Reclaiming Rome
by Jennifer E. Howell
For use in grades 4-6
World War II was a fight of justice and honor for America. One man fought for justice in his own way. America needed him to help regain authority in Italy from the Germans. Eight men needed him to come to the rescue of their lives. Having fulfilled both needs with courage, First Special Service Force fighter Winfred Powell earned a Silver Star for the United States of America. The following letters, though imaginary, are taken from actual events in the life of my grandfather, Winfred Powell, during World War II.
May 22, 1944
Dear Mom and Dad,
Well, I’m tired. We have just left Anzio and the city is safely in American hands. Casualties were low, but there were a lot wounded. I’m doing fine. We haven’t had much time for sleep, so I’m writing this before I go to bed. That’s all I want is a good night’s rest. The men continue to be such an encouragement. Because I have been gone from home, we are all the family we have for each other. We are all hoping that this war will end soon. Something big has got to break. It seems that these small battles just don’t add up. Tell Wilbur I said hello.
Your son,
Winfred
May 24, 1944
Dear Wilbur,
I hope all is well at home. Give my best to Stella. I hope she is well. We’re still continuing to head toward Rome. We headed across the canal yesterday. Got hit pretty hard coming across the canal. A few of the bombers had to fly around to keep us covered. Zekkey was killed this morning. A troop of Canadians just joined with the force today. However, I know sooner or later we’ll begin fighting for larger stakes again. I am glad for reinforcements. The more ground we can claim from the Germans the better. Sometimes I wonder why we’re fighting Italy’s battles, but I guess we’re all in this together. I just feel like it’s such a loss to lose men for another country. Take care of Mom and Dad for me. Keep praying. I’m doing my best.
Your brother,
Winfred
May 29, 1944
Dear Wilbur,
Today has been slow. The last few days have brought several unwanted events, but all part of war I suppose. Yesterday we had to deal with German tanks that had lined up along the railroad north of Artena during the night. Fighting was hard yesterday, but today has been a bit calmer. I’ve had some spare time so I thought I’d write again. Please don’t let Mom and Dad worry about me. This is something that I’m proud to do. I’m scared at times, but I know that God knows best. Tell Mom and Dad that I love them. Don’t know when I’ll be home, but it will be soon if General Clark has anything to do with it!
Your brother,
Winfred
June 1, 1944
Dear Wilbur,
The last few days have been hard. We have been fighting a great deal with very little sleep. I have only a few moments to send this to you. I think yesterday was the hardest night of my life so far. I have seen nothing like it and you probably wouldn’t believe it unless I could describe it to you myself. I will do my best with a little amount of time. We have been trying to take Valmontone so as to cut the German’s travel on the highway, the main road to Rome. We have been traveling from Anzio this whole time trying to get to Rome. Everyone was getting tired, and between regiments splitting and moving, I was alone with only my half of our platoon on the hill of a small village called San Nicoli. We had to flank right because of such heavy fire. The only thing I could think to do was set up a small firing line. I had to leave them for a while to see if there was a better place to fire from. We were under such heavy shooting that we weren’t doing any good! I had to go quite a distance before I could find a good spot. I went back to get the boys and have them all move so we could shoot better. We finally got the German firing to stop so we could reorganize. The shooting was close and loud, but I didn’t lose anybody. Got a few scrapes here and there, but nothing that won’t heal. I’m not so sure that it was the right thing to do at the time, but I knew I had to get that firing to stop. I didn’t want to lose anyone. We can’t afford to. We’re pressing farther on down the line today. We’re getting closer to Rome. I’m sure the fire will be heavy. I am safe and well, and give my love to Mom and Dad.
Winfred
June 4, 1944
Dear Mom and Dad,
I suppose Wilbur filled you in on what has already happened in the last week or so. I am still well. Don’t have too much time to write because we’re getting closer to Rome, but I wanted to tell you of my safety and the last days events. Yesterday we were able to get trucks moving along the highway past Valmontone to Rome. We’re getting closer with every day. Something has to break soon. Last night my regiment made it past one of the little Roman suburbs getting nearer to the middle of the city. We were told that we would only fire if the Germans began advancing toward us. Otherwise we weren’t supposed to fire in the city. We made our way into the city to seize many of the bridge lines out of the city. The Germans knew how to show a good time. They met us with plenty of ammunition when we arrived. The parade we began had to stop for a while. Our shooting was limited because the Germans were located around civilian housing. Just tonight we have seized half of the Tiber bridges on the highway and many Germans have either been captured or fled. We have at least won this battle for America. Rome no longer belongs to the Germans. Much of the casualties belong to Germany however. I am thankful for this matter. Ponte Milvio is my bridge, my assignment for the time being. Sleep is my next assignment. Hopefully I shall be able to gain a good amount of it. I am well. Tired, but well. Please do not worry. Give Wilbur my best.
Your son,
Winfred
June 6, 1994
Dear Mom, Dad and Wilbur,
I thought I should write now because I have no idea of where my position will be in a few days time. We spent much of yesterday sleeping, which I needed. We awoke this morning to find that America has invaded Normandy. Have you heard of a count yet? We have not heard of such numbers as yet. I hope the boys do well. For the time being I am safe in Italy, but I long to help in some way yet again. I’m sure my detail will be given shortly. I’ll try to write again as soon as I can. General Clark has informed me that I will be receiving a Silver Star for May 31 when I had to save my platoon from the heavy fire. I am not so sure that I am worthy of it, but my country will be. America has done well thus far. I cannot understand why Hitler believes he can win. We have many losses, but we are strong. My force and my men are strong. Morale is good for the time being and helps us fight. Pray for victory. I will write again soon.
Your son,
Winfred
Questions:
- During what war did were these letters written?
- Where was Winfred Powell stationed at this time during the war?
- What year did these events take place?
- What city was Winfred and his regiment trying to reclaim from the Germans?
- What award was Winfred given because of his bravery in saving the lives of his men?
- What final event did his letters mention that would eventually become a well-known historical event?
How to read these letters:
These letters are written from Winfred Powell to either his parents or his twin brother Wilbur. There are number of ways that these letters could be read. One approach would be to read them from his mother’s perspective like she’s reading the letter to his father and brother. She should sound as a mother with a son at war should sound - excited to hear from her son, yet worried about his safety.
These letters could also be read from Wilbur’s perspective. He could read the letters to his parents loudly and informative, and then read the letters addressed to himself with more thought and concern.
Any way these letters are read, they need to be read using a little dramatics to emphasize the feelings and emotions that both Winfred and his family felt during the war.
Sources:
The information for the above letters was taken from:
- The First Special Service Force. Burhans, Lieutenant Colonel Robert D. Infantry Journal Press, Washington. 1947.
- long talks with my grandfather, Tec.Sgt. Winfred Powell, 6 Company 3rd Regiment of the First Special Service Force