Nov. 29, 1944: Our Soldier might be leaving soon

WAR & NAVY

DEPARTMENTS

V-MAIL SERVICE

 ______________

OFFICIAL BUSINESS

11-29-44

My Darling Mark,

         Hello Sweetheart! How’s my honey? Just answered a letter home, so thought I’d write you a few lines too. Let me know how long it takes for this to get there too. Everything is about the same with me honey. Everyday is the same. I guess I’ll be leaving here now – hope to see you.

Well sweetheart I’ll close for tonite. I love & miss you more everyday, honey!! Bye for now,

Write Soon                 All My Love,                Johnny

Nov. 19, 1944: Johnny Goes To Surgery Again In The Morning

Nov. 19, 1944

5:00 P.M.

My Darling Mark

         Hello Sweetheart!

I got your letter of the 2 & the v-mail of the 7^th today.

No honey I didn’t get to vote this year – I didn’t feel like bothering with it in the first place – Roosevelt won anyway – I was going to vote for him.

         It’s practically impossible to get any pictures taken here now honey – but if I ever get a chance I’ll have some taken & send them to you.

         Honey, you’re still sending your mail to 4116 if you would use 4117 I’d get it a couple of days earlier.

         I’m feeling pretty good honey & coming along okay.

         I go to surgery again in the morning – so if you don’t get any letters for 3 or 4 days after this one – you’ll know why. I don’t think I’m going to feel much like writing for about a week.

Well honey I think I’ll write the folks & go to sleep if I can. Is that bowling alley finished yet?

Bye for now Sweetheart. I love you & miss you more every day. Write Soon. All My Love Always   Johnny

Nov. 17, 1944: Next Week They'll Cut the Scar Out of His Leg

Nov. 17, 1944

England

My Darling Mark

         Hello Sweetheart! !

I got a letter & a v-mail from you today of the 2^nd. They both got here the same day – but the v-mail would have got here first if you had of used the right address.

I could read the v-mail very plain honey. The ink didn’t make ay difference. Honey, you can [catch? sic} a bus at the Terminal at 9^th, maybe that will take you out home.

I’m feeling okay honey & my leg is nearly healed up. I guess about next week, they’ll cut the scar out & close it. Then I’ll be thru – I hope!

It’s been raining constantly all day & it’s getting pretty cold.

I slept most of day, didn’t even get up for breakfast. It’ll sure be a shock to get up for reveille in the mornings again after I leave here.

How about some more pictures honey? I love you & miss you more every day honey. Got to shave now before lights out! Bye for now, Sweetheart! Write soon.

All My Love

Always      Johnny

Nov. 12, 1944: It's Been About A Year Today Since He Was Last At Home

With what joy and trembling fingers she must have opened each envelope – some are opened neatly and carefully.  Others appear to be ripped open with eagerness.  What news will each letter bring?   Is he healing?  Is he getting worse?  Any chance that he will come home?  And soon?

Oh, to be so far away, knowing he’s injured and lonely so far from home.  How heart-wrenching that must be!

Nov. 12, 1944

England

My Darling Mark

         Hello Sweetheart! !

I got 2 letters from you today honey – 26 – 27. Was really glad to hear from you. It takes 3 to 4 weeks now it seems to get any mail from the states.

I’m feeling okay honey & up & around all day – when I’m not sleeping – I’m getting lazier every day. My leg is coming along alright – a little slow. I don’t have much trouble with my chest – except for being short-winded as hell. I don’t think it’ll slow me down on loving you tho honey.

It’s been a year about today – that I was last home – too damn long to suit me!

Maybe it won’t be much longer – I’ve gained most of my weight back – but have 15 lbs to go yet. I don’t think I’ll gain much as long as my leg keeps draining. It should be okay in a week.

Well honey I guess I’ll answer Sis’ letter, & call it a night. I miss you more every day honey. Bye for now. Write soon. I love you Sweetheart.

All My Love Always     Johnny

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

Our WWII Soldier's Leg Wound Had to Be Opened Again

Oct. 27, 1944

England

My Darling Mark

         Hello Sweetheart! !

Got your very nice letter today. I also got one from Cec.

How is everything with you, honey. Are you still working 5 days a week now?

Honey, I don’t know what the hell to write in a letter anymore – there’s not anything worth writing. Don’t do anything unusual – same stuff day after day! I even hate to try & write a letter anymore. If I kept writing for the time it took me to write 2 pages – I could write you a book.

         Went to the show this afternoon & seen Charles Laughton “The Man from Down Under”. Pretty good – but I had seen it before.  I’ve seen some of the pics 4 times already just because there wasn’t anything else to do.

They didn’t graft any skin on my leg honey – they just cut the scar out & closed – but it became infected & had to open it again. I don’t know whether they’ll cut the scar out this time or not. Time will tell what’s what.

I don’t think I’ll get a 30 day leave honey – I’ll be lucky to get a short furlough over here! If I was back in the states – I’d probably get a long leave.

I honestly don’t think I’ll be sent back to the states honey – I would even say maybe. We’ll just have to sweat it out together & see what happens.

Well, honey I guess I’ll close this for tonight - & get washed & shaved – before lights go out. Then if I have time I’ll write Cec! He’s pretty proud of his kid!

Tell everyone hello honey.

I miss you & love you more every day.

Bye for now Sweetheart!!

Write soon.

All My Love

Always               Johnny

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Johnny’s leg was definitely a long time healing. The gash in his leg had also developed an infection, and the British doctors were leaving the wound open so it could be cleaned regularly and could heal from the inside out.  One of the Army doctors ordered them to sew up the wound and get him back to the front lines.

They did as they were told and sewed it up.  Over the next two or three days, the leg began to swell and turn red.  On the third day, one of the other patients a few beds down who was a medic, called to the nurse to go tend to Jambrosic, that he was going into shock.  The doctors and nurses came running, took a look at him and at his leg, and cut the stitches open.  Pus literally squirted out of the wound.  They had to start over again, cleaning it out and letting it heal from inside.  The Army doctor didn’t give any more orders about Johnny’s care!

The scar on that leg was over a foot long, from his hip to his knee, and about 5 inches wide.  He rarely wore shorts because he didn't want the scar to show, but the injury didn’t slow him down.  He was on a bowling team for years, and later played golf several times a week.  You’d never know he had been injured by looking at him.

Our WWII Soldier Is Able To Get Up 3 or 4 Times a Day

Oct. 27, 1944

England

My Darling Mark

         Hello Sweetheart! !

I got your letter of the 14^th today – was really glad to hear from you after a while. How’s everything with you honey? I’m sure lonesome for you!!

         I’m feeling okay & coming along pretty good. I get up 3 or 4 times a day & walk around a bit.

I got a letter from Cec. a couple of days ago. He’s seems pretty proud of his kid.

         I got a package from home – they sent me Dad’s apple crop / apple. It was good anyway! I’ll let you know honey – when I receive yours.

Gracious honey – I can’t think of anything to write. I don’t do anything – except eat, sleep & read. We had a movie in the ward last nite – not so good – but it helped pass the time & I could see it laying in bed!

         I’ll close for tonite honey – I’ll try & write more tomorrow. Bye for now. I miss you.

All My Love Ever         Johnny

Oct. 20, 1944: Our WWII Soldier Is Still Recovering In Bed

Oct. 20, 1944

England

My Darling Mark

         Hello Sweetheart! !

I got your letter of Oct. 3 today & was very glad to hear from you. Feeling pretty good today – but still in bed. I guess it’s a good place to be – it rains 6 out of 7 days here.

         It takes about 3 or 4 days for a cablegram to get here honey – I’m not sure.

         We had a show in the ward here last night.  “Larceny & Music”. It was pretty good – at least I hadn’t seen it before & after all I laid right in bed & seen it.

         After they sew my leg up again, I should be out of bed a couple of days thereafter.

         Well, honey here comes chow so I’d better sign off for the present.

         Well, honey – I have to close – I just can’t think of a damn thing to write about.

         The Red Cross is supposed to be here tonite & have a songfest. Here she is now.

         I’m missing you more every day honey, & thinking of you always. Bye for now – Write Soon.

         I love you!

         All My Love -      Johnny

Our WWII Soldier Gets Word from the Doc

Oct. 11, 1944

England

My Darling Mark

         Hello Sweetheart! !

I got a letter from you today – Aug. 17. A little late. The clipping about me was in it.

         There was a Joe from the medics in our ward just now - & was playing the violin. He was really good.

         The Doc. said my chest would be allright & he wasn’t going to take the shrapnel out of my lung – but they are going to graft a little skin on my leg wound. I’ll be here a couple of [weeks? – sic] yet then – I guess & then go to reconditioning for a couple of weeks & then probably back to the front – if this damn war isn’t over yet! Doesn’t seem to be any hope of me getting home for Christmas does it?? We can still hope anyway honey!

         It’s rained all day here & cold as hell. Sure hate this miserable weather. Kind of weather to be home with your girl-friend!

         My mail sure is coming slow here. I hope it picks up.

         I got a v-mail from Frank today of Aug. 18. – but it had been sent to C.P. Directory

         Well honey I’d better close now & get this in the mail before lights go out. Time now I hope I can make it. Seen Cec & Lu lately? Honey – I love & miss you more every day. I hope you don’t get tired of waiting for me so long.

         Tell everyone hello honey. Goodnite Darling – I love you!!

All My Love Always             Johnny

Our WWII Soldier Doesn't Know Whether They'll Operate on His Chest or Not

Oct. 10, 1944

England

My Darling Mark

         Hello Sweetheart! !

How’s my honey. I got your letter of Sept. 6 today – kinda late – but it was a letter from you. First letter I’ve received since I’ve been here. I should be getting more in a couple of days.

         They haven’t said much about my chest yet. The colonel was around this afternoon & looked at my x-rays. I don’t know whether he’s going to operate or not. I’m feeling pretty good – but I’m lonesome as hell for you honey!

I was just wondering if I should stay sober the first couple of days when I get back. I know what you think about that – but –I was just debating with myself. Most likely I won’t.

         How’s Lu & Cec. & the baby? Have you seen them lately – or are you still working 7 days?

         Well, honey, I’ll close for now & get ready to go for chow. I’ll try & write a longer letter next time. Bye for now – Sweetheart! I love you!

All My Love Always,            Johnny

Our WWII Soldier Describes How He Was Wounded And Taken Prisoner Of War

Oct. 5, 1944

England

My Darling Mark

         Hello Sweetheart!

Hows my honey! I got 14 letters today – 7 from you. From July 4-5, Aug 14, Sept. 22-23-24-25. Nice going honey! I also got 2 of the snapshots you sent. I got some mail from June yet!

         I guess if I wait long enough – it’ll finally all catch up with me. Mom said she had 3 packages on the way – but I haven’t received any of those yet.

         How are you getting my mail now, honey? Oftener I hope. I’m writing pretty often. There isn’t much more to do. I sure have a mess to answer tonite – but I don’t think I’ll try & answer them all tonite!

         Honey – I wouldn’t want to say one way or the other whether or not there’s a chance I’ll be home by Xmas. I wouldn’t even want to say maybe! I know you would be disappointed if I didn’t come home – if I gave you any encouragement that I might. Honey – I honestly don’t know – when or where I’ll go from here. I have no reasons to believe I’ll go back to the states tho. But how I hope so. We’ll just have to wait & see honey – how things turn out.

         I’m feeling pretty good & I’m hardly a lump now. There’s still a couple of open wounds in my leg yet – but shouldn’t be much longer in healing. My chest gives me a little trouble – not much tho.

         I thought I told you how I was wounded honey.

         Well, it happened so quick – it was hard to realize. I remember seeing the flash from this Jerry A.T. gun & the next thing I knew our tank was on fire. I don’t remember how I got out but I came to beside it. I knew I had to get away – because it was burning & the ammo exploding. I couldn’t get up so I rolled about 15 ft. & passed out. My platoon Sargeant was blown out & he got as far as I did. Both his legs were pretty well beat up. I woke up 2 days later – a prisoner – what a hell of a shock. The driver & the other Sargeant must have been killed. The Jerries gave us they’re billfolds & a dog tag. There’s a lot of details that would take pages honey – so I hadn’t better go to sleep.

         I'll close for tonite and answer a few more & hit dreamland. Bye for now honey. I love you and miss you.

All My Love Always             Johnny

German A.T. (Anti-Tank) Gun

 (for more information about German anti-tank weapons, go to:

http://www.lonesentry.com/manuals/german_aa/gaa7_german_antiaircraft_aa_guns.html)

Johnny Gets More Letters Later That Same Day

Oct. 4, 1944

England

8:00 P.M.

My Darling Mark

         Hello Sweetheart! !

How’s my honey today? I got 3 letters from you today – 11^th 12^th & 15^th. You’re really on the ball honey. I wrote you a letter this morning – but after getting 3 this evening I’d better write again.

         I got a letter from Frank today & one from Bobby.

         If you want to know honey – I was hit in the left leg & left lung. It’s nothing serious now.

         I’m feeling pretty good – but could feel a lot better if I was near you.

         It’s getting pretty cold here now. I hate to think of spending another winter here. I was in France the day they had summer here in England. I’ll bet if I was in the states I could stand any kind of weather. I’d sure like to spend this winter with you. We wouldn’t have to worry about a fuel shortage. Right now were listening to the World Series between the Browns & Cards. I guess its about 3:00 back home.

         Well, honey I close for now & write Bob & Frank.

         What I want for Xmas?  You honey & I would be gloriously happy!

         Bye for now. Write Soon.

All My Love Always             Johnny

My Soldier Says He Had A Very Satisfying Dream About His Sweetheart!

Oct. 1, 1944

England

A.P.O. 314

My Darling Mark

         Hello Sweetheart! !

I got two letters from you today – of Sept. 2 and 7^th. Was really happy to hear from you honey. I’m getting your letters quite often now. I hope they keep coming. By your letters I guess you’re not getting mine very often – I don’t know why tho honey – I do write pretty often.

         I got a letter from Cec. today & a card announcing their baby. He told me I was god-father by proxy.

         I’m feeling okay honey except a cold – the first one since I’ve been over here.

         There was a Navy band here today – that was formed by Artie Shaw a couple of years ago. A few were from his original band. They’ve been playing all over the So. Pacific & are now over here. I mean they were really sharp! We had a movie in our ward today – “Tap Man”. I’d seen it twice before- but since I could lay on my bed & see it, I layed thru it again – since there was nothing else to do.

         I got a letter from the folks today & some pictures. It sure is good to see home again even if it is only in a picture.

         You sure have a time with me in your dreams, don’t you, honey! Have you ever had a dream of me that satisfied you! I had one last week of you – in which I was pretty well satisfied! I went back to sleep & dreamed up a sequel!

         Honey- you can send me some of those cookies you bake every so often. Can you get any Milky Way candy bars?

You can say the best-loving honey – it should be the best after waiting so long.

Well, honey I guess I’ll write to the folks & Cec. & call it a night. I’m getting lazier every day. Don’t even get up for breakfast in the mornings anymore.

I love you honey - & Lord only knows how much I miss you.

Goodnite Sweetheart!

Write Soon.

All My Love Always             Johnny

My Soldier Is Still In the Hospital In England

Sept 26, 1944

England

My Darling Mark

         Hello Sweetheart! !

         How’s my honey holding out?  I got your letter of the 19^th today. Haven’t you heard from me yet? I wrote you the same day I wrote home & they have got the letter.

         No doubt at the time I’m writing this you should have heard honey. This is some of the stationery you sent – the envelopes were all stuck & had to throw them away.

         I don’t know whether I can have any pictures taken or not honey. I know I can’t until I get out of this hospital. You can send me one of you as often as you want tho – honey & I’d love it. The large one of you * had burned up in the tank & a lot of other pictures I had.

         I had a lot of souvenirs in it too that I lost.

         To me honey – the war news don’t sound so good – but it doesn’t sound bad either. This war going to last longer than most people think at home tho.

         You mentioned your “baby” was cute – you meant Lu’s didn’t you??? Sometimes you worry me - no end – honey.

         How are you & what’s doing around K.C.? Does it seem any different these days?

         Mercy – how I’d like to be back there! I guess I’ll have to keep “sweating it out” tho.

         I’m coming along pretty good & feeling alright, except for a cold.

         I heard from Ralph today – he’s back at Lakeland, Fla. Dode is in Miss. Frank is still in Nevada – desertion probably.

         Well honey I guess I’ll write home & to Ralph – so will say goodnite. Bye for now Sweetheart. Write soon.

All My Love Love Love Johnny

My Soldier Has Gotten Letters From His Old Outfit and a Couple of His High School Teachers

Sept 26, 1944

England

My Darling Mark

         Hello Sweetheart! !

         I got your letter of Sept. 11 today. Also the birthday card! As you said – better late than never!

         Went to a show today & seen “Anthony Adverse”. I thought it was really good!

         These dogs of mine sure do get sore when I walk any distance. Probably from not being on them for so long.

         There isn’t much to do around here except read, eat & sleep. But I guess I shouldn’t complain. I got a letter from my outfit today. They’re in Holland now – for curiosity sake I’d like to be with them. But there isn’t much chance of getting back with them – so I don’t think I’d like to go back over. But that’s not for me to decide.

         I got a couple of letters from a couple of my H.S. teachers. A couple of old maids yet!

         Well, honey, what have you been doing lately? Staying out of trouble aren’t you?  I know you are. How is Lu coming along & the baby. I guess I’m going to be god-father by proxy, huh?

         Honey – I don’t want to ask for anything for you to send because I don’t know how long I’ll be here yet. After I get a more stable address – then it will be alright.

         You can wrap yourself up tho honey - & come on over. I sure wouldn’t stay in this hospital long!!

         Well, honey I guess I’d better close for now & write home & a few more letters before I turn in for tonite. I went to Mass Sunday – first time since July. Not my fault tho. Bye for now Sweetheart. I love you honey!!  Write soon.     All My Love        Johnny

Johnny Gets Three Letters From His Sweetheart

Sept 18, 1944

England

My Darling Mark

         Hello Sweetheart!

                 I got 3 letters from you today from June 27 – July 8 - & Aug. 16^th. Some are pretty old but that doesn’t make much difference – as long as they are from you!

         How are you – honey & whats doing around K.C.?  I’m okay & feeling fine. I can get out of bed now & hobble around a little. It feels good to get up & around a little – after being in bed for 2 months.

         I got a letter from Mom today & one from Mary. She’s going to have another in Jan.

         How is Lu. coming along now. Tell her & Cec. I said hello. I’ll have to drop them another line soon.

         Honey – there isn’t much to write about. I don’t do anything around here except read & eat & sleep. What’s wrong with that! Only one thing – I’m not in K.C. with the girl I love most!  That’s whats wrong with it.

         There I go – asking questions & answering them. Its about time I quit or I’m apt to ask something I can’t answer.

         Honey – I love you & miss you more every day. This old heart will probably fail me – when I see you again.

         Well, honey I’d better close for now & write home. If I don’t get paid soon – I’ll be forced to use v-mail. 4 months since I’ve been paid. Bye for now Sweetheart!  Write soon.

All My Love                 Johnny

Our WWII Soldier Is Finally Getting Mail After Returning From Being A POW

AMERICAN RED CROSS

Sept 15, 1944

Friday Eve.

My Darling Mark

         Hello Sweetheart!

I guess I hit the jackpot today. I got 2 letters & two parcels from you today. One letter from June 22, & Aug. 10. They had sure been around. The envelopes of the stationery were all stuck together & I couldn’t use them. The box got wet somehow. I think I can use the paper tho. The gum & candy was okay tho – honey & the cigarettes .

I got an old letter from Mom today too. I’m getting mostly back mail now – but its mail!

It sure gets dull laying around here day after day tho! I shouldn’t complain tho – it beats France a hell of a lot!

Gosh, honey I don’t know what to write about. I don’t do anything but lay around all day. Thinking mostly of you - & wondering when I’ll get to see you again! I hope its not too long.

How is Lu getting along? They have a boy or girl? Or twins?

Well honey its about time for lights out – just had my hot chocolate!

They go to sleep pretty early around here.

Write soon honey – I sure look forward to your letters. I’ll try & do better myself – if I can get this stagnant brain on the beam. Bye for now.

All my Love always,   Johnny

Our WWII Soldier is Glad To Be Back Where He Can Get Real Treatment

Sept 11, 1944

England

My Darling Mark

         Hello Sweetheart!  !

I got your letter of the 14^th today – the first in about two months!

Today I got 7 letters dated from July 3 to Aug. 18^th. I was still a prisoner in Paris when they were all written. Evidently you & the Army didn’t know I was a prisoner. I’ve just been here about 2 weeks. It sure feels good to get back where a guy can get some real treatment. The Jerries didn’t [have] any medical equipment at all to speak of. When they left Paris they just took the patients that could walk. That was one time I was lucky I couldn’t walk or I’d probably be with them yet. I lost a hell of a lot of weight there – they didn’t have much food - & what they did have was hardly edible!

I’m feeling fine now & eating like a horse! Breakfast, dinner & supper in bed – not bad huh? Does get kinda tiresome laying here day after day tho – but I should gripe?

Did you receive any letters yet – that I wrote while I was a prisoner in Paris? Let me know honey! I guess I told you the Jerries took the pen you gave me while I was out (2 days) also my watch & money & tank boots. My clothes weren’t any good after they cut them off me. I had that large colored picture of you in the tank & it burnt with the tank too! That made me mad! Those damn Jerries!!  I’d better cool off before I get too mad to write!

I got a letter from the folks today – but it was written before I was wounded – I also got one from Cec & Lu!

I hope your dream comes true – honey!!

I still feel the same way about you honey – I love you more than I can hope to & miss you like hell. How about writing me long letters now -  huh? I’d better write home now & to Cec & Lu! Bye for now – honey. Write soon. I love you, I love you!

All My Love        Johnny