June 1–4, 6, and 8, 1945

At the start of the period, the 1st Battalion and Service Company were stationed in the Belluno-Sedico area, the 2nd Battalion was located at Agrodo, the 3rd Battalion operated in the Mis-Sospirolpo area, and the Special Companies were positioned around Lake Alleghe. During the month, light training persisted, focusing on orientation, education, athletics, and recreation.

Johnnie had experienced enough of the war, and as he looked ahead, he made a conscious effort not to dwell on it once he returned home. At least, that is what he shared with Lucile in his June 1, 1945 V-mail.

My Dear Darling,

Just a few lines to let you know I am well and hope with all my heart that this finds you in the best of health. I received a letter from you yesterday that was mailed the twenty-third of May. Not bad, do you think? In this letter you wanted to know where I am at. Well, I am two miles from a town called Belluno, south of it. If you get an Italy map with most of the towns on it, you shall be able to tell about where I am at. You said when I did get home, I could just talk till my heart was content. That’s OK too, but that’s something I don’t want to do. What I mean is, not think about this war. That’s just over. Or the present one with Japan. That’s one thing I want to forget, and all the rest do too that are in the infantry. Well honey, I will close for now. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

As you read Johnnie’s June 2, 1945 V-mail, it initially seems like he might fuss at Lucile about something. However, as it turns out, he is complimenting her instead.

My Dear Darling,

Just a few lines to let you hear from me and to let you know I am well. I hope this finds you the same. How is Mom Stacks making out? Well, I hope. What about the rest of the family? I just hope soon I will be with you. That’s what most of us that came over with the outfit are worrying about at the present. If we do have to go fight the Japs, we all are hoping to go by the States for a thirty-day furlough. Keep your fingers crossed. We will know soon. O’yeah, not to get you mad or anything, but every time I have been getting a letter from you here lately, I have been keeping account of the dates of the letters. And you have been doing a good job of writing me and letting me know what’s going on back there at home pretty regular. Keep it up. Will close. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

In his June 3, 1945 V-mail, Johnnie expressed concern about Lucile’s financial well-being. His primary focus was ensuring that she had everything she needed.

Hello Darling,

I received one letter from you today and one from Mary. Sure was glad to hear from you both. Yesterday, I received the nice Bible your Mother sent me. It sure is a nice one too. Honey, the reason I asked you about your savings account is I just wanted to know if anything happens where you might need money, that you would have it on hand. If you didn’t, you could write me and I could help. I hope you get what I am trying to say! Do you? I am glad you like the pictures of me. But as my opinion of them, they are not worth looking at. I can’t understand where you and the rest of the family think I am getting better looking. Wait till you see me as myself. I look like sad-sack, Ha Ha. No kidding. Well honey, I will close for this time. Tell all the folks hello for me. And to you I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

Johnnie and unknown man (post-WWII)

During World War II, pin-up girls played a significant role. They contributed to the war effort by selling war bonds and boosting morale through letters to soldiers. These images adorned military publications and magazine covers, eagerly anticipated by servicemen. Johnnie had his own pin-up girl back home in Georgia, and made sure to convey this sentiment in his June 4, 1945 letter.

My Dear Darling,

I received two letters from you today and was glad to hear that you are well and alright. As for myself, I am OK. Glad to hear that you are getting my letters to you pretty regular here lately. Remember every chance I get I try to get a letter off to you. As long as I know you are still waiting and there no other guys beating my time while I am away doing things that I thought once was inhuman, I am perfect in feeling and very Damn Happy to know I have as a wife such a swell woman and not one of those I used to run around with before I met you. You know some of the ones I am talking about very well. Right? Well that’s enough on that subject. Just remember you are my number one pin up girl and mine alone, OK? You say Mom Stacks is painting her house inside. I bet it looks nice. Say, by the way, are those rooms you painted different down at our house still the same? You remember you had one blue, orange, pink and white, I think. Anyway, it really looks good. Say if you are getting mail from McClueley you could send me his address yourself. Couldn’t you? Or haven’t you ever thought of that. Anyway, you told me a couple of months back he was going to write. But he never did. Where is his wife anyway? O’yeah, you said here in one of your letters that you were going to Warm Springs with Woodrow and a bunch but you were sick at the time and said you wasn’t going. That’s OK too. But you said the bunch. What’s wrong, don’t I know the crowds or are they a new bunch since I left? Must be. All you named was Woodrow. What about your side? Did you go to have a checkup? One thing I have learned since I have been away and that is if I say I am going to do something I do my darndest to do such. Which I see I have to teach you the same when I get back, Ha Ha. Maybe you think I am blowing my top. Well I am in a way. This was over here while it lasted much had got the best of me. Sometimes I wonder. Yeah, I guess there are a lot of guys around there at home coming back now. I just hope I can get a boat going that way. Well honey, I will close for now. Tell all hello for me. I miss you a lot and I love you a million. 

Always, Johnnie

Although we cannot be sure, we believe this photo was taken ca. 1945 so may be the “bunch” mentioned in the letter.
Back row: Woodrow Oglesby, Francis Stacks Oglesby, Elvie and Earl Stacks, Mary Stacks, Leola Lemon Stacks.
Front row: Shirley Oglesby, Betty Stacks, Melvin Stacks. We believe the baby off to the left on the ground is Jerry Oglesby.

In his June 6, 1945 V-mail, Johnnie requested that Lucile send financial assistance to his sister Kate.

My Dear Darling,

Just a few lines this morning to let you know I am well and OK and hope with all my heart that this finds you in the best of health. I received a letter from Kate today. She sent me a picture of her and the two kids. She said she was going to move out to College Park sometime this month. She said she would be able to see you a lot then. As I wrote you before, she wrote to Louise for some money to help her with the kids. But all Louise could send her was ten dollars. From what I get out of Louise’s letter, she has been sick here lately and Louise said a few debts have piled up on her while she was sick. Louise wanted to know if I could help Kate out any and I told her I would. What I want you to do is take thirty-five dollars out to her. Louise said she would help Kate pay back to us whatever we loan her. If she doesn’t, it’s OK because they are my sisters and I can’t let them down when they are in trouble, right? Kate’s address is 100 5th Street NW. I will write you a longer letter. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

In his June 8, 1945 letter, Johnnie attempted to reassure Lucile in case he was sent to the Pacific instead of returning home. He also apologized for something he had mentioned in a previous letter.

Dearest Lou,

Received three letters from you yesterday and one from Mary. Sure was glad to get them too. Say what about you taking it easy. Every letter I get from you, you say you are OK except only tired. Remember you don’t have to work yourself to death. So, go easy for awhile. You might work yourself down to nothing then what will I have to come back too? Ha Ha. I am glad to hear that you are getting my letters right along now and yours to me isn’t bad at all. You wanted to know whether I might get to come home soon. Well, I can’t say for sure as yet. But all of us that came over with the outfit think we will go by home, if we are shipped to the Pacific. Don’t worry about Mickey. I think he can take care of hisself. O’yeah, thanks a lot for consenting my wish about us getting together when I do make that boat for home. I know it’s going to be hard to get away from the folks. But we will do it someway. Right? About me being a machine gunner, if I do go to the Pacific, if the Army wants me to stay as one, I haven’t got much to say about it. Anyway, it’s a good weapon to have around when things get to going tough. And I should know. Let’s hope I don’t have to see anymore action. Right? I doubt if I could take anymore anyway. O’yeah, about Dad’s wife having an operation on her breast, I wasn’t making fun of her or was I offending you. That’s just my old opinion of a breast, when I used to run around. Known as a tit. About the way men and women are doing. Let’s don’t let things like that happen between us. You remember the trouble we had once before. I made a promise to you and I also asked forgiving from that swell guy above. Well, I know now I am on the right track with him. Because he could have had me knocked off if he wanted me to go. Alots of times. As you know. Well honey, I will close for now. I miss you a lot and I love you a million. 

Always, Johnnie 

Mary Stacks

May 25 and 27, 1945

In his May 25, 1945 letter to Lucile, Johnnie felt the need to reassure her. He wanted her to know that his love was unwavering, and there was no one else but her. Additionally, he referenced the Advanced Service Rating Score, a system used by the military for demobilization. Soldiers earned points based on their service: 1 point for each month of military service, 1 point for each month service overseas, 5 points for each combat award received, and 12 points each for dependent children under 18 years of age (up to three). 

My Dear Darling,

Received two letters from you yesterday. Also, one from Nell. Sure was glad to get them too. Haven’t heard from you in quite some time. Glad to hear that Dad’s wife is coming along OK. I have been wanting to write to her. But tonight is the first chance I had time to write in the last five days. We had to haul prisoners from Austria down here to the prisoner of war camp and I have been riding back and forth the last few days. Tomorrow we pay tribute to the boys in our outfit that have given their life for this great victory for freedom and peace here in Europe. The only thing about this is it just makes me think of the pals that are gone. But not forgotten, right? Well that’s enough on that. Honey, you were talking about this point system, wondering if I had enough. No, I have just seventy. If I had a couple little Johnnies I would be setting pretty, Ha Ha. If I knew what I know now, we would have quantriblist, Ha Ha. Right? I think that’s the way to spell that word isn’t it? Anyway, I think you can make it out. What are you talking about wondering if I feel about you the way you do me? Listen here. All I have been through I know I couldn’t have if I knew you wasn’t with me and waiting for me! You remember when we started going together and I told you that if anything came between us, I would let you know. Well, you are still tops to me and there is none that can take your place. And everything that I have hoped for and dreamed about is built around you. Lou, you don’t want the same Johnnie back and I doubt if you are getting the fool that thought the world was built just for him. There are changes. A lot from the other Johnnie you married. But as far as loving you there are none. You are part of me in everything I do. Remember that. Well sweetheart, I hope you understand me. I could do better if I was there. I pray that will be soon. Tell all hello for me and drop a line. Will close. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

 

US troops aboard the USS Gen. Harry Taylor reverse their route back to
New York, August 11, 1945. National Archives and Records Administration,
public domain.

In his May 27, 1945 letter, Johnnie shared details about their experiences transporting prisoners of war and described their living conditions.

My Dear Darling,

I received two letters from you yesterday. You were saying something about your side being sore since you fell off of the ladder and that you were going to the doctor to have a checkup on yourself. I think that’s a darn good idea. Your side could be serious and you not knowing it, except once and awhile when the pain hits you. I am very concerned about your health and I am wondering all the time if you are well or not. As for myself, I am not too well here lately. But the reason is I am at war rather was moving day and night with German prisoners that we didn’t have time to sleep or eat regular. I have lost about eight or ten pounds. All of us have for that matter. But the last two days we have been staying in a hotel with a few soft beds in it and all we have been doing is sleeping and eating. It’s not bad at all. But I don’t know just how long this will last. I am sure not for long. Glad to hear that you got the gift I sent Doc. It just doesn’t seem right him being gone. But as you say he is a lot better off than a lot of us are. I am glad all of you like your gift. What I want to do now is get back and give you a honeymoon if I am able. On your money of course, Ha Ha. O yeah, you wanted to know whether I received your picture or not. I’m sure I wrote you and told you I got the pictures. Maybe I didn’t though. Anyway, it’s a swell picture of you. It even looks better than the Lucile I used to go with. Maybe you know her. She lives down in Stackville, Ga. and boy can she make a chocolate cake, Ha Ha. Know her? Well honey, I guess that’s enough of that. So, I will close. Tell Mom Stacks and the rest of the family hello for me. And I pray to see you all soon. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

On May 29, 1945, the 3rd Battalion relocated to the Mis-Sospirolo area. By the end of the month, the 1st Battalion was stationed in the Belluno-Sedico area, the 2nd Battalion in Agordo, and the special companies were positioned on Lake Alleghe.

Panoramic view of Agordo in Italy. Photo by Circolo fotografico agordino (an Italian photography
club based in Agordo), CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/, via Wikimedia Commons.

Although Johnnie did not mention it directly, a newspaper article in Kentucky’s Paducah Sun-Democrat on May 31, 1945, revealed that his best friend, Sgt. James Lamb, had received the Silver Star. Sgt. Lamb was recognized for “gallantry in action on April 19, 1945, in Italy.” It is highly likely that Johnnie was alongside Sgt. Lamb during that significant day.

Sgt. James Lamb Wins Silver Star, The Paducah Sun-Democrat,
Paducah, Kentucky, May 31, 1945

During the month of May, 25 Silver Stars Medals (4 posthumously), 3 Oak Leaf Cluster to Bronze Star Medals, 124 Bronze Star Medals (4 posthumously), 86 Purple Hearts, 35 Oak Leaf Cluster to Purple Hearts, 217 Combat Infantryman Badges, and 67 Medical Badges were awarded. Four enlisted men were killed in action, 3 enlisted men died from wounds, and 2 officers and 10 enlisted men were wounded in action. The Regiment now consisted of 168 assigned officers, 1 attached officer, 5 warrant officers, and 3273 assigned enlisted men, and 19 attached enlisted men. 

In May 1945, General Mark W. Clark, the Commander of the Allied Forces in Italy, wrote a letter to the 15th Army Group at the end of the war. The letter reads: 

With a full and grateful heart I hail and congratulate you in this hour of complete victory over the German enemy, and join with you in thanks to Almighty God.

Yours has been a long, hard fight—the longest in this war of any Allied troops fighting on the Continent of Europe. You men of the Fifth and Eighth Armies have brought that fight to a successful conclusion by recent brilliant offensive operations which shattered the German forces opposing you. Their surrender was the inevitable course left to them, they had nothing more to fight with in Italy.

You have demonstrated something new and remarkable in the annals of organized warfare: You have shown that a huge fighting force composed of units from many countries with diverse languages and customs, inspired, as you have always been, with a devotation to the cause of freedom, can become an effective and harmonious fighting team.

This teamwork which has carried us to victory has included in full measure the supporting arms which have worked with us throughout the campaign. The services that have supplied us have overcome unbelievable obstacles and have kept us constantly armed, equipped, and fed. The magnificent support which we have always had from the Allied air and naval forces in this theater has written a new page in the history of cooperative combat action.

Our exultation in this moment is blended with sorrow as we pay tribute to the heroic Allied soldiers who have fallen in battle in order that this victory might be achieved. The entire world will forever honor their memory.

I am intensely proud of you all and of the honor which I have had of commanding such invincible troops. My thanks go to each of you for your capable, aggressive, and loyal service which has produced this great victory.

MARK W. CLARK
GENERAL, USA, COMMANDING
May 1945

Click here to read the Operations Report by the 337th Infantry Regiment for June 1945.

May 16, 19, and 21, 1945

In his letter dated May 16, 1945, Johnnie finally shared with Lucile a little of what he had been doing during the war over the past eight months, though he refrained from providing specific details. This was the first time he had been able to communicate this information.

My Dear Darling Lou,

I received a letter from you yesterday that was mailed the fourth of this month with you talking about not hearing from me in a good while. Well, that’s the first letter I have had from you in a week. One reason you are not hearing from me here lately was that we started this last drive that finished up the war over here. Three weeks I wasn’t able to write you but two V-mails. But here lately, I have been writing you at least every other day. So, you shall be hearing from me pretty regular soon. About me coming home now that this war is over with. I can’t really say but things look good so far. I am hoping if I do have to go to the Pacific that I go by home for a thirty-day furlough. A lot of guys will get them before they go there or maybe I might stay here for Army occupation. I can’t say as yet, lets hope for the best, OK? Yes, I bet that baby of Bob and Nell’s is growing. You talk about Dot and Drex being down at the home. What about telling them to drop me a line. Long time no hear, Ha Ha. O’yeah, I didn’t want to tell you what my job is but now that things have quieted down over here, I will. I had myself transferred out of a rifle company to the machine guns about eight months ago. I am the gunner. I was in charge of the section. But the guy came back from the hospital he still wanted me to stay in charge. But I told him that job wasn’t for me. The reason I got in the machine guns was they throw more lead than any other weapon and they will stop a lot of Germans when they were making attack at our position. I can tell you, it’s really a good weapon to have around when there is a lot of Germans coming at you. I shall know. Well honey, I will have to close to now. Tell all the folks hello for me. And write. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

Robert (Bob), Nell, and their daughter Judy

The photos below show Johnnie and his friend James Lamb after capturing Germans and their machine guns. He explained to his son Randy that they used these German guns because they were superior to the ones issued by the U.S. Army. According to Johnnie, the German guns were more reliable and did not emit smoke like the American guns did when they were overheated. The absence of smoke made the American soldiers less conspicuous targets. Johnnie was vigilant—when his gun started smoking, he promptly moved to avoid becoming a mortar target. On the back of the partially damaged photo, Johnnie wrote ‘Love, Johnnie. In case you don’t know, this guy is me. Taken right after we captured twenty Germans. That is a machine gun. …’ 

Johnnie

Back of photo

Johnnie’s ‘buddy,’ James Lamb—taken the same day

Back of photo

The bayonet and case in the photo below were removed from one of the captured Germans mentioned above. Johnnie’s son, Randy, was not sure whether the German soldier was dead or alive, but he knew that his father was not inclined to take items from deceased individuals. After returning home, Johnnie gifted the bayonet to his brother-in-law Earl Stacks. Earl held onto it until around 1993, when he passed it on to Randy.

Bayonet and case from a captured German

On May 18, 1945, an additional 1,600 troops from the 73rd Corps were evacuated. On May 19, 1945, an explosion at the German ammunition assembly point in Mas resulted in one American soldier killed, two wounded, and 20 German casualties (half of whom were killed).

In his May 19, 1945 letter, Johnnie began crafting secret plans for his homecoming. His desire was clear: he wanted Lucile all to himself.

Dear Darling Lou,

Just a few lines hoping that this finds you in the best of health. As for myself, I am OK. You say Robert is in England. It looks like he would be able to tell he was if he is there now that the war is over. We won’t now. We don’t have our mail censor no more. I am at the present about forty miles from the country of Austria border. But still in Italy. All we are doing at the present is guarding German prisons and resting up. We have a nice hotel to stay in that the Germans had and as far as that we are pretty costly at the present. O yeah I sent off those guns I was telling you about in one of my letters yesterday. Also sent you a blanket which is new. It is a German blanket and I sent a German purple heart and compass which I want you to put up for me. You shall receive all of that stuff in about a month, I hope. I still haven’t heard from you in a good while now or anybody else for that matter. O yeah do you think you could get me a good pencil and a few stamps? This pen I have now isn’t mine and the guy I have been borrowing it off of is getting tired of me asking for it all the time, which I don’t blame him. I have been using it more than he has lately. See what you can do about the situation, OK? O yeah, just in case I do come home one of these days, which I have my hopes on, we are going to take off. I want you to myself for a few days anyway. I know darn well what its going to be like when I do get back. We won’t have one minute to ourselves because everybody will want to see me and talk to me and if we don’t take off for a few days people will even be at the house all night just talking. Where all I would have on my mind is you. Don’t you think it will be something like that? Let me know your opinion. Well, I guess that’s enough on that. Let’s just hope and pray I will be seeing you soon. How is Mom Stacks? Has she ever finished that letter to me, Ha Ha? Give her my regards. Tell all the rest of the family hello for me. Well Darling, I will close for now. Hoping to hear from you soon. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

Johnnie was near the border of Italy and Austria when he wrote his May 19 letter
(somewhere in the vicinity of the blue star on the map). Image provided by:
Library of Congress, Washington, DC, Geography and Map Division.

After learning from Lucile that his stepmother had breast cancer, Johnnie confided in her during a letter he wrote on May 21, 1945. He expressed having many questions about women and other personal matters.

My Dear Darling Lou,

I received two letters from you yesterday. Also, one from Mom Stacks. Sure was glad to get them after not hearing from you in twelve days. So glad to know you are alright. I was sorry to hear about Dad’s wife. Honey, you said she had a growth on her breast and they had to take it off. What I want to know is were you talking about the growth on her breast or the whole breast. Or better known to me as the tits. I didn’t know a woman could live with one of them taken from her. But of course, there is a lot I don’t know about the female sex and other things about women. You don’t know it, but there is a lot of questions I want to ask you when I get back about such things which I thought I knew. But I have heard the fellows here in my outfit talk about women and sex. I found out I don’t know half of the things about such. And I am sure you can answer such questions for me. OK? O yeah, a friend of mine got a letter from his wife the other day saying that she was getting ready to have a baby. He has been over here about as long as I have. He went and had her allotment stopped and wrote her that when he did return, she better be many miles away from him because he would kill her just like he had killed the Germans over here. Boy, this kid really went out of his head when he read that letter she wrote him. And I don’t blame him either, do you? Well, I guess thats enough on that. But things like that just burns me up. When guys like him have been over here fighting and going through hell for nothing. Well honey, I will have to close for now because we are getting ready to move to another area. By the way, since the first of this month, six fellows have left to go home. I still have my hopes up. I miss you a lot and I love you a million. 

Always, Johnnie

On May 21, 1945, 1,500 troops from the 73rd Corps were escorted to Bassano. Then, on May 25, 1945, several thousand captured horses were handed over to the Army remount service, and the 600 troops with service trains completed the evacuation of the 76th Panzer Corps and all enemy troops in the regimental zone. At 2 AM, the regiment was relieved of all military duties as elements of the Italian Folgore Group took control of the zone

Throughout the rest of the month, the regiment focused on light training, emphasizing athletics and recreation. Additionally, all battalions held solemn memorial services to honor the men who sacrificed their lives during the Italian campaigns.

May 10, 12, and 14, 1945

On May 10, 1945, Johnnie wrote a letter to Lucile, sharing the news that he was sending several German items back to the states. He also expressed concerned about his sister’s well-being and the possibility she was facing financial difficulties.

My Dear Darling,

Just a few lines to let you know I am well and alright and hope that this finds you the same. Honey, about the watch I sent to have fixed. Just forget about it. I have another watch. So, put it away till I call for it, OK? Honey, I am sending a German blanket which is new, also I am sending a German rifle and a German bunt pistol. I want you to put them up for me. Not the blanket though. That is yours to do whatever you want to with it. Be sure and let no one fool with the guns. They are not to play with. Or to be messed with. Regardless whoever it may be. I hope you understand, OK? We are not doing much now except guard duty. And getting rested up and I can grant you, we really need the rest. How are the folks there at home taking the ending of the war here in Italy and on the other fronts over here? I guess everybody is pretty happy about it and are praying that soon we will have peace all over the world once more and I just hope and pray it won’t be long off. How is the rest of the family? O yeah honey, how is our bank account? Or rather yours. Let me know. Louise wrote me and said that Kate sent her a letter wanting to borrow some money. She must be having trouble. I hope she isn’t out of a job. Especially with those two kids. I wish you would check up on her and if she needs any money or that you can help her any at all, do so. She’s still my sister and I know you understand. Let me know the result and also if you let her have any money let me know. Well honey, I will have to close for now. But be sure to let me know what the result is of our bank account before you do anything OK? And remember about those guns. I miss you a lot and I love you a million. 

Always, Johnnie

Johnnie and Lucile (before the war)

Johnnie’s unit is finally enjoying a well-deserved rest now that the war has ended. In his letter to Lucile dated May 12, 1945, he mentioned craving several sweets—something he likely had not tasted in quite some time.

Hello Babe,

Just a few lines to let you know I am thinking of you and I hope this finds you in the best of health as I am OK. Just wanting to be with you is my only trouble at the present. Well, I guess you want to know what we are doing since the war has ended over here. Well, mostly just resting up and doing a little general duty. O yeah honey, just before we started this last push over here, which ended the war here in Italy and elsewhere, I was at the rest hotel and a buddy of mine took a couple of pictures of me. One isn’t no good at all but the reason I am sending it is to show you one of our rest hotels of our own outfit. Do you think the pictures look like the guy that left you at the train station the last time we were together? I don’t. These pictures were made sometime in March, which are about two months old now. I haven’t heard from you in almost a week now. I hope to get some mail from you today. Say, how quick could you get me a box off? I would like to have some hair tonic because my hair is getting pretty dry. Get some of the rose hair oil if you can. Also, what I would like to have is some marshmallows, which I haven’t had in a long time, and a few candy bars! And whatever else you can think of I would like, OK? Well honey, I will close for now. Tell all the family I said hello. I miss you a lot and I love you a million. 

Always, Johnnie

We have not been able to verify the specific rest hotel where Johnnie spent time after liberation. However, among his personal belongings, we discovered a booklet titled City Plan of Florence, Italy: Compliments of Fifth Army Officer’s Rest Hotel, along with a placement-style map titled Firenze, which translates to Florence. Below, you will find select images from these artifacts.

Map on the back side of the Fifth Army Officers’ Rest Hotel placemat

 

Enlarged to see ‘Fifth Army’

Johnnie shared a grim statistic with Lucile in his May 14, 1945 letter from Italy—only 47 out of 198 men in his unit were left—some still hospitalized, some back home crippled for life, and many that did not survive.

My Dear Darling,

I received your letter that was written May second. Sure was glad to hear that you are alright. As for myself, I am OK. Yes, I still can’t believe the war is over here. It really seems funny and makes you have some kind of a feeling not to hear shells busting and machine guns firing after being around them so long. Thank God I was spared through all of this horrible war or seeing your buddies getting killed around you or hurt and seeing people suffer as I have. I wouldn’t think a person could stand it all. But there is something in you that just keeps you going. I wasn’t able to write this till now. Because the censor wouldn’t let it go through. But it’s those people back there that aren’t helping in war work or anything to help put a stop to all of this with Japan I am talking about now. They should see or go through the horrors of war and I will grant you they will do something about helping us end it all. Lucile, when I came overseas, I was with a hundred and ninety-eight men which was in my company. And I knew them all pretty well and some of them who discussed their family with me, and their troubles. Well, most of all the old men that came over with me are gone now. Some are still in hospitals, some are back home crippled up for life, and a lot that won’t see home no more. There are just forty-seven men that I came over with left out of a hundred and ninety-eight. We might have won this war with Germany, but a lot of us lost too, right? But they didn’t die in vain or get crippled up for nothing. They just didn’t want their family to suffer like what the Germans did to these people over here. They wanted their family to live without being in fear like Germany had the people over here. I could tell you a lot more but that’s not for me. I just want to forget all of this. I hope you understand me. This picture you sent of Drex looks like the same old Drex to me. He hasn’t changed much at all. He really looked good. O yeah, that gift of your Mother, when I sent it, I was hoping it would get to her around Mother’s Day and yours I was thinking of your birthday. But I see it missed that day a long way off, right? Sure glad to hear that Dot got a nice set of teeth. How does she like them? Well honey, I will close for now. So, keep writing. I can answer any question now as they don’t censor my mail anymore. I think you are swell. And I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

Johnnie in Italy (unknown whether it was taken
at the aforementioned rest hotel)

On May 15, 1945, a mass evacuation began, escorting 18,532 troops and 540 enemy vehicles to Bassano.

May 6 and 8, 1945 - Germany surrenders

By May 6, a total of 6,690 prisoners from the regimental cage had been evacuated to the II Corps concentration area at Bassano. Subsequently, these prisoners were transferred to the control of the 76th Corps.

Prisoners of war file into a II Corps enclosure, April 18, 1945.
Photographer: Wiedenmayer, 196th Signal Photo Company, public domain.

In his letter dated May 6, 1945, Johnnie playfully teased Lucile about her age. His affection for Lucile’s family shines through in his frequent mentions of them. 

My Dear Darling Wife,

I received four letters from you yesterday. Also, the ones with Mom Stacks picture, Mary, Earl and his wife. They all are very good, especially Mom Stacks. She is so young looking for her age. And Mary, I guess she does think she is grown. All little old girls think so when they get to be fourteen or fifteen. I shall know because I started fooling with them when I was that age myself, Ha Ha. And I know you shalln’t be talking because I bet you were the same way when you were that age. Anyway, now that you are thirty-three you would think her being just a baby still, Ha Ha. Darn, there I go running your age up again. How old did you say you are now? Maybe I guessed wrong. I think it is twenty-three. Regardless, you still look sixteen to me and for any to ever take your place there just isn’t. You have taught me a lot of things in the ways of life. And I have learned a lot being in this war. A lot of things I want to forget. You saw Mickey got eight hundred for his car? I think he did real well. If I was him though, I wouldn’t put it in another car right away. I would wait. Because I am sure as soon as this war over here is over, prices will drop a lot on automobiles and a lot of other things as far as that matters. Of course, that is just my own opinion of what will happen. Of course, now he is doing things on his on and his wife and I don’t like to get in family matters, Ha Ha. Yes, I can understand how Mickey feels about going back to camp. I shall don’t you think? Say, how did Edna ever come out? If you wrote me and told me I forgot. Is she completey well? What about Irvin? You remember when I wrote and told you I met him? Well, that’s the last I ever heard from him. I hope he is OK. Well honey, I will have to close for now. Give all the family my regards. I miss you a lot and I love you a million. 

Always, Johnnie

Lucile

On May 7, 1945, the regiment supervised the assembly and disarmament of the 76th German Corps’ headquarters troops. On May 8, 1945, the Allied forces accepted the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany, officially ending the war in Europe after years of devastating conflict. V-E Day, or Victory in Europe Day, was a momentous occasion that brought immense relief and joy to millions of people across Europe and around the world. It symbolized the long-awaited defeat of a brutal regime responsible for widespread suffering, persecution, and genocide. The news of this historic event was prominently featured as a cover page headline across the United States and around the world. 

Headline of The Atlanta Constitution, May 8, 1945

Spontaneous celebrations erupted in cities and towns with people flooding the streets, waving American flags, singing, dancing, embracing, and sharing kisses. Many attended church services to offer prayers of gratitude and thanksgiving for the hard-won victory. President Harry S. Truman, recognizing the immense sacrifice, declared a National Day of Prayer to honor those who had given their lives. In his address to the nation, he made the following proclamation:

The Allied armies, through sacrifice and devotion and with God’s help, have wrung from Germany a final and unconditional surrender. The western world has been freed of the evil forces which for five years and longer have imprisoned the bodies and broken the lives of millions upon millions of free-born men. They have violated their churches, destroyed their homes, corrupted their children, and murdered their loved ones. Our Armies of Liberation have restored freedom to these suffering peoples, whose spirit and will the oppressors could never enslave.

Much remains to be done. The victory won in the West must now be won in the East. The whole world must be cleansed of the evil from which half the world has been freed. United, the peace-loving nations have demonstrated in the West that their arms are stronger by far than the might of dictators or the tyranny of military cliques that once called us soft and weak. The power of our peoples to defend themselves against all enemies will be proved in the Pacific war as it has been proved in Europe.

For the triumph of spirit and of arms which we have won, and for its promise to peoples everywhere who join us in the love of freedom, it is fitting that we, as a nation, give thanks to Almighty God, who has strengthened us and given us the victory.

Now, therefore, I, Harry S. Truman, President of the United States of America, do hereby appoint Sunday, May 13, 1945, to be a day of prayer.

I call upon the people of the United States, whatever their faith, to unite in offering joyful thanks to God for the victory we have won and to pray that He will support us to the end of our present struggle and guide us into the ways of peace.

I also call upon my countrymen to dedicate this day of prayer to the memory of those who have given their lives to make possible our victory.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States of America to be affixed.

Done at the city of Washington this eighth day of May, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and forty-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the one hundred and sixty-ninth.

It was the president’s 61st birthday. You can hear the full speech here.

Official portrait of President Harry S. Truman, ca. 1945.
Photo by Greta Kempton, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

In his letter to Lucile on May 8, 1945, Johnnie shared the same news and expressed his wish for peace in Europe.

My Dear Darling,

Received a letter from you today telling me that you have received the gift that I had ordered for you. I was beginning to think what money I put in all of those gifts to you and Mom Stacks was lost. Counting yours and Mom Stacks and Dot, in all, it just cost me about twenty-eight dollars. I am glad you like the gift and I hope Mom Stacks likes hers. I guess you have heard over the radio and read in the papers that the war here in Italy is over with and we have heard that fighting on all the fronts has ended. If so, that means the whole of Europe has peace once more which I hope is true! There isn’t much I can add for what you won’t read in the papers and on the radio. Well honey, I will have to close for now. Tell all hello for me. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

On May 9, 1945 the 3rd Battalion relocated to the Pieve di Cadore Calalzo area. In May, the regiment disarmed and evacuated German troops in their sector. The 76th Panzer Corps’ troops were organized into Battle Groups Polack, Reinhardt, Hoppe, and Reinwald.

May 1 and 5, 1945

On April 30, 1945, the combat team received an alert to relocate to Treviso and promptly commenced their movement at 6 PM. However, as the march was underway, the designated area was modified, shifting from Treviso to a location just west of Vicenza. As the period drew to a close, various organizations were settling into the temporary camp. Interestingly, despite the significant historical event, Adolf Hitler’s suicide on the same day, Johnnie had not mentioned it in his letters.

During the month of April, a total of 74 officers and 4074 enlisted men were interrogated and subsequently evacuated as prisoners of war. However, these figures do not account for several thousand enemy combatants who were either handed over to other divisions or directly transported to prisoner of war facilities without undergoing formal processing. Two Distinguished Service Cross Medals, 1 Legion of Merit, 3 Silver Stars, 1 Oak Leaf Cluster to Bronze Star Medal, 21 Bronze Stars (1 posthumously), 62 Purple Hearts, 13 Oak Leaf Clusters to Purple Hearts, 2 Second Oak Leaf Clusters to Purple Hearts, 31 Combat Infantryman Badges, and 192 Medical Badges were awarded. One officer and 23 enlisted men were killed in action, 5 officers and 85 enlisted men were wounded in action, and 3 enlisted men were missing in action. The Regiment now consisted of 179 officers, 3 attached officers, 5 warrant officers, 3334 assigned enlisted men, and 7 attached enlisted men. 

Click here to read the Operations Report by the 337th Infantry Regiment for May 1945.

On the rainy night of April 31 to May 1, the Combat Team, detached from the 85th Infantry Division, closed into an assembly area west of Vicenza. They received orders to move west of the Piave River, passing through the right flank of the 349th Infantry (attached to the 88th Infantry Division). The regimental motor column advanced, encountering disorganized German groups fleeing to Austria. By 3:30 PM, the 2nd Battalion reached a new temporary camp. The Intelligence and Reconnaissance Platoon captured 266 prisoners, while Partisans reported thousands more in the hills. At 10:30 PM, the Commanding General of the 88th Division ordered the regiment to advance on May 2 via Feltre, Sedico, and Agordo toward Highway 49 and the Austrian border.

Partisan leader plans patrol for four members of his partisans, two women and two
men. The woman second from the right, will cross into German territory to seek
information. This photo was taken on October 5, 1944, in the Castelluccio area
of Italy and depicts Partisan troops. Photographer: Baker, 3131 Signal Service
Company. Photo Source: U.S. National Archives. Digitized by Signal Corps
Archive. Public domain.

Field Order No. 2, issued at 11:15 PM, assigned missions for the advance on May 2. The 2nd Battalion, reinforced with motorized units, including tanks, tank destroyers, field artillery, chemical mortars, and engineers, was ordered to boldly advance north and northeast from Feltre toward Highway 49. Meanwhile, the 3rd Battalion’s mission included mopping up the regimental sector, reconnoitering the mountainous left flank, and evacuating prisoners. The 1st Battalion served as the regimental reserve.

Amidst the events of May 1, 1945, Johnnie managed to write to Lucile. You could sense that he must have known the end of the war was near and he was in a happy mood.

My Dear Darling

Today I received two letters from you and in one of the letters was the pictures of Nell and the baby with you in one holding the baby. All of them are really good and that baby. I don’t want to brag on Nell and Robert but they do alright on producing good looking baby’s, Ha Ha. Don’t tell them that or they might go in for a living on doing such things, Ha Ha. Putting all kidding aside though, tell Nell her and the baby look swell. I am glad to hear that you received the watch and rifle badge OK. Yes, I would like to have the watch back. That is if it doesn’t cost too much to have it fixed up. Before you have it fixed up let me know the price. Then I will let you know whether to go ahead or not, OK? I guess I wrote you and told you Evelyn was going to have another baby. Did I? I wrote her back and told her to take it easy, Ha Ha. Also told her to tell Bill to send me a big box of candy or something. I told her to tell him I shall get something out of the deal, Ha Ha. Boy, I bet that burns then both up, don’t you? You know little Mary. Or shall I say Miss Mary Stacks, Ha Ha, wrote me a nice letter. But I have never answered it just yet. I guess she thinks I will never answer it. But tell her not to give up hope. One of these days I will have plenty of time and I will just keep on writing till my fingers won’t hold the pen or pencil anymore. Well honey, I guess I have run short of news. So, I will close. I miss you a lot and I love you a million. 

Always, Johnnie

Johnnie and his sister Evelyn

During the night, the Combat Team (except the 1st Battalion) moved to a new area. Units attached for the next day’s advance joined their respective battalions. At 2:06 AM on May 2, Task Force Morgan began moving, with Company G infantry riding tanks and tank destroyers. Despite an initial bulldozer delay, the column resumed by 7:30 AM. The 2nd Battalion surged ahead, encountering no opposition on excellent roads. At 9:10 AM, the 2nd Battalion’s Commanding Officer reported a destroyed bridge at Bribano and was ordered to continue westward toward the Torrente Cordevale and seize the bridge at Mas.

In the meantime, the Combat Team came under 85th Division control since 7 AM. The rapid advance of the 2nd Battalion made mopping up their assigned zone unnecessary. Consequently, the 3rd Battalion was ordered to move swiftly along the advance route, ready to assist the 2nd Battalion if they encountered significant opposition.

As the 2nd Battalion surged ahead, they passed through Sospirolo, seized the intact bridge at Gron, and turned east toward Mas. At 10 AM, they encountered the first enemy troops. The leading tanks and 1st Platoon of Company G attacked the village of Mas, resulting in the destruction of three enemy artillery pieces, 20 horses killed, and 377 prisoners captured. Most importantly, the vital bridge at Mas remained intact. The task force then headed north toward Agordo, navigating a narrow mountain gorge flanked by the Cordevale and steep cliffs. South of Peron, they encountered a German supply train of about 50 vehicles and horse-drawn wagons. The tanks swiftly destroyed the entire column. Despite enemy attempts to delay the advance, the 1st Platoon of Company G engaged in fierce combat, with six wounded and four killed by hidden snipers. After routing the remaining Germans, the column continued forward.

At noon, Lieutenant Colonel Frank H. Morgan encountered a German representative who conveyed that hostilities in Italy would cease at 2:14 PM. Seeking safe passage through our lines, the representative aimed to notify other German troops of the surrender. Despite no official word from higher headquarters, Lieutenant Colonel Morgan proceeded with his advance, while the German envoy was escorted to the division command post.

As the task force moved north, it encountered sniper fire from the cliffs east of the road. At 1:45 PM, the column was halted due to a road block caused by German troops, vehicles, wagons, and horses. Genlt Hoppe, Commanding General of the 278th Volksgrenadier Division, informed Lieutenant Colonel Morgan that an armistice had been signed at 1 PM, but Colonel O. W. Hughes clarified that only unconditional surrender terms would be accepted. Genlt Hoppe surrendered his division, leading to disarmament and evacuation. Meanwhile, Genlt von Graffen of the 76th Panzer Corps arranged the surrender of his estimated 30,000 troops. American prisoners were freed, and the troops proceeded toward Agordo. At 5:40 PM, a conference between Colonel Hughes and Genma J. Polack of the 29th Panzer Grenadier Division determined that both sides would await orders from higher headquarters.

The 3rd Battalion scouted the Mis Valley for a route to Highway 49 but found destroyed bridges. They camped around Mis, guarding 4,000 prisoners. Meanwhile, the 1st Battalion reached Giustina and camped there. At 8 PM, a radio announcement confirmed the unconditional surrender of German armies in Italy and western Austria.

At 10:45 PM, the division canceled the mission to cut Highway 49 and ordered the regiment to halt. The 1st Battalion received instructions to move to an area near Mas, Sedico, and Belluno by 3:08 AM, establishing a concentration area for enemy troops.

On May 3, a conference involving Genlt von Graffen, Major General John B. Coulter, Brigadier General Williams, and Colonel Hughes resulted in arrangements for the assembly and disarmament of troops from the 76th Panzer Corps. Later that day, Genlt von Graffen requested a delay in troop movement and surrender of arms, following instructions from the 10th German Army, which was granted.

On May 4, the 2nd Battalion assumed control of 2,600 surrendered enemy troops previously held by Partisans in Agordo. The battalion then assembled near Agordo on May 5.

Sam Yoshihana, Chicago, Illinois, leads a bunch of German prisoners taken
by the 100th Battalion, through the village of Valecchia to a PW cage,
April 8, 1945, Valecchia, Italy, 442nd Regimental Combat Team.
Photographer: Bull, 196th Signal Photo Company. Photo Source: U.S.
National Archives. Digitized by Signal Corps Archive. Public domain.

During the war, safeguarding family photos carried by troops posed a challenge. On May 5, 1945, Johnnie shared unfortunate news about a picture of Mickey that Lucile had sent him.

My Dear Darling,

Just a few lines to let you know I am well and I hope with all my heart that this finds you the same. Darling, this picture of Mickey you sent me you said you wanted it back. Well, it is in pretty bad shape now. When I received the letter with the picture, I put the picture in my shirt pocket and I forgot about it being there and I put other things in there and smacked the picture up. Darn, I really hated that and I know you won’t like it, even a little bit and if Mickey knew about it, he would blow his top. But things like that happen as you know. I am sending the picture back. You will have to be more careful with it or it may fall apart, Ha Ha. I received a letter from Kate the other day. She said Annie Joy and Bennie was really growing. And that Annie Joy was as big as she is. She sure is large for her age. How are the rest of the family? Give all my regards. Well honey, I will have to close for now. I miss you a lot and I love you a million. 

Always, Johnnie

Johnnie’s sister, Kate Marston

April 27 and 29, 1945, Mussolini's death

A prisoner of war cage was established at Quistello, where the majority of the 5,000 Germans captured during the day and night were held. Captured trucks were used to evacuate prisoners to the rear, a task completed after dawn on April 24. Among the captives were several full colonels and 69 other officers.

200 prisoners on their way to the rear after being captured by Company B,
87th Infantry Regiment, 10th Mountain Division, Tole area, Italy, April 1945.
Photographer: McWhirter, 196th Signal PhotoCompany. Photo Source:
U.S. National Archives. Digitized by Signal Corps Archive. Public domain.

Meanwhile, plans for the river crossing were finalized. The 3rd Battalion was tasked with breaking contact, assembling near S. Lucia, and crossing on a broad front on the left beach at H-Hour (the specific hour set for launching a tactical operation). The 1st Battalion received orders to cross in the right sector, with an assembly area east of Quingentole. The 2nd Battalion’s mission was to hold the south bank until the bridgehead was secure, then assume control of part of the sector between the two battalions. An artillery preparation lasting 15 minutes, involving 96 guns, was ordered. Intelligence indicated that the Po River Line was the Germans’ strongest defense in Italy, with elaborate installations. The enemy’s ability to organize a stand at the river was uncertain, but preparations were made assuming strong resistance. Engineers planned to install and operate two infantry support rafts.

Early on the morning of April 24, the companies moved into position. After a few postponements, H-Hour was finally set at 8:30 AM. At this time, the mortars put down a smoke barrage on the far bank, the six artillery battalions began their preparation, and the 70 loaded assault boats pushed out from shore. At 8:44 AM, the first wave hit the far shore without receiving any retaliatory fire, and riflemen were soon racing across the first phase line. By 9:08 AM, the second wave was landed safely, completing the crossing of two entire infantry battalions. The bridgehead was secured without firing a round. Troops passed reinforced dugouts, well-constructed emplacements, and skillfully camouflaged blockhouses—but all were unmanned. Swiftly, the bridgehead was enlarged as the towns of Sustinente, Cassle, and Bastia were entered and passed. At 10:40 AM, the 2nd Battalion was put across the water in the left sector. The engineers worked hard to prepare the two raft sites, and by early afternoon, the rafts were in operation. At 3 PM, 15 amphibious cargo trucks arrived at the beaches, moving necessary equipment across the river. The 1st Battalion ran into some spotted resistance, which was quickly disposed of, resulting in a few prisoners taken.

American soldiers of the 85th Infantry Regiment, 10th Mountain Division, with field
glasses, looking at scenes near the point of embarkation for the crossing of the
Po River. This is the south bank of the Po River approximately 1½ miles from
San Benedetto, at a point where the river is 1/4 of a mile wide, April 24, 1945.
Photographer: Harris, 196th Signal Photo Company. Photo Source: U.S. National
Archives. Digitized by Signal Corps Archive. Public domain.

At 3:45 PM, the 2nd Battalion passed through the 1st Battalion, which swung east as flank security. By late afternoon, the 2nd and 3rd Battalions had organized a defense line from Nosedole to Bisarina and were patrolling to the north. Orders were to hold this line and assist the 339th Infantry in passing through. This passage of lines was completed on the morning of April 25, and the rest of the day was spent in reorganization and rehabilitation. The troops were finally able to get some much-needed sleep.

On April 26, the regiment, having rested in division reserve, received a verbal order from the Commanding General at 1 PM to move immediately to Vigasio. The 2nd and 3rd Battalions were motorized using Antitank and Cannon Companies and arrived in the new area by 3:15 PM. However, the 2nd Battalion was redirected at 3:45 PM to the recently captured city of Verona. Their mission was to serve as a protective garrison and secure the south bank of the Adige River. Meanwhile, the rest of the regiment established a new temporary camp.

Tanks of the 13th Armored Regiment, 1st Armored Division, attached to the 10th
Mountain Division, passes down street in Verona, Italy, April 26, 1945.
Photographer: Schmidt, 196th Signal Photo Company. Photo Source:
U.S. National Archives. Digitized by Signal Corps Archive. Public domain.

Throughout the night, the 2nd Battalion diligently patrolled the streets of Verona. However, at 7 AM on April 27, their mission was abruptly canceled. Subsequently, the 2nd Battalion relocated to the southern outskirts of Verona.

For three days, from April 27 to April 29, the regiment maintained its position in the division reserve. Meanwhile, the regiments involved in the assault methodically crossed the Adige River and made steady progress through the hills to the north of Verona.

Troops of G Company, 2nd Battalion, 10th Mountain Division, go through
newly liberated Verona to clear it for temporary quarters, April, 1945.
Photographer: Schmidt, 3131st Signal Service Company. Photo Source:
U.S. National Archives. Digitized by Signal Corps Archive. Public domain.

Johnnie, burdened by his duties, had been unable to write Lucile since his letter on April 17. However, with his regiment now settled in a temporary camp, he took a moment to write a V-mail to Lucile on April 27, 1945. As was his custom, he merely alluded to the events that had consumed his days, leaving much unsaid.

My Dear Darling,

Just a few lines to let you know that I have received the pictures of Mickey and also three letters from you. I have been hearing from you pretty regular now. This is my first letter to you I have been able to write in about two weeks. As you know by listening to the radio and reading the papers that we have started pushing the German’s again and we really haven’t had any time at all to do anything as we have been on the move all the time. I hope this finds you in the best of health. As for myself, I am OK. Mickey really looked good in the pictures. I will send it back to you the first chance I get. How is Mom Stacks? Give her and all the family my regards. Will close for now. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

On April 28, 1945, Benito Mussolini, his mistress Claretta Petacci, and several other fascists were executed in the village of Giulino de Mezzegra. After the execution, their bodies were taken to Milan, Italy and left on the ground in the Piazzale Loreto. Wikipedia notes that “… Their bodies were left in a heap, and by 9:00 a.m. a considerable crowd had gathered. The corpses were pelted with vegetables, spat at, urinated on, shot at and kicked; Mussolini’s face was disfigured by beatings. An American eyewitness described the crowd as ‘sinister, depraved, out of control.’ After a while, the bodies were hoisted up on to the metal girder framework of a half-built Standard Oil service station, and hung upside down on meat hooks … .” The postcard below, found in the box with Johnnie’s letters, captures that haunting moment in history. The photograph was taken at Piazzale Loreto in Milan, Italy, on April 28 or 29, 1945. The third body from the left is Mussolini; the second body belongs to his mistress. 

Although Johnnie was approximately 140 miles away from this event, it is likely that news of Mussolini’s death would have travelled to the temporary camp in Verona.  

Benito Mussolini and Adolf Hitler during Mussolini’s
visit in Munich (June 1940). Unidentified photographer,
public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

Johnnie’s V-mail to Lucile on April 29, 1945, made no mention of Mussolini or the events unfolding in Milan. Instead, his thoughts were consumed by concern for her well-being and the mystery behind her recent fainting spell.

My Dear Darling,

I received three letters today. One from you, your Mother, and Louise. Not bad, is it? That’s the first letter I have received from Mom Stacks in a long time. Sure was glad to hear from her. But was sorry to hear she was having so much trouble with everything. I am glad to hear that Woodrow is around to help look after things for her. O’yeah, honey, you said in this letter that you were up on a ladder and that you fainted and fell off. What you said was that it didn’t hurt you at all which I hope is the truth. But what made you faint? There was some reason, you know. I’ve never known you to faint before. Let me know the facts. By the way, did you know Evelyn and Bill are going to have another baby? She will have an Army all her on before long, Ha Ha. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

On April 29, 1945, Johnnie wrote a V-mail to Lucile’s mother, alluding to family matters without delving into specifics.

Dear Mom Stacks,

I received your letter and I can’t write how much I was glad to hear from you. But when not hearing from you I know as soon as you get able, you will drop me a line. I didn’t mind waiting because I could feel and knew about what you were going through. I am sorry to hear the way Charles Stacks and the rest turned out to be. When Lucile wrote me and told me the way they were trying to treat you I couldn’t hardly believe it. But you always find out about people who you think are your friends sooner or later, right? Yes, I know how you feel about Cecil and Mickey being away from home. But the way things are going, maybe it won’t be for long. You said in this letter you might open you up a paint store. I think that would be nice, to run some kind of a small business. But as you say, it is hard to tell just what to do until things clear up a little bit. Well Mom, I will have to close for now. Lots, lots love. Tell all hello for me.

Johnnie