Original Cub Document
Uploaded: 11-Dec-2020
The Cub
Vol. 54, No. 4, Jul., 1998
view PUBLISHED BY AND FOR Well, here we are. the last issue of the current 97/98 fiscal year, Volume 54, No. 4. I have the106th Association gavel in my hand ready to turn it over to a very deserving 106th veteran. John Swett. 423/H.
It h. been a busy year for me, not only with 106th business. but one in which I haven't had my normal control over how 1 spend my time. Considerably late with the May CUB, my apologies again, a little late on this one, but it should be close to being on time, What with settling in a new (old) home, a spring and summer of four majors storms causing well over 900 Million dollars of damage in Minnesota - and the summer isn't over yet - finally retiring, volunteering for Escort Service at the Minneapolis Veterans Medical Center two days a week. cutting the lawn - what else?? Anyway, any 106th veteran is a SURVIVOR, so it all has turned out well,
Registrations for the 52nd Annual Reunion, Indianapolis, Indiana have been heavy. The CUT-OFF date for registrations was August 7, 1998. If you have tailed to register and want to come, be sure to call the hotel for a reservation and get the Registration fomi to Armed Forces Reunion immediately'. As of 8/1/98 we had 543 registered for the Reunion. Of the 325 rooms that were blocked for us, 298 had been sold. The numbers are great. Looks like a good one!
As I mentioned in the May CUB, I was born near Terre I laute Indiana, raised as a Hoosier and am looking forward to going back to my home state, and to the area where the 106th trained before going overseas, I joined the Division on 28 March 1944.1 am proud say that! was a 106th soldier. I think the 106th did the best that they couki under the circumstances presented them as they went on line in December 1944. I have had other Infantry Division members tell me that they would have done no better than we. under the same circumstances. I have no argument with that. It seems what happens to any pers. in a war is like a roll of of the dice. We just happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time, I am not convinced that it w. intentional, as some have remarked. The US Army had great expectations from us as our armies were gearing up to march through Germany. Bad luck fell early, it could have fallen as we crossed the Rhine or later down the road, 1 am proud to one of you...,,, Thanks for your support during my year. persident. Now I know why the past-presidents have remarked. "How fast the year went." I am looking forward to serving you, as your editor, in the years to come,
Jolm Kline. President 1997-1998 John P. Kline, President/Editor 106th Infantry Div. Assoc. - 1997-98 "M" Company, 423rd Infantry Regiment 11 Harold Drive Burnsville, MN 55337
(612) 890-3155 The CUB of the Golden Lion "Chaplain's Message... " WaIwyn Featherston's Book "saving The Breakout" Is The Story Of The 30th Division. Before One Even Gets Into The Story, Two Statements Capture The Reader's Attention. The First Is The Dedicatory Statement At The Very Beginning, A. It Reads: This book is dedicated to all who served during World War II, but especially to those who had the dirtiest, least glamorous, most dangerous, and most important job of all,,,the combat infantrymen, The Second Statement, Attributed To G.I. Cartoonist Bill Mauldin, Characterized People Like You And Me This Way: They are normal people Mkt have been put where they are, whose actions and feelings have been molded by circumstances,There arc gentlemen and boors; intelligent and stupid ones; talented ones and inefficient ones. But when they are all together and they are fighting, despite the bitching and griping and thc goldbricking and mortal fear, they are facing cold steel and screaming lead and hard enemies, and they arc advancing and beating the hell out of the opposition.
The Story Of The 30th Division Is The Story Of Such Men. "rhe Story Of The 106th Is The Story Of Such Men. Roth Stories Tell Of Unshakable Tenacity And Indomitable Courage.
So, too is the Bible a story, a series of stories, of men and women's courage, The historical tales and the spiritual teachings of both testaments point out so clearly, thc relationship between courage and faith. The biblical admonition which , is repeated again and again and again appears first in DEUTERONOMY: Be strong. Be couragcous,..for the Lord your god goes with you," There arc so many occasions in life that demand courage. Not just in times of warfare; heroes are born every day. Through all of life's ordinary and extraordinary times.d occurrences' we find ourselves challenged to the heroic, There arc no more Bronze Stars,,,or Silver,,.most heroism goes unnoticed. But it happens! There are times when wc must take a moral stand...perhaps all alone. Whcn we even facc ridicule because of our stand, There arc tittles when we face the unknown or the dangerous, There are even times when the news isn't good or the prognosis is uncertain, Where does courage come from '?
We've all been there.,,tossing and turning in the night hours. Yet does God's word not promise to the person of faith: when you lie down. you will not be afraid; when you lic down, your sleep will be sweet.' (Isaiah 8: I 2). Fearlesstwss...sweet sleep,,,courage.,.these are the products of faith, Thus this same Isaiah was led to wnte: "See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one
who trusts will never be dismayed." That is both thc challenge.d the opportunity inherent in life.,, T0 trust god in such a way, always remembering a God who keeps his word:
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pa. through the rivers they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire you will not be burned.,,,Do not be afraid, for I am with you.
PRAYER: Lord, in you I have put my Trust. I have set you always before tne. Because you are my tight hand, I will never be shaken, for you have made known to me - The Path of Life. ANIEN
The CUB of the Golden Lion Chaplain Dr. Duncan Trueman, 424/AT 29 Overhill Lane, Warwick NY10990
914-986-6376 "My Father's War... "
To the 106th Infantry Division Happy 52nd Annual Reunion Submitted by Rosemary Backmurski-Fosdick, daughter CWO S.M, Bachmurski USA (Ret)- formerly with the 401st Field Ar-tillery Battalion VVWII - attached to the 106th Infantry Division March 16 to June 23, 1945. This past September-1997, I was fortunate enough to be invited to the 51' Annual Reunion of the 106th Infantry Division held in Nashville, Tennessee. Grantcd, upon invitation to attend this gathering, I was hesitant. Spending Labor Day weekend with 500 or so "old" soldiers and their families was not exactly my idca of a vacation. But, the trip was paid for by my favorite "old" soldier. dear old Dad. and I'd hcard that Nashville was a fun town to visit. So, throwing caution to the wind, my family and I loaded up and moved out to the 106th Infantry Division Reunion. Like most people in my age group, what I knew about World War II was limited to late night war movies and sit coms such as Hogan's Heroes. As a result of my attendance at this reunion of the 106th Infantry Division, my knowledge is no longer as limited. Whcn I received the 106th Infantry Association Golden Lions quarterly publication detailing thc upcoming. reunion events, I was impressed. Thc quality of this publication, the stories within, and the dedication of the members, both living and to the dcad of this Division for over 50 years, commanded my attention. Silently, I thought, "this group certainly knows how to organize the troops." Arriving in Nashville, my cducation began and before I knew it, the reality of history unfolded. I learned that the 106'h Infantry Division had been on the Contincnt for a few days, and only on the front line sincc 11 December. Thc Germans struck them on 16 December. I already had some sketchy knowledge about the importance of thc Battle the Ridge, but was to learn more. First, I learned that the 106'1' Infantry Division blunted the enemy onslaught in an action that became the greatest military battle in which the U.S. Army fought.
I learned that some of the units of the 106th were takcn as Prisoners of War. Loaded into boxcars during the vvinter of 1944, these men were perhaps 18 or 19 years old at thc timc of their imprisonment. I could only imagine what horrors and fears had been bestowed on this group of men during the war and their captivity. I soon learned that the quality of one's boots and the position one was forced to assume on thc boxcar during the transport to the Gennan Prison camps were thc determining factors in matters of frostbite. As I sat among these survivors of possibly the cruelest of inhumanity known to man. I realized as a card carrying member of thc "ME Generation" that this experience was definitely food for thought,
MEET YOU IN INDIANAPOLIS
SEPTEMBER 9, 1998
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JUNG • JULY J "My Father's War... "
Physical handicaps afflict many of these veterans, yet they come to thc rcunion. Some disabilities are a result of the war, and some from mere old agc. Nevertheless, wheelchairs, canes, and oxygen tanks are not obstacles t'or this group. They still come back each year. Of course, short naps during the Memorial Service are acceptable and group naps on the couches in thc hotel lobby are common place. But, when called to order, everyone is present, front and center, and accounted for. Some soldiers proudly wear the uniforms of their time. The "ME Generation" in me noted that those khaki wool uniforms, popular during the 40's, had to be the itchiest and most uncomfortable attire in the entire world.
Despite handicap of old age or ill health, the members of this Division travel great distances to, once more, be part of the "WE" bond that was found and formcd as young men at war many, many, years ago. One year, this group even returned to Belgium tohold a reunion. I was even more surprised and delighted to find these "old soldiers" still actively pursuing issues dear to their hearts such as lobbying for labor camp wages owed for over 50 years and discussing the future of the Division's reunions. Most profound, however, I found these old soldiers to be members of the "WE Generation." Year after year after year, the remaining members of the 106th Infantry Division come together to share memories, comradery, fun, and sometimes, a few drinks. The intense loyalty that these men have for each other and their units is truly remarkable. More food for thought for this ME Generation.
As I left the 106th Infantry Division Reunion, I left envious. I realized that I had stumbled onto an entire generation dedicated to each other, their unit, and most obviously, their war. In memory of the tradegy they had endured, and out of respect t'or those who did not come home from the war, these veterans have qualiti. far greater than thc ME Generation. On the way home, I attempted to find some cause, any causc, or circumstance that would or could bond the members of my generation so tightly. Unfortunately, I still haven't found one. Have a good 52I'd Annual Reunion in Indianapolis. I promise to wear your Division cap and lapel pin with pride. You have earned my utmost respect. And, to the many other veterans of my father's war and other wars we call "conflicts," I thank you.
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Veteran's Day held a different meaning for me, this year. and it will for many years to comc. Respectfully submitted to the 106th Infantry Division Association CUB magazine. Rosemary Bachmurski-Fosdick - daughter, CWO S. M. Bachmurski, USA (Ret)who was formerly with the 401' Field Artillery Battalion attached to the 106th Inf Div. March 16 to June, 23, 1945 - The 40Ist FAB (I05mm Howitzer Trk-D) firrmed at Ft Riley Kansas 20 April 1944. BPE: 6 March 1945 - France-ETO 18 March 1945 (non-divisional) August 45 location Heilbronn, Germany. 424th Infantry - "After Battle" and "Personal" Reports Report on the 424th Combat Infantry regiment After several excuses in past CUBs I finally got with it and figured out what to do with all the material sent to me by the men of the 424th, The story starts on page 20. This is PART ONE of at least TWO PARTS. As I have stated several times, I was overloaded by material. I broke PART ONE out to contain information relating to AFTER BATTLE REPORTS ending on 31 December, 1944. PART Two and any further articles will refer to a time area after 31 December. Thc stories given to me, for the most part were stated on a "time basis." It was casy for me to "intermingle" those parts of their "Personal History" in with the "After Battle Reports." I think that give the reader a little better prespective of the action.
Names of the 424th Infantry Regiment veteran stories that appear in this PART ONE. are Johri Connors, John Dimeglio, Hugh Hochstetter (dcsd), Robert Lyons, Robert Ringer (591/SV), Milton Schober and Robcrt Shaw (dcsd). Parts of their story will also appear in thc next CUB - those datcs after 31 December, 1944.
PART TWO will contain contributions from William Bucher, Jr. (son of William - 424/1 - deceased), Donald Beseler, Raymond Kurth, William LeClair, Roland Martin, Russ Mayotte, Donald O'Farrell, Paul Parker, John Phillips. Thc Potts Twins, Anhur and William, Victor Schwartz, Robert Shaver, Irwin Smoler, Robert Sowell all 424th vets, and Charlie Haug, Associate from the 38th Infantry Division, Some of those slated for thc next issue have such comprehensive material that it was difficult to integrate it into the chronological story of this issue. As I stated before. I had over 130 pages of
V , John Kline, 423/M, editor, The CUB e-mail: jpk@mm.com Home Page: http://www.mm.com/user/jpk 11 Harold Drive, Burnsville MN 55337
Telephone 612-890-3155 material. Maybe even too much for PART TWO, which will bring on PART THREE. I know that it will bring the valiant action of the 424th into focus. A well earned credit to their ability, stamina and resource with what they had.
QUANTUM NULLA MATERIA
The 424th MOTTO was "NO MATTER THE ODDS" They lived un to it.... J Kline. editor5
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Front & Center...
The CUB PASSES in REVIEW: SPECIAL PRICE: This 496 page, four color laminated cover, hasok - for you new members - h. been a best seller sincc 1991. It is crammcd with information about the Division, interesting stories from CUBs published sine 1946 through mid-1991. Over 2,300 printed.
It would help to conserve the history of thc 106th Infantry Division i f you would purchase copies of the book and place them in your local library. If you do, please paste a sticker on the inside cover to tell the people wherc it came from.
Another good location for the book is in the library of your local Veteran's Assistance Medical Center. Or as a gift to that favorite counselor who meets with you in a POW peer group, or in a Combat Soldier group. SPECIAL as long as they last Two (2) books Post paid for $40.00 One (1) book Postpaid for $25.00 Jump on it -they're gonna sell Scnd your money to: Sherod Collins, Treasurer 448 Monroe Trace Kennesaw, GA 30144
Mark your chcck as payment of "Books-Special Price." Bi-Annual Roster Update The November CUB mailing will contain a new updated roster. The last ros-ter published was March 1, 1996 - about tieditor,.,other one..1 Kline, editor...
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OLD CUBS, Memorabilia I receive requests for copies of old CUBs often. I appreciate those of you that have sent me your old ones. Some are from the family of de-ceased members. some fromshare.,t members who wish to share..
THANKS TO ALL OF YOU WHO SENT OLD CUBS.. )(our offerings have been generous Alan J. Bauman Jr. 424/M Robert Hirst 423/HQ Dr. James R. Tuorila Associate Art Potts 424/K If I missed any of you, my apologies, please drop me a note and I will list your name in the next CUI3 I can always use old CUBs for new members an,.,...1sle 13arracks Museum.......1 Kline, editor MEMORIAL FUND DONORS SiL,e the APR-MAY-JUN 1998 CUB L. Preston BarR,s William T. JoJ,s WilliaR,R. Streeter John J. A,rphy R. Kirk Grigsby Edwin A. Gottshall Samuel Leibowitz William T. Martin Florence Bickford Milton Schober Louis Edelman Douglas Nicholson Richard Br.bury Michael Gru.
WilJr,m De Blase Herman Jansen. Jr. William R. Phelan Leo Rossin Joseph Manno Front & Center...
-- VERY SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT ---
SEEKING EX-POW'S THAT WERE
INCARCERATED IN STALAG IX-B (9-B) - BAD ORB
Next year, PBS is scheduled to broadcast a one-hour program on the events surrounding the American POWs who were taken by the Germans from the prisoner of war camp at Stalag IX-B (9-B), Bad Orb in January of 1945 and sent to a slave labor camp at Berga, Germany.This little known story, one of the most dramatic and tragic of the war, involved a number of members of the 106th Division. The film is being produced by four-time Academy Award-winning producer Charles Guggenheim, in association with WNET in New York. Probably the best known production, for you veterans, was D-Day. That was aired during the 50th Anniversary year - and many times since.
Mr. Guggenheim is a member of the 106th Division Association and served with "E" Company, 424th Infantry Regiment.
Now in the research and pre-production stage, the producers are in search of former GI's who were at Bad Orb, witnessed the events there, and recall any incidents preceding, surrounding, or following the deportation of their fellow soldiers to Berga. Guggenheim's associate producer, Mack O'Quinn, will be attending the 106th Division reunion in Indianapolis and would like to meet with any Division member who has information that may be helpful in making the film. An announcement will be made during at the reunion letting you know how to contact him. O'Quinn will also be looking for Association members willing to be interviewed for the film at a future date.
Mr. Guggenheim and Mr. O'Quinn are anxious to make contact with any Division members who can be helpful, whether or not they plan to attend the reunion in Indianapolis.
They can be reached by mail c/o Guggenheim Productions, Inc., 3121 South St.. NW. Washington, DC; by phone: (202)337-6900; by e-mail: GuggProdC14aol.com or by fax: (202)337-9639. The CUB of the Golden Llon Front it Center...
It's Indianapolis in 1998
The 52nd Annual Reunion of the Golden Lions September 9 - 13, 1998
PLEASE NOTE! Reunion registrations were sent out with the last two CUB magazines JAN-FEB-MAR 1998 and APR-MAY-JUN 1998 and to all new members as they came aboard.
Your Reservations were to be made prior to August 7, 1998.
If failed to register call the hotel and make a reservation. You will have to handle your hotel reservations direct with Adams Mark Hotel near the Airport 317-248-2481 or 1-800-444-2326
$78 bucks a night, available from September 6 to 14th. Then send Armed Forces Reunion the reunion registration IMMEDIATELY. Their address appears on the form.
POSSIBLE SITES FOR 2000 REUNION
Another choice has been added since the May CUB - Hampton, VA. Armed Forces Reunions, Inc. (AFR), the professional veterans' convention management organization that is handling our 1998 Reunion, has solicited proposals from several hotels in a variety of locations which could serve as sites t'or our year 2000 54th Annual 106th Infantry Division Association Reunion. We have so far received detailed and specific offers from: (A) The ST. LOUIS (Missouri) Airport Marriott for September 7-11 @ $75-$78 per (single or double) room, depending on which night we would hold the banquct/dance. (B) The HOUSTON (Texas) Sheraton Astrodome for either September 3-10 or September 24-October I @ $78 per room (or $82 with free airport shuttle service at peak hours) (C) Thc Hilton at CHERRY HILL (New Jersey) across the Cooper River from Philadelphia with a view of thc Philly skyline for September 24-Octobcr 1 @ $89 per room. (D) The Holiday Inn and Confercnce Center HAMPTON, Virginia Dates; September 13-17 or September 27-Oct 1: Room rate $78, plus tax. Trolley service for 25 cents to shopping malls and local restuarants.All of these offer the usual hospitality and meeting rooms at no additional cost and access to local sights and attractions.
The proposals will be circulated to your Board of Directors for consideration prior to thc Indianapolis Reunion with a view toward making a recommendation for the membership to vote on at the Business Luncheon on September I I . In the meantime, members of the Board would welcome your comments on these possible sites. Jack Sulser, Reunion Coordinator 1998
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Send any comments to John Kline, to reach him bcforc September 7. 1998 11 Harold Drive, Burnsville, MN 55337-2786 Front & Center...
Battle of the Bulge Re-enacment, January 1998, Fort lndiantown Gap, PA Back Row lir: Fred & Betty Carr 81/C; Jack McDevitt 81/A; Kathy, daughter; Jay, son; Anne, wife: Front Row: Sons Dan, Kevin and Grandson Danny The M-1 is a worthless weapon 3rd edition new poems added for hitting birds on the wing, designed for a different target -- an unfeathered, earthbound thing. Book of poems from I thrilled as their fluttering wings World War II memories. bore them unharmed away. 61 pages - $8 ppd On walked in the morning sun with a stride that was almost gay. by: Dale R. Carver Poet Laureate of the 106th Infantry Division Assoc. Silver Star recipient 1945 424th Headquarters A&P Platoon Leader 742 Druid Circle Baton Rouge. IA 70808 memories,111 ILIORK TIW VEIFERANS DW THE HUNTER I flushed a covey of quail on a walk in the morning sun-- my shotgun back in Kansas, in my hands an issue M-1.
ditA BEFORE TIIE VETERANS DIRouge, The CUB of the Golden Lion A Letter from C.R.I.B.A.
Centre de Recherches et d'Informations sur la Bataille des Ardennes.
Mr JU,S.A.INE 106. Infantry Division 11 Harold Dove BURNSVILLE. MN 55337 U.S.A.
Liege. 16 juin 1998
Mr President, For many years, thanks to a mutual collaboration, our association h. excellent contacts with several veterans organizations of WWII of which we are panicularly proud
As you alreC,R.I,BwA,but we think it should be remembered, the objective of the C.R.I.B A. is, on one hand . its name indicates it, Center of Research and Information on the Battle of the Ardennes (Battle of the Bulge) and, on the second hand to welcome the veterans to Belgium through our mernbers who volonteer to drive them around FREE OF CHARGE in their private car to the battlefield where they fought or to any other area of their choice. Unfortunately, we were informed that cenains persons who do not belong to the C R 1.1.3 A at all abuse and take advantage of CR.I,B.A.reputation Without our knowing they take in the name of the CR.I.B.A. the initiative to invite veterans to come to Belgium offering to be their guide against payment of which we disapprove totaly
We sincerely deplore such actions and we hope that these manceuvres will be avoided in the future. Could you please to include an article in your C,R,I.B.A, explaining these facts To know if a person belongs to the C.R.I.B.A. you may always write to our Secretary who is at your service with the listing of our members
Enclosed you will find the listing of the only elected authorized representatives of the CRIBA COMMITTEE. We are at your disposal for any information you would like to receive and hope to have the pleasure to meet you very soon. YOU ARE ALWAYSWELCOME
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We thank you iC,R.I,B,A.and remain, Your faithfully ChriA,S,B,L.aft Henri Rogister C.R.I.B.A. President C R 1 B.A. Secretary A.S.B.L. Siege Social 22 Rue F.mail,res, 13-$032 IEGE, Belgique Compte bancaire: n° 2400626707-91 F.mail. henrx. rogastereskynet. be Web srt.e, tit.: //users. skynet.be/bulgecriba Letter continued on the following page A Letter from C.R.I.B.A.
C.R.I.B.A. Committee (Belgium) The only and elected authori-zed representatives of C,R.I,B,A, are: Honorary President: Andre HUBERT 29, Centre B-6674 LANGLIRE (Gouvy) President: Chnstian KRAFT cie la SAULX Rue d. 7 Collin. 70, B-4052 BEAUFAYS Christian.kraft@skyneLbe Vice-President: Joseph POTHEN Sur I. Roches 8, B4960 MALMEDY Secretary: Henn ROGISTER Rue du Progres 22, B-4032 LIEGE email Imri.rogister@skynctbc WebSrte fillvilusers.skynet,be/bulgecribit Treasurer and Secretary Assistant: Louis JONCKEAt: Av Julien lardon 32, B4801 VERVIERS Other Committee's Members: Denise OGER Rue du Village 103, B4000 ROCOURT Anne-Mane SIMON Birkenweg 7, B-4700 EUPEN Albert FOSTY Rue I H Tillmans 8, B4620 FLERON Jean-Mane FOSTY Rue Flonbert I, B-4050 CHAUDFONTAINE Roger GERKENS AV des Heures Claires 27, B-I410 WATERLOO Philippe OCTAVE Chemin du Bois 17, B-4000 ROCOURT ThE CUB o/ azi, Golden Lion Front & Center...
John Gregory, Scholarship Chairman reports that eight scholarships totaling $5,000 was awarded for the fiscal year 1997/1998.
The studcnts wcrc an extremely bright and tighly grouped in ability. They represent both a goPhila,sssection in terms of the sponsors units and are spread geographically across the USA. Not shown is: Laura Thomas Grandniece F.J. Fradianni (dscd) 589/HQ Cornell University Mary Elizabeth Madden Granddaughter John Madden 590 FAB (dscd) University of Oregon Steven Weigand Barbara Hansen Grandson Granddaughter Michael Liskiewicz 106 RECON William Hemelt 424/H Niagara University Drexel Univ. Phila.
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Front & Center...
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Sean P. Quigley Michael J, Gilles Grandson Grandson Russell Beningo 422/HQ 2BN James Gilles 590/HQ Providence College, R,I, Wesleyan Univ, Middletown, CT, Nicholas J, DiGrazia Grandson H, Hochstetter (dscd), 424/1 University of Illinois Kevin R. Camp Grandson Louis LeTellier 81st/C Georgia Tech Front & Center A Story To Live By-- by Ann Wells (Los Angeles Times) My brother-in-law opened the bottom drawer of my sister's bureau and lifted out a tissue-wrapped package. "This," he said, "is not a slip. This is lingerie." He discarded the tissue and handed me the slip. It was exquisite; silk, handmade and trimmed with a cobweb of lace. The price tag with an astronomical figure on it was still attached, "Jan bought this the first time we went to New York, at I.st 8 or 9 years ago. She never wore it. She was saving it for a special occasion. Well, I guess this is the occasion." He took the slip from me and put it on the bed with the other clothes we were taking to the mortician. His hand lingered on the soft material for a moment, then he slammed the drawer shut and tumed to me, "Don't ever save anything for a special occasion. Every day you're alive is a special occasion." I remembered those words through the funeral and the days that followed when I helped him and my niece attend to all the sad chores that follow an unexpected death. I thought about them on the plane returning to California from the Midwestern town where my sister's family lives. I thought about all the things that she hadn't seen or heard or done. I thought about thc things that she had done without realizing that they were special.
I'm still thinking about his words, and they've changed my life. I'm reading more and dusting less. I'm sitting on the deck and admiring the view without fussing about the weeds in the garden. I'm spending more time with my family and friends and less time in committee meetings. Whenever possible, life should be a pattern of experience to savor, not endure. I'm trying to recognize these moments now and cherish them.
I'm not "saving" anything; we use our good china and crystal for every special event-such as losing a pound, getting the sink unstopped, the first camellia blossom. I wear my good blazer to the market if I feel like it. My theory is if I look prosperous, I can shell out $28.49 for one small bag of groceries without wincing. I'm not saving my good perfume for special parties; clerks in hardware stores and tellers in banks have noses that function as well as my party-going friends'.
"Someday" and "one of these days" are losing their grip on my vocabulary, If it's worth seeing or hearing or doing, I want to see and hear and do it now, I'm not sure what my sister would have done had she known that she wouldn't be here for the tomorrow we all take for granted. I think she would have called family members and a few close friends. She might have called a few former friends to apologize and mend fences for past squabbles. I like to think she would have gone out for a Chinese dinner, her favorite food. I'm guessing-I'll never know. It's those little things lefl undone that would make me angry if knew that my hours were limited. Angry because I put off seeing good Friends whom I was going to get in touch with-someday, Angry because I hadn't written certain letters that I intended to write-one of these days. Angry and sorry that I didn't tell my husband and daughter often enough how much I truly love them , I'm trying very hard not to put off, hold back, or save anything that would add laughter and luster to our lives. And every morning when I open my eyes, I tell myself that it is special. Every day, every minute, every breath truly is...a gift, If you've received this it is because someone cares for you and it means there is probably at least someone for whom you care, If you're too busy to take the few minutes that it would take right now to forward this to ten people, would it be the first time you didn't do that little thing that would make a difference in your relationships'? I can tell you it certainly won't be the last. Take a few minutes to send this to a few people you care about, just to let them know that you're thinking of them.
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106th Division
-The Golden Lions -
Please note: The Px is a new service offered to the members and families of the 106th Infantry Division Assn. 20% of all profits are returned to your association. We ask for your support.
PX PRICE LIST 1. 106th Division 21/2' Patch . S2.50 ea. 8. Dress Minl Me,als .$8.50 & uP
No shipping & handling on this item only. Regulation - call to order S20.00 & up 2. 106th Division Asm. 4' Patch......... S6.50 ea. 9. Full s$3,00)g6,ation Medals (from gov't contfactor).............. 10 Campaign Ribboea, $1.50 & uP $16.50 ea. S16.50 ea. Div,50 ea. w/clutch back . . . . $8.00 ea. Mounted. ready for weea,........ ... $28.00,,..,,,,,.0 ea. 3. 106th Division 1' Pin of Patch......... $3.5conve-nience, 11. Bola Tle w/ 106t7,Div. Crest.......... Belt Buckle w/$20,00 ea,. Crest..... Bo,a$8,50Belt set. S5.00 ea. S52.50 ea. S10.00 ea. . 3/S10.00 12. Battle o$3,50 ea,ge Commemorative,Me$3,50eea,M,d3/S10,00on Slide boxed) $8.50 pr. '58.50 ea. 4. Assn. Ball Cap w/Dly. Patassociation,$10.00 L,. 13. 106th Div. l,.,,,ristwatch.......... w/Scrambied Eggs . S12.00 ea. 14. Honorable Discharge Pin (Ruptured Duck) 5. Windbreaker w/4' Patch . S28.50 ea. 15. Battle of the Bulge History Book by Turner Publi,......,.,,.., S-M-L-XL (XXL & XXXL add $3.00) 368 pages of the battle 6.,Combat Infantry Badge 16. 106th Division Ucense,,,,...,.,., Combat Medic Badge Plate Frame. A. Full Sonly,e2,lation S9.50 ea. 17. Div,es red/,,,,,.,,,, Crystal Earrings (pieDiv, or cli,,,,,.............. B. Dre. Miniatur,,,,,,,.,aS6,50 Ladles Crystal Flag Pins. C. ea,el Pin S4.50 ea. 7. POW$8,00lea, A. 3,n Size Regulation . $20.00 ea. B. D,,,,,,...t$3,50 eo, C. Lapel Pi, 3/S10,00n4,3Assn,a. D. Enamel Hat Pin. $3,..,.,...$10,00.ea, E. Bola Tle w/mIni P,wS12,00 ea,.. S16.50 ea. Make check payable to. The Military Shop = Ell$16,50
Mail order to: 106th DN. Quartermaster ArizS16,50sea,.$29,50eea,d,.. State Sal. Tax. 9635 W. Peoria Ave. Peoria, AZ 8534, Noea, S5,00t CarS52,50rs - $25.00 Min.$8,50
Please allow 2 to (800) 544-9275 (for credit card orders),,.,,.,,.,,..,,. 4 weeks for delivery or (60,$8,5043535 S20,002-979-$1,50
pr,e'58,50 Addreea, CITy QTY State ITEM Zip Telephone PRICE TOTAL Credit Card U MC 0 AMX 0 VISA 0 DiscW,er Expires_/_/ Signature We have made available an 800 number and four credit card companies for your ordering conve-nience. Thank you for supporting your division association.
Dixon L. Poole, Q.M.
SHIPPING & HANDLING $4.00
Total The CUB o/ th$25,00eMin, New Members...BARNETT, M. DARWIN ASSOCIATE (424/E)
864 ELKINS LK
HUNTSVILLE, TX 77340
409-435-0742
My brother belonged to "E" Company, 424th Infantry Regiment. I was pleased to come across the 106th Web Page and find that I could join as an ASSOCIATE member.. I would like to hear from any that knew my brother.108 LEFFLER
WEST BURLINGTON. IA 52655
BIED, MRS DAN ASSOCIATE (422/A) 319-752-5708 Millie continues as an ASSOCIATE member, Dan Bied (deceased 25 March 1998) was a columnist for the CUB magazine from 1988 until his death, (See APR-MAY-JUN 1998 CUB,)22213 UNION HILL RD
REDMOND, WA 98053
425-868-6666
COLBY, BLAIR 423/C
735 GRANT STREET
RAYNOLDSVILLE. PA 15851
814-653-2268
CROUSE, KENNETH M. 106 MP
40476 306TH STREET
AVON, SD 57315-5826
605-286-3882
CHANDLER, HARRY C. DIV/ARTY My twin brother Carroll and I both joincd the 106th in March of 1943 at Fort Jackson. We were with the Division till the end, He went to the MP's and I went to the 42th. I later went to the MP's. I was contacted by Col Kenneth B. Faccy , 106 MP who told me about this organization. I was very happy to learn about it,..,80 MELROSE DR NEW ROCHELLE. NY 10804
FELDMAN, MILTON 423/HQ 1BNDear John, Using the Internet about eight months ago, much to my surprise I was able to find a very good friend Charles Wesley Caldwell, 423/HQ 1BN. We lost contact about 50 years ago. Blue (Charles Wesley) and I had been in HQ BN together. Wc were taken prisoner and after being separated for about six weeks we found each other. To makc a long story short - we survived Stalag 4-B, went to Camp Lucky Strike then on "Home."
I am happy to say Blue and I had an unbelievable reunion. It was there that I found out about the 106th Infantry Division Association. Enclosed is my LIFE MEMBERSHIP. I would be please to receive any information you can send.
GARD, PAUL D. 424/A
RR 1. BOX 234
MT CARMEL, IL 62863
618-263-4143
GRAHAM, DAVID L. ASSOCIATE
7121 DAVIS RD HILLIARD, OH 43026
(Editor's Note: Milton, was nice to see you joined, 1 thought I had your e-mail address, could you send it to me? My e-mail address is: jpk@mm.com. I sent you a packet of information (propaganda) and a list of your buddies that currently belong to the Association, Nice to see you back,, J, Kline, editor) David is a World War 11 historian. With a special interest in the 106th. Nice to see you back David 409 PLEASANTVIEW AVE
LOUISVILLE. KY 40206-2615
502-894-0702
GRISBY, R. KIRK ASSOCIATE (589/A) My father Alvin Bur Grigsby was in "A" Battery, 589"' Field Artillery Battalion. Over the past 10 years I have bcn (on and off) and Associatc member of the16
New Members ... 106th Infantry Division Association I am sorry I let my dues drop. Here is my fee for a LIFE ASSOCIATE membership. The additional $25.00 is for the MEMORIAL FUND. I would like to say that John Kline nms a fine organiz.ation. He has had me on his e-mail "news letter" list for the past several months.
GRUCE, JAMES R. ASSOCIATE (423/D)
2 BEAR HILLS RD NE%VTON. CT 06470
(Editor's Note: Kirk, send me an e-mail at jpk@lemm.com so I can re-establish your e-mail ad-dress. I may have it on my "Bulge-list but can't seem to tie it in with your name. Unfortunately the master mailing list on the ISP SERVER has only the e-mail address. no reference to the actual name of the person.. J Kline. editor) James is the son of James Gruce, D Company, 422' Infantry regiment. HUNDT, EILEEN L. ASSOCIATE (422/H) 633 I2TH AVE N ONALASKA. WI 54650608-783-6144 Widow of Albert Hundt, 423/H.
LANKFORD, WILLIAM N. 422/HQ
300 PINEHILL DRIVE
ABERDEEN, MS 39730-2265
601-369-4656
LAUX, JOSEPH J. 423/L
22502 LAS VEGAS DR
SUN CfTY WEST. AZ 85375602-584-4878 I was wounded on 19 December, 1944.
I was picked up by the Germans and sent to several hospitals. About 4-5 January 1945
1 arrived at Stalag II-A, Neubrandenburg, and was sent to the medical barracks where I was bed-ridden until April. The Russians took over on 29 April and did not release us until the end of May. I was flown back to the USA to Percy Jones Army Hospital in Battle Creek, Michigan. I remained there until February 6, 1946 and was then given a medical discharge.
My wife Jeanne and I have been married 55 years and have threc wonderful children, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. We lived in Michigan until 1966 and then moved to Phoenix, Arizona where we nor reside. I am looking forward to receiving the CUB magazine.
MARINO, JOSEPH 423/G 1675 YORK AVEc NEW YORK, NY 10128-6752
6779 N, WOODSON
FRESNO, CA 93711
209439-3543
MCMULLEN, CHAFtLES D. 422/AT I joined the 106th when it vvas activated in the Spring of 1943. My name was the first name called from a multitude of GI's around the outdoor theater at the edge of Fort Jackson, S.C.After 8 months training in thc l&R Platoon, 422/HQ and fighting the "Battle of Columbia" on weekends, 1 was transferred to the Army Air Force for pilot training. In April of 1944 this program was closed, due to an excess of pilots. All cadets from Stuttgart, Arkansas AFB were transferred to Camp Atterbury, Indiana where the 106th Infantry Division was in training. Here I rejoined my old outfit, the I&R Platoon of the 422nd Regiment. The rest you know, we went to Strattford on the Avon, England via the Aquitania then on to the bleeding grounds on the Schnee Eifel.
17
Trying to describe the ensuing battle with words is futile. On 19 December after trying to break out of this mess, we had the 422/HQ Company nd Motor Pool hidden in the woods somewhere on a snow hill. The 422nd Infantry Battalions were somewhere to our east, led by Col New Members...
Descheneaux fighting on foot attempting to reach St. Vith and safety. C.O. Captain Foster and Sgt Pilkington, l&R Platoon "Leader," wanted to know if Col. Descheneaux wanted to join the motorized HQ C.O. And attempt a fast breakout. I, (my knicknamc was "Lightning") was sent on a patrol to find the Colonel, relay this messagc and show him where his Hqs was, if necessary. During the patrol I was fired on several times from small patches of heavy woods. I finally reached the tail-end of thc exhautsed 422nd Infantrymen. They lcd me to the Colonel, but before I could proceed mortar shells started exploding among us.Several German tanks came out of the woods to our front and started firing their 88's. I crawled over the pinned troops and scrambled over a hill until I was out of sight. Several other GI's were near me. The exhausted forces had to surrender or die. After they surrendered the firing stopped. I lay still hoping thcy would leave. A German officer came up the hill carrying a machine gun and demanded in English that we surrender. After refusing several times he stated that he would fire on the American prisoners if we did not surrender. With this threat I stood and raised my hands.
I found Coln! Deschenaeaux, the next day, on the railroad dock at Gerolstein, Germany. We were put in 40 & 8's on 21 December and let out at Bad Orb on Christmas Day. We were bombed and strafed by RAF bombers enroute.. When Bad Orb was liberated I was sent to Camp Lucky Strike, LeHavre, France, then home aboard the SS Argentina, then to Camp Kilmer and home
8908 SUNBURST CT
INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46227
317-887-0505
MURPHY, OREN L. 422/SV Please send another form so I can order medals. Also send information on the Indianapolis Reunion. Thank you.PETERS, LEWIS M. 422/HQ
126 GALEWOOD CR SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94131-1132
PETERS, ROBERT H. 423/M
8383 RIDGEMOOR DR
RIVERDALE, GA 30296-1287
770-471-8163
(Editor's note: Oren, the informatiuon should have been in the packet I sent you, The registration blanks for the Reunion are in The CUB that I sent, Please send me your WINTER address so I can see that you receive the CUB magazine, next win-ter,,,, J Kline, editor) I joined the 10e at Camp Atterbury in spring/summer 1944. I was just outside St Vith when we were captured on December 1 e. We walked and then trained to Stalag 4-N at Muhlberg on the Elbe. When I was released we wcnt to Camp Lucky Strike and home from there. I have trouble remembering my outfit. I do remember the Captain's name was "Hardy."REEBER, CHARLES 423/D
9907 MELROSE
LIVONIA, MI 48150
734-261-6281
(Editor's Note: Robert, we have listed you as "M" Company, 423rd Infantry, Captain Hardy was the Commander, He was killed at 0930 on 19 Decem-ber in the first barrage that hit the 423' Regiment as it was approaching Schoenberg, What camp were you in? Do you remember? J Kline, editor) I joined 423/D at Camp Atterbury. was captured 19 December 1944 was in Stalag 4-B, Muhlbcrg and Stalag 8-A at Gorlitz and was released at Stalag 10-B. Aftcr returning I went to work for Ford Motor18
New Members ... retiring in 1980 and now enjoy life working with leaded glass for friends and customers. My wife Mary and I also work with the Habitat for Humanity. We have four children with nine grandchildren. Would like to locate an old buddy Joy Williams who survived thc war, last know to be in California,
ROSS, PROFESSOR FRANK E. 424/CN
33136 HAMPSHIRE RD LIVONIA. MI 48154-2935
SHARPE, DEWITT 424/F
459 G. SHARPE RD
UVALDA, GA 30473
912-594-6272
(Editor's Note: Charles. I was in Stalag 4-B and then went on to Stalag 8-A at Gorlitz, We left there on Valentine's Day 14 February and our part of the column walked until liberation on Friday 13 May 1945. On 21 March 1945 we arrived at Duderstadt - an old brick factory. It was a real "Hell Hole,' There the Germans sent some of us north to Braunschweig (Brunswick), the other part of the Group went with you to Fallingbostel, Stalag 11-B. I continued to Braunschweig then on east to Helmstedt where I was liberated, I was unable to walk at the time of liberation. A couple more weeks and I would have been gone. Welcome back to the 106'.,, J, Kline. editor) Joined the 106' at Atterbury after receiving my Basic Training with the 65' At Camp Shelby, Mississippi, Was a Is' gunner on a 60mm mortar from day one. Served with F Company until my feet froze at which time I was evacuated back to 120th Station Hospital in Swinden England. Was discharged May 8 1945 and told to rejoin my outfit I was in the hospital from 26 December until 8 May721 N CHOLLA ST
MESA, AZ 852014526
602-833-1749
STAMM, JAMES H. 424/F James' e-mail address is: JStamml@Juno.com SUGIMOTO, ROY 627TH FAB 8401 DALLAS CIRCLE HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA 92646Dear John, (reminds me of a letter I received while at POE in Maryland.) Thanks for sending me all the interesting material. I thought The CUB was first rate.
I am not usually a "joiner" but my fricnd is and I sent him copies of most of the material and I'm surc he'll send the info to his contacts. We were all Japanese-Americans waiting for a ship to Italy, but being at Fort Meade for so long, the Army sent us to the 106' (lucky you J.K). We were probably Company strength. Which reminds mc, I think we teamed up in Bingen, Germany and eventually housed in Netternich across the confluence of the Rhinc and the Moselle. They were Infantry, they were also 35 years and above in age, having been at Kiska in Alaska. Do you recall such an outfit? From there we went to Heilbrom and established the POW cages. The GI's that came to mind have probably passed on, and though I've forgotten thc outfit, 422', 423' and 424th do sound familiar, i.e. we might have been attached to one of the above before transferring to the 627'1'.
In any event, even though I am not a joiner, I'm submitting my $75.00 for old times sake. Warmest regards, Ray. Keep in touch. (Editor's Note: Interesting letter, Ray, I'm sure you will hear from some of the troops, For our mem-bers information: the 627th was attached to the 106. Infantry Division March 16, 1945 to June 23, 1945, Reference page 237 St Vith: Lion in the Way The 106th Infantry Division in World War II Dupuy, The Battery Press. J, Kline, editor)
17043 CARLESIMO AVE
SPRING HILL. FL 34610
813-856-6804
19
WILSON, WILLIAM E. 424/L Featuring the 424th Combat infantry Regiment...
FROM: The Hawaiian Military Insignia Collectors and Study Group, Honolulu, Hawaii.
The material on these two pages was sent to your editor by 1SGT Charles W. Aresta, FtA, Retired. I thought it would make a good lead-in*for the infor-mation on the 424th Infantry Regiment that follows J. Kline, editor He states, "The design of the Crest for the 422nd, 423rd and 424th Infantry were submitted late in the war- Aug 1945. These were never officially approved The war ended and the project was shelved
"I have manufactured several division insignia. They came from the files of Jim Sawicki, the author of all the books on Lineage and Honors (one Infantry, 2 Field Artillery, 2 AAA, 1 Cav and I Tank.) At present he is working on the book for the Engineer Corps. What I have are the Infantry Regiments, the 589th and 591st FAB, 81st Engineers and 331 Medical Battalion designs. I have just recently completed the design for the 424th Infantry. I have given you permission (by phone) to use this in The CUB magazine. "I need additional information." sig Charles Aresta Editor's Note: I am in touch with this group and will fumish material to them. Below is a description from Charles on the 424th Infantry Regiment.J. Kline.
THE 424TH INFANTRY Constituted 5 May 1942 in the Anny of the United States as the 424th Infantry Regiment and assigned to the 106th Infantry Division. Activated 15 March 1943 at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. Moved to the 2nd Army #5 Tennessee Maneuver area on 24 January 194h and Camp Atterbury, Indiana on 28 March 1944. Staged at Camp Myles Standish, Massachusefts on 12 October 1944, sent to Jersey City, New Jersey on 19 October 1944 and departed the New York Port of Embarkation on 21 October 1944. Arrived in England on 28 October 1944.
20
Committed to combat in the European Theater of Operations and landed in France on 5 December 1944. Crossed into Belgium on 10 December 1944 and stationed at Winterspelt. On 16 December 1944 the German Army unleashed its Ardennes Counteroffensive (The Battle of the Bulge). By 19 December the 424th was the last effective regiment of the 106th Infantry Division, the 422d and 423rd Regiments having surrendered to the German Army in the Schonberg sector of Belgium. The 424th was pushed back across the Our River, losing most of its Featuring the 424th Combat Infantry Regiment... equipment. and joined other divisional remnants to hold St, Vith on 20-21 December 1944. From 24-30 December the Regiment was attached to the 7th Armored Division and participatcd in heavy combat around Manhay. It was then withdrawn to Anthisnes, Belgium. The unit took over the defense of the Wanne-Wanneranval region on 9 January 1945. After helping to clear Ennal, it assembled at Stavelot on 18 January 1945 and was again attachcd to the 7th Armored Division (23-28 January 1945). It fought at Meycrode and around St Vith, The unit was then attached to the 99th Infantry Division (5-9 February 1945). It advanced along the high ground between the Berk and Simmer Rivers until it reached the Olds on 7 March 1945. Withdrawn from the line, given a security mission along the Rhine River until 16 March 1945 when it reentered France. Entered Germany on 25 April 1945. The unit was at Ingelheim, Germany at the end of World War-II (15 August 1945 location). Returned to the Unitcd States via the New York Port of Embarkation on 5 October 1945 and inactivated on 6 October 1945 at Camp Shanks, New York.
CAMPAIGNS WORLD WAR-II: Ardennes-Alsace Rhineland Central Europc DECORATIONS: BELGIAN FOURRAGERE 1940 (424th Infantry cited per DA GO 45, 1950) Cited in the ORDER OF THE DAY of the Belgian Army for action in the ARDENNES (424th Infantry citcd per DA GO 43. 1950) Cited in the ORDER OF THE DAY of the Belgian Army for action at ST VITH (424th Infantry citcd per DA GO 43, 1950), COAT OF ARMS: SHIELD: On a blue shield divided per bend sinister by a red lightning flash (from sinister chief and terminating on the first dragon tooth in dexter base) which also bisects a black canton in sinister chief containing a whitc German eagle and a whitc pine tree, in dexter base eight tank barriers (dragon teeth) spaced 2 x 4, white and black and overall a golden rampant lion tongued red. CREST: none authorized. MOTTO: QUANTUM NULLA MATERIA "NO MATTER THE ODDS" SYMBOLISM: (from your editor) From a 106th news letter - ETTLINGEN, GERMANY 1945: The Regimental Crcst which is displayed in the local Red Cross Club gamc room was designed by Cpl Harold Boye, it has been submitted to the War Department for official confirmation.
The huge, bronze-colored Lion, symbolizes the feats of thc "Fighting Lion" Division and the 424th Regiment in particular. The Lion is flanked by a Wermacht Eagle for contact with the enemy in Germany, and a pine tree to show the winter campaign. Beneath the sprawling lion are two rows of dragon teeth while creasing the center of the crest is a huge red flash of lightning to depict the speed of the Ardennes thnist in the 106th Sector.
The design is mounted on a blue background, emblematic of the foot infantry, and bears the inscription "Quantum Nulla Materia" which means "No Matter the Odds." Editor's Note: Pending; We are trying to obtain a supply of these insignia for our 106th Infantry Divi-sion Association Quartermaster Supply, If so we will announce in December CUB.
The CUB of the Golden Lion 2 1 424th Infantry - "After Battle" and "Personal" Reports
424th Regiment's positions as of 16 December 1944
22
Position map and Symbol Chart furnished by Associate member Col. Nicholas Andreachhio U.S. Armor (Ret), Tac,ma, Washington From a U.S,es of maps and illustrations for his unpublished book, to be used in teaching Tank Commanders, through lessons learned in the Battle of the Bulge. / ap by Ce4 Andre& h h io AssociaterMember. 424th Infantry - "After Battle" and "Personal" Reports MAP SYMBOLS The size of a unit is shown by the markings at the top of the box.
Regiment = I I Battalion = I I Company, Troop, Battery = I Platoon = ^ 422 Infantry Regiment, [or 422d] k 422 2d Battalion, 422th Inf. Regt. [or 2/422d] 2 422 Company A, 422 Inf. Regt. [or A/422d] A >i<1 422
X
2d Platoon, Co A, 422 Inf. Regt. [or 2/A/422] 2/A 422 Combat Command B, 7th, Armored Div. [or CCB 7AD] BICDI7 32d [Armor\Mech] Cavalry Squadron, [or 32d Cav] [1 32 Troop E, 18th Cav. Sqdn. [or E/18th Cav] E15,118 38th Armored Infantry Battallion, [or 38th AIB] 38 592d Field Artillery Battalion, [or 592 FA] I ^ I 592 16th Armored Field Arty Bn, [or 16 AFA] 1116 81st Engineer Battalion, [or 81st Eng.] Ir41181SEE MAP ON PAGE 22
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31st Tank Battalion, [or 3Ist Tank] 18131 Position map and Symbol Chart furnished by Associate member Col. Nicholas Andreachhio U.S. Armor (Ret), Tacoma, Washington From a series of maps and illustrations for his unpublished book, to be used in training Tank Commanders, through lessons leamed in the Baffle of the Bulge 424th infantry - "After Battle" and "Personal" Reports A report by Robert C. Ringer, 591st FAB Ammunition Officer. As Ammunition Officer for the 591st Field Artillery Battalion, 105 mm Howitzer, the Direct Support Battalion of the- 424 Infantry Regiment, I was an observer of what went on over a wide arca. Most author's if they say anything, state that the 424th made a disorganized withdrawal to the west. On the contrary, both withdrawals were expertly conductcd by Col A. Reid and his people. The proof is that the units in eluding the artillery lived to fight another day. The Infantry and Artillery Supply units cooperated in every way. On 12 Dec 1944, all officers and men of Service Battery at the request of the 424 took off our goulashes and sent them to line companies lacking foot protection.
On 17 Dec we sent all our machine gun ground mounts except the gun guarding the bridge at Berg Rculand. We also brought small arms ammunition forward.
The Infantry and Capt James Wells .hugtneers returned the favor by clearing a trail to gct our guns out of Heckhalenfeld. We fired 50,000 artillery rounds from 10 December until 15 March 1945. For a single day the most fired was on Dec 16 2,598 rounds and on 25 Dec (Manhay) 2,370 rounds. This was done with the worn out howitzers from the 2nd Division. Traversing gears were worn and frequently rounds had to be rammed in and the cases out because the tubes were in poor condition. One of the great mysteries came when Corps Artillery pulled all three of their medium and heavy artillery battalions out at noon on 17 Dec and leave only our battalion and a few tanks to do the support job.
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In addition to the Infantry, I would like to praise LTC Philip Hoover and Capt M.M. Dolitsky of our Battery for their leadership and bravery. Also from my Ammunition Train S/SGT John Schlesser, Sgts Charles Datte and James Brackett and Cp1 John Howard who were towers of strength in the battle. Datte and Howard were with me at the 51st Annual Reunion in Nashville. OW- Signed Robert C. Ringer 59 I /SV 424th Infantry - "After Baffle" and "Personal" Reports HEADQUARTERS 424th Infantry APO 443 U.S. Army AFTER BATTLE REPORT ending 31 December 1944
To: Commanding General, 106 Inf. Division, APO 443, U.S. Army Editor's Note: In the following pages the "text" in the "After Battle Reports" will be the same as the text in this paragraph Text as submitted by the veterans of the 424th telling of their personal experiences will be the same as in this paragraph. At the close of November, a warning order was given for movement to the continent, and the regiments left the billeted areas December 2nd for Southampton. Vehicles embarked on LSTs and the remainder of the regiment boarded the New Zealand steamship the SS Monowai for the channel crossing.The crossing was made uneventfully, but bad weather set in before the men could debark and the regiment sat in the channel off Le Havre for four days waiting for clear weather. Finally on 6 December, the sea calmed enough to permit debarkation, and the regiment landed at Le Havre. From that poit, trucks took the regiment to the vicinity of Yerville, in the Normandy Peninsula. After two nights and a day in the mud, rain and cold, the regiment again en-trucked 8 December, 1944 and began a cross-country dash to Belgium.
The move to the front line area took two days and a night of constant travel. The route cut across northem France and straight across Belgium to the eastem border.
The Division had received orders to • lace the 211,1 Division in the front lines, in the St. Vith area facing the Siegfried line so the 424th went into bivouac a few miles west of St. Vith while awaiting final replacement plans to be drawn up by the 424th and the 23rd, which it was relieving. The regiment closed-in 10 December and stayed there until 12 December in a blanIceting snow storm interspersed with sleet and rain. 12 December 44 The 424th Infantry moved into the front lines for the first time in its history when it relieved the 23rd Infantry of the 2nd Division on 7,000 yards frontage in the St. Vith sector of the Belgium-German border.With positions on the western edge of the Siegfried line the 3d Battalion took over prepared emplacements on the left, or north flank and the 2d Battalion moved into the right half of the front lines, adjacent to the 28th Infantry Division. The 1st battalion was kept in reserve at Steinebruck. In the 3d Battalions, K Company, was on the left and L Company on the right, with I Company in reserve. The 2d Battalion placed F Company on the left, G on the right, and E in reserve. Cannon Company cemented a gap between the 2d Battalion and the 106 Recon troop. The 423rd was on the left.
In the overall tactical picture the commanding General had put the 422nd Infantry to the left on the Division front, the 423rd in the troublesome center sector, and the 424th on the south or right flank. The Regimental C.P. was at Heckhalenfeld and the Division C.P. at St. Vith. The regiment made the replacement move without incident, turning its personnel-carrying trucics over to the 23rd. The operation was completed by 1530. No artillery, air, or ground interference was encountered.
25
First physical contact with the enemy was established at 1830 the same day when the 3d Battalion reported an enemy patrol in front of its lines and requested artillery 424th Infantry - "After Battle" and "Personal" Reports
26
fire on the patrol. At the same time A Company received the regiment's actual baptism of fire when 10 rounds of mortar landed in this forward area, wounding two men, the first casualties from intimate action in the regiment. The two men were private Harold E. Shagrin and Pvt Fosse. Both received Purple Hearts, the first in the regiment. More mortar fire landed in the G Company area at 2050.
At approximately the same time, the first of a series of fires started in the regimental area. Company C, 81st Engineers, reported one of its small personnel hutments burning. It was brought under control with only the loss of personal equipment and radio. Service Company, however, had more trouble in its area. Stationed at ALCHERATH, a fire broke out in a three story structure in which were quartered meinbers of the 2d Battalion motor pool. One man, Pvt Theron McCollum, H Company, was burned to death in the fire. At the height of the fire, Capt. Uhel Barrickman, MTO, reported a shot was fired at him in the dark. Movements werc seen in the brush near the burning house and the two instances of light signals from an adjoining civilian house were noticed. The CIC was called on the case.
The rest of the night was quiet, was a minimum of patrol activity by both sides. The next day saw another fire destroy Regimental Headquarters. All records and personal effects, however, were removed. All fires were found have been started from carelessness, not sabotage.
John Connors, 424/HQ 2BN Dec 12 I was the Motor Transportation Officer in the 2nd Battalion of the 424th.After arriving in St. Vith in early December '44, with all of the Battalion vehicles .Our CO ordered me to go back to Quartermaster to get trucks to move all of our personnel to the front. When I returned in a day or so we loaded all the men in the trucks and transported them to the front line positions being held by ele-ments of the 2nd Division in the Gross-kampenberg area.This was about 3 or 4 days before the 16th, I believe.I then took my men and the Battalion vehicles back to an old deserted farm house to use as a Mo-tor Pool and billet. After deploying the vehi-cles and setting up a 24 hour guard roster all of us , except the guard on duty, crawled in to our sleeping bags to get some rest. Around 2 am I awakened to hear men screaming loudly and my first thought was that we were being attacked. I went in to the area where most of the yelling was coming from and it was enguffed in flames. My Sgt.(John Kopko, now deceased) and I routed the men who we could find who were still in their sleeping bags and got them out. We managed to find our way back to the Service Company area and when we checked we had everyone ac-counted for except one man. As soon as daylight came we went back to the sight which was a pile of smoldering ashes. Upon reaching the area and then going through the ashes we found his remains in a still zipped up sleeping bag. This was quite a shock to a// of us and we later found out that the fire was started when one of the guards attempted to heat some coffee with a bumer and it started a fire in the dry hay that covered the floor. The next day I was notified that the Regimental CO, Col. Reid, ordered me to report to him to explain what happened. My Jeep driver and I started for the Regimental Command Post and as we pulled into a path leading up to the building, another old farm house, I had my head down' expecting the worst, when the driVer said look! When I looked up the whole CP building was engulfed in flames. I teamed from the Adjutant that the fire was started by careless use of matches and a candle by one of the CP personnel.The Adjutant then informed me that the Col. no longer wanted to talk to me about my fire. A day or so later the Bulge started and with things in total confusion we had no idea
424th Infantry - "After Battle" and "Personal" Reports where our Battalion was,Finally I found out from someone coming back that they had been pulled back to Burg Reuland and with the help of maps, road signs and prayers we found our way back to them and so be-gan our saga of the rest of the Bulge. # # # - Connors
John P. Dimeglio, 424/1 Dec 12 At LeHavre, France vve were issued some new equipment and some ammuni-tion, We lined up to be issued galoshes. There were only two sizes left size 8 and size 10 (1 wear a size 11 shoe). We had to sign and accept the small size that we couldn't get on. We discarded the small boots into a large pile. The lack of rubber boots was to cost us much pain in the Bulge. We were trucked up to the front on Dec,12th to relieve the 2nd Division. They led us to dugouts that held about eight men. # # # - Dimeglio 13 December 44 - The Blue, or 3d Battalion continued to catch the brunt of the enemy action. During the night, enemy vehicles of an undetermined number and type were reported moving across the front of the 3d Battalion to the 2d Battalion area. They apparently were reconnaissance vehicles, however they did no firing and moved away without incident. Bulk of the fire hitting in the K Company locality continued to be 80mm mortar fire, with one round shattering a machine gun and wounding one-man.
General Perrin made his first visit to the 424th front lines when he, along with Colonel Reid, toured the 3' Battalion positions, interviewing Capt. Richard Comer, K Company Commander. The General also visited the Regimental CP. 14 - 15 December 1944- Little activity was reported in any Battalion sector in the period 14 and 15 December. Only slight patrol movement was reported on any front in the two day lull before the storm. The 3' Battalion reported small enemy patrols in
front of its sector and the night of the 14th heard a concentration of vehicles to its front. All enemy movements seemed to be centered in that area. A 3' Battalion patrol, the night of the 15th failed to make contact with the enemy. Hubert Hochstetter (dscd) 424/1 Dec 15 Regimental Headquarters was at Win-terspelt, Battalion Headquarters at Heck-halenfeld, with K and L companies on line in the area of Heckhuscheid, 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 1200 yards to the left of the battalion positions between 3rd Battalion end Cannon Company which was online as a rifle company to the west of Ei-gelscheid, An outpost manned by I Com-pany was established between 3rd Battalion and Cannon Company. The re-mainder of I Company was in reserve. 3rd Battalion took over its area from the 2nd Division on December 14, 1944. On the 14th and 15th of December 1944 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 dragons teeth and the West Wall, I also lead a patrol through Eigelscheid and east about 1500 yards. We saw very little evidence of Ger-man activity and no abnormal activity at the West Wall. We made no firing contacts on these patrols. # # # - Hochstetter
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Robert Shaw (dscd) 424/H Dec 14 I haven't seen much mention of what the second battalion of the 424th was doing, I believe we were one of few units, if not the only one to hold their position until about midnight on the seventeenth. I will tell you what happened and you use your own judgment as to what if any you wish to use. Our survival started on Dec 14. In mid morning I was notified I would have to tum in one half of my 81mm mortar ammuni-tion. My CO claimed I had no use for so mirch and it was needed in the Aachen 424th Infantry - "After Battle" and "Personal" Reports
area. I objected immediately and was told to do it with no more arguing. About three o'clock that afternoon, the S4 came up with a truck. the CO counted my supply and had my men load one half of it, gave me a lec-ture on obeying orders, and all left As they were leaving, I remarked to Mark Wagner, my driver, that if someone could find some ammunition to replace what had been taken, we would be much safer, and I would sleep better.
About seven o'clock that night, Mark came into my C P and said he had found what I needed, I went out and he and Chuck Gam, whom I know you have met, had a trailer loaded with the stuff. We stacked it covered it with branches and snow, and felt real good about the deaL tttlIt Shaw by the Germans across the valley. I was given one hour to move both sections or be relieved. The third section under Lt Duane McKay, left immediately, The second sec-tion I sent up into the woods to get out of sight, with orders to return as soon as it got dark. Their position was in back of the line about one hundred yards. They would catch every shell overshooting the main line. ####.- Shaw 16 December 1944 This date saw the biggest German attack since D-Day directed at the U.S. Anny, with the bulk of the attack coming at St. Vith, around which the 106th Division was deployed in defensive positions. First indication that
EXPLOSION IN THE 0 Robert M. Shaw (dscd) Dec 15 On the fifteenth, about four o'clock the Bn Com-mander called and asked if I had placed all my sections vvhere they were supposed to be. Of course I hadn't for two of the posi-tions were strictly suicide spots and the guns and crew wouldn't last no time at all if there was a fire fight, The third section was set so close to the top of the hill, every time they fired the mig,le blast wonld he see the attack was coming was a report from K
Company at 0140 that heavy mortar fire was falling in its area. The real pre-attack artillery barrage started promptly at 0540
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with intensive fire all along thc regiments front. At 0550 K Company.w the first enemy activity, with the infantry moving toward the regiment under cover of the artillery, By 0615, an estimated company y_hasipenetrated the K an area_ 424th Infantry - "After Battle" and "Personal" Reports By this time, German artillery had broken all wire communications with the battalions and with division, Only contact was by liaison officer and radio. At daylight, one squad of K Company had been forced back out of its original position and a force of enemy had penetrated to the L Company C.P. At 0810 another general bombardment was sent all along the front. A German force forged in between the 2" Battalion on the right and the 112' Infantry and the 2" Battalion C.O. sent a platoon of G Company to fill the gap Cannon Company in the meantime had been overrun and Captain Freesland, the C.O. appealed for assistance from the reserve battalion, which was under Division control. C Company was dispatched to the Winterspelt-Habescheid Road to back up Cannon Company. Other 1" battalion companies couldn't get up to the lines because German pressure and so set up to defend at Winterspelt. The lineup of the 1st Battalion then was, from right to left, C, B, A and Company C of the 81' Engineers, part of the Regimental Combat Team. At 0900, I Company was committed in thc L Company sector. L Company by this time had been scattered by the attack. By 0100, the L Company Commander. Captain Ben Bartell, had restored his company to its original lines. As the moming progressed F Company beat off an attack of 6 tanks cutting across its front; an estimated company of enemy wedged its way into L Company's position again and K Company had reestablished its lines.
At Noon, all original positions were intact. L Company had reformed two platoons and was prepared to counterattack. I Company reverted to battalion reserve. The overall picture showed two-thirds of the regiment in action. The remainder of this first day saw the battalion holding their own against sporadic enemy attacks and against tank
threats. Front line companies continued to receive intensive artillery fire. During the first day, many acts of individual heroism were recorded. Captain Lee Berwick, 3' Battalion S-3, was sent with a squad of men to clear thc enemy from buildings in the C.P. area. Braving enemy fire, he exposed himself and called for the group in one building to surrender. Their answer was a burst of fire. Hc deployed his men then called on the enemy again to surrender. They raised the white flag and out of the building came two officers, 105 enlisted men and two American officers and 15 American enlisted men who had been held as prisoners.
In the I' Battalion area at Winterspelt, Lt. Cl. Lamar A. Welch and his battalion staff were in their C.P. when they heard German voices outside the window. All dived for thcir weapons and raced outside. Just as they cleared the building a stick of grenades completely destroyed the C.P. Anti-tank Company had a big day, too. Staff Sergeant Rocco P. DeFelicc was knocked unconscious by a shell burst. Rousing himself, he went back to his gun and promptly was wounded by another enemy shell. Hc dragged himself back to the gun and directed fire that destroyed two German tanks. TSgt Glenn D. Risk took over another gun by himself, doing his own loading, aiming and firing. He got a tank too. Pvt Gilbert Thomas manned a bazooka and he also stopped a tank.Service Company at Elcherath saw its first action Sunday, when the enemy struck from around Winterspelt and surrounded the Company position. The company evacuated its arca by the only possible route out, a back trail, on Sunday afternoon. Capt. Uhcl Barrackman, MTO, was credited with saving two vehicles and personnel as the members of the company set up an effective rearguard action.
The CUB o f the Golden Lion 29 424th infantry - "After Battle" and "Personal" Reports
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German Infantry advancing in woods from German archives photo furnished by Hans Wijers, Netherlands John P. Dimeglio 424/1 Dec 16 The Germans began their attack that night. We were ordered out of the dugouts to form a skirmish line behind the dugouts. There was firing all night at what we con-ceived to be the enemy, The next morning we could clearly see the untouched snow, there were no Germans out there. itgll-Dimeglio Hubert Hochstetter 424/1 Dec 16 On December 16th our Heckhuscheid positions were subjected to heavy artillery, mortar and rocket fire. This was my first ex-perience with Screaming Meemies, My platoon was in the chow line when the call came to assemble immediately and pro-ceed to high ground behind Heckhuscheid, 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 posi- tions to protect and then attack the L Com-pany area that had been overrun, Some-time later I sent one squad to the right of the buildings that were occupied by the Ger-mans and some L Company prisoners. The other squad I led in a frontal attack. This took place some time had gone by with Battalion Staff and our men attempting talk the Germans into surrendering, When my squad and I reached a position about 30 yards frorn the German positions and my enveloping squad neared the positions and we both opened fire, the Germans did sur-render and we recovered the L Company men who had been taken prisoner, I lost one man killed in this counterattack My estimate is that more than a half of bat-talion of Germans were killed in this area in the attack and our counter attack, The I Com-pany gun section had continued to hold posi-tion and covered the left flank of the of the Battalion and L Company. They were in a de-filade position and accounted for many of the 424th infantry - "After Battle" and "Personal" Reports German dead, K Company was also at-tacked but held on to their positions. My platoon was assigned to hold the 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 attacks, During the night we could hear the sound of burp guns closing to our rear at what seemed to be about 2 miles, Hochstetter Robert Lyons 424/HQ Dec 16 Lester Helmich and I were together at the 424th Regimental Headquarters Com-pany at Heckhalenfeld, Germany on De-cember 16, At that time I was Colonel Alexander Reid's orderly and Les was on a temporary assignment, After the morning attack, Colonel Reid called us to his office, pointed out our position on his map, and told us that we were going to defend our CP, He informed us that we were to be the Bazooka Team and needed to dig in be-hind the hedgerow and be ready, I had never fired the bazooka and don't believe that Les had either, but we were ready. Early in the afternoon an enemy attack, with heavy artillery support, drove our troops to-ward us until the arrival of a P-38 and a P-47-stopped the action. A beautiful sight. Orders came to us that the company would walk out of the area at 8:00 PM that evening and relocate in the town of Bracht. At the designated time of departure everyone was gone except four officers and seven enlisted men. Lt. Colonel Orville Hewett was in charge and included Captain Shanard, and two other officers. The enlisted men included me and Les, a radioman, and four others that we can't identity. We marched cross country to Bracht.
Milton J. Schober, 424/F Dec 16 Like most of the 424th Regiment, Com-pany F moved into front-line positions on December 12,1944. I was an exception, ar-riving on the 15th because of guard re-sponsibilities at our previous campsite. We
were at the very end of the many miles of front covered by the 106th Division. The next unit was Company 8,112th Regiment of the 28th Division, Associate Member Charlie Haug's unit. When the big noise started in the early morning of December 16, Company F wasn't doing too badly on their hillside perches looking toward the village of LUTZKAMPEN some 1500-2000 yards distant. (Perhaps I should qualify this as the first platoon of Company F since the other platoons of the Company did get artillery and troop contact.) We could see the action of German troops moving against Company B 112th, at the outskirts of LUTZKAMPEN and we noticed German artillery landing in the farm fields in front of us, but nothing was landing on us at the time, In the late afternoon of the 16th, our company jeep came bouncing down a logging road to bring hot chow to first platoon men. While waiting to be served, there was a loud explosion that I took to be incoming artillery but then realized that 25-35 feet away was a 3" Anti-tank gun of Company B. 820th Tank Destroyer Battalion which was firing toward LUTZKAMPEN-- a column of German tanks was the target, and what excitement there was in watching those fiery orange balls streaking to and exploding the tanks, Some say there were six tanks, others say five tanks and a truck, but whatever, they all burned furiously. Charlie Haug was in a foxhole very close to the tanks and wrote his story about them in a 1992 issue of The CUB. While all of this was going on, one of the cooks dishing out the food said, Hurry up, you guys-- we've got to get out of here." He got no sympathy from us!
Schober Robert M. Shaw (dcsd) 424/H Dec 16 At twelve minutes after three AM on the 16th, my forward observer called to say he could hear gravel crunching and the hum of engines. After verifying this with Lt MCKay, I reported this to my CO, I was told to shut up and go back to sleep and tell my
The CUB of the Golden Lion 3 I 424th Infantry - "After Battle" and "Personal" Reports
men to do the same, My observer, a man by the name of Castro, wanted to know if anyone back there knew there was a war going on. At three twenty five, I went over the head of the CO and called Bn HQ, I only talked to the CQ, He didn't want to disturb the Col. I was explaining to him what was going on when the CO cut in on the line and told him to disregard what I was teffing him and ordered me to get off of the line. At this point, Castro and Lt McKay shouted over their phones, that they had just heard a tail gate drop. I repeated this to Bn and requested permission to shoot, My CO told we when he heard the first shot, he would start filing charges against me. At three thirty, I ordered the gun crews out, and had the telephone line cut be-tween my CP and Company HQ. The tar-gets given me were several hundred yards in front of our line and nothing to guide close in support. The trucks seemed to be only one hundred and fifty yards from my
observer who was in a machine gun posi-tion. At twelve minutes to four, we fired the first round to see what would happen. No one could see where it hit because of the contour of the land. Two or three minutes later I received reports of screaming and calls for medics. All guns opened up, By four twenty, vve had used all the ammo I was supposed to have, and started on the "extra," We fired until daylight, and then only when a tanget was called. When the German attack came up the hill, they were few in number and were slaughtered by the rifles and machine guns. Every German vvas "dead." The field was littered with their bodies.
At three o'clock a messenger came up a trail between the two sections of our line car-rying a message to someone that we had been driven off the hill. He became a prisoner The report Headquarters made was not right. I called Bn HQ at three twenty five in the morning of Dec 16, and told them the German unit in the Ardennes from German archives photo furnished by Hans Wijers, Netherlands 32 The CUB of the Golden Lion 424th Infantry - "After Battle" and "Personal" Reports Krauts were unloading in front of our posi-tions, The CO Salyers, cut in on the line and told them to disregard what I was say-ing and threatened to court martial me if the mortars fired even one round, As you probably know, we started shooting at ten minutes to four and fired continually till the search lights came on and the riflemen and MG crews could see what was going on. We hit them when they were unloading, The OP where I had a phone, reported hearing them screaming and calling for medics. In the afternoon of the 16th, a rifleman over on the right side of our line near where Lt McKay was located, claimed he could smell food cooking and eventually slipped down through the woods and came back with a mess kit full of food from a German chow line which he shared with others near him, He and McKay plotted on a map where he thought the kitchen was and we fired thirty six rounds in on it, We never knew if we hit anything or not, but ten years later, a German DP who was working where I was, claimed he was in that group and was getting ready to mount an attack but the Mortars knocked them out, They had so many casualties the attack had to be canceled, I guess they didn't want to admit they had been caught off guard. t1414- Shaw under constant artillery fire and at Bracht, where heavy artillery also fell.
John P. Dimeglio 424/1 Dec 17 We moved up to attack the Germans, We stopped at a hill top, Some Germans came out in the open to surrender. They were fired on so they dashed back into the forest. We dug in on the top of the hill that was covered with snow, It was a bad posi-tion, we were too exposed in our green out-fits, #414- Demiglio
Milton J. Schober 424/H Dec 17 The following day, the 17th, German awareness of a Anti-tank gun in our area resulted in barrages of "screaming mee-mies" (Nebelwerfer) landing on our hill-side, In the afternoon I, with two others, was on duty at a lookout post when an in-coming shell not heard by us apparently landed just short of our position. We were knocked to the ground and showered with dirt but had no injury other than severe ringing in our ears. After darkness word came down for Company F to pack everything possible and to be ready to move out in twenty minutes, Riflemen were each given two bandoleers of 30 caliber ammo, which in itself is a load, This was the point at which most gas masks were abandoned. I remember Russ Mayotte, one of the smaller men in the first platoon, cramming everything possible into his knapsack to a point where he could barely lift it on his shoulders, After a few miles through the woods up and down hills, discarded ammo and other materials were quite noticeable along the trail, The big killer after crossing the Our River was climbing the Our Berg south of BURG-REULAND. We had been on the march for over four hours when we collapsed on elevated farmland after midnight, The adrnonition to dig foxholes at that time was ignored. It##- Schober
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John P. Dimeglio 424/1 Dec 18 We were ordered to attack again. This time my squad was told that we were to at- The general withdrawal of the regiment was ordcrcd on Sunday, (17th December 1944). The 3' Battalion started moving off across country at 1900, the 2" battalion at 2100 and also the 1' Battalion, and Engineers at the same time. The C.P. closed out at 2 100, moving to Burg-Reuland. The Battalion lineup after the move was: the Battalion dug in left of Bracht, the 3' battalion filled in from Bracht to Burg-Rculand, and the 2"d Battalion from Burg-Reuland right. The 112th Infantry (28th Inf Div) was on the regiment's right and the CCB of the 91" Armored was on thc left, with a 1,000 yard gap in thc lines. The C.P. was at Grufflingen 424th Infantry - "After Battle" and "Personal" Reports tack a farm house. In this attack Sgt, Ira was wounded by machine gun fire, Some German in the farm house had me picked out in his gun sight. I could hear the bullets whiz by me - my heart was pounding like a pile drivers' hammer. We moved up hitting the ground every few yards. As we contin-ued to attack, only one man and myself reached the farm house. When we were about twenty yards away, a platoon of Ger-mans came out and surrender to us, We started to move them back to the rear, As we moved back the Germans fired artillery on their own men. We all scattered and hit the ground. The Germans did not try to es-cape, they could of easily overpowered the two of us, When we reached a rear position we fumed over the prisoners to an officer, We then were loaded up with ammunition and sent back to the front.
John P. Dimeglio 424/1 Dec. 19 What was left of the squad was then sent up to reinforce Co. "K". I was told Lt. Bnino was in charge of this platoon in Co. "K". I found out that Lt. Bnmo was killed in action, We stayed in houses that were not occupied by civilians. The Germans shelled us with mortar fire all night. ####- DiMeglio Hugh Hochstetter (dscd) 424/1 Dec 17 - 18
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My Platoon was assigned to cover the ordered Battalion withdrawal after dark on the 17', Our promised guide was not at the Battalion HQ area which was deserted. So, I made the decision to take the road to Win-terspelt. I had been given no orders as to the direction of the withdrawal. I mistakenly assumed that Regiment is always safe as my reasoning for this decision, As we went down the road in the dark fit was very dark since we had very low cloud cover) We ran into enemy fire. We retumed it and decided that was not the way to go. So we took off down the only other road available, This took us by the Division Ammo dump which had been set afire, We had a great display of fireworks, German Tank disabled in The Bulge - U.S, Signal Corp photo - 424th Infantry - "After Battle" and "Personal" Reports About 0200 hours on 18 December we arrived at the Our River near Berg Reuland. A little later the main force of what was left of the Battalion arrived. We crossed the Our that moming and set up positions in the vil-lage west of the river. There we had some patrol activity until we withdrew a couple of days later, ### Hochstetter Milton J. Schober 424/H Dec 18 The morning of the 18th saw us digging a defensive line. Our activity didn't go un-noticed at the farrnhouse 500 yards further up the hill-the occupants came parading out, the lead person carrying a pole with a white cloth attached as they moved off to the west. I certainly sympathized with their action considering the appearance of a battle shaping up in their front yard, That didn't turn out to be the case. It's fuzzy in my mind as to whether we stayed one day or two days in the farm area but when we did retreat a little further to a wooded area, it was at 2 a.m, We left the latter wooded area on the moming of December 21. Down the muddy roads we hiked, stopping occasionally to put snow in our canteens or water from ruts in the mud (halogen tablets added). The men moved in columns on each side of the road, with 5 yard intervals, while jeeps and 6x6's moved down the center of the road, bearing ammo and equipment. It was evident that we were in another full scale retreat, Food must have been in short supply because I remember eating a raw tumip lying in a field, and I don't like tumips. Our suspicion that German forces were in the vicinity was shortly confirmed. The noise of vehicles moving down the road attracted the attention of their artillery observers and several shells came screaming in about 100 yards short of the road. We had been dragging along but this was the incentive we needed to double time out of that locale. About five miles from our starting point we came to the village of OUDLER where we saw several Sherman tanks on guard with their guns leveled down the several roads leading into the village center. They were ready to meet the Gemians when they appeared. We kept moving through OUDLER and perhaps went another four miles to reach THOMMEN, where we spent the night quartered in houses. There was talk of conducting a raid with tanks to retake OUDLER which had been captured by the Germans after we had moved through it earlier in the day, but the plan was dropped. 1#14- Schober On Wednesday, 20 December the Germans attacked again. Elements of the 62' Volksgrenadier and the 182" and 190th Regiments drove from the left front between Maspelt and R.J. 515. The regiment held until another withdrawal was ordered the morning of Friday the 22 December to form a perimeter defense around Commanster. This was accomplished with the aid of a heavy snowfall which blinded the enemy artillery and observation.
In this defense, the 424th Combat Team came under control of the 7th Armored Division, minus the 3' battalion, which was sent to the 9th CCB. Also in the defensive setup were the 9th Armored and thc 112' Combat Team.
By Saturday (23 December 1944), the group found itself almost encircled and was ordered to break out. The 3' battalion reverted to Combat Team control as the regiment moved to an assembly area around Houssanflage, north of the Webermont crossroads. The regiment spent Christmas Eve in the woods at the assembly area. At 0700 Christmas Day, the 3' Battalion moved to the vicinity of Fays and the 2" Battalion to the vicinity of Harre. The I" Battalion and Regitnental Headquarters went into Harre. The ? -
to Chene-A1-?ierre (?) There with the 48th and 23' Armored Infantry and a platoon of tanks, the two attacked to secure Manhay, northern pivot point of the The CUB 0/ the Golden Lion 35 424th Infantry - "After Battle" and "Personal" Reports American Machine Gun Crew in the Bulge - U,S, Signal Corps German spearhead into Belgium. The attack was generally along Highway 15, with the 2" Battalion on the right of the road. By dark the 2"d battalion was within 50 yards of the objective when it was stopped and pulled back to high ground north of Manhay. There were heavy casualties in the withdrawal, from a barrage of 88's. In the meantime, the 3rd battalion was attached to CCA of thc 71" Armored and the remainder of the regiment was attached to CCB of the 7dt Armored. On Tuesday, 26 December, L Company was brought up on line on the left of N15 and G Company was detached and put under control of CCB of the 38' Infantry. The 1" Battalion remained in reserve 1,000 yards form Grandmenil. Tuesday (26d) afternoon that part of the regiment attached to CCB was committed as a whole_ I Company remained on the lefl of N15, and the 2" Battalion on the right and the 1 Battalion extended the line to the right north of Grandmenil. That moming, thc 2' battalion attackcd to close the gap between the 82' Airbornc in Manhay and the 75'" in Grandmenil and moved to the very north edge of Manhay where all units dug in on line. The forward Regimental C.P. was with the rd Battalion at Mont-Derroeux. The battalion secured the cast-west road lying approximately 400 yards north of Manhay, key town on the liege highway.
The regiments remained on line until relieved by a regiment of the 75th Division at 0404, 30 December.
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On 27 December, Lt. Col. Leonard Umanoff, commander of thc 2" Battalion, was placed on special duty 1,vith division headquarters, and Lt. Col. Orville M. Hewitt, executive officer of the regiment, assumcd command of thc 2' Battalion, 424th Infantry - "After Battle" and "Personal" Reports
John P. Dimeglio 424/1 Dec. 20 to Dec 30 The weather turned freezing cold. Two men and myseff were picked to man a 50 caliber machine gun. We had never fired a 50 caliber machine gun, The machine gun was located up front. It was located in a makeshift position, in a hole about 18" deep. A soldier placed my hand on the trig-ger and then left saying he had to go back, It was a dark night, we heard and saw the outline of Germans in front of us but dared not fire the gun. Our relief was to come in the morning. We waited a few hours after short time. A Belgium civilian helped me to my feet. He gave me an apple, looked at my face, then fled, I was now alone, I started walking back on the side of the road. Men on an American M8 vehicle spotted me and ordered me to put my hands up. After some questions, they told me to hop on for a lift back Dec.22 I left the M8 vehicle and joined a group of men moving back on foot through the woods. That night we fell under intense artillery fire, All we could do vvas lie down on the ground and pray. We huddled in groups trying to get some protection from St. Vith after the Bulge - from a personal collection daylight, now we had no choice but to leave the heavy gun there and move back in search of our company. We then started back through the woods.
Dec, 21 We found a road and started again to move back. A tank from the 7th Armored moving back asked us to climb on top of the tank, They started moving fast because now we were under artillery fire. On the first fast turn was thrown off the tank onto_the road. I laid unconscious for a the terrain. Men were moaning and praying from fear, We could see the fires in the town of St. Vith. We talked about surren-dering, I guess our prayers held us to-gether,
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Dec. 23 I found my way back to my own unit Co, "I" 424 Infantry. The cold and wind was unbearable. Three enlisted men and myseff were ordered into a foxhole over-looking the Our River. (I am guessing this is the Our River.) Lt. Joseph had a cam- 424th infantry - "After Battle" and "Personal" Reports
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mand post in a farm building behind us, on the other side of the road. An armored half track drove over a bridge that was between our foxhole and his command post, and racked the foxholes with machine gun fire. The half track was an American vehicle manned by German soldiers. I could still see the White Star on the armored plating. That night in that foxhole one man shot himself, he blew off some of his toes. I called for the medics and they tstation,back to the First Aid station. On another day another man went crazy, I again called the medics and Station,k him back to the Aid Station. This allcold.,.weg on in the freezing cold...we had no blankets and very little food...we were slowing freezing to death. We abandoned this position to move back on foot once again
Dec. 25 My boots were starting to fall apart. My hands and feet were frozen. My body was fall,ed and cut from the tank fall. It was Christmas night, we had not eaten a hot meal in all the time we were in the Bulge. Lt. Joseph made some kind of an ar-rangement for the platBelgium,leep in the home of a Belgium. We had a hot civilians,up from the Belgium civilians. It was hot and good. We all laid down on the floor al-most in a heap, fully clothed with all our equipment on. This was the first time we slept indoors. Dec. 26 We again pulled back on foot. Now there were long lines of frozen men retreating down this road. The wind and cold was terrible. As we marched back men began to fall like frozen tree branches with too much ice on them. We stepped over the men that fell - and prayed that a truck behind the long column would pick them up. That night again we all slept on the frozen ground. My hands and feet were swollen from the cold - my body could not stop shaking. We moved to a position on a small hill and were told to dig in. We had no entrenching tools so we stacked stones in front of our position and waited for the end. We now saw a longroad,an column com-ing up the road.
It was a freezing clear cold day, sud-denly American planes came down and strafed and bombed the German columns time-after-time. After many attacks, the planes left leaving horses and men dead - trucks and armored equipment burning. At last hope was near. Dec. 28 I was assigned to help with a half track unit that was laying mines on roads. We set mines during the day, at night we slept under the half track in the freezing cold. The driver gave us some K-rations to eat. In January I returned to my own unit.
39
Milton J. Schober, 424/H Dec 22 - Dec 30 On the 22nd we continued our retreat until late afternoon when we came to a vil-lage where we werdefense,o set up a perime-ter defense. I had long wondered the name of this village, and thought it was either BRAUNLAUF or CROMBACH. It wasn't until my CRIBA friend, Joseph Dejardin, furnished me with a number of interviews with 106th DivisionLt,ople that I found one withBn,. Robert Logan, S-3 of 2nd Bn. stat-ing the perimeter defenses were set up by E Company around ALDRINGEN, F Com-pany around MALDINGEN and G Com-pany west of BRAUNL4UF. So now I knew it was MALDINGEN that we were defend-ing on the morning of December 23. At a very early hour on this date there was a bumper-to-bumper assembly of tanks, half-tracks, jeeps, you name it. Where they had all come from I had no idea, but they were alMALD-INGEN,on the road out of MALD-INGEN. Someone yelled "Get on board" and in short order most of F Company was clinging to some form of transport. I climbed on a half-track. About this time our Company Captain protested to the Ar-mored Officer that his orders were to de-fend the village, to which the response was, "You can stay if you want to, Captain, but we're getting out of here!" It seerned an eternity for the column to move as the troops sat unprotected while some German shells landed in the vicinity, 424th Infantry - "After Battle" and "Personal" Reports with wounds resulting. I remember seeing men with the 28th Division's Bloody Bucket shoulder patch placing charblock, trees to create a road block. Finally, to our im-mense relief, we began moving, and speed picked up when we reached the hard sur-faced road runSALMCHATEAU, BEHO and to-ward SALMCHATEAU. We passed a handful of Belgian civilians, some on bicy-cles, mostdi-rection,age, moving in our di-rection. It certainly wasn't a moral builder for them to see us pulling back, but I know I felt exhilarated in getting situation,t seemed a hopeless situation. I had the im-pression that we were putting miles be-tween us and the Germans but in reality we were running parallel to their thrust. I don't know vvhere we crossed the Salm River, but we came to one point where a bridge had already been blown, probably at SALMCHATEAU. When we did dismount we were in the midst of 82nd Airbome troops and we felt we were in good hands. Novv we comdestination,ch to an un-known destination. The air was frigid and once theplummeted,peared temperatures plummeted. I remember that the water in my canteen was frozen in a solid block when we reached our destination norarea, Manhay in the WERBOMONT area.
We had a peaceful day on Christmas Eve watching heast,bomber formations flying east. I've written previously about our disasMan-hay,tack Christmas Day at Man-hay. F Company suffered many casualties from German tank machine guartillery, apparently our own artillery. We main-tained a defensive posture in the Manhay-Grandmenil area until December 30, when we were trucked back to the small Belgian village of WARZEE, billeted in the warm hom7, of residents until January 7. Ru-mors had us going on line near Stavelot when we started our move. However. heavy snows were falling making driving treacherous, which probably was the rea-son for stopping in LA REID were we stayed several days as the snow stacked up. Our rest came to an end when the snow stopped and the temperature had a deep
freeze feel. We trucked to the small com-munity of AISOMONT, a short distance east of TROIS PONTS, on January 10 where we joined the rest of the 2nd Battal-ion as regimental reserve. I remembered unattended cattle roaming about in areas where strings of American antitank mines were placed; I flinched when cattle hoofs came ever so close to sending them to eternity, but I never saw it happen. How-ever there were frozen dead cattle, artillery victims lying about, and one enterprising soul chopped beef off the hindquarter of kit,and warmed it in his mess kit. It may not have been a medically sound decision, but it tasted a lot better than the "'C" rations we had. Buildings in AISOMONT were badly tom up by shells and provided us ncold,tection from the extreme cold. Several dead German soldiers were lying about, one near where we had set up sleeping space. I remember staring at the wax-like face and speculating on the background of this unfortunate souL . ###- Schober At the end of the first three weeks of combat for the regiment, the casualty figures as of 1 January, 1945, stood:
Battle casualties: Officers 17 EM 233 KIA Officers 3 EM 9 Battle and NCB Officers 28 EM 534 MIA Officers 14 EM 502 Total Losses Officers 52 Enlisted Men 1,054
The three officers officially listed killed were: Captain Oscar G. Krieger, Dental Surgeon, 20 December; 1st Lt. Leslie C. Struble, 3' Battalion S-2, 21 December; and Lt. Harry B. Stokes, executive officer, Co. F. 28 December, all by artillery firc. 424th infantry - "After Battle" and "Personal" Reports
As all this was happening to the 424th, this was the picture in the sister regiments. The 422" and 423', As the Germans attacked 16 December, thcy cut in between the 424th, on the right, and the 422" and 423' on the left. As the Nazi attack pounded on, it hooked around St. Vith to the north and eventually surrounded the other two regiments. Both regiments ran out of food and ammunition and were forced to surrender, after a bitter tight.
In the defense thrown up by the 1061", thc 424th received the strongest praise. Although on the secret list as far as the public w. concerned, newspapers spoke of the "the green Division credited with splitting the Nazi drive at St. Vith." The 31st Star & Stripes said: "At the important highway junction of St. Vith, one of the primary objectives of the German drive elements of the so-called green Division made a heroic stand for several days. German intelligence had probably figured the untried men of this outfit would break and nin in the face of a seemingly hopeless situation. As it was, they held against the best they enemy could hurl against them until ordcrcd to withdraw. Von Runstedt's timetable had miscarried already." Thc Division Corrunandcr, Brig. Gareral Herbert F. Perrin directed that all troops of the 424th be assembled and the following read to them: "The Commander of the I' First Army and the Corps compliment all officers and men of the 424th Infantry Regiment for their splendid accomplishment against the enemy in the last two weeks. Both the Army and Corps commanders want the personnel of the 424th Infantry to know they feel this regiment conducted itself fully up to the standards of the more seasoned troops in the line during that period. In addition, they have expressed the utmost confidence that the Division and thc 424th will continuc to reach these high attainments again in any duty they arc called upon to perform in the near future.
"The Division commander is especially pleased at the opportunity for thc regiment, assembled in the various battalion areas, to hear these words. He wishes it made known that he is proud of the conduct of the 424th in battle and reminds thc regiment that the 424th now is carrying the colors for thc entire division.
"Thc Regimental Commander adds his personal commendations to those on the higher headquarters. He expresses no doubt that the members of this regiment will continue to conduct themselves in future operations like to seasoned veterans they have become." After the relief from front-line action, the regimental C.P. moved to OCQUIER. The first Battalion went to OCHAIN and the 2nd and Antitank Company moved to Warne. Cannon and Service were at Clavier.
40
41
On 31 December, the lirst Battalion alerted one company and was furnished vehicles to completely motorize the unit against possible Airborne attack. For the Commanding Officer: Roy D. Underwood Capt. 424th Infantry Regimental Historian 424th infantry - "After Battle" and "Personal" Reports 16-30 December 1944 424th Infantry Regiment 106th Infantry Division Declassified 3/8/82 Interview with Col. A.D. Reid, regimen-tal commander, 424th infantry Regiment, vicinity Trois Ponts, Belgium, 10 January 1945. Interviewed by Captain K.W Hoch-ler, 2d Info & History Service (VM Corps) In attempting to secure the background of the committal of the 1st Battalion, 424th Infantry, in the vicinity of Winterspelt on the first morning of the counterattack, I ask Colonel Reid whether there was any difficulty in securing its release from division control as division reserve. Colonel Reid looked at me silently for a few minutes, and then stated: " I should lead with my chin? Tell me what you want to know about it." I said that I gathered that the fortuitous presence of General Perrin, assistant division commander, on the morning of 16 December at the CP enabled C Company of the 1st battalion to be committed without clearance by General Jones, and also hastened the commitment of the remainder of the 1st Battalion which might have been delayed if General Perrin had not been in the area. Colonel Reid looked at me again for a few moments and replied: "Let it stand at that." I should draw the conclusion from this and other remarks from iiis conversation that he felt that there ,,vas considerable delay before the 15t Bn was actually thrown in.
When the attack first hit, one platoon of G Company was placed into a gap between the south flank of the 424th and the north flank of the 112th infantry, "but after thc Cannon Company was hit and the enemy started to converge on Winterspelt, I had to recall this platoon and thus rob both Peter and Paul to pay Winterspelt."
Colonel Reid mentioned that his biggest difficulty in controlling thc regiment was their lack of sufficient lcnowledge on the larger picture and how it effected the regimental front. "In such a situation," he said, "there is always the chance ofwhether you should try to hold-- -- -- (despite the fact that there were insufficient troops to do so), or whether you should balance on the balls of your feet and withdraw strategically to fight a better battle another day. There never seemed to be adequate information available on such things as strength, the breadth and depth of the enemy penetration on the sectors outside of the regiment; the availability of reinforcements and when they might arrive; and what was developing in the plans of higher headquarters. So much was unconfirmed rumors. It was difficult to keep up vvith the situation regarding the 9th and the 7th Armored, and we heard rumors that the 10th Armored might spearhead up from the south, or even that thc 1 1 th Armored might come east from the Meuse. In order to make sound dccisions on whether to hold tenaciously or withdraw to better positions, information available to a regimental commander must be more concrete and adequate." The breadth on the enemy attack makes it impossible to reduce it to a single spearhead in the 424th's sector, but the main force of the attack caught the left flanlc of the 3rd Battalion (in the northern part of the 424th's sector), the Cannon Company at Eigelscheid and the right (south) flank of the 106th Recon Troop at Grosskampenfeld. On the first day of the attack, the 3d battalion and the 2d battalion counterattacked to regain original lines, while the l' Battalion was used from its original position as division reserve in preventing a major breakthrough at Winterspelt.
424th Infantry - "After Battle" and "Personal" Reports American Anti-Tank crew in action during Bulge. - U.S. Signal Corps Thc initial regimental mission was to hold in place, and to aid this mission CCB of the 9th Armorcd Division arrived on 17 December to clear Winterspclt and then attack southeast from that town, to relieve the prcssurc on the north flank of thc regiment. Thcn later in the day of the 17th, Division dccided to withdraw back of the OUR River before the 9th Armorcd could fairly get startcd from its clearing mission. When the -- -- regimental -- -- the Our River, from its original position at Heckhalenfeld back to Burg-Reuland at 210017 December, the primary regimental mission bccamc one of holding open the Burg Reuland Road as a possible routc for an armored counterattack. After the next withdrawal to the vicinity of Commanstcr, the regimental mission bccamc one on establishing a perimeter defense, with the 3d battalion charged with thc primary mission of protccting against possible countcrattack from the northcast.
Withdrawing through Vielsalm, the 424th fought as Armored Infantry with the 7th Armored Division. Thc evacuation was aided as many of the troops rode out on tanks half tracks.
42
Thc dccision to attach thc 2d battalion, 424th Infantry, to CCA, 7th Armored in thc vicinity of Manhay was reached bccausc Colonel Reid deemed the 2d to bc his strongest battalion at the time, and hc received orders to attach one of his battalions as Armored Infantry infantry on 25 December. The general plan of the 7th Armored was to have the CCB execute a wide swccp southeast into the Manhay area, while CCA was thcn to move in and mop up. Colonel Reid statcd that the "wide sweep" did not pan out as successfully as expected, it fell far shon of the cavalry chargc anticipated because of thc heavy antitank gun opposition along the axis of the advance. Therefore, when CCA attacked with the 2d battalion, 424th, thc slugging was very slow and thc 2d Bn, 424, was cut up very badly just north of Manhay. 424th Infantry - "After Battle" and "Personal" Reports
16 -- 30 December 1944 2d Battalion, 424th Infantry,
106th Infantry Division
Declassified March 8 1982
Interview with Lt, Robert Logan, S-3 of 2d Bn, vicinity AISOMONT, Belgium, 10 Janu-ary 1945: Interview with Lt Colonel Orville Hewitt, Bn Commander of 2d Bn after 27 December, vicinity BRONHOMME, Bel-gium 8th January 1945 interviews by Capt. K,W, Hechler ,2d Info & Hist Sv (VIII Corps,) The 2d Bn was on the southem edge. of the 424th Infantry fiont, with "G" Company on line on the left "F' Company online on the right There was a pp of about the 950 yards betwem "F' Company and "B" Company, I 12th Infantry, to the South. Th. w. no available battalion irserte because two Platoons of "E' Company were being used patrol this gip to LUT7KAMPFN, while anotha *km of "E' Company was patrolling along the wad west ofHECICHUSCHEID.
On 16 December, the 2d Bn received a heavy artillery barrage starting at 0530 and ending about one hour later, before daybreak, Apparently 3d Bn on the Bn's north flank was hit first, for firing was heard in that direction. The 2d Bn was not hit by enemy Infantry until 0730, "G" Company was engaged in a fire fight for about on hour, and "F" Company in a lighter fight for about one half an hour, but it was not serious, and no lines were penetrated in the 2d Bn area. During the morning of 16th December, the Company Commander of B Company I 12th Infantry, came into the 2d Bn C.F., reporting that his outpost had been driven back out of LUTZKAMPEN. Shortly thereafter an order came from Regiment directing that the 2d Bn assist "B" Company of the 112'h in any way possible, and a platoon of "G" Company was sent down to help fill the gap between the two Regiments, with the understanding it would operate under the control of "B"
Company 112th Infantry Regiment. When the "B" Company Commander, 112th Infantry had returned to his C.F. he telephoned that he was short of ammunition, and 5,000 rounds of 30 caliber ammunition were dispatched to him. After the enemy had infiltrated through and cut off "B" Company from the I 12th Infantry Regiment it became attached to the 2d Bn 424th Infantry Regiment and remained with them until contact was reestablish between 112th and --? --? After the -? -? -? flurry of Infantry activity in thc morning of thc 16th the front of the 2d Bn was surprisingly quiet for the remainder of the day, and scattered artillery lire was all that was encountered. Strong patrols operated in the Bn area on the night of 16 December, and at 2200 many trip wires were sprung, in front of "G" Company setting off flares. Enemy infantry advanced close enough to lob grenades into the "G" Company foxholes, and a smaller group also engaged "F" Company in a brief fire fight. Artillery fire delivered in front of the wire repulsed the patrols.
At daybreak on 17 December, a new enemy artillery barrage commenced, followed by an Infantry attack. "G" Company was hit the hardest, and suffered about 10 battle fatiguc cascs. In the afternoon the regiments withdrawal was ordered, and the Bn had a choicc of withdrawing cross-country or employing road which the Engineers had constructed out of HECKHUSCHEID. Finally, the Bn split into three groups- one group of most of thc vehicles going by road, most of the foot troops leaving cross-country, and third group of scattered remnants of foot. The troops and seven vehicles leaving last by road, close to midnight. The ncw positions of the 2d Bn werc south from BURG REULAND, whcre thcy stayed until 22 December. On the night of 19 December, the 2d Bn scnt a two-company patrol south across the outpost linc and The CUB o f the Golden Lion 43 424th Infantry - "After Battle" and "Personal" Reports southwest of BEILER, where they contacted the 112th Infantry. The 112th then moved it's Regimental C.P. and one Bn up to BEILER and "B" Company of the 112th was return to its parent unit.
On the night of 21 December, Lt. Logan when down to BEILER with orders from the 112th to defend the zone just south of OUDLER. By the time he had return to the 2d Bn C.P. these orders had been canceled, and 112th and the 424th were withdrawn to the COMMANSTER area. In general the 2d Bn and responsibility for the defense around MALDINGEN. One --? --? --? –?ose around ALDRINGEN (E Co), "F" Company was placed arowld MALD1NGEN and "G" Company west of BRAUNLAUF. A company of medium tanks was in the defense east of MALDINGEN. a screening shield of light tanks east of BRAUNLAUF, and attached tank destroyers north of MALDINGEN.
In the withdraw from this arca, the 7th Armored Division materially assisted the 2d Bn in getting out safely. Lt. Logan says that "some General" came around and told Colonel Umanoff "get your mcn and ride on anything you can" this included jeep's, trailers and kitchen trucks as well as Armored vehicles. "E" Company had a very tough time getting out; it had crawled under fire from ALDRINGEN back to BEHO, where the 7th Armored picked it up and put it on half tracks. On 25 December, the 2d Bn moved at 0700 to the vicinity of HARRE At 1400, the 2d Bn moved to CHENE-AL-PIERRE and with thc 48 and 23rd Armored Infantry and a platoon of tanks attacked towards MANHAY. The 2d Bn attacked south along the west side of highway N15. "The results were pitiful," according to Lt. Logan, what had gone as thc strongest battalion of the regiment came out cut to ribbons. 35 percent casualties is just a guess. We had to ask for aid to evacuate the wounded, and then they shot at the aid man. Jerry had holed-up in the cellars of GRANDMENIL and MANHAY and were throwing knee-high fire which raked all approaches. Armor in the towns had their guns well zeroed along the approaches, and a Bn could advance no closer than 50 to 75 yards from MANHAY. About darlc, short of the objective the Bn was ordered to pull badc to high growid north ofManhay. In withdrawing, heavy casualties were. again suffered from banages of 88's which walked up and down the lines all the way back.
On 26 December, "G" Company was detached from the Bn and placed ? --? Lt Colonel Leonard Umanoff was placed on special duty with Division Headquarters and Lt Colonel Orville M. Hewitt (regimental executive officer) assumed command of the 2d Bn.
Colonel Hewitt lead the 2d battalion [?] on the 27 December in attack to secure thc line between the towns of MANHAY and GRANDMENIL. By this time thc 82nd Airborne Division had taken MANHAY and ALDUS and elements of the 75th Infantry Division were in the outskirts of GRANDMENIL. "E" Company was on the left, "F" Company in the center, and "H" Company (heavy weapons) had been equipped with rifles and advanced as a rifle company on the west flank of the Bn. The 2d Bn moved down the northern edge of Manhay, and succeeded in securing thc east-west road lying approximately 400 yards north of MANHAY. In thc advance the 2d Bn had part of thc 106th RECON Troop on its right flank and "L" Company, 424th Infantry Regiment on its left flank. The Bn then dug in north of MANHAY and held defensive positions in the face of long-range machinc gun fire and occasional artillery until relieved on 30 December 1944. End of statement 44 The CUB o f the Golden Lion In Memoriam Ansel, Joe 423/AT 2846 Pickertown Rd, Warrington, PA 18976
Date of death: June 13, 1998. Notified by Charles Datte 591/SV and Russ Hoff 422/M Curnow, Edward L. 424/E 7100 Ulmer:on Rd Lot 277 - Largo, FL 33771-5103 Date of death 2 July 1998. Survived by two daughters and his wife, Viola. Grimes, Robert 423/HQ 426 Sherbrook Circle, North Canton, OH 44720 Date of death May 29, 1998. Notification by Dick Sparks 423/HQ l&R. Dicks says, "Bob was wire chief in the communications platoon and was a loyal members of the Association. Hc attend the annual meetings until his sickness go the best of him. He was 76 years of age and married to Birdie for 57 years. M. in his Company refer to him as a great noncom. Headquarters Company has lost a good friend and comrade. Hochstetter, Hubert 424/I 427 Brice Ave. Mundelein. IL 60060-2.500 Date of death: July 1997. From Carolyn Page, daughter Kelly, Robert 423/SV 4388 Barchester Dr. Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302 Date of death: April 18, 1998.Notice sent by his son Terry, forwarded by Pete House a friend of Kelly's. Survived by son Terry and sisters Sue, Kathy and Pat Mosley, Newton L. 59I/SV 3194 Beachwood Dr, Lithia Springs, GA 30122 Date of death: June 30, 1998. Reported by Frankie Burke.
011ila, Edward 589th/C 5777 W Donna Dr. Brown Deer. WI 53223
Date of death: April 28, 1998 notification by Hugh Fisher 589/MED. Edward was with the 106th Infantry Division since activation until time he was captured. Smith, Josh L. 422/C 1404 Darling Ave Apt I, Waycross, GA 31505-6337
Reported by William Dohoncy. Date of death: 30 July 1998. We understand he was living with a son at the above address. Rest in Peace 106th INFANTRY DIVISION ASSOCIATION THE GOLDEN LIONS + THE ARDENNES + CENTRAL EUROPE + THE RHINELAND John Kline - Editor 11 Harold Drive Burnsville, MN 55337-2786
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
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. and remember U 0 is a big part of the NATIONAL WAR FUND ANO YOUR UNITE3 COMMUNITY CAMPAIGN (A poster fron the '40's) SEE YOU AT THE 52ND ANNUAL REUNION ADAMS MARK HOTEL INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA SEPTEMBER 9 -13, 1998
The C UB A quarterly publication of the 106th Infantry Division Association, Inc.
A nonprofit Organization- USPO #5054 St Paul, MN - Agent: John P. Kline, Editor MembershO fees Include CUB subscripdon.
Pald membership Aug 1, 1998 - 1, 661 members President John P. Kline Major Hill 1st Vice-Pres John A. Swett 2nd Vice-Pres John Gregory Treasurer Sherod Collins Adjutant Pete House Historian Sherod Collins CUB Editor . John P. Kline Chaplain Rev. Duncan Trueman Memorials Chairman.. Dr. John G. Robb Atterbury Memorial Rep O. Paul Men St. Vith Mem. Rep.....Dr. Ftichard Peterson Hon. Membership Chairman Marion Ray Scholarship Chairman John Gregory Resolutions Chairman.. Alan W. Jones, Jr. Washington Liaison Officer.. Jack Sulser Order of the Golden Lion..Russell Villwock Send editorial matter and photos to: John P. Kline - CUB Editor 1 Harold Drive4t1=1.eirN 55337-2786
Business matters, deaths, address changes to: Pete House - Adjutant 5700 Clifton Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32211
9.724-8316 Memorial matters and inquiries to: Dr John G. Robb - Memorial Chairman 238 Devoregri. t=e, PA 16355
Membership dues, Memorial Fund contributions and Historical items to: Sherod Collins - Treasurer 448 Monroe Tmee2C.e.ma,w, GA 30144
The Life Membership fee is payable one time only, with no annual du. thereafter.
Life Membership $ 75.00
Life Auxiliary $ 15.00 Life Associate $ 75.00
For tho. choosing to pay Annual dues, pay by July 1 each year. (July 1 to July 1 term) Annual Membership $10.00
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Make checks payable to "106th Infantry Division Association."
Board of Directors 1997 -1998
Alphabetical by year term expires, Edwin C. Huminski, 424/F ('1998) RR 2 Box 258. Rock wood, PA 15557-9223
814-926-2161 Alan W. Jones, Jr, 423/HQ I Bn (.1998) 9100 Belvoir Woo. Pkwy M233, Ft. Belvoir, VA 22060
703-781-3629 William E. Melon, 422/1 3911 'Mackay Driv, Nashvill, TN 37207 (. 998) 615-865-1271
Th°111" neeT" EMI! . RI 02906 (1"8) John A. Swett, 423/H7Exec.'Clmittee) (.1998) 1.91 E. Nordicrest Dr, Tucson. AZ 85748
520-722-6016 Levene N3110gatc22/21 A thougue pt. 32940(: 1998) )4'071'5:671 NOIan L Ashburn, 424/H (.1999) 1212 Raintree Dr. 1911;4 =Collins, CO 80525
Lloyd J. Diehl, 423/H (.1999) R3 Box 212. 365 Chapel Hghts Rd., Sewell, NJ 08080
609-589-2030 John A. Gregory, 424/E (Exec. Committee) (.1999) .24 Ashton Dr,. Sacramento. CA 95864
91.81-3353 Art Van Mooriehem, 423/B (.1999) 206 W, Birch St,, Arlington, SD 57212
605-983-5827 Richard J. Bra, 423/K (.2000) 14 Potter St.. Quaker Hill, CT 06375
203-443-1685 Walter G. trim 424/Dvei.
A eytown, AL 35023 (.2000) Sherod Collin, 423/SV . (.2000) " T; '1 :412'; °39201 " A 3° "h° P. ^^1:1' ec1:11,17415e3e3)7-2786( 2°N) E. V. Creel, 590/A (.2001) 315 Fem CHIT Aril Tpegt.T3emice, FL 33617
Ltc Marion Ray US (Ret), 424/111 (2001) 704 Brianvood Drive, Bethalto, IL 62010-1168
61.377-3485 Col. Earl Valeastein US (Ret), 81st Eng/B (.2001) 5737 Bar Neck4Fg.Lrnottlge, MD 21613
Zimand, Gerald P., 422/D (.2001) 101 Joseph Street. New Hyde Park, NY 11040
NY: 516-354-4778 FL:561-732-3832 Joseph P. 91112oonz, 424A/HveQ pA (.2002) 412-335-6104
904-789-4692
Richard D. Irritic23y • FL 32738 (.2002) Ru"8916.4esibt7lierTeSiCINonidge. IL 6065(61®2) 708452-8628HONORARY Board Member Col. Josepti7Mattews 422/HQ (LIFE)
" 9 19-v8t 1%11 276"
Index for: Vol. 54, No. 1, Oct, 1997
Index for This Document
106th Div., 8, 15, 32, 35, 44106th Inf. Div., 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, 15, 16, 18, 21, 23, 24, 47, 49, 51, 52
106th Inf. Div. Assn., 3
106th Infantry Division Association, 5, 8, 16, 18, 51, 52
106th Rcn. Trp., 47
112th Inf., 38, 49, 50
112th Inf. Regt., 49
112th Regt., 35
112th Regt., 28th Div., 35
18th Cav. Sqdn., 26
190th Regt., 39
1st BN, 424th Inf., 47
28th Inf. Div., 28, 38, 44
2nd BN, 424th Inf., 49
2nd Div., 27, 28, 30, 31
30th Inf. Div., 1, 2
38th Armd., 26
38th Armd. Inf., 26
38th Inf., 5
422/M, 51
422nd Inf., 19, 26, 28
422nd Inf. Regt., 18, 26
422nd Regt., 18
423rd Inf., 1, 19
423rd Inf. Regt., 1
423rd Regt., 24
424/A, 2, 16
424/C, 21
424/D, 52
424/E, 15, 51, 52
424/I, 51
424/L, 23
424th Cbt. Inf. Regt., 24
424th CT, 39
424th Inf., 27, 42
424th Inf. Regt., 5, 8, 15, 23, 24, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 32, 33, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 44, 45, 47, 49, 50, 51
424th Regt., 24, 25, 35
424th Regt. HQ, 35
590th FA BN, 11
591st FA BN, 23, 27
591st FAB, 23, 27
592nd FA BN, 26
75th Inf. Div., 40, 50
7th Armd. Div., 24, 39, 41, 47, 48, 49, 50
81st Engr., 23, 30
81st Engr. BN, 26
820th TD, 36
820th TD BN, 36
82nd Abn. Div., 50
99th Inf. Div., 24
9th Armd. Div., 39
Aachen, 32
Aisomont, Belgium, 44, 49
Aldringen, 44, 50
Alsace, 24
Anthisnes, 24
Anthisnes, Belgium, 24
Aquitania, 18
Ardennes, 10, 24, 36, 51
Armed Forces Reunions, 8
Bad Orb, 7, 8, 19
Barrickman, Uhel, 30
Bartell, Capt. Ben, 33
Battle of the Ardennes, 10
Battle of the Bulge, 10, 15, 24, 26
Beaufays, 11
Beho, 44, 50
Beiler, 50
Belgian Fourragere, 24
Belgium, 4, 10, 11, 24, 28, 40, 41, 43, 47, 49
Belgium-German Border, 28
Berg Reuland, 39
Berga, 8
Berk, 24
Berwick, Capt. Lee, 33
Beseler, Donald, 5
Bickford, Florence, 7
Bied, Dan, 16
Bingen, 21
Bingen, Germany, 21
Books, 7
Boye, Harold, 24
Bra, 52
Bracht, 35, 37, 38
Brackett, James, 28
Braunlauf, 44, 50
Braunschweig, 21
Brown, Dr., 51
Brunswick, 21
Bucket, 44
Burg, 31, 37, 38, 48, 50
Burg Reuland, 31, 48, 50
Burg-Reuland, 37, 38, 48
C.R.I.B.A., 10, 11
Caldwell, Charles Wesley, 16
Camp Atterbury, 18, 19, 20, 23
Camp Atterbury, IN, 18, 23
Camp Kilmer, NJ, 19
Camp Lucky Strike, 16, 19
Camp Myles Standish, MA, 23
Camp Shanks, 24
Camp Shanks, NY, 24
Camp Shelby, MS, 21
Carr, Betty, 10
Carver, Dale R., 10
CBT CMD B, 26
Central Europe, 51
Chandler, Harry C., 16
Chene-Al-Pierre, 50
Clavier, 45
Colby, Blair, 16
Collins, Sherod, 7, 51, 52
Comer, Richard, 31
Commanster, 39, 50
Connors, John, 5, 30
Creel, E. V., 52
CRIBA, 10, 44
Crombach, 44
Crouse, Kenneth M., 16
Curnow, Ed, 51
Curnow, Edward L., 51
Datte, Charles, 28, 51
Dejardin, Joseph, 44
Descheneaux, Col., 19
Diehl, Lloyd J., 52
Dimeglio, John P., 31, 35, 37, 38, 41
Div. HQ, 50
Duderstadt, 21
Eigelscheid, 31, 47
Elbe, 19
Elcherath, 33
Ennal, 24
Ettlingen, 24
Ettlingen, Germany, 24
Eupen, 11
Fallingbostel, 21
Fays, 40
Feldman, Milton, 16
First Army, 45
Fisher, Hugh, 51
Fleron, 11
Fosse, 30
Foster, Capt., 19
Fosty, Albert, 11
France, 5, 19, 24, 28, 31
Freesland, Capt., 33
Ft. Jackson, SC, 16, 18, 23
Gam, Chuck, 32
Gard, Paul D., 16
Germany, 1, 8, 21, 24
Gerolstein, 19
Gerolstein, Germany, 19
Gorlitz, 20, 21
Gottshall, Edwin A., 7
Gouvy, 11
Grandmenil, 40, 44, 50
Gregory, John, 11, 51
Gregory, John A., 52
Grimes, Robert, 51
Gruce, James R., 18
Grufflingen, 38
Guggenheim, Charles, 8
Hardy, Capt., 19
Harre, 40, 50
Haug, Charlie, 5, 35
Heckhalenfeld, 27, 28, 35, 48
Heckhalenfeld, Germany, 35
Heckhuscheid, 31, 35, 50
Heilbronn, 5
Heilbronn, Germany, 5
Helmich, Lester, 35
Helmstedt, 21
Hewitt, Lt. Col. Orville M., 41
Hewitt, Orville M., 50
Hill, Maj., 51
Hirst, Robert, 7
Hochstetter, Hubert, 31, 35, 51
Hoff, Russ, 51
House, Pete, 51, 52
Howard, John, 28
Hubert, Andre, 11
Huminski, Edwin C., 52
Ingelheim, Germany, 24
Italy, 21
Jones, Alan W., 51, 52
Jones, Alan W., Jr., 51
Jones, Gen., 47
Jones, Percy, 18
Kelly, Robert, 51
Kline, J., 23
Kline, John, 5, 10, 18, 51
Kline, John P., 1, 51
Kopko, John, 30
Krieger, Oscar G., 45
Kurth, Raymond, 5
La Reid, 44
Langlire, 11
Lankford, William, 18
Lankford, William N., 18
Laux, Joseph J., 18
LeHarve, 28
LeHavre, 19, 31
Lehavre, France, 19, 31
Leibowitz, Samuel, 7
LeTellier, Louis, 13
Liege, 10, 11, 40
Lion In the Way, 21
Liskiewicz, Michael, 11
Lucky Strike, 16, 19
Lutzkampen, 36, 49
Lyons, Robert, 5
Madden, John, 11
Maldingen, 44, 50
Malmedy, 11
Manhay, 24, 27, 40, 44, 49, 50
Manhay-Grandmenil Area, 44
Marino, Joseph, 18
Martin, Roland, 5
Martin, William T., 7
Maspelt, 39
Mauldin, Bill, 1
Mayotte, Russ, 5, 37
McDevitt, Jack, 10
Memorials, 51
Meuse, 47
Monowai, 28
Moselle, 21
Mosley, Newton, 51
Mosley, Newton L., 51
Muhlberg, 19
Murphy, Oren, 19
Myles Standish, 23
Nebelwerfer, 37
Netherlands, 35, 37
Neubrandenburg, 18
New Zealand, 28
Nicholson, Douglas, 7
Normandy, 28
Ocquier, 45
Order of the Golden Lion, 51
Oudler, 39, 50
Our Berg, 37
Our River, 24, 37, 39, 42, 48
Parker, John, 5
Perrin, Gen., 31, 47
Peters, Lewis M., 19
Peters, Robert, 19
Peters, Robert H., 19
Phelan, William R., 7
Pilkington, Sgt., 19
Poole, Dixon L., 15
Potts, Art, 7
Purple Heart, 30
Ray, Marion, 51, 52
Reeber, Charles, 19
Reid, Col., 30, 31, 35, 47, 49
Reunions, 8
Rhine, 1, 24
Rhine River, 24
Rhineland, 24, 51
Ringer, Robert, 5
Ringer, Robert C., 27, 28
Robb, Dr. John G., 51, 52
Rocourt, 11
Rogister, Henri, 11
Rossin, Leo, 7
Roster, 7
Roth, 2
Runstedt, 45
Salm, 44
Salm River, 44
Salmchateau, 44
Schlesser, John, 28
Schnee Eifel, 18
Schober, Milton, 5, 7
Schober, Milton J., 35, 37, 39, 44
Schoenberg, 19
Schonberg, 24
Sharpe, Dewitt, 21
Shaver, Robert, 5
Shaw, Robert, 32
Shaw, Robert M., 32, 36
Siegfried Line, 28
Simmer River, 24
Smith, Josh L., 51
Smoler, Irwin, 5
Southampton, 28
Sowell, Robert, 5
Sparks, Dick, 51
SS Monowai, 28
St. Vith, 19, 21, 24, 28, 30, 32, 41, 45, 51
Stalag 4-B, 16, 20, 21
Stalag 8-A, 20, 21
Stalag II-A, 18
Stalag IX-B, 7, 8
Stamm, James H., 21
Stavelot, 24, 44
Steinebruck, 28
Stokes, Harry B., 45
Struble, Leslie C., 45
Stuttgart, 18
Sugimoto, Roy, 21
Sulser, Jack, 9, 51
Swett, John, 1
Swett, John A., 51, 52
The Battle of the Bulge, 24
Thommen, 39
Trois Pont, 44, 47
Trois Ponts, 44, 47
Trois Ponts, Belgium, 47
Trueman, Dr. Duncan, 2
Trueman, Duncan, 51
Tuorila, Dr. James R., 7
Umanoff, Leonard, 50
Umanoff, Lt. Col. Leonard, 41
Verviers, 11
Vielsalm, 48
VIII Corps, 49
Villwock, Russell, 51
Volksgrenadier, 39
Von Runstedt, 45
Wanne, 24
Wanneranval, 24
Warzee, 44
Welch, Lamar A., 33
Wells, James, 27
Werbomont, 44
West Wall, 31
Wijers, Hans, 35, 37
Wilson, William, 23
Wilson, William E., 23
Winterspelt, 24, 33, 47
Yerville, 28
Zimand, Gerald P., 52