September 5, 7, 8, and 10, 1944

Lucile confided in Johnnie, expressing her loneliness. To his understanding, he acknowledged experiencing similar emotions in a letter he wrote on September 5, 1944.

My Dear Darling,

Received a letter from you today and was glad to hear that you are well and OK. As for myself, I am alright now. I am sorry to hear that you are so lonesome, and I know just how you feel on those rainey days. Maybe it won’t be so long now for me to be back with you. Then we can make up all the days we aren’t together, OK? You say it is getting pretty cold back there at home already? Gee, this month shouldn’t be so bad back there. I guess it is because you had such a hot summer. No, it isn’t so long till another Christmas will be around and another new year also. Let’s hope the whole world is at peace once more. I really hope so. You say little George got married? I don’t believe it. Do you know the girl he married or rather do we both know her? You know Mickey could be married to his girl also and maybe doesn’t want his Mother and the rest of you to know it. What do you think of that? That would be something, Ha Ha. You know he’s just crazy enough to try a thing like that, don’t you think so? O’yeah, I wrote you and told you I was sending you some more money. I hope it gets to you. I am still off of the lines. I hope the war will be over before we go back up. You know Irvin was coming back to see me Sunday, but he has never shown up. I’m going to keep in touch with him. Boy, you don’t know how good it made me feel to meet up with him and talk of the folks back home, and a lot of other things. Boy, will he be surprised when he hears that George is married, Ha Ha. O say, you said in this letter that you have forgotten how to act with a husband. Well don’t let that worry you. I can teach you all over again. Just like I taught you when we first got married, Ha Ha. Remember you didn’t know anything from a to z, Ha Ha. But you learned the hard way, didn’t you? O say, have you ever sent the bracelet yet? If so, it sure is taking its time about getting to me. Gosh, I hope it doesn’t take it as long as it took the ring. Say, you remember the ring you found in Texas? Well, I still have it and it is still on my little finger where you put it. I wouldn’t get rid of it for nothing. It isn’t much good but just the same, I believe it has brought me luck so far and I have never taken it off since the time you put it on. O’yeah, tell your Mother I said for her to take her time about writing me because I know how busy she is. As long as I know she is writing, I know it won’t be so long till I hear from her. Tell Dot and Nell I will answer their letter as soon as I get time to. How is Doc? Tell him I might be home any day now if this war keeps going in our favor. And we can go fishing and if you are good, I might even let you go, Ha Ha. Well Darling, I will close for now. I believe this is the longest letter I have ever wrote you since I’ve been overseas and I believe it’s the longest letter you have ever wrote me also. I could still write a lot more but I guess you kindly got tired of it. I miss you a lot Baby and I love you a million. 

Always, Johnnie

P.S. Here is some Italian money. Don’t try to spend it because it won’t work, Ha Ha.

Elvie, Earl’s (Mickey) wife

Johnnie and Lucile anticipated Christmas even before the leaves began to change in early fall. In his letter dated September 7, 1944, Johnnie thoughtfully suggested a gift for Lucile. Meanwhile, Lucile had another significant event on the horizon: she was scheduled to undergo a tonsillectomy.

My Dear Darling,

I received two letters from you today and was very sorry to hear that your tonsils were giving you so much trouble. I think it is swell that you are finally going to have them took out. At least me being in the Army did help you out some. I am sure the doctor’s at Fort Mac will do a good job for you. I guess by the time you get this they will be out and you will be well from it. I hope so. You asked me what I would like for Christmas. Nothing that I know of, except you can send me some wool socks right away if you can get them. Will close. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

Lucile

On September 8, 1944, Johnnie wrote a V-mail to Lucile, expressing his gratitude for the gum she had sent him. Interestingly, upon receiving the package, he initially mistook it for something else.

My Dear Darling,

I received the gum you sent me tonight at mail call, but I haven’t heard from you in three days now. Boy, this mail sure runs crazy. But I guess it is the best they can do. Boy, this package of gum sure fooled me. I thought it was my bracelet. Not that I didn’t want the gum but the last letter I got from you, you said that the bracelet shall arrive by now and when I got the package, that was what I thought it was. I saved the letters I got from you through August just to see how many you write a month. I have just twelve and the last two I received was mailed the first and second of September. Will close. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

On September 9, 1944, the Regiment celebrated Salerno Day, marking the intense combat and resilience displayed by the Fifth Army led by General Mark Clark, during the Salerno landings on September 9, 1943. On that fateful day, Clark expected minimal resistance, assuming only a few coastal defense units had not received the memo about Italy’s surrender. To his surprise, his troops encountered fierce fire from the moment they hit the beach. Instead of Italians, they faced the battle-hardened 16th Panzer Division, a German unit dug into strongpoints along the Salerno beach.

During a Regimental formation at the celebration, a technical sergeant in Company L received the Distinguished Service Cross. Additionally, Company C was honored with a Presidential Citation for their exceptional performance during the critical action of taking and holding Hill 66 near Tremensuoli—a pivotal moment at the start of the Gustav Line breakthrough.

The 85th Division now faced an Army attack order: to penetrate the Gothic Line and fan out into the Po Valley across a three-division front. Johnnie’s regiment, the 337th, initially held a position in division reserve, with orders to follow the advance of the 338th Infantry by bounds.

In his letter to Lucile on September 10, 1944, Johnnie attempted to shed light on America’s involvement in the significant conflict. Alongside this, he engaged in a heartfelt conversation about family matters.

My Dear Darling,

Just a few lines to let you know I am well and OK. I surely hope with all my heart that this finds you the same. I received the bracelet yesterday and it really is a dandy. It has everything that I wanted on it. There isn’t but one thing wrong. They didn’t spell your name right. They left out one of the L’s, am I not right? The last letter I received from you, you were telling me about Dot and Drexter moving into their house. Say, Dot and Drex must plan on having a big family, moving in a house that large, Ha Ha. Well, all I can say about it is more power to them, Ha Ha. Say, how did you make out on having your tonsils pulled out. I hope you didn’t go through much pain. I know darn well if you did you wouldn’t let me know about it. Say, how are you making out on saving your money? Have you got five hundred saved up yet? I don’t know how many times I have told you, but I don’t want you to save any of the money I send you. I want you to use it on yourself, personal. I hope you understand that. Not that I want to claim any of what you have saved either. All that you have put away is yours and yours alone. O’yeah Lou, you said something about Doc building another house out on Welcome Road. I guess that’s the way you spell it. I mean the road, Ha Ha. Well, anyway you said you like this house better than the one down below Woodrow and Frances’ house. Well honey, when I get back, which I hope won’t be long, I want to do everything that is in my power to make you happy. So, if you like this place better than the other one, well that suits me. So, send me a picture of what it looks like. I am sure if you like it, I know darn well I will. Have you seen my old man lately? I hear from them about twice a month. Say, that sister of yours, Dot, she is a gag, Ha Ha. You know Dot always says what she is thinking. She told me she wasn’t going to have no more kids till I get home. So, you and her both can start a big family together, Ha Ha. She also wanted to know if it would be alright to write me some good jokes she heard. I guess she thinks they sensor the mail I get from home. I wish she would. I haven’t heard a good joke in such a long time, it’s a pity, Ha Ha. Well, I guess that’s enough of me trying to be funny. Lou honey, remember when you were in Trenton, N.J. while I was at Fort Dix and we were talking a lot about guys going overseas and what they were going over for, and I try to tell you in my on words the reason. Well, it is still the same and regardless of what the outcome of it all may be, it all adds up to one thing. That’s for you and the rest of the people of the good old U.S.A. to live the way they want to and to have free speeches and not be afraid of what the outcome may be. I would hate for our own country to be in the condition of the ones I have seen so far, and people suffering like the ones over here are. Well, that’s enough of that and I guess you are tired of reading what a lot of people think isn’t true. And never will be. That’s just what little they know about how hard life can be. Will close. Tell all the family I said hello and for you, I miss you a lot and I love you a million. 

Always, Johnnie

A look back at Fort Dix

Set amidst the rugged Apennine Mountains in North Central Italy, the battle for the Gothic Line commenced on September 12, 1944. The regiment advanced from Florence, converging on an assembly area near Bivigliano, where they awaited the opportune moment to strike. Subsequently, they shifted to yet another assembly point—this time north of the Sieve River, close to Borgo San Lorenzo—to strategize their defense against anticipated counterattacks. 

Gothic Line, The History Department of the United States Military Academy,
public domain, via Wikimedia Commons 

August 30, September 1, 2, and 3, 1944

Johnnie wrote Lucile on August 30, 1944 letting her know her cousin Irvin had visited him. He also let Lucile know that he had shared some of her letters with him.

My Dearest Darling,

Just to let you know I am OK now and that I am back with my outfit. I got back yesterday evening. Guess who was here hunting me—your cousin Irvin. He looks good and he is alright. He stayed with me last nite and left today to go back to his outfit. It sure was good to see him. We talked of old times and of you. He hasn’t changed much, but he thinks I have a lot. O’yeah, when I got back, I had about twelve letters from you. One from your Mother, also. I let Irvin see some of them and he said you know that girl is crazy about you. I told him I hope you was. I also told him that you were what kept me going over here. I hope you don’t mind me but its the truth. Irvin says he is coming back Sunday. We are at a rest area now. He said he was going to write you and let you know he found me. Tell Virgil and Edna he’s OK, will you? I can’t understand why you haven’t received the forty dollars I sent you. I sent it before I sent you the twenty-five. It really burns me up. Well Darling, it is getting late and I can hardly see to write so I will close. Please write steady. I miss you a lot and I love you a million. 

Always Johnnie. 

P.S. I received a letter from Happy!! 

Love, Johnnie

Lucile's cousin, Irvin Stacks

Happy was Johnnie’s nephew, Clarence Harold Wilson, son of his aunt Louise Marston.

The first and last pages of a letter written in late August 1944 are missing so we only know a piece of what was on Johnnie’s mind that day. It has a postmark stamp with the date August 30, 1944 on it.

… right. So please don’t be mad about it. I will write Dad and tell him the reason I wanted him to get it instead of you. I wouldn’t want them to get the wrong impression of you. You have done wonders for me, in case I have never told you, and you are above everything else, regardless of what it is. And as long as I know you are for me, that’s all that matters. Honey, you can send me four packs of Prince Albert pipe tobacco and some of the cheese crackers and homemade fudge candy. The …

By August 30, the Regiment was camped in an area north of Certaldo. That afternoon, they held an assembly and presented awards to 25 officers and enlisted men. During the period August 27–31, the 92nd American Division stayed with the Regiment to gain combat experience. The Brazilian Expeditionary Force spent several days with them to prepare for going into the line. During the month of August, 3 Distinguished Service Cross Medals (1 missing in action), 13 Silver Stars, 2 Oak Leaf Clusters to Bronze Star Medals, 30 Bronze Stars (1 posthumously), 41 Purple Hearts, and 97 Combat Infantryman Badges were awarded. One officer and 16 enlisted men were killed in action, 4 officers and 72 enlisted men were wounded in action, and 1 officer and 25 enlisted men were missing in action. The Regiment now consisted of 179 officers, 5 warrant officers, and 3400 enlisted men.

Click here to read the Operations Report by the 337th Infantry Regiment for September 1944.

September began with the Regiment in a temporary camp near Certaldo, Italy with the soldiers “enaged in a program of training which stressed firing of weapons, mountain combat, physical conditioning, scouting and patrolling.” Preparations were complete on all accounts for “engaging in the new Fifth Army offensive against the vaunted Gothic Line.”

Certaldo is in the vicinity circled in red. Source: https://mapcruzin.com/free-italy-maps.htm.

Irvin did in fact send a V-mail to Lucile from Italy on September 1, 1944 and told her about his visit with Johnnie.

Wednesday, Italy.

Dear Luke,

How do I find my cousin feeling now. Well Luke I have got some good news for you. I finally found Johnie. Boy we sure did have a good time. He didn't know what to do when he saw me. We both was tickled to death to see one another. I stayed two days and a night with him. We talked about home and things. You know he got a lot of Atlanta papers, and we was looking at them and found our pictures in them, mine and his. I hope to go back over their Sunday to see him again. Tell Dorothy to write. She has never answered my letter.

With love, Irvin

Johnnie wrote Lucile a V-mail on September 2, 1944 about receiving letters from her and her sisters, all of which made him happy. He was also concerned about why she had not received some money he had sent her.

My Dear Darling Wife,

I received three letters yesterday, one from you, Dot, and Nell. I was glad to hear from you especially and to know you are alright. Also, Dot and Nell. Both of them told me about you girls having a big dance. Dot said she showed all of you how to really get down to it, Ha Ha. Honey, about the forty dollars I sent you, I can’t understand why you have never received it. I don’t believe I can do anything about it because I lost the receipt. I am sending you forty more. I hope this makes it. Will close. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Johnnie

Lucile’s sisters, Dot and Nell Stacks

Johnnie will always worry about Lucile. He made that clear in his September 3, 1944 V-mail to her.

My Dear Darling,

Just a few lines to let you know I am OK and hope that this finds you the same. Received a letter from you that just took eight days to get to me, not bad. You asked me in this letter to quit worrying about you. Well, it’s no use to ask me that because as long as I am not there to look after you, I will always worry. I received a letter from Louise yesterday also. She was really burnt up on what I wrote her, but she said she had it coming to her. O yes, she said Evelyn and Bill was married now. I will write more on other V-mail. 

Love, Johnnie 

Johnnie's sister, Louise

August 22, 24, 25, and 28, 1944

Johnnie seemed to have a good relationship with his stepmother, telling Lucile a story about her and one of his photos in his August 22, 1944 letter.

My Dear Darling,

Just a few lines to let you know I am OK, and hope that this finds you the same. Well, here it is another month about gone. You know it won’t be long till old winter will be here. Boy, I am going to hate that being over here. Gee honey, I would give anything to see you. I will never forget how you looked the night I left you to come over here. I wanted you so much to myself that night, but I knew you didn’t feel so well, and we couldn’t get away from the family if we wanted to. I grant you it won’t be like that when I return. Because we will take off somewhere, so that we can be alone, OK with you? You ask me if I was hearing from Dad and his wife? Yes, quite often, at least she writes me a lot. I think she is falling in love with me, Ha Ha. You know those pictures I sent you of me I had made over here? Well as you know I sent them a picture of me also. You know she wrote me back, saying she didn’t know I was so good looking, Ha Ha. Well, knowing just what I look like, I told her she had better get her another pairs of glasses, Ha Ha. O’yeah, her son Willie and his wife was over to see them the other day she said, and Willie’s wife asked her where have I been keeping myself. Before I went overseas, she told her that I was married also, and that no woman could take your place with me, and believe me she not kidding either or do you know that? Well, I will close for now so keep writing, and tell all the folks hello for me. I miss you a lot honey and I love you a million. 

Always Johnnie 

Johnnie’s stepmother, Lola (Miller) Marston

Johnnie was still in the hospital when he wrote Lucile on August 24, 1944. He also talked about one family member already in the military and another that may have to go soon. The 1st Battalion was relieved that night and moved “to an intermediate assembly area near Strada.” Since Johnnie was still in the hospital, he may not have moved with his battalion.

Hello Darling,

Just a few lines to let you know I am OK. I am still in the hospital though. Say, did you ever receive the rest of the money I sent you? Be sure and let me know and I will see what I can do about it if you haven’t. Say, does Mickey have to go to the Army next month? He won’t be eighteen then, will he? I have never run into Irvin yet. Send me his address again. I lost the other one. Say, what did the doctor ever say about you? My worries are more about you than they are anything else or do you know that? Say, I heard a pretty song yesterday on the radio and it really made me think about you if you can get the recording of it. The name of it is “They Ask About You.” Play it and see what you think about it. Will close. I miss you a lot Darling and I love you a million. 

Always Johnnie

Earl (Mickey) had not enlisted yet but would do so one day after his 18th birthday, September 11, 1944.

Earl (Mickey) Stacks

Click here to hear the song “When They Ask About You” (by Jimmy Dorsey and his orchestra with vocals by Kitty Kallen) mentioned in the above letter.

Johnnie wrote a V-mail to Lucile’s parents on August 25, 1944. He shared that he had met someone in the hospital there that had bought lumber from Sam’s business. Small world.

Hello Folks,

Just a few lines to let you know I am OK. But still have a bruised leg. But it is coming along alright now. I haven’t heard from any of you in a good while, but I don’t expect to till I get back to my outfit. Well, the war seems to be going in our favor. Maybe it won’t be so long now. I want to see all of you so bad. Doc, I met a fellow here in the hospital. He said his Dad used to buy a lot of lumber off of you. He lives in East Point. He left this morning though. I forgot his name, it’s pretty hard to say also. See your place of business is known well, even over here, Ha Ha.

Love, Johnnie

On August 26, the 2nd and 3rd Battalions “came under control of the 1st American Armored Division for operations only.” Late afternoon, a platoon raided a group of buildings near the river bank with full support from artillery, cannon, mortar, and automatic weapons fire in an attempt “to concentrate enemy attention on this sector.” The enemy reaction was not as violent as expected but the Regiment’s mission was accomplished. Casualties for the enemy was four killed, one captured, and an unestimated number of injuries. The 2nd Battalion was relieved the night of August 26 and the 3rd Battalion on the night of August 27.

Johnnie’s brother-in-law, Robert Astin, Nell’s husband, was featured in one of The Atlanta Constitution’s “With the Army-Navy and Marines” articles on August 27, 1944. Robert served in the U.S. Navy from May 24, 1943 to November 26, 1945.

Robert Astin

                                Overseas—…

With the Army-Navy and Marines, The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, August 27, 1944 

Johnnie described what he told an old friend of how he convinced Lucile to date and then marry him in his August 28, 1944 letter. 

My Dear Darling,

 

Just a few lines to let you know I am coming along OK and will leave the hospital tomorrow to go back to my outfit. I hope with all my heart that this finds you well and getting along OK there at home. One thing about going back, I expect some letters from you and the rest of the folks I have never received. That’s one thing a boy looks forward to over here, his hearing from his sweetheart, or wife, or his folks. You are all three to me and God knows I mean it. You know before I came to the hospital or even thought of coming, I heard other guys that was hurt or pretty sick that have been and come back brag how well they treat you and look out for you while you are here. Well I find out to the truth and you can’t get dismissed till they are sure you are well and OK. Well that’s enough for the hospital. What about the money I sent you? Have you received all of it yet? I guess you have by now. Say I met a fellow here in the hospital that used to live on Washington Road. I forgot his last name, but his first name is Edward. He went to the school you went to. But he just went there till on up to the fourth grade then his family moved on to Hapeville. That is were he is living now. He says he remembers you and Dot and Nell’s names but he doubts if he would know any of you now. I showed him a picture of you and of course he wanted to know what you ever seen in me. I told him I met you in the dark and that the only time I would date you was at night so that you couldn’t see what I really looked like. And that I kept it like that till I married you. He said he believed it, Ha Ha. He doesn’t know good looks when he sees it, does he. Or does he? Well, I better quit talking about myself before you get to thinking what you really even see in me. Will close for now, regardless of what you think, I love you. I miss you a lot Darling and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

August 12, 13, 17, and 19, 1944

Before going into the Army, something happened between Johnnie and Lucile that he must have regretted. Once again, he expressed remorse to Lucile in his August 12, 1944 V-mail.

Dear Darling,

Just a few lines to let you know I have received three letters from you in the last few days. That’s not bad at all. I hope and pray to God that there isn’t anything seriously wrong with you when you go to the doctors for a checkup. If there is you know who the cause of it is and I know I have a debt to pay, regardless of what you think. But you can bet on one thing, if everything does go well and when I do get home, I will do my best to make up for the past on such matters. Well, I will have to close for this time. I miss you a lot Baby and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

Some of the soldiers fighting overseas had to worry about what their women were doing back home in the States but when Johnnie wrote Lucile on August 13, 1944, he made it clear that he could count on her.

My Dear Darling,

Just a line or two to let you know I am thinking of you and hope and pray that when you had your check over that there wasn’t anything real serious wrong. For goodness sake, let me know the truth about it. I received a letter from little Mary, or I shall say big Mary because she said she surely has grown a lot. I hope she’s putting on a little weight with it. She talks like she was almost grown. Get that the way all you women are when you are kids, you think you shall be accounted as a grown person when you get thirteen or fourteen years old, Ha Ha. Am I not right? Honey, you asked me what I meant when I said that I hope I still have a hold on you. You should know what I meant, so I am not going into detail about it. Oh say, can you send me some tablets to write on? I am about out of paper again. I am still looking for the bracelet. Also, if you haven’t sent me the pen, don’t send it. I can’t get no ink here for it anyway. Boy, I would give anything to see you for one day. Darn, I wish I could show you just how much you mean to me. I really get homesick thinking about the times we have had together, and I was really proud of you the last few days I was with you. Honey, the way some of these boys act here on some of the bad news they get from their wives or sweetheart it makes a person here think that, what soldiers that are left and four-F too, are taking care of all the women for them. But I know I can count on you like I have always. Will close for now. I miss you a lot and I love you a million. 

Always, Johnnie

Mary Stacks

For those who are not aware of the military term 4-F, it means unfit for military service.

After spending the first two weeks of August doing regular training in a camp near Volterra, the Regiment was alerted on August 13 that they were to “relieve the front-line elements of the 91st American Infantry Division.” The morning of August 15 assigned members of the Regiment began planning for the 91st American Infantry Division relief mission. That night, troops “moved by meter to an assembly area near Strada.” Staying undercover during the day, various companies moved into position while waiting for orders. Once issued, the mission was completed on August 17 without incident and they now held the zone. The 1st Battalion was assigned the right sector of the front-line area the Regiment took over, encompassing “13,000 yards along the railroad track on the south bank of the Arne River from the Elsa River on the right to a point 1,000 yards west of Castelfrance on the left.” Few troops were left in reserve as most were needed to defend the wide front-line zone. The troops were opposed by a lightly manned but aggressive and active German army who made small unit raids against the front line. Shortly after the relief, a company platoon of 18 (1 officer and 17 enlisted men) was captured by the Germans so the decision was made to strengthen and improve the line. One hundred additional miles of wire were also added to improve telephone communication the night of August 17–18. 

Sometime during this period, Johnnie was involved in a non-battle truck accident. He was taken to a portable hospital with injuries that included contusions and lacerations to his thigh and shoulder. Johnnie was able to write a V-mail to Lucile the night of August 17, 1944 and mentioned the accident. As he usually does, he quickly changed the conversation to Lucile and asked how she was doing.

Hello Darling,

Just a few lines to find out how you are getting along. As for myself, I had a little accident. I was in a truck and it turned over. I wasn’t hurt so bad. It banged up my leg a little bit and I received a swelled-up jaw, but as for that, I am OK. What did the doctor say about you? I hope you are OK. Be sure and let me know how things come out. Well, I will close for this time. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

The trucks in the photo below are most likely the type Johnnie was riding in when the accident occurred.

Signal Corps Archive, public domain;
https://www.flickr.com/photos/signalcorpsarchive/52594812764/in/album-72157712605441088/

Ambush patrols covering the front before the dawn of August 18 ran into a firefight but were able to repulse the enemy. The Regiment spent the first few days in the new zone “preparing defensive fires, shifting weapons to more advantageous positions, establishing observation posts to cover the entire zone, and formulating counterattack plans.” It all paid off when they were able to hold the Germans off. 

On August 19, 1944, Johnnie wrote his next letter to Lucile and provided more details of the accident, along with sad news.

My Dear Darling,

I wrote you the other day telling you I got hurt a little bit in a truck when it turned over. Well, there was twenty-six of us in it, only seven of us was hurt bad enough to come to the hospital. One of the boys that was hurt pretty bad was my best buddy and friend. He died. His name is Harpold. I was able to be up and happened to be at his bedside when he passed away. The last words he said was “Johnnie, we can take it, can’t we?” I can’t really say how bad I felt when he passed away. Him and I always shared on everything we got. We always bunked together and always had the same idea about things. In all he was a great guy. And I miss him an awful lot. Well, that’s all I will say about that because I don’t want to think about it. I hope this finds you well and OK and have really gone to the doctor to see about yourself like you said you was. Have you received any more money since you got the twenty-five? I don’t want you to save what I send you. I want you to use it for your own benefit. Any way you want to. About this watch, it keeps pretty good time so don’t go buying me another one. How is Nell coming along? Has she heard from Robert yet? Is Dot and her family getting along OK? How is Mom Stacks and Doc? Sure would like to see you all. But you mostly. Are you still hanging around waiting? I hope. Well honey, I will have to close for now. So, keep writing and tell all the folks hello for me. I miss you a lot Darling. And I love you a million. 

Always, Johnnie

There is a Find A Grave memorial for Pfc. Horace E. Harpold that includes a partial article from a September 4, 1944 issue of the Dallas News that states “Pfc. Horace E. Harpold of the infantry was killed in action in Italy, August 17, the War Department has notified his parents, Mr. and Mrs. F. M. Harpold, 414 South Montreal.” The dates noted in the news article occur after Johnnie’s letter was written which is confusing, but it does confirm Pfc. Harpold’s death in Italy during the timeframe when the letter was written. A joint reburial service was held on December 7, 1948 for Pfc. Harpold and his cousin Irwin Harpold who was also killed during the war, at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas.

Pfc. Horace Harpold’s tombstone at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery
(photo used with permission of LKate, Find A Grave member ID 47116782) 

Interment form

Corporal Mack Williams (left), Sergeant Horace Harpold (center), and
Private W. D. Morris (right) at Camp Bowie, Texas (Fort Worth Star-Telegram Collection,
University of Texas at Arlington Libraries. Camp Bowie Army Maneuvers. (1941). Retrieved from https://library.uta.edu/digitalgallery/img/20048966.)

With the new zones under control, the Regiment was tasked with “gradually pushing the enemy across the river.” They used tank destroyers to fire directly on “enemy-held buildings south of the Arne” river. Civilians report 80 German soldiers were killed on August 21. Patrols ambushed enemy patrols as they approached the line. The Regiment fought heavy German artillery and mortar fire with significant losses sustained. The Germans had placed mines and traps in the area causing some casualties.

July 23, 26, 28, August 1 and 2, 1944

Johnnie wrote a V-mail to Lucile on July 23, 1944 and asked that she treat herself with money he sent her.

My Dearest Darling Wife,

Just a few lines to let you know I am well and hope that this finds my Baby the same. I am so sorry to hear that you lost so much sleep here lately on account of staying with Grandma. I hope you get rested up good before you go back to work. Have you ever received the money I sent you? I don’t want you to put any of it in the bank. I want you to use it on yourself on whatever you need. I hope you like the pictures of me I sent you. You know I am getting pretty old looking here lately and I doubt if there can be any changes made, Ha Ha. I guess you will just have to bear with me, Ha Ha. I will close for now. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

Johnnie in Italy

Johnnie’s July 26, 1944 letter to Lucile was written on American Red Cross stationery. As usual, he was concerned for Lucile’s health, as well as the health of another family member.

My Dear Darling

Received two letters from you today telling me that you have received the pictures I sent you. I am glad you like them. Honey, by the time you get this you shall have the money I sent you, being as things are in such bad shape it will help you some. Darling, this picture of you I just received, you look so tired and worried and your face looks so thin. Gee honey, please watch your health and take care of yourself. I wouldn’t know what to do if anything happened to you. You have just got to believe me Lou. God knows how much I love you, and how many times I have told you that. So, honey please take care of yourself for me. Will you? I am glad Doc and Mom like the picture also. Give them my love. Honey in this letter I just received from you, you said Drextel was in the hospital. But I have never got a letter from you saying what was wrong with him. I guess this letter just beat the other one that you wrote telling me about his sickness. I am sure to get it in a day or two. Tell Nell not to worry about Robert. He must be OK. I am sure. Darling about you and me talking about the baby, you know what I mean? You are right I guess, so let’s forget about it, my mistake. So sorry. Will close for this time. I miss you a lot Darling and I love you a million. 

Always Johnnie

Johnnie sat down at noon on Saturday, July 28, 1944 to write Lucile. He was not happy about the mailman back home that day.

My Dearest Darling,

Received a letter from you yesterday with the pictures of your Mother, Aunt Agnes and Grandma. They are really nice of all three of them. I understand about you not writing me here lately on  account of Grandma. I just pray that with all you have been through that you are alright. I am sorry to hear about Woodrow. I hope he is much better now. How is Frances and the baby? I haven’t heard from them in a long time. I guess the reason you can’t find that piece in the paper I want is because they might have stopped it. Lou, that mailman is crazy about you not being able to send me a paper over here on account of my A.P.O. number. The reason I say that is because Dad has been sending the Journal to me all the time. You can’t listen to them guys, they will tell you anything. The reason is they don’t want to be bothered with it if they can get out of it. I just wish some of these guys in the States had to go through what we have too. Some of the others don’t even know what war is like. It really burns me up the way some people are taking this war. Well honey, I will have to close for this time. Thanks for the nice words here at the end of your letter about the way things may be after the war. I miss you a lot Darling and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

Woodrow and Frances (Stacks) Oglesby (Johnnie’s brother- and sister-in-law)

The Regiment moved again on July 30, this time to an area near Volterra.

Volterra is in the vicinity circled in red. Source: https://mapcruzin.com/free-italy-maps.htm.

During the month of July, 28 Silver Stars (2 posthumously, 1 missing in action), 114 Bronze Stars (3 posthumously, 2 missing in action), 192 Purple Hearts, 7 Clusters to Purple Heart, and 486 Combat Infantryman Badges were awarded. There were four casualties from German anti-personnel mines. The Regiment now consisted of 170 officers, 5 warrant officers, and 3452 enlisted men.

Click here to read the Operations Report by the 337th Infantry Regiment for August 1944.

Johnnie was still using the American Red Cross stationery when he wrote Lucile on August 1, 1944 in which he was not very happy with his sister. 

My Dear Darling,

I received a letter from your Mother today, and one from Evelyn. I was very disappointed in not getting any from you. I haven’t heard from you in almost a week now. Your Mother’s letter got to me in twelve days, not bad is it? Evelyn wrote me an eight-page letter and what she said in it really burnt me up. It was mostly about her and Bill, and her getting a divorce from Ray. Honey, I hate to say this about my own sister, but she did wrong to Ray. And she will have to pay for it some day. I hope you get what I mean in this letter Lou? I am glad now you didn’t go down. I wrote her and told her what I thought about how she did Ray. I really told her too. I am never going to Miami again. Well it’s getting where I can’t see what I am writing. Will close. I miss you a lot and I love you a million. 

Always, Johnnie

Evelyn and Johnnie

If Lucile were alive today, Johnnie’s comment in his August 2, 1944 letter about her being a woman might not go over so well. But in this case, she was probably just happy to hear from him and to know he was alive.

Please excuse envelope

My Dear Darling,

Receive letter from you today, also one from Dad and his wife. Sure was glad to hear from you after not hearing from you in ten or twelve days. Honey, the reason I wrote Dad to get me a pipe is being he knows a lot more about good pipes than you do. I know you would try and get me the best you could. But being as you are a woman, all pipes look the same to you, Ha Ha. Am I not right so please don’t be mad about it. I will write Dad and tell him the reason I wanted him to get it instead of you. I wouldn’t want them to get the wrong impression of you. You have done wonders for me, in case I have never told you, and you are above everything else, regardless of what it is, and as long as I know you are for me, that all that matters. Honey, you can send me four packs of Prince Albert pipe tobacco and some of the cheese crackers, and homemade fudge candy. The reason I haven’t been asking you to send me things is I know you are low on money and haven’t been working here lately. I am sure by the time you get this you will have the money I sent you and it will help you out a little. How do you like the way I end my letter to you since I have been over here? I mean every word of it to. You have never said anything about it. Well, as this is all the paper I have I will close for now. I miss you a lot Darling and I love you a million. 

Always, Johnnie

 

July 16, 19, 20, 21, and 22, 1944

Johnnie was anything but vain talking about pictures of himself in his July 16, 1944 letter to Lucile.

My Dearest Darling, 

Received a letter from you yesterday and was glad to hear that you are feeling much better and also glad to hear that my letters are coming to you pretty regular. Lately I have been hearing from you about every four days. Before you get back to work, I wish you would rest up some after staying up two or three nights with Grandma. I know you are pretty tired out and you know how I am always getting on you about your health. You have just got to take care of yourself. It might not hurt you so bad now, but it will as you grow older. I hope you get what I mean. O’yeah, this picture you sent me doesn’t look like me at all now. But that was taken in my prime, and you can’t expect much now, Ha Ha. I am glad to hear that your bank account is still growing, you never can tell when you will need it. Have you received any of the money I sent? What about the pictures? What do you think of them? Don’t tell me, I know, Ha Ha. I know they are bad, but what can you expect from over here? I was darned lucky to get to send you that. So, bear with me on those pictures, will you? I received a letter from Dot yesterday also. She is still as good as she ever was on jokes and laughs. Same old Dot, isn’t she? By the way, who is Margaret? I don’t believe I ever met her? If so, I don’t remember. I am glad to hear I still got a hold on you, at least we understand each other. Well honey, I will have to close for this time. So, keep writing and smiling. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

Lucile

On July 19, 1944, the regiment was on the move again, putting them in an area near Rosignano where they continued to train. “Part of an Italian mule group was attached to the Regiment for training and much time was spent in learning how to use pack mules.”

An Army mule using a “G.I.” helmet to grab a bite before leaving Sicily for Italy on September 20, 1943.
1st Infantry Division, photographer: Bonnard. Photo source: U.S. National Archives.
Digitized by Signal Corps Archive. Public domain.

Lucile learned that she had been taken on a watch she bought for Johnnie in his July 20, 1944 V-mail to her.

My Dearest Darling,

Just a few lines to let you know I am well, and hope this finds you the same. I haven’t been hearing from you lately, like I shall, what’s wrong? How is Grandma? What about the rest of the family? Has Doc ever come back from his fishing trip? How did he make out? Or did he say? O’yeah, I hate to tell you, but someone really put you in the dark on this watch you bought me. There’s a guy here in my outfit that really knows about watches and he said, in practice, you could get watches like this for six or seven dollars. Boy, it really made me feel bad to know that after telling everybody what you paid for it. Will close. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Johnnie

Johnnie had learned Lucile’s maternal grandmother passed away on July 7, 1944. His July 21, 1944 letter to Lucile shows he must have held her in high regard.

July 21, 1944

My Dearest Darling

I received two letters from you today. Also, one from your Mother. Darling, I am really sorry to hear about Grandma. She sure was a Grand Old Lady and we all are going to miss her a lot. I know I will because I used to kid her and have a lot of fun out of her. But being as she was, it was for the best, don’t you think? I guess it really hurts Mom Stacks a lot, being as she has a lot of worry already and I know that’s going to make things worse. I am going to write your Mother tomorrow. I was going to today but as it is getting dark and there won’t be any light. By the time I finish this to you it will be too late. I think the picture of your Daddy and Woodrow are just like them, only it seems Doc has aged a lot since the last time I saw him. I also received the package you sent. The cracker was alright, but the candy bars were not so hot. They had worms in them. I believe if you will put more cellophane papers around them, they will stay fresher. Don’t you think? Well I will have to close for now. I miss you a lot Darling and I love you a million. 

Always, Johnnie

Leola Lemon Stacks and her mother
Amanda Carnahan Lemon Stacks Masters (years earlier)

Funeral notice for Lucile’s mother, The Atlanta Constitution, July 9, 1944

Now that word had gotten to Johnnie about the passing of Grandma (Lemon) Masters. He wrote a V-mail to Lucile’s parents on July 22, 1944 and shared kind words about her.

Dear Doc and Mom,

Just a few lines to let you know that when Grandma passed away, what a kind and gentle woman that has left us all and how well everybody that knows her well loves her. And as for myself, I will never forget how I used to kid her and have so much fun out of her. In her passing away, she left a lot of sorrowful and broken hearts. Mom, I sent Grandma a picture of me I had made here lately. I want you to take it and keep it, or if you want to you can give it to Aunt Agnes. Whatever you think is best suits me. Tell Doc I hope he enjoys his fishing trip and I hope the next one he goes on, I can be with him.

Lots lots love, Johnnie

Stacks family photo, left to right: Unknown, Betty Stacks,
Nancy “Amanda” Carnahan Lemon Masters (Granny Masters),
Mary Stacks, Leola Lemon Stacks, and Nell Stacks.
Baby is probably Melvin. Man on horse unknown. 

July 5, 10, and 15, 1944

Johnnie wrote Lucile’s parents a letter on July 5, 1944 sharing that he had been to Rome.

Hello Folks,

Just a few lines to let you know I am well and OK and hope that this finds you both in the best of health and the kids the same. I visited Rome and had some pictures made. I am sending one to you. How are things going at the lumber yard? Have you moved to your new location yet? Luke wrote and said that Irvin was over here. Sure would like to run into him. Are you letting Melvin go to school next year? He is about six years old now, isn’t he? Have you heard from Cecil lately? I bet he’s homesick. Maybe it won’t be so long now till we will all be coming back home. Well, I will have to close for this time so write and let me know whenever you receive this. And lots love.

Johnnie

Melvin Stacks

When Johnnie wrote Lucile on July 10, 1944, he shared how he had received a war medal, although he could not give her the full details. The medal would have been one of the 1614 Combat Infantryman Badges awarded in June for the campaign to liberate Rome.

My Dearest Darling,

Just a few lines to let you know I am well and hope this finds you the same. Are you working regular now? You haven’t changed jobs yet, have you? I hope you haven’t. The job you have is so near to home and at least I know who our boss is, Ha Ha. I received the pictures you sent yesterday of you and Melvin and Mickey. They sure are good. You look to me like you’ve changed a lot. You haven’t grown any more, have you? You really look tall and the way I am drawing up over here, I will have to get on a step ladder to even kiss you when I get back, Ha Ha. Little Melvin looks good. He is about six years old now, isn’t he? Have you received the picture I sent? Also, I sent you forty dollars last month and twenty-five this month. Let me know when you receive it. How is Grandma? Is she any better? I hope so. I hope she likes the picture I sent her. I guess you and everybody else want to know what kind of medal that is on my shirt. It is a combat medal and campaign ribbon. On the ribbon is a little gold star that means one major battle. I am sure you will want to know what they are for, so that’s why I am telling you now, where I won’t have to later on. How is Nell? Ok, I hope. I dropped her a card the other day. I guess you know Evelyn has another baby. Is it a girl too? I know now if we ever have one, it will be a boy, Ha Ha. Do you think we will make it? We shall, we have come over a lot of other things together, haven’t we? How is Doc and Mom Stacks? Tell them hello for me and tell them I still look for a letter from them once in a while. So, Mickey is going to get him a converiable (sic) job. Boy I bet he will think he a big shot riding around in that, Ha Ha. Well Honey, I will have to close for this time, so keep writing and smiling. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

Combat Infantryman Badge

On 13 July the Regiment moved to another open temporary camp in the mountains near Reccastrada and spent the next few days in physical conditioning and mountain warfare training. 

Serious thoughts were coursing through Johnnie’s mind when he wrote Lucile on July 15, 1944—curiosity about the death of a possible family member, the illness of another, and perhaps regrets.

My Dearest Darling,

Just a few lines to let you know I am OK. Hoping this finds you the same. I received the stamps you sent. Thanks a lot. Have you received the pictures I sent you? I know they don’t look so hot but I believe if you had them painted up, they would look much better, Ha Ha. I don’t blame you for being sore about my folks not coming down and seeing you once in a while. I know how we used to chase around to see them. Let them chase you awhile now. You have the right idea. I received the Journal the other day. I don’t know whether you sent it or Dad. I think I wrote you both about sending it once in a while. Anyway, I was looking through the paper and I ran across this funeral notice of George Carling Marston. I think it is Dad’s brother’s boy. I want you to find out for me for sure. How is Grandma? I think about her a lot. I just pray that if she has to go that the Lord takes her without much pain. You know we all are going to miss her. She was such a wonderful old lady. I know Grandma and I always got along fine together. I hope the picture I sent her gets there before she goes. I just wonder if any kind of drugs or anything there is to cure cancer. I know they have been trying to find something to cure it, but I doubt if they will ever cure that kind of disease. How is your Mother taking it? I know she can’t take much more. I surely wish I was there to help out all I could. How did Doc make out on his trip? I hope he didn’t have any trouble. Did he? O’yeah, did you ever go fishing with Mickey and the others? I hope not. I have always wanted that privilege. You remember when you used to ask me to take you fishing and I always put it off? Usually when you asked me, I always had other plans for us. Well anyway, I hope you enjoyed yourself. It kind of makes you feel good when you first catch one and it’s always been a great sport with me anyway. Well, I will have to close for now so keep writing and smiling. I miss you a lot and I love you a million. 

Always, Johnnie

Published in The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, June 1, 1944 

Johnnie wrote a short V-mail to Lucile on July 15, 1944, as always expressing concerns for her and others in the family.

My Dearest Darling,

Received a letter from you yesterday and was glad to hear that you are well and OK. As for myself, I am OK. I was hoping the picture I sent to Grandma got to her before she got worse. But I guess it got there too late, being as she doesn’t know who you are now. I am sorry to hear you didn’t get to make the fishing trip. Maybe you will get a chance to go again later on. O’yeah, have you received the money I sent you yet? I am sure since you haven’t been working lately that you can use it. How is Mom Stacks and the kids? Give them my love. I will close for this time. I miss you a lot Darling and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

Johnnie wrote Lucile’s mother a V-mail on July 15, 1944, even though he had already written Lucile and and sent his love to her and the kids. 

Dearest Mom,

I received words about Grandma being bad off sick as she is and not expecting to pull through. It just doesn’t seem right her leaving us this way. But I guess the Lord knows best. I know just how it’s going with you and I just wish there was something I could do for you. But as it is now, I can’t. All I can do is tell you how much I adored her. Well I will close for this time. So, write and try to keep your chin up. I hope you like the picture I sent.

Lots lots love, Johnnie

June 25, 26, July 1 and 3, 1944

Lucile sent Johnnie a copy of the June 9 newspaper clipping that contained his photo. He joked about how young he looked in his June 25, 1944 V-mail.

My Dearest Darling,

Just a few lines to let you know I received two letters from you yesterday. In one was the picture of me that you sent from the papers. I don’t think the picture looked much like me now. I look like a kid about seventeen years old in that picture. Of course, then I felt like a kid about that age, Ha Ha. None of the fellows hardly believe it’s me. Some say it looked like my brother, if I had a brother, Ha Ha. Also, I received a letter from your Mother. I am going to try and answer it as soon as I finish this. Well honey, I will close so keep writing. I miss you a lot Darling and I love you a million.

Johnnie

With the Army, Navy, and Marines, “The Atlanta Constitution,” Atlanta, Georgia, June 9, 1944

Lucile’s sister Nell had apparently been encouraging them to have children. Johnnie asked Lucile to pass on a message to Nell in his June 26, 1944 V-mail.

Hello Darling,

I received a letter from you that was mailed the fifteenth of this month. Not bad do you think? Enclosed was a few lines that Grandma wrote. Sure was glad to hear from her also and to know she is much better. Honey, I have sent you forty dollars. Let me know when you receive it. I am glad to hear that you are going back to work. It’s so much better for you. Tell Nellie we’ll do our darndest about the family situation. She can count on that, Ha Ha. Well, as there isn’t much more space to write, I will close. I miss you a lot Darling and I love you a million.

Johnnie 

Lucille

During the month of June, “the Regiment advanced from the Lariano sector to a point 46 road miles north of Rome and captured a total of 473 prisoners of war including 13 officers.” They awarded 18 Silver Stars, 58 Bronze Stars, 74 Purple Hearts, and 1614 Combat Infantryman Badges. Seven officers and 39 enlisted men were killed in action; 3 officers and 109 enlisted men wounded in action; and 63 enlisted men and 2 officers were missing in action.

From July 1–12, 1944, the Regiment was positioned in an open temporary camp “on the sea near Lido d’Roma” spending their time training for future combat, rehabilitation, and making administrative moves. Training was extensive concentrating on “firing of all weapons, small unit combat exercises, battalion attack of permanent land fortifications, combined operations with tanks and tank destroyers, and battalion river crossing problems.” The recreation put in place in June was still made available for the troops.

Johnnie revealed that July was his favorite month in his July 1, 1944 V-mail to Lucile. He also shared who wrote him letters and who did not.

My Dearest Darling,

Received two letters from you yesterday. One of them had the picture of Earl, Gearl, and Irvin in it. Surely is a good picture of all three of them. If Irvin is in Italy here like you say, I might run into him some of the days. I hope so. Have you been up to see my old man lately? How is he? I haven’t heard from him in a long time, and Louise, and Evelyn have quit writing all together. You know I doubt if I would get any mail at all if you, Dot, and your Mother wasn’t writing to me. Well, here it is the first of the month of July and it’s always been the choice of all the months for me. I doubt if I ever told you that, have I? You haven’t ever told me what month out of the year you like. Which one is it? Will close. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie 

Johnnie’s brothers-in-law, Earl and Gearl Stacks

Johnnie was dreaming of their future home and comfort foods when he wrote Lucile on July 3, 1944. He put in an order for a few special treats. And his father’s ears must have been burning. Johnnie was happy to report that he had heard from him. 

My Dearest Darling,

Just a few lines to let you know I am well and OK and hope that this letter finds you in the best of health and getting along alright back there at home. I received a letter from Dad yesterday. They seem to be getting along OK. He sent me a picture of me that was in the papers also. He seems to be pretty proud of it. He said he didn’t think he had a son that good looking, Ha Ha. I started this letter a day ago, but later in the afternoon. O yeah what gets me on all this writing paper you sent me, especially the air mail envelope, you didn’t send me one airmail stamp and I haven’t any so you see what you sent won’t do me any good. There’s no place to buy any, so you see how things stand? I still dream and think of the swell place we are going to have when all this is over with. All this I am going through now seems just like a nightmare. If it is, I wish I could break away from it. I really think all this will end this year. I haven’t received the watch you sent me yet. I hope it gets to me OK. Say, you can send me some cookies, small chocolate cakes, and candy bars. Can you get these for me? Sure wish I had some chicken legs. Remember how I used to eat them all when we went to your Mother’s house to eat, Ha Ha. Say, does Doc still have chicken fry’s and fish fry’s up at the lumber yard? I really miss them. Well, I will close for this time, so keep writing and smiling. Tell all hello for me, and to write. I miss you a lot Darling. And I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie