V-Mail
Monday, July 26, 1943
My Darling Wife
Well we continue to chase the enemy across the Island. It discourages us no end, having to walk so damn far. Why doesn't he give up. The Italians are not doing much fighting. Todays news is to the effect that Mussolini got the gate. I hope that means something. It's a shame to have to keep on fighting and killing people who don't want to have anything to do with the war
We can write about events two weeks past. Two weeks ago the regiment received the brunt of the heaviest tank attack made in this campaign. Over 40 tanks got all around us, in the midst of us — everywhere — and then the boys proceeded to knock them off. We claim 20 tanks. including 5 of the German Mark VI — “Tiger” tanks — 62 tons with an “88” gun in it. After that day, nothing will ever phase us. Enemy planes continued to attack us [&?] our rear during the day — but they couldn't hit anything
Business is picking up so I'll have to wind up this letter and get to work. I hope you are getting my letters — what few there are of them. I miss you like hell. and want nothing more than to get home with you and Linda. I love you both — and think of you constantly. I love you with all my heart.
All my love
Your John
READING CLOSELY
“Mussolini got the gate.” Italy's dictator was removed from power on July 25, 1943.
“Mark VI.” The German Tiger tank. He underlined the VI. A Tiger weighed about 57 metric tons, or about 63 US tons, so his “62 tons” is close.
The envelope. Below the letter: the V-Mail envelope, postmarked New York, August 7, 1943.
Where he was. The censors now allowed writing about events two weeks past, so John could finally describe the fighting at Gela on July 11 and 12. Mussolini had been removed from power the day before.