Original Cub Document
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The CUB
VOL. 31, NO. 4, Jul., 1975
President Dr. James I. Clark
1st Vice President Sherod Collins
2nd Vice President Robert Walker
Adjutant Robert L. Scranton
Treasurer Sherod Collins
Chaplain John T. Loveless, Jr.
Historian Sherod Collins
The CUB is the official publication of the Association. Membership in the Association is $5.00 per year which includes subscription to the CUB.
Editor John Gallagher
All editorial matter should be addressed to:
John Gallagher
4003 Frances Street
Temple, Pa. 19560
All business matters, renewal of membership, etc., should be addressed to:
Robert L. Scranton
9441 Lee Road
Brighton, Mich. 48116
Auxiliary Dues $2.00 per year.
Membership 1973-74 yr. -289
Membership 1974-75 -301
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
The most recent issue of the CUB notes the fact that the 106th Infantry Division Association has the largest membership (293) since Bob Scranton became adjutant.The recent growth is not only a tribute to the inherent worthiness of our organization, but to the ceaseless efforts of the membership to endure and procure.
John Gallagher does a beautiful job on the CUB; Bob Scranton keeps the mailing list and dues notices current and compelling; and Jack Schlesser does a wonderful job of recycling artillerymen. The rest of the membership make their personal presence felt in so many ways in their contributions to the CUB; attendance at the reunions and general communication of human warmth in all of their contacts. Such a fabric should be woven to hold us all together and new membership should keep the cloth in good repair.
Samuel Johnson said, "If a man does not make new acquaintances, as he advances through life, he will soon find himself left alone. A man should keep his friendship in constant repair".
See you all in Atlanta in July (All 293 plus would be great!).
James I. Clark, President
ANNOUNCEMENT
The 106th is many things to many people.
Following an introduction upon the occasion of a Golden Lion European Tour in September 1974, Sherod Collins and Laverne McGraw (of Royal Oak, Michigan) announce that they will exchange marriage vows at Northside Methodist Church, Atlanta, Georgia, at 7 P.M., May 3. 1975. They will be home at 625 Channing Drive, N.W., Atlanta.
(Best Wishes from all your 106th friends)
CHAPLAIN'S MESSAGE
Again, an Anniversary of V.E.-Day has rolled around - the 30th. For most of us who served in the 106th and survived, that day in 1945 was a signal that our military service soon would be over.
In the years since then, our hopes for "Peace Now and Forever" for the living have been dashed to the ground time after time.
Within the past few days we have seen the departure of United States troops from South Vietnam. Though without achieving. victory after these many years, our Armed Forces, on the whole, served well, striving to honor our Government's Commitments to a besieged people. Were the sacrifices in vain? Only history will tell.
There now is no time to assess any blame, nor to give any praise, for anything that occurred during the long years of conflict. Once again, we, as a people blessed as no other before us, can, should and must be ready to assist in the restoration not only of the material things lost. destroyed or damaged but, of greater importance it seems to me, of the spirit and aspirations of peoples who thru little fault of their own were caught in the cross-fires of a war not of their choosing. In wars and other calamities, we, individually and as a nation, have opened our hearts and our treasures, and used our minds and intellects, to aid those who needed what we could give whether they were friend or had been enemy.
Let each one of us pray that our Creator will look with favor upon our efforts, however feeble, to do all those things that we should do in these troubled days.
"The hope of the righteous ends in gladness. but the expectation of the wicked comes to naught." - Proverbs 10:28
John T. Loveless, Jr.
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BAG LUNCH
Middletown, 10 May 1975.
May 17, 1975 is Armed Forces Day and it brings us to the eve of the Army's bicentennial. On June 14, 1775, the Continental Congress, meeting in Philadelphia, adopted the raising of "ten companies of riflemen" as the nucleus of a National Army, to fight alongside militia units from the colonies.
On February 25, 1975, I received a copy of the Army's "Year End Report - 1974", accompanied by a letter from Honorable Howard H. (Bo) Callaway, Secretary of the Army. He states "Having met and even slightly exceeded our Fiscal Year 1974 end strength and proven that we can recruit the number of men and women required, we have, for the past several months, been concentrating on improving the quality of the Army. There is still room for further improvement and our quality goals for 1975 will result in an even better Army than we have today."
In 1968, at the height of our military participation in Southeast Asia, the Army's strength totaled more than one and a half million. In December 1972 when the draft officially ended, its combat force was established at a significantly reduced 13 divisions. Then only 10 of those divisions were combat-ready. Today, we have all 13 divisions operational and nearly all are combat-ready. In addition, plans are underway for three more combat divisions that will be formed within our manpower limitation of 785,000. These divisions make up a credible, responsive and combat-ready force.
The Army National Guard and the Army Reserve are a more essential part of the Army structure today than ever before. Reserve components make up more than 45 per cent of the Army's Total Force. As such, extensive affiliation training has been conducted with the Active Army this past year to bring the Reserve and Guard capability to peak readiness.
I present this thumbnail sketch to you Golden Lions. You are veterans of a COMBAT DIVISION which endured a harrowing experience in World War II in Europe in. the Ardennes. Now, as the Army prepares to embark upon its third century of service to the Nation, it is determined to continue to meet its goals, accomplish its mission, take care of its people, and be prepared to defend this Nation whenever and wherever called upon. I urge its strong and continuous support by you Golden Lion veterans, your sons, your grandsons, your families and your friends. On this significant occasion 1 send my warm greetings and good wishes to you all.
Leo T. McMahon
RETURN OF DELEGATIONS FROM THE
ASSOCIATION TO ST. VITH, BELGIUM.
The thirty-one Volumes of the CUB speak loudly and eloquently of the determination and dedication of the relatively small coterie of veterans of the 106th. Infantry Division who organized the Association at Camp Lucky Strike in France, August 1945 and have kept it going for more than thirty years.
Using the pages of the CUB we have attempted to assemble and record in one place the official visits of individuals and delegations from the Association to the areas where they fought and served in Belgium and Germany.
Vol. 11-Jan.-Feb. 1955-Glorious Return of 106th to Brussels, Belgium, 16 Dec. 1954 (10th. Anniversary of the Bulge) Front Photo-King Baudouin of the Belgians greets the 106th. Doug Coffey presents King a copy of The Lions Tale. Six members of the Association who made the trip: Douglas S. Coffey, 590th FA Bn., West Orange, N. J.; Richard H. Behr, 423 Inf., then St. Paul Minn. (now Phoenix, Ariz.); Dr. C. Delsher Fridline, Ashland, Ohio; John I. Gallagher, 81st. Engr. Bn., Reading, Pa.; William C. McMurray, Pittsburgh, Pa., James E. Wells, 81st. Engr. Bn., Augusta, Ga. They were accompanied by Mrs. John I. (Stella) Gallagher and Dr. Fridline's son.
Vol. 18, No. 3, Jan., Feb., Mar., 1962*, Page 2-STOP PRESS-Dedication Date 25 March. It has just been learned by the CUB that Doug Coffey, Memorial Chairman, will leave 22 March for Saint Vith where the dedication of the 106th Division Memorial will take place on Sunday 25 March 1962. Center Fold-The Old Stamping Grounds Sixteen Years later, includes photos of new Memorial.
Vol. 18, No. 4, April, May, 1962 - MEMORIAL DEDICATION ISSUE. Front Photo-Douglas S. Coffey, Memorial Chairman presides at Ceremony. Page 3 - Memorial Dedicated. St. Vith, Belgium 25 March 1962. Before a crowd of more than 1,000 persons including representatives of the Belgian and American Military Forces and governments, the 106th Infantry Division Memorial was dedicated here today on the grounds of the College Patronee. General Bruce C. Clarke, Commander in Chief US Army Europe was principal speaker and laid a wreath on behalf of the President of the United States, Colonel Peterkenne of the Belgian Army at Vielsalm
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delivered appropriate remarks in laying a wreath as representative of King of the Belgians. The Mayor of St. Vith, M. Pip delivered a message of thanks to the 106th Division and laid a wreath to signify his town's thanks for the battle waged in its behalf by the Division during the Ardennes campaign in December 1944. The fact that this Memorial has been erected entirely from funds collected by the Association from among its membership rather than by government participation, was pointed out by speakers.
The Division Association held its 16th Annual Reunion at Carvel Hall, Annapolis, Md., 26-29 July 1962.
Vol. 19, Aug., Sept., 1962. Page 8 Official Statement of Appreciation to Douglas S. Coffey, Memorial Chairman by the Association in Convention Assembled at Annapolis, Md. 28th Day of July 1962.
Page 3 - In one of the highlights of the 16th. annual convention, Douglas S. Coffey was awarded the Commander Class (Gold) Order of the Golden Lion for his work as Memorial Chairman in Planning, supervising the erection of, and dedicating the Division's Memorial to its honored dead at St. Vith Belgium.
Leo T. McMahon
TO BE CONTINUED IN NEXT ISSUE OF CUB.
NEW AND REINSTATED MEMBERS
Libby Dolitsky 40 Indian Rd. Port Chester, N. Y. 10573
Wilbur D. Evans, Sv. 591 1328 W. Davis St. Burlington, N. C. 27215
Robert Likins, B-591 6246 N. Lydell Whitefish Bay, Wisc. 53217
Vincent Mustacchio, D-331 15 Carmer Ave. Belleville, N. J. 07109
LETTER TO EDITOR
Dear John,
Thanks for your card reminding us of the Cub deadline. I hope this makes it in time.
This time last year we were consumed with the 28th Annual Reunion in Frederick. The Air Force Academy was only an idea for Dennis and retirement a whole year away for me.
Dennis has been appointed to the Air Force Academy and leaves for Denver 29 June with thanks in order for Gen. McMahon and Wilda who casually stated the General would be happy to write Dennis a letter of recommendation.
I retire June 30th and have had both hands operated on and they are nearly healed and Sherry is busy packing everything in the house for storage so that once the house is sold we may have a quick move to Ohio and then a relaxing trip to Atlanta followed by at least 2 years of trailering around this beautiful country of ours.
Hoping to see you in Atlanta July 17th.
Charles H. Schoch
494 Lisa Ave.
Odenton, Md. 21113
LETTER TO EDITOR
Dear "Buddy" Scranton:
At this very late date I learned of the 106th Infantry Division Association through none other than Mr. James K. Anderson, Editor, VFW Magazine.
I had written to Mr. Anderson, complimenting him on the story "THE BULGE: BRAVERY PAID OFF" that was sent to me by the Chairman of POW-MED SEARCH, Mr. Gary J. Anloff, Jr. who is a very dedicated Retired LTC (Navy-Lt. Commander, I suppose) who was a prisoner of the Japanese, WW II.
It's a long story about how I got information about the EX-POW outfit about three years ago and how "Buddy" Anloff (who is devoting his life to helping ex P.O.W.'s get a fair shake from the V.A.) took a great deal of interest in a diary I kept as a P.O.W. from the time we were ordered to surrender near St. Vith, Belgium, 19 Dec. 44.until I escaped about April 10, 1945, after having walked approx. 510 miles -1st march about 110 miles to Limburg (Stalag IV-B) then by box cars to Gorlitz near the Neisse River - across from eastern border of Poland. That's odd - replace N with L and you have my last name (Leisse). Anyway, we had to leave that VIII-A on 2/14/45 because the Russians were getting too close marching dawn to dusk most every day until we reached Braunschweig, March 26th, approx. 385 miles - quite a few besides myself without overcoats - and not one heated building along the way; most times put up in barns.
Am attaching hereto a summary of the information contained in my diary which I was requested to furnish Mr. Anloff so that he might have the Dietician at Ft. Word Army Hospital evaluate the food we received the first thirty days of our all-expense tour of Germany (on foot). There is also attached four pages of the EX-POW, August 1974 issue, covering POW MED,
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SEARCH comments. I thought you might want to tell all the members of the 106th Division Assn. who might have been with me on part or the whole journey (both marches) - and they might, in turn, have some "fuel for their fire" if they had little help from the V.A. - as I did. Better yet, suggest they write Mr. Jim Atwell, Editor, EX-POW Bulletin, 1017 N. Phelps, Winter Park, Florida 32789; ask him for free copy of latest bulletin for their own review and decision as to whether or not they might wish to take advantage of the membership coupon and be one of an Organization that is rapidly growing in strength. Their Service Officer has helped many P.O.W.'s with their claims, also widows of men who they proved died of disabilities they proved were the result of malnutrition, exposure to cold and damp weather, dysentery, filthy living quarters, etc.
Leo R. Leisse
431 Green Meadows
Affton, Mo. 63123
Hq. 3 Bn. 422
Ed. Note: I have additional information for those interested.
BASTOGNE, le 7 mars 1975
Mr. Collins
525 Channing Dr., N.W.
Atlanta, Ga. 30318
Dear Mr. Collins,
I received today the copy of "The Lions Tale" for the Bastogne Historical Center, you so kindly forwarded to us.
We shall proudly display it in our library, where everyone concerned will be able to see it.
We sincerely hope that we shall have the honor to welcome again a delegation of the Golden Lions in Bastogne on the occasion of the opening of the new Bastogne Historical Center.
Hoping to hear from you soon, we remain,
Sincerely Yours
S. SCHMITZ
The above copy was sent to be a part of the Bastogne Museum and is being acknowledged by Madame Schmitz, who, along with the acting Mayor, M. Roland Delperdange, so graciously entertained our European group at City Hall in Bastogne in Sept. 1974.
Dear Friends,
Just a line to let you know Cheryl and Rick have a son, Ryan Douglas, 8 lbs. and 2 oz. Everyone doing well including the Grandparents.
See you in July,
Marge & Dick DeHeer
A THANK YOU
St. Vith, the 4th of march, 1975
Mr. Collins
625 Channing Dr., N.W.
Atlanta, Georgia 30318
U.S.A.
Dear Mr. Collins:
We are delighted to be given the opportunity to thank the 106th Infantry Division Association for the amount of 250 Dollars you have sent to us. We have bought a tape recorder that will serve for the evening courses specially, which we provide for grown-up students, but it will serve in the ordinary day-school English classes as well. We are quite honored to be your "favorite school in your favorite city" in Belgium and we are sure our friendship will continue.
We express our special gratitude to Mr. Douglas Coffey.
Sincerely
J. Pankert
director
LAST REVIEW
L. A. (Bert) Wigal
ATHENS--Lewis A. (Bert) Wigal, 54, of 64 Stimson Ave. died unexpectedly Sunday evening in O'Bleness Memorial Hospital where he was taken after being struck by an auto in Athens Feb. 4. He was a veteran of World War II, served with the 106th Division, 422nd Infantry in Germany. He was a prisoner of war for five months. Mr. Wigal was a former employee of the Athens National Bank and Ohio University.
Survivors include his wife, Mary Burns Wigal, two daughters Libbie Ann Wigal and Leora Alane Wigal.
Col. R. Ernest Dupuy
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Retired Army Col. R. Ernest Dupuy, 88, former chief of the news division in the old War Department from 1941 to 1943, died Friday. From 1943 to 1945 he was in the public relations department of Supreme Headquarters in Europe. He also wrote several books.
Note: Col. Dupuy was editor of the 106th Div. history.
Lt. Peter Dughi of 511 Topping Hill Rd., Westfield, N. J. 07090 died August 1974.
Lt. Dughi was executive officer of Cannon Co. 423. He is survived by his wife and three daughters.
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REUNION
GREETINGS TO ALL YOU
POTENTIAL CONVENTIONEERS
AT ATLANTA IN JULY
We in Atlanta hope you are letting nothing get in the way of your plans to be at our 29th Annual Reunion for which plans are nearing the home stretch.
You have received reservation forms via the CUB and we have tried to plan a good time for all. We always have a good time together and it is a disappointment for even one to miss being with us.
The motel is located at one of our oldest and best shopping centers, or rather it is on Lenox Road which borders the Mall. If one is coming via Interstate-85 from the North, you may approach it by turning off at Lenox Road and proceeding almost to Peachtree Street. The same road may be taken if coming from the South or one may exit off 1-85 at North Peachtree Road exit and proceed on Peachtree Road North. If coming south on 1-75 from the North exit on Northside Drive (US 41 highway), drive north and turn to Peachtree Street which parallels to the right. Limousine service is available from the Airport.
If you come early, call me at 351-2985 and we will join you. There is much to see and do in Atlanta.
Bring film and slides from the European trip or other trips if you like. We will use them on Thursday night at the warm-up party.
There is a good seafood restaurant at the Rodeway Inn and several places to eat at Lenox Square Mall.
Get those reservations in and come for a good time. To you European tourists--if you are interested--I would even show you my Hummel collection. Till then.
Sherod Collins
Committee Chairman
REUNION
THE WAR IN GEORGIA
An Exhibit At Stone Mountain
The War In Georgia, located in Confederate Hall within a special exhibit room created to fit its requirements, is a vivid portrayal of the Civil War years in Georgia.
From a viewing platform, which can accommodate 200 people, there is a stunning view of an enormous relief map of Georgia, 35 feet wide and 45 feet long, recessed three feet into the floor.
This exquisitely detailed relief map represents the stage on which The War In Georgia will play. The thousands of miniscule soldiers, cannons, horses and plantation houses depict characters and places from history's bloodiest pages.
The auditorium darkens and the drama begins. There is a crisply narrated, objective account of Georgia's role in the Civil War -four incredibly cruel years, emblazoned with gallantry by civilians, Yanks and Rebels alike -- enlivened by stereophonic sound effects and special lights which seem to recreate battle scenes around the room.
As the war transpires, the tiny "troops" advance, retreat and fire upon the enemy.
It is easy to follow the action to Chickamauga, Resaca, New Hope Church, and the mountains -- Pine Mountain, Lost Mountain and Kennesaw Mountain. Here is told the story of the Battle of Atlanta, and the fierce, desperate fighting that eventually whipped the South to her knees.
From Atlanta, the war's Heart-breaking course goes through Macon, Milledgeville, across a rich state with Sherman's famous March to the Sea. The true saga ends at Savannah, which city General William Tecumseh Sherman gave to President Abraham Lincoln as a Christmas gift in 1865.
The War In Georgia exhibit, especially created for Stone Mountain Park, is considered one of the most educational and interesting Civil War displays in America today.
Planning Session of the Committee for the 29th Annual Reunion at Howells home,
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LOST CONTACT
The American Legion has over the years printed announcement of our reunion. Each year we hear from 106ers who have lost contact.
Listed below is list of those who have responded to date; if you know any of these persons will you send them a note urging them to join up and attend reunion.
John J. Hohenstein, M-423 575 Virginia Ave. Decatur, Ill. 62522
C. L. Allen 702 Camp Hollow Rd. West Mifflin, Pa. 15122
Theodor Schultz, B-422 R D #2, Box 129 Walton, N. Y. 13856
Thomas A. Price RD #1 Barnesville, Pa. 18214
L. Dale Patrick, C-589 P. O. Box 1 La Grange, Ill. 60525
Lester B. Roberts, H-424 412 Liberty Church Rd. Kingsport, Tenn. 37663
Edwin Hagen, Jr. 505 East Spruce St. Sisseton, S. Dak. 57262
John P. Hart 200 Lanc. Pkwy. Shelbyville, Tenn. 37160
Alvin A. Yeaton, Jr. R. F. D. #1 Berlin, N. H. 03570
Wm. M. Lineberger 1014 Woodlawn Ave. Dallas, Texas 75208
James E. Teel R D #1 Port Norris, N. J. 08349
John Sterchak 451 Cedar Dr. Cortland, Ohio 44410
Ben Hissam, Cannon 424 701 - 6th St. Milford, Pa. 18337
Edwin C. Humirshi, F-424 2267 Spokane Ave. Pittsburgh, Pa. 15210
DUES
Bob Scranton is now receiving dues for 1975-76 year.
Will you help by forwarding your dues now - Thank You.
MEMBERSHIP
"COMMUNICATION"
In my last two letters to the "CUB" I have tried to bring out the fact that "COMMUNICATION" has kept the Association alive and the "CUB" has been the life line. The "CUB" and the Association have helped me in my quest for members of my old battery.
When I rejoined the Association in 1968, little did I dream that today I would be in contact with 45 former members of my old outfit, nor did I dream that I would have the pleasure of visiting with more than half of these. The greatest thrill was to meet these fellows and their wives at the reunions, first there were only two of us, later there was seven and at the last reunion there were fifteen, my ambition is to see all of them at a future reunion.
In my last letter, I told about the many times that I almost quit writing these "NEWSLETTERS", but there was always another letter and will be as long as I can continue and as long as I continue to receive the mail that I have. One couple wrote me last fall about the last reunion and I will quote their reaction to the reunion; "I just had to scratch out a few lines to say I'm just so glad that we came to the reunion.
I had qualms about going but they were immediately dispelled when I met everyone.
They were just like a big happy family and I enjoyed every minute of my time with all, we both will be looking forward to the next reunion". If this was all these "NEWSLETTERS" have done, bringing this one couple to a reunion, my last five years of writing have not been in vain, but that is not all, we have been able to keep track of one another, we have shared our losses and enjoyed hearing what the other fellow is doing. I have kept a record of all these fellows, their addresses, telephone number, number and names of their children, would you believe that there are two with ten children and one with nine and thirteen grandchildren.
Recently I had another gratifying experience, in the spring of 73 we took a trip to Mississippi where we met a fellow that was a former member of "B" battery, 591st, he asked me if I would try to find a fellow by the name of Rasmussen who had lived in Battle Creek, Mich., which is not too far from here. I tried and had no luck and then about a year later I received a letter from Robert Likins in answer to one of my many ad's that I had put in the V.F.W., in our exchange of letters learned that Bob had a
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list of former "B" battery men and among them was the Rasmussen that my friend in Mississippi was looking for, I sent him the address and also a letter to Delbert Rasmussen who now lives in Elk Horn, Iowa, all that remains now is for the two of them to get together. Now this is a case where "COMMUNICATION" paid off, you have to keep those letters going, keep looking and some day you will be rewarded.
WHAT CAN BE NICER IN THIS WORLD THAN JUST A FRIENDLY THOUGHT ... ACCORDING TO THE COMMON LOVE THAT ALL OF US ARE TAUGHT THE FRIENDLY THOUGHT THAT IS EXPRESSED. BY MAIL OR TELEPHONE ESPECIALLY WHEN SOMEONE IS IN TROUBLE OR ALONE WHY NOT REMEMBER SOMEONE NOW IN SICKNESS OR DISTRESS? IT TAKES SO LITTLE OF OUR TIME TO SCATTER HAPPINESS. . .A FRIENDLY WORD, A GREETING CARD A FINGER ON THE BELL. A BRIEF HELLO, A KINDLY SMILE AND "JUST TO WISH YOU WELL" IF EVERYONE ON EARTH WOULD HAVE A FRIENDLY THOUGHT TODAY. . .THE WORLD COULD PACK ITS TROUBLES UP. AND PUT THEM ALL AWAY.
To go on with my story about Delbert Rasmussen and my friend from Mississippi whose name is Arthur Flemmons, I received a letter from both of these men thanking me for rejoining them after all these years, they both seemed delighted to hear that they were back in communication with each other, I hope to see both of these fellows at a future reunion. This has been another case where "COMMUNICATION" has paid off so let's keep the letters going, keep the "CUB" and the association informed.
I see by the last edition of the "CUB" that Robert Likins is back with us and I want to thank him for his help. He sent me a list of "B" Btry 591st men that enabled me to complete a job that I had started two years ago, and that was to find Delbert Rasmussen.
This is it for this time, Kay and I will see you in Atlanta on Thursday, July 17th.
Take care.
As Ever
Jack Schlesser
MEMBERSHIP
Many thanks to all who helped to attain goal. Let's look to greater heights in future.
THE WAY IT WAS
SSG Zack Richards
Reprint Soldier - May 75
WANTED Volunteers for the U. S. Army privates will be paid $21 per month.
That's the way it was back in 1922. Of course, privates didn't always make that much. The Second Continental Congress' resolution on July 29, 1775 allowed privates a monthly pay of 6 2/3 dollars.
Pay. A glance at current pay scale will convince you that the Army has come a long way since 1775--but slowly. As late as 1941 the monthly pay for a private was still $21.
Medicine. Medical benefits are taken for granted today. But what were they like back when. . . ?
Medicine in Revolutionary America had changed little since the Middle Ages. Bleeding was an accepted method of treating many illnesses.
Food. Rations have always been near and dear to the soldier's heart. For those who view C rations with skepticism, take a look at the daily ration of the Continental Army infantryman. Every man received, uncooked, each day: one pound of beef, three quarters pound of pork or one pound of salt fish; one pound of bread or flour; one pint of spruce beer or cider and milk.
In addition to the daily ration, a weekly ration was issued consisting of three pints of peas or beans, one-half pint rice or one pint of Indian wheat. everyone hundred men received nine gallons of molasses, three pounds of candles, and six pounds of hard soap.
P. W. REUNION
Some of the members of the 106th who were in Stalag 4B Arbiet Komando 1315, Zittau, Germany held a reunion, Saturday, May 17 in the Ramada Inn, Montvale, N.J.
Dick DeHeer was the host this year to the men and their ladies.
The men try to meet as near May 7 as possible for that is the day they walked out of Stalag 4-B back to the American lines.
PHOTOS
Thanks to Jim Hemmins for forwarding pictures taken by various persons who were on trip to Europe last year.
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Cedric Foster
DENVER--Funeral services were pending Thursday for Cedric Foster, a retired network news commentator who died Wednesday of leukemia. He was 74. Foster was a news analyst for the Mutual Broadcasting System for more than 25 years and was known for his World War II broadcasts which began: "The news in Europe tonight ..."
THE STORY OF AMERICA'S
106th INFANTRY DIVISION
Excerpt from a broadcast by CEDRIC FOSTER, News Analyst TONIGHT for the first time, there may be told the story which, in its dual aspects, is one of the most tragic and yet one of the most glorious episodes in the history of American arms. . . the story of America's 106th Infantry Division.
Brand New Division
The American 106th Infantry Division was activated at Camp Jackson, Mississippi in March of 1943. Major General Alan W. Jones, who commanded it at the time .... told the 106th Infantry Division "You are brand new. You have no past history to live up to. You have no past sins to live down." Tonight the 106th Infantry Division has a past history to live up to, but it still has no sins to live down. It fought gloriously and it fought heroically in the full flush of German power on the 16th of last December. Two of its regiments were all but eliminated from the war. They were the 422nd and the 423rd. Three hundred men out of those two regiments were all who survived most of the others are presumed to be prisoners of war.
German Artillery Barrage
On the 11th of December, the 106th Division was in a sector of the front designated as "quiet." The division had not been in action. As a matter of fact, the 106th Division had engaged in nothing more dangerous than a few night patrol skirmishes. Five days later on the 16th these men of the Golden Lion Division were struck by an avalanche of German steel and fire. The attack got under way just before six o'clock in the morning. In the battle that followed, the division suffered eight thousand, six hundred sixty-three casualties. 416 were killed, 1246 were wounded, 7,000 were missing.
Division Spread Thin
Censorship can now reveal that the 106th Division was spread in a manner described as "pitifully thin," along a front of twenty-seven miles. It was holding a sector along the Schnee Eifel the Eifel Forest which is just northeast of the frontier of Luxembourg, Belgium, and Germany. This was in the general sector of the Belgian town of Saint Vith twelve miles southeast of Malmedy. The Germans first laid down an earth-shaking artillery barrage. They directed this against the 106th positions which curved to the north from the center of the Eifel woods positions which were held by the 14th Cavalry Group an armored group attached to the infantry. A field artillery battalion, which was also attached to the 106th, was the next target. In thirty-five minutes, more than one hundred rounds of German fire had landed squarely in the midst of this battalion. At six o'clock the Germans opened up on Saint Vith itself. Civilians of Saint Vith were all in their cellars. They were pro-German and the Huns had told them by radio that the barrage was impending. When the barrage was over at two o'clock in the afternoon, the civilians came out.
Tanks and Infantry Follow
The 422nd and 423rd Regiments bore the brunt of the German fire. This fire was followed by German tanks and infantry. When dawn broke the next day, December 17, the Germans had two divisions in the line. They literally engulfed these two regiments and they forced the 424th Regiment to retire. Yet these two regiments fought on. At half past three in the afternoon of the 18th of December. .. radio communications with those two regiments was lost. The last word that they sent through was that they were in need of ammunition and water and food. The fog which blanketed the countryside made it impossible to send them supplies by air. Then they said: "We are now destroying our equipment." After that came silence. Thus, it is believed that most of these men are prisoners of war.
Supporting Regiments
Saint Vith and divisional headquarters were protected for a time by the heroic fighting men of the 81st and the 168th Engineer Battalions under Lt. Col. Thomas Riggs of Huntington, West Virginia. They were outgunned and they were outmanned. Their weapons consisted of three tank destroyer guns and three 57-millimeters. That was all. That was all except the raw courage which was theirs as they faced the foe.
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The 424th Regiment of the 106th had not been destroyed. This regiment was supported by a combat command team from the Ninth Armored Division and by the 112th Regiment of the 28th, the Keystone .. . Division. It had other support too. Back into the line of battle came the survivors... three hundred of them the survivors of the 422nd and 423rd Regiments and it was not until the 21st of December that the 106th went out of the line to reorganize. But on the 24th the emergency was so great that the valiant and broken remains were hurled into the line on the northern side of the German salient between Stavelot and Manhay.
Shining Example
"If only they had a chance to fight .. . to prove themselves." Those words were spoken to me on the telephone from Rochester, New York, two weeks ago by Mrs. Leon Brown the mother of a lad in the 106th Division. They did have the chance to fight and they didn't fail. They fought magnificently in the greatest American battle of the war their first battle with foe. The record they wrote is a shining example for all of the armed forces of the United States.
DEC. 1944
This article appeared in the Chicago Sun Times, Sunday, Dec. 15, 1974
THEY REMEMBER THE "NUTS"
HEARD ROUND THE WORLD
Bastogne, Belgium;
Even today in the Ardennes Forest, rusted tank turrets and gun emplacements lie only half-hidden in thin underbrush. These corroded souvenirs, plus still-vivid memories of soldiers and civilians who went through it, are all that is left on this 30th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge. The bulge pitted more than a million U.S. and German soldiers in a battle that began at 5:30 a.m. on Dec. 16, 1944 with a thunderous German attack across the 85-mile "ghost front" dividing Luxembourg and Belgium from Germany, it ended Jan. 28, 1945, when the Germans finally fell back behind this line again.
Adolf Hitler code-named the attack Watch on the Rhine and planned it as the counterattack that would reverse the six-month Allied push from Normandy, drive a German wedge to the North Sea and split the British-U.S. alliance. At its worst, the German attack pushed a huge bulge into U.S. lines, advancing as far as 55 miles to Celles, Belgium, more than halfway to the sea. But its failure meant the failure of Germany, V-E day came four months later.
The Battle of the Bulge left nearly 50,000 dead--35,000 Germans, 12,000 Americans and 2,000 Luxembourgers and Belgians caught in its path. Great commanders-Bradley, Eisenhower, Montgomery, Patton. Von Rundstedt and Von Manteuffel led it.
Famous soldiers-Creighton Abrams, Maxwell Taylor, Matthew Ridgway, James Gavin - fought in it. Obscure Towns- St. Vith and Vielsalm, Wiltz and Clervaux are forever linked with it. For many, the bulge is memorable for Bastogne, capital of the Belgian Ardennes, and the courage of its defenders who withstood a six-day siege and two weeks of German artillery battering. At the depth of the siege, the Germans demanded surrender, and the U.S. commander in Bastogne, Brig. Gen. Anthony McAuliffe, issued his famous one - word reply-"NUTS".
"But what does it mean?" the Germans asked Col. Harper who delivered it.
"Go to hell," Harper explained. There are few scars now -- just mementos and memories. Bastogne has made the siege a tourist industry. The former main square, leveled in the bombardment, is Place General McAuliffe. Most of it is a parking lot with a Sherman tank and a bust of McAuliffe in the corner and a "nuts museum" on its fringe. "When the Americans first liberated Bastogne in September. my sisters painted welcome signs in black paint on the walls" recalled Joss Heintz, a son of a Bastogne druggist. "When the bulge began, they began scraping them off, because the neighbors said we would all be shot if the Germans ever saw it." Heintz, 48, is a Bastogne newspaper man and the town's leading historian of the Battle. One of his sisters is his devoted assistant. Nicolas Engle, whose Cafe Schumann stood at a strategic crossroads near Bastogne, remembers Christmas day, 1944. "Christmas was a night full of shells." he said sourly.
"We left and hid at another house for two nights and a day. When we came back there were as many dead as trees. For three months, we slept without a roof, windows or doors." Engle. 78, is slow to speak and reluctant to reminisce. His son was killed in Russia, fighting for the Germans. The cafe was rebuilt and Engle has a special table in the corner, beside the bar, where no one bothers him. At Neffe, a Hamlet on the edge of Bastogne, Gilbert Stillmant, 39, and his father, Joseph, still farm the land that was a battleground 30 winters ago.
10
I was 9, Gilbert remembered. "We were living in the cellar and there were Americans in the house. It was Dec. 19, my father asked the Americans if there was still time to leave, and they said there was plenty of time. One hour later the Germans attacked.
"The Americans left and we ran into the field, bullets flying all around. We flung ourselves on the ground and tried to creep as deeply into it as we could. We stayed there for five hours in freezing cold. I remember all the bodies lying around "
Stilmant's four children listened as he told the story and showed a Christmas card from Bob Hogg of Munhall, Pa., one of the G I's in the house.
Bastogne is building a new museum and hopes that McAuliffe, now in delicate health, will return next year to help dedicate it.
Outside the town stands the Mardasson, a beautiful pentagonal monument dedicated to "the memory of the American Liberators." Fresh Flowers and wreaths arrive regularly at the Mardasson, one recently a gift of the Paratroopers Fraternity of Aachen, Germany. The German attack stretched from Monschau, Germany, on the Belgian border, in the north, to Echternach, Luxembourg, in the south. One reason it eventually failed was the five-day initial stand by defenders at St. Vith, Belgium. The battle destroyed St. Vith. It is a bustling, clean, prosperous market town now, but in a region of 200-year-old villages, St. Vith is new, nothing older than 30 years stands there. Luxembourg has recovered more gracefully. There is a bulge memorial in Ettlebruck, bulge museums in Wiltz and Clervaux, an active bulge society.
Meisy Stiners son was fighting with the German army, but when she found Ralph Ellis caught in Wiltz behind the lines, she took the GI in, washed him and gave him the clothes of her own boy. He had ~suffered much and had frozen feet, so we had to wash his feet with soapy water every day.
Mrs. Steiner is 70 now, her son is a prosperous grocer with five children. Ellis also survived the war, but Mrs. Steiner, with hurt in her voice, said she has not heard from him in years and added, "I considered him like a son, if only we had heard something from him since, even a post card for the New Year." Other G I'S have come back on pilgrimages with their families.
Marie Disberger recalled how she and her aunts rescued Lester Koritz, a U.S. sergeant after Germans captured Wiltz, and hid him in their cellar. Koritz lives in Canada now, has visited Wiltz and writes regularly. Mrs. Disberger, 50, runs the family tobacco shop.
Clervaux, a beautiful town 12 miles away; suffered terribly from the defense put up by the. U.S. 28th Division. By the time Germans captured it, much of Clervaux was destroyed, including the 12th century castle once owned by the DeLannoi family, ancestors of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the wartime U.S. president. The castle, like the rest of Clervaux, is rebuilt and houses the city hall, a bar and a bulge museum. Of all the bulge memorials, the most hallowed are two cemeteries--one U.S., one German-just east of Luxembourg City. At the former, 5,076 GIs lie beneath white crosses and Stars of David. Among them are the bodies of 101 unidentified soldiers and of Gen. George Patton, who died in an auto accident later in 1945.
A narrow footbridge crosses the river near Vianden, Luxembourg, by the bridge the hiker crosses the "ghost frontier" where the bulge began and enters West Germany. There are no guns or armor today, not even a fence or customs guard or passport check, just a small sign, half-hidden in the firs, announcing the Federal Republic of Germany, the western half of Hitler's Reich.
SYMPATHY
We have been informed of the death of Austin Byrd's father. The 106th extends its sympathy to the Bryd family.
Maryland Chapter, 106th Infantry Division Association
14 December 1974
Home of Bud and Kitty Wilkerson
Ben Johnson, Dorothy Broth, K. Loveless
11
SOUTH CAROL1NA
106th INF DIVISION
Near this site on 15 March 1943
The 106th Infantry Division was
officially activated and became
known as the "Golden Lion
Division. Although badly mauled
In the Battle of the Bulge, the
Division stubbornly continued to
fight on. The 106th saw action
in the Ardennes, the Rhineland
and Central Europe
106 MARKER
Following almost four years of work by our Association carried out mainly by Sherod Collins, our 106th Infantry Division Memorial Marker has been erected on Fort Jackson Boulevard at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. The marker is located in an area which is about three blocks West of the area where the 106th Division was quartered while at the Fort. It is in an area of newly completed barracks between the 6th and 7th Battalion complex which must be seen by us "old soldiers" to be believed.Wording on the marker was approved by the members of the Association and appears on both sides. It reads as follows:
106th INF. DIVISION
Near this site on 15 March 1943 the 106th Infantry Division was officially activated and became known as the "Golden Lion Division." Although badly mauled in the "Battle of the Bulge," the division stubbornly continued to fight on. The 106th saw action in the Ardennes, the Rhineland, and Central Europe.Dedication of the marker will be held at a later date, possibly either just before or after our reunion in Atlanta. Easiest access to the marker is by the Forrest Drive entrance to Fort Jackson and a right turn on Fort Jackson Boulevard with the marker being on your left. We are most appreciative of the cooperation given us by the Information Office at Fort Jackson in bringing this project to completion.
12
Index for: Vol. 31, No. 1, Oct., 1974
Index for This Document
106th Div., 5, 8, 15, 17, 21106th Div. Memorial, 4
106th Inf. Div., 1, 15, 21
106th Inf. Div. Memorial, 4
106th Inf. Div. Memorial Marker, 21
106th Infantry Division Association, 1, 5, 8, 20
112th Regt., 17
14th Cav., 15
14th Cav. Gp., 15
168th Engr. BN, 16
28th Inf. Div., 19
422nd Inf., 8
423rd Regt., 16, 17
424th Regt., 16, 17
590th FA BN, 3
Aachen, Germany, 19
Abrams, Creighton, 17
Allen, C. L., 11
Anderson, James K., 5
Anloff, Gary J., Jr., 6
Ardennes, 3, 5, 17, 21
Ardennes Campaign, 5
Ardennes Forest, 17
Atwell, Jim, 7
Bastogne, 7, 17, 18, 19
Bastogne Historical Center, 7
Bastogne Museum, 7
Bastogne, Belgium, 17
Battle Of The Bulge, 17, 21
Baudouin, King, 3
Behr, Richard H., 3
Belgium, 3, 8, 15, 17
Berlin, 11
Braunschweig, 6
Broth, Dorothy, 20
Brown, Mrs. Leon, 17
Brussels, Belgium, 3
Byrd, Austin, 19
Cafe Schumann, 18
Callaway, Howard H. (Bo), 3
Camp Jackson, Mississippi, 15
Camp Lucky Strike, 3
Celles, Belgium, 17
Central Europe, 21
Clark, Dr. James I., 1
Clark, James I., 1
Clarke, Gen. Bruce C., 4
Clervaux, 17, 19
Coffey, Doug, 3, 4
Coffey, Douglas, 8
Coffey, Douglas S., 3, 4, 5
College Patronee, 4
Collins, Mr., 7, 8
Collins, Sherod, 1, 2, 9, 21
DeHeer, Dick, 14
DeHeer, Marge & Dick, 7
Delperdange, M. Roland, 7
Disberger, Marie, 19
Dolitsky, Libby, 5
Dughi, Lt., 8
Dughi, Lt. Peter, 8
Dupuy, Col., 8
Dupuy, Col. R. Ernest, 8
Echternach, Luxembourg, 19
Ellis, Ralph, 19
Engle, Nicolas, 18
Evans, Wilbur D., 5
Flemmons, Arthur, 13
Fort Jackson, 21
Fort Jackson, South Carolina, 21
Foster, Cedric, 15
Fridline, C. Delsher, 3
Fridline, Dr., 4
Gallagher, John, 1
Gallagher, John I., 3
Gallagher, Mrs. John I. (Stella), 4
Gavin, James, 17
Germany, 3, 6, 8, 15, 17
Gorlitz, 6
Hagen, Edwin, Jr., 11
Harper, Col., 17
Hart, John P., 11
Heintz, Joss, 18
Hemmins, Jim, 14
Hissam, Ben, 11
Hitler, Adolf, 17
Hogg, Bob, 19
Hohenstein, John J., 11
Humirshi, Edwin C., 11
Johnson, Ben, 20
Jones, Maj. Gen. Alan W., 15
Koritz, Rescued Lester, 19
Leisse, Leo R., 7
Likins, Robert, 5, 12, 13
Limburg, 6
Lincoln, Abraham, 10
Lineberger, Wm. M., 11
Loveless, John T., Jr., 1, 2
Loveless, K., 20
Luxembourg, 15, 17
Luxembourg City, 19
Malmedy, 15
Manhay, 17
Mardasson, 19
McAuliffe, Brig. Gen. Anthony, 17
McAuliffe, Gen., 18
McGraw, Laverne, 2
McMahon, Gen., 5
McMahon, Leo T., 3, 5
McMurray, William C., 4
Monschau, Germany, 19
Mustacchio, Vincent, 5
Neffe, 18
Neisse River, 6
Ninth Armd. Div., 17
Normandy, 17
North Sea, 17
Order Of The Golden Lion, 5
Pankert, J., 8
Patrick, L. Dale, 11
Patton, Gen. George, 19
Peterkenne, Col., 4
Photos, 14
Pip, M., 5
Poland, 6
Price, Thomas A., 11
Rasmussen, Delbert, 13
Rhineland, 21
Richards, SSgt. Zack, 13
Ridgway, Matthew, 17
Riggs, Lt. Col. Thomas, 16
Roberts, Lester B., 11
Roosevelt, Franklin Delano, 19
Russia, 18
Schlesser, Jack, 1, 13
Schmitz, Madame, 7
Schnee Eifel, 15
Schoch, Charles H., 5
Schultz, Theodor, 11
Scranton, Bob, 1, 11
Scranton, Robert L., 1
Sherman, Gen. William Tecumseh, 10
St. Vith, 4, 5, 7, 15, 16, 17
St. Vith Belgium, 5
St. Vith, Belgium, 3, 4, 6, 19
Stalag 4-B, 14
Stalag IV-B, 6
Stavelot, 17
Steiner, Mrs., 19
Sterchak, John, 11
Stillmant, Gilbert, 18
Stiners, Meisy, 19
Taylor, Maxwell, 17
Teel, James E., 11
The Lions Tale, 3, 7
Vianden, Luxembourg, 19
Vielsalm, 4, 17
Vietnam, 2
Von Manteuffel, 17
Von Rundstedt, 17
Walker, Robert, 1
Watch On The Rhine, 17
Wells, James E., 4
West Germany, 19
Wigal, L. A. (Bert), 8
Wigal, Leora Alane, 8
Wigal, Lewis A. (Bert), 8
Wigal, Libbie Ann, 8
Wigal, Mary Burns, 8
Wilkerson, Bud & Kitty, 20
Wiltz, 17, 19
Zittau, Germany, 14