On this day in history, a Purple Heart was awarded

Seventy-seven years ago today, Private First Class John “Johnnie” Henry Marston Jr. was awarded a Purple Heart for injuries received on October 2, 1944. Johnnie, a rifleman with Company B of the 5th Army's 337th Infantry Regiment, 85th Division (Custer Division), was involved in the North Apennines Campaign in Italy in the fall of 1944 as they fought to take the mountainous region heavily fortified by the Germans. This North Apennines Campaign was a final offensive into Po Valley to collapse enemy resistance and liberate Italy.

The 85th had spent a good part of September fighting the Germans who were defending the Gothic Line, “a German defensive line of the Italian Campaign of World War II” according to Wikipedia. On October 2, 1944, the offensive centered around Casoni di Romagna, Italy. The area had seen heavy rain, streams were overrun, and bridges washed out, making travel through the mountainous region dangerous for the soldiers. Resistance from the Germans was heavy and the conditions made it difficult for replacement troops coming in to replace the many casualties, to reach the area. On this day, Johnnie, 24 years old at the time, was in the back of a truck traveling up a mountain when a German mortar exploded beside the truck. The truck, filled will soldiers, rolled over, injuring and killing several men, with Johnnie being one of the injured.

Custer Division patch

Example of a truck the 85th soldiers might have been traveling in.
Photo from 85th Infantry Division – Minturno to the Appennines.

We don’t know exactly what Johnnie’s injuries consisted of. His son Randy told me it was shrapnel, mostly in his back, from a mortar shell that exploded beside the truck. But it was clear from Johnnie’s letters home that he didn’t want to worry his family. Johnnie regularly wrote his wife Lucile, and often her parents, Sam (he called him Doc) and Leola Stacks. The letters below are part of the collection of over 300 left behind by Lucile, who kept them tucked away in two shoeboxes, and now are in the possession of their son Randy. 

One of two boxes of Johnnie's letter saved by his wife Lucile

In an October 3, 1944 letter, Johnnie made no mention of what happened in Italy nor of his injury. 

My Dear Darling,

Just a few lines to let you know I am OK and hope with all my heart that this finds you the same. I hope you are over with the trouble with your throat since you have your tonsils out now. Also, glad that the doctors didn’t find anything else wrong with you. I am sorry to hear that you had to break one of your checks but you should have that other forty dollars I sent you by now anyway. I hope it don’t get lost like the first forty I sent you. I still can’t understand what happened to that money. I can’t do anything about it now because I have lost the receipt that I got when I sent it to you. But just in case, this other money doesn’t get to you, I am going to make sure I don’t lose these receipts. You asked me have I heard from Louise or Evelyn lately. No, I haven’t heard from them in about three months now. I am still waiting to hear from them first. I have been hearing from Dad and his wife pretty regular lately. O’yeah, I received a letter from Aunt Agnes. I can’t keep addresses so I haven’t written her. I wish you would write to her for me and explain why I haven’t answered her letter. Tell her I will try my best to remember her address on her next letter and will write myself. Tell Mom Stacks and Doc I haven’t forgot them and that I will write them right away. I guess Mickey will be in the Army by the time you get this. If not, tell him I wish him all the luck in the world when he does go. How is Nell? Sure would like to see that fat little pig now, Ha Ha. Just kidding. Well honey, I will have to close for now. I miss you a lot and I love you a million. 

Always, Johnnie

I laughed out loud when I read the end of the letter where Johnnie mentions his sister-in-law, Nell. I probably met Johnnie one time, at my sister’s wedding, but don’t remember him. I do remember Nell though who often visited her sister Lucile. For a time before her death, Lucile lived next door to my mother so I often saw her when I was home and Nell was usually there. Both Lucile and Nell were the sweetest women you can imagine and both of them tiny.

Johnnie wrote a V-mail to his in-laws on October 3, 1944 and made no mention there either. 

Hello Folks,

Just a few lines to let you know I haven’t forgotten two good people and that I never could anyway. I hope this finds you both well. As for myself, I am OK. I haven’t had much time to write lately. But I will try to catch up on all my writing later on as soon as time permits me too. I received a letter from Aunt Agnes about three days ago. I can’t answer it because I can’t keep no writing addresses on me. I have been trying to remember her address but it is no need. Maybe it will come to me later on. Have you heard from Cecil lately? How is he? Tell him to drop me a line. O yeah, I have seen Irwin. He is OK! Hope to see him again soon. Will close. Tell all hello for me. 

Lots love, Johnnie

In an October 5, 1944 V-mail to Lucile, he casually mentioned he was in the hospital with a “sprang” ankle. 

My Dear Darling Wife,

Just a few lines to let you know I am OK and hope with all my heart that this finds you the same. Honey, I received the picture of you. It really looks well. Gosh, I still believe you have grown a little taller. You sure look tall in this picture. It’s really going to be bad if I have to get up on a step ladder to even kiss you, Ha Ha. I am in the hospital again. I sprang my ankle and it swelled up a little bit and they sent me to the hospital. I don’t guess I will be here very long. But who knows? I am very down on my weight now. But you can’t expect to keep that or anything else over here. Have you been getting my mail to you pretty regular? I have been writing to you as much as possible. Will close for now. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

During that time, it appeared he spent time reflecting on their life together as evidenced in his October 6 and October 9, 1944 V-mails to Lucile. There was no mention of his injury or hospital stay in either but I believe he was still there.

My Dear Darling,

Just a few lines hoping that this finds you well and OK. As for myself, I am well. Only wanting to see you so bad, which I hope and pray won’t be so long off. I wonder a lot how things are going back home with you, and I have dreamed often of the day when I return and we can start building up again the things that we both want. I have seen a lot and learned plenty since I have been over here and a lot of things that I have seen here, I know darn well none of the people back there will believe was possible, not unless they’ve seen it all themselves. Things that have happened here, I hope and pray will never happen back there in America. I guess you are tired of all this I am writing so I will close. Tell Mom and Doc I said hello and tell all the rest I am thinking of them. I miss you a lot Darling and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

Johnnie’s October 9, 1944 V-mail contained more reflection and again, no mention of his injury or hospital stay.

My Dear Darling,

Well, how is this finding you tonight? I hope well and alright. As for myself, I am OK. How is your job by now, since cold weather is almost there? I hope it isn’t as bad on you as the summer months was. Gee honey, all I look forward to now is getting back to you and taking care of you and I pray to God every night to help me get back to you. You and you alone is what I want to see again. You are all I have and only God knows what would happen to me if anything should harm you or take you from me. Gee what a day it will be when peace is in the world once more. I pray that it isn’t very far off. Well honey, I will have to close. Tell all the family I said hello and give them my love. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

Johnnie wrote another V-mail to Lucile on October 10, 1944 to let her know he had been moved to a different hospital. During the process, he accidentally left his personal family photos at the first hospital. How devastating that would have been for a soldier in the field of battle. 

My Dear Darling,

Just to let you know I am alright and hope with all my heart that this finds you the same. Honey, you know all the pictures I had of you and all the rest of the family? Well, the hospital I was at before I came to this one is where I left them. I put them under my pillow when I arrived there and when they transferred me to the hospital that I am at at the present, I thought I had all my stuff with me but as I later found out, I had left the pictures. I wrote to the hospital to see if they could recover them for me. I hate to think that they are lost from me. They are all I had of you and the family. Of you all being near to me. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

On October 12, 1944, Johnnie told Lucile he was still in the hospital and not receiving his mail. He wrote this letter on American Red Cross stationery.

My Dear Darling, 

Just a few lines to let you know I am thinking of you and hope and pray that this finds you well and alright. I haven’t heard from you in a good while now. The reason is all the mail I have is back at my outfit. I guess is this, they haven’t forwarded it to me here at the hospital as yet. I don’t know whether I will get any of it or not. If you are still writing me pretty regular, I shall have stacks of mail from you personally. How is the home front coming along? What about little Nell? Is she coming along alright? Has she been hearing from Robert pretty regular? I wrote Dot and Drexter the other day, also Mom Stacks and Doc. O say, if Mickey has left for the Army, I guess I will have to write Gearl and tell him to keep a look out on you for me and to take care of you for me till I get back. Have you ever heard from Louise or any of my sisters yet? I haven’t. I have a good family, don’t I? Can’t even hear from them once in a while. At least Dad and his wife write me pretty often. Have you seen them lately? The last letter I received from them, they were talking about going down to Jacksonville, Fla. for a few days. I guess you will have to start sending me some pictures of you again, just in case I don’t get the others back. It really burns me up to go off and leave those pictures like I did. I surely hope and pray I get them back. You know the other day I got to thinking about all the crowds we used to run around with and was wondering where they all got to be now. Have you ever thought about that? Well, I guess I will close for this time. Tell all hello for me and to write. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

Will the world see peace again? Johnnie prays for that in his October 18, 1944 V-mail to Lucile but doesn’t mention his injury or hospital stay.

My Dear Darling,

Just a few lines to let you know I am alright and hope with all my heart that this finds you well in health and making out OK back there at home. Also, hope you never get interested in whatever you are doing, or at the place where you are working. Not to give me a little thought and the good times we have had together in the past years when I am where I can think my thoughts and go back to the years of what we need to enjoy so much. And the peace that this world once had and pray that we see it again in peace and happiness. And all of this in the past and I hope forgotten. Well honey, tell all the family hello and to write. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

It wasn’t until October 20, 1944 that Lucile received official word from the Army that Johnnie had been wounded. Below is the telegram she received that day.

Western Union telegram sent to Lucile Marston (click to enlarge)

Western Union

..QF59 WN46         1944 OCT 20   PM  8  09

W.WMUC 404 32 GOVT= WUX WASHINGTON DC  20   900P=

MRS LUCILE S MARSTON=

ROUTE NUMBER ONE   COLLEGE PARK   GA=

REGRET TO INFORM YOU YOUR HUSBAND PRIVATE FIRST CLASS JOHN H MARSTON JR WAS SLIGHTLY INJURED IN ACTION TWO OCTOBER IN ITALY   YOU WILL BE ADVISED AS REPORTS OF CONDITION ARE RECEIVED=-

J A ULIO THE ADJUTANT GENERAL.

Johnnie wrote Lucile again on October 21, 1944 and was apparently still in the hospital. That’s 19 days – quite a few for a “sprang” ankle. Were Johnnie’s injuries much worse than he let on? 

My Dear Darling

I will try to write you a few lines but as I haven’t received any mail from you at all this month it is going to be hard. I know it isn’t your fault, of me not getting any mail from you, you see since I am away from my outfit, all of my mail is going to it and they haven’t just yet sent it here to me at the hospital. As you know I could write you all my mail to you and tell you how much I love you and how swell you have been to me, after what hardships I put on you in the years we have been married. But I know you get tired of it and want to hear other things I have to say. As I said before not hearing from you, I can’t think of anything to write. I am sending a clipping out of the Stars and Stripes that they wrote about the outfit I am in and I want you to keep it for me and maybe later on in years I hope I can look at it and think of these days. Well as I said before, I can’t think of much to write except I dream of you often. God only know how much I love you. Tell all the folks hello and to write. I miss you a lot and I love you a million!

Always, Johnnie

First page of Johnnie's October 21, 1944 letter to Lucile (click to enlarge)

In Johnnie’s October 23, 1944, he mentions receiving multiple letters from Lucile. Does this mean he was out of the hospital and back with the 85th?

My Dear Darling,

Received seven letters from you today, and you don’t know how good I felt getting to hear from you after not hearing from you in almost a month and a half. I am so glad and happy to hear that your throat is well, and able to eat once again. I bet you really got down to half starving while your throat was sore. I sent you some more money, sometime ago. You should have it by now. Let me know. Yes, I can imagine how tough it was on you starting back to work again after being off sick with your throat. You should have taken your mother’s advice and stayed off a little longer. I received a letter from your mother also and one from Dot and Louise. Mom Stacks is worried too much, being in the condition she is in. I hope she can build herself up again. Don’t this sound like the red headed girl I used to know. Same as ever. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Always, Johnnie

Another mention of being in the hospital in Johnnie’s October 26, 1944 V-mail to Lucile. 

My Dear Darling,

I received the package with the candy and crackers in it. Also, a letter from you and Nell. I am sorry to say but all the candy and the crackers both were molded. It is just a waste of money I guess to send stuff like that over here. I am glad to hear that you are completely well again. So sorry to hear that you are having such a tough time where you work. It seems to me when bad luck runs it hits us both at the same time. As you know, I wrote you and told you I was in the hospital again with a sprained ankle. Well, it’s OK now but now they are seeing what they can do about my eyes. You remember the trouble they gave me all the time and you used to get on me about them. Well, maybe now they will fix them up for me. O yes, about Louise wanting you to go down to Miami. I don’t like the idea of you traveling alone down there and as it is the way you talk about not having the money to do other things with. I don’t see how you can do it and as sick as Mom Stacks is you should stay and help her all you can. But I guess you know what you are doing so that’s up to you. Will close. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Johnnie

Johnnie was still in the hospital on October 28, 1944 when he wrote a V-mail to Lucile. 

My Dear Darling,

Just a few lines to let you know I am alright and hope and pray that this finds you the same. I received a letter from Irvin today. He is in the hospital also. But it isn’t serious he said. I was glad to hear that. I will be leaving here in a couple of days, going back to my outfit. O yes, honey, I hope you understand me about you going to Florida. But being that you have been on your own since I have been gone, you know what you are doing. I received a letter from Louise, and she said that Bill has bought Evelyn a home and everything she needs and she said he was always asking Evelyn if she’s happy, wanting to know if there is anything else he can get her. Do you think they will make out OK? Will close. I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

Johnnie

There was one last mention of being in the hospital in Johnnie’s November 19, 1944 letter to Lucile. Looking back on the reflection he was going through in earlier letters, he had clearly made peace with the Lord and just wanted to get back home to his family.

My Dearest Darling, 

Just a few lines to let you know I am well and OK and hope with all my heart that this finds you the same. My outfit is back at the rest area now for a while and today is Sunday and I went to church services this morning. I should have went tonight but being that I received quite a few letters from you and a couple from Dad I thought I would try to catch up a little on my writing. One thing honey, I want you to know I tried to go to all the church services I can, and when I was back at the hospital when I got able, I went to all the services that they held. I have learned a lot about what a guy like me, for example, never thought of about life and the right way of living which I want to show you I can do and will do as long as I live. I pray to the Lord every night to return me to you and the rest of my family and yours where I can show them what a change of life I have found and didn’t have sense enough to understand or maybe I shall say too dumb to look at the right side of the Lord way of life. But I tell you now I know and I have asked him to give me the chance to go his way. Things I have done I know wasn’t right I have asked him to forgive me. Some you know about and some I guess you don’t know about. But you will. I will tell you everything. Well honey, I will have to close for now. I miss you a lot and I love you a million. 

Always, Johnnie

As far as I can tell, Johnnie spent most of the month of October 1944 in the hospital. I would say his injuries had to have been far more serious than a sprained ankle.

The Atlanta Constitution listed Johnnie in a December 20, 1944 article of Georgian’s killed, missing and wounded. The article incorrectly listed his middle initial as “J” instead of “H.”

It’s not every day you receive a letter from your governor but that’s what happened to Lucile. Below is a copy of the December 21, 1944 letter signed by Georgia’s Governor expressing his sympathy and appreciation for Johnnie’s service to the country.

Letter from Georgia Governor Ellis Arnall (click to enlarge)

 December 21, 1944

Mrs. Lucille S. Marston
Route # 1
College Park, Ga.

Dear Mrs. Marston:

According to press dispatches your loved one has been wounded in the service of his country. I hasten to express to you my interest and sympathy. It is my wish that his wounds are not serious. The sacrifice made by your loved one will ever be enshrined in the greatness of our nation.

Sincerely yours, 

Ellis Arnall

Governor

That was followed by a December 22, 1944 letter from the chairman of the Atlanta chapter of the Red Cross, extending his sympathy on the news of Johnnie’s injuries.

Letter from the American National Red Cross (click to enlarge)

December 22, 1944

Mrs. John J. Marston Jr.

College Park, Georgia

Dear Mrs. Marston:

The Atlanta Chapter of the American Red Cross learns with regret through the casualty lists of the newspapers that your husband, Pfc. John J. Marston, Jr., has been reported wounded in action in the Mediterranean Area.

We join your many friends in extending sympathy to you and your family and hope that the War Department will soon be able to send you encouraging news regarding his condition.

During these months of anxiety, we feel sure that you are comforted by a feeling of pride in knowing that your husband has rendered a wonderful service to his country.

Sincerely,

OBY T. BREWER

Chairman, Atlanta Chapter, American Red Cross

Johnnie was awarded a Purple Heart on February 18, 1945.

John Henry Marston Jr.'s Purple Heart

Excerpt from Enlisted Record and Report of Separation
Honorable Discharge, John H. Marston Jr. (click to enlarge)

In a February 16, 1945 V-mail from Italy, Johnnie asked about his father-in-law, Sam Stacks. Unbeknownst to Johnnie, Sam had passed away on February 12. In the middle of the letter, Johnnie casually mentions the medal as “one of the pretty medals that the Army has.”

February 16, 1944 V-mail from Johnnie (click to enlarge)

My Dear Darling,

Received two letters from you today and was glad to hear that you received the book about Rome and also the menu. I am glad Nell likes the things I sent her for the baby. I received a letter from her the other day saying she had received the baby’s things. She said she was going to send me a picture of the baby. Be sure she doesn’t forget. Honey, I am sending you a medal I received when I got hurt and was sent back to the hospital. It is one of the pretty medals that the Army has, and I am sure you have heard alots about them. Well, I guess that’s enough on that. How is Mom Stacks and Doc? Tell them both I said hello. Also, little Melvin and the rest of the kids. O’yeah, I wrote Happy the other day and got on him about writing you so much, Ha Ha. I told him not to claim you for one of his girls, Ha Ha. Will close. I miss you a lot and I love you a mission.

Johnnie

Johnnie, who proudly served his country, is the father of my brother-in-law, Randy Marston. 

Johnnie and Lucile Marston (post war)

You can read more about Johnnie and Lucile at the following links:

Sending love via a Valentine V-mail 

What was Johnnie doing on D-Day, June 6, 1944? 

Keeping up a tradition via V-mail during World War II 

Christmas in Italy, 1944 

References

• 85th Infantry Division: Minturno to the Appennines, Information-Education Section-Mtousa, Headquarters, 85th Infantry Division, 1944.
• Enlisted Record and Report of Separation Honorable Discharge, John H. Marston Jr.
• “Georgian Killed in Action, One Missing, 65 Wounded,” The Atlanta Constitution, December 20, 1944.
• Gothic Line; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gothic_Line.
• John H. Marston, U.S. WWII Hospital Admission Card Files, 1942–1954.
• Operations Report by the 337th Infantry Regiment for the period January 1944 through April 1945.
• Personal collection of letters written by Johnnie Marston to Lucile Stacks Marston dating 1939 to 1945.

Remembering Cecil Goodwin Callaway

Cecil Goodwin Callaway, son of Claude Parkis Callaway and Sarah Lucile Wray, was born in Union Point, Greene County, Georgia on November 19, 1922. I have not found any records to show that Claude and Sarah had other children so believe Cecil was an only child. He was the nephew of the wife of my 1st great grand uncle, Nathan Lawrence Lankford. Nathan married Cecil’s aunt, Olivia Callaway. Cecil and I have no common relative.

On April 8, 1930, Cecil, his parents, and widowed grandmother Julia Askew Callaway, lived in the Mill Settlement on the South East Side of Union Point. His father worked as a bridge carpenter for the steam railroad so would have built and repaired bridges for the trains that ran through the area. The Callaway family lived in a rental home. At age 7, Cecil attended school, but at this point, was unable to read or write.

On April 12, 1940, the Callaway family lived in Union Point, the same house they’d been living in since at least 1935. At age 17, Cecil worked 15 hours a week turning socks at the hosiery mill. The 1940 census record shows that Cecil had worked 15 weeks in 1939, receiving an income of $50. His father now worked as a water supply mechanic for the steam railroad with a yearly income of $1,560.

The U.S. officially entered World War II on December 8, 1941, the day after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Like many young men, it wasn’t long before Cecil was standing in line. Although he lived in Union Point at the time, Cecil went to DeKalb County, Georgia on June 30, 1942 and registered for the World War II draft. He was 19 years old at the time and worked for the Georgia Railroad Pump Gang in Union Point. Cecil was 5’8”, weighed 206 pounds, had brown eyes and hair, and a dark complexion.

Cecil's World War II registration card

Cecil married Sara Margaret Phelps, daughter of Paul Phelps and Ellie Maude Jones, on August 15, 1942. Their wedding probably took place in Union Point but I don’t have a record to prove that. With the newlywed’s life just beginning, it was only months before they would be torn apart with Cecil enlisting as a private in the U.S. Army at Fort McPherson in Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia on January 27, 1943. His enlistment record noted he had received four years of high school education and his civil occupation was foremen, transportation, communications, and utilities. Cecil served with Company E in the 164th/168th Infantry Regiments, 34th Division. I learned that he was injured from a February 23, 1944 article published in The Atlanta Constitution: “Wounded in action in the Mediterranean area were: … CORPORAL CECIL G. CALLOWAY, husband of Mrs. Sarah M. Calloway, of Union Point … .” 

Wounded in Action in the Mediterranean Area
The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, February 23, 1944

At some point, Cecil was promoted to the rank of sergeant. Sadly, he was killed in action by an artillery shell in Italy on May 30, 1944 during the Battle of Anzio. According to Wikipedia, “the Battle of Anzio was a battle of the Italian Campaign of World War II that took place from January 22, 1944 to June 5, 1944.” Cecil was 21 years old, leaving a grieving widow at home in Georgia. He was buried at Wisteria Cemetery in Union Point. His father applied for a military marker on February 12, 1949.

Wisteria Cemetery, Union Point, Georgia

Application for Headstone or Marker (image from ancestry.com)

Remembering Sgt. Cecil Goodwin Callaway who died in Italy while serving his country—77 years ago this Memorial Day weekend.

References

• Battle of Anzio; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Anzio.
• Cecil C. Callaway, U.S., World War II Hospital Admission Card Files, 1942–1954.
• Cecil G. Callaway, U.S. World War II Army Enlistment Records, 1938–1946.
• Cecil Goodwin Callaway, U.S., Headstone Applications for Military Veterans, 1925–1970.
• Cecil Goodwin Callaway, WWII Draft Registration Cards for Georgia, October 16, 1940 – March 31, 1947.
• Find a Grave, database and images (www.findagrave.com/memorial/73112961/cecil-goodwin-callaway: accessed 21 May 2021), memorial page for Cecil Goodwin Callaway (19 Nov 1922–30 May 1944), Find a Grave Memorial ID 73112961, citing Wisteria Cemetery, Union Point, Greene County, Georgia, USA ; maintained by Samuel Taylor Geer (contributor 46925792).
• National Archives and Records Administration; Hospital Admission Card Files, ca. 1970 - ca. 1970; NAI: 570973; Record Group Number: Records of the Office of the Surgeon General (Army), 1775–1994; Record Group Title: 112.
• Sara Margaret Moon obituary, the Sechrest Funeral Service website; http://sechrest-fun-service-high-point.tributes.com/dignitymemorial/obituary/Sara-Margaret-Moon-103754032.
• U.S. Federal Census, Union Point, Greene County, Georgia, 1930, 1940.
• When Did America Enter WW2?, History on the Net, © 2000–2021, Salem Media, May 19, 2021; https://www.historyonthenet.com/when-did-america-enter-ww2.
• World War II Honor List of Dead and Missing Army and Army Air Forces Personnel, 1946.
• Wounded in Action in the Mediterranean Area, The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, February 23, 1944.

Easter greetings during World War II

Johnnie and Lucile Marston

We are in the midst of a coronavirus pandemic, something none of us ever expected to live through. Doctors, nurses, police, firemen, and even grocery store employees are working the frontlines, risking getting sick to take care of others and make sure people have food and other essentials. Most states are under a stay at home order and people can’t be with their loved ones. We’re told to practice social distancing if we do go out. Businesses are closed, leaving many people out of work. Grocery store shelves are bear due to panic buying. And worst of all, many people are dying. It’s a scary time for all of us.

Easter is this Sunday, a time of hope. Because most churches are closed, people are struggling with how to celebrate this most important Christian holiday. But it’s not the first-time people have been unable to celebrate Easter with their family. As I’ve done with several other holidays, I thought about my brother-in-law’s parents, Johnnie and Lucile Marston, and how they dealt with being apart at Easter during World War II. I’ve transcribed the over 300 letters Johnnie wrote to Lucile during that time so it was easy to search. The letters below are what I found.

Johnnie and Lucile were married in a simple ceremony in Jonesboro, Georgia on December 27, 1940. Six months later, he registered for the World War II draft, however it was almost two years before induction. Johnnie entered into the U.S. Army as a private at Fort McPherson in Atlanta on November 30, 1942. He entered into active service as a rifleman on December 7, 1942, assigned to Company L of the 334th Infantry Regiment, 84th Division. Johnnie was immediately sent to Camp Howze, Texas, “an infantry replacement training center located adjacent to the town of Gainesville in Cooke County, Texas” according to Wikipedia. He settled into life at Camp Howze, training for war.

By the time Easter came around, he was worried about his mother, dying from cancer back in Miami, Florida. All Johnnie wanted to do was to make her happy, and for Easter 1943, that was a photo of her son. He wrote Lucile about it on April 17, 1943:

My Dearest Darling, 

Well here is a lonely letter, from a lonely soldier. I hope this finds you well and not as lonely as I am. I have just come back from mail call and was really disappointed when I didn’t receive any letters from you. Maybe I will get one from you this evening. I hope so anyway. I received a letter from Louise yesterday. They are all getting along well, all except Mother, as you know about her anyway. Honey, Mother wants a picture of me and I thought I would send her a large one for Easter Sunday as a present. But as I am in debt with the Red Cross and owe some around here, I don’t know when I can send it to her for Easter Sunday or not. Being that I don’t want to borrow any more money around here in camp, but it looks like I am going to have to anyway because if it is in my power to get it, I am, as you know that anyway. I told you I was going to send you something on your birthday and I did, so I am going to have a picture made some way and send to Mother. I am going to try to do everything I can for her because the way things look, she won’t be here much longer. You don’t blame me do you? I try not to think about her going away, but it’s no use, it stays on my mind all the time. All you hear around camp now is that we are leaving. That is all they are talking about. Darn I wish they would quit talking about it, that’s another thing that’s getting me. Not that I am scared of going but I am afraid they might send me off without seeing you one more time. It if wasn’t for that, I am ready just any old time. I am not forgetting what them dam Japs have done to us. How is Earl and Geral’s farm coming along? Tell them to write me all about it. How is Robert and Nell? Your Mother? I will answer her letter as soon as I get some more time. 

So, lots lots Love, Johnnie

Like people today, Johnnie was worried about not seeing Lucile. Four days later, while he and his company were camping under the stars during training exercises on April 21, 1943, Johnnie was able to steal a little time to write Lucile. In his letter, he told her about an Easter card he received from her mother and asked Lucile to thank her for sending it.

Camp out 25 miles from camp. I would give a dollar for a pack of cigarettes if I had the dollars 

My Dearest Wife, 

I received your letter today and was glad to hear from you after not hearing from you in a week. We are camping out this week and will be out till Friday nite. How far we are from camp, tell you above. You are lucky to get an answer from me way out here and I was lucky enough to get some paper to write you. I am sorry you are not getting any more letters, but that is something I am not getting much time to do and that is writing. The only time I have time for writing letters is on Sunday. Please tell your Mother thanks a lot for the Easter Card and that it was really nice. Tell Grandma I can’t write her till this weekend and that I would write her as soon as I get back to camp. Tell little Bob Stack’s the same. Honey, I owe all of my money out this month and I could really use some if you can do me any good send it air mail. Tell Doc Hello.  

Love Lots Love, Johnnie

Johnnie was able to get a pass in March long enough to travel to Miami to see his mother one last time. On his train ride back to Camp Howze, he was befriended by a mother and daughter who shared their food with him and then sent him an Easter card after they all made it back home. He wrote Lucile on April 30, 1943 and shared the story with her.

My Dearest Wife, 

I received a letter from you yesterday and I couldn’t get the register you sent me with the money in it till today. We have been out on the field all week and that is the reason I didn’t get it till today. Thanks a lot for the money you sent me. But it was just a little late for I received some cigarettes from some friends I met on the train, coming back from Miami. The people I am talking about that sent me the cigarettes is a young girl and her Mother. This girl is about eighteen years old and not bad to look at either, Ha Ha. The way I met them was they had a lunch box full of cakes, sandwiches, apples, and a lot of other good things to eat. I was sitting across from them on the train and this girl’s Mother came over and invited me to eat with them. Being that I just had sixty cents, of course I went over and eat with them. Do you blame me? They asked me where I live and was I married. I told them yes, to the most wonderful girl in the world and I am not just talking either. As you know you are the only one for me. They asked me would I write them if they give me their address and I told them I would and of course they asked me my Army address. And I give it to them. They sent me an Easter card and the cigarettes at the same time. I think they are pretty nice people, don’t you? They live in Illinois. Honey, I wish you would have come on up because from what I gather, we are leaving sometime this month or the part of next month. Gosh, I wish I knew just when we were leaving. We are wearing our summer uniform now and mine doesn’t look bad at all. You shall see, Ha Ha. O’ yeah my hair is getting to look like something new, Ha Ha. Well Babe, since this is all the news for this time, I will close. Tell all hello for me, and to be good. 

Lots Lots Lots Love, Johnnie

Johnnie spent Easter 1944 in Italy where he received multiple Easter cards from Lucile’s family. He told her about them in a V-mail letter he wrote to her on March 18, 1944.

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

Bad things were happening in Italy and Johnnie was apparently in the thick of it. But thankfully he was still able to receive mail and enjoyed the Easter card Lucile sent him. He thanked her for the card in a March 28, 1944 V-mail.

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

He mentioned the Easter cards Lucile’s family sent again in his April 6, 1944 letter. I’m sure it meant a lot to him that they took the time to send the cards.

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

It appears that Lucile had written Johnnie and told him about their Easter celebration back home. He mentioned it in his April 12, 1944 V-mail from Italy.

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

It wasn’t just Lucile’s family that sent Easter cards to Johnnie. He mentioned one he received from his father 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

Johnnie took advantage of the Army’s Easter template in his March 19, 1945 V-mail to Lucile. Who doesn’t love jeeps and bunnies?

 Easter Greetings from 85th Division

“To My Dear Darling Wife”

I Miss You a lot. I Love You a Million.

Johnnie

The final Easter mention in Johnnie’s letters was a special one. Not only was it Easter, it was Lucile’s birthday too! Johnnie remembered both in his April 3, 1945 letter to Lucile written from Italy.

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 and everything is OK back there at home. Your birthday just past and on that day was also Easter Sunday. I hope on that day you enjoyed yourself as I know it wasn’t so good being that the way things are. But just remember I was thinking of you as I am always doing as you shall know you are my favorite dream. Honey I am glad to hear that Mom Stack’s is able to get up for a little while. Give her my regards. Also, glad to hear that the rest of the family are well and alright. I am sorry to hear the way Charles Stacks and the rest of your kinfolks are going about over the lumber company. I didn’t think they would be that way. But usually when you think some people are your friends you find out about how they are when things like that come up. I hope Mom makes up with them. You are more than right; they should be ashamed. Tell Nell, I can hardly wait to see the pictures of the baby. Thanks a lot. Well Darling, I will have to close for now. I miss you a lot. And I love you a Million.  

Always, Johnnie

Times were scary for Johnnie and Lucile too. But if you read all of his letters, you’ll see that they had hope that the war would end and Johnnie would come home to his darling Lucile, which he did. So, hang in there, we’ll get through this as well. Peace be with you.

Johnnie and Lucile Marston

You can read more about Johnnie and Lucile at the following links:

Sending love via a Valentine V-mail 

What was Johnnie doing on D-Day, June 6, 1944? 

Keeping up a tradition via V-mail during World War II 

Christmas in Italy, 1944 

References

• Camp Howze, Texas; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camp_Howze,_Texas.
• Personal collection of letters written by Johnnie Marston to Lucile Stacks Marston dating 1939 to 1945.

Christmas in Italy, 1944

The 52 Ancestors theme this week is “future.”

Everyone wants to be home for Christmas, surrounded by the ones you love, baking sweet treats together and sharing family traditions with Christmas carols playing in the background. But what happens when that’s not possible? Last week I told you how Johnnie Marston kept up the tradition of sending holiday greetings to his family via V-mail during World War II. This week I want to tell you how he celebrated Christmas in December 1944. Yes, I know I’m supposed to be talking about the “future” but don’t worry, I’ll work that in.

Seventy-five years ago today, The Atlanta Constitution reported that one Georgian had been killed in action, one was missing, and 65 had been wounded. Johnnie was one of the wounded, although his injury had actually happened earlier in the Fall.

The following day, Johnnie’s wife Lucile received a letter from Ellis Arnell, the Governor of Georgia, expressing his sympathy and appreciation for Johnnie’s service to the country. Lucile also received a letter dated December 21, 1944 from the Atlanta Chapter of the American Red Cross expressing their sympathy upon learning of Johnnie’s injuries. By the time all of this was happening, Johnnie was already out of the hospital and back with his unit—Company B, 337th Infantry, U.S. Army.

Company B, 337th Infantry, Italy, June 1945 (click to enlarge)

It was Christmas 1944 and World War II was raging. Johnnie was in Italy, over 5,000 miles from his family. So that year, the Army was his family and they didn’t disappoint. The Army treated his company to a Christmas dinner just like they would have experienced back home. The menu included roast turkey, mashed potatoes, asparagus tips, cranberry sauce, giblet gravy, green peas, dressing, apple pie, coffee, mixed nuts, candy, and cigarettes. Each soldier received a program that listed the menu on the back and the names of all the members in his company on the inside. Johnnie and many of his fellow soldiers signed the front cover of his program—Wesley B. Wright, James B. McKinley, Pvt. Chas W. McBee, Pfc. John H. Marston “Georgia Boy,” Harvie L. Ellison, D. L. Cates, Sgt. Leo Pomana, Chas E. Lockard, Sgt. David Wood, Pvt. Roy J. McMurphy, P.F.C. E. Edd Alexander, James M. Lamn, P.F.C. Felton B. Smith, Dalton Ga. Ploy Boy, and Clyde W. McClain.

click to enlarge

Johnnie must have sent his program home to Lucile and of course he wrote his trademark statement on the inside—I miss you a lot and I love you a million.

I bet Johnnie enjoyed this special Christmas dinner that day, but I wonder what was going on in his mind at the time. I’m sure he was thinking about his family back home. But what about his future. Was he worried about what it would bring? Would he survive the war? Would he make it back home to see his darling Lucile again? If you read his letters, you know that he wanted children so was he thinking about the family that he wanted to share with Lucile? If Johnnie looked far enough into the future, he would know that he did in fact survive the war and he and Lucile would go on to have three children. And if he looked further into the future, he would see that his son Randy would also spend a Christmas away from his family while serving with the U.S. Army.

My brother-in-law Randy Marston on the left, Camp Udairi, Kuwait, Christmas 2003

This Christmas, let’s all take a moment to say a prayer for those serving our country on foreign soil and can’t be home with their families. And let's all pray that their future brings them back home safely.

You can learn more about Johnnie at the following links:

Sending love via a Valentine V-mail

What was Johnnie doing on D-Day, June 6, 1944?

Keeping up a tradition via V-mail during World War II

Easter greetings during World War II

November 2020 update: Sharing Johnnie's story during the Genealogy Blog Party honoring veteran and military ancestors.

References

• “Georgian Killed in Action, One Missing, 65 Wounded,” The Atlanta Constitution, December 20, 1944.
• Christmas Dinner Menu, 337th Infantry.
• Personal letter collection of Johnnie and Lucile Marston.

Keeping up a tradition via V-mail during World War II

John Henry Marston Jr.

The 52 Ancestors theme this week is “tradition.”

In April 2018, my brother-in-law Randy shared 340 letters, V-mail, and postcards his father Johnnie Marston wrote to his mother Lucile Stacks Marston. The letters began after Johnnie met Lucile in July 1939 and ended in October 1945 at the end of World War II. Johnnie lived in Atlanta, Georgia; Lucile lived in College Park, Georgia, a 10-mile drive by today’s standards. Johnnie didn’t have a car or a telephone, so between visits, he communicated with Lucile by sending letters and postcards. During the war, Johnnie continued his letters to Lucile and also wrote other family members. Lucile saved them, keeping them locked away and private during her lifetime, including letters Johnnie wrote to her father and mother, Sam and Leola (Lemons) Stacks, whom he dearly loved.

In November 1942, Johnnie joined the U.S. Army, serving with Company B of the 337th Infantry. In December, he shipped to Camp Howze in Texas for training. From there he went to Louisiana, and then in January 1944, he was off to New Jersey before being shipped overseas. In December 1944, Johnnie’s company was under continuous training in Italy. The 337th regimental “Report of Operations” for the period December 1 – 22, 1944 notes:

Training was continued in the Gagliano tent area during the month of December. The daily schedule included scouting and patrolling, small unit tactics, mine training, physical conditioning, night exercises, weapons training, and other subjects in which deficiencies had been noted in combat. Special attention was given to the training and orientation of replacements. The new men received two extra hours of instruction in basic subjects each day. Maximum use was made of the known distance and combat ranges which were established near Mount Calvi (8598). Tactical firing exercises in the attack were conducted for all rifle platoons and companies in which fire and movement were stressed. 

Motor maintenance was given particular attention in an effort to have all vehicles in top condition for the next phase of operations. Special winter clothing including jackets, parka, bedrolls, waterproof suits, were issued to the Regiment and distributed. …

Sending Christmas cards has been a holiday tradition since Henry Cole sent the first Christmas card in 1843 in England. Shopping for Christmas cards, if that was even an option, would not have been high on Johnnie’s list. It was cold, with possibly snow on the ground, and his regiment was under constant stress to train and be ready for whatever came next in the war. But Johnnie still wanted to send seasons greetings to the people he loved back home. So, 75 years ago tomorrow, he wrote two V-mails to family, both dated December 14, 1944. V-mail, short for Victory Mail, was a process used by the United States military during World War II to ship huge quantities of mail to and from soldiers overseas. Letters were written on standard sized paper, photographed, and then transferred to microfilm for shipping. Once the microfilm made it to its destination, the letters were printed and cut to a 4 ¼ x 5 ¼ inch piece of paper and mailed to the intended recipient. This freed up space and weight for other cargo needed for the war.

Johnnie addressed one V-mail to the Stacks Brothers Lumber Company, the company owned by his father-in-law back in College Park. There was a small “Western Union” box in the bottom left corner where Johnnie wrote:

To: A Gang’s I Can’t forget
Johnnie

The second V-mail was addressed to Mr. and Mrs. Sam Stacks. This V-mail had the same image as the one addressed to the lumber company but in the Western Union box he wrote:

To: Mom and Pop Stacks
God Bless You Both
Love, Johnnie

Johnnie was over 5,000 miles from home, fighting in the conflict of his life, but his family and friends were always close to his heart.

You can read more of Johnnie’s letters here and here.

References

• Hanc, John, The History of the Christmas Card: Borne Out of Having Too Little Time, the Holiday Greeting Has Boomed Into a Major Industry, December 9, 2015; smithsonian.com.
• Personal letter collection of Johnnie and Lucile Marston, December 14, 1944.
• The 337th Infantry Regiment in Italy During WWII, Unit History, Timetable Summary for 337th Infantry, 85th Division; https://www.337thinfantry.net/unit.php.

What was Johnnie doing on D-Day, June 6, 1944?

Into the Jaws of Death. Men of the 16th Infantry Regiment,
US 1st Infantry Division wade ashore on Omaha Beach on the morning
of 6 June 1944 (Wikipedia, see below).

The 52 Ancestors theme this week is “Dear Diary.”

The closest thing I have to a diary in my genealogy research are actually letters that my brother-in-law Randy Marston generously shared with me last year. His father, Johnnie Marston, served in the U.S. Army during World War II and religiously wrote Randy’s mother, Lucile Stacks Marston, during that time. Johnnie tried to write Lucile every day but training and the war often got in the way. He was still able to write 340 letters and postcards to Lucile beginning in July 1939 and ending in October 1945. Earlier this year, Randy found another group of letters that Johnnie wrote to Lucile’s parents—44 in all. It’s an impressive collection.

D-Day is described by Wikipedia as “The Normandy landings were the landing operations on Tuesday, 6 June 1944 of the Allied invasion of Normandy in Operation Overlord during World War II. Codenamed Operation Neptune and often referred to as D-Day, it was the largest seaborne invasion in history. The operation began the liberation of German-occupied France (and later Europe) from Nazi control, and laid the foundations of the Allied victory on the Western Front.”

Johnnie Marston

Since June 6, 2019 marked the 75th anniversary of D-Day, last week I decided to look through Johnnie’s letters to see if he had written to Lucile on June 6, 1944. I wondered what was on his mind? What was he doing at the time? He didn’t share much about the war in his letters to Lucile—it was mostly about family, daily routine stuff, and his missing her. But every now and then you find a piece of information that reminds you why they weren’t together. Johnnie was stationed in Italy at the time so was not part of the invasion, but you know the events of that day would have affected him. As it turns out, he hadn’t written Lucile that day. He did write her a V-mail letter the day before (June 5) but there were no hints as to what was coming on June 6.

V-mail 

June 5, 1944 

My Dearest Darling, 

Just a few lines to let you know I am well and OK and hope that this finds you the same. I received a letter from you a couple of days ago. It sure made me feel good to hear from you. I don’t hear from you as often as I need to. I guess they are holding most of the mail up here lately. I am glad to hear you have a little money saved up. You are doing alright Baby. That’s one of the things I like about you. I hope all the folks are well and Grandma is lots better. I wrote her a letter. Well Darling, I will have to close for this time. I miss you a lot and I love you a million. 

Always, Johnnie

Johnnie didn’t write a letter on June 7 or 8 either. On June 9, his photo appeared in The Atlanta Constitution, recognizing troops from the Atlanta area who were serving in the Army, Navy, and Marines. But still no letter.

Johnnie finally wrote Lucile on June 10 and there were only two vague sentences that gave a hint of what had been going on with the war.

Saturday = Noon

June 10, 1944 

My Dearest Darling,

Just a few lines to let you know I am well and ok and hope that this finds you the same. I received the writing paper and the pen and pencil set from you today. Boy was I glad to get them. I also received a letter from you, Dot, and sister Evelyn. Not bad at all, do you think. Evelyn wrote and said she was expecting again in September. In this letter and the one I received from you was telling me about her also. Gee I sure am sorry to hear about Dot being sick; also, the baby too. I hope they are much better by now. You say Drextel got rejected? The lucky stiff. In a way though, I didn’t think he would go in. Well I guess Cecil is doing his training now. Has Jennie heard from him yet? How is she taking it? Darn I almost forgot to tell you I received a letter from your Mother the other day. I am going to try and write to her as soon as I finish this to you. As you can read by the paper’s lately, I haven’t had time to do much of anything. I hope you see things that way and understand just why I haven’t been writing to you much here lately. Say this pen don’t write bad at all. It just needs broke in a little bit, you know. Just like a lots of other things need to be, Ha Ha. Honey, I am not going to tell you what to do about going down and staying with Evelyn. Just you and her staying together, I don’t like that. If Louise was going to be with you down there, I wouldn’t care but the way they have things planned, that’s no good. You better just wait and let them come up to see you, ok? Well Baby, I will have to close for this time so keep your chin up and keep smiling. Also, tell all the folks hello for me. I miss you a lot Darling and I Love you a Million.

Always, Johnnie 

P.S. Are you sure you sent me a watch? I am still looking for it.

So, no diary, but I feel the letters are just as good as they give a glimpse into Johnnie's life during a critical time in history, often on a daily basis as you would write in a diary.

You can read more of Johnnie's letters here.

Johnnie made it home from the war but many others didn’t. I thank him and those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country so that we are able to enjoy our freedom.

References

• Normandy landings; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Normandy_landings.
• Into the Jaws of Death photo, by Chief Photographer’s Mate (CPHoM) Robert F. Sargent. This media is available in the holdings of the National Archives and Records Administration, cataloged under the National Archives Identifier (NAID) 195515, public domain; https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17040973.
• With the Army-Navy, and Marines, “The Atlanta Constitution,” Atlanta, Georgia, June 9, 1944.
• Personal collection of letters written by Johnnie Marston to Lucile Stacks Marston dating 1939 to 1945.