March 16 and 18, 1944

Four days passed before Johnnie wrote to Lucile again. On March 16, 1944, he sent a V-mail questioning who addressed her recent letter to him.

Hello Darling,

I hope this finds you well, as I am OK. Honey, I received a letter from you a couple of days ago and I know you didn’t address it. Whoever did, had our name spelled wrong. They had it spelled Marriston. From now on, what about you taking time to address your letters to me, Ha Ha. Have you ever received the money I sent you? How are all the folks? Well, I hope. Well Darling, I will close for this time. Hoping to hear from you soon. Keep writing.

Lots lots love, Johnnie

Johnnie has asked about a ring several times and in his March 16, 1944 letter to Lucile, we finally learn that he is talking about a wedding ring. 

My Dear Darling Wife,

Just a few lines hoping this finds you well and getting along OK. As for myself, I am OK, except missing you alot and thinking about you all the time. Say Darling, have you ever sent me that wedding band yet? Sure hope it fits me. That reminds me, honey, the first of next month is your birthday. I haven’t forgot and I can’t send you nothing from over here as there is nothing to send. But I will send you some money for you to get yourself something. Honey, I want you to send me the paper once in a while. I would like to read what’s going on in Atlanta once in a while. Especially the ball games, Ha Ha. O’yeah Darling, did Frances ever get my letter I wrote her? Or Cecil or Ginnie Maude? I hope they answer it. Sure would like to hear from them. What about Mickey? I thought he would drop me a line by now. I wrote a letter to the gang that works up at the lumber company. Have they ever received it yet? Honey, I received a birthday card from Dot last week and I wrote her and Drex a couple of days before I received the card. Tell Dot I said thanks alots and I thought it was swell. Well Darling, I will close for this time. 

Lots lots love always, Johnnie

Johnnie’s sister-in-law, Dot Stacks

Johnnie shows concern for Lucile in his March 18, 1944 V-mail. She has been experiencing pains of some sort.

My Dearest Darling,

Just a few lines to let you know I am thinking of you and hope this finds you well. Darling, please, if you have those pains every month like you say, go see a doctor. It really makes me feel bad to hear that you are sick like that. Honey, I received all the Easter greeting cards that your family sent. They were all very nice. Will close for this time. 

May God bless you and lots lots love, Johnnie

John wrote Lucile’s parents a V-mail on March 18, 1944 to share his appreciation for all the Easter greetings he received.

Hello Folks,

Received the Easter greeting card and was very glad to get it. I could send you something but as it is I can’t. I can say though I wish you both a good Easter and I hope to be with you both the next one. It really made me feel good to get all the Easter greeting cards from all the family. I am going to try and write them all and tell them how much I appreciate hearing from them all. Well Doc, it won’t be long till the ball season is opening again. I hope Atlanta comes out on top. 

Lots lots love to you both, Johnnie

The regiment departed Camp St. Denis du Sig in Algeria via convoy on March 23, 1944, arriving in Oran, Algeria later that day. After spending the night in Oran, they departed there on March 24, 1944 via the USS Florence Nightingale, “a Maritime Commission type C3-M cargo ship”, and the USS Lyon, “a type C3 ship of the United States Navy,” both according to Wikipedia. It is not known which ship Johnnie was on. 

USS Florence Nightingale (AP-70) (public domain)

 USS Lyon (AP-71) (public domain) 

March 7, 10, and 12, 1944

Johnnie sounded impatient when he wrote Lucile a V-mail on March 7, 1944.

My Dearest Darling Baby,

Just a few lines to let you know I am well and hope this finds you the same. Darling, you said that I would have to ask you in the letter to send me the ring, that you couldn’t send it, not unless I wrote and told you to. Honey, I have wrote you at least six letters asking you to send it. What do I have to do, come over there and get it in person? Tell those guys I said they better get on the ball and let you send that ring to me. It’s funny as the devil the rest of the fellows are getting packages and I can’t. Will close for this time.

Lots lots love, Johnnie 

His mood had changed by the time he wrote a March 10, 1944 V-mail to Lucile. It seems he enjoyed some family photos she had recently sent to him.

My Dearest Darling,

I received the picture of you and Earl and his girls and also little Nell. They sure are good of you all, especially the ones you are in. You still got what it takes, if you get what I mean, Ha Ha. Little old Earl really is looking good too. You know he is almost as good looking as me, Ha Ha. You know Nell sure looks like she has gained some weight. Has she? Well Darling, I guess I will close for this time. O’yeah, tell Earl I think he is doing alright.

Lots lots love, Johnnie 

Earl Stacks

Johnnie wrote a long letter the night of March 10, 1944 where he talked about getting letters from his father and his grandma.

My Dearest Darling,

I just received four letters from you and boy did it make me feel good. I hope this finds you well. As for myself, I am OK. Darling, you asked me in one of your letters if you sent me a watch would I think it would reach here OK. I believe if you get me a shock proof watch it would. Of course, it would have to be wrapped up good. Also, if you find one with a good reasonable price, go ahead and get it and send it to me. Honey, I have sent you about forty dollars in the last two months. Use it any way you want too for yourself. I will send you some every month. Darling, I received a letter from Daddy yesterday. He said he has sent me a box with candy, razor blades, cakes, and some cigarettes in it. Pretty nice, don’t you think? I haven’t even written him yet. I am going to drop him a line as soon as I finish this to you. Honey, you said that Mrs. Sewell was putting more on where you work. If she does put you on night shift, I want you to quit and I mean it too. I never have liked you working up there anyway. If you do quit, don’t start back at that first place you were working either. That’s worse. I hope you do as I say and I know you will. I believe every word you write and I want you to do the same for me. I hope we understand each other by now. Well, I guess that’s about all I have to say about that. How are Doc and Ma getting along? Do you know whether they ever received an air mail letter from me or not? I guess they have by now. Honey, the last letter I got from grandma she was telling me about what a good wife I had. I wrote back and told her I knew what a good wife I had and that there was none better and I tell you one thing, that’s the truth if I never told the truth before. Then she got to talking about what a lucky girl you were to get a guy like me. Well Darling, I can’t say anything on that because of one thing that happened since we’ve been married. But I know one thing, if there was a man that cared and loved a women as much as I Love You, I have never heard about it. Well I will close for now leaving that in your mind.

With lots lots love, Johnnie 

Johnnie’s paternal grandma, Mattie Powell Marston

Johnnie wrote a short V-mail on March 12, 1944 where he mentions a photo of Lucile someone painted.

My Dear Darling,

Just a few lines to let you know I am thinking of you and hoping that this finds you well. I received the little photo of you. But I don’t think it looked much like you. You are much better looking than that. Whoever painted the picture didn’t do such a good job of it either. Do you think so? Say honey, have you ever received any of the money I sent you yet? Let me know. How are all the folks? Well, I hope. Tell them all hello for me. Will close for this time.

Lots lots love, Johnnie

February 25, March 4 and 6, 1944

Lucile must be very busy at home. On February 25, 1944, Johnnie wrote a V-mail to Lucile and complains that he still has not received a letter from her.

Hello Darling,

Just a few lines hoping this finds you well, as I am OK. Honey, it has been a week and a half since I heard from you. I was receiving mail from you pretty regular, but darn it, I don’t know what’s the matter now. I am sure it isn’t your fault because I know you will write me every chance you can. I sure hope to hear from you tomorrow. How is my mail coming to you? I have been writing you every chance I get. Well, I will close. Will try to write you tomorrow. 

Lots love, Johnnie

Now Johnnie is the busy one. When he sat down to write Lucile a V-mail on March 4, 1944, it had been seven days since he wrote his last letter to her.

My Dearest Darling,

Received a letter and birthday card from you today. The card sure was nice. Thanks alot. You never have said whether you received that money I sent. I sent you some more this month. Honey, I hope your back is lots better by now. If it keeps giving you trouble, go to a doctor and don’t wait too long about it either. Well Darling, I guess I will close for this time. Tell all the folks I said hello. 

Lots lots love to you, Johnnie 

Not much was going on when Johnnie wrote Lucile on March 6, 1944. He had recently been scolded by his father for not writing. He also asked about his first cousin, Arnold Pair.

My Dearest Darling,

Just a few lines to let you know I am thinking of you and hoping this finds you well. I received a letter from Louise and Dad a couple of days ago. They really got on me for not writing. I am going to try to drop them a few lines as soon as I finish this to you. You never have said whether you have received that money I sent you. I guess you have got it by now. I also received a letter from Grandma Marston. I have got to drop her a line too. I hope your hair suits you when you have it fixed this time. Be sure and send me a picture of you right away. O yeah, Dad said that Arnold was back in the States. Did he come by the house? Well darling, I guess I will close for this time. 

 Lots lots love to you, Johnnie

Johnnie’s grandparents, John and Mattie (Powell) Marston

  

Arnold Pair

Nell remembered Johnnie’s birthday with a card, something that surely made him happy. He sent a V-mail to her on March 6, 1944 to let her know what it meant to him.

My Dearest Sister-in-Law,

I received the nice birthday card and I wish there was some way to show you how much I appreciate you thinking of me on my birthday. Maybe when I get back to the States, I can slip you a kiss, Ha Ha. Be sure and don’t let your old man hear of it, or Luke either one, because I will catch the devil then, Ha Ha. No kidding Nell, thanks alots again and the next letter you write Bob tell him I said hello and send me his address.

Lots lots love, Johnnie

Robert and Nell

Johnnie had a busy day on March 6, 1944. His also wrote a V-mail to Lucile’s parents to thank them for his birthday card.

Hello Folks,

Received the birthday card and sure was proud of it. Thanks a lot. Well, how does this letter find you young people by now? In good health and getting along fine I hope. I am glad to hear you got the car back. Does it ride any better? Tell Doc I said to keep it in good running condition because we will have to have it to go see our girls in it, Ha Ha. How are all the kids? Well, I hope. Tell them all hello for me. Well, I guess this is all for this time.

Lots lots love, Johnnie

February 21, 22, 23, and 24, 1944

Johnnie sent a V-mail to Lucile on February 21, 1944, worried about her because she has apparently been sick. 

My Dearest Darling,

I received one of your letters yesterday you wrote the first of this month telling me about your sickness. Honey, I wish you would go to the doctor and have a check up on yourself. Will you do that? Yes, I remember the last time you had those pains. That was one time I was scared to death and believe me that one time I would have gone through anything than to know what you went through. Honey, please take care of yourself and try not to worry too much about me.

Lots lots lots love, Johnnie

He sent another V-mail on February 22, 1944, hoping to receive pictures she’s supposed to send him.

Hello Darling,

Just a few lines letting you know I am thinking of you and wondering just what you are doing this moment. Darling, I have never received the pictures, yet you said you were going to send and it has been about a month ago since you wrote and said you was sending them. I hope I get them one day this week. Has Nell ever come back yet? Tell her to drop me a line. How are all the folks? Well, I hope. Tell them all is well for me. Well honey, it is getting pretty late, so I will close for this time. May God Bless You.

Lots lots love, Johnnie

Nell, Jennie (Drummond) Stacks (Cecil's wife), and Lucile 

Johnnie sent a short V-mail to Lucile on February 23, 1944, his birthday, something he did not mention when he wrote to her.

My Dearest Darling,

Just a few lines to let you know I am well and hoping this finds you feeling much better than the last time I heard from you. Honey, did you go to the doctor? Let me know in your next letter. I haven’t felt well since you wrote and told me about your sickness. Darling, please take care of yourself and one more thing, please watch out and be careful where you are working. Those mechanics are dangerous.

Lots lots love, Johnnie

A day without a letter from home makes for an unhappy soldier. Johnnie was doing his best to encourage Lucile to write more in his February 24, 1944 letter.

My Dearest Darling,

Just a few lines hoping this finds you well, as it leaves me OK as far as health is concerned. Well Darling, just a few more days and the month of February will be gone. And just yesterday I had another birthday and you know yours is just over a month from now. Sure wish I had something to send you, to show you I haven’t forgot. Darling, you know I wouldn’t forget you if I was back in the States. When I do come back, that will be one great day for me. I hope it won’t be so long from now. Say honey, did Nell go back with Robert? I guess she’ll be back home again by the time you get this. O yeah, I wrote Cecil and Ginnie Maude the other day. Also, Dot and Drex. Don’t think to yourself if he can write them, he can write me more? Because Darling, I wrote you two letters that day, one a V mail and one Air Mail. I try to write you everyday I can. I hardly ever go over two days without not writing you. I hope you are doing the same. We just had mail call and I didn’t receive any. I haven’t heard from you in a good while now. For a while I was getting a couple of letters a week from you. I guess it is held up somewhere, the reason I am not hearing from you lately. If I have a way, I am going to send you some more money this month. It isn’t much good over here. Have you heard from Kate lately, or seen her? Tell her to drop me a line. Would like to hear from her and the kids. How is Doc and Ma? Did they ever get my letter? How are all the kids? Is Mickey still stepping out with his girl friend? Has little Gearl ever found one that will go with him, Ha Ha? Don’t tell him I said that. Well Darling, I guess I better close for this time. Hoping to hear from you tomorrow and all my love to all and Lots Lots Love to You. 

Johnnie 

Kate and friends

February 14, 19, and 20, 1944

It was Valentines Day, February 14, 1944 and Johnnie had Lucile on his mind. He sat down at noon and penned a letter to her letting her know what she meant to him.

I hope you can read this okay.

My Dearest Darling,

Well, here it is Valentine’s Day, the fourteenth. I don’t remember but if I am not mistaken, you were with me in Texas the last time. Am I right? If things all go well, I may be with you next Valentine’s Day. Let’s hope for the best that it may be so. Honey, I guess you have received the money I sent you by now. I am going to send you some every month that’s possible. If you need it to get you anything, use it. But you wrote me and said you were going to save the checks you get every month because you said you could live off what you made where you work. I received three letters from you a couple of days ago. One of them you were telling me about you and Drexter and Dot and the rest of the crowds going down to see Irvin. I am glad to hear you are enjoying yourself Lou. That’s what I want you to do, to keep your mind clear of all this. I know you know how to take care of yourself and I know you will. Say, you said in one of your letters that we might have a sister-in-law soon. Tell Mickey I said to go right to it, Ha Ha. One thing, if he does get her, I don’t care if she’s an angel, none of them will compare to you, Lou. I mean that more than I have ever meant anything in my life. Honey, I received the stamps you sent in the letter. Thanks a lot. Honey, all I want you to do is keep things going and I will be around soon. Would give anything if that ring had come on over. I am sure it’s a dandy. Well Darling, I will have to close for this time. So, tell all the folks I said hello. And you Darling, I miss you a hell of alots but I will make up for it when things kind of quieten down.

Lots lots love, Johnnie 

Earl (Mickey) and Elvie Stacks

Before Valentines Day came to an end, Johnnie found time to write a short V-mail to Lucile.

Hello Darling,

Just a few lines wanting to know if you are well. Hope you had a grand Valentines Day. Did you have to work? I have just finished an air mail letter to you. I guess you will receive this first though. Have you been getting mail from me pretty regular, concerning where I am at now? How are all the folks? Well, I hope. Tell Doc and family I said hello. Well, I guess this is all for this time.

So, lots lots lots love, Johnnie 

(click to enlarge)

Compliments to your wife probably go a long way down the road. In his February 19, 1944 letter, Johnnie sent one Lucile’s way. He also mentions that he is eating well and that the food is good.

I miss you Darling

Hello Darling,

Just a few lines to let you know everything is going OK, and I hope you are well and making it alright and also keep the little home up that we had such a grand time while I was at home. You say you are painting the front room over again. I bet it looks nice. You always could keep things so nice looking, no matter what is was. It is just like I have always said. I wouldn’t give a penny for another one like you, but I wouldn’t take a million dollars for you now, Ha Ha. You said in one of your letters that you went to a weiner roast over at Verger house. I am glad you enjoyed yourself, sorry I couldn’t be with you. Maybe not so long now. Things are looking lots better anyway. Don’t you think? Say what about getting me a carton of cigarettes and send them to me once in a while. They are not so plentiful over here. Tell Doc and all the folks I hope they are all well. Give them my love. Have you seen Kate lately? Tell her I would drop her a line but I have lost her address. If you know it, send it to me. I have just finished eating supper. We are getting plenty to eat here and it really good food. You say they are about to start rationing clothes. If so, you better drag you up a stock of them. Well Darling as this is all I can write right now, I will close. Hoping to hear from you soon.

Lots lots love Johnnie

P.S. Take good care of yourself for my sake Darling.

Johnnie’s sister Kate and friend (years earlier)

In Johnnie’s February 20, 1944 letter, he told Lucile about his dreams for a house for the two of them.

Dearest Darling

Just a few lines to let you know I am thinking of you and hope you are well. It seems a long time since I saw that sweet smile of yours, but I want ever forget the way you looked the last night I saw you. You were swell about it all. Lou, I am glad to hear from you, that I am on even terms with you again and I hope I can stay that way. You know what I am talking about I am sure. Well Darling, just three more days and I will be twenty-four years old. Time sure does fly after you get in your twenties, Ha Ha. I haven’t heard from you in a good while now. I am sure it’s not your fault though. I guess they are just holding up the mail somewhere. I am sorry to hear you have lost some weight, but I am sure you will gain it back later on. Lou, I don’t believe there is a night that goes by since I have been over here that I don’t think about you, wondering what you are doing, and hoping and praying that you are all right. I know if Nell goes back with Robert that it is going to be lonely without her. But maybe she won’t stay there too long. Honey, you know that house your Dad built, right below Frances and Woodrow? That is something like I hope to have someday for me and you. And if I get through this and if it is the Lord’s will, I hope to have something like that someday. I have had my mind on it ever since I saw the one he built. Well Darling, I guess I will have to close for this time. So, tell all the folks hello for me and give them my love. Tell Doc and Ma and all the kids I sure miss them, but I hope it won’t be for long and also Darling to you. Love Lots Love

Johnnie

February 8 and 9, 1944

True to his word, Johnnie wrote Lucile a longer letter on February 8, 1944 and let her know he daydreamed of her and wanted her to save money so he could take it easy for a bit after he came home.

My Dearest Darling,

Well, here it is another day gone by and as I said in that V-mail I sent you yesterday that I would follow it with an air mail letter, so here goes. Darling, I hope this finds you well and in good health. Gee, it seems ages since I saw you, even though it has just been about four months ago. You know I picture things you are doing back there, all during the day. I hope I picture things right. You never wrote me yet, or rather I haven’t received any mail from you saying whether you changed jobs or not. And another thing honey, do you really want to go to Florida? Not that I care whether you go or not, but you mentioned in one of your letters that you wanted to go down there after you found out I have arrived safely over here and then in another letter you wrote me you said you were going to start saving all the checks you receive every month and live off what you made working. I wish you would make up your mind, Ha Ha. If I was you, I would try and save a little money because I am not going to hit a lick of work for awhile after I get out of this Army and we might need a little to keep us up, Ha Ha. No kidding though, I am going to send you ten or fifteen dollars more every month and I want you to put it away for me, regardless whether you save yours or not. There isn’t anything to spend money on over here, so I just as well send it to you. Well Babe, I hate to close this right now, but I have a little guard to do tonight, so goodnight and God Bless You.

Lots lots love always, Johnnie

Here is something I heard. It is from the bottom of my heart to you.

Close to you

I will always stay

Close to you

Though you are far away

You’ll always be near

As though you were here by my side

No matter where

In my dreams I find you there

Close to you

Sharing your caress

Can’t you see

You are my happiness

Wherever you go

My heart will go too

What can I do

I only want to be

Close to you

I wrote that in a hurry. I hope you can read it.

Love, Johnnie  

(click to enlarge)

In Johnnie’s February 9, 1944 letter to Lucile, he told her about his lucky keychain and the special name he had given to his rifle.

My Dearest Darling,

I received one of your letters yesterday and also one from your Mother. Sure was glad to hear from you both. Honey I hope this finds you in the best of health and as good and sweet as you have always been. I am glad you got you another coat and are getting you some more clothes before they ration them. I bet you look good in your coat. Be sure and don’t go off and leave that one somewhere, Ha Ha. I guess Robert has already come home and gone back by the time you get this. What did he say when you told him I was overseas? O yeah, tell Nell the key chain I kept when I sent the keys back home I have still got it and I am keeping it for luck, because it has a dice on it. Also tell her every time I look at it, I think of the swell time we had when I was home this last time. Honey I know you are afraid to send me a watch over here because it might not be in good shape when it gets to me. But I want one so bad I could kick myself every time I think about not getting one while I was back in the States. It really burns me up. I am glad you find time to write me every night. Keep it up because I feel so good when I receive a letter from you. I have been writing to you pretty regular lately and I will write you every chance I get. Yes honey, Doc and Mom have been swell to us. I just hope I can make it up to them someday. I sure would like to see that picture of me Carol is always making a fuss about. It must be one of the worst ones I have ever had made, Ha Ha. Well Darling, I will have to close for this time because I have to clean little Luke. That’s my rifle’s name, Ha Ha. Tell Everybody hello for me and God bless you all.

Lots lots love always, Johnnie 

Elvie (Orr) Stacks and Lucile

We do not know if the coat in the photo above is the one Lucile bought, but it very well could be. 

Johnnie wrote his mother-in-law a V-mail on February 9, 1944 to wish her and his father-in-law a happy birthday. Leola (Lemon) Stacks had celebrated her birthday on January 26 and Sam Stacks celebrated his on January 28.

Happy birthday to you both and many more of them.

Hello Mom,

I received your nice letter and was glad to hear you are all well again. I am sorry to hear about Frances and the baby having the flu. I hope by the time you receive this they are much better. I am going to drop Frances and Woodrow a line as soon as I finish this. Mom, I received the money you sent. Thanks a million. I wrote you and Doc an air mail letter last week, saying I received the money OK. I guess you haven’t received it yet. I hope Mary Ann is much better now. Tell all the kids hello for me and give them my love. Well, I guess this is all I can write for this time. 

So, lots lots love, Johnnie

 Leola Stacks

(click to enlarge)

February 4, 5, and 7, 1944

Johnnie’s next letter, written at noon on February 4, 1944, was full of questions.

My Dearest Darling,

Well, here it is another day about gone, and I just setting here wondering what you are doing. I have a little time and I am trying to write you a few lines. I received seven letters from you yesterday, dating on to the twentieth of December, on up to this date. I also received a letter from Grandma and your Mother. I am glad you thought about giving Grandma that pillow case. I shall be kicked for not sending her one anyway. You never told me whether you changed jobs or not. Let me know, will you? Has the weather changed any back there? What about Doc, is he still going to the wresting matches? Gee I hope Ma is a lot better. Give her my love. You said something about giving Dad one of my pictures. Are you talking about the ones I had made when I was home this last time? You never did tell me whether Robert came on a furlough home or not and what about little Nell? Tell her to drop me a line or two once in a while. Would like to have a picture of you, Nell, and Dot taken together and also a picture of Doc and Ma together. Tell the boys they could drop me a line or two once in a while. Sure would like to see little Melvin. Is he coming along OK? I guess he still rides a little piece with Doc every morning. Tell him I said Hello. Well Darling, I guess you think I am not writing enough this time but I want to try and drop your Mother a few lines and also Grandma. So, I will close, hoping to hear from you soon.

Lots lots love, Johnnie

Nell’s husband, Robert Astin

When Johnnie wrote Lucile’s parents on February 4, 1944, he again shared that he was somewhere in South Africa. He also had a lot of questions for his father-in-law, Sam Stacks.

Hello Ma and Doc,

Well, how does this letter find both of you? Well, I hope. Gee Ma, sure was sorry to hear about your sickness. Really glad to hear you are back on your feet again. As you know the old saying is you can’t keep a good woman down. Lou wrote me and told me about the doctor taking the cast off of Mary’s arm. I hope it came out OK. I am glad you like the pillow top and I want to thank you both for the two dollars. Really came in handy. Thanks again. O yeah, Ma, received a Christmas card from Aunt Agnes Jones. It sure was nice. I am going to try to drop her a line as soon as I finish this to you. O yeah, Ma, I want you and Doc to have a small photo made together and send it to me. I told Lucile to make you both have one made together. If she doesn’t get on you both about it I am going to be mighty mad at her. Well Ma, I would like to ask Doc a few questions so be sure and read this part to him. Doc, I would like to know if Atlanta is going to have a baseball team this year and if so, what do you think about them? Is there any chance of them winning many games? And Doc, what about the wrestling matches? Are there any new guys wrestling? Let me know. How is the sawmill coming? I hope everything is running swell there. How are all the gangs that work there? Tell them all hello for me. Doc, I don’t know whether Lucile told you all or not, but in case you don’t know, I am somewhere in North Africa, and this is really some country. Give me the good ole U.S.A. anytime, Ha Ha. Well Doc and Ma, I will close for now but before I close, I want to thank you both for everything you have done for Lucile and I and maybe someday we can make it up to you both. 

Lots lots love, Johnnie

Johnnie’s V-mail to Lucile dated February 5, 1944 had an APO #85 postmark. Wherever he was, he let Lucile know that there was a six-hour time difference. 

Hello Darling,

Just a few lines wanting you to know everything is going well with me. If anything, I just miss you a hell of alots. I hope this finds you in good health and also don’t want you worrying about me. I don’t know whether you know it or not but here we are six hours ahead of your time. It is one o’clock at noon now. That would put it seven o’clock there, so I guess you are just getting ready to go to work or do you work on Saturday or not? Have you ever received the letter from me asking about a photo of you and also some stamps? You should have by now. I mailed it over three weeks ago. Well Darling, I guess this is all the news for this time. 

So, lots lots love, Johnnie

February 6, 1944 was another day of travel with the regiment departing from Camp St. Denis du Sig via truck convoy heading for Port Aux Poules, Algeria, Africa. They remained at that camp through late March, devoting their training periods to amphibious operations.

What treat would make a soldier happy? Well, apparently some candy or a fruit cake. At least that is what Johnnie suggested in his V-mail dated February 7, 1944.

My Dearest Darling,

Just a few lines hoping you are well. This leaves me OK. Darling, to send me anything over here, like I hope you do, something like candy or maybe a fruit cake, just show the postman I am asking for you to send it. Honey, I have a birthday this month and you know the Old Boy is kindy getting old, Ha Ha. You shall receive this in the next ten days. As soon as I finish this, I am going to write you an air mail letter, a good long one. Tell all hello for me. So, lots lots love.

Always, Johnnie 

February 7, 1944 V-mail (click to enlarge)

January 16, 28, 30, and undated, 1944

The regiment arrived at Camp St. Denis du Sig on the northern coast of Algeria, Africa on Sunday January 16, 1944 and began intensive mountain warfare training. Johnnie found time at noon that day to write a letter to Lucile. He missed her and the rest of the family.

My Dearest Darling,

Well, I finally got time to write you again. I hope this finds you well. As for myself I am OK. Only I miss you a hell of alots and the good old U.S.A. These Arab people sure are hard to get used too, and they are always wanting something or either sale you something. Say, just because you don’t hear from me much now, as you used to, I don’t want you to slack off writing. Write to me as often as you did in the States when I was there. O yeah, send me a couple of books of airmail stamps as soon as you get this letter. How are all the folks at home? Give them my love. Darling I hope you are well and for my sake take care of yourself. And please don’t worry about me. Is Nell still staying with you? Are you both still working? Has Robert ever come home yet? How is Earl and his gal getting along? OK, I hope. I just went to mail call and received the Christmas card and five letters from you. It sure did make me feel good. Well Darling, as it is getting pretty late, I will close. Hoping to hear from you soon. Lots lots love.

Always, Johnnie

P.S. Tell all the folks to write me and let me know how they are getting along. Love Johnnie

Johnnie only had a few minutes to write Lucile on January 28, 1944, but he wanted her to know he was thinking about and missing her.

Hello Darling,

Just a few lines to let you know I am well and hoping this finds you the same. Darling, is everything going OK back at home with you? I hope so, I really miss you. I miss you more than ever when I think about the swell times we had when we were together. It really gets a guy blue. Say did you and your Mother receive those pillow slips I sent? If so, I hope you both like them. Say just before I left, I received a New Years card from Demp and his wife. Is he back in the States or do you know? Well Darling, I will have to cut this letter short for this time but will write more next time. God Bless You and all the folks. 

Lots lots love, Johnnie

Johnnie and Demp

Another month has come and gone with Johnnie being away from his beloved Lucile. On January 30, 1944 he had time to write a longer letter than he had lately. He ended it by hinting at a gift idea for his upcoming birthday.

My Dearest Darling,

Well, here it is just one more day in the month of good old January. I believe this is about the longest month I have ever been through. I guess it is because I don’t hear from you as much as I used to while I was in the States. I received one of your letters yesterday. Boy it really feels good to receive a letter from home now. Gee honey, I hope this finds you OK. As long as I know you are alright and well, that’s all I care about. You said in this letter I just received that the picture of you, Dot, and I was good. I sure would like to see it and also the one I had made at the studio while I was home. I bet that one looked like the devil, Ha Ha. It must be bad if little Carol is making fun of it all the time, Ha Ha. Me and her never could get along so well, while I was at home anyway, Ha Ha. Sure would like to see her. Hope she don’t look like her Mother when she gets grown, Ha Ha. Don’t tell Dot that, she’ll shoot me when she sees me again. How are Dot and Drextel getting along anyway. I hope OK. Tell them I said hello and for them to quit that darn fighting and fussing. I bet right this minute they are arguing like the devil. I guess they couldn’t get along if they didn’t argue or fuss though. That’s marriage life I guess. You and I don’t know so much about that part of it. O yeah, you say your cousin Evelyn had another kid. Gee, she’s doing alright for herself isn’t she. If you see her, tell her if she keeps that up she will soon have a army all her on, Ha Ha. Tell her I hope she makes it OK. Honey I guess Ma Stack’s and Doc are kindy mad because I haven’t dropped them a line. Well, I should have written them by now, but by the time I finish a letter for you, I have to do something else before I can write again. Tell them I am sorry I haven’t written and I am thinking about them all the time and that I will write to them as soon as possible. Honey you know that postcard picture of you? The one you sent me when I was back in the states. It got tore someway in half. Wish you would send me another one of you right away. I have a small one of you. I wear around my neck, but it’s about faded out. As you know my birthday is next month and that is about the best thing you can send me. Well Darling as I am out of paper as you can see, I will close for this time.

Lots lots lots love, Johnnie

P.S. Tell everybody hello for me and to write.

 

Dorothy (Dot) Stacks, Johnnie, and Lucile

The next letter was undated but appears that Johnnie was already overseas. Unfortunately, his son did not know anything about the ring mentioned in the letter.

My Dearest Wife

Hello Darling receive letter from you yesterday. That makes three I have received from you in the last two weeks. Boy it really makes me feel good to receive mail from you, so regular, being as I am so far from you now. I can’t understand why you haven’t receive any mail from me lately. I have wrote you at least ten or twelve letters in the last four weeks. Maybe when you do get them, you will get three or four at a time. You ask me in this letter if I remember your girlfriend name Dot, back in Texas. Yes, I remember her, glad to hear that you are still hearing from her. Maybe later on we will go back to Texas and visit some of our old friends or a pleasure trip would be nice, wouldn’t it. Oh yeah, remember that ring you give me back in Texas. Well I still have it. You can say one thing, it really been places, Ha Ha. No kidding though. Every time I look at this ring it bring back alots of sweet remember, of the time we had together. I have never taken it off since the day you put it on my finger. It going to stay there till the day I come back then I will let you take it off for luck. Darling don’t keep your mind on what may happen to me, keep your chin up for I am OK and well. O yeah and if my picture ever get into the papers of the boys that serving oversea, send it to me. I like to see it. I am sending you a small photo of me and a friend of my, that we had made when we was back in the States. I am sending it to you and I want you to take all the pictures you have of me and hang them all over you. So though four-F guys back there will take one look at you and run like Hell, Ha ha. Well Darling I have run short of news for this time so I will close. Tell Doc and his big family Hello for me and give them my Love.

God Bless You Darling

Lots Lots Love, Johnnie

Italian Campaign - January 1, 10, and 15, 1944

Sometime after Christmas and before New Years Day, the 337th traveled from Fort Dix in New Jersey to Newport News, Virginia, their last stop before heading overseas. The only group on the vessel, they departed from the Hampton Roads Port of Embarkation on January 1, 1944 via the HMS Andes. 

Hampton Roads Port of Embarkation (public domain)

 

HMS Andes

Horatio J. Kookaburra, EPISODES OF WWII: Troopship ANDES, with an admiring appraisal:
Album of Derek Simon [1919-2004] courtesy Graeme Andrews;
https://www.flickr.com/photos/41311545@N05/5631425982/.

Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)

They arrived in Casablanca, French Morocco, North Africa on January 9, 1944. While in Casablanca, they were stationed at nearby Camp Don B. Passage. When Johnnie wrote Lucile at noon on January 10, 1944, he told her he was “somewhere in North Africa.” 

My Dearest Darling,

Well, how does this letter find you? Well, I hope. I am OK myself. We had a swell trip coming over. I am somewhere in North Africa and it is nothing like I thought it was. Well, how did your New Year come out? Did you make up some things you weren’t going to do? I mean your bad habit to good ones, Ha Ha. When he just got to thinking about home and wondering if everything is going OK with his wife and all the folks. I feel like that all the time. Are you still working at the same place? Is Nell still staying with you? How is Ma Stacks and Doc? Are they still arguing about him going to the wresting matches? I bet she is. Have you heard from Kate or seen her lately? Tell her to drop me a line or two once in a while. Have you still got on your mind about going to Florida? Let me know if you do go. Well, I had better close for having got no light and it is getting pretty dark where I can’t see to write. Will write again soon. 

Lots lots love always, Johnnie

Johnnie wrote a second letter to Lucile later in the day on January 10, 1944. He had hopes for the new year but sadly they would not be realized for a while. This letter was the first time Johnnie used the phrase “I miss you a lot and I love you a million,” which became his signature closing. It meant enough to Lucile that she saved a small piece of paper that Johnnie wrote those words on.

My Dear Darling,

Just a few lines to let you know I am well and hope that this finds you the same. Well, another year is started, and I hope and pray that this one will bring peace so we can all come back home. That will be a great day, won’t it? Well, how is Nell by now? I hope she likes the things I sent to the baby! I was lucky to get those things over here and I am not kidding you either. How is Mom Stacks? And Doc? Both well, I hope. I received a letter from Mary. She was telling me about how big she was getting and how long it would be before she could be getting married. She said she would wait till I got home, before she got married so I could be at her wedding, Ha Ha. I hope she don’t have to wait too long, right? Have you been getting my mail pretty regular? I hope so. I have been hearing from you pretty regular so far. Well honey, I don’t know anything else to write so I will close for now. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Johnnie

The regiment departed Camp Don B. Passage via rail on January 14, 1944. Johnnie wrote Lucile on January 15, 1944 being very careful in what he wrote since he was talking about her weight. A man can get into trouble quickly doing that!

My Dear Darling,

I received two letters from you a couple of days ago but didn’t have time to answer them at that time. Also, received Dot’s letter with yours and one from Arnold. I am glad to hear you are OK and this picture you sent you look like you have gained a lot of weight and if I may say so you are getting better looking every day. As for myself, I can’t even start to say that. I am aging pretty fast. Don’t be surprised when you see me again. I don’t look like Rip Van Winkle, Ha Ha. I hope Nell and the baby are getting along well. And Mom Stacks and Doc the same. I am glad to hear you received the money. OK, wish I could make it more as I know you could use it. Yes, you are right, we shall both forget about the bad part of our marriage. It still was a great mistake on my part. I can’t forget that as you shall know. I am sending the picture of me back to you, it makes me think of the guy I once knew too much and that no boner in Italtion that no good. I am learning more about this speaking every day and all of it is really tongue twisting too. I am really sorry to hear about Edna. I hope by the time you get this she will be out of danger. I don’t hear no more from Irvin. I wrote him last too. Say, can you get me a good harp. I will send you the money to get it with. I like to have one. Because when we are not up on the front it would be something to pass the time away when I am not writing you. Well honey, I will close for now. So, God bless you. Tell all the folks I said hello. I miss you a lot. And I love you a million. 

Always, Johnnie

Johnnie’s cousin, Arnold Pair

December 10, 20, 22, and 25, 1943

Johnnie’s next letter to Lucile was written from Fort Dix on December 10, 1943. As it turns out, he didn’t see his Dad when he was home in Georgia. Johnnie was also thinking ahead to Christmas, just over two weeks away. 

Hello Darling, 

I hope you received the keys OK and hope you don’t feel so bad with your sickness coming on you. I guess by the time you get this you will be over with it and ready to start things moving again, Ha Ha. Has Dean ever come home? Stay away from that guy and I do mean you, Ha Ha. You say Robert is coming home in a couple of weeks. I hope he has as swell of a time as I had. Tell Nell to send me his address. I can’t write much tonight because we are having a test of some kind tonight at seven o’clock. It is about fifteen till seven now. I received a Christmas card from Daddy and his wife tonight. They sent me ten dollars for a Christmas present. Pretty nice don’t you think so? Boy, if they find out I was home and didn’t come and see them I will get the devil, Ha Ha. I am going to try and get off tomorrow and go to town and get some Christmas cards to send to all our friends. That’s about all we can do this year. Don’t you think so? This darn pencil is writing crazy so I better close for this time.

Lots lots love, Johnnie 

Johnnie’s father and stepmother, John Henry Marston and his second wife Lola

Almost two weeks passed before Johnnie wrote a letter to Lucile. Knowing they would be shipping out soon, they were probably training hard. Still, when Johnnie wrote his letter the night of December 20, 1943, he was worried about Lucile who has had a cold. And he wanted to make sure his grandparents received a Christmas card. 

My Dearest Darling,

I received a letter from you tonight and also a card from a Mrs. Christine who I don’t know. If I have ever met her, I can’t remember her. Do you remember meeting anybody by that name? Old Earl really has trouble with his car doesn’t he. I know just how he feels. Say Darling, I bought two Christmas cards, one for GrandDad and one for Grandma but I can’t send them because I have forgotten their address. I want you to buy a couple and send to them. You can find their address by looking in the phone book. Be sure and send them to them. Darling, I hope your cold is much better by now. If not, you better go to a doctor about it. O yeah, has Nell gone yet to see Robert? If so, how long does she expect to stay? I hope you enjoy your couple of weeks off from work this Christmas. Maybe while you are off, you can get rid of that cold. How is Doc and all the family getting along? Fine, I hope. Tell them all hello for me and I hope you all have a Merry Merry Christmas.

Lots lots love, Johnnie

Johnnie’s grandparents, Mattie and John Marston

When Johnnie wrote Lucile the night of December 22, 1943, he wanted to make sure she knew he was still in the States. Unfortunately, he could not tell her where he was though. 

My Dearest Darling,

Just a few lines to let you know I am well and OK, and hope you are the same. Darling, by looking at my address you must think I have done gone across, but I haven’t. I am somewhere on the East Coast and I am not in New York so don’t worry about me. Well, Christmas is just around the corner now, and I hope and pray by this time next year we are all back home again and if everything keeps going like it is now, there is no reason why we shall not be. I hope you like the pillar slip I sent you and also the Christmas card. Well, I hope this letter don’t find you freezing. How is the weather there anyway by now? How is Doc and the family? I hope the kids enjoy their Christmas. I guess that’s all they are waiting for right now anyway, Ha Ha. I know just how they feel about this time of the year, because as a kid that is one happy day, and it just comes around once a year. Have you heard from Nell yet? I hope she is enjoying herself. Tell her hello for me and a Merry Christmas, Ha Ha. Well Darling, as news is short for this time I will close, hoping to hear from you soon.

Lots lots love, Johnnie

P.S. I hope the picture I had made for you came out OK.

Love, Johnnie

The next letter was undated but the contents tell us it would have been sent in December 1943 to mark their third wedding anniversary.

My Dearest Darling,

Just to let you know I haven’t forgot that the twenty-seventh of this month makes three years we have been married, and I hope we have a lot more years together, and as far as I am concerned, we will. I hope this find you feeling a lot better. Please watch your health, and take care of yourself, and stay as beautiful as you was when I last saw you. I just wish I could get the things I want you to have, and to show you how much I appreciate all the things you have done for me. I will make up for everything as soon as this is all over with. How are all the folks? Well, I hope. Tell them all hello for me and I wish them all a very happy new year. Tell Doc I am sorry to hear about the fire at the sawmill. I hope it wasn’t serious. I forgot to thank you for the ten dollars you sent me. I really need it to buy me up a stock of cigarettes and razor blades and toothpaste and other things Thanks again for it. Darling, I received a Christmas card from Evelyn and Louise, and Bill they sent me four dollars pretty nice don’t you think. O yeah, Darling, you mention might make a trip to Fla. And wanted to know if I care. Darling, I want you to do anything that best for you and if you want to go to Fla, it suit me OK. So Darling take care of yourself and don’t worry about me. God Bless You, and Lots Lots Love. 

Johnnie

It was December 25, 1943, Christmas Day, and the Army fed the boys a good dinner. After his meal was finished, Johnnie sat down to write Lucile. As he wrote the letter, he was daydreaming about what Christmas Day was like back home, most likely wishing he were there.

Dearest Darling Wife,

Well, here it is Christmas Day and I have just finished eating one of the biggest dinners I believe since I have been in the Army. It was really nice. I hope you enjoyed yours and I am awful sorry I can’t give you the things I want too. I hope you understand how things are now. I went to church this morning to a Christmas Mass and it was one of the best I have ever seen. I really enjoyed it. Well, how did the kids Christmas come out? Did all of them seem to like what they got? What about little Melvin? I bet he really is enjoying every bit of it. I can just see him now running back and forth playing with different things he got. I bet Gearl is more of a baby than he is getting into everything, Ha Ha. I bet Doc is having a time with Melvin, Betty, Mary playing with them and I bet Mom is having a time keeping the house in order. That’s how I picture it all to be and I hope I am right. Well Darling, two more days and we will be married three year’s and Darling, what part of those years we have been together was wonderful and if I may say so you are much better looking or shall I say beautiful now than when you were when we first met each other. Darling you are all I got now. Since my own Mother passed away and you are everything to me now. I pray for it to stay that way. Well Darling, I will close for this time hoping to hear from you soon.

Lots lots love, Johnnie 

Johnnie (2nd from left) with his sister Evelyn, mother Hattie, and sister Louise

November 28 and December 6, 1943

Johnnie wrote two postcards to Lucile on November 28, 1943, one showing the Soldier’s Club located at 132 East Hanover Street in Trenton, New Jersey.

Hello Darling.

Well, I hope this card finds you well. It leaves me good as can be expected. The front of this card shows the soldier club, next to the Y.W.C.A. Keep it for remembered.

Love, Johnnie

The second postcard dated November 28, 1943 showed a picture of the Masonic Template in Trenton.

Hello Darling,

I am writing this card at one of the Service Centers in Trenton. Do you remember their bldg. on the front of the card? It is the one just before you get to the Park. You know the one we went to one Sunday and was looking at those Cannon and how old they was? Remember.

Love Johnnie

 

Johnnie was busy on November 28, 1943, also writing a letter to Lucile from Trenton. 

Dearest Darling,

Well, here it is Sunday and I am up here visiting Trenton. Darling, I went to the Y.W.C.A. last night and they were having a square dance and can’t you think of me trying to dance that. Well, I got in it and it’s really not hard to do. They call out and tell you what to do, and I am not bragging, but I took it up doing that dance and any one I have ever tried. I have always wanted to learn to do any kind of dance and I wanted you to learn me what few steps you know, but every time I would grab you and try to dance with you, you wouldn’t take no pains to teach me what you know. You can’t say you don’t know a few dancing steps, because you, Dot, or Nell was always dancing together before we were ever married. Well so much for that. Lou, I hope to be with you this time next Sunday, if not, there’s not much chance of me coming home till after this is all over with. In case I don’t see you before we leave, I will always remember you Darling as the most wonderful wife and also as a girlfriend before we were ever married, as a guy like myself who isn’t worth two cents, ever had. And Darling, that’s one thing I can say to the whole world and be proved of. I miss you Darling.

Love always, Johnnie 

Lucile’s sisters, Dot and Nell Stacks

God bless the Army because Johnnie got his furlough and was able to go home to Georgia to see Lucile and some of the family before he shipped out. He must have headed south right after he wrote the Masonic Temple postcard and was back at Fort Dix by December 6, 1943 when he wrote his next letter to Lucile.

My Dear Darling,

Just a line to let you know I miss you and to let you know I arrived OK. Say I came off with Nell keys in my pocket and didn’t know I had them till I already got on the train. Tell her I will send them to her as quick as I can get a little box to put them in. I am getting paid the tenth of the month and I will send you some money. Say, the weather here is really cold after being down there in such a warm climate. Gee, it seems more like a dream, me being there with you and all the folks. Darn I would give anything to own that little house down by Woodrow. I hope someday to own it too. Well, it’s about time for the lights to go out so I will have to close for this time. Tell all the folks hello for me and that I really enjoyed myself while I was there.

Lots lots love, always, Johnnie

P.S. Be sure and send me one of them pictures and let me see what I look like and I will send it right back.

Love, Johnnie

Sorry I left with the keys. Never thought about them till the train done left. Luke look for my pay book and send it to me.

Love Johnnie

November 5, 19, and 27, 1943

Lucile made it to New Jersey by November 5, 1943 and rented a room for the week ending November 12. The image below is a rent receipt signed by Mrs. Brady showing she paid $7 for one room for the week.

Rent receipt from New Jersey

A sign that Johnnie’s company would soon be going overseas was having to fill out a change of address card. This card is dated November 5, 1943 so he must have filled it out while Lucile was in Texas.

Change of address card

At some point during Lucile’s visit, Johnnie left base without the proper authorization. It cost him but he probably did not regret it. He told Lucile about it in a letter he wrote Saturday night, November 19, 1943, from Fort Dix.

I miss you Darling

Hello Darling,

I hope this finds you have arrived home OK and well. Well, I got caught for going out of camp without my pass. I don’t know how they found out about me leaving camp and coming to see you but they got me some way. I am restricted to the camp for seven days. What I want to tell you though is I am expecting an eight-day furlough around next week end. The captain told me if I could show him I was a good soldier, he would put me up for one next week. So, if you could be with me next week you would see the best soldier Uncle Sam ever had, Ha Ha. I guess I will have to hitchhike, because I know you are as broke as I am and also owe some money. So, I guess I better forget about coming home. I don’t want to borrow no more money from the Red Cross and I want you to get straightened out. The best I can say so far Lou, is if I don’t get this furlough, if the good Lord is with me, I will see you after this is all over with. If you will wait, I will come back some way. You will have to wait on that package a little while till my restriction is over with anyway. I am going to try and get one of the boys to go by and pick it up for me, so don’t worry about it. Well, I guess this is all for this time. 

Love xxxxx, Johnnie

P.S. Tell everybody hello.

Johnnie’s company went on alert on November 20, 1943. At any given time, they would ship out. On November 27, 1943, Johnnie wrote a letter to Lucile to tell her he could have had a furlough, but it had been cancelled. 

My Dear Darling,

Just a line to let you know I am thinking of you and to let you know I mailed your suit to you today. Darling, I could have done had my furlough if I had the money to come home on. You see they made it out for last Wednesday but after I told them I didn’t have any money they cancelled it. One of the boys that works at regiment headquarters said I might get it Tuesday. That’s why I sent that telegram. If it doesn’t come up again, I will send the money back. We are leaving here between the fifteenth of December or the first of January. That’s the latest news, sometimes between those two dates. Well Darling, I guess this is all for this time, except I hope to be with you and all the folks, one day next week.

So, lots lots love, Johnnie

P.S. I love you. Tell everybody hello for me.