The discussion of finances continued in Johnnie’s January 5, 1943 letter to Lucile. He also mentioned a foot injury in this letter.

My Dear Baby,

I received two letters from you yesterday but haven’t had time to write till now. I guess you have received that money order for $20.00. I wanted you to keep it and buy you something for yourself. And pay your Daddy when you get yours. See if it is alright with him to draw $73.00 but I had a big laundry bill and I owe about ten dollars to a fellow here in camp. I have about thirty dollars now. If you need any more, let me know. I hurt my foot the other day and it is swollen so much I can hardly get my shoes on. I guess it will be OK in a couple of days. Well, I guess I will close for tonight but being tomorrow is Saturday I will write you two or three more. 

So, lots lots of love, Johnnie

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

 

Partial view of January 5, 1943 letter

In a second letter written from Camp Howze, Texas the night of January 5, 1943, Johnnie scolded Lucile for writing such short letters. He wanted to hear more from her. But on the other hand, he was worried about her worrying about him and tried to sooth her nerves. He even introduced a new catch phrase—check that.

My Dear Beloved Darling, 

I received your nice little letter. The only thing I didn’t like about it was that it wasn’t long enough. Darling, what’s the matter? Can’t you write a letter a little bit longer or are you worried about me so bad that you can’t think of what to write? Darling, don’t worry about me because I will take care of myself. Let me do the worrying for both of us. Anyhow, the company command said he didn’t think we would ever go across because he said the way the Japs and the German were losing now the war would be over sometime this year. I believe he is right too. Honey don’t worry about us owing money to your Daddy and on the watch, I believe when you draw your money, you could pay him back twice and still have a pretty good bit left. Say babe, you still love me? Check that. Hey, tell Earl and Geral to write some more. I still like to hear from them. I wrote Grandma last night. Also wrote a letter to you and Mary. So, answer them as fast as they come where I will know you got them. Check that, Ha Ha. Well Darling, I guess that answers the letter I got from you for tonight. 

Lots of Love to you always, Johnnie

Thanks for getting me the shoe polisher. I really need it. Love, Johnnie

You will always be next to my heart.

P.S. In your next letter, let me know how many letters you got from me. Love 

Doodles around the eagle stamped on the stationery of Johnnie's January 5, 1943 letter to Lucile

December 31, 1942 and January 2, 1943

New Year’s Eve 1942 and Johnnie’s wasn’t thinking about a big celebration or the ball dropping in New York (although there wasn’t a ball drop in 1942 due to a wartime blackout). Instead, he had his beloved Lucile on his mind.

My Dear Beloved,

I received your letter today and I was just about to think you had forgot me because I am at least expecting a letter from you every other day. I want to hear from you so bad and wanting to know what you are doing. Gosh, you don’t know just how bad I do miss you. Darling, I wrote your Mother, not to tell you how long I would be here, because I didn’t want you to be so worried, but as I hope you can come out here, I will tell you how long I expect to be here. I will be here about eleven more weeks at least before I can come home, and you know I can’t stay away from you that long. So that’s why I want you to try to save some money to come out here. It is about nine hundred miles from here to Atlanta. Please call up the bus or train station and they will tell you how much it will cost to come out here to Gainesville, Texas. Remember this name, Gainesville, Texas. Darling, I am glad to hear you had such a nice time Christmas. I wish I could have been there to enjoy it with you. This Christmas to me wasn’t so hot. I received the package your Mother and Dad sent me, and I thank them very much. I will write your Mother and tell her how much I appreciate the things she sent to me. It’s a good thing she sent me a package of cigarettes because I have been burning them the last two days and I really needed some. I am sorry to hear about Cecil. Tell him I said that stuff never will get him anywhere and won’t do him a bit of good at all. Don’t worry about me getting that way. I will keep my word and you got to believe me. Tell Dot and Drex and the baby Hello. Answer back. 

Love, Johnnie x x x x x x x x x 

An earlier photo of Johnnie's mother-in-law, Leola Lemons Stacks

Johnnie wrote a letter to his mother-in-law on January 2, 1943, writing the year as 1942. 

Dear Mom,

Just a few lines to let you know I received your nice letter and also the package a day ago. I would have answered your letter then, but every time I would start, they would call me out for drill or something and I just couldn’t answer it with them calling me every minute. But I did get around to it after all. I am glad to hear that all of you had a good Christmas. Wish I could be there, but as you know I can’t, but I expect to be there for the next one. I hope anyway. I appreciate the package very much, and thanks a lot. Wish I could return the same. I am awful sorry to hear about Cecil. I hope he is better by now. It shall learn him a lesson. I hope he leaves the stuff alone for your sake anyway. I haven’t drunk any since I been here and don’t intend to either. That’s one thing I am pretty sure of. And another thing, I have learned a lot in the Bible I didn’t know and everything in it is very interesting too. I hope to drop Grandma a line or two tonight or tomorrow because I’m sure she wants to hear from me. Tell her she has a letter coming anyway. I have written Dot and Drex two or three times and haven’t received an answer yet. Tell them if they can’t write to let Carol write for them, Ha Ha. I am going to drop Nell and Robert a line too. I will send it at your address and you can give it to them. I just answered the mail call and received yours and Lucile’s letters. I also received the cigarettes. I am sure glad to receive the pictures of Doc, you, Robert and Nell. They are good pictures of all of you. Little Melvin looks good. Tell him to have one made all by his self and send it to me. Mary and Betty’s pictures are good ones too. It looks just like them, don’t you think so? Well, that’s all the news so answer right back and tell all hello for me and to write.

Love to all, Johnnie

P.S. Did the gang up at the sawmill ever receive the letter I wrote them?