May 21, 22, 24, 25, and 26, 1944

The Regiment continued to push west. By May 17, they had taken Trivio and Maranola. The march continued through Fondi, Monte San Biagio, M. Copiccio, and M. Autone among others. Johnnie was very busy, something he alluded to in his May 21, 1944 V-mail. But that did not stop him from thinking about Lucile and the rest of the family.

My Dearest Darling,

I am sorry I haven’t written you sooner than I have but as things are going now, I have been pretty busy. You know every chance I get, I will write you so please don’t think I am not writing if you don’t get mail from me as regular as you have been. Honey, your letters mean alot to me so keep writing as often as you can. Please tell Doc and Ma Stacks I received the fruit cake, and that I thought it was swell and I am sorry that they had to go to so much trouble getting it for me. Well honey, I will close for this time so keep writing and smiling. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Johnnie

Johnnie must have kept track of how often he received a letter from Lucile. And he often let her know like he did in his May 22, 1944 V-mail.

My Dearest Darling,

Just a few lines to let you know I am OK and hope that this finds you in the best of health and sweet as ever. I haven’t heard from you in about four days now. The last letter I received from you, you were telling me about Robert and Nell coming home and that you have sent me the watch and telling me how lucky you were to get it so cheap. Sure will be glad when it arrives. Honey, I want to thank you again for sending it. I have about three months pay coming and as soon as I get it and if it is possible, I will send it all home. Honey, it really made me feel good to get a letter from Doc. Please tell him that for me. I will close for now. I miss you a lot Darling, and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

Nell Stacks, Evelyn Dingler (Geral’s wife), Elvie Orr, Lucile Stacks

Johnnie had lots of questions in his May 24, 1944 V-mail to Lucile. It was probably easier to ask her questions than it was to avoid subjects that he could not write about.

My Dearest Darling,

Just a few lines to let you know I am OK and hope that this finds you the same. Well how are things around home now? Are you having any trouble keeping things going? How is your job coming along? Are they keeping you pretty busy? How did Drex ever come with the Army? I am sorry to hear about Cecil. Hope he makes out OK. Thanks a lot for sending me the pen and pencil set. I haven’t received them yet, but I received the letter saying that you sent them. Will close. Keep writing and smiling. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

By May 25, the “road to the Anzio beachhead was opened” and they “assembled in the vicinity of Terracina for a well-deserved rest.” For the first time in weeks and once the beach was cleared of mines by the engineers, the Regiment was able to bathe, catch up on sleep, and repair and clean their equipment. Johnnie took time on May 25, 1944 to write a V-mail to Lucile, and in his normal way, let her know life was busy in Italy.

My Dearest Darling,

Just a few lines to let you know I am well and OK and hope this finds you the same. Honey, your letters have been coming to me pretty regular and it really makes me feel good to know you are writing me regular. I guess by the time you get this, Louise and Evelyn will be up visiting you if they come up in June like you say. I haven’t heard from them in a good while and I haven’t written anybody in a long time except you and I haven’t had time to write to you lately like I wanted to. But Darling, don’t worry if you don’t hear from me like you have been. I will write you every chance I get. Will close. So, keep writing and smiling. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Johnnie

Lt. Col. Stanley R. Lauferski directs his mine platoon of the anti-tank company, 337th Regiment, in sweeping
the surf of the Terracina beach for mines, May 25, 1944. Photographer: Leibowitz, 163rd Signal Photo Company.
Photo source: U.S. National Archives. Digitized by Signal Corps Archive.

A baby was on the way! No, not Johnnie and Lucile’s but he shared his joy in his May 26, 1944 letter that his sister-in-law Nell was expecting.

My Dearest Darling,

Just a few lines to let you know I am OK and hope that this finds you the same. I received three letters from you today, also one from your Dad. In one of your letters you were telling me about Nell and Robert coming home, and that Nell was expecting a baby. I think that’s great. Tell her I said I didn’t think her, and Robert could do it, Ha Ha. You also said that you sent me the watches, sure am glad. Also, glad to hear you got it so cheap. I knew you could do it, Ha Ha. I am sorry to hear about Grandma. I hope by the time you get this she is a lot better. I will try to write her, but I don’t get to write much now and what I do write is mostly to you. Maybe later on I will be able to write more. I hope you can understand how things are now. I guess Aunt Agnes and Marie are gone back home now. Have you heard anymore about Louise and Evelyn coming up to see you? I’m sure they will come up, aren’t you? Did I tell you that Dad sent me Dave Bullard’s address? You remember him, don’t you? I just pray that all this will be over soon so we can have the happiness we once had. That will be one great day for us all. Well Darling, I will have to close of this time. So, keep praying and your chin up. Tell all the folks hello for me and to write. I miss you a lot Darling. And I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

Early to mid-May 1944

At 11 PM on May 11, Operation Diadem kicked off with the objective “to break the German defenses on the Gustav Line (the western half of the Winter Line) and open up the Liri Valley, the main route to Rome” according to Wikipedia. This operation was coordinated “roughly with the invasion of Normandy, so that German forces would be tied down in Italy, and could not be redeployed to France.” None of the 337th Regiment battalions participated in the initial attack, but soon joined in the fight. Unfortunately, the Regiment suffered heavy casualties from enemy mines, artillery, and automatic weapons. They struggled to evacuate the wounded and dead, and resupply their food, water, ammunition, and replacements but did so with the assistance of Italian mule troops and extra litter bearers. Although under heavy shelling by the enemy, they captured 80 prisoners of war on May 13 and fought off the Germans on May 14. Facing bitter opposition while fighting over the mountainous region, they were able to take Solacciano, Castellonorato, and Formia by mid-May.

What goes through a soldier’s mind before, during, and after combat? How do they emotionally handle what is happening in this war? A one-on-one conversation with God might be enough to get them through the trauma. Johnnie once told his son Randy that when he first arrived in Italy, he was really scared. He eventually came to terms with his fears and accepted it. The poem below, Conversion written by Frances Angermayer in June 1943, may have helped with that. The poem was found by a chaplain on 30 dead and wounded soldiers and scattered on the Normandy beachhead on D-day. Shortly afterward, it was “found on the body of an American soldier in Italy” and then “spread to every corner of the earth.” Reports were that “at least 6,000,000 copies have been printed and distributed.” It was reprinted in “magazines and newspapers, including Yank and Stars and Stripes” and read aloud in Congress. The poem was translated in German, Polish, Italian, Chinese, French, and Spanish. It was even found on a dead Nazi soldier! It was apparently very meaningful and brought comfort to many soldiers, including Johnnie who carried a copy during the war. He probably read the poem many times, possibly before and after the battle that just took place. 

Conversion

Look, God, I have never spoken to you.
But now I want to say how do you do.
You see, God, they told me You didn’t exist,
And, like a fool, I believed all this.

Last night from a shell hole, I saw your sky,
I figured right then they had told me a lie.
Had I taken time to see the things You made,
I’d have known they weren’t calling a spade a spade.

I wonder, God, if You’d shake my hand?
Somehow I feel that you will understand.
Funny, I had to come to this hellish place
Before I had the time to see Your face.

Well, I guess there isn’t much more to say,
But I’m sure glad, God, I met You today.
I guess the “Zero hour” will soon be here,
But I’m not afraid since I know You’re near.

The signal! Well, God, I’ll have to go.
I like You lots and I want You to know.
Look, now, this will be a horrible fight.
Who knows? I may come to Your house tonight.

Though I wasn’t friendly with You before,
I wonder, God, if You’d wait at Your Door?
Look, I’m crying! Me shedding tears!
I wish I’d known You these many years.

Well, I have to go now, God, Good-by!
Strange, since I met You, I’m not afraid to die.

                         – Frances Angermayer 

Johnnie brought his copy of the poem home and Lucile tucked it away in the boxes with his letters. The poem was recorded by Decca as a 78 RPM record in 1945.

The next letter was undated but appears to have been written by Johnnie in early to mid-May 1944 since Mother’s Day was May 14 that year. Johnnie was looking to the future in this letter. 

My Dearest Wife,

Just a few lines to let you know I am well and OK and hope that this finds you in the best of health. And making out OK back there at home. Have you changed jobs yet? How is your bank account now? I have close to a hundred dollars now I want to send you, but at the present I can’t. I guess by the time I send it to you I will have more. I want you to take out what I sent you for what you pay for the watch and bracelet and use it for whatever you want. Get what I mean? O’yeah, when is Mother’s Day? Has it passed by yet? Regardless of whether it passed by or not, I want you to get Mom Stacks, also Grandma, something for that day. I don’t want them to think I don’t think about things like that. After you have fixed them up, send me the bill, Ha Ha. Darn, I wish we would have had a kid. I could kick myself every time I think about it. Honey, I am not trying to make a job out of this. But here’s what I think will happen. Drex or Robert one, might get a boy before I do, and as they grow up, being as our boy is a couple years younger, they will be picking on him all the time. But I grant you one thing, if they are all the same size or age, I believe the kid we have will be able to take care of itself. You see what I mean, Ha Ha Ha? I can see you now, just thinking. I bet you say to yourself Johnnie must be out of his head. Well, I can’t say nothing on that part, myself, but a guy over here does a lot of crazy thinking sometimes. I can’t explain it to you, but things are like that over here. Well honey, I will have to close for this time so give all the folks my Love and tell them all hello for me. I miss you a lot Darling and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

As previously mentioned, Johnnie loved his mother-in-law Leola Stacks, and thought of her often. We do not know when Johnnie gave her the card below—perhaps Mother’s Day—but she thought enough of it that she framed and kept it. 

Leola Stacks 

May 6, undated, 8, and 9, 1944

Johnnie was a happy soldier when he wrote a V-mail to Lucile on May 6, 1944 after receiving three letters from her.

My Dearest Darling,

Received three letters from you in the last two days and sure was glad to hear from you after going a week and not hearing from you at all. One of the letters you wrote was dated the twenty-fourth of April. It just took eight days to get here, not bad at all. You really put one over on me, you being sick and in bed and not letting me know a thing about it till you are well again. Gee honey, I hope you are well now. Please take care of your health. Honey, I received another package from Dad. It sure was nice. I am getting all the cigarettes I want, so don’t send me no more. Tell all hello for me. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Johnnie

The next letter is undated on American Red Cross stationery so a guess as where to place it. Johnnie mentions Lucile having a sore throat, something that keeps coming up around this timeframe.

My Dearest Darling

Receive two letters today, one from Dot and one from you. Sure was glad to hear that you both are OK and well. There one thing Lou, what have I been writing you about your health. If I told you one time, I told you a hundred times that if you got sick or had any pains to go to a doctor and in this letter you just wrote to me, you said you had a little sore throat. You don’t know just how serious it can be. So please take care of yourself and go see a doctor or anything that trouble you. If I was only home now, I’d make you take care of yourself and I am not just kidden either. Honey, I tell you why I want you to take care of yourself, even if it isn’t a bad pain, or any sickness you have. You see Lou, during wartime a little sickness amounts to a lot and gets pretty serious sometimes. I found that out from the doctor here in the army and one thing they know what they are talking about. They have to be and have a rating in their army. So, I am telling you again, please take care of yourself because you are really all I want to come home to. You shall know that by now. Well that all for that for now. Dot said in her letter that Drex and Geral, really had a lucky break. That the truck he drives turn over and that it tore up the truck so bad that the people who seen it don’t see how they came out of it alive, I say they are two lucky guys. Don’t you think so? You said that you believe that Kate, Louise and Evelyn have forgot they have a sister-in-law. I believe they even forgot they have a brother. I haven’t heard from any of them in such a long time that I can’t say wherever I heard from them this year or not. If they don’t want to write me it OK, just so you keep up the way you are writing. Thats all I wait for anyway is a letter from you. Well, I will have to close for this time. So, tell all the family hello for me and give them my love. I miss you alots Darling. And I Love you a Millions. Always.

Johnnie

Johnnie’s sisters, Evelyn and Kate Marston

The 1st Battalion moved from Minturno back to Mandragone on May 7, 1944. While the 1st and 3rd Battalions moved into position, the Regiment prepared plans to further the attack or repel enemy counterattack. Parts of the Regiment continued training and preparation for offensive combat, and the part of the Regiment that was in the assembly area remained quiet, hidden from the enemy by smoke generators. Meanwhile, Johnnie heard from his brother-in-law Robert Astin and could not contain his excitement in his May 8, 1944 V-mail to Lucile. He also had fond memories of a dog he used to have.

My Dearest Darling,

Just a few lines to let you know I am well and hope that this finds you a lot better with that sore throat you have. Honey guess who I received a letter from today. None other than your brother-in-law Robert, Ha Ha. Him and Nell seem to be getting along nicely. That’s the last guy I ever expected to hear from, but I guess he took time off from Nell long enough to drop me a line, Ha Ha. That’s the only letter I received today. I was really hoping to get one from you, but it didn’t get here. Maybe I’ll hear from you tomorrow. I really hope so. How did Cecil, Drex, and Woodrow come out on the Army situation? I hope they made out on the good part of it. Has Aunt Agnes and Marie ever shown up yet? If so, tell them I said hello. Luke, you know what I dreamed about the other night? You remember that dog I used to have, and I named him Buck? I dreamed I came home, and you and the dog came down to meet me at the crossing. Kind of crazy, don’t you think? Will close. Keep smiling. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

Johnnie wrote a long letter on May 9, 1944 on American Red Cross stationery. Not wanting to worry Lucile, he wrote “this paper was given to us by the Red Cross, don’t worry!!” It also appears the two of them disagreed over something he had written in a previous letter. Hopefully, they were able to resolve that issue.

My Dearest Darling,

Received a letter from you today telling me that Aunt Agnes and Marie are home visiting. I hope they both are well and tell Marie I am expecting that big fat kiss she promised me, Ha Ha. I received a nice card from Dad and his wife yesterday. Also, they sent me David Bullard’s address. You remember him, don’t you? Honey, this letter I received from you was mailed the thirty first of last month, so you can see it just took over a week to get to me. Not bad at all, is it? In the letter I wrote you telling about me wanting to send you a picture of me because my beard has grown out. I think you are mistaken about me saying that. If you look at the letter again, you will see that I said that I have a mustache and have let my side burns grow about a inch longer and that it has changed my looks a little. And that’s why I said I wanted to send you a picture of me because of that. If I did say that, I want you to cut that part out of the letter and send it to me because it’s not true and I know for sure I haven’t wrote you anything like that because I have been getting to shave at least every two days and I have no right to lie about anything like that to you. That’s why I want to see the writing and me saying anything like that. If I am right about all this, please read my letters a little more carefully from now one, OK with you? Thanks a lot. I am glad to hear that you had some pictures made of little Melvin and the rest. Sure would like to see them. Lou, about you and your health, I am still asking you and telling you to take care of yourself. I guess I wrote this about you taking care of yourself so much, that you are tired of hearing it. But that’s one thing I worry about, so I hope you understand me. And as for your weight, I think a hundred and fifteen is very good for your size, don’t you? As for myself, at my size I should weigh a hundred and sixty. But as it is now, I am about thirteen pounds under weight. But as for health, I feel OK. Tell Doc I hope to be back soon and that he will know whose still champion of Stackmill on horseshoes playing, Ha Ha. Also tell Ma Stacks I miss her and to keep her chin up and that everything will come out OK at the end. And also tell the rest of the family hello for me and to keep smiling. Well Baby, I will close for now. I hope you understand me on reading my mail more careful. I don’t like to write things to you which isn’t true and if I am wrong on that beard situation, I want you to give me the devil about it in your next letter to me, understand? I miss you a lot Baby!! And I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

Johnnie’s stepmother, Lola Miller Marston

May 1, 2, and 3, 1944

The first week and a half of May 1944 was spent “in a defensive position north of the City of Minturno, Italy.” Patrols went out nightly and made contact with the enemy on several occasions. “The men learned to distinguish their own outgoing shells from the enemy’s and in addition to sense the direction and distance of incoming shells.” 

Johnnie’s friend, Henry Thurman, killed in action in Italy on February 6, 1944, was awarded a Purple Heart in May 1944 according to two articles published in the Atlanta Constitution. The medal was to be presented posthumously by Major Samuel Mear of the Special Service Division, Headquarters, Fourth Service Command, to Henry’s wife at College Park Baptist Church. 

Published in the Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, April 30 and May 4, 1944, respectively (click image to enlarge)

In the four letters Johnnie wrote to Lucile during this period, he never mentioned what was happening on the front. Instead, he shared his feelings about his in-laws, whom he dearly loved, in his May 1, 1944 V-mail to Lucile.

My Dearest Darling,

I received a letter from you today. Sure was glad to hear from you and to know you are well and alright. I am glad you finally made up your mind about learning to drive. I hope you make out OK at it. Honey, do you know whether Doc received any mail from me in the last month and a half? I wrote him a card and also a letter. I know not to expect a letter from him because he is pretty busy all the time, but I thought if he has received any mail from me you would say something about it in your letters to me. Lou, I want you to tell Doc I miss the swell time me and him have had together when I was home like the old ball games and other things we did. Also tell Ma Stacks I miss her good cooking and her giving me the devil about something, Ha Ha. Will close. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

Johnnie was looking for his brother-in-law’s address and for the second time, mentioned the house he would like to buy when he gets home in his May 2, 1944 V-mail to Lucile. 

My Dearest Darling,

Just a few lines to let you know I am well and hope that this finds you the same. How are you doing at your job? Have they started you working overtime again? What about Nell? Has she said anything about when she will be home? I want you to send me Robert’s address if you know it and I will drop him a line. I haven’t written him but one time since he’s been in the service and that was when he first came in. Honey, who lives in the house I like so well down below Woodrow? I hope they take good care of it because I am planning on buying it after all this is over with. That will be just what I need when I do get out. What do you think about the place? Don’t say you like it just because I like it. I want you to tell me the true facts of what you think. Well Darling, I will have to close. I am going to try and drop Ma and Doc a line. So, keep writing. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie 

Johnnie’s brother-in-law, Robert Astin

Johnnie wrote Lucile’s parents a V-mail on May 2, 1944 expressing shock over the death of Leroy Stacks. Leroy was his father-in-law Sam’s nephew, so it hit close to home. 

Dear Ma and Doc,

Just a few lines to let you know I haven’t forgot you and to let you know I am well and OK. I hope this finds you both and the rest of the family well and OK too. Well, good old warm weather is here again and I bet it is really nice back there at home. I was really shocked when I heard about Leroy. I still can’t believe it. I wrote Aunt Lois a line and told her how sorry I felt about it. I know it hit you all pretty hard and a great shock to you all. I hope the guy gets what he deserves and I am sure he will. Let me know what the result is when he goes on trial. Doc, how is the baseball games going to come out this year? Sure wish I was there to go with you. We used to have some swell times together didn’t we. I miss every bit of it too. Ma, how is your front yard coming out? OK, I hope. Let Mickey and Geral do most of the work. It will do them good, Ha Ha. Will close. Lots love to you all. Keep smiling. 

Johnnie

Lt. General Mark Clark, Commanding Fifth Army, visited the Regiment on May 2 and complimented them on the appearance of their position. Johnnie did not mention the visit in either of his May 2 letters.

Lieutenant General Mark W. Clark, U.S. Army, beachhead near Anzio, Italy, January 22, 1944
(photo by U.S. Army Signal Corps, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons)

Johnnie missed Lucile and told her his true feelings from the last night he saw her when he wrote his May 3, 1944 V-mail.

My Dearest Darling,

Just a few lines hoping that this finds you well and OK. As for myself, I am OK, just get a little blue once in a while for you. Well Darling, I have been overseas five months. By the time you get this, it will be close to six months. It seems five or six years to me since I seen you last. One thing though, I won’t forget that sweet look you had when I left you in the train station that night. I had one of the worse feelings that I ever had that night I left you, but I tried not to show how I felt as much as possible when I was with you. Honey, I will close for this time. Tell all the folks I said hello and to keep smiling. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Johnnie

On May 3, two prisoners were captured by the 3rd Battalion, the first to be taken by the Regiment. On May 5, the Regiment’s first prisoner (a Company “C” man) was captured by the enemy who snuck into their position early that morning. The Regiment also received the attack order to begin the Allied offensive in Italy, and immediately began making necessary plans and preparations. 

April 25, 26, 28, and 29, 1944

The Atlanta Constitution reported on April 21, 1944 that the court case of the stabbing death of Leroy Stacks would take place in May, something Johnnie would have been interested in.

(click image to enlarge)

 Johnnie was thinking about their future again but did not share his plans with Lucile in his April 25, 1944 V-mail.

My Dearest Darling,

Just a few lines, hoping that this finds you well and getting along OK. As for myself, I am OK. Only thing wrong I am thinking of you and missing you a hell of a lot. I have great plans for us when all this is over with and I hope it won’t be long off. How are the rest of the family? Well, I hope. Has the Army ever called Drextel yet? Well Baby, I will have to close for this time. Keep writing. I miss you a lot Baby and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

Johnnie always had something encouraging to say to Lucile as he did in his April 26, 1944 V-mail.

My Dearest Darling,

I received two letters from you today and sure was glad to hear from you. I am so glad to hear that you are gaining weight and to know you are well and OK. Also, glad to hear that you had one week pretty easy at work training these other girls. You said something about you getting lazy. I know you are kidding me on that part because I know you too well for that and I know you are pretty darn smart. I am glad to hear that Mickey and his girl and all the rest of the gang are down at the house to keep you company at times. Well Darling, I will have to close for this time. So, tell all the family hello for me and give them my love. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

Earl (Mickey) and Elvie

Johnnie asked Lucile to send him several items in his April 28, 1944 letter … and he had a special way he planned to pay for them!

My Dearest Darling Wife,

I received a letter from you yesterday and hadn’t had time to answer it till today. Also received the wedding band. It sure is nice and it fits me to a T. Thanks a lot. Honey in this letter I just received from you, you wanted to know if I was in the hospital. I guess you thought something was wrong with me because I wrote on some Red Cross paper I received from them sometime ago. There isn’t anything wrong so don’t worry your pretty head about it. Well so much said about that. Honey how does this find you as far as health is concerned? I hope well. As for myself I am OK. Honey have you ever seen about a watch for me? I know it’s taking a little bit of money to get me all the things but I have some more money to send you as soon as I get to a place to send it and that will help you pay for the things I want you to send me. Is that OK with you? I want you to send me two more things after you send me the watch. That is a French Harp and an identification bracelet with this on it, Johnnie Marston and my army serial number under my name. And on the other side I want you to put Lucile Marston. You get the idea, Ha Ha. Then after you have done all of this for me, send me the bill, and I will get Hitler to pay for it all when I see him, Ha Ha. No kidden Lou, see if you can get me up the things and I won’t bother you about sending me things no more. Well Darling, I guess you are tired of reading of my needs so I will close for this time. Tell all the folks hello for me and give them my love. Keep writing. I miss you a lot Baby and I love you a million. 

Always, Johnnie 

Lucile must have confessed to Johnnie that it is stressful having her husband at war as he again sent words of encouragement in his April 29, 1944 V-mail. 

My Dearest Darling,

I received two letters from you this morning and it really makes me feel good to know you are well and alright. As for myself, as far as health is concerned, I am OK. In one of your letters you said that you have received twenty-one dollars from me. That’s good. Now I think if I am not mistaken, you shall receive a fifteen-dollar check and that will be all that I have sent you so far. I am sending you some more money this month if possible. Honey get the idea out of your head, just because you cry once in a while that you are nothing but a cry baby. I’d like to hear somebody say that you are. Get this, you are one of the best for taking what you have and I love you for that. Will close. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Johnnie

During the month of April, 13 Bronze Stars, 16 Purple Hearts, and 212 Combat Infantryman Badges were awarded. Casualties were light with five enlisted men killed in action; 5 officers and 35 enlisted men wounded in action; and 1 officer missing in action. A system was established to “handle strength reports, decorations and awards, the Units Journal and replacements of both officers and enlisted men. A Casual Company was formed in the rear area to process enlisted replacements and give them training prior to sending them to the front line.” A Graves Registration plan was started incorporating Graves Registration Teams, collecting points and methods for the quick evacuation of the dead. The “regiment received 362 enlisted men and 14 officer replacements.” The troops were provided with two hot meals daily, except those in isolated positions. They established a shower unit for bathing, a plan to give troops new clothing, and kept a close check on ammunition requirements for all weapons. The “most difficult problem was transporting supplies, troops, rations and ammunition over the traffic congested supply route from the rear areas in Mondragone and the front line.” The enemy watched the Minturno Bridge over the Garigliano River during the day so transport was done at night. A good part of April was spent in the southern Lazio region of Italy, specifically Minturno. Johnnie rarely mentioned what he or his regiment were going through or where they were in his letters. If he had, the censors would have removed that sensitive information. The information provided in this paragraph came from the Army. The full details of regimental activities and troop movements can be found in the monthly detailed 337th Infantry Operations Reports. Going forward, links will be provided so you may read them if you are interested. Click here to read the Operations Report by the 337th Infantry Regiment for May 1944.

3rd Division infantrymen enter the town of Mondragone and “capture” it during the
practice of landing exercises held by the 3rd Infantry Division, July 31, 1944, Mondragone area,
Italy. Photographer: Valentine, 163rd Signal Photo Company. Public domain.

April 18, 19, and 20, 1944

Is Johnnie trying to tell Lucile that she is not writing him often enough? It almost sounds like it in his April 18, 1944 V-mail.

My Dearest Wife,

Well here it is a little over half of the month gone and I have received four letters from you so far. I don’t consider that bad, being where I am now, but honey, I tell you I miss the way I used to receive mail from you when I was back in the States. I guess it is the same way with you now, isn’t it? Honey, do you know whether Johnny Puckett is in the Army yet? Let me know. Has Mary his wife had another kid? I guess so by now. Say, is Mildred still working up at the lumber company? Being as she is married now. I can’t understand why Frances hasn’t answered my letter. I wrote to her when she and the baby had the flu. Sure would like to hear from them. Well Honey, I guess this is all the news for this time. Will close. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie 

Every soldier loves to receive packages and Johnnie wants to know where his are in an April 18, 1944 V-mail to Lucile.

My Dear Darling, 

Well, how does this find you today? I hope well. This leaves me OK as far as health is concerned. Honey, have you ever sent me any packages yet? I just want to know if you have or not. Dad said he sent me a couple of packages, but I haven’t received them yet. I guess they will catch up with me soon though. Honey, are you saving any money at all? I want you to get everything you need. Will close. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Johnnie 

Johnnie’s father, John Marston

Johnnie had a lot of questions about family members in his April 19, 1944 V-mail to Lucile. 

My Dearest Wife,

Just a few lines to let you know I am well and hope that this finds you the same. I received an Easter card from Dad the other day. I am going to try and drop him a line as soon as I finish this to you. How is all the family? Well, I hope. I guess Doc has already started going to the ball games, hasn’t he? Have you heard from Nell lately? How are Robert and her getting along? I wrote Hoppy the other day. Carl also. I am expecting a letter from Louise any day now. I wonder how Evelyn and Roy ever came out. Has she ever written you anything about it? Will close. Answer soon. I miss you Darling. I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

It had been almost two weeks since Johnnie last wrote Lucile by the time he wrote her on April 20, 1944. And he was missing her that night. Thinking of her appears to be what is getting him through each day.

My Dearest Wife,

I received two letters from you today and also one from your Mother and Dot. Sure was a happy guy. Darling, how does this letter find you? Well, I hope. As for myself I am OK, just miss you sweetness. There isn’t but one thing I think of right now and that is getting back to you. That will be one great day for me. You said in one of your letters that I wouldn’t know the house now. That’s where you are wrong, because I will never forget that house and I don’t believe you could change it much where I wouldn’t know it. You say you planted another tree and that it’s a lot larger than the one you had out there before. What did you plant? One of those big pine trees, Ha Ha? Your mother wrote and said she and the kids have changed their front yard around again. You know Ma works around that house more than anything else I know of. You know what she needs? A long rest. She just wears herself out every day. I know every time I used to go up to their house, she was always doing something. I wrote her and got on her about working too darn much. Especially some work she shouldn’t be doing at all. I want you to get on her about it also. And another thing, you take it easy also. I am sorry to hear about Mickey having the sore eyes. I know just what it’s like. Honey, it wouldn’t hurt you to go see a doctor about your eyes. As for myself, they are a lot better. Honey, I will have to quit for now, but I will write you more next time. Remember, I miss you a lot and I think about you all the time. I love you a million.

Always, Hubby = Johnnie

Johnnie’s sisters-in-law, Betty and Dot Stacks

Johnnie wrote a V-mail to Lucile’s parents on April 20, 1944. For the second time, he referenced a newspaper clipping that mentioned Henry Ford. 

Hello Doc and Ma,

I received your letter today and was sure glad to hear from you. Ma, I hope this finds you a lot better and I wish you would quit working so hard. Remember you are no young girl no more and you have to cut down on your work. What you say, will you? Ma, I hope that Henry Ford said in that clip in the paper you sent, knows what he’s talking about. There sure would be a lot of joy in this old world, wouldn’t it! That sure was some trick they played on Mr. Henry, but I know how Doc is, he sure likes to have his fun once in a while. Well Ma, I hate to write such a short letter to you after getting a nice long letter from you but I will write more next time. Lots love to you and all. Write me as much as you can. Lots love to you and all. 

Your son-in-law, Johnnie

This article, published in the Atlanta Constitution on April 18, 1944 may have been what Johnnie was referring to when he mentions Henry Ford.

(click to enlarge)

April 12, 15, 16, and 17, 1944

Johnnie could not tell Lucile what was happening in Italy in his April 12, 1944 V-mail to Lucile.

My Dear Darling,

I received two letters from you today and I hope by the time you get this, that your measles have left you, because I know that kind of sickness isn’t fun, right? As for myself, I am as well as can be expected. Yes honey, I am hoping to be with you on your next birthday, or sooner. Anyway, that will be one great day for me, and I know for millions of other guys. I am glad to hear that the kids had a good Easter and that Mom Stacks was able to be up and enjoyed it with them. Yes, I bet Melvin does look good in his new suit. Well Darling, I will close for now. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

Leola Stacks and Johnnie’s daughter, Diane Marston (after the war)

Johnnie asked for writing supplies in his April 15, 1944 V-mail to Lucile. His request came with a dire warning if she did not send any!

My Dearest Darling,

Just a few lines to let you know I am OK and hope that this finds you the same. Honey, you said you have never received the last money I sent you. I am sure by the time you get this you will have the money. Honey, I wish you would send me some writing paper and also a pen and pencil set. Be sure and get me a good one too. If you don’t, I am running short of paper and I am borrowing a pen to write with all the time. Send it as quick as possible. I won’t be able to write you as much as I have been on account of that. Honey, I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Lots love, Johnnie

Johnnie was thinking about his and Lucile’s future in his April 16, 1944 V-mail. 

My Dearest Darling,

Just a few lines to find out if you are OK and well. This leaves me about the same. Only missing you a hell of alot. I hope it’s the same way with you. Honey, has the Army ever got Mickey yet? I hope not. How is the rest of the family? I hope they are all well. Has Doc ever got another car yet? Your Mother wrote me in one of her letters that he might swap it for another car. That’s why I ask. I guess its pretty nice back home now, isn’t it? Honey, you asked me if I wanted the house down below Woodrow? I would give anything for it if it is as good as it was when I last saw it. I hope to own it some day for me and you. Will close. I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

Johnnie was very close to talking about something most women do not want to hear in his April 17, 1944 V-mail to Lucile—her weight!

My Dearest Wife,

I received a letter from you today and also the picture of you and little Carol. They both really look good to me. Little Carol sure has grown alot and she looks mighty healthy and honey, you are looking grand yourself. You wrote and told me in one of your letters that you were gaining weight. You can look at the picture you sent me and tell that. Honey, I wish there was some way for me to have a picture made. I doubt if you would know me. I have a mustache and I have let my sideburns grow about an inch longer and I weigh about a hundred and fifty. I hope this finds all the folks well and tell them all hello for me. Will close. Write me. I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

Lucile

March 31, April 6, 7, 8, and 9, 1944

Birthday wishes to Lucile were all that was on Johnnie’s mind in his March 31, 1944 V-mail.

My Dearest Darling,

Just a few lines tonight to let you know I am thinking of you and hope this finds you in the best of health. Well Darling, tomorrow is your birthday, and I hope you have twice that many more. Honey, how does it feel to be twenty-two years old, Ha Ha? You know, I am not running your age up this time, Ha Ha. You remember how I used to kid you about your age? I never forget the times we have had together. Will you? Lots Lots Love.

Always, Johnnie

Johnnie mentioned that his unit has been on the move in his April 6, 1944 letter. That would probably explain why it had been six days since his last letter.

My Dearest Darling

Well, here it is April the first and I hope this finds you in the best of health and also hope that you had a wonderful day being that you have had a birthday. I just hope and pray that I am with you on your next one, and the way things are going now, I will be. I haven’t heard from you in a good while now. I guess it is because I have moved on over here in Italy and my mail hasn’t caught up with me yet. How is the little old house, have you made much changes since I was there last time? I guess you have. Honey, I received a V-mail letter from Louise today. She seems to be getting along OK. Say Darling, have you heard from sister Kate lately? I haven’t heard from her since I’ve been overseas. It seems she would drop me a line by now. How is Doc and Ma getting along? Well, I hope. Darling I wish you would thank all of your family for me and let them know I received all the Easter cards they sent. Well Darling, I will have to close for this time. So, write me all you can and I will do the same. I love you a million. 

Always, Johnnie

Johnnie’s sister, Louise Marston

Extended family members are always on Johnnie’s mind. He asks about several in his April 7, 1944 V-mail.

My Dear Darling Wife,

Just a few lines to let you know I am thinking of you and hope that this finds you well. I received a letter from Louise today. Sure was glad to hear that she, Baby Sis, and also the Baby are getting along alright. Darling, has Nell ever come back from visiting Robert yet? I guess she has by this time. Has Mickey heard any more about the Army? Let me know. How is the rest of the family? Is little Melvin growing any lately? Sure would like to see that little devil, Ha Ha. O’yeah honey, did you ever send me that wedding band? Sure would like to get it. Well Darling, will close for this time. I love you a million.

Johnnie

Melvin Stacks

Johnnie tells Lucile he recently sent pictures to her in his April 8, 1944 letter from Italy. He is also wondering where items are that she has sent to him.

My Dear Darling Wife,

Hello honey, I hope this finds you in the best of health. As for me, I am OK. I received two letters yesterday from Dad and his wife. Just one was really a letter. The other one had some clipping of the paper. Also had a couple of the two bel— [unreadable] which you get off of street cars and buses. I have never received the hankerchiefs or the other things you sent me. I sent you some pictures of some pals of mine that are in my outfit and one of my old company commander who went to the States. He was one swell guy: and a fighting fool. We all miss him. Well Honey, how is Mom Stacks? Is she able to get up and around good yet? What about the trouble with your Dad brother’s? How did it come out? OK, I hope. O say, have you ever received my watch and the rifle Dodge? You should have by now. O yeah, tell Nell I am still waiting for the picture of the baby. Also tell Dot to send me a picture of Carol. I would like to see how much she has changed since I last saw her. Well honey, I guess this is all the news for this time. So, keep writing and God bless you. I miss you a lot and I love you a million. 

Always, Johnnie

An early photo of Leola (Mom) Stacks and her son Earl.
The dog on the running board is Trixie.

On April 8, 1944, the regiment was in a temporary camp near Mondragone, Italy conducting training in preparation of going into the front line. That same day, orders were received from Headquarters 85th Infantry Division to relieve the 351st Infantry of the 88th Division on April 11, 1944. Work immediately began to move troups and equipment into place to accomplish this. Things were getting busy for the regiment. On April 9, 1944, Johnnie warned Lucile in a V-mail that his writing time might soon be limited. According to Wikipedia, “… The 85th Division, under II Corps of the U.S. Fifth Army under Mark W. Clark, was committed to action as a unit, 10 April 1944, north of the Garigliano River, facing the Gustav Line, and held defensive positions for a month.”

My Dearest Darling,

Just a few lines to let you know I am thinking of you and hoping that this finds you well and OK. I received four letters from you today and I sure did feel good over it. Honey, maybe later on I won’t be able to write you as much as I have been writing you in the past. But I don’t want you to be worried about me cause you know I will write you every chance I can get. I received another letter from Louise today also. She said they are getting along OK. Well Darling, I will have to close for this time. So, write all you can and honey I love you a million.

Johnnie

March 28, 29, and 30, 1944

The regiment arrived in Naples, Italy on March 27, 1944, departing the same day by foot and convoy for Staging Area #1 in the vicinity of Bagnoli, Italy. They arrived at Staging Area #1 the same day and preparations began to “go into the line near Minturno, about 40 miles to the north.” On March 28, 1944 when things settled down, Johnnie wrote Lucile a V-mail, gently reminding her that there would be times when he could not write to her.

My Dear Darling,

Well, I finally got around to being able to write you a few lines once more. There isn’t anything wrong with me. I am as well as can be expected. But as you know I have told you in my other letters that there would be times when you won’t hear from me so regular and I know you understand that part. I hope this finds you in the best of health and I am also glad to hear that Mom Stacks is lots better. Give her my regards. I received the Easter card from you today. Also, three letters. The card was very nice. I know what you mean when you said you were looking over those letters I wrote you before we were married. I didn’t keep my promise to any of them, did I? I will do my best to make up a lot of things when we are back together again. I owe a lot to you. Will close. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Johnnie

Map of Italy with Naples circled in red (The World Factbook 2021, Washington, DC:
Central Intelligence Agency, 2021, public domain)

Johnnie wrote his March 29, 1944 letter from Italy on United States Navy stationery. He again changed “Navy” to “Army.” He had to use whatever paper was available. 

My Dearest Darling,

I am sorry I haven’t written you in the last few days but as I told you in my other letters, there will be days that I won’t be able to write. But don’t worry about me, for you know I will write you every chance I get. Darling I am in Italy now and I am OK and well. Honey, have you ever received any of the money I sent you? I guess you have by now. Darling, have you been having those pains lately. If so, please go see a doctor. That’s one thing I want you to do is to take care of your health. How are all the folks? Well, I hope. Tell them all hello for me. Well Darling I will have to close for this time. 

So, lots lots love, Johnnie

Johnnie had lots of questions in his March 30, 1944 letter to Lucile—13 in all.

My Dearest Darling,

Just a few lines to let you know I am well and OK and hope that this finds you the same. Darling, has Nell ever come back from visiting Robert yet? Are you both still working at the same place? I hope you never got on the night shift. Have you? How is Mickey and his girl getting along? Swell, I hope. Has Mickey heard anything from the Army yet? I hope not. How is Doc and Ma? Tell them I said hello. O’yeah, has that little Melvin grown any yet? Have you a picture of him taken recently? If so, send it to me. How is Dot and Drex and the baby getting along? Tell them to write me. Honey, has Grandma ever received the letter I wrote her? Let me know. Say, have you ever sent me those packages yet? I hope so. Have you ever heard from Louise yet? She wrote me and said she dropped you a line. I wonder how Evelyn ever came out with Ray. Have you heard? Well Darling, I will close for this time. So, keep writing. 

And lots lots love, Johnnie

Johnnie

When out of paper, you use what is available. Again, Johnnie crossed out “Navy” and wrote “Army” on this letter, something he did in several of his letters to Lucile.

Note the ‘Army Examiner” stamp in the bottom left corner of the envelope below.

Undated letters - mid-March 1944

Johnnie received tragic family news in March 1944. In an undated letter, he mentions the stabbing death of Leroy Stacks. On March 26, 1944, the Atlanta Constitution reported on the stabbing of 19-year-old Leroy from College Park following “an argument in the Blue Bird Inn, on the Roosevelt highway between College Park and Red Oak, Ga.” A 43-year-old local Fairburn, Georgia farmer named Melvin Lowry was indicted on murder. Leroy, Lucile’s paternal first cousin, was buried in College Park on March 27.

My Dearest Darling Wife,

I received your letter today telling me the bad news about Leroy Stacks being stabbed to death and I know it was a shock to you all. As for myself, I still can’t believe it. Another thing, I am sure they could have saved him if they would have rushed him to the hospital like you say. I am going to drop Aunt Lois a line and tell her how sorry I am to hear about him. I want you to let me know what they do to the guy that done it. Honey, it seems like everything happens to the Stacks family. The last two years, if you get what I mean, I just know your Mother is a nervous wreck again. Things like that really upset her and her being a nervous type anyway and I understand just how you feel about it all too. Please try to settle down again for my sake Darling. Well honey, I guess that’s all I will say about that. Well Darling, I will try and finish up on this today. I started still yesterday morning, but something came up and I had to quit writing and having had time to write no more till now. I don’t know whether I wrote you and said that I received a letter from Dot or not, but I did anyway. And she still seems like the Dot when I saw her last. You know honey, that girl goes through a lot and has been through a lot to stay as joyful as she does. She’s a swell kid and I think a lot of her. You can tell her that or either let her read this if you want. How is Mickey and his girls coming along? I am still waiting to hear from him. Did his girl go to Leroy’s funeral? I guess she did. O’yeah honey, you asked me in one of your letters if I care if you put the money I sent you on a stove. Honey, you do anything you want to with the money I send you. It doesn’t do me any good here and I want you to get the benefit of it. Get what I mean, Ha Ha? No kidding, go spend it the way you want to. Honey, is Irvin still down at Macon, Ga.? What did they ever do to him for staying at home away from camp so long? I don’t think you ever told me how he came out. Let me know, will you? O’yeah, what about sending me the papers once in a while, will you? I like to read about things going on back there. Well honey, I guess I will close for this time, so write me all the time you can, and I will try to do the same for you. Tell all the folks hello for me and to write. I miss you a lot Darling and I love you a million. 

Always, Johnnie

 

The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, March 26, 1944

In another undated letter to Lucile, Johnnie mentions Leroy, as well as the death of a man named Thurman who was killed in Italy on February 16. On March 24, 1944, the Atlanta Constitution reported the death of Henry Grady Thurman, a “paratrooper from Red Oak,” the same area of Georgia that Johnnie and his family lived. 

My Dearest Darling,

I received another letter from you today and in it, you were telling me about the Thurman boy being killed in action over here in Italy. Gee, it seems when bad news starts coming my way it really comes. First LeRoy and now him. I guess it really shocked his family. Sorry to hear about it. Well, I will quit on that. How is this letter finding you? A lot better I hope and over your nervous spell. I hope so. It really makes me feel bad when I know you are not well. I don’t know what would happen to me if you got hurt. I really miss you Luke and God knows how much I care and love you. Maybe we will get a break for us both pretty soon. I hope and pray it will be so. Well Darling, I received a package from Dad and also a letter from him. They are getting along OK. I also received the cigarettes you sent. I want to thank you a lot for the cigarettes. I just hope I get the ring OK. Well Darling, how is the rest of the family? Well, I hope. Tell them all hello for me and tell Grandma I have never received an anwer from her letter I wrote her. Well Darling, I will close for this time so keep writing and I will try to do the same. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie 

H. G. Thurman, Killed in Italy, The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, March 24, 1944

We cannot be sure when the next letter was written but Johnnie mentions receiving the ring and cigarettes referenced in his March 24, 1944 letter so this is as good a spot as any to place this letter. Johnnie was using U.S. Navy letterhead so crossed out “Navy” and wrote Army. He was probably using stationery from the ship they were traveling on.

My Dearest Darling

Receive letter from you today and was sure glad to get it after not receiving any from you in the last five days. I am glad to hear that you have been getting my letters pretty regular. But I hope you understanded later on why you won’t be receiving many letters from me, as you know I won’t have time to write you as regular as I have been doing. If I am right, I told you in the last letter I wrote you that I had receive the ring and cigarettes. Honey as I told you in my other letters, whenever you do have pains or sick I want you to go to a doctor. Because I don’t won’t anything to happen to you, regardless of anything else. I hope you understand me Lou you will have to write me, if I expect to get any mail at all because no one else does and I am not kidden either, Ha Ha. The letter I receive from you today just took seven days to get to me and that not bad at all is it. Lou, you said in this letter I just receive from you? That you try to do what I want you to do, I am sure you do Baby and that what makes me love you so. I am sorry to hear about Cecil and Drextel. I hope they don’t have to come in. Do you think they will? I kindy believe Cecil will. But Drex having that breathing trouble he might not make it. I hope when you do go to town this weekend, you try to find me a watch, I hating to ask you for those other things in the letter I wrote you before but I want them, and they will come in handy over here. I hope you don’t think I am asking you to get me anything foolish. Honey you remember that little picture holder you give me back at Trenton N.J. well I had a small picture of you in it and that little glass that fit in it came out and I lost the picture of you. I really hated to lose that picture of you because it was the best picture I ever had of you. What I mean by that is that picture look more like you, when I last saw you. Say honey when are you going to sit down and get other things off of your mind, and write me more then two pages in a letter. Latey I been reading them over two or three times, letting the fellows think I receive a long letter from you, Ha Ha. I know I been writing a lots of V mails to you lately but that all I have time for lately. One thing though, when I do have time to write you like I want to, I really try to write you everything that on my mind. I guess you notice that by this one, I am writing now. Well, I guess you are pretty busy and tired from working all day and want to get a little sleep and the guy here want his pen, so I will close. Tell the family hello for me and give them my love. I miss you alots. Baby and I love you a millions always. 

Johnnie

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)