1 July 1944

Dear Family- WITH FIFTH ARMY- ITALY

It was one year ago that I started from Yuma, Arizona in the decent to Maryland for a fifteen day leave. Just think it has been six months over-seas already. Remember Sally of Berlin that I told you about? She broadcasts propaganda to “demoralize” Allied troops. Her latest tirade is directed against the 85^th Division. She calls us a bunch of “butchers” and “cut-throats” who fight without honor. She says we are all killers. That’s not a bad reputation to have, is it? The Krauts won’t be so happy to hear we’re back in line, when we go.

2 July 1944

Dear Family- WITH FIFTH ARMY ITALY

There is nothing to report. No matter where one goes in Italy along all roads are wrecked German guns, tanks, trucks, ambulances, and cars. Those abandoned in good condition are soon scavenged by the natives. Those blasted by bombs or artillery always have a faint odor of decaying bodies surrounding them. It is estimated that 4,000 vehicles were left or destroyed about Rome. Hundreds of horses were cut to pieces as the enemy pulled out.

5 July 1944

Dear Family- WITH FIFTH ARMY- ITALY

Yesterday was no holiday for us, as our strenuous training was continued. In ROME, Secretary Stimson was present at the raising in the large square of the America flag that flew over the capitol when we declared war on the Axis nations. It flew only one day and is to be saved, to be run up in BERLIN and TOKYO. The area we’re living is really beautiful. It was once a national park and contains broad boulevards, clean woods, and green grass. The adjacent beach was once an exclusive resort. The once gay town lies abandoned and battered - The enemy destroyed it before he pulled out.

6 July 1944

Dear Family- WITH FIFTH ARMY- ITALY

My bank statement now shows a totally of $1456.00 - not bad, eh? This plus the $600.00 dad has supposedly invested for me and a couple thousand in bonds makes a tidy little sum. Went swimming today - is really nice. It’s not hot, just pleasant with always a fresh breeze. The outfit is in the best shape ever - all the rough sports smoothed off and new men worked into the organization. Morale is high - After all these men have been thru, it is wonderful how the mind dismisses all that is being past and looks only to the future, unafraid.

7 July 1944

Dear Family- WITH FIFTH ARMY- ITALY

As we advance, we capture enemy documents and un-mailed letters, which give us an idea of what it’s like on the other side. Typical statements- “the enemy (us) penetrated many times thru mountainous terrain which had previously been considered impassable.” And they speak in terror of our terrible artillery and air superiority. Their letters home are pitiful - “the planes are coming over 3 or 4 times a day - they attack every single man”…. “The Americans are finishing us off in their stride, just as they please. Those that survive this will be damn lucky. Already two thirds of our company is lost.”

9 July 1944

Dear Family- WITH FIFTH ARMY- ITALY

Spent a pleasant day in Rome - you must think all we do is flit to the big city. I went in with the regimental surgeon to a concert by JASCHA HEIFITZ at the Royal Opera House. Then saw the movie “Song of Bernadette, ate at an Allied officers club, came back to camp and saw “Madame Curie.” But all good things came to an end, there’s a war to be won, and we’re needed - so we can bid ROME a fond goodbye, at least for the present. It’s a good thing, too - this resting so long was beginning to get on my nerves.

11 July 1944

Dear Family- WITH FIFTH ARMY- ITALY

Not much to report. We’ve spent this pause most profitably and I feel we’re in better shape now than when we entered the line. We know now what to look forward to, we know we’re good (everyone from the President on down has told us so), and we’ve beat the German superman at his own game. Nothing takes the place of battle indoctrination. I’ll never forget the first days of this offensive - the most agonizing I’ve ever lived. Fear, anxiety, and anger made life miserable for a while - even rest or food were impossible to take. But now things are different.

16 July 1944

Dear Family- WITH FIFTH ARMY- ITALY

Corp. “Rich” Nichols dropped over last night - his outfit is located near us. A lot has happened since I took him to the town of Minturns back before we jumped off. He marvels at the way we live - how much we do without - he’s in the Air Force, you know. We went to our regimental show and saw Boyer and Bergman in “Gaslight,” the screen adaptation of the play “Angel Street.” Is my mail ever censored? I’ve often wondered. My statements are always above reproach but I’ve wondered if the letters are opened.

WITH FIFTH ARMY- ITALY

Dear Family, 21 JULY 1944

Our tent is now set up under a fig tree in a fruit orchard with pears, peaches, plums, apples, and grapes all around. This is a beautiful country. But the towns are sickeningly familiar of the earth. But 12,000 of the 100,000 people of LEGHORN were left and they’re now streaming back to their homes. The news looked so good today and yesterday that I’ll bet production in the States dropped 15%. These mobile showers are the best invention of this war - took one yesterday.

WITH FIFTH ARMY- ITALY

Dear Family- 22 JULY 1944

Everything is about the same. This is hilly terrain and every village is perched on the top peak of a mountain - sometimes up in the clouds so that it seems to float there. A long, torturous, narrow road with countless hair-pin turns leads up to the town. The enemy uses these advantageous strong points to delay our advance - each village with its stone houses becomes a fortress that is though to crack. More mines are seen in this area than ever. Italian wooden box mines and Tellers are the most common…. They worry us but don’t stop our advance.

WITH FIFTH ARMY- ITALY

Dear Family- 23 JULY 1944 (SUNDAY)

As the news gets better we get ready to go back in. Have had no rain in this sector but they have had some storms at the front. The Italian woman who owns the farm we’re camped on does laundry as well as a hand laundry at home. Have cleared a portion of the beach of those ugly mines and we use it for bathing - went in today and lay in the sun for hours. Our radio is on continuously these days - we get the hourly newscasts and plot each gain. It is now dark and cool.

WITH FITH ARMY- ITALY

Dear Family- 27 JULY 1944

The situation is still the same - not much going on. Jerry flew over last night on one of this nuisance raids but caused little damage. Arch Bishop Spellman of New York celebrated a field mass for the Catholics of the division - over 5,000 men attended. I had a chance to visit Fifth Army CP. What a place - covers acres and acres. There are thousands of tents, trailers, and vehicles - and generals galore. Haven’t received mail for a week now - think shipment is help up. WRITE

WITH FIFTH ARMY- ITALY

Dear Family- 29 JULY 1944

Everything quiet yet. The only thing that disturbs our tranquil country life is an occasional Jerry air raid or a move to a new area. We can move 3,000 men, 200 trucks, and all equipment in an efficient manner at a moments notice. I was on the staff of an honor guard for King George when he visited Fifth Army. In the Army - lined up for a mile - this within sound of front line artillery. That’s air superiority for you.

WITH FIFTH ARMY- ITALY

Dear Family- 31 JULY 1944

Things still quiet. We’re in higher mountains now and it really gets cold up here at night - now sleeping under a comforter and two blankets. The dust is our worst enemy - clouds of choking, blinding dust that gets in everything. Our radio keeps us in touch with the outside world. We listen avidly to each hourly news broadcast, hear the latest hit tunes, and tune in on the comedians. I haven’t had mail from you for a long time. Mail service in general has been poor lately. Love, Henry