August 1944--Leaving Italy and Traveling to France

August 14 and 15, 1944--Another big invasion started in France.  Hundreds of C-47 cargo planes towing three gliders each are going overhead night and day. Repaired Jeep and at 8:30 p.m., we left Orbetello, Italy.  We drove a distance of 165 miles.  I was the head vehicle and had to set the pace at exactly 20 mph.  We stopped about 65 miles south of Rome, and we slept and rested most of the day.  Traveled to an area north of Naples, and we are now in the 7th Army, the 17th Group. We are to go into the line on the new French beachhead soon, and are due to arrive there September 5, 1944.

August 21--Our present bivouac area is by Lake Patrea, about 15 miles north of Naples.

August 24--Drove the Major into Naples.  I was able to drive all over town.  Mt. Vesuvius stood out over the harbor and looked so beautiful.  I could also see the Isle of Capri.

August 26--Drove to Versa, and then back to Naples.  There was a big German air raid over Naples at 1 a.m..

August 29--We left at 11 a.m. in convoy, and again, I was the head vehicle.  Went to an area near Naples Harbor.  The next day, I went to the dock in Naples where my Jeep and trailer were lifted on board by a large crane at 9 p.m.  Got into my bunk at 10 p.m.

August 31--We have now pulled out into Naples Harbor and are at anchor.  Ate and slept most of the day.  Saw a movie in the evening up on deck.  The moon is so bright, and reflects on the water.

Letter Home From Robert to His Family:  "August 17, 1944--Today it was terribly hot here. I drove through many towns that were just ruins.  The wrecked buildings stand out against the starlit sky.  The streets are narrow and deserted, and the exhaust of my Jeep echoes through the ruined buildings.  They are just ghost towns now.  I hope you are all well.  Love and kisses, Robert."