Nov. 9, 1944: Johnny Writes News about his Brothers

Nov. 9, 1944

England

My Darling Mark

         Hello Sweetheart! !

I received two letters from you today – 7^th & 23^rd. Was really glad to hear from you honey. I also got a letter from the folks. The first one I’ve received written to this hospital.

How you  feeling honey & what’s new around K.C.? I’m feeling okay – coming along okay – this leg is a little slow in healing tho!

Dode has left N.O. for duty & Ralph sent his clothes home so I guess he’ll be hitting for the S.P. before long. Ralph & Dora are expecting in May – I think. Imagine that my kid brother getting ahead of me with a family.

Bobby had to register – I didn’t realize he was that old already. I’m pretty sure he won’t get in – thank God!

Well, honey I’ll cut this short – lights go out at 9:00 now & it’s pass time for lights out.

I’ll try & write more next time. I love you & miss you more every day honey. Write Soon.

All My Love        Johnny

November 5, 1944: Johnny is walking to chow now

Sun., Nov. 5, 1944

England

My Darling

         Hello Sweetheart! !

I got your letter of the 19^th today. The first one in about a week. I got a couple from home too.

         I don’t know why you haven’t received any of my Oct. mail – unless they’re holding it or the mail is just slow. My mail has been coming in slow too. I’ve been here 3 weeks now & haven’t received any letters I wrote from here.

         Haven’t been doing much. We see about 3 or 4 shows a week – that’s about all there is to do. I’m walking to chow now & my leg is coming along pretty good. It’s still a little weak in the knee. I think I’ve got one more operation on it – the Doc said he was going to cut the scar out when it heals.

         Went to Mass this morning – first chance I’ve had in 3 weeks.

         It’s been raining pretty hard all day – as it usually does.

         I’m gaining some weight – but still have about 15 lbs. to go yet.

         No, honey I’m not using a cane any more – it was more in my way – than it did good.

         I’ll let you know when I get your Christmas package, honey. I haven’t heard from Frank or Ralph lately. I guess they’re still in the same places. Dode is in New Orleans for 30 days – after that I guess he’ll go on duty. Mary was with him for 3 weeks in Gulfport.

I don’t know when I’ll be coming back, honey – the chances are pretty slim. But since I was a prisoner – I don’t think I’ll go back to combat on this front. If I was ever captured again I could be executed – a ruling of Geneva Conference.

This piece of shrapnel in my lung has left me pretty short winded anyway. I guess in time it will be better.

No, I didn’t get to see Bing Crosby while he was in England. He spent most of his time in London & the front.

It’s a year this month that I last seen you, honey. Long time, huh? I hope it isn’t another before we’re together again. I miss you more every day. I’ll close for now honey. Write soon. I love you Sweetheart!

All My Love -      Johnny