Original Cub Document
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The Cub
Vol. 49, No. 3, APR , 1993
Revisit your past at the 47th Annual Reunion Sept 8-12,1993
President's Message...
The 1993 Reunion at Columbia, South Carolina September 9-12, celebrating the 50th birthday of the 106th Division, will apparently achieve record attendance. All the rooms reserved for us at the Manion were booked already in March. Fortunately, there are other good hotels nearby. Many new members have joined the Association in order to partake in this very special Reunion. Get those registration forms back to Roger Rutland soon!
The Defense Department's 50th Anniversary of WWII Commemoration Committee accepted our application for accreditation as a Commemorative Community. I have received a special flag to display through 1995 and a number of posters made by the National Archives to show at our Reunions.
Despite my appeals in the two previous CUB Messages, Jerry Eiseman, Chairman of the Scholarship Committee, told me recently that he has received a few inquiries but no applications for awards for the 1993-94 academic year. This is a major benefit for our descendants and young relatives that should not be missed.
Many of you have received a brochure from Galaxy Tours of Wayne, Pennsylvania offering a tour of the Battle of the Bulge area for veterans of the 106th Division and their families September 15-23, 1994. This is the tour that wig be led by our ex-President Doug Coffey. As I said in the last CUB, the Association does not officially sponsor any such tour. Members who may wish to participate can get information from Coffey.
We have a problem with the 1995 Reunion. At last year's General Meeting someone proposed Orlando. Other members offered return engagements in Roanoke, Virginia or Indianapolis, Indiana. The membership voted for Orlando. The head table could not identify the member who proposed Orlando, and the Adjutant's tape recorder is inconclusive. We have asked several Orlando area members, but none of them recognized him. They are all willing to help but do not want to take the lead in organizing the Reunion, which is a major job. Therefore, unless the Orlando situation is resolved in the meantime, I will invite new proposals for the 1995 Reunion at this year's General Meeting. They should be well staffed offers by local members who are prepared to plan, organize and host our major gathering of the year.
For you members that pay your membership fees on an annual basis, it is once again time to submit your annual fee of $10.00. As you know, annual fees run from July Ito June 30 each fiscal year. We would appreciate that you pay your dues promptly in order to continue to receive The CUB magazine and be associated with the 106th Infantry Division Association.
Looking forward to meeting all of you 106ers at the 47th Annual Reunion. For those of you who cannot attend, "Thanks for being a part of a great group of veterans." VS
106111 Infantry Division Association President
Jack A. Suter - 1992-1993
423 Combat Infantry Regiment
The CUB of the Golden Lion
Is Communism Really Dead? ..."
I found the following in The Cub, Vol. 27, No. 1 (Oct-Nov Dec, 1970). In light of the condition of the United States of America, today, I think that it bears a second look.
In May of 1919 at Dusseldorf, Germany, Allied Forces, obtained a copy of some of the "Communist Rules for Revolution."
A. Corrupt the young, get them away from religion. Get them interested in sex. Make them superficial, destroy their ruggedness.
B. Get control of all means of publicity, thereby. o Get people's minds off their government by focusing their attention on athletics, sexy books, plays and other trivialities. Divide the people into hostile groups by constantly harping on controversial matters of no importance. Destroy the people's faith in their leaders by holding the latter up to contempt, ridicule and obloquy. Always preach democracy, but seize power as fast and as ruthlessly as possible. By encouraging government extravagance, destroy its credit, produce fear of inflation with rising prices and general discontent.
Foment unnecessary strikes in vital industries, encourage civil disoniers and foster lenient and soft attitudes on the part of government toward such disorders. By specious argument cause the breakdown of the old moral virtues, honesty, sobriety, continence, faith in the pledged word, ruggedness.
C. Cause the registration of all firearms on some pretext, with a view to confiscating them and leaving the population helpless. Take time to think seriously on the above and draw your own conclusions! (Presented by the David McM. Grebe Past 812 of the American Legion a Public Service to Provoke Thought.)
Reprinted from Parts Pups, September 1969, Vol. 38 No. 7.
In a nation which is Four Trillion Dollars in debt and going deeper each day; where more and more groups want to be designated, not as Americans but as hyphenated Americans; where violence is the expected rather than the unexpected reaction to things which displease people; where unmarried persons living together and bringing children into the world is looked upon as normal; where same-sex lifestyles are considered to be just a different way of living; where religion is made fun of on TV and in other areas, by these and so many other ideas advocated in the above and accepted in the United States of America, must we not stop and wonder just where our nation is heading.
In Genesis 1:27, we find this, "God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him: male and female he created them." I find it hard to believe that all of the things in which no many am involved in today represents men and women created in the image of God. It seems much more likely that much of what takes place in the United States of America today stems from the fallen image of man and women found in Genesis 3.
Dear God hear our prayers and have mercy on this nation, turning it from its rebellious ways back to your ways. May we know, again, the land which our founders brought into being, a nation which was expected to function in a Godly way. AMEN
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Reverend Ewell C. Bloch Jr.. Chaplin 4221A -- 10601 lilt eta. Anne
212 Ridge St. Blabopylle, SC 29010
Editor's Note.... Thanks to John M. Roberts, 592/C, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan for his suggestion for re-naming this column from "Bits &, Pieces" to "Front & Center." There will be no K.P. for you for the next week, John, and you can ride to the range with the Captain.
Also, thanks to Bob White, 592/B, Calumet City, &Mole for his suggestion "The Lion's Lair." That's pretty good. We've got a nice-looking WAC corporal who needs transportation to the Friday afternoon parade, you've got that duty.
I owe both you one. Hope to see you at Columbia. Look me up....
O.K., youse guys;
Front & Center, dress right - dress!!!
O.K. Kilroy - Shape up or ship out. rye gotta make up a new K.P. roster. John Kline, editor
106th Patches & Bob Ties
Bolo Ties: Last I knew BOW TIES with the 106th Infantry Division insignia were available from LESLIE L BROWN, 4132 East 36th Place, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74153. I do not have the prices - drop him a card.
106th Infantry shoulder patches Order patches from Boyd Rutledge our Adjutant. Cost including postage is $2.00 per each patch ordered. Boyd's address on inside cover of this magazine.
Attention Minnesota!!! Mid-Summer Reunion
A mid-summer meeting of 106ers is scheduled for 11:30 ern. at NYBO'S LANDING RESTAURANT, RED WING, MINN., Saturday May I, 1993. Nybo's is in the Pottery District on the west end of Red Wing.
Social hour at 11:30 amend a group picture. The buffet starts at 1:00 p.m. All you can eat for $7.50 per person. Pay as you go through the buffet lice.
Arranging the meeting is Assoc: member Howard Flen 1716 7th St. N.E.
Rochester, MN 55906
Tele: (507)282-0409 Howard is one of our very capable "Associate" members. He is an avid "Battle of the Bulge" student-historian. He has studied the battle to great depths as a deeply interested person. Howard has had an opportunity to be a Bulge Area guide, his experience has been sharpened by actual contact with the area. This meeting is not intended to replace the Annual December get-to-gather. The people at our last December meeting thought this would be a good idea. It is on an off-work day and the weather will be better than mid-December. The Red Wing Pottery Outlet Mall is located about 100 feet to the south of Nybo's, Super 8 and Red Carpet Inn motels on the grounds, lots of shopping and historical sights. Treasure Island Casino is ten miles north. Any 106th Division member, friend or
1993 Annual Reunion
The 1993 Annual Reunion will be held at the Marriott Hotel, Columbia, South Carolina. Sept 9 through 12.
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The Manion was sold out by late March. Roger Rutland, reunion chairman informed MC today, 4/1893, that there were approximately 620 people that have sent in registrations. 265 rooms are filled at the Marriott, 51 at the Best Western. Others are calling the Comfort Inn.
Better make your arrangements now.
The committee would like for you to make your Reunion Registrations now, so that arrangements can be made for the large numbers. This is going to be the biggest reunion yet!
Future Reunions....
Sept 9 thru 12th, 1993 -- Columbia, SC
1994 -- Rapid City, South Dakota
1995 -- Orlando, Florida
Front & Center...
guest is welcome to attend, where ever you live. Mailings went to all Minnesota members.
Extra CUB Magazines: From time to time I receive back copies of CUB Magazines from our members. Sometimes it is from the widow of one of our deceased members, other times it is from a member who just wants to pass on extra copies to that others may have them.
I invite any of you who want to dispose of your CUB copies to send them to me. I do put them to good use by sending them to new members who would like some of the back issues. I am also trying to build up another archive set..
Were you on the line in defense of St. Vith?? If you were given duty that required you to be in the defensive positions as the Germans were attacking the City of St. Vith we would like to hear from you.
In a recent conversation with Colonel Thomas Riggs, commander of the 8Ist Combat Engineers, who was given command of the soldiers in the defensive positions east of St. Vith, he said it would be interesting to know which Association members were under his command. Prepare a small summary of your duty and/or experiences, if you were under his command, and send them to the Colonel, along with your name, address and telephone number and name of the former 106th Infantry Division unit that you were attached to. His address is:
Colonel Thomas J. Riggs 6 Olive Street, Providence, RI 02906, Telephone 401-421-4110
New Commander at Camp Atterbury
Colonel Gary Willis, who recently replaced Colonel Jorg Stachel, has been placed in charge of the Camp Atterbury Memorial. Col Stachel has moved on to a command position in the Indiana National Guard Headquarters. He asked to continue to receive the CUB. He is still a member of the Board of Directors of the Memorial Committee. Any correspondence from general members of our association should be made through our Representative, O. Paul Merze, 1344 Norfolk Circle, Indianapolis, IN 46224.
Donations to the Camp Atterbury Memorial should be made through our Memorial Chairman, Dr. John Robb, 238 Devore Dr., Meadeville, PA 16355, Telephone 814-3336364. Donations are invited - the memorial is still growing.
Attention! Snow Birds and those that change addresses.. For those of you so fortunate to travel to the warm climates: I maintain a mailing list of two addresses for about twenty of our snow-birds. I would appreciate that I be notified of any changes. I switch over the addresses on the mailing for the May CUB and for the November CUB. Occasionally one of you do not take your planned visit to the south in the winter, no the CUB gets mailed to the wrong address and I pay postage for its return.
The same goes for you that move. Please notify me of your address change. We guarantee forwarding, but you have to pay the forwarding fees on your end. The cost is not cheap to forward fourth-class mail
SEND IN YOUR ADDRESS CHANGE. Please Note: The Inside Cover.
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The inside cover of this magazine contains several pieces of information. First, which might be of interest, I list the current number of members at the time I am preparing the final pages of this magazine. That number appears on the top of the left column under The CUB logo. Interesting to note, in this issue, that we have approximately 1,650 members. On 10/20/92 we had the same number, but dropped 67 members after that, that had not renewed their 1992-93 dues. We are certain that a few of that 67 could have been members that passed away, but we were not notified. Considering that we are still holding
Front & Center...
our own.
Were you In BERGA
Also in the left column is a list of the names of our officers and the office that they hold. Under the officers appear names and addresses of the Editor, the Adjutant, the Memorial Chairman and the Treasurer. In the bottom of the left column appears our Membership Fee schedule. In the right hand column appears the names of the Board of Directors, as well as their address and telephone number and expiration date of their term of office.
I have correspondence from a Ms. Janine Jaquet Biden, 7 Pineerest Dr., Wilmington, DE 19810, Telephone 302-475-3477.
She is a producer of a documentary about American POWs who became victims of the Holocaust and is writing at the suggestion of a former POW, Dr. Ralph Tomases who served in our division as a 'Medic.'
The program will focus on a group of about 100 Jewish POWs from the 106th and the 26th Infantry Divisions who were segregated from other Americans in the POW camp at Bad Orb, Stalag 9-B, and along with about 250 others were deemed "troublemakers." These men were sent to a slave labor camp that was part of the Buchenwald concentration camp complex. U.S. Government documents place 351 American GIs at this camp from February to And] 1945.
She has researched the case at the National Archives and elsewhere. Affidavits have been found from men of other POW camps who said they were also segregated because they were Jewish, and in some cases threatened with deportation to other camps. In virtually every other case, this happened before liberation and the deportation was not carried out.
Ms. Biden is interested in locating and talking to as many of the men that wear at Berga that she can. Also, with anyone associated with the subsequent trial of the two commanders of the Berga Camp at Dachau, Germany in 1946. She is preparing a one-hour documentary primarily about the experiences of the men of Berge, which will also cite other examples of Nazi brutality against American POWs. Her initial discussions with PBS and A&E about their interest in airing such a documentary have been favorable.
For you men of BERGA.
Please contact Ms. Biden as follows:
Ms. Janine Jaquet Biden 7 Pinecrest Dr., Wilmington, DE 19810 Telephone 302-475-3477.
"I" before "E" except In "Receive"
I was reminded by a close friend that I had goofed again in Dale Carver's poem in the November CUB. I did- that's what you get for appointing a 'heavy machine gun squad leader' as your editor. But I just had to remark that there is another word, other than "receive," in which the letter "E" appears before the "I" and that is " receipt." One up on you. At least I hope to remember the lesson, thanks.
"A Grateful Nation Remembers"
The 106th Infantry Division Association has been accredited as a "Commemorative Community" by the Defense Department's 50th Anniversary of WWII Commemoration Committee. (see our president's message on page 2)
We will be allowed to use the following emblem on our correspondence and papers.
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Purple Hearts, Bronze Stars, Frozen Feet and other comments from America's Heartland By Our Bled. 422/A Harold D. Allen of Trumann, Arkansas, wrote to me last year inquiring for any advice I could give him regarding frozen feet. I'd mentioned in The Cub about receiving a Purple Heart when, prior to my discharge, I'd heard that this kind of injury, or ailment, was worth five points. My medal arrived after my discharge in November, 1945. I deserved it, apparently, or it wouldn't have been issued. This past winter I got into a conversation with a foot doctor, while both of us were exercising at a nearby shopping mall. I asked him if the fact that my feet were frozen in 1944 might still cause me some minor distress. They itch rather furiously for no reason at all, now and then. It also seems to me that the skin on the bottom of my feet isn't as tough as it should be, considering that I've probably walked thousands of miles over the years. The doctor told me he was certain that frozen feet result in permanent discomfort, as I've experienced, and perhaps in disability. I'm fortunate in that my feet have never caused disability, as such. But I'm writing on this subject, after limning across Harold's letter, and think any of us should be eligible for the Purple Heart for frozen feet. If I thought I had actual disability, I'd certainly file for benefits at the VA hospital in Iowa City where my name is merely on file. I did this several years ago rather than have to by to prove my POW status, or have my wife do it, if I ever need VA treatment.
Harold sent a detailed letter explaining how his feet were frozen while with the 424th. "I pulled off my shoes and sox," he recalled, " and ice was frozen between my toes. I don't know how true it was but
Dan Bied. 'A' Co.. 422nd Combat Inf. Reg. 108 Leffler Sleet. Wee Sweeten, Owe 52655
I heard it got down to 35 degrees below zero that night (Jan. 13, 1945) but I do know it was COLD." I did a lot of dumb things in service, but was careful enough to have an extra pair of sox. They usually weren't too clean, but I managed to have dry sox on most of the time while working in the coal mine at Sandersdorf. I'm inclined to think this saved me the possible loss of some toes, something that happened to at least one guy in our work group.
My feet were frozen, no doubt about that. I found this out when a German doctor jabbed a king needle into one foot and I didn't feel it. I didn't know the needle was in my foot until I looked down and saw it. He'd deliberately distracted me, as I recall it, to make certain my reaction was genuine. Recently, my mail included a letter from the VA that dealt with "late effects of cold injury." Perhaps all of you received this letter. If not, I'll be glad to send you a copy if you write to me or phone 1-319-752-5708.
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This letter, covering five pages, tells the history of cold being long recognized as "a serious environmental health hazard." There are references to the Korean War, of course, and some statistics related to WW-2 when some 55,000 of our troops suffered "trench foot."
It is likely, the letter says, "that veterans who sustained cold injuries in WW-2 and Korea have experienced (post-war) symptoms, including skin cancers in scars and arthritis." The VA doctor signing the letter advised that vets with history of cold injury "may be referred to a VA benefits counselor to apply for service connection if it has not already been established." NOTE: Any of you interested in getting medals you were authorized to receive, but weren't issued to you, should get in touch with your congressman for information on how to request them. When I did this a few years ago I received a Bronze Star without knowing I was entitled to it.
WWII Medals Available: Now that Dan Bird has mentioned it in the above article Many men who served in WWII received only ribbons, or nothing, for the medals they earned. Medals which were earned and not received are still available and may be obtained by writing to U.S. Army, Reserve Component Personnel & Administration Center, St. Louis, MO 63132 and asking for the medals. On your letter and lower left-hand comer of your envelope, show ATTN: PSE-VS. Include in your letter "photocopies" of both sides of your Honorable Discharge. It should also be noted that those of you who were cited for Heroism or Meritorious Service or received a certificate of exemplary conduct in Combat; the Combat Infantry Badge or Combat Medical Badge are entitled to the Bronze Star Medal. This was authorized by a post-WWII order by George C. Marshall, the Army Chief of Staff. If entitled to this medal, you should also request it in your letter and furnish documentation of eligibility.
WHILE ON THE SUBJECT OF BENEFITS...
For you new to the organization it should be noted that EX-POWS are entitled to a Protocol Exam which includes a complete medical and psychiatric exam. Hearing Aids, Dental Care and Glasses are amongst the benefits offered to POWs who were held over 90 days as a prisoner. Contact your nearest Veterans Medical Facility for details. This Bill was passed in 1984. I didn't learn about it until 1987, the same year I learned about the 106th Infantry Division Association.... J Kline, editor
Annual paying Members: PAY YOUR 1993 -- 1994 DUES NOW !!! Annual Membership fees due July I, 1993
LIFE MEMBERSHIPS available, see inside front cover.....
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Scholarship Committee...
IMPORTANT 1993 SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS ANNOUNCEMENT Scholarships will again be given in 1993 to the descendants of living and deceased members of the 106th Infantry Division Association.
Descendants have been defined by the Board of Directors to include the following: Children and grandchildren, nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.
Adopted and non-adopted children who are or were dependents of a member and lived in the member's household as minors.
Applicant must be nominated by a member of the Association or his widow, if he was a member at death. Nomination letters must state their relationship to the applicant. The Board of Directors has authorized four (4) scholarships with a maximum of $1,000 for each award. To be considered, all applicants must:
I. Have high school or college mail following directly to the Scholarship Committee. Applicant's GPA, noting whether this is a weighted GPA.
Student's Class standing and a letter of recommendation along with a transcript.
• REPEAT: These must come to the scholarship committed DIRECTLY from the school. along with a transcript. 2. Have their SAT scores mailed DIRECTLY from the testing agency to the scholarship committee. The Educational Testing Service should be informed that the 106th Infantry Division Association code is 2387
3. Submit a letter of application to the chairman of the scholarship committee, Jerry Eisenman. This letter may be in any style and should contain the following items: Who he or she is; what he or she has done, such as sports, hobbies, travels, interests, accomplishments, work experience etc.; why he or she would like to pursue a particular course of study; why he or she is applying for this scholarship and what the applicant would like to do in life.
4. The letter must also state that the applicant originated, composed and wrote the entire letter. Letters prepared for the applicant by any outside person or organization violate the spirit of this requirement and would therefore be unacceptable. PLEASE NOTE: The deadline has been extended beyond the April 30 date. All application material must be received by the 15th of June. Address to:
Scholarship Committee 106th Infantry Division Association Jerry Eisenman, Chairman
227 Buena Vista Avenue
Daly City, California 94015-2120
All applications become the property of the 106th Infantry Division Association. The selected applicants will have the money deposited to their account at their chosen school. it will not be given directly to the students. Phone calls: Jerry Eisenman (415) 756-8330 or John Gregory, (916) 481-3353.
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Meanwhile - Back in the Rear Echelon... By Neill Mahoney, HQ, 590th Field Artillery Battalion Over the years I have avoided discussion of the Batik of the Bulge. Now that it is over 48 years since December I944--the time is appropriate to record the full story of the 106th Infantry Division as best we can. This is an account of events that took place at Division Headquarters, the most peaceful sector m the 106th Division, during the Batik of the Bulge. In no way is it an attempt to raise the war experiences of "typewriter commandos" to a level with the terrible experiences of the combat soldiers of the Division. The staff soldiers as a whole were very fortunate people. Please forgive the frequent but necessary use of the first-person personal pronoun "I" or "my" --that is the only source of information available to me. I was with Headquarters Battery 590th Field Artillery from its inception at Fort Jackson in March 1943. The very warm weather in South Carolina in March and April was unbelievable to this draftee from frigid LaCrosse, Wisconsin.
After basic training I was assigned as a battalion personnel clerk in Headquarters 590 FAB as a morning report consolidator and personnel classification clerk. That was my assignment through Tennessee maneuvers, Camp Atterbury and the European Theater.
In December 1944 all infantry regimental and other battalion personnel sections were attached to Division Headquarters in the rear echelon not far from St. Vith, Belgium. In mid-December, shortly after the German breakthrough started in the forward echelons, some staff soldiers of Division Headquarters and attached units were put on guard duty two bouts on and four hours off around the clock. Extremely cold and windy days and nights enveloped the snow-covered ground. The continuing cloud cover was so dense that it prevented any support from the Air Force. Such bitter cold weather seemed bad even to this winter-hardened corporal from Wisconsin. On the 20th of December, the rear echelon received word that most units of the 422nd and 423nd Regiments including our own 590th Artillery Battalion had lost radio and other communication con- tact with Division Headquarters. It seemed to m in the 590th FA Personnel Section that all of our combat troops had suddenly dropped off of the face of the earth.
We were later informed that of the approximately 520 men that comprised the 590th FABN before combat, less than 50 men were not designated as Missing in Action. In addition to the Personnel Section, most of the non-MIA's were from Service Battery who escaped in trucks fueled by kerosene. By December 21 it was clear that the German offensive was getting much closer. The very deep THUMP!! THUMP!! sounds and vibrations of heavy explosives were very clear and the ring of fire, which could best be observed at night, was much closer.
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On this date a general meeting was convened of all staff troops in Division Headquarters. The word was that our position was surrounded and that it appeared quite likely we would be over-run within a matter of days or possibly hours. The order was given to bum Meanwhile - Back in the Rear Echelon... all duffel bags, including what few personal belongings we had, so that nothing would be left to provide information or help to the invading Germans.
We were told that the situation might deteriorate to where it would be every man for himself. In this event we were advised to escape to the west. If there had previously been unconcern among any rear echelon staff soldiers, this general meeting made every soldier a believer in the gravity of the situation. The wisdom of having staff as well as combat troops train on the rifle range, infiltration course and other vital phases of combat training suddenly became crystal clear to those few who had previously questioned this policy.
On the morning of 22 December it was announced that there had been a break through the German lines which would allow the Division Headquarters to move to a safer location. However, a rear guard was to be formed which would remain in place. The 590 FABN Personnel Section of ten people was directed to contribute two enlisted men to join the rear guard. Our Tech. Sgt. George Jackson and Cpl. Neill Mahoney were selected by lot to remain behind. The other eight personnel men supplied us with extra clips of carbine ammunition and extra hand grenades. Sgt. Jackson, always the clown, brought some comic relief to a very tense situation by loading himself down with so many hand grenades that when he slipped down in the snow he was barely able to get up! I was assigned to a fox hole which was one of a perimeter defense in a wooded area at the top of a very steep hill. At about ten a.m. when the main group left by truck, the fox holes were wet and muddy at the bottom. It was, however, bitter cold. Each of us had a spare pair of socks around our mid-section.
As the gloomy bitter cold day continued, an unbelievable thing happened to me. The man in the next foxhole, about five yards on my left, asked me to come over and give him instructions on how to fire and re-load his carbine and requested an explanation of how to set off hand grenades! He explained that he was an attorney from the Judge Advocate's office and had no training in any such matters! This was a real surprise to me--something like that should never happen. In the bitter cold, the muddy bottom of the fox hole began to freeze solid as dusk approached. I was shocked nearly out of my combat boots by a tap on the back of my shoulder. It was a little Belgian boy about eight years old who was so war-hardened that he felt absolutely no fear. He made the usual request for "show ko lotte" and "cigarettes." I managed to find a candy bar for him.
As winter darkness settled in, the sergeant of the guard gave us great news. An anti-aircraft unit had pulled into our area. If this outfit had come in -- maybe we weren't going to be over-run after all! We were overjoyed. One of each two men could obtain warm coffee for two at the anti-aircraft kitchen and bring it right back to the fox holes for consumption. Upon arrival at the kitchen I experienced a tremendous let-down. The anti-aircraft unit was no longer un- loading--they were packing to leave! The area was "too hot" for them. They were going to a safer place! So much for our hopes that the crisis had ended.
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That night the ring of fire seemed to be right upon us and the noise and vibrations were really much, much closer. Waiting now for what seemed to be inevitable combat gave Meanwhile - Back in the Rear Echelon... all of us time for very deep and troubled thoughts. I will be the first to say that I experienced fear mingled with strong hope that when the German attack came our relatively light and inexperienced rear guard would be able to delay or divert if not stop them. We really had very little firepower to be effective.
One philosophy had been developing in me during the ten days or so preceding this crisis and during this extremely long cold day arid night. Successful soldiers must not dwell on the terrible things that could happen to them. Whether by nature an optimist or pessimist--each one must assume that if he does his job--he will be a survivor. This confidence will permit him to function effectively. This philosophy continues with me now some 48 years later.
The best possible news came about two in the morning of December 23. Our position had been by-passed by the German Army and the 82nd Airborne had broken through so that the rear guard could be removed. As this happy group of staff soldiers rode away in the back of GI trucks, each side of the snow-packed road was lined by our marching heroic saviors, the 82nd Airborne. Our destination was a very large ham filled with hay for weary but ecstatic men to sleep in. Although not one shot was fired by us or for that matter directly at us--that was the rear echelon's brief brush with war. This experience cannot compare in even the most trifling measure to the much more severe hardships and pain endured by the real combat soldiers of the 106th!
We "typewriter commandos" were so fortunate.
Army Pay 1942 to 1992 , contributed by Frank Trautman, 422/D
Rank 1942 Pay Rank 1992 Pay
Private $52.50 Private E-1 726.60
Private E-2 880.50
Private 1st Class 56.70 Private 1st Class 1,043.40
Corporal 69.30 Corporal 1,170.00
Sergeant 81.90 Sergeant 1,240.00
S/Sgt 100.80 S/Sgt 1,404.60
Tech Sgt 119.70 Sgt 1st Class 1,598.00
Master Sgt 144.90 Master Sgt 2,031.00
Sgt Major 2,355.90
2d Lt 157.50 2d Lt 1,892.70
1st Lt 175.00 1st Lt 2,350.50
Captain 210.00 Captain 2,628.60
Major 287.50 Major 3,156.30
Lt Col 335.42 Lt Col 3,281.70
Colonel 383.33 Colonel 3,714.30
Brig Gen 500.00 Brig Gen 5,053.50
Major Gen 666.67 Major Gen 5,836.50
Lt Gen 666.67 Lt Gen 6,112,50
General 666.67 General 6,898.20
The CUB of the Golden lion
It SO Years Ago IFernrs_haig or the 106th Di' rision
Monday, March 15, 1943
'74 lteeikt9K Reateco
Best Movie Casablanca U.S. victory in Bismarck Sea off New Guinea strikes blow to Japanese
Ambassador to U.S. says that Russian people aren't being told of U.S. aid...
Point rationing of meats, cheese, butter and canned fish begins...
Best Actor Paul Lakes
Best Actress Jennifer Jones
Book A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
Radio Arthur Godfrey Time
World Series NY Yankees over St Louis
PRESIDENT Oa Al Itasealfee late Franklin Delano Roosevelt
People will Say We're in Love
Don't Get VICE-PRESIDENT
Around Much Anymore...
The Surrey With the Fringe on Top
... I'll Be Seeing You
... I've Heard That Song Before
... Maiezy Doats... Oh, What a Beautiful Morning... Amor.... Henry A. Wallace /‘aca 9t 76/24, q4uu /e To Tarsodue49.
1943 1993 Jefferson Memorial dedicated by FDR
3 Br Home $3,600 $99,800 on 200th Anniversary of Jefferson's
Avg Income $2,650 $30,056 birth The World's largest office New Ford None Made $13,500 building, the Pentagon, completed Gas I gal $ 21 $1.18 System devised to de-ice airplanes... Bread 1 lb $.09 5. 73 Zinc pennies issued by U.S. Mint... Milk 1 gal $.62 $ 2.72 Word Antibiotic" coined... Income Bacon I lb. $.43 $ 2.38 Tax Witholding began Remestifes 74.417
Dresses with fancy accessories, home sewing Fads: slumber parties, pep rallies & roller rinks... Shoes with reclaimed rubber soles left black marks... Bible sales up 25%... Rationing and War Ballads... War Posters... "Give 'Em Both Barrels" Uncle Ben's Converted rice introduced... Recommended Daily Allowances for nutrients published for first time
fit Sleee a..de de
Norman Rockwell created ROSIE THE RIVITER
GIs carried pictures of pin-up girls...
Betty Grable married band leader Harry James...
Bill Mauldin created GI characters Willie and Joe.
Jimmy Durante insured nose for $50,000...
COUNT FLEET won Triple Crown...
OKLAHOMA opened on Broadway...
TOM & JERRY cartoon... ..41le tke adlie 4 Ed Zeagstnesse, 4241tgl2 3E* Thad, Ed.
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The CUB or the Golden Lion
Marriott Hotel, Columbia, South Carolina The site of the 47th Annual Reunion 106th Infantry Division Association September 8 - 12, 1993
50th Anniversary of the 106th Inf. Div. activation at Fort Jackson, S.C. - March 15, 1943
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106th INFANTRY DIVISION ASSOCIATION 47th ANNUAL REUNION - 50th ANNIVERSARY
SEPTEMBER 9-12, 1993
MARRIOTT HOTEL - COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA
TENTATIVE PROGRAM
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 8, 1993
10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Registration Begins Atrium
2:00 p.m. (Optional) 2 1/2 hr. Historic Bus Tour of at least 15 sites Stop and tour two of the historic sites
7:00-11:00 p.m. (Optional) Country Western Hoe-down Buffet, Western Square Dancing, and Clogging Grand Palm Ballroom
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 9, 1993 8:30a.m.-5:00 p.m. Registration Atrium 10:00a.m.-10:00 p.m. Hospitality Room Open Palmetto Room 10:00a.m. (Optional) 3 hr. Historic Tour of four Historic Homes 3:30 p.m. Board of Directors Meeting Tupelo Room 7:00 p.m. 50th Anniversary Welcome Buffet Cash Bar. Grand Palm Ballroom
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 10, 1993
7-8:00 am. Breakfast Grand Palm Ballroom 8:30 am. Buses Leave (Lunch Included) Fort Jackson Tour
3:00 p.m. Memorial Service Theater #3
4:00 p.m. Command Retreat In Front of Post HQ
4:30 p.m. Buses Return to Marriott Hotel
6-10:00 p.m. Hospitality Room Open Palmetto Room
Dinner On Your Own
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 11, 1993
7:30-8:30 am. Sit Down Breakfast ........... ................. . ... ...Grand Palm Ballroom 10:00 a.m. Hospitality Room Opens Palmetto Room
12:00 Noon Ladies Luncheon Atrium
12:00 Noon Men's Luncheon Grand Palm Ballroom
4:00 p.m. New Board of Directors Meeting Tupelo Room
6:-7:00 p.m. Cocktail Hour (Cash Bar) Atrium
7:00 p.m. Dinner Grand Palm Ballroom
8:30-11:30 p.m. Dancing to The Sterling Band
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 12, 1999
7:00-9:00 am. Continental Breakfast Grand Palm Ballroom
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Hurry and make your reservation, we look forward to seeing you in September Hope you can stay after the convention to enjoy the many attractions of Columbia and all of South Carolina South Carolina the Palmetto State...
Abut of Aoutlt (Carolina allfirs of tits CBootottor COL1.1.1131A SO.
GREETINGS
On behalf of the State of South Carolina, I am pleased to extend greetings to the members of the 106th Infantry Division on the occasion of your 50th anniversary reunionMen who are willing to endure hardship and danger in defense of our way of life represent a rare breed. The 106th Infantry Division's bravery and achievements during World War II have established a tradition for all who seek to serve our country through the military. As you celebrate this tradition of excellence born under often hostile conditions, we most pay special tribute to those veterans who made the supreme sacrifice in defense of our freedom. Of greatest importance is the reaffirmation that we have not forgotten and will not forget. Please accept my warmest wishes for an enjoyable reunion and do not hesitate to contact we if I may be of any assistance to you in the future.
Carroll A. Campbell, f r. Governor People. Population (1990): 3,486,703. rank: 25. Pop. density: 115.8 per sq. mi. Racial distrib, 69.0% White; 29.8% Black; 0.9./. Hispanic. Net change (1980-90): 11.7%.
Geography. Total area: 31,113 sq. mi.; rank: 40. Land area: 30,111 sq. mi. Acres forested land: 12,257,000. Location: south Atlantic coast state, bordered by North Carolina on the N; Georgia on the SW and W; the Atlantic O. on the E, SE and S. Climate: humid sub-tropical. Topo- graph), Blue Ridge province in NW has highest peaks; piedmont lies between the mountains and the fall line; coastal plain covers two-thirds of the state. Capital: Columbia. Economy: Principal industries: tourism, agriculture, manufacturing. Principal manufactured goods: textiles, chemicals and allied products, machinery & fabricated metal products, apparel and related products. Agriculture: Chief crops: tobacco, soybeans, corn, conon, peaches, hay. Livestock (1990): 590,000 cattle; 430,000 hogs/pigs. Timber/lumber (1989): pine, oak; 1.5 bln.Nonfuel Minerals (1990): 5483.6 min.; mostly crushed stone. Portland cement. clay. Commercial fishing (1990): $24.0 min. Chie (ports: Charleston, Georgetown, Pon Royal. International airports at: Charleston. Value of construction (19901: 03.6 bin. Employment distribution (1988): 27.7% mfg.; 25.5% serv.; 22.8% trade; 8.2% gvt. Per capita income (1990): $15,099. Unemployment (1990): 4.7%. Tourism (1988), $4.6 bin. Sales tax: 5%.
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South Carolina the Palmetto State... Finance. FDIC-insured commercial banks & trust companies (1990): 84. Deposits: 518.0 bin. Savings institutions (1990): 48. Assets: $11.7 bin.
Federal government: No. federal civilian employees (Mar. 1990): 25,641. Avg. Salary: $28,017. Notable federal facilities: Polaris Submarine Base; Barnwell Nuclear Power Plant; Ft. Jackson; Parris Island; Savannah River Plant. Energy. Electricity production (1990, mwh, by source): Hydroelectric: 2.7 tole.; Mineral: 23.7 min.; Nuclear 42.9 min.
Education. Student-teacher ratio (1989): 17.0. Avg. salary, public school teachers (1990-91): $28,174. State data. Motto: Dum Spiro Spero (While I breathe, I hope). Flower: Yellow jessamine. Bird: Carolina wren. Tree: Palmetto. Song: Carolina. Eighth of the original 13 states to ratify the Constitution, May 23, 1788. State fair at Columbia; mid-Oct.
History. The first English colonists settled, 1670, on the Ashley River, moved to the site of Charleston, 1680. The colonists seized the government, 1775, and the royal govemor fled. The British took Charleston, 1780, but were defeated at Kings Mountain that year, and at Cowpens and Eutaw Springs, 1781. In the 1830s, South Carolinians, angered by federal protective tariffs, adopted the Nullification Doctrine, holding a state can void an act of Congress. The state was the first to secede and, in 1861, Confederate troops fired on and forced the surrender of U. S. troops at Ft. Sumter, in Charleston Harbor, launching the Civil War. Tourist attractions. Restored historic Charleston harbor area and Charleston gardens: Middleton Place, Magnolia, Cypress; other gardens at Brookgreen, Edisto, Glencaim; state parks; coastal islands; shore resorts such as Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head Island; fishing and quail hunting; Ft. Sumter National Monument, in Charleston Harbor; Charleston Museum, est. 1773, is the oldest museum in the U.S.; South Carolina State Museum, one of largest museums in South, Columbia; Riverbanks Zoo, Columbia.
Famous South Carolinians include Charles Bolden, James F. Byrnes, John C. Calhoun, DuBose Heyward, Ernest F. Hollings, Andrew Jackson, Jesse Jackson, James Longstreet, Francis Marion, Ronald McNair, Charles Pinclmey, John Rutledge, Thomas Sumter, Strom Thurmond. Tourist Information: Chamber of Commerce, 930 Richland St., P.O. Box 1360, Columbia, SC 29201; and So. Carolina Dept. of Parks, Recreation, & Tourism, (803) 734-0122.
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Microsoft Bookshelf 0 1987- 1992 Microsoft Corp. All Rights Reserved. The World Almanac and Book of Facts is licenced from Newspaper Enterprise Assoc., Inc. and General Information Inc Copyright 01991 by Pharos Books. All rights reserved. City of Columbia PROCLIATTION elVNERT--,73, the rothfi Inpnayllitision of Fortlachon, South Carolina has camp kfOrd the alliVecOlit, OPT& United Stain fur goyears, and W.VETEAS, the dammed training maenad eterart,ladson thnnigh rFFI movements famed marches on mad terrain and swollen hew awing, forged the hitesion into an ',gammas, fig hung ant and 70hEILTAS, lender the 1:01111.11111d of Melo, genenal Ann pars, these net oft& 9oldat [ion Viai5ion, though placedm a 'quiet' sector, were am* with gerinan steel muffin after only us on the line', one aft bloodiest baths o f World 'War II; and 'WNEREaS. in this Snide nig& Rage, the Division had IIILTP ef ar6 lives, Leah wounded, and 7,000 miming while other unit, tried to regroup and shit bark and 14.71E'REAS, though low on willies and 6opelewly outhurnbcred, the....ea zo6t6 held a7 Lies 4"St. Selgifilll jar three days wide Serrnan lino in an attempt 10 provide a serious obstacle to the 7vlS1.3 plans; and 'W.VEIE25, dry their hook dehenanan in the( of daager, theDirisionfea-ead Von Randstedt dday they &area schedule and ranted the early stages eY bade learn replading aria a complete german inelory NOW, 751ETEFORT. 1, 'Robot ID. Coble, Maya. of the Cry of Columbia, South Carolina, do herebypaduwseptasberg.sa, zgg,3, as a celebration honoring TOL lo6th INFANTRY WI/MON ill the City of Columbia in rezugnirion of the pride and cromple they ham ?raided for our dry, state, and he Rabat D. Cable Mayor Reunion Registrations...
REGISTRATION FORM
106TH INFANTRY DIVISION ASSOCIATION
17TH ANNUAL REUNION SEPTEMBER 9 - 11 1993
50TH ANNIVERSARY SINCE ACTIVATION
MARRIOTT HOTEL, 1200 HAMPTON STREET, COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA
Name Address: City, State and ZIP Unit, Company or Battery e.g.: (423/M - 590/B 106 RECON etc) Veteran's Registration fee @ 90.00 Spouse's Registration fee @ 90.00OPTIONAL ATTRACTIONS:
Guest's Registration fee @ 90.00 No. $ Country Western Hoe-down, Wed Sept 8, 7-11:30 p.m. Buffet, Square Dancing and Clogging. Each @ 20.00 $Two and one-half hour Historic Bus Tour, Wed Sept 8, 2:00 p.m. No. Persons @ 12.50 $
Three hour Historic Home Tour, Thursday Sept 9, 9:30 a.m. No. Persons @ 12.50 $
Total Registration fee All fees must be received by August 1, 1993.
Make Checks Payable to 106th Infantry Division Reunion Mail to: Roger Rutland 6632 Arcadia Woods Road Columbia, S.C. 29206
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(803) 787-6996 If you want a receipt, include a self-addressed- stamped envelope or card. Cancellation Policy: Reservations may be canceled with a full refund prior to August 5, 1993. After that any penalties charged to us will be deducted. Registration fees includes complete program, except OPTION ATTRACTIONS. DATE OF ARRIVAL ATTENDED PREVIOUS REUNIONS (Y/N) Reunion Registrations...
HOTEL REGISTRATIONS: Must be arranged by persons registering. See what hotels are available in these articles, in this CUB magazine. FREE AIRPORT TRANSPORTATION, Call on arrival.
FOR SALE:
106th Infantry Division Baseball Caps: No. @ 6.50 $TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED FOR "SALE" ITEMS
106th inf. Division Assoc. Pocket Calendars: No. X 2.50 $ OPTIONAL TOURS (Descriptions): The Wednesday p.m. Two and one-half hour tour will give you the history and show at least 15 historical sites. You will tour two of these. One will be the Governor's Mansion if possible.Thursday a.m. on the three hour historic tour, you will learn the history of four historic homes. The Robert Mills House, The Hampton Preston Home, The Woodrow Wilson boyhood Home and The Mann Simms Cottage.
Wednesday p.m. at the Country Western Hoe-down, you will be entertained by a live band while you eat your buffet dinner. You can rid yourself of the extra calories by Square Dancing to the call of Gene Hudson. While you catch your breath you will be entertained by a group of Cloggers, then come the CAKE-WALK and some more Square Dancing!! TRAVEL: (You may want to check on this) FOREST LAKE TRAVEL 1-800-554-8758 or 1-803-748-2891. The Forest Lake Travel Agency has made a contract with Delta for reduced air-fares for the 106th Infantry Division Association Reunion. One free round trip ticket will be given away for each 40 Delta tickets sold through the Agency. If 40 or more tickets are sold, we will have a drawing for the Free Trip. Please deposit proof of flight when you register at the reunion registration desk.
The CUB of the Golden Lion
iv Helpful Hints to make Happy Travelers...
DRESS
Country Western Hoedown..Country or very Casual Fort Jackson Tour and Memorial Service... Casual Men's Luncheon......................... Casual Ladles Luncheon Dresses or Casual Dinner/Dance..Mem Coat 6 Tle, Ladles:... Dressy Bring your walking shoes, many places of interest and shopping are within walking distance on your own.MEDICAL
Remember your extra pair of glasses or your prescription. We hope no one will need medical attention during our reunion. If it is necessary the Baptist Medical Center Emergency Room is one block from the Marriott Hotel.GOLFERS Howard Terrio is making arrangements for you. If you have your own group, that is great. If you want to join a group, please contact Howard and he will work out the details. Golf courses will be available within a few miles of the city. Transportation will be on your own.
OF SEPTEMBER IS 85--HIGH-64-LOW
REGISTRATION
THE NORMAL TEMPERATURE IN COLUMBIA THE FIRST Please get your registration in early. We cannot guarantee you access to any of the events after August 5, 1993. We have to firm up some events 30 days in advance. However we will do our best in all circumstances. We want you to come and have a wonderful time on this 50th Anniversary Reunion.20
HOTELS The Marriott has been sold out since March 1993, listed below are hotels close by that you may want to consider. (Over 600 had registered by 4/15/1993) COMFORT INN-CAPITAL CITY..5 1/2 blocks from the Marriott. 2025 Main St. (corner of Main at Elmwood) 1-803-252-6321 - Suzzette Winkler. King or 2 Doubles $39.00 +7% tax. Identify self as a 106th member. BEST WESTERN-GOVERNOR'S HOUSE HOTEL..1-800-528-1234 or 1803-779-7790 at 1301 Main Street. 1/2 blocks from the Maniott.They gave the 106th a price of $50.00 + 7% tax. However you should check before you identify yourself, they sometime have specials from 39.95 to $48.00 per night. Be sure to check out the Senior Adult Discount. HOLIDAY INN-COLISEUM 1-803-799-7800, 630 Assembly St. 7 1/2 blocks from the Marriott between College and Greene Sts. Free Airport transportation. 106th rate $50.00 + tax. Identify self as a 106th member. Photos, Old and New...
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Main Entrance to Fort Jackson South Carolina General Jackson and Memorials for WWI, WWII, Korea and Vietnam 13 Divisional Flags are displayed
Photos, Old and New...
New Trainees
Barracks
Fort Jackson
South Carolina
WWII Barracks
Museum
Fort Jackson
South Carolina
Fort Jackson
Hospital
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Photos, Old and New. 106th Division June 19, 1943 Passes in Review us 419,0711" 41.4:000 Review Stand Gen Alan W. Jones and Staff June 19, 1943
us sm..... I wanna be a at. ti 4446"at a soldier when I 77: 7 grow eln r 1 u aunal C77. Ph..
The CUB°, the Golden Lion
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New Members ATTENTION NEW MEMBERS..
If you did not send along a summary of your past history, like those that did below, please send me, the editor, a short article to be put in the Mail Bag column next time. It is not mandatory, but the other members enjoy reading about what has gone on in the years since we last heard from you.
Thanks for joining. We hope you will enjoy The CUB and your association with former comrades. If you have any questions drop me a line, my address is on the Inside front cover of every CUB... John Kline, editor
106 RECON Aittama, Rudolph L.
106 RECON 36221 Curtis Livonia, MI 48152 313-591-0681
I am from Lake Linden, Mich., way up in the Upper Peninsula. I was drafted March 10, 1943 and sent to Fort Jackson, South Carolina. I was assigned to the 2nd Platoon of the 106th Recon Troop. Captain Kura was our Commander. After basic training was completed we went on maneuvers in Tennessee, then on to Camp Atterbury. I went to Fort Riley Radio School, back to Atterbury, then on to Camp Myles Standish. We boarded the U.S.S. Wakefield, crossing the Atlantic in five days, arriving at Stow-on-the-Wokl, England and from there to LeHavre and the Siegfried Line.
We were in combat the 16th and 17th of December, captured the night of the 17th, marched to Stalag 12-A, Limburg, rode a boxcar for four days to Stalag 1I-D, Stargard, January 22, 1945. Marched out of II-D on Feb 14, 1945 and arrived at Stalag Neubrandenburg. Liberated April 29, 1945 by the Russians. I lost 50 pounds. I have the Purple Heart for shrapnel wounds.
I married Norma. August 9, 1947 in Calumet, Michigan. I am retired for 12 years. Norma and I do a lot of volunteer work to pass our time. We thank God for all our blessings.
(Editors Note - Rudy. thanks for the info. It has been sometime since I heard horn a person who went to Stalag II-D. I find Stargard being about 90 miles northeast of Benin across the Polish border. When you wentto Stelae II-A at Neubrandenburg you went in a west-northwest direction and ended up about 80-90 miles north of Berlin. Interesting, in looking at the map, that both 11-D al Stargard Scaecinski and II-A at Neubrandenburg were near 'large' lakes. Aso that just below Neubrandenburg there was an area designated as 'Burg Stargard'
Heitz, Richard H. 106 RECON 215 Crosshill Rd, Wynnewood, PA 19096 215-649-0735
Member of the 106th Recon cadre '43 - Feb '44, was transferred to OSS, Africa, Italy, South France and Germany. Have two grown children, three grandchildren and I like working with wood.
Booz, Kenneth S. 106 RECON 59 Byram Rd PO Bx 132 River Rd
Point Pleasant PA 18950
215-297-5802 There is so much 1 would like to share as my "war experiences" as those moments are still very fresh in my mind. To recount them all would require a journal. It began with my recruitment and basic training at FT Jackson. Then we were sizzled out and that is where the 106 RECON Troop had its beginning. The bonds of love
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New Members and family were fused and remain strong. We fought side by side to achieve, maintain and preserve peace and freedom. Some of our buddies didn't come home, the rest of us survived. We have grownup, married, hadchildren, lived our lives separate of each other, but every year we jom together and reminisce, tell stories, recount the days on foreign soil and strengthen that bond.
My with and I are now both retired. We've been mauled 46 years. I retired as a supervisor/foreman of Asphundh Manufacturing Division. My wife is now a homemaker. We have a son and a daughter. Our daughter. Barbara, is single. She is employed at a community hospital as a registered nurse on a cardiac specialty unit. She attends our troop relations and is very active in the yearly events at those events. This year being the 50th Anniversary is of great and special importance. My wife Doris and I are enjoying our retirement, although we cannot sit around idle. I continue to tinker with automobiles, garden and landscape. I enjoy fanning. We enjoy traveling and have plans to see many of the wonders of the United States in our travels. The times we have gotten together with the "Troopers" has helped us get acquainted with the good old U.S.A.
Barbara, our daughter, has ventured further. Her travels have taken her to the British Isles, the Caribbean, South America, Hawaii and Alaska. She has also joined the 106th Infantry Division Association as an AUXILIARY member. Our family mots are dug in here in Pennsylvania. Change is upon an and as young as we are there is still another adventure waiting for us. For now our family consists of four adults and a menagerie of animals (7 kits/cats, 2 dogs, 1 ferret and a beautiful aquarium of fish.). We house sit and animal sit, while Barbara ventures to the four corners of the world, all in her spare time.
(Editors Note - Kenneth, welcome to you and Barbara as new Association members... J. Kline)
Bosi, Sr., Arthur W. 106 RECON 520 Mill Creek, Jesup, GA 31545
912-927-3354
Fritz, William H. 106 RECON 7950 N.W. 14 St Pembroke Pines, FL 33024
305-963-3085
House, Robert D. 106 RECON 6240 Indian school Rd B-211 Albuquerque, NM 87110
505-293-6016 I was a married in 1948 and divorced 1990. We have five children and ten grandchildren. I worked for Sandia Material Lab. for 25 years, retiring in 1980. I enjoy traveling and fishing and still do a little water skiing.
Kiper, Orville B. 106 RECON 1405 Roosevelt
Bloomington. IL 61701
309-828-6388 Bom 14 February 1925 I went as far as I could in school. I was raised in the back hills of Kentucky and finished 8th grade. I left Kentucky in Feb 1943 moved to Illinois. Entered service May 1945, taking basic training at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Shipped to Fort Jackson, from there went until 18 December when we were captured by the Germans. I was liberated by the 69th Division on the Elbe River. Mauled Bessie June 19, 1968. We have three daughters, Beverly Sawatzki, Debbie Freeman and Tracy Kiper. We are retired.
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New Members
Marina, Jerome J. 106 RECON Rd al Box 126 Schenevus, NY 12155
607-547-8895 Member 106th Recon Troop, activated at Foot Jackson, SC in 1943. Overseas duty with the division in the Ardennes. I am now retired and living just outside Cooperstown, New York. Home of the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Sweet, Dale A. 106 RECON Rt 7, Box 781 Joplin, M064801
417624-9350
Knight, Sylvester J. 106 RECON 239 Hickory Ridge Dr Sebring, FL 813-655-2548
I was a member of the Recoil Troop and was captured the first day of the Bulge. I was formerly from Plainfield, N.J. and have lived in Florida for 19 years. I am submitting membership fees for my neighbor Ronald Paddock, as an ASSOCIATE member.
(Editors Note - Thanks. Sylvester for bringing a member in, as well as you joining. Hope to see you in Fort Jackson.
422nd REGIMENT
Blackwell, Robert L. 422 D 4601 Arcadia Laos Phoenix, AZ 85018
Floyd, Johnnie B. 422/AT Floyd Rd Kershaw, SC 29067
803-475-6311 I was transferred from the Army Air Corps into the 106th at Camp Atterbury. -The morning of the Bulge, my job was to deliver our mail to headquarters. Artillery was falling around us and I thought it was our own (short rounds). I had no way of knowing we were surrounded. I actually came face to face with a German tank. I have seen only three of my comrades since. I tried to get back to my company, but they were captured. Those of us that were not captured were put into the 424th Regiment. After the war ended I chauffeured for the Farbon Headquarters in the 505 Quartermaster Car Co. I was later put into another division and sent home.
I now own and operate a 450 acre cattle ranch, all by myself. I am 70 years old, in good 'health. My wife and I have four beautiful daughters, five beautiful granddaughters and two grandsons, one is one year and the other two years old.
Grimes, Charles H. 422/F PO Box 2013 509-826-1450
Omsk, WA 98841 I was in three prison camps.
After discharge in 1945 I worked for Dun & Bradstreet in Seattle. We later operated the Credit Bureau in Omaha for 35 years. Made many trips after selling the Credit Bureau to our daughter and son in 1976.
Have two acres of yard with rose gardens, grapes, raspberries, hedges and twenty fruit trees. I will be having serious surgery at the University Hospital soon. I will be in the hospital two weeks and later some time in the VA Hospital In Seattle. I have a large aneurysm on the aorta leading to the heart.
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(editor's note - Agnes, his wife wrote the above for him. She says lie is a tough old guy. We will celebrate our 50th anniversary April 24. 1993 Charles was 81 Feb 4. 1993 ... J. Kline)
New Members
Lloyd, Edgar L. 422/M 22 Wayside Lane %mash. NY 11793
516-735-7879 Joined the division at Camp Atterbury a few months before it went to the staging area. I had served with 9th and 44th Divisions prior to that, with the Alaskan Defense Command in the Aleutians.
423rd REGIMENT
Cavallo, S. J. 423/A 2755 Mountain Terme Memphis, TN 38127
Howard, Fred B. 423/K 407th 5th Street
Carlstadt, NJ 07072
201-896-9134
Jones, L. (Lloyd)Martin 423/G 1 133 Hilltop Dr Lawrence, KS 913-842-1373
Dear Sherod
I was known as 2nd Lt. Lloyd M. Jones in the service. I now go by L Martin Jones. I enclose my check for annual dues for the 106th Infantry Division Association and a copy of the Cub Passes in Review.
I joined the 106th Infantry Division in July, 1944, fresh from Ft. Benning as platoon leader of the First Platoon Company G, 423rd Infantry, On December 15,1944 my platoon, part of the Second Battalion in reserve was at Born, Belgium. On Dec 16 we moved through Schonberg to the front lines and, along with thousands of others, were captured on December 19, southeast of Schonberg. I was held in prisoner of war camps near Bad Orb (Stalag 9-B) and Hammelburg (011ag 13C). until March 27, 1945, when the prisoners at Hammelburg were liberated for several hours before being recaptured and marched off, under guard, past Nurmberg, where sixty of 200 American prisoners of war were killed in an air mid on April 5, 1945 across the Danube River at Weltenburg, past Moosburg where thousands of prisoners of war were held, and on to Gars am Inn (35 miles east of Munich) where we were liberated on May 2, 1945.
After the war I taught accounting and held administrative positions at the University of Kansas for forty years. 1 retired in 1986 as Director of Business and Fiscal Affairs of the University. Mm. Jones and I have been married 47 years. On several occasions we traveled in Belgium and Germany and visited many of the places where I had been in 1944-45, including the German Infantry School now located on the site of the Hammelburg prisoner of war camp of 1944.
1 keep in touch with Earl W. Browne (423/G) and M. Kessinger (423/E). I would like any information that you have about the following non-commissioned officers who were in my platoon. John ParchInsky, Jesse M. Bishop, James B. Moore, Lee Darby, Ivon York, Morris Prescott, Milton T. Holm, and Percey Kampen. ] believe Lee Darby is a member of the Association.
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(Editor's Note - I called LI Jones to get more information on the original states that the above men were from Moore, Bishop and Darby are all members of the association. Kampen shows as missing in action on the 423rd Combat Infantry Badge orders. So does LI Earle Browne, but Lt Jones has been M touch with him for years__ It was nice talking to you Lloyd. Hope some of the information I sent you will help you locale some of the men. Why don't you convince Browne and Kessinger to join the association. I have enclosed a couple of application blanks.
Welcome back to New Members the 106th... J. Kane)
Kennedy, Brown L. 423/G Rte 2, Box 33, Sullivan Rd Thomasville, NC 27360
919-476-6587 I took Basic Training at Fort Jackson. After Tennessee Maneuvers 'went to Boston and was shipped to England for overseas duty with the 4th Division. I was in the Normandy Invasion, where I was wounded. After being transferred to various hospitals I was sent to the States and hospitalized in a Daytona Beach, Florida hospital. I was discharged Oct 16, 1945.
I worked at Thomasville Furniture Industries, retiring in 1985.1 have been married 47 years to my wife Ruth. We have one son and two grandchildren. I understand there will be a 106th Reunion in September. I would appreciate information. I was a friend of John Forsyth and James 'Billie^ Moore of 423/G. Forsyth stopped by recently and told me about the 106th Association. (Editor's Note - See page 33 of the February '93 CUB listing John Forsyth as a New Member. Kennedy and Forsyth were one of the several thousand 'riflemen' that were shipped out as replacements to other divisions after Tennessee Maneuvers. James 'Billie Moore is also a member of the Association... J. Kline)
Lacy, Jr., William L. 4231F 320 North Betty Ln
Clearwater, FL 34615
813-446-6316 Lacy was our Association President Jack A. Sulser's Platoon Sergeant. Sulser writes to Sherod Collins: We had a very pleasant evening with former comrades of Company F, 423rd Infantry Regiment, including ex-Company Commander Captain Charles Zullig, my old Platoon Sergeant, Bill Lacy and one of our best known members W. Art Kuespert. Lacy is not an association member, but gave me 810 for his dues so that he can register as a member and get reunion registration forms and The CUB. Zullig and Kuespert are also renewing their membership.
The most important thing is that they all swear that they plan to attend the 47th Annual Reunion at Columbia, South Carolina, September 9-12. I urged them to make their hotel reservations now as the Marriott is just about sold out already. This will be a happy event, since none of these three have ever attended a 106th reunion. Lacy, Kuespert and Zullig were original members of the division at FT. Jackson, so this reunion has a special meaning.
(Editor's Note - Jack, Lacy has been duly registered and sent a copy of the latest CUB, along with other propaganda that I pass along to each new member. I learned a week ago (today's date is 3/18/93) that the Marriott is sold out. There are other hotels in the vicinity which are advertised in this CUB as well as M the registration forms which have already been mailed, by the reunion committee, first-class to all registered members_ Each new member as his name appears will also receive a copy of those registration papers... J. Kline, editor) Turley, Leland J. 423114
4404 W Archer Tulsa, OK Ballenger, William P. 4231M 2 Trenho lm Rd Greenville, SC 29615
McCiaran, Garland B. 423/M 602 So. 13th St.
Falattia, FL 32177
904325-4846 Sherod, I was called by John Kline of 423/M. Here is my money for a LIFE MEMBERSHIP for myself and a LIFE MEMBERSHIP for my wife, Mary Jo.
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New Members Sorry to be so slow responding to John's February 3rd call, which I thoroughly appreciated and enjoyed.1 admire the energy you two are able to generate in keeping alive the memories of that truly dramatic period of all out lives in the harsh winter of '44 and '45.
I am pushing 80 years of age. My debilities of old age remind me somewhat of the physical deterioration that I experienced as a POW. Truth is, I am thankful to be alive, but I feel I have been through this decline of physical deterioration before. I recognize that I won't be miraciously liberated this time around. (Editors Note - Garand, I am sure Shared appreciated the above letter, as well as I did the one you sent me. Prior to contacting the several 423/M men that I did starting February 3rd we had 35 that belonged to the Association. I have contacted or accounted for seventy-seven 423/M men since 1987. Unfortunately two have died since February 3 (see the Memoriam on the inside back cover). but our numbers have grown to be forty-one (41) with your application for membership. This is the largest 'unit-count of any unit of the 106th that now belongs to the association. I still have an 423 men that I contacted that have not responded. It is natural that a few are not 'joiners; but I had hoped for a few more by now. Thanks Gadand and Good Health -We all have a 'liberation" awaiting for us that will be just as glorious as the one in 1945. I'm banking on that.. J. Kline)
McCartney, George W. 423/PA 100 Noll Ave
Ingram Pittsburgh, PA 15205
412-921-0259 Neufeld, Ernest 423/PA 98.15 65th Road Forest Hills, NY 11374
718-459-6462 I was taken prisoner with the rest of the 423rd Regiment on 19 December 1944. Sent to Stalag 11-B, Fellingbostel near Hannover,Germany. There were
many British Paratrooper survivors of Montgomery's ill fated Holland drop that had preceded us. After about a month I was sent with other American prisoners to Stalag II-A, Neubrandenburg, Germany. A week or no later I was sent on a Kommando work party as a lumberjack along with other Jewish prisoners. I was liberated 5 May 1945. After the war I served in various capacities in the New York City government. My last position, before retirement in 1972, was Director of Finance Division of the New York City Council.
(Editor's note - Ernest, Welcome back to the 106th. You are one of the 27 M Company members that I contacted or accounted for during the month of February. this year. We have 42 'M' Company members In the association, as of this dale 27 March 1993. I am hoping for a few more out of the 20 live members that I found. Thanks.... J. Kline) Sidney, Ross H. 423/M 3301 Wauwatosa Dr Des Moines, IA 50321
515-287-4476 Stolzberg, Seymour 423/M Newcastle A 1016
407-482-3016
Boca Statue. FL 33434 Taylor, Hal R. 423/SV 2172 Rookridge Dr Grand Junction, CO81503303-245-7807 Sherod, C.E. Noon of Imler, PA told me about the 106th Division Association. I was a member of the 423rd Service Company and the then Cannon Company. Until we went overseas I was with Regimental Headquarters. Send me the details of the forthcoming reunion in Columbia, South Carolina.
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New Members Vezina, John H. 423/M 813 &whim Rd Mn Arbor, MI 48104
313-6624839 John, It certainly was great hearing from you and teaming of the 106th Infantry Division Association. You are to be commended for the time and effort you have put into locating all 423/M Company buddies!!
Inducted 18 Dec 1942 at Camp Grant, Illinois, sent to Fort Mites, Delaware for Basic with the 52nd Railway-Sea Coast Artillery, transferred to the Air Corp Cadet program in August 1943. From there was assigned to the 106th at Camp Atterbury. Sailed overseas on 12 Oct 1944 cm the Queen Elizabeth. Stationed with the 423rd at Cheltenham, England. Left Southampton 29 Nov 1944 for LeHavre, France arriving eventually at St. Vith on 9 Dec and emplaced on the Sheer Eifel opposite Prilm, Germany on 11 Dec 1944. Captured 19 Dec with the 422nd and 423rd Regiments outside Schonberg, Belgium. I was sent to Stalag 9-B, Bad Orb, Germany. On 26 January, 1945 was transferred to Stalag 9-A, Ziegenhain, Germany, along with 1,263 non-commissioned officers who were captured m the Ardennes campaign. 9-A was liberated on 7 Apr 1945 by Patton's 6th Armored Division. We were flown to Camp Lucky Strike, LeHavre, France and sailed for home on 13 April 1945 aboard the USS General Richardson, arriving New York 28 Apr 1945.
After a 60day furlough arrived Miami Beach 4 July 1945 and was assigned to interviewing POW's and Hospital Cases, up-dating records for re-assignment. In September 45 assisted in the de-activation of the hotels for return to civilian use. From Miami Beach was sent to Fort Shedden, Illinois for discharge 17 Nov 45. John, this might interest you since you are an avid golfer. I still had eligibility left from before the war, so played on the U of M Golf Team. We were 1947 Big ten Champions and runners-up the same year for the NCAA Championships. I met many of the big pros, but my biggest thrill was playing golf with Babe Didrickson Zaharaius, as her amateur partner on exhibition matches. She was a terrific lady and truly a great friend. Also over these past years have won Ann Arbor City and Country Club Championships.
I returned to Ann Arbor, Michigan and re-entered U of M, receiving my AB Degree in Business Administration June 1947. Upon graduation from the U of M joined King-Seeley Corp as a Sales Engineer, promoted to Director of Purchasing and after their buy-out by Chrysler Corp in March 1967 stayed on as Purchasing Manager until my retirement in August 1982. I spent the next five years as a consultant, retiring again 1987.
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In 19491 married Margaret W. Sadler ( a champion golfer in her own right) and so we celebrated our 44th this year on April 30. Since retirement we have traveled several times to Europe and the Far East. John, thank you for putting me back in touch with the 106th. 1 will look forward to our continued association. (Editor's Note - John. thanks for the very Interesting letter and for the roster given to you by 1st Sergeant Ellis. It is the same roster I have used in my searches since 1987 given to me by Leonard Benhoff, a 1st Platoon driver, after I contacted him in 1987. While some of your letter is history to the 106ers, you laid it out so nicely Mat I had to put It all in this column. You probably note that quoted some figures of the transfer from 9-B to New Members 9-A, that were not in your loner. I did that for information purposes. The figures came from Norman Drummer's Postal History of American POWs. Wnrht War II Knrea Vietnam, (Stale College, Penn.: American Philatelic Society, 1979. I had questioned the Department of the Army Military History Center for information who sent extracts for the European situation from Gruenxners publication. It states that Stalag 9-B was opened in December 1944 as a transit camp for Americans who were captured in the Ardennes campaign. The camp population in December 1944 rose from ninety five to 985 then to 4,000 by January 25, 1945. On January 26,1945 1,263 non-commissioned officers were moved to Stalag 9-A, Ziegenhain. Captured officers went to °flag 13-B (actually 13-C) Hammelburg. When Staten 9-B was liberated 2 April 1945 there were thought to be 3,328 prisoners in the stalag. His research had into to say about numbers and situations at Stalag 9-A, except to reiterate the fact that 1,263 non-coms had been received there.
It was my pleasure seeking you out. In a new surge of energy, brought about by searching national telephone directories and matching them against a 1944 423/M roster which contained names, city and state, I have been able since the day I contacted you on February 3, 1993 to find or account for 27 more 423/M. Unfortunately 10 have passed away. I had found or accounted for 50 prior to that data since 1987. Hopefully we can convince most of them to join the Association like you - You are the first to have sent in an application from my packets. It has been a real thrill to me to be able to bring a few comrades beck together... J. Kline)
424th REGIMENT Croucher, Norbert 424/B 216 Greenbrier Dr.
Palm Springs, FL 33461
407-9654213 Sherod, I appreciate your early reply to my letter requesting information on the up-coming reunion of the 106th. 1 was especially grateful for the address and phonenumber of RogerRutland, First Sergeant of 424/B.
I called Roger and had a very pleasant conversation with about Fort Jackson in 1943. He gave me Riley Meeks address and is sending details on the reunion. I hope to make it. I am sending a check for my membership. I truly am looking forward to attending my first 106th Infantry Division Association Reunion.
Gory?, Tony S. 424/SV 2716 Mandate
West Bloomfield, Mt 48324
313-682-1880 We have been married 48 years, have seven children, eight grandchildren and a great grandson.
I was a foreman in the motor pool and was told that I pulled the first Temresee maneuvers with all units running. I have continued to do the same kind of work for General Motors and am now enjoying retirement years. Seckel, Henry W. 424/SV 22335 Hayes Taylor, Mt 48180
313-291-6011 1 married my sweetheart, Betty September 8, 1945, celebrating our 48th anniversary this year. We had three children, two girls and a boy. We lost our second daughter to cancer in 1988, she was 39 years old. We have seven grandchildren, four girls, three boys and a great granddaughter.
We lived in here in Taylor for 36 years and have a cottage up near Alpena, Michigan. 1 worked for General Motors for 26 years and retired in 1988. Sure would like to know of the whereabouts of Phil Scala, 424/SV. The last known address I have was in Franklin Park, Illinois on Pearl Street.
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New Members 590th FAB
Pereno, August J. 590/A 16401 NW 58th Ave Hialeah, FL 305-823-9500
Dear Mr. Collins: Enclosed please find my membership application to the "106th Infantry Division Association.
I was drafted into the service in March of 1943, and was immediately sent from Camp Blanding, Florida, to Fort Jackson, South Carolina, at which time they were activating and forming the 106. I was with the 106th during my stay at Fort Jackson, which was until in or aboutJanuary, 1944; went on Tennessee maneuvers with the Division for approximately 2 months; we were transferred to Camp Atterbury, Indiana, at that time, and I was transferred out of the Division in August of 1944 to OCS Infantry School at Fort Henning, Georgia. Graduated Second Lieutenant Infantry on December 23, 1944, and was assigned to Camp Wolter, Texas, and trained troops there for about 2-1/2 months. I was then shipped overseas and Joined the 42nd Rainbow Division in Europe. I was one of the lucky ones because, as soon an lloined the 42, the war was over. I commanded a rifle platoon in Company A First Battalion, 232nd Infantry Regimen 42nd Division, for approximately 6 or 7 months an occupation duty, and then I was placed on temporary duty with the American Military Government in Austria and served as a Circuit Judge trying civilians that violated the Military Government laws, rules and regulations. In or about the month of June, 1946, I was returned to the United States and placed on inactive duty. I served in the Officers Reserve until about 1957, at which time I asked and received a discharge. That is my condensed history of my time in the service. During the time that I served in the 106,1 was in the Second Gun Section of Battery A, and the Section Chief was Sergeant Adams.
I would appreciate a roster of the 590th/A to see how many names I can remember. I do remember Pete House, who you mentioned in your letter. I remember him as having a short burr-head haircut and being a very friendly guy. I would be happy to receive a copy of the CUB when it is published. Stolp, Robert R. 590/HQ 3725 Bennet Dearborn, Ml 48124
313-965-1496 591st FAB
Vanderheyden, Donald P. 591/H0 7802 Mallard Rd SW Huntsville, AL 35802
592nd FAB Boesch, Robert 592/A New Monmouth,A1 0774
908-671-5022 I have already come into contact with a member of the 106th Association, Martin Lawler 422/F, who has filled me in on this prestigious organization. I had no knowledge that there was such a group. I am really excited about trying to get in touch with former members of my outfit.
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I was switchboard operator for the Battery. I joined the 106th on March 17, 1943, followed them through Fort Jackson, Tennessee Maneuvers, Camp Atterbury, Camp Myles Standish, then on the U.S.S. Wakefield to England. From there New Members across the Channel to LeHavre where we lost both our anchors in the rough waters, causing them to send a pilot to bring us up the Seine River to Rouen. After disembarking at Rouen the cold overland trip to St. Vith then on to relieve the 2nd Division.
On 16 December I received a call telling us that a four man patrol had broken through the line and that we should intercept them. Captain Mondragon asked nix ofus to go to the top of the hill to find them. We got to the top and started walking down the road. About a half-mile down the road we spotted a German tank coming up the road. We made it back to our emplacements, The tank stopped on the crest of the hill with their 88 aimed at us. We bore sighted them, but could not get an official order to fire. When darkness came we tried to get our Howitzers out one of the Cats lights went on The tank opened fire. I do not believe any person got out of the Cat. I would like to share the memories of that day with anyone who recalls the incident, or any of the rest of those memorable memories.
ASSOCIATE Ford Jr., David J. ASSOCIATE 25 Skywood Court Baltimore, MD 410-661-1145
I would like to become an Associate member of the 106th Inf Div Association. I have just fmished reading St Vith: A Lion in the Way by Col. Dupuy. I have a great Ica of respect and admiration for the effort and sacrifice put forth by the 106th. Thanks. (Sherod Collins wrote with this application: I talked at great length with this young man. He is in the education field and has been long acquainted with Walter Snyder of Dundalk. Maryland. one of our members, who is also in the education field. He (Ford) has recently toured the 1061h battlefield. He knows Will Cavanaugh, the well known tour guide in the area. As you can see he is a -war bur and has read a lot about the 106th... Sherod Collins)
Milewski, James S. ASSOCIATE RR I, Boa 735 Rindge, NE 03461
602-899-6413 I would like to become an Associate member of the 106th Inf. Div. Assoc. (Sherod Collins writes with application --James is a 'Bulge' buff. He and his wife live in a small town mar the southern border of New Hampshire and he commutes 35 miles to work for the Reserve Forces at Ft Devens, Massachusetts. He is in the Reserves and has been in the Army...) Hanke, Mrs. Betty ASSOCIATE 2384 Sun Valley Cr Wheaton, MD 20906-2258
(Editor's Note - A note sent by Sherod Collins indicates that RALPH. Betty's husband. is very very ill. I am sure a note to Ralph. through Betty, would be appreciated. Betty. pass along to Ralph, that our blessings are with him... J. Kline) Paddock, Ronald ASSOCIATE 235 Hickory Ridge Dr Sebring, FL 32177
(Editor's Note - Ronald is a neighbor of Sylvester Knight, 106 RECON. See Knights new membership under' RECON in this NEW MEMBER column... J. Kline) Straub, Laura L. ASSOCIATE 948 Chestnut Ridge Rd Morgantown, WV 26505
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(Editor's Note Laura is the widow of Ted Straub, 422/M, one of our long-time members, who passed away last October. Laura, it's nice to see that you wish to continue. Hope all is going well and that ere can see you at some event down the road... J. Kline) Mail Bag ATTENTION!!! MAIL BAG CONTRIBUTORS I am doing my best to use the article/a that you have so graciously contributed.
With nearly 1,650 members, some with prolific pens, I find it hard to keep my wheels on the tracks. (I find 1,850 members an amazing number considering we had over 30 deaths in 1992, plus about 50 non-renewals, some of which were probably deaths with no notice to us).
Each CUB revolves around certain themes, such as UP-COMING REUNIONS, REPORTS OF THE REUNION ITSELF, DEC 18 PARTIES, and other Important Association business that warrants printing. I find it hard and also frustrating not to be able to print contributed material on a timely basis.
Remember, in the past few years we have had a resurrgence of growth. The NEW Incoming members MUST be announced to the troops, for we are all searching for those who shared our experiences of the past. Also, many articles are too ienghty for a proper presentation in the CUB format. I am refering to letters 6 to 10 pages long, as well as personal diaries. I Just do not have time to "edit" the material in order to shorten it sufficiently for The CUB.
I will do my best to do what I can to honor each of you. Your name is in the hat and maybe some day I will be screaming for material, but right now, please have patience. From what I see from other Associations, you are still getting a quality product from me and my staff of four cats and one fourteen year old dog. PEACE! may you all return from patrol safe and sound.
John Kline, editor Albers, 13111 G. 4241
2310 Unbn Ave Alarrogon1A NM 68310
505-037-0746 8/14/92- Was very interested in the "BLUE INSERT" that listed the MA of the 106th. In checking off "r Company, 424th Combat Infantry Regiment, I noticed an error in the rank of one deceased. "KAUTZ, RAYMOND S. - PVT." He was my Company Commander and died alongside me, as I lay wounded in the battle for MANHAY, listed in page 251 of the beautiful history book of our Association that you compiled and published. In that article, second paragraph, page 251, he was listed as a 1st Lt. I believe that the Saturday before his death, he put on his Captain's bars.
I returned to Brainerd, Minnesota in time to attend the funeral of Lt. Robert Engstrom of Bayport, Minnesota. He was buried in the National Cemetery at Fort Snelling in the summer of 1946. It was quite interesting to read about the battle in which I was wounded (January 13, 1945) and seeing that my Platoon Sergeant, Sgt. Harold Johnson had taken over the command of our company in that horrendous battle.
Thank you for the terrific job you are doing to keep the memories of the "great" war alive. (Editor's Note - As you can see. Bill, I have gotten behind the curve on the 'Mail Bag" section. I am trying to catch up, but it seems and endless job. There is so much to tell and so little space and time..
If you will look on page six of The CUB of the Golden Lion: PASSES in Review, you will see your company commander Captain Raymond S. Kautz, listed with his proper rank. I wonder if you have any trace of Sgt. Harold Johnson? If so drop Gil Helwig, our membership chairman, a note. Gil's address is on the inside cover of The CUB, in the Board of Directors column. The accuracy of the 'Blue KIA Book' that I published in the JUL-AUG-SEP 1992 CUB came from a very 'Worn and Tattered- copy from the National Archives. Gil Helve, took
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Mail Bag the list that a member had sent rne, bens-Wed it to the best of his aNlity into a format that I could dump into my publishing system. He indicated, when possible, errors in the list, and made the best judgment he could about the obscure print that he was presented with. Also, it is possible that mistakes were made by the clerks as they entered the names into the record. The war had ended and accuracy of tasks like this were dependent upon the attitude and care taken by the people given the work to do. I have made corrections to the original computer file that was used in The CUB. If we ever print it again, at least a few of the errors will have been corrected. Thanks Bill, this gave mean opportunity to air this issue so that others will understand any errors that they found. We all owe Gil Helwig a round of applause and a new pair of glasses for the job he did translating from that old list... J. Kline)
Allen, Harold D. 424/A 332 Ellis Avenue
Trumann. AR 72472
501463-6494 (Editor's Note - Harold, your comments that came along with your membership application was published in the AUG 1992 CUB. You, in that application, referred to a list of names that you had sent $15.00 for. Our treasurer, Sherod Collins believes that you must have ordered another list from one of the other service organizations like AXPOW or VBOB. He received only the $12.00 that you sent for membership. I arn sorry I did not mention that in the August CUB. You then sent me a letter dated July 15. 1992 with more information and a copy of your war history. I hope that I can find some room in The CUB one of these limes, for your story relating to 16 December is very interesting. I'm hying to catch up on die 'Mai Bag' this time and will publish, here, a few comments from your letter and notes. Thanks for the
information_ J. Kline) John, 7/15/92 - I would like to acknowledge your nice letter and the copy of the current CUB and the names of the present association members that belonged to 424/A. I enjoyed the CUBs that you sent and have already contacted Lt. Beseler of St. Germain, Wisconsin and have written to Harold Allison. I also want to contact Llloyd Brunner and Van de Bogart as I do remember them. It sure gives me a nice feeling to contact some of those I fought with. I have had more interest in the last year of my life, than all the years combined. Could it be old age or that I have more free time? I worked for the Post Office from October '50 until November 1980.1 retired at the age of 55.1 now work at a part time job as a security guard at a glass factory. I was married when I was drafted. I was age 17 and Edith was 15. We celebrated our 49th anniversary on June 16th 1992. We have three daughters and one granddaughter. Our youngest daughter, now age 43, has had to be given perpetual care since she was 9 months old due to a DPT shot she was given. My wife has done a wonderful job in caring for her. I would like to attend the reunions, but due to the care of the daughter ! doubt that I can.
I am enclosing two stories of my experiences in the Battle of the Bulge. I hope I never have to relive them. Thanks John.
Annable, Eliot W. 423/HQ 3650 Roop Rd. New Wndsor, MD 21776
(SEE picture on following page) 7/17/92 - Sherod, This is a follow up of the telephone call I had with you. Until a few days ago I was unaware that the 106th Association existed. My information came by the way of Herb He idepriem from South Dakota, Herb and I were the only two I know of, except for the I&R Platoon from the 423rd Headquarters who were not killed or captured. Here is my check for a LIFE Membership. On the morning of 16 December '44 Herb and I were dispatched, with our jeep mounted radio equipment to B Troop, 18th Cavalry to provide radio communications back to the 423rd Headquarters. Although the record says the 18th Cav squadron was isolated from the 423rd, we were able to get through to Winterschied as we were being led by one of the troop's armored
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Mail Bag Eliot Annable (Left) with Herb Heidepriem, 423rd Headquarters This photo reproduced in memory of Herb, who died redcently white in Pero. See MEMORLAMS on inside back cover. Eliot , who does photo art and graphics work says this photo is From a color video disk. The picture was taken during Herb's visk to Washington right after the 46th Annual Reunion in Pittsburgh 1992 vehicles. The story of the Troop's activities on the 16th and 17th are well documented in Colonel Dupuy's book St. Vith: Lion in the Way. When the decision was made, on the night of the 17th, to destroy weapons, vehicles and equipment, and try to infiltrate to American lines, Herb and I destroyed our jeep and struck out through the woods. Without a compass and with little visibility, by the aid of buzz bombs overhead and plain dumb luck, we stayed on course most of the time. Four days later, on 21 December, after several encounters with German troops, we broke through to the American lines at Trois Ponts. After identifying ourselves, we were just about shot as Germans in American uniforms, we retumed to Vielsalm and the remnants of the 106th. Herb and I stayed together as part of the 1st Battalion of the 424th until he was hit by artillery fire on 13 January, 1945, while manning a jeep mounted radio beside a building in Wanne. At that time I was carrying a back-pack radio for Li Col Welsh during our failed attack on the town of Coulee. That was the night that Welsh was wounded and we lost several men including Lt. McKay and Lt. Huddleston. During the lull, the next day, I examined Herb's smashed jeep and found his shrapnel torn helmet (I knew it was his became he had somehow ended up with a 2nd Id Div helmet as we left the Schnee Eifel. I was relieved to find that he was not killed and weeks later he wrote me from the hospital. That was the last time I had contact with him until his call a few nights ago.
I stayed with the 424th during the remaining action, until we were pinched out in early March.
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After the war I spent 35 years as an engineer with Westinghouse, have four grown children and just about lost track of the number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Although retired from engineering in 1984, I continue to work as a Jazz Musician in DC and the Baltimore area
(Editors Note - Eliot, it was with a tot of sadness, as I wrote your article (221/93). trying to catch up on old material, that I realized that I had just learned that Herb Heidepriem, died Saturday, January 23, 1993 in Cuzco, Peru of a heart attack. I am happy that you two did find each other. At least you had some moments together, reliving the past... J. Kline) Asher, Albert L 423/K 508 Robe Rd. Seminole. OK 74888
6/6/92 - John for the last six months or so, I have been intending to let you know how much I enjoyed The CUBofthe Golden Lion: PASSES in Review. A great and very enlightening book, filling so many blank spaces in the memory of another 106er who did not know where he was, or what was happening from 12/16/44 to 12/21/44. In the APR-MAY-JUN 1992 issue of The CUB, your note following a letter from Johnnie R. Beaver, 423/H, page 15 refers to Project "R," which referred to former POWs being promoted from Pet. to Pfc and from Pfc to Cpl., regardless of length of service. I am enclosing a copy of my personal "Promotion of Recovered Personnel" papers that show that I was promoted to "Corporal." The paper is dated 19 Sept 1945 and refers to Paragraph 18, POW, Second edition, dated 17 August 1945. I know there al least two others that received upgrades when I did. Thanks again for the great book and your continued efforts with the CUB. (Editors Note - Al, thanks for the information. I knew there were some that did receive upgrade, but this is the first evidence that I had from a 106er. I note on your papers that, al the time of the award, you were in a detachment of patients, 4812th SCLI, Glennen General Hospital, Okmulgee, Oklahoma. It brings a story to my mind. I rode along in a private aircraft from Madison, Wisconsin to a city in Texas and back with a friend, because I was instrument rated in
Mail Bag single engine land planes and with a certified flight instructors endorsement. On the way back out of Texas, due to a heavy weather area west of Wisconsin, we were diverted to the North and West and landed al Offinulgee, Oklahoma, staying overnight. The airfield we landed at was an old R-38 training station and had been very busy during WWII. We stayed in a motel near there and flew out the next day, following the storm east and landed without any problems. I saw some of the largest fish (bass)mounted on the wall of the motel office that I have ever seen. Seems as if there is a lot of fishing in that area - the wall was also mounted with many trophies and outside set a fishing boat with all the state-of-the-ad equipment Looks like the Oklahoma boys have a lot of fun... J. Kline)
Balestrled, Ralph R. 592/C 41 Rosa Court
Saba:win, NJ 07724
201-542-2791 (Editors Note - Ralph, this has been a long time corning, but I feel some of your words are important to the members. As you can readily see, I am trying desperately to catch up on the Mat Bag... J Kline) That was a cheap shot from that former "Cowardly Lion" in the May 1991 CUB. He most have been one of those that we called "conquering heroes," the kind of guy who saw no combat, had lots of "war stories," and acted like he was the only one who fought the war- I saw a lot of them, both supposedly discharged or still in the Army in 1946!
Some Golden Lions may remember me as the one who gave most all of the basic training to Battery C, 592 FA Bn. Others, if they are still around may remember me as Battery Ex 0, Battery B, 590 FA Bn, after basic and until sometime around the end of October 1943. In November I was placed on overseas levy. I was assigned to the 58th Armored FA Bn in England. The 58th had already been to N. Africa and Sicily.
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As a replacement, I was left in England with the equipment and personnel not needed for the invasion. I was put in charge of our three forward observer M-4 Mail Bag tanks, four half-tracks, and a couple of Peeps. (Jeeps to you all unless C/592 remember me insisting on the fanner!) My element landed on D+12 and joined the 58th.
They had lost several officers included the Bn-CO, three FO's KIA, plus a few mom EM WIA and a WO and some EM POW. They lost three mom FO's soon after. Annd FA had three TONE FO crews in HQ Btry, plus the usually makeshift crew from each firing battery. I was assigned to F0-2 Section. FO's 1 & 3 had a turnover of officers shortly thereafter, a battlefield commissioned officer taking over F0-3. We also had two Peeps each to use with leg infantry or as radio relay stations.
Only Lt. John Jackson, FO-3, and I made it through until the middle of November, with about ten days rest here and there. Lt. Jackson was WIA and a few days later I was hospitalized. We sent out six FO's in that battle and ended up with none. When I got out of the hospital I was sent out again. The battalion surgeon finally got through to our CO that I had probably had enough, and the day before the Bulge started I was sent back to Service Battery for a rest. Some rest! Taking the ammo trucks through hold out Germans until April. At that time I was wishing I was back up front where at least I would have some infantry or tanks around. The point is, if there is such a thing as having a"right"to say something about an organization, we in the 58th did. The 106th was not my original division so I had limited feeling for it. The EM, in particular, were as good as they could be under the circumstances, and as good as any I served with in Korea later. (That's a compliment.) They were probably as good as any of the "big reputation" divisions when they first entered combat. Certainly the 3rd Amid Div had its trouble when it entered combat in Normandy. That's just one example.
The only thing I heard from our guys was, "Why did the brass put a new division in such a situation?" The same was said about the 28th ID. We knew they had been beat up in the Hurgten Forest and had an awful lot of replacements. Since we had been sent down to reinforce the 28, we were a little upset that some of their men infiltrated through our battalion and refused to stay and fight with us. But then, some organized elements did hold for awhile.
Yes, we got a bit angry at the elements of two armored divisions for stupid moves that cost us about 100 KIA in two separate tank fights. We lost half of our 18 guns in one and the other half in another, along with our three FO tanks and all the vehicles and equipment in the firing batteries plus HQ Bhy equipment in both. After running out of ammo the men destroyed what was left and made their way to the rear (We were way out of the Bastogne perimeter) in small groups under command of an officer or a sergeant. They knew where to find Service Battery. On the way back they served as infantry on the outer defenses. Of course we could tell horror stories about some units we saw, but it was all forgotten when we were re-equipped and moved forward again.
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The only outfit we were thoroughly disgusted with was that "elite" organization. You never saw such a disorganized ragged, ill equipped bunch in your life! Some didn't have rifles! And they were coming (roma rest area! Who got any rest? Our Service Battery, watching then go by, were amazed and disgusted and worried because our guys had to depend on then. We moved back through Bastogne as the "elite" were preparing to move out. They left most of their equipment again. A few of our people were laughing as they gathered up new boots, etc. to replace what they had. A couple of "elite" lieutenants, in the next room, were griping about having to fight for so long. One of our sergeants cracked up, got up with his carbine, and said, "I'll kill the blankety blanks. " He was subdued and taken to the medics for a trip home. Another kind of casualty. A few days later one of our drivers reported seeing lots of ammo up the road a few miles. Thinking to save one truck trip I investigated. The boxes were easy to see from the road.
We tamed in and were disappointed to find they were all HC smoke, of little use as we had enough. I had seen the four howitzers,and I got an eerie feeling. The barrels were split like banana peels, just like I would have left then if I had to. Going closer I saw the long lanyards leading back to slit trenches. I thought to myself, " Oh Lord, please not B/590 Battery." I had seen the helmets lined up in a column of fours and the stack of duffel bags and footlockers. I went over to the footlockers first and I saw names I recognized. It was the same with the duffel bags. My driver was looking at me oddly, so I told him9 it was my old battery before I joined the 58th. I said a silent prayer for then and sadly I left the last position of Battery B, 590 FA Bn. I thought if I got a chance would take a truck back and pick up the personal belongings and send then back to the village where we had left ours. I never got the chance. One thing I have always regretted. You mentioned new members could send a biography, here is mine: Joined Btry D, 2d Bn, 157 FA Nov 1939. Active duty 15 Sep 1940 Placed in charge of security section, one other man and two BAR'S, promoted to PFC 6th Class Specialist. (61h class done away with 15 days later.
Drove #1 wire truck before radio, laying wire at a gallop up to 40 MPH along roads. Carolina Maneuvers 1941. On way back to FL Dix heard about Pearl Harbor
157 became a battalion and we became Boy A in Camp Claiborne. LA. Mail Bag Shipped to Went Coast Defense, Washington 8 Oregon.
Appointed Specialist 4th class and assigned acting motor sgt.. After specialist were changed to Model T ranks volunteered for OCS. Attended Class 48, Ft. Sill and Battery Executive Class 3 at Sill. Joined C/592 in March and 13/590 about 1 June.
Left for ETO in Nov, joining 56th Arend FA Bn. beginning of Jan 1944.
Forward Observer from D.14 until Dec 15. Service Battery Train Cmdr until end of August (training for Japan invasion). Returned to States with 510 Arend FA Group HO Shy.
After 45 day TDY at home reported in to Ft. Bragg.
Next spring transferred to Camp Campbell, 5 ID.
Assigned to Task Force Williwaw but hospitalized at Ft Ord for amebic dysentery. Reported back to Camp Campbell now 3 ID. Released Jan 1947 and enlisted in RA. Sent to FL Monmouth Signal School, 10 Months.
Assigned 8A Signal School as NCOIC/Chief Instructor, long haul communications. Shortly after Korea War started sent as NCOIC, Training Team, organize and carbine train Japanese National Police Reserve(euphemism for Japan Army). Recalled to active duty as 1LI in October. Arrived Korea No0 1950 and assigned C/13 FA Bn as toward observer. Each firing battery had three TO/E FO's. Attached to rifle companies I, K, 1, 19 Int Reg 24th ID, alternating between companies. Custom was to give new FO's their choice of companies. In a month I had last choice! 106th Div infantry just as good as infantry there except when I arrived some WWII infantry officers arrived.
Rotated out of Korea June 1951. Married July 1951 and returned to States Dec 1951.
Assigned to 5th OM Bn, 5th Arend Div, Cp Chaffee, Ark, company commander, off-post AWOL company. Later assigned permanent Trial Council for Summary Courts Martial. (3 to 5 a day!) Shipped out for Europe the day my son was born with 2 days to make it to Cp Kilmer, NJ. Arrived Camp Kilmer Feb 1943 to learn orders changed to be released from service in October instead. In Sep my RA On CO
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Mail Bag called me in, alone, to say good-by. He had resigned his commission in disgust. The 106th would never even have had him consider Mat. I are sure!
Enlisted and assigned ACAN Major Relay (global communications)in Okinawa. Operations Sergeant plus NCOIC (without an 01C) Radio Receiver Site plus Inter-island Command Radio Net, plus Ship To Shore emergency station, plus Mobile ACAN Backup Radios, plus Corps emergency Net. During a practice alert an infantry company was assigned to provide security for our installation. The captain recognized me as being his FO in Korea and told me to assign the platoons.
Returned to States at the end of 1956 and assigned Ft Monmouth, NJ to R&D laboratory. Went as NCOIC on lop secret mission to Sandia Base, NE. Transferred to Signal School 1957 and retired at Ft Monmouth Oct 1960.
Came back to work as a civilian instructor at Signal School as an instructor. Retired in 1975 as a system engineer because of disability that had been nagging me since 1946, made worse Korea. Sorry to be so long winded but thought you might like it for the records. Use what you want
I was fairly well trained when I joined the 106, but I learned a lot from the 106th also.
Sincerely, Ralph R. Balestrieri C/592 & B/590 FA Bo's
Bloch, Jacques W. 422/k 3755 Homy Hudson Pkwy Brom, NY 10483 212-601-1884
Jacques wrote, "As usual I enjoyed reading the May 1992 issue of The CUB. I was especially touched by the article on 'Hany Zom's problem with the Selective Service System. This was really a Story out of the Past'. Enclosed I am sending you a photocopy of the centerfold of the Feb/March 1948 issue of The CUB, which shows the reunion banquet at the Beekman Towers Hotel, New York City. Harry Zorn is setting in the picture 2nd from the left. My
then fiancee, Jean, is seated between him and myself. I also found a newspaper clipping from the New York Daily News with a picture of "Harry" being interviewed by the "Inquiring Fotographer."
I though this would interest you and am sending a copy of this letter to Harry. (Editor's Note - Jacques, It was nice of you to send the clipping and article. I am sum Harry Zom appreciated a also. A couple of nice looking young men, and ladies as well. For the information of the troops - that meeting Cl the Towers was a get-to-gether of the METROPOLITAN CHAPTER. 87 members gathered on December 16 1947. Tows out that the entertainment featured a Ms Trudy Richards, as a singer. Ms Richards husband had served with the 1061h, but didn't know about the METROPOLITAN CHAPTER. until he found that his wife was singing for them. He was one surprised man (P.S.-He joined). Thanks Jacques for the reminder of the past.. J. Kline) Broadwater, Clifford H. 423/AT 148 Turken Lane Roseburg. OR 97470
In your April-May-June issue of The CUB on page 15 you mentioned a letter from Norman Benefiel about the 78th Infantry Division and its publication THE FLASH and editor Bill Parsons. My brother was in the 78th and is a member of their Association. He reads our CUB and we read his FLASH. Both are quality publications and a =ditto you both as editors. I am enclosing a copy of an article "REMEMBER ME" printed in the September 1989 FLASH It might be appropriate for the CUB. I am concerned for the lack of respect of some people for our flag (and their flag) and for the country (our country and their country) it represents. And then I am pleased and proud when I realize that the vast majority of our citizens do honor our flag and country. It is only a very small minority who ridicule it by flag-burning and such - and receive all the notoriety. In your notes to letters you mention that
40
Mail Bag you are collecting a lot of material and suggest it might be possible to do another book with it. We have no right to ask you to undertake such a large project, but it would be great if you could and would do it.
(Editor's Note - Thanks Clifford for your remarks. I am sure the troops will all agree with you about your thoughts on the abuse of the flag of the United States of America. Maybe I will find space one of these days to print Bill Parson's comments from THE FLASH of the 78th In( Div Assoc, but this is not one of those times. Your remarks, above. will stand in well for that article, thanks... J. Kline) Brown, Irving 423/CN MEI Boss. Washington or Dallas, PA 18812
I wonder if any person in the 106th can tell me the number of the field hospital at Camp Lucky Strike or the names of the medical team, MP's or men stationed there. March, Cheeks M. 423M 117 Pleasant Once Columbia. TN 38401
John, I am sorry for the late reply. I mailed my membership dues to the treasurer. I shipped in from Fort Ord, California. I had gone to Fort Ord from Camp River Park in Detroit via Fort Custer, also in Michigan. I spent the better part of my Army life at Camp River Rouge Park. A real "I-leaven" for a soldier.
For most of my stay, we had no day passes. If not on duty you came and went as you pleased, but you had better stay "trouble free." No saluting on the Post. This was an interior MP Battalion, the only Army Group stationed in Detroit. It was there that I met my future wife, she lived in Plymouth, a town near Detroit. We were married when I was stationed at Camp Atterbury. Have been married over 48 years, raised five children, three boys and two girls. The boys were in the Air Force during the Vietnam War, both at the same time in Vietnam. You must know, the 106th was the highest numbered unit in WWII, with the lowest average age. Did you ride over on the Queen Elizabeth? We landed at the Firth of Clyde, then by rail to Cheltenham, England, to stay at the Race Track, then to South Hampton, to cross the Channel in the Duke if Wellington, landing at Le-Havre.
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After being liberated, weighing about 98 pounds, I went through several hospitals and buildings. I flew home from Paris via the Azores to New York then on to Nashville. I spent some time at Thayer Army Hospital, then to the hospital at Camp Atterbury (Wakeman General), being discharged September 30,1945. (Editor's Note - Cheairs, it is obvious that we were very close together in 423/M for I was with you all the way. We must have been in the same platoon. My squad (I was squad leader of 2d squad, 1st platoon) was stationed in the Press Room of the Cheltenham Race Track on top of the grandstand. I went across the Channel in the Wellington also. After I was liberated (April 13 1945)1 was sent to the 108th Evacuation Hospital leaving that unit on Anil 26. I was then sent to Paris, the 194th General Hospital, and flew home May 4, 1945 on a Douglas C-54 (four engine) plane. Them were 22 ex-POWs on that plane. I landed in the Stales on May 5, 1945 and flew on to Billings General Hospital at Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indianapolis. My home was in Term Haute. Indiana, 75 miles west of Indianapolis. I was discharged at Camp Atterbury December 13, 1945. On the plane trip from Pads, May 4, 1945, we landed in the Azores, refueled and ate a meal, then flew to Newfoundland, ate a meal (as you know, eating was of prime importance) while the plane had an engine replaced, then on to Mitchell Field, Long Island landing on May 5. Flying to Stout Field, Indianapolis on May 6. Those were 'GREAT DAYS!!! After two weeks observation I went on 'sick leave' and rejoined my wife and family in Terre Haute, Indiana, 75 west of Indianapolis. Can you remember what day you flew into the USA. maybe we were on the same plane... J. Kline) Mail Bag Dresseihaus, J.B. 424/1 3811 So. 401h 51 Lincoln, NE John, enclosed is a copy of a letter I sent to the Belgian, Niko Van KERCKHOVEN, who was looking for information about the 106th Division. I have enclosed 525.00 to send a copy of The CUB Passes m Review to him.
(Editors Note - Thanks J.B. - Yours was the only offer I received from my plea to send young KERCKHOVEN information. I are sure he will enjoy reading the book. It was a generous gesture on your part.... J. Kline)
Dresselhaus wrote: "Mr. Van KERCKHOVEN, 9255 Buggenhout, Belgium: I have noted your request for information regarding The Battle of the Bulge combat in the vicinity of Winterspelt about 16 December 1944. I was a rifle platoon leader with "1" Company, 424 Combat Infantry Regiment at that lime. Our Regimental Headquarters was at Winterspelt, Battalion Headquarters at Heckhalenfeld, with K and L can-panics on line in the area of Heckhuschied, K Company on the right and L Company on the left, with a light machine gun section of I Company to the left of L Company. There was a gap of about 600 to 1,200 yards to the left of the battalion positions between the 3rd Battalion and the Cannon Company which was on line as a rifle company to the west of Eigelschied. An outpost manned by 1 Company was established between the 3rd Battalion and the Cannon Company. The rest of I Company was in reserve.
"The 3rd Battalion took over its area from the 2nd Division on 14 December 1944. On the 14th and 15th I led patrols to the area in front of our positions. The first was in front of K Company and we covered the area to the front of K Company up to close observation of the Dragon's Teeth and the West Wall. I Also led a patrol through Eigelschied and east about 1,500 yards. We saw little evidence of German activity at the West Wall. We had no firing contacts on these patrols.
"On 16 December our Heckhuschied positions were subjected to heavy artillery, mortar and rocket fire. This was my first experience with the "Screaming Meemies (nebelwerfers). My platoon was in the chow line when the call came to assemble immediately and proceed along high ground behind Heckhuschied. I set up there and teamed that a portion of L Company had been overrun. I was ordered to leave a squad (this was a short squad, since some men were out) and with the other two squads proceeded to set up positions to protect and then later to attack the L Company area that had been overrun. Some time later I sent one squad to the right of the building occupied by the Germans and some L Company prisoners. "The other squad I led in a frontal attack. This took place after some time had gone by with the Battalion Staff and our members trying talk the Germans into surrendering. When my squad and I reached a position about 30 yards from the German and my enveloping squad neared the position, we both opened fire. The Germans did surrender and the L company men taken prisoner were recovered. I lost one man in the attack.
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"My estimate is that more than half a battalion of Germans were killed in this area of attack and counter-attack. The I Company machine gun section continued to hold position and accounted for many of the dead. K Company was also attacked, but held their position. My platoon was assigned to hold the former positions of L Company that we had retaken. We did this for the rest of the day, that night, and until the next evening. During this time we had skirmishes with patrols but no real snacks. During the night we could hear the sound of burp guns closing to our rear at what seemed to be about two miles. Mail Bag "My platoon was then assigned to cover the ordered battalion withdrawal after dark on the 17th. Our promised guide was not at the Battalion Headquarters, which was deserted. So I made the decision to take the road to Winteispelt. I had been given no orders as to the direction of withdrawal. I mistakenly assumed that the Regiment is always safe, as my reason for the decision. As we went down the road in the dark (it was very dark because of the cloud cover) we tan into enemy fire. We returned it and decided that was not the way to go. So we took off down the only other road available. This took as by the Division Amino Dump which had been net on fire. We had a great display of flre works. After 0200 hours on 18 December we arrived at the Our River near Berg Reiland. A little later the main force of what was left of the Battalion arrived. We crossed the Our that morning and set up positions in the village west of the river. There we had some patrol activity until we withdrew a couple of days later.
I hope I have given you some useful information. If you have further questions please write."
(Editors Note • J.B., did you ever hear from young KERCKHOVEN? ... J. Kline) Tuorila, James R.
P.O. Box 7606
612-252-7200
St. Cloud, MN 56302-7606 SEE Photo on Back Cover: Dr. James R. Tuorila is a pro-supporter of POW/MIA issues.He is a Vietnam vet and is a Consulting Psychology in the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in St. Cloud, Minnesota. He has helped many of our 106th Infantry Division men, as well as many hundreds of Minnesota Ex-POWs. He attends as many Ex-POW functions as he can and has been a regular amender of the Minnesota EX-POW Conventions.
As President of of Freedom Flight, Inc, a non-profit organization that was founded by hint in 1987, Dr Tuorila and his associates have flown their hot-air balloons, emblazoned with the POW/MIA emblems, all over the United States. Organizations such as the Minnesota 6th District Veterans of Foreign Wars; American Ex_Prisoners of War, Vietnam Vets of America; and the American Legion, as well as many business and private organizations make contributions that make these flights possible. The Freedom Flight hot air balloons are available to appear at functions or fly over your community. He and his pilots are not able to travel or operate the balloons without some financial support. In a recent article (July 4, 1992) in the Greenville News," Greenville, South Carolina , following the flight of his balloons, the newspaper staff writer, Christopher Schwarz. stated (in part);
"Dr. James Tuorila hates to fly, but almost every weekend he's somewhere in the United States piloting a huge black balloon trying to remind people of Americans who might still be held prisoners in foreign countries. "This weekend, he was in Greenville County for the Freedom Weekend Aloft festival, flying the balloon and talking to people about the POW/MIA issue.
"We're not out here for recognition," he said, "I don't get any awards for this. Everything is donated. We just want to raise awareness. "In reference to the recent statement by Russian President Yeltsin suggesting that there might still be some American prisoners alive, Tourila said, "Yeltsins's statement was something we have been waiting for. This is something we have known and hoped to happen for some time now."
At the end of every flight, Tourila and his crew hold a hopeful toast. (continued next page)
"It goes like this:
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Mail Bag "Today, we raised awareness, today we have touched some people's hearts and today we showed people we care about the missing Americans." he said. "Rut those Americans are dying every day. So our neat flight... Let's not fly for awareness. Let's fly for a welcome-home ceremony." In a phone conversation with Dr. Tuorila, he informed me that he has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the Vietnam Veteran's Association and will be making four trips a year to Washington, D.C. in the came of the POW/MIA issues. In a hand-written note with the copy of the above mentioned "Greenville News" article, Jim wrote, "We now have two balloons. I just took out a large loan for the purchase of the second balloon. "We could use some support from individuals and/or organizations. The contributions are tax deductible under IRS Section 501 C (3). John, hope to see you at the Minn State EX-POW Convention.Take care and 'Soft Landings.'" cs In Memory of Andy Mormann, 423/E by Peggy E. Mound, stepdaughter, see Memodarns AsAsk nosed into position, shots was Chill is Ile tie, His Away ism Mawr, cowsEd his wary cloak loin. Ibis young boy lsom !OVA WAS nomad by rk rhe snow of rk Asderrsx shown likE diamonds ikar ni4s. His FEAR of rhs unknown, civilly shorn in his 0/1., in woad kid fon doeocrocy, lik she nor of As Goys.
His silk rested acsoss his %tong atlas, ACROSS tin coomansidE, kE could at PIE amts lawn.Bents of de Brigs, r_ k' world call ids CAM battle, As saws Isom As fosses, mould km TO die rota. Egslosions aid scrams world soon III As AiR, cid day know how Tk IAMiliESh would CARE? ThE Me rhos Iris LEAdEd ARA*ONE fon irs MARL rk kites rim seed him, ass with blood, own and ionic They wracked fon days, awry comperima would teL sky summbetEd tin day, sires They ansuarred die CAll. Vika would it MEAN 10 bE A paisceaa of was, would ix ears a rk fsonr, shirk aka rky could lose dote mom/ ik miriade, ix kings, the cold banned a his Ming' in could nor hdime As AIROCilifS laVAS HE cwriEd de roman,, look so, of his days, fon da hORRORS of War, sway lenity pens.
His lamer ma of gold, bur As body*. TORN, Isom dir days of the AlidEPNES, his sod um whom.
HE NOW tits Arms-r, dE ImITIE is won, we RundxR TIE persicits, with Each rising SUN.
44
Tot Weesconecuic; mot* dee/ ae4t ca freace.
Burke, James R. 42314 1125 Owe KN. Rd. Nommen., NC 27284
Jim joined the Association in Febniary of 1988. He died Mach 31, 1993 as a result of complthations caused by pneumonia. He and Ellen were on • vacation in Florida. They had ie.aed home because of his illness. Gaggln, Verner S. 5911E3 2483 Brook Ledge Rd 14323. Bridgeville, PA 15017
Verner joined die Association lolls. of 1980. Be is haled in the CUB Pm.s in Review as Captain Gaggin. S.2 (Intelligence Officer) of the 5910 FAB. No specific date of death was given Heldeptiem, Herbert 42340 218 W 411iSk Millet. SD 57382
An Van Moodeban. Co committeeman for the .94 reunion... and included s news clipping of Herb's death, follows (in pad): "Fame stele Servitor Herb Adair Heidepriem , 70, died, Saturday, January 23, 1993, in Cmco. Pau from an moment hart snack He was in Peru to my to kip the peopth of the country. "He thought Peru would be a good place to go," said his soo, Scott whoa from Sio. Falls. "He said, 'I want to go whom the action is.'" This was his first rip m Pent
"He would walk the seats and talk to people. Scott said. "He prefened commies where there had been uprisings or coupe. He actually rolkd op his skews and helped the people. He would get to a country and mate family and they would temporatily adopresch other. "He was pretty much on his own and duds the way he liked it" Scoot said. Then Mere followed a list of accomplishments from his law deer, to serving es stine's attorney for Had Com..
to being electedthe South Oak. na Sete in 1956. serving ten year span over four clarions. He served on many public and municipal braids end comminees. Be is survived by his wife. Roberta son Scott daughthn Nicoleue and Rebecca this< grandson, his mother Bern... and brother Donald. The South Dakota Reunion committee shall miss him dearly, but plans am piocading for the '94 Reunion, as Herb would want it King, Basil R. 42311 2300 Pine 00no4 Or. 41. Walnut Creek, CA 94595.2123 Basil died March 22, 1993. No specifics. He attended the 43rd annual reunion at Seth...m.111. Reunion in 1989. Mormann, John (Andy) 4231E 20484 the. Ave. W. lakwelo. MN 55044 Peggy Mound, stepdaughter wroth, " John, Andy died on January 23. 1992. He a survived by one son James. mandchikken and.0 sisters. He has finally found peace from the torment of kings prisons of war. He greatly appreciated your comaciing him and the phone convertadons that you had. It was only after he talked with you that he then talked to me about his prisoner of war experiences. God speed to you and the men of the 106th." Peggy also presented poen written in honor of Andy entitled "He Carried On" which 'hope to include in this issue. Paananen, Arvo 5921SV 511 East Ceder. Jesup, GA 31545 Milton Conner of 5921V informed us that Arvo passed away December 12, 1992. He a survived by his wife Vilma, a brother and two sisters.
Perkins, Arnold 423113 025 Osprey Ln, Panama Choy. Florida Walter Jewell of Panama City informed me that Arnold passed away in December of.91. He had beim staying with his daughter and son-it-law. Brenda and John Rhodes. Navy LI Cmdr. Wasik, Joseph A. 4231G 23 Mile O. Rd. Shelton, CT 00404 Joseph's wife Marie wrote, "My husband died on November 23. 1992. It was sudden death, since he had no signs of a bean problem. He died of mediae arrest. He was a disabled vet He is survived by me and three MB, four grandsons. Wohifell, Col. Carl H. 59140 28 Meeting St.. Charleston. Sc 29401 Colonel Wohfeil, a graduate of West Point passed away 27 October 1992. He was die Executive Officer for the 591st serving under Colonel Phillip Hoover. Commanding Officm. At Nu time Waited was a Major. On April I. 1945 the Division moved to Rennes at which time Major Wohlfeil became commander of dm 591 FAB. Later he scand plied of time as a Field Artillery Officer Instructor at the Signal School. Fort Monmouth. New Jency. Colonel Wohlfail, a member of the Association since 00'68.
Yenlin, Sebastian 4221F 455 Anthera Rd. So Haden. MA 01075
Sebastian passed away July 6, 1992 according to his Nephew Emmmt Murphy. We were informed through Charley Henderson who had corresponded with Sebastian though his Maier Celcith Cape of the above address. Charley had received a letter from Muiphy thanking hiss for keeping in touch with Sebastian. He stated that Sebastian memories of his experiences in prison camp won foremost in his mind. He bad teen bed riddenthe last few years end the family are happy that he is now resOng in peace. "A Grateful Nation Remembers"
The 106th Infantry Division Association is a World War II Anniversary Commemorative Community Freedom Flight, Inc. See page 43 Dr. James Tuorila and crew The CUB Board of Directors 1992-1993
Alphstotkat twyearterm expires. The officoial reblieasion 106sh Infinity Division Association, Inc 1992 –1993 Association membership 04/1 d93-- 1,445
President Jack A. Sober
Past-President Michael Thome
1st Vice- Pres .Edward A. Prey/eft
2nd Vice–Pres John L. Hall
Treasurer Sherod Collins
Adjutant Boyd A. Rutledge
Historian Sherod Collins
CUB Editor John Kline
Memorials Chairman.... Dr. John G. Robb
Membership Chairman Gilbert Helwig
Chaplain Rev. Ewell C. Black, Jr.
The CUB is the official quarterly publication of the Association. Membership in the Association includes subscription to the CUB.
Send editorial matter and photos to: John P. Kline--CUB Editor 5101 U. 1474 St st Awk V.1k7, MN 551214637
Business matters, deaths, address changes to: Boyd A. Rutledge--Adjutant tom GoodactIzlinagratan,I. BIB Memorial matters and inquiries to: Dr John G. Robb ass DevortIll, 5.4.4110, PA 16355
.1.334364 Send Membership dues, Memorial F11.011
contributions and Historical items to: Sherod Collins--Treasurer ue Monroe Tr.0142.ace. Kennesaw, GA 30144
207 The NEW Life Membership fee is payable one time only,with no annual dues thereafter.
Life Membership 575.00
Life Auxiliary $15.00
Life Associate $75.00
For those choosing to pay Annual dues, pay by July I each year. (July I to July I term) Annual Membership 510.00
Annual Auxiliary 52.00
Annual Associate 510.00
Make checks payable to "106th Infantry Division Association."
Roy Bigger 423/HQ 319E Sow. A Si, Gas Cily.1N 26933
3174714258
Sam E. Davis Jr. 423/HQ .16 Noah EA Dr.OMde, Fl. 34103
4074964240
Joseph P. Maloney 424/HQ 1120 Ws= M4410014 PA 15014
124354532
Edward A. Prewett 424/B ( 93)
5.3430.2
7531 Low Trte Way, Breawood. CA 511513 Charles F. Bleck 422/H (.93)
60443.110
7316 Voss Parkw.7,111011444 W1 535-62
Jack A. Sober 423/F ('03) 517 N. AN. 410151444 VA 72317
7034540221
Edward E. Young 590/A 120. 1 13..77. Mt CNA, WV 2.4011
Douglas Brooke 424/MED (94) 805 Creekside 14:2Ategi, TN 381174031
Norwood A. Frye 81st ENG/B (94) 1069 AINNINNer 514,01.4004ry, C706033
2034334502
Joseph Gross 59I/C ('94) 7782 709.14114 Ave., San Me. CA 92119
John L. Hall 423/SV ('94) 2562 Hill CI.... FL 33872
3134144592
Joseph Massey 422/C (44)
205.6104701
474.1 - Box 014 110.4 AL 35133
Herbert F. Meagher 422/M ('54) 1112211 4.44. Ct, Waal INN, II. 60612
70.702553
O. Paul Mere 422/SV ('94)
1341.1.64 Ca.1449440041N 46214
3174434419
Richard L ffigatti 423/B ('04) 113 40431/4.041.01,111.114 15215
......
412 7814131 Jerome Eisenman 423/HQ 3BN p95) 277 Bums Via. Am MI5 Ciw. CA 4101515.7564330
Gilbert Helwig 423n44 ('95) 2056 Onallo 114455, SYk,, 41119120
6164834714
Major H. Hill 424/B ('95) 36750 N. Kew., Ds, IngloidA IL 60041
714487.7417
Lyman C. Maples, 422/K (95)
706272.2533
601 Wain...134NA GA 30720
Dr. Richard W. Peterson, 423/1 ('M) IZtl Rubenslat CAW, We Sc.. CA 43.07
6194324213
William K. Rowan 424/K ('95) 213 Cow, Mb RA SINNy, NC 211150
CoL Joseph Matthews 422/HQ (Life) 4706 5Vestem Blvd Italei61, NC 27606
('55)
('93)
Index for: Vol. 49 No. 3, APR, 1993
Index for This Document
106th Rcn. Trp., 25, 27108th Field Evac. Hosp., 50
18th Cav., 39
26th Inf. Div., 7
2nd Div., 36, 50
422/K, 57
422/M, 28, 37, 57
423rd Inf., 28, 29
423rd Inf. Regt., 29
423rd Regt., 31, 32
424/A, 39
424th Cbt. Inf. Regt., 37
424th Regt., 27
44th Div., 28
4th Div., 29
590th FA BN, 12, 13, 35, 42, 45, 47
591st FA BN, 35, 56
591st FAB, 35
592nd FA BN, 35, 42
592nd FAB, 35
69th Inf. Div., 26
6th Armd., 32
6th Armd. Div., 32
78th Inf. Div., 47
82nd Abn. Div., 14
Adams, Sgt., 35
Africa, 25, 43
Aittama, Rudolph L., 25
Allen, Harold, 39
Allen, Harold D., 9, 39
Allison, Harold, 39
Annable, Eliot, 39, 41
Ardennes, 27, 32, 33
Ardennes Campaign, 32, 33
Asher, Al, 42
Austria, 35
Bad Orb, 7, 28, 32
Bad Orb, Germany, 32
Balestrieri, Ralph R., 47
Bastogne, 44, 45
Battle of the Bulge, 1, 4, 39
Beaver, Johnnie R., 42
Belgium, 12, 28, 32, 50
Benefiel, Norman, 47
Benhoff, Leonard, 33
Berga, 7
Berlin, 25
Beseler, Lt., 39
Bigger, Roy, 56
Bishop, Jesse M., 28
Black, Rev. Ewell C., 56
Black, Rev. Ewell C., Jr., 56
Blackwell, Robert L., 27
Bloch, Jacques, 47
Bloch, Jacques W., 47
Bolden, James, 18
Books, 20
Booz, Kenneth, 25
Booz, Kenneth S., 25
Born, 28
Born, Belgium, 28
Broadwater, Clifford H., 47
Brown, Irving, 49
Brown, Leslie L, 4
Browne, Earl W., 28
Buchenwald, 7
Burg, 25
Burke, James R., 55
Calhoun, 18
Camp Atterbury, 5, 12, 25, 27, 28, 32, 35, 36, 49, 50
Camp Atterbury Memorial, 5
Camp Atterbury, IN, 35
Camp Blanding, FL, 35
Camp Grant, IL, 32
Camp Kilmer, NJ, 46
Camp Lucky Strike, 32, 49
Camp Myles Standish, MA, 25, 36
Carver, Dale, 7
Cavallo, S. J., 28
Cavanaugh, Will, 36
Cheltenham, 32, 49, 50
Cheltenham, England, 32, 49
Co. F, 423rd Inf., 29
Coffey, Doug, 1
Collins, Mr., 35
Collins, Sherod, 29, 36, 39, 56
Coulee, 41
Dachau, 7
Danube, 28
Danube River, 28
Darby, Lee, 28
Davis, Sam E., 56
Davis, Sam E., Jr., 56
Div. HQ, 12, 13
Dupuy, Col., 36, 41
Dusseldorf, Germany, 2
Eigelschied, 50
Eisenman, Jerome, 57
Elbe, 26
Elbe River, 26
Engstrom, Robert, 37
Firth of Clyde, 49
Floyd, Johnnie B., 27
France, 25, 32
Fritz, William H., 26
Frye, Norwood A., 57
Ft. Benjamin Harrison, 50
Ft. Bragg, NC, 45
Ft. Jackson, SC, 1, 12, 15, 16, 18, 21, 24, 25, 26, 27, 29, 33, 35, 36
Ft. Knox, KY, 26
Ft. Ord, CA, 49
Galaxy Tours, 1
Germany, 7, 25, 28, 31, 32
Gregory, John, 11
Grimes, Charles H., 27
Gross, Joseph, 57
Hall, John L., 56, 57
Hammelburg, 28, 33
Hannover, 31
Heckhalenfeld, 50
Heidepriem, Herb, 41, 42
Helwig, Gil, 37, 39
Helwig, Gilbert, 56, 57
Hill, Maj. H., 57
Holland, 31
Hoover, Col. Phillip, 55
House, Pete, 35
House, Robert, 26
House, Robert D., 26
Howard, Fred B., 28
Huddleston, Lt., 41
Inf. School, 28, 35
Italy, 25
Jackson, Andrew, 18
Jackson, James, 18
Jewell, Walter, 55
Johnson, Harold, 37
Jones, Alan W., 25
Jones, Lloyd M., 28
Jones, Martin, 28
Kautz, Raymond S., 37
Kennedy, Brown L., 29
King, Basil R., 55
Kiper, Orville B., 26
Kline, J., 26, 28, 29, 31, 33, 36, 37, 39, 42, 47, 49, 50, 52
Kline, John, 4, 25, 30, 37, 56
Kline, John P., 56
Knight, Sylvester J., 27
Kommando, 31
Korea, 10, 24, 44, 45, 46, 47
Kuespert, W. Art, 29
Lacy, Bill, 29
LeHavre, 25, 32, 36
Lehavre, France, 32
Limburg, 25
Linden, 25
Lion In the Way, 36, 41
Lloyd, Edgar L., 28
Lucky Strike, 32, 49
Maloney, Joseph P., 57
Manhay, 37
Maples, Lyman C., 57
Marina, Jerome J., 27
Marshall, George C., 10
Massey, Joseph, 57
Matthews, Joseph, 57
Mauldin, Bill, 15
McCartney, George W., 31
McKay, Lt., 41
Meagher, Herbert F., 57
Memorials, 24, 56
Middleton, 18
Moore, James B., 28
Munich, 28
Myles Standish, 25, 36
National Archives, 1, 7, 37
Nebelwerfers, 50
Neubrandenburg, 25, 31
Neubrandenburg, Germany, 31
Neufeld, Ernest, 31
New Guinea, 15
Newcastle, 31
Normandy, 29, 44
Normandy Invasion, 29
Nurmberg, 28
Okinawa, 47
Our River, 52
Paananen, Arvo, 55
Paris, 50
Parsons, Bill, 47
Pearl Harbor, 45
Pereno, August J., 35
Peterson, Richard W., 57
Photos, 23, 24
Postal History Of American Pows, 33
Prewett, Edward A., 57
Purple Heart, 25
Queen Elizabeth, 32, 49
Rennes, 55
Reunions, 1, 5, 21, 37
Riggs, Col. Thomas, 5
Riggs, Col. Thomas J., 5
Robb, Dr. John, 5
Robb, Dr. John G., 56
Roberts, John M., 4
Roosevelt, Franklin Delano, 15
Rouen, 36
Rowan, William K., 57
Rutland, Roger, 1, 5, 20
Rutledge, Boyd, 4
Rutledge, Boyd A., 56
Sandersdorf, 9
Schnee Eifel, 41
Schonberg, 28, 32
Schonberg, Belgium, 32
Seckel, Henry W., 33
Seine, 36
Seine River, 36
Sicily, 43
Sidney, Ross, 31
Sidney, Ross H., 31
Siegfried Line, 25
Snyder, Walter, 36
Sober, Jack A., 56, 57
Southampton, 32
St. Vith, 5, 12, 32, 36, 41
'St. Vith - Lion In The Way', 41
St. Vith, Belgium, 12
Stalag 12-A, 25
Stalag 9-A, 32, 33
Stalag 9-B, 7, 28, 32, 33
Stalag II-A, 31
Stalag III-A, 54
Stargard, 25
Stolp, Robert R., 35
Stolzberg, Seymour, 31
Straub, Ted, 37
Sulser, Jack A., 29
Sweet, Dale, 27
Sweet, Dale A., 27
Task Force, 45
Taylor, Hal, 31
Taylor, Hal R., 31
Tennessee Maneuvers, 12, 29, 35, 36
Terrio, Howard, 21
The Battle of the Bulge, 50
Thome, Michael, 56
Thurmond, Strom, 18
Tomases, Dr. Ralph, 7
Trautman, Frank, 14
Trois Pont, 41
Trois Ponts, 41
Tuorila, Dr. James R., 52
Turley, Leland J., 29
Vanderheyden, Donald, 35
Vanderheyden, Donald P., 35
VBOB, 39
Vezina, John H., 32
Vielsalm, 41
Vietnam, 24, 33, 49, 52, 54
Vietnam War, 49
Wakefield, 25, 36
Wanne, 41
Wasik, Joseph A., 55
Weltenburg, 28
West Point, 55
West Wall, 50
Winterspelt, 50
Wohlfeil, Maj., 55
Yenlin, Sebastian, 56
York, Ivon, 28
Young, Edward E., 57
Ziegenhain, 32, 33
Ziegenhain, Germany, 32
Zorn, Harry, 47
Zullig, Charles, 29