Postmark: 02/27/1944

Return Address:

Pvt. V. Misitano
Co. A. 350th Inf APO 88c
c/o Postmaster N.Y.

(Mother's notation: Mar 2nd 44)

February 13, 1944
Somewhere in Italy

Dearest Mother,

    I'm terribly sorry that I wasn't able to write sooner since I've been here in Italy but we've really had a lot to do since I've been here.

   I can't tell you where at in Italy I am mother, but it's really a nice place.

   I like it a lot better here than Africa because I can at least understand the language enough to get along.

   I received two letters from you since I've been here. The one letter is the one you wrote on the eleventh and the two V-letters that you wrote on the 25th of Jan. I'm glad to hear that you are feeling well and that the family is in good health.

   I also am in good health mother, so please don't worry, and tell daddy not to worry either. I talked to some guys that were already in action and they said that it's tough, but as long as you watch yourself and keep on the alert and you'll be O.K. I don't know how long it will be until I see action mother, but when I do, you can bet I'll be watching myself at all times.

   I'm glad that you received my money and it really made me feel good when I read that you and daddy will use it because that's why I sent it. Mother you said that I could use it and enjoy myself when I come home. Mother, when I come home, just to sit in the rocker in the living room and rock myself silly will make me the happiest man in the world and spending money for good times will be the least of my worries.

   I haven't received the pkg. yet mother, but when I do I'll try and write the same day so you'll know how long it took to get here. From what you said you put in it mother, I'm sure I'll really enjoy eating it.

   Mother, I have plenty of cigarettes from Christmas presents and now we're getting a pack a day for nothing from the govt. So don't send me any more cigarettes mother. If I ever want any more pkgs. or anything mother I'll write and let you know.

   Well mother, there isn't much more to say so I'll close with lots of love to you mother dear daddy and the kids.

   Your loving Son,

"Jimmy"

P.S.

   Please don't worry about me mother, because I'm in perfect health.

   God bless you and keep you safe always.

   Love,

"Jimmy"

Lifetime of Rocking Chairs:

An excerpt from this letter is "just to sit in the rocker in the living room and rock myself silly will make me the happiest man in the world." As a followup, he did indeed have a rocking chair in his living room for the rest of his life. While other family members could sit on the rocking chair, if dad was in the room, he was in the rocker. He also loved to have one of his children in the chair beside him while watching TV, and this extended to nephews and nieces as well.

---

Insertion into Italian Front:

Excerpts from "Draftee Division", The 88th Infantry Division in World War II by John Sloan Brown

(page 79): The transfer from Oran to Naples went smoothly. One French and ten British ships shuttled the division in three convoys between 1 February and 21 February. On the first night out, German planes intercepted the first convoy as it cleared Oran's harbor defenses. Once in Naples, units bivouacked overnight in the College of Costanza Ciano, then trucked to the vicinity of the 88th Infantry Division's new headquarters at Piedmonte d'Alife.

On 27 February the 88th Infantry Division received orders to relieve the British 5th Division in the Minturno sector of the Fifth Army line.