From the U.S. Paratroops with Love

Sweetheart

"I thought that you

would like to know

that someone's

thoughts go

where you go

That someone never

can forget

The hours we spent

since first we met

And now my constant

prayer will be

That GOD may keep

you safe for me."

John S. Hopkins sent home three scarves to Ruby E. Rogers while he was stationed at Camp Mackall, North Carolina.  This one has no date stamped on it, but the return address and the rubber stamp over the postage stamps state Camp Mackall, North Carolina as the departure.  At this time during John's enlistment, he was in the Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 517 Parachute Infantry Regiment.

At some point before March of 1943 John was transferred to the 513th Parachute Infantry Regiment, still under the 17th Airborne Division.  We are not 100% sure of the reason, but one theory is because he broke his wrist.  According to Ruby, he was in a fight and a missed punch hit the wall and his wrist broke.  He used the excuse of breaking it roller skating so he could avoid trouble.  Paratroopers had to be in tip top physical shape and could not have any broken bones.

Kelly