Christmas in July. Why not? Let’s begin at the proverbial beginning. Four men sit and go through packages, gifts from people a world away, perhaps a universe away. “Merry Christmas, my darling! I love you.” A big smile spreads across the face of each man, and just for a moment, they are four boys standing before a Christmas tree, wondering who gets the biggest gift, eyes alit in anticipation.
Gloves, socks, small confections. You would think it might be all the gold from
Fort Knox. Momentarily forgotten are the
guns just behind them, propped up against the dirty door and wall, and the
knives at their belts. It’s
Christmas! They’ll think about war
tomorrow.
(Front row, left to right) S/Sgt. John F. Suchanek; and Pfc. Joseph G. Pierro; and (back row) Sgt. Charles M. Myrich; and Sgt. Leon L. Oben. All are members of F. A. Bn., 3rd Div. Pietramelara, Italy. December 16, 1943.
