WITH FIFTH ARMY- ITALY

Dear Family-                                                                                                                2 AUGUST 1944

            Everything is still quiet.  The fight here isn’t over yet - probably the hardest job has yet to be done.  But it will be done - our mission was to destroy the German army in Italy and our job isn’t finished until this is done.  I received two “pink” letters and a V-Mail tonight - the first in a long time. Tell Audrey I don’t have time to read the Herald in combat anyway but clippings about people I know would be appreciated.                                                                                                                                                                                 

 

                                                                                                                        WITH FIFTH ARMY- ITALY

Dear Family-                                                                                                                6 AUG. 1944

            It is still quiet.  Today was Sunday - slept late, took a bath, cleaned clothes, had roast beef dinner, the usual Sunday musical programs, beer this afternoon.  The news is overwhelming.  We hear about two dozen news broadcasts each day and our maps show the exact front line in all theatres.  I am getting plenty of rest - probably too much.  In this area movement or activity would tell Tedeschi where we are.  This is one of those restless, monotonous periods between battles.                                                                                                                       

 

 

                                                                                                                        WITH FIFTH ARMY- ITALY

Dear Family-                                                                                                                23 AUGUST 1944

            This is great grape country.  The white and red grapes are ripe now and we eat all we want.  And wine many years old - priceless in the States - is quite plentiful.  The closer you get to the front the better you eat.  Had roast duck at one of the battalions tonight and chicken yesterday at another battalion.  This is a funny war - there are civilians everywhere.  They continue to live in the villages and farms even though they’re shelled daily - many are killed.  Mines take their toll, too.  I am sending some photos.

                                                                                               

 

                                                                                                                        WITH FIFTH ARMY- ITALY

Dear Family-                                                                                                                29 AUG. 1944

            Sorry for the delay in letters.  You must not worry when I don’t write regularly - nothing here is regular.  I suppose you can tell we’re back.  Our CP is in a feudal castle that dates back to 1050.  From the surrounding country we get wine, fresh fruit, fresh vegetables.  We sleep on mattresses, eat in the spacious dining hall, use the furniture with which the place is furnished.  The enemy is very aggressive in this defensive set up and the mines and artillery are bad, but he takes much more than he gives.

                                                                                   

 

Dear Family-                                                                                                    WITH FIFTH ARMY- ITALY

                                                                                                                                    30 AUG 1944

            It is really hot here these days and most uncomfortable weather for fighting.  No, the big event was not the Seventh Army invasion.  Though everyone over here knew all about the landing - one writer called it the worst kept secret of the war.  Funny how something that was discussed so openly over here can be so secret in the States.  We get occasional cans of beer and bottles of “coke” these days.  We now have Brazilians in the international army, you know.  We’re training some of their officers now.  Everything goes well.  Need nothing but a letter every once in a while.          

                                                                                                                                    Love, Henry