July 24, 1944.Dear Mom & Dad.
Well I am back with the outfit again. No more white sheets and having breakfast in bed for me for a while.
Before I came back to the Co. I spent 10 days in Rome just resting up and seeing the sights. Rome has many beautiful places of interest and as you know has a very ancient history. I met a lot of old friends there and I celebrated several reunions. I bought a camera while I was there and a few rolls of film. I wonder if you could find some for me and send me some. I'll inclose the box of one of the rolls so you will know what kind I want.
I hear Steve Snyder is in the Hospital in England. I believe he has seen a little action in Normandy but had trouble with one of his toes. Artirities or something.
The two months I was gone from my outfit sure made a big change. When I got back I found there was only one other officer left and only a few of the non-comms. When I got back up here all of the old men were glad to see me back, I was surprised. They were too, they didn't think I'd ever be back again. The first night back the C.O. wanted me to take a patrol out, the damned fool was serious too. I guess you know I told that ___ of ___ where to go. He's new at this racket he'll learn, but not with this boy's hide. I guess some of the men told him I liked patrols or something but that went back to the days of Anzio before I got hit.
When you send some more cake and then that film I wish you would send me some writing paper. I hate to write on this stuff.
I just heard from a friend of mine that was in the same battalion with me back in the states. To be very frank he said the got shot in the ass. I guess thats where he got hit if he says so.
I've often wondered if you even here anything of the 34th Div. back in the states. I guess they just mention the fifth Army and let it go at that.
Well take care of yourselves folks, by looks of things it won't be too long before I'm home.
Love. John.
Aug. 28, 1944.Dear Mom & Dad.
I hope you are not mad at me for not writing. I received a letter from each of you to-day. I'm glad things are going fine.
About the Purple Heart I sent, when I was in the hospital I had a Red Cross girl wrap it and send it for me. That was around the middle of June. You should have gotten it before this. I did save the ribbon to wear myself. But I do hate to lose the medal. By the way you know I have a cluster to wear with it. I was wounded on May 8th and May 21st. The first one was just a scratch. I think I told you about that.
Mom, you asked me what Div. I was in. Do you know I've been writing it in all my letters? A.P.O. 34 means 34th Inf. Div. You have probably read a great deal about the 34th, it has more fighting time than any other Inf. Div. (American) in Europe. Not that I'm bragging but it is admitted by every one here in Italy that it is the best Div. over here, I think so too. By the way our shoulder patch looks like this -- (drawing of bull) -- a red bulls head on a black background.
I haven't heard from Pvt. Virginia for a while. But I guess she's mad at me. Before I get her new address and have a chance to write to her she will be married. So I wish you would deliver my congratulations and best wishes for me. Kiss the bride for me too will you. I just thought of something. She has to take orders from me or be court marshalled. Boy am I going to have some fun when I get home.
Do you know after 6 or 7 months of fighting I've seen a lot of things happen. I know I never talked much before what I was doing. I won't now and I never will. But I've certainly seen a lot of men come and go. Quite a few of the older men (I mean men that have seen a lot of combat) try their best to get out of the Infantry. I don't blame the enlisted men but the officers back out I have no respect for. The way I feel about it, I accepted a commission and with it I accepted a responsibility. I'll never quit as long as I'm physically and mentally able to keep going. It's easy for an officer to quit, that is if he doesn't have any pride. I could have gotten out of this bloody mess when I was hit in the leg. It looked a lot worse than it was. I did have to go back to combat if I didn't want to. But great satisfaction, what ever happens to me now or in years to come I'll know myself if no one else does that I didn't let my buddies down when the chips were down.
I didn't mean to go on like that, just blowing off steam I guess.
Do you know I think every one must be mad at me for not writing. But honest I've been busy, you understand. I can't carry paper and envelops around with me a stop to write a letter every time I sit down.
Have you heard from Steve Snyders wife yet? She said she was going to drop you a line.
It's getting so dark I can see. Better stop.
I'll write again soon. Be good.
Love
John (Fearless)
P.S. No foolin' that's my nickname.
Oct 7, 1944 ItalyDear Mom & Dad,
I'm sorry for not doing a little more writing but I have been busy as usual. I think you understand.
As you can see by my new return address I am in another Regiment, although it is still the same Division. They needed some officers in the 133 with combat experience so I was sent over. As far as I'm concerned it's still the same old war to me. I'm getting pretty damned tired of the war, eight months of fighting in the infantry is long enough for any man.
I received a letter from one of you every 3 or 4 days and they are very encouraging, keep them coming. I hope you haven't forgotten the sardines or clam c[h]owder I asked for or the size 120 film. Write soon and don't forget my new address.
Your loving son. John
Nov. 1, 1944Dear Mom & Dad,
I guess you have been waiting for one of those long letters for some time so here goes.
First I'll describe the place I am writing this from. I am in an old stone farm house that has been hit about ten times with artillery shells. Two days ago a shell hit the barn which is attached to the house and killed one of the cows. Most of the roof to the house is gone and one wall is shot up pretty bad. There is only one room in the house which can still be used. That is it still has four walls and a roof. Luckily it has a fireplace and we keep a fire going all the time. We do all our cooking over this fire. Also we dry our clothes and shoes. There is a wine cellar bellow where some of the men sleep when they are not out on guard. We get shells in around at various times day and night but we haven't had a direct hit since the cow was killed. This is a better setup than we usually get. There are plenty of chickens and rabbits around, in fact there is a rabbit on the fire now.
Last night was Halloween so in the true spirit of things I went out to play some pranks in the form of a few booby traps. There is a path leading to our house from the German position. Last night I went out and stretched a piece of string across the path and tied one end to a hand grenade. If someone comes along the path he will pull the string which in turn will pull the pin out of the hand grenade and the grenade will go off. I'll keep you posted if I get anybody with my booby trap.
Say by the way I finally got some mail from you people. #35 from Dad, a birthday card from Mom, also a paper. You said you have never seen anything about the 34th Division in the paper. I guess the reason is most of the news is about the whole Fifth Army and not just a part of it. You see the 34th is part of the Fifth Army. In fact the 34th is the Oldest Div. in Italy and has seen more action than any Div. in this theater. Whenever you hear about the 5th Army pushing a spearhead someplace and there is a map showing the push just look at the very tip of the point and that is where I am. It's been that way for the last couple of months, so I don't see why it should change in the next couple.
I received a couple of letters from Steve Snyder's wife, it seems she does all the writing for the family. I hadn't written to her in some time and she was a little bit worried. Mrs. Snyder is afraid when I get back I might marry any old gal so she is looking for a suitable wife for me. It's more or less of a standing joke with us. (Hm I wonder?) Steve is in England, he had trouble with one of his feet so he is out of the Infantry (why couldn't I get something wrong with me). He and two other officers have a private apartment. Boy what a time they must be having.
I guess I'll have to write to Pvt. Virginia pretty soon. I wonder if she will be coming overseas soon. She better hope she comes over here and not the S. Pacific if she does ship overseas. I'll look her up if she does come over.
Took a ten minute break, cooked some breakfast and read our propaganda newspaper "The Stars and Stripes."
That fishing proposition of Dads sure sounds good, that is one thing I want to do plenty of. Sure could go for one of those blue fishing trips we used to make, sure was fun. We pretty soon we'll be able to do it again.
I've got a German medal I took from a Kraut I captured. It's a pretty good looking medal, I'll send it to you the first chance I get. You know most infantrymen are just like highway robbers. Whenever we capture Germans we take every thing from them we can use, watches, pens, pistols and money. They use the same Italian money we do. It is actually comical to see a bunch of G.I.'s searching a prisoner. The first thing they do is see if he has a pistol or a watch. Then they see how much money he has in his wallet. One day we captured 69 Germans and they must have just been paid, boy did we rake in the dough.
I often wonder how it's going to feel when I get home to walk out of the house without a rifle in my hand. I know it's hard for you people to realize what is almost an every day occurrence over here. You walk around the hills here and never know when you are going to shoot it out with someone. I walked around the corner of a farmhouse one day and ran smack into 7 Jerries. I don't know which was more surprised. I was a little faster in opening up on them so they were finished. I was about ten feet from them so I couldn't miss. I sure did my heart good to see them scatter. I got six out of the seven. Killed three, wounded two and captured one. The other one got away. That was the closest one I ever had and believe me I'm going to peek around corners before I walk around them from now on. You can't win all the time.
I'm just about run down. I better sign off. I'll write again soon. I'll be looking for those packages.
Love, John.
P.S. Notice my new address.
Dec. 15, 1944.Dear Mom & Dad,
Just a short letter to let you know I am still O.K. Sometimes I wonder why or how.
Mail has been pretty slow lately. I did get one V-mail from Mom a couple of days ago. I hope I get more soon. Did you get the pictures and many orders I sent. I guess you should have them by the time you get this.
We are still sweating out Christmas. I hope I don't have to spend it in a fox hole. These Krauts will pay for it if I do.
No news from Pvt. Virginia yet. I wish she would write and let me know where she is. Maybe I could get to see her. She will be able to tell you many interesting things, more than I could. Of course she will see the war in a much different way than I do, thank God for that. She will understand a lot of things you people back in the states never will understand.
Well I really went on a bender last week. I had a five day pass and did I get plastered. Never had so much fun, not since I left the States. I don't get drunk very often but when I make my mind up to pitch one it really turns out to be a lulu. I'm sober now though.
Well how does the news look back home. You people still think the Germans are just playing hard to get? Boy would I like to get hold of one of those newspaper writers that say "little action on the fifth Army front, patrol action light, moderate artillery action." I'd like to get him up here for some of that "moderate artillery action." If he lived through it and didn't go nuts he'd write a story that would make your head spin. Don't want to alarm you but those kind just burn me up.
About time for me to crawl into a hole and catch a little sleep. Drop me a line when you get a chance.
Love. John.
P.S. How about some more sardines, and clam chowder. I also like Blue Moon cheese pickled herring, boned chicken and that's all.
Dec. 20, 1944.Dear Mom & Dad,
Just a short note while I have the chance to let you know I'm O.K. Things are still going about the same. Just as much mud, rain and shells.
If you could see me you would have a hard time recognizing me, covered with mud and I have about a week's growth of beard. Right now I am in a hole that is covered with boards and sand bags & I'm hunched up in a corner with a can of bacon grease burning for light. Oh well it can't last for ever can it. Or can it?
How about taking about ten dollars of my money a buying me a pair of low cut (Oxford) shoes. Plain tops. Size 10C. Comes in handy if we get a rest. I get tired of wearing boots all the time.
I had new V-mail from Lu but no word from Pvt. Virginia yet. I wish she would write so I knew where she was. Let me know if you hear from her.
Write soon folks, I'm anxious to hear from you.
Love. John
1/5/45
Dec. 21, 1944.Dear Mom & Dad,
How is every little thing in Virginia. I hope you folks have a good Xmas dinner. We are still sweating out our dinner. I hope it turns out for the best. Someone will get stuck and I hope it isn't us. Just so we get the feed, it really doesn't matter when, one day is just like any other to us.
I finally got a letter from Pvt. Virginia, she is in England as you probably already know. It took her letter almost a month to get here. I hope it doesn't take that long all the time.
I'm still in the same hole and will be the next time I write. No request this time. Until later then.
Love. John
John B. Foster Sr.McLean, Va U.S.A.
January 6, 1945
Dear John. Received your letter of Dec. 15. The day after we received your letter of Dec. 20. Your shoes are on the way. Did you get all the Xmas boxes? Mom and I both write often. You should get our letters soon. We'll send cheese, boned chicken and herring.
Received pictures and money orders O.K. did not get your War Bond for Dec. as yet.
I mailed a rather lengthy air mail letter to you yesterday. Next time you write let me know the date that you received my last letter, the date I wrote it and the number if any.
Mom is anxious to know if you received the socks she sent you.
We'll write soon.
Lots of love and good luck. Dad.
Jan. 16,1945Dear Mom & Dad,
I sure have slipped up in the last few days. I am really sorry for not writing.
Mom in your letter of Dec. 28th you were concerned about the packages you sent. I am pretty sure I have gotten them all by this time. I want to thank you very much for them.
By the sound of your letters all the children sound as if they are almost grown up. Even Randy talks. I'm starting to feel like an old man.
No mail from Virginia yet. I wonder what is the matter. I've written about three to her, the mail has been very slow lately; perhaps the letters will come soon.
Everything remains the same here in Italy. The mountains are still as high but they look beautiful covered with snow. We have had about a foot and a half of snow. In fact it snows about every two or three days. We got hold of some skis and I did a little skiing. It's lots of fun and there sure are plenty of hills. In fact it's hard to find a hill that isn't too steep or doesn't have a cliff at the bottom.
A lot of the men have gotten sick lately. I've been trying to best but I guess I'm too healthy. I sure could stand a few weeks in a hospital. If it means a break I would get it so I might as well forget about it and just content myself with the fact I'll be here sweating out the shells till the war ends.
You should see the pets we have now. A cat, dog and a sheep. The sheep is the tamest of them all. It follows us wherever we go. The C.O. is out now looking over the positions and the sheep is with him.
Well folks that's about all for now. I really wanted to let you know I am still going strong.
Love & kisses. John.
P.S. How about some more sardines, clam chowder, shrimp, marshmallows and I need a fountain pen.
Jan. 21, 1945Dear Mom & Dad,
Every once in a while I try to catch up on my mail, but I'm afraid I'm so far behind now that I'll never catch up.
I don't know if they print much in the newspapers back home about Rep. Clare Boothe Luce but here is a clipping from the Stars and Stripes, the Army overseas newspaper. A lot of us are hoping she is able to get what she is after for the combat infantrymen. She really knows how we feel over here; notice the Division she mentioned as having the most combat time.
I was thinking the other day it's about time I was getting out of this myself for a while. In the three rifle companies in my Battalion I am the oldest officer that is I've been in combat the longest. There are only about 20 enlisted men in the three rifle companies that has seen more combat than I. I figure all the tight spots I've gotten in and out of and all the times of been shelled and shot at and missed (knock wood) I've been pretty lucky. Of course I've been hit twice but I'm still in one piece so I can't kick too much. Well anyway I hope I get a good deal out of this break Clare Luce is trying to get us.
Do you know folks every time I write a letter I have to borrow someones pen. I would appreciate it very much if you would send me a fountain pen. I really need one bad.
Everyone is pretty scattered these days aren't they. Pvt. Virginia in England, Vinnie in the S. Pacific and me in this God forsaken place. What a war.
The absence of news about my oldest brother is very conspicuous, how about a word or two on him. He is probably on the outs with the rest of the family as usual but I would like to know how he is. You might also make a report on our whole clan, aunts uncles and all.
Nothing of importance to report still just struggling along and getting to be an old man. I'm not the little boy you used to know. And believe me when I get home I'm not going to waste any time finding the right gal and settling down to raise a family before I'm too old.
Well that's about all for now. Take care of yourselves and don't forget to write.
Love and kisses, John.
Jan. 30, 1945Dear Mom & Dad,
Just a line to let you know I'm still O.K.
You have asked several times if I received the Xmas packages you sent and if I have been receiving all your mail. To the best of my knowledge I've received all the packages you've sent and all the mail. I'll check on the December War Bond.
I received 3 letters from PFC Virginia, she seems to be O.K.
Nothing new to report, and nothing new on the new [?]. I don't want them.
Love. John.
Feb. 22, 1945Dear Mom & Dad,
I hope this letter finds you in good health and happy.
The first thing I want to tell you is not to worry about me for the next five or six weeks. I'm in the hospital with yellow jaundice. I started to get it about two or three weeks ago while we were up on the line. I had a fever and no appetite. I knew what I was getting but didn't want to turn in because I knew we were going to get relieved soon and we were going back for a rest near a certain Evac. Hosp. where I know a certain nurse. So I hung on. When we got back I saw the nurse and we had a couple of dates and then I turned in. We had it fixed up so I was assigned to her ward so she took care of me until I was sent back to a General Hosp. where I am now.
So now I sleep between clean white sheets in a soft bed and get three hot meals a day. The best thing about this "jaundice" is that they have a special diet which consists of fresh [?] beef twice a day. That isn't too hard to like.
I've been getting plenty of mail from everyone lately and now I'll have a chance to answer it. I received the shoes and they fit O.K. and thanks a lot. Don't forget to keep up the delivery on the sardines, herring and stuff.
Do you know folks it gets harder and harder for me to write. I don't know if I'm just restless or what. One of these days I'm going to write down every thing just as it comes to my mind. I'll bet that will be a masterpiece.
Virginia seems to be getting along alright, I guess when I get to see her will be back in McLean some time. She did manage to get a promotion which is better than I can do. I had things starting to go my way but now that I'm in the hospital the whole deal is messed up. I guess I'll be a 1st Lt for the rest of the war.
They're getting set to turn out the lights so I'll sign off.
With love and kisses. John.
Note new address.
March 4, 1945Dear Mom & Dad,
I hope this finds you well and not worrying too much.
To date I have received all the packages you sent including the shoes. Which fit perfect. Thanks. I have not yet received the lb. box of chocolates you said you sent. You mentioned sending some hard candy. Please do not send me any hard candy. There is more hard candy in Italy than the combined Armies of the allied nations could eat for the next ten years. We're sick of the stuff.
According to all the papers the cigarette shortage is not getting any better. You must be having a heck of a time getting them in Washington, Dad. We are getting along O.K. over here. Although I hear back in the rear areas they are not getting as many as they used to. A couple of the men in the company were back in Naples and they said you can get ten and fifteen dollars a carton back there. I'm certainly glad we get all we want up on line. I don't know who deserves it more than the front line outfits. Do you?
I'm still waiting for two rolls of film I sent to be developed. I gave them to one of the officers in the company who was going on pass to get developed, he couldn't find a place to get them done, so he gave them to a friend who had a friend who knew someone that developed film. I might see them again, maybe.
I have some more money to send you when I can get up and around. (The doctor won't let me get out of bed.) By the time I get out of the Army I should have enough for that business enterprise. Which by the way Dad you never did go into any details about it. How about a glimpse of the "big picture," Dad?
Mom you said in your last V-mail (Feb. 16th) that you hadn't had a letter from me in two months. I can't understand it. But in the future please do not worry about me. I've lasted this long and I think I'll just hang around and finish the job. If I did get hurt you would hear from me right away, that is if I was in a writing condition. But anyway stop worrying.
Tell the kids I'm sorry about the Kraut helmets, the last time I was on line I had so much stuff to carry I couldn't carry a couple of extra helmets too. I'll get them some sooner or later though.
Nothing much new to report, I'm still in the hospital with this Hepititis but the yellow jaundice seems to have gone away. I'll be here for about another month. It sure is a good rest. I've gained some weight since I've been here, I hope to get good and fat before I get out. The war may even be over by then.
I still have hopes of seeing Virginia, when I get out of the hospital I'll have two or three weeks at a reconditioning center. If I can "snow someone under" there I might swing a ten day leave. The rest is easy.
Well folks, that all for now, take good care of yourselves.
Love. John
P.S. Dad when is someone going to shoot John L. Lewis? Someone ought to.
Note new APO
March 15, 1945Dear Mom & Dad,
Well I'm still in the hospital and in bed and it looks like I'm going to finish out the war here -- I hope. As I told you in the last letter I've got "Hepetitis with jaundice." The hepatitis is some sort of liver ailment caused by a germ. It can be serious but more often is not, in my case it is not. It started to clear up a few days ago so I got out of bed and did a little too much walking around, didn't drink enough liquids (part of the treatment) and I ate some candy which I shouldn't of done. So now I am all yellow again and back in bed. Of course being in bed has its good points. I get my back rubbed twice a day by one of the nurses and that's not hard to take.
I received a V-mail from Mom and two copies of the Evening Star today. About that picture you cut out of the newspaper, it's possible it's me. I can't say until I see it. Send it to me and I can tell you for sure.
Just had another back rub -- boy did that feel good. Takes the kinks out. I haven't received that pen as yet but it should get it soon. I'll let you know as soon as it comes. You said something about a package in one of your letters a while ago but as yet I haven't received it.
So Vinnie got homesick, too bad. It sounded like he had a pretty good job. Perhaps he expected to find a little more excitement than he did. He had better be careful when he comes back, his draft board may get some nasty ideas about him and he'll find himself with a rifle in his hands. You know folks I think I'll see about canceling my contract, although right now there is only one way I know of doing it and that method doesn't appeal to me.
The weather in Italy has been beautiful lately. It isn't near as bad is it was last year. All the snow is gone and the ground is dry. I expect we'll have some rain soon. Not too much I hope, it's pretty hard on the boys in the foxholes when it rains hard and the holes start caving in. I spent a good many of those days and believe me there is nothing worse than being wet and cold, hungry and tired from lack of sleep and on top of that getting artillery fire most of the time. You have got to experience it to understand! This bed sure feels good!
Well folks I'm almost out of paper so I'll say solong for now.
Love and kisses. John
19 March 1945Italy
Dear Mom & Dad,
The mail has finally come through. I received a package with the sardines & boned chicken. The fountain pen, which was in good shape and it also writes well, plus a lot of letters including the EasterCard which I thought was wonderful. I get a kick out of the letters Delmar andLewis sent. I have already written to them. I printed so I hope they are able to read it.
I'm inclosing a money order for One Hundred dollars, I'll get last months pay in a couple of days so there will be another in a short time. Starting to pile up, isn't it? I don't have a thing to spend the money for except Px rations, candy and stuff and that only cost me about a dollar a week. It those four day passes to the Rest Hotel we get about every three or four months that eat up the dough. Although the next time I get a pass it shouldn't cause [cost] me much because I can't drink for at least 8 months after I leave the hospital -- doctors orders. So it shouldn't cost me much.
Not much news this time folks, just wanted to let you know I've been thinking of you and as always hoping you are in good health. Sorry to hear you were not feeling well a while back, Dad.
I'll look through all your letters tomorrow and write up a full report of every thing.
Love and kisses. John
P.S. A REQUEST
Please send me some film and food.
April 4, 1945Dear Mom & Dad,
If you have not received any mail from me lately it is because of a very good reason. I wanted to wait and make sure before I said anything, but now that it is certain I can tell you. I have been Lid -- which means I am going back to the States. The Doctors feel it will take from 4 to 5 months for me to fully recover from the hepatitis I have so they are sending back to do it. I'll spend some time in a hospital back there and then have about a month or two at home to rest. Pretty good luck.
I don't don't know just when I will leave here but I should be home about the end of April or the first part of May. In the meantime don't write anymore because your mail won't get here in time for me to get it. I will call you just as soon as I can after I get back. I hope they put me in a hospital near home, which I understand they always try to do but as you know that is not always possible. Walter Reed would be almost perfect. I hope I go there so keep your fingers crossed.
Well that's about all from now so until you hear from me
Love and kisses
John
April 14, 1945Italy
Dear Mom & Dad,
Just a short note to let you know I am still in Italy. At the present rate I never will get home, it sure seems like that "white boat" will never come. My biggest fear is that I will get better before the boat comes and then I won't be sent home. The Doc assures me this will not happen. I don't know though.
So folks don't get too impatient, it might be a little latter than I planned but I'll be home soon. I'm getting better too.
Love. John
Sept. 4, 1948Dear Mom,
This is a letter I should have written a long time ago. But you know how it is -- I kept putting it off until so much time went by I didn't know how to start.
I don't know when I enjoyed anything as much as I did talking to you on the phone. I was very pleased with the way you sounded -- your voice sounded very good to me.
The thing that probably concerns you the most about me is how I've been getting along. Well the best way to tell you would be to describe what I've been doing for the past two years. As that would take a lot of writing so I'll save that and just tell you I'm in good health -- better than ere -- I weigh (Ginnie will please note) 170 lbs. As far as I know I haven't changed very much -- I guess I still look and act the same as ever.
As I told you on the phone, I'm working here in Mancos on a construction job. The dam we are building will be finished something in the latter part of October, if not the weather will slow us down by that time. SO I think by about Nov 1st maybe sooner but not by much I'll hop a train east and pay you a visit. I've missed you so much lately I don'twant to delay any longer.
Perhaps if I can find a job of some sort in Washington I'll stay the winter -- then me and my favorite girl (has been for 26 years) can go out together. Huh?
Mom, I really think you would like Colorado. It has the most beautiful mountains I've ever seen. It is sometimes called "the Switzerland of the United States." The mountains are very rugged -- most of the small towns in the mountains are 7 or 8 thousand feet above sea level. Of course one handicap is that in the winter a good many o the mountain passes are blocked by snow so that travel on them is stopped, isolating some communities. Summers here are very beautiful, the nights are always cool, but the winters are very cold. It was 31 below last New Years Eve.
Here I am writing about Colorado when I would be telling you about me, as I guess that is what you are mostly curious about.
The best way for me to show you would be to go to McLean -- then you could see I'm still happy and healthy.
So until I write again until I see you --
Love always
John