Dr. Walt’s Latest World War II Blogs

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June 26, 2024

June 26, 1944 — Dear Mom, If people only knew how much mail means to soldiers overseas

While Phil and his men prepared for an extended intensive training period, he wrote home.
June 23, 2024

June 23, 1944 — Where would the final D-Day in Europe occur?

From 23 Jun to 28 Jun 44. the 30th Infantry Regiment as part of the 3rd Infantry Division and the Seventh Army prepared for an extended […]
June 20, 2024

June 20, 1944 — Sgt. Norman Mohar writes home from Italy

Sgt. Norman Mohar continues his letter home about the 3rd Division’s training at Pozzuoli, Italy, not far from Naples. [1]
June 19, 2024

June 19, 1944 — I was very homesick and the training was intense

Dad’s 3rd Infantry Division’s move from Rome was undertaken commencing June 19, 1944. All wheeled vehicles and personnel, except infantry foot elements moved overland to the […]
June 18, 2024

June 18, 1944 — The most uncomfortable back massages in the history of the Army

Sgt. Norman Mohar continues his letter home about the 3rd Division’s training at Pozzuoli, Italy.
June 17, 2024

June 17, 1944 — The 3rd Division moves to Pozzuoli by train to train

Sgt. Norman Mohar wrote home about the 3rd Division’s moved to Pozzuoli, Italy.
June 16, 2024

June 16, 1944 — Dad’s division bivouacs at Lido di Ostia

During the summer of 1944, intensive amphibious training was again undertaken, and the division was soon brought to a new peak of combat efficiency under Major […]
June 15, 2024

June 15, 1944 — The Roman Holiday ends

The 3rd Infantry Division’s stay in Rome was short, less than ten days. Now Phil and his men were being told to gird themselves for their […]
June 14, 2024

June 14, 1944 — Dad has enough time to write a long letter to his best friend

Bill O’Bannon was one of Dad’s best friends growing up, and later served as best man in my mother and father’s wedding. The letter below is […]
June 13, 2024

June 13, 1944 — New orders can only mean one thing, amphibious training

Although few officers or men in the 3d Division knew it, our future part in the war had long been scheduled. Rome was merely a breathing […]