Pvt. W.D Johnson Jr. 34945847
G Co 26th Inf
APO # 1 c/o Postmaster
New York, N.Y.
Mrch 31, 1945
Germany
Dearest Mother & Dad:
We are just paused for a few hours in our steady drive ahead and have no way to get a letter censored and mailed but I want to avail myself of this chance to write and may be I can post the letter tonite or tomorrow.
Within an hour or two after we took this town yesterday other outfits were pushing thru us attacking towns ahead and on our flanks and by last nite we were “rear echelon” being many miles behind the front. In a little while we will mount our tanks and other armored vehicles, catch up with the front, pass thru the outfits there and attack on ahead again. And so the rapid advance continues. But its an exciting sort of race and certainly never a dull moment. We had hot chow up with us by last night and hot cakes for breakfast this morning after a good nite’s sleep. The night before we had to ride all night on tanks and go into the attack so the sleep last night was most welcome.
A humorous incident: We get a patented soup can issued to us. It has a protected heat unit down the center of the can. You light it and in a moment you pour hot soup out of the can. Well, the Jerries had a roadblock and we were held up temporarily before we jumped in the attack in a patch of woods outside the town.
One of our squad, notorious for his love of food, decided he’d have time to light the element in the soup can drink some hot soup before the attack. It was raining and we were fairly wet & cold so the soup was a good idea. Well, he got it hot and unhooked his cup and poured it out. He was about to drink as the order came to move ahead. As we emerged over the hill, with our chow hound walking along sipping from his cup, the Krauts opened up on us. We got the order to charge on ahead so the guy charges, his rifle in one hand and his rifle soup in the other. He was a scream trying to run and dodge the bullets that were whizzing without spilling his soup. Believe it or not, he got it all drank (drunk) without spilling a drop! These GI’s!!
I have read with interest your several allusions to Alice’s situation, and while I’m sorry it has to be that way, I’m sure she’s better off separated from Frank if he has gotten so chronic in some of his screwy ideas. Please remember me to Alice as well as Dixie and Grandma. I hope they are all in good health again by now.
Today is little Julie’s birthday. How I wish I could see her today! And, Dad, I want to wish you another happy birthday for tomorrow, Apr 1st.
I’ve been trying to write Macey and Rip all I could and I have been getting letters right along from both of them. Macey seems to be enjoying and thoroughly taking in the war. I’m still so thankful that he evaded the infantry. It’s not too hard on me now because I’m used to it but I just hated to think of Macey having to go through that period during which you learn what the scare is in the infantry.
Mom, you’re right in thinking that I trust in the Lord and without being objectionable about it I try to keep the fellows of the squad aware of the real source of our strength. It is hard to reconcile war and Christianity. As a soldier I really can’t afford to examine “Whys” too closely, but I’ve found peace of mind about it and I’m just doing what comes to me to do and trusting that the Lord approves of my attitude. Don’t worry about it honey, as I feel everything will work out all right. And don’t worry about me, either. I’ve found that I’ve a strong enuf mind and psychological & phyliogical physiological setup to take this without its bothering me too much, so dont worry.
You all keep writing and praying and all will surely work out fine. I’m still loving my Mom and Dad. Take care of yourselves.
David Jr.