Original Cub Document
Uploaded: 17-Jun-2024
The Cub
Vol. 57, No. 1, Oct, 2000
RESTART PAGE 6
Colonel Joseph Matthews (USA Ret), former Executive Officer 422nd Infantry Regiment, in a special ceremony at the Durham, NC, VA Hostital June 2000, was presented with the Order of the Golden Lion, Commander Class (Gold), for services rendered to the 106th Infantry Division Association.
Attending the ceremony l/r Sherod Collins, Robert Hanna, William Jenkins, John Kline, Reverend Ewell C. Black, Jr., as well as many family and VA staff members.
Cover
President's View ...
Marion Ray, President 2000-2001, 106th Infantry Division Association "D" Company, 424th Infantry Regiment, 704 Briarwood Dr., Bethalto, IL 62010-1168 Phone/Fax: 618-377-3674 bugleboy19@juno.com
Recently, at our 54th Reunion in St. Louis, I was elected to serve as your President. Having been one of those members assigned to the division at Fort Jackson, SC and served with Company D, 424th Infantry Regiment until taken prisoner in Germany, I feel great pride in being one of you and a part of the division.
I, like many of you, joined the Association seeking answers as to "what happened" back there in the winter of 1944. I wanted to find those with whom I had served and built a friendship. All during my service with the 106th, I sent home many items that were given to me and that I used. There were copies of orders, our company menu for Christmas Dinner on the 25th December 1942. Every member of the unit at that date was listed, and many days later in life, I tried to somehow find and contact each member. My sister carefully entered each item into a "scrapbook" and carefully scanned each publication of our local newspaper. There was my notification to appear for physical exam, a copy of the first military orders with my name, assigning me a serial number and granting me seven days leave and when and where to report. Most of the names on the list were my high school classmates, including one of my teachers. There was also friends who had attended the local catholic high school, with whom as a child, I had played baseball. The scrapbook also informed me of those friends and acquaintances who had been killed in action or missing in action. One of those listed and pictured was a childhood friend and neighbor, listed as missing in action, later to be identified as killed in action.
Each time that I look through the scrapbook, it causes a tug in my stomach and my heart skips a beat. Each time that I learn of the passing of one of our members and friends, I feel a great loss. Recently we, our association, suffered two great losses. One when Pete House passed away and the other on the passing of Col Joseph Matthews, former 422nd Infantry Regiment, Executive Officer and longtime Association member.
Pete was a solid 106er. He had joined the association way back in 1947, when we all received those invitations to join and attend the first reunion in Indianapolis. Pete served on our Board of Directors for 24 years total. He served as our President in 1969-70 and held a successful National Reunion in Jacksonville, Florida, in July 1972. Then, later agreed to serve as Adjutant. He put together an Operating Manual to guide each of us on the Board of Directors and those serving as an officer or chairman of a committee. Pete gave us much, and served us with dedication.
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President's View ...
The Association Board of Directors awarded him the Order of the Golden Lion in Officer Class in 1996 and Commander Class in 1998.
Colonel Joe Matthews had been a staunch supporter and worker in the 106th Infantry Division Association organization. He was one of the original planners for holding annual meetings of the 106th group as he met with others in late 1946 for the purpose on planning Annual Reunions for the Association. He became very active in Association affairs in 1954, after his retirement from the U.S. Army. He attended every reunion until his declining health stopped him in 1991. In the late sixties he was elected to the Board of Directors and served until 1988 at which time he was made an Honorary Lifetime Board Member. He was elected President in 1965 and presided over the July 1966 Annual Reunion at Indianapolis, Indiana. He was to be awarded the Order of the Golden Lion, Commander Class at the St Louis Reunion, 2000. However, due to his ill health, a group of dedicated 106th Association members delivered the medal to him at the Durham, North Carolina VA Hospital. It was feared that he would not be able to attend the St Louis Reunion In September. Colonel Joe died on September 24, 2000, just two weeks after the 54th Annual Reunion at St Louis.
Very soon, it will be December and the memories will come flooding back. Many of us will be attending one of our Mini-Reunions held in many locations throughout the United States. These are wonderful get togethers at which we can once again meet old friends, as well as making new friends. We can introduce our wives to those with whom we have served, enjoy a nice meal and remember those that have joined "The Silent Corps."
As your president, I have asked John Schaffner who served with A Battery, 589. Field Artillery Battalion, and living in Cockeysville, MD, to serve as Mini-Reunion Chairman. I couldn't think of a more qualified person to serve. John has, for a number of years, served as the local Host for that area around Washington, D.C. in Maryland and Virginia. He always seemed to bring about an increasing number each year as well as a wonderful program. If John seeks you out to lead a Mini-reunion in your specific area, I encourage those of you in that area to respond to John's personal invitation to serve as a Host. It's really a lot of fun, especially when those former "Golden Lions" show up and give you a warm smile and a firm handshake, and a "Thank you for inviting me,"
John Kline, our busy Cub Editor, serves our Association in many ways and assumes many responsibilities that most of the time go unrecognized. I have asked John to serve as Membership Chairman since he gets many inquiries through his 106th Internet Web site. I would also like to ask a favor of each of you. You all had buddies while serving with the 106th Division. If they are not Association members, send their name and last known address to John and see if he can find them and convince them to become a member.
In closing, I hope all of you give consideration to attend our 55th Reunion.
It will be our Nation's Capitol Reunion, meeting at the Fairview Park Marriott Arlington, VA, September 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10, 2001. Hope to see you there!
Marion Ray, President
2
" BLOW YOUR TRUMPETS . . ." By Chaplain Duncan Trueman
"If ye go to war in your land against the enemy that oppresseth, you shall blow a blast with the trumpet, and ye shall be remembered before the Lord your God" - Numbers 10:9
Those of you who are members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars may recall the May 2000 issue of the VFW Magazine. It contained a series of paintings titled "Remembrance'"
These paintings by artist Robert A. Fletcher depict funeral scenes from all of America's wars from the Revolutionary War through the Persian Gulf War. They communicate a powerful message about the sadness and grief that results from warfare.
I happen to be privileged to count the artist, Bob Fletcher, as a personal friend. He lives here in my town less than a half-mile from my home. He's a Korean war veteran himself.
Chaplain
Dr, Duncan Trueman, 424/AT, 29 Overhill Lane, Warwick NY10990, TEL: 845-986-6376, FAX:845-986-4121
A further coincidence is that the largest of his paintings appearing in the VFW Magazine - a centerfold - depicts the funeral of Revolutionary War Colonel David McCamly in 1817. This same colonel was the man who owned large tracts of land in New York State, and donated the land upon which my church still stands.
It is also appropriate that in our recently completed new education building and hall, four large Fletcher paintings hang on the walls. Local veteran's organizations are beginning to count this church as a kind of "special place" to them. A sort of "spiritual home," for perhaps some of them have no other. They come for services and memorials at certain times of the year, and our regular congregation always treats them as honor guests and serves them light refreshments afterward. From different religious backgrounds they come.
Being the pastor, of course, I can encourage this and make it happen. But you too can encourage this in, your town and in your church or your synagogue.
Talk with your spiritual leader and help him/her understand that its purpose is not to glorify warfare, but rather to administer to veterans in a unique and meaningful way. And it affords your congregation an opportunity to share with these men, to express thanks in a significant way, and to say most of all, "We do not forget."
Lots of ideas may came to you. For those who have gone to war against our country's enemies, let's keep on "blowing the trumpets" so they and their deeds will be remembered before the Lord. Dr. Duncan Trueman, Chaplain
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"Duncan Trueman, 424th Anti-Tank Company"
M-8 Armored Car
John, Here's the promised story of the 3 captured Germans:
We had just taken a small village which I will not try to identify for fear of being mistaken (My memory fails me). Around midday we heard what we thought were German tanks out on our front, but still some distance away. It was decided that we should move two anti-tank 57mm two or three miles down the road where they would be hidden by an old barn, but would have a good field of fire if tanks came around the bends in the road.
Taking my sidekick, Carl, into the Jeep, we raced down the road and stopped near the barn to check it over. First we checked out the barn itself. Carl went inside first as I tried to cover him. When we were both inside we were surprised to find an abandoned M-8 armored car inside the barn. We began to circle around it when we heard soft-spoken voices; one was saying in English "We surrender'"
Seated on the floor barn in front of the M-8 were three Germans with their hands on their heads. Of course, we took them prisoner. Then we checked out the vehicle. The battery was fine; it had run out of gas and been abandoned. With the five gallon Jerry can on the jeep, we filled its tank and decided to take it back to our company headquarters. To my dismay I learned for the first time that Carl had never learned to drive. He couldn't drive the jeep while I drove the M-8.
So I asked the English speaking prisoner if anyone could drive. Yes, one of them had been a truck driver. Therefore, using one prisoner to interpret to the others, we instructed the German to drive the armored car back, following closely behind me. I was to carry the other two Germans in the jeep. Carl was worried. What if the driver decided to turn and ran with the M-8? We would have no way of stopping him.
Our solution? We unloaded the M-8s weapons, but left the 37mm ammo because the driver couldn't possibly drive and load at the same time, I gave Carl a grenade, and told him to ride on top. We informed the German that if he veered away from the direction I was going, Carl would drop the grenade and jump off. So we got back to our Company Headquarters.
The Old Man was glad to see the prisoners and the vehicle that we had retrieved, BUT when he saw German soldier driving it, we thought he would explode.
It took about a half-hour before he ever saw any humor in the situation. By that time everybody was laughing and joking about our new driver''. Duncan
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In Memory of two Outstanding Association Members . . ."
Col. Joseph Matthews Executive Officer, 422nd Infantry Regiment
Born July 18, 1907
Died September 24, 2000
(See notice in this CUB's Memorial section)
Colonel Joe, as he was known, is shown in this photo being congratulated for his receiving the Order of the Golden Lion, Commander Class, the highest Association award available. This award is given only for services rendered to the 106th Infantry Division Association. Colonel Joe was a patient in the Durham, NC. VA Hospital. (See front cover for other details). In this photo left to right: Robert Matthews, his son; John Kline, Cub Editor in background; Sherod Collins, Treasurer, congratulating Col. Joe and (right) Reverend Ewell C. Black, Jr., former 106th Infantry Division Chaplain. Since he was unable to attend the Annual Reunion, a group met with him at the VA Hospital. In Durham, North Carolina for the presentation.
His Order of the Golden Lion Citation read (in part); He was one of the original planners for the holding of Association Annual Reunions. He became active in Association affairs in 1945'1n the late sixties he was elected to the Board of Directors where he served until 1988, at which time he was made an HONORARY LIFETIME member of the Board. He was elected President in 1965, being the presiding officer of the Indianapolis Reunion in 1966. It is well known that he always loved the Association and its members and has enjoyed travel to various reunion cities, with the renewing of friendships at each gathering. He has been a faithful and loyal member over the years.
Pete House, A Battery, 590 FAB
(Died September 29, 2000,
(See notice in this CUB's Memorial sensor)
Pete, a member of the Division Association since 1947, served on its Board of Directors for 24 years. He was elected and served as President for the year of 1969-70. He presided over the 24th Annual Reunion at Davenport, Iowa in 1970. He planned and with his wife, Joanne, held a successful annual reunion at Jacksonville, Florida in July 1972. He also hosted a number of mini-reunions in his home town, and attended other such meetings in various locations in Florida He organized an Annual President's Breakfast at some later annual reunions, the last being at Schaumburg , Illinois in 1999.
He served as Association Adjutant from 1994 to 1998.
The Board of Directors awarded him the Order of the Golden Lion in both Officer Class in 1996 and Commander Class in 1998.
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RESTART
Front & Center.. .
HAPPY HOLIDAYS and a HEALTHY NEW YEAR
John Kline, 423/M, Editor, and wife Margot 11 Harold Drive - Burnsville, MN 55337-2786
TELE: 612-890-3155 - FAX 612-895-8088 e-mail:jpk@mm,com -
•
This is my thirteenth year to serve as your editor. I've enjoyed your company, your warmth and your comradeship. These years have been the BEST years of my life.
I, like many of you, went underground for many years after the war. I know, now, that was because I hadn't taken the time to really learn and understand about what happened in those dark days of December 1944 in the Ardennes. Those are easy words to say. Could be, realistically, that it would have been hard for me to come to this realization earlier, except in due time, as life went on, when the truth really came out about the situation we were thrown in, there in the beautiful forests of the Ardennes. I want you to know, that my experienees as editor, have brought me close to many other soldiers, from many other Infantry Divisions that fought in the Bulge. From them I hear very reassuring words about the 106th. How they probably would not done any better under the same circumstances.They praise the way the 424th Infantry carried on the fight, the way the 422nd, 423rd and all the supporting units held as long as they possibly could, How our artillery units pounded the hell out of our enemy as long as they had ammunition. They recognize that we were spread over a 21 mile front and that the U.S. Army "Book" calls for a defensive front of only five miles. I see no grand plan for them using us as bait, nor that our officers failed in their duties
They, the guys from other divisions, say nothing about us being inexperienced, young, or afraid. All I hear are praises and thanks for doing the job the best we could. I am proud to have been a 106th soldier. I want all of you to know that, I am proud to be a member of our Association. Thank you for your comradeship. J Kline, editor
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Front & Center ...
Washington D.0 and Upcoming Reunion Report
By Jack Sulser, 423/F
Washington DC
and Armed Forces Reunions Inc Liaison
106th Infantry Division Association
54th Annual Reunion
Washington D.C.
Full details will follow in the February CUB magazine.
Hotel - Fairview Park Marriott located inside the Washington, D'C. Beltway on the Virginia side in the Fairview Park Office Complex on US Route 50.
Official dates: September 5 -10, 2001. Early bird arrivals on the 5th. Rate $84 rate, plus tax, for single or double will be extended three days before and after if rooms are available. The Banquet will be
unday, Sept 9, Farewell Breakfast on
Make your reservations now. The telephone numbers for the Fairview Park Marriott reservations are (703) 849-9400 -the direct number - or (800) 228-9290 , the central Marriott reservations number. Be sure to mention 106th Infantry Division Reunion to obtain the special rate
What's Happening in Future Reunions ...
Reunion 2002
At the St'Louis Reunion, the Membership accepted the Board recommendation to hold the 2002 Reunion at the Hampton Holiday Inn and Conference Center, Hampton, Virginia, September 17-22, 2002.
Further details will be announced at the 2001 Reunion.
Reunion 2003
The 'New" Board at St'Louis expressed an interest in holding the 2003 Reunion at the Drawbridge Inn at Ft'Mitchell, KY, in the Greater Cincinnati area. The hotel has offered an attractive rate of $85 for the Main Building and $75 for the Garison Building (100 yards away), plus tax. Of the dates the hotel had available during our usual reunion period, the members of the Board's Executive Committee preferred September 8-14, 2003, which the hotel is now holding for our reunion, subject to confirmation by the full Board of Directors and the General Membership Meeting at the 2001 Reunion. During that second week of the month, in addition to the regular attractions of the area, the Northern Kentucky side of the Ohio River will hold its annual Oktoberfest, which members would enjoy. The Drawbridge Inn is a unique property with an unusually warm and cosy atmosphere our members would enjoy. It offers free airport shuttle from the #1-passenger-rated airport, free parking at the hotel, inexpensive public transport to the attractions ofdowntown Cincinnati and both sides of the river, 10% discount in the hotel's three dining rooms, the dedicated use of the London Hall wing of the Main Building, which has its own entrance and lobby, for our hospitality room, meeting rooms, memorial service, banquet, etc. Our members would have a great time at this location and in this mid-America city.
Jack Sulser
Washington DC and Armed Forces Reunions The Liaison
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Front & Center...
The Melody Booth Orchestra Dr. Vance Jennings, 106th SIGNAL Vance wrote, The Melody Booth Orchestra played for the BIG Saturday evening dance at the 48th Annual Reunion held in Orlando-Disney World, 1995. Many people "raved" about how good the band was. Well it is even better now. We've cut a new Compact Disk. Maybe the troops and their ladies would like to reminisce over the songs it plays.
In the Mood? Moonlight Serenade, Begin the Beguine, Night and Day, String of Pearls, etc - that's got to excite you.'.
The cost is $15.00 plus $3'20 Priority Mail. Send your money to: Vance Jennings (106 SIG)
PO Box 290604
Tampa, FL 33687
Donations
Ervin Szpek, Jr. Associate
James E. Wells 81st Eng/C
John Plenskofski
A note from Les Helmich that the $30 I listed in a recent CUB as a donation from him, was "in fact" from the South Florida Mini-Reunion group," My apologies Lester. J. Kline
REMEMBER, Annual Dues are payable by
June 30 each year.
Membership Statistics
Current Membership; 1,606
As of July 2000- 1,698 As ofJuly 1999- 1,671 As of July 1998 - 1,661 As of July 1997 - 1,641 As of July 1996 - 1,640 As of July 1995 - 1,689 As of July 1994 - 1,646 As of July 1989 - 1,417 As of July 1987 - 745 As of July 1984 - 555 As of July 1979 - 450 As of July 1977 - 415
As of July 1947 -* 1,600 date of First Annual Reunion
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5
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Camp Atterbury Museum
I have a new project at the Camp Atterbury Museum that perhaps you and your association could help with. I want to dress a mannequin in the appropriate Division uniform and place him next to that Division's "wall" in the museum.
Last Wednesday I dressed one for the 31st Division and it looks good, if I do say so myself. The 31st, like the 106th, has several items in their display case, but not much hanging on the wall. This helps alleviate that. This coming Wednesday I will dress one for the 28th Division, who, unfortunately, has nothing on their wall, except for some generic Korean War documents and photos.
We have no 106th uniform that I am aware of. Perhaps you might consider a small article in your CUB, asking if someone might have a complete (or nearly so) uniform to donate for such a purpose. It looks like the biggest problem is finding original brown shoes or boots. All available today is black, and the visitors notice. Thanks for any help you can give.
James D. West VP Atterbury Memorial Assoc.
4223 S Shelby 750 W
Franklin, IN 9205
Phone: 317-729-5779 Email:jimj@westco.net
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Front & Center...
Plant a Seed
By John R. Schaffner
1811 Miller Road
Cockeysville, MD 21030-1013 Tele: 410-584-2754
Email: Jschaff@bcpl.net
Plant a seed and watch it grow. We have all done that at one time or another in our lives. It's certain you discovered that it didn't take a whole lot of effort on your part to get something going. The results were very rewarding. Won't you try again?
Read on, because the whole point of these few words is to tell you how to spend just a very little energy and reap the reward ten-fold.
Am I trying to offer you something important? Yes. I'm telling you that if you want our 106th Infantry Division Association to survive to its maximum potential then YOU, and others, are going to have to help it along. We are talking about Reunions in your area, be it a few le, a neighborhood, or a greater territory. The game is the same. Recognizing that every member of our Association cannot attend the annual reunion for various reasons, the next best thing is to have one in your own neighborhood. If you have ever thought that it would be fun to get together, have a nice meal, shoot the breeze with real friends, and go home realizing that you had a great time, then let me share with you how you can make it happen.
Here is how you can plant that seed and pick a ripe tomato. Say to yourself, "I want to make that happen!"
Select a place that will host your group. Get prices and menus. What's that? You don't know how many people will come? Don't worry about that at this time.
Write or call our Cub Editor, John Kline, and request a list of Association members in your area. He will do that, and he will print sticky labels for you to use for a mailing. Start off small if you want to and just telephone what appears to be the logical or interested people.
Do step 2 well in advance of the date, which is usually December 16th. Six months is not too soon. Of course you will have to write a short letter of announcement indicating what to expect, and the cost, and a return of their intentions and a check to you by a specific date. Your meeting place will need to know how many to expect.
If at all possible, provide someone to speak to the group. You will be surprised that many qualified speakers will jump at such an opportunity.
I have done this fora few years now and have found that, after the first one, it is a piece of cake. Get someone to work with you. This is a case where two heads are better than one. Associate members are not excluded from doing this. Chances are you are younger than I am and have a lot more energy. Look forward to encouraging results and know that fellow veterans will deeply appreciate the opportunity for such an enjoyable gathering.
There may be some questions or guidance needed. If so, feel perfectly free to contact me.
Write, e-mail, or phone. DO IT !!
John R. Schaffner
1811 Miller Road
Cockeysville, Md. 21030-1013, e-mail jschaffn@bcpl'net
Phone: 410-584-2754
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Front & Center ...
"The Story of
TWO--BRACELETS"
Murray Stein'?" Company
423rd Infantry Regiment
During the Vietnam War, my wife barbara and I wore bracelets, that identified MIA-POWs. One for a Capt. John Fer missing (2-4-67), and one for Capt. Jerry Singleton, missing (11-6-65). I was a POW in Germany, during WWII, captured in the Battle of the Bulge in Dec. 1944. For the past 2 years, I have been involved with a support group of ex-POW s at the V'A. Hospital in West Palm Beach, Florida. We meet once a month with our group leader-MS. Betty Barnett, to share experiences, problems and advice when needed from MS. Bamett. A few months ago, preparing to go to a meeting, I rummaged thru some old memorabilia, and found the two bracelets. I decided to try and find out if Capt. Fer had made it and was alive. 1 went on the Internet and after some hours of searching, I located two John Fer's in Lubbock, Texas. I called both of them and on the second call, Mr. Fer indicated that the John Fer I was looking for was his cousin in Sumpter, SC. He e-mailed me the phone number of the school that Capt. Fer was working in.
A few days later I called the school and asked for a Mr. John Fur. The lady who answered, indicated that Mr. Fer was the principal. I asked to speak to him, and she asked my name. I told her that Mr. Fer would not know my name, but that I was someone involved with his life. I can imagine this lady thinking who is this character! Mr. Fer got on the line, and I explained who I was, and about the bracelet. It was a most gratifying phone conversation for both of us. We have since e-mailed each other with a short resume of our family and who we are.
A few weeks later decided to find Capt. Singleton. I went back on the Internet, and located a review of a book written in 1991 called "THEY CAME HOME." Stories of Vietnam vets who were MIA-POWs. I clicked in and asked for any story on a Capt. Jerry Singleton. Sure enough, Capt Singleton's name appeared on the screen, with his story. After more than 7 years as a POW, he was released. He retuW to the Air Force, took a leave for 3 years went back to school, picked up a law degree, returned to the Air Force and became a Chaplain. Finally retired from the service and the story ended there.
I went back to the Internet, searching for a Jerry Singleton and found 13 Jerry Singletons. Three of them lived in the Dallas, Texas area. My son and his wife live in Dallas, and I asked my daughter-in-law, to call the three in the Dallas area.
Unbelievably, she found the Capt. Singleton I was looking for. She told him about me, and the bracelet and told him that I would be calling. I called Capt. Singleton a few days later, and again, after a great conversation, and my terrific feeling of joy to have found both the MIA's whose bracelets we wore, an even more unbelievable story began to unfold.
I mentioned to Capt. Singleton that I had also contacted Capt. John Fer and how happy we were to find him alive and well. Jerry asked-"did you say John Fer?" After confirming t did--Jerry said you may not believe thi John and I graduated the Air Force Acade together, became helicopter pilots, were shot down in Vietnam, and actually shared the same cell in prison camp for more than a year!! Imagine the unbelievable odds that my wife and I could have worn these two bracelets! I then called John Fer and told him the story of my contacting Jerry Singleton and after a few minutes of conversation, John told me that he and Captain Singleton were interviewed almost a year ago fora soft cover book entitled "RETURN WITH HONOR" with a FOREWORD by Mr. Tom Hanks.
I shared this story with my fellow ex-POWs at the VA and we all experienced a very emotional meeting discussing this
"Story of the Two Bracelets."
Murray Stein "I" Company, 7614 Charing Cross Lane Delray Beach, FL 33446 423 rd Infantry,
106thInfantry Division.
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A Christmas Remembered .. .
this story sent to me, a couple years ago,
by Fred Pilkington, 422/HQ
Fred says this story was written by Dean A. Sipson, a squad sergeant in the 422nd I&R Platoon. J. Kline, editor
Sipson's story
"A Christmas Remembered" follows: The train of unmarked box cars crammed with American Prisoners came to stop at a rail yard in Limburg, Germany December 23rd, 1944. On board were the remnants of two infantry regiments-overrun in the initial days of the German Offensive, later to be known as The Battle of the Bulge, that started December 16, 1944. Each wooden planked four wheeled boxcar held 60 dispirited, starving, guilt tortured, exhausted men who had to take turns standing or sitting because of lack of space.
Captured on the 19th of December,
Ipopped of most of their personal ngings, followed by a 16 hours march in below freezing temperatures, given a chunk of coarse bread with molasses (first food in three days) and with diminishing hope, the train had taken us, east, deeper into Germany.
While still locked in the boxcar, I looked out of the small openings on either end of the box car and saw a flat car on the adjacent track with a German 88 artillery piece aboard. It was painted bright yellow. I wasn't the only one to see this. Three American B-26. s passed over and one came around for a look-see and as he did, the thought crossed my mind that unless we moved, we might have another visit by air, the next time as a target!
It happened that night, (Dec 23) as bombers came and there was terror in the box cars. The soft whistle of the falling bombs followed by the unbelievable shock of the explosions - fragments carving their profiles in the box cars and even into steel wheels. No one was hurt in our car, others were not so lucky. There were burials the next day. I heard that 80 men had been lost. Now it was the evening of the 24th -Christmas Eve. Huge snow flakes were drifting down in complete silence, on a picture post card village scene, when our train began to move. As we pulled out of the yard someone started sing "Silent Night" and voices up and down the train took up the carol. It must have sounded strange to the townspeople who happened to hear such a familiar tune, sung in a foreign voice.
Christmas morning, early, the train stopped at a crossing in the road that led up a hill. There were a few houses nearby. As we unloaded and were in the process of forming ranks, a movement at the door of one of the homes caught my attention. It swung open and an elderly lady rushed out with a cup in hand. She wore a long black dress with long sleeves and a high white collar. She went to the nearest G'I. And gave him the cup. It was milk. It was then that I noticed the tears running down her cheeks. As soon as the G'I had finished the cup. she hurried back in the house for more milk. It was a mother's love for a son, beyond family, beyond country, beyond war and toward humanity.
We lined up and started up the steep hill to our prison camp.
As apprehensive as I was about what the future would bring, I had seen the ever-renewing story of Christmas, played out in this unlikely place - and on Christmas Day.
Dean A Sipson, Sgt, MR Platoon, Headquarters Company, 422nd Infantry.
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From Dale Carver, our Poet Laureate...
BEFORE Poet Laureate of the 106th Infantry
THE VETERANS Division Association,
DIE Silver Star recipient 1945
61 pages - is ppd 424th Headquarters.
HOUSE GUESTS... A&P Platoon Leader
742 Druid Circle
Baton Rouge, LA 70808
225-767-3111
If you think you've been imposed upon
by guests who were impolite;
fthey shined their shoes with your best towels,
set your mattress afire at night;
if they shattered your antique stemware,
dropped live cigarettes on the floor,
cU'S'aInfantry't your liquor
(with their glassed held out for more;)
if stains on polisFauntleroys. and burns
in brocatelle
have converted you to misanthrophy,
hear the story I tell:
There were homes in war-time Germany
that homed the U.S. Infantry.
There may have been malice in those boys,
for they did not behave like Fauntleroys.
Through a house they would make an initial pass
the windows then were minus glass,
for burstingmellow. and glass do not mac --
with pillows and blankets the boles they woad*.
The foal they'd devour till all were fed --
rough, munch rye loaves of heavy black breach
hams in the chimneys, cheeses yellow,
then on wine they would wax mellow.
They'd drink till they could not drink any more (the surplus smashed on the cellar floor) Growingsportive, filled with wine, they'd scratch on the pollsbedfloor a line and thmugh the air the knives would soar at the oil on the wall perhaps a Renoir.
When low on the grate the fire would bull fir fitel to thefinwiture they would turn; thenfrom the hearth a warmingglare
as flames consumed a Louis Quince chain
Dromy then with warmth and booze, they'd settle down fora sodden snooze --muddy boots and muddled beads between white sheets on Empire beds.
(I fa Nazi item somewhere roused ire,
departing they'd set the house onfire.)
Ifyou think youve had tribulations
by guests with manners distressing,
re-read my factualHeadquarters'e thankful and count your blessings..?
12
106th lnf Div Association - Treasurer's Report - 1999 - 2000
INCOME FUNDS ACTIVITY
Member Dues 13,040'00
Life Member Dues 4,500'00
Auxiliary Dues 626.00
Surplus-53rd Reunion 5,267'91
Refund of Reunion Advance 2,000.00
Interest Earned 3,552'29
Donations 2,167'55
Memorial Fund Donations 128.00
Sale - St Vith Books 6,743'06
Sale CUB Passes in Review 435.00
Extra CUBs sold 6.00
$ 38 465.81
EXPENSE
CUB Expense:
Printing 9,482.00
Layout 1,620.00
Mailing 2,255.16
Covers 3,517'00
Ilivjelopes 671.00 ,' to Scan 77'00 17,622.16
Postage 2,519'95
Office Supplies & Printing 1,016.65
Telephone 1,270'02
Registration Forms-Envelopes 765.00
Insurance - Liability & Bond 571'00
Cost of St Vith Books 4,143'24
Reunion Notice mailing 727'52
OGL Medals 276.00
Computer Supplies 73'49
Camp Atterbury Memorial Fund 250'00
Dues Request Letters 310.83
29 545.86
$ 8,919.95
General Fund
Brought Forward $ 71,089'06
Net Increase 8,919'95
Fund Total 80,009'01
Banks of Deposit
Westside Bank 1,268'65
Edward. Jones Co. 18,539'73
Edward Jones Co. Cds
TOTAL 80,009'01
There are 755 LIFE members as of June 30, 2000 out of a total of 1,676 members.
CHANGE IN CASH POSITION GENERAL FUND TOTALS
THIS YEAR $ 80,009'01 $ 80,009'01
LAST YEAR $ 71,089'06 $ 71 089'06
$ 8,919.95 $ 8,919.95
13
106th Infantry Division Association - 54th Annual Reunion
DIV/HQ 1 424/HQ 3 Div/HQs & units 13
422nd 65
423rd 63
424th 47
81st Eng 16
Div/Arty 1
589th FAB 9
590th FAB 8
591st FAB 6
592nd FAB 5
Attached Units 2
Unknown Units 3
Veterans 238
Associates 15
Sub Total 253
Reunion Guests
Total 42160
Attached Medics counted with units.
Luncheons-Banquet Men's Luncheon 260 Ladies Luncheon 200 Final Banquet 473
Tours- Activities
Ball Game 39
City Tour 156
Dinner Cruise 245
Show Boat 240
Grant's Farm 169
St Louis Arch 78
106 MP 4 424/AT 1
106 SIG 331/MED D 7 424/CN 3
1 424/SV 2
1
8
8
2 2 7 2
1
2
1
422/HQ 7 424/HQ 1BN
422/AT 422/CN 422/HQ 1BN 1 424/B 424/D 424/HQ 2BN
4
3
2
3
2
10
422/A 422/B 422/C 422/D 424/E 424/F 424/G 424/H 424/HQ 3BN
422/HQ 2BN 1
422/G 4 4 424/K
422/H 15 424/L 424/M
422/HQ 3BN
422/1 4 81ST ENG/HQ
422/K 2
422/M 422/MED 4
2
81ST ENG/A 10
81ST ENG/B 6--
Attached Units
423/HQ 3 401st FAB 333rd FAB/C
423/AT 1
423/CN 2
423/SV 3
4
1
5
4
10
2
1
1
9
3
5
2
5
2
DIV/ARTY
589/HQ 4
3
4
4
2
1
1
3
423/HQ 1BN 589/A 589/B 590/HQ
423/A 423/B 423/C 423/D 423/HQ 2BN
590/A
591/HQ
591/B 591/SV
592/HQ
423/E 423/F 423/G 423/H 423/HQ 3BN
592/C 592/SV
ASSOCIATES 16
423/I
423/K
423/M 423/MED
Unit not known 3
14
106th Infantry Division Association - 54th Annual Reunion
?/HQ
MCCOLLUM, VOLLIE L.
106 MP
FACEY, COL. KENNETH.
HANKE, ARTHUR K.
KORTLANG, CHARLES E.
KRANTZ, ALBERT R.
106 SIG
BENNETT, JACKSON Z.
CHILDS, DEAN F.
DIRENZO, PETER L.
HAMILTON, LAWRENCE
KUPS, STANLEY
SCHOECK, RICHARD J.
TWARDZIK, RAYMOND
331/MED D
SCHARNERBERGER, ELLSWORTH H.
422/HQ
BLACK, T. WAYNE
GASSES, JOSEPH J.
HANNA, ROBERT R.
JOSEPHS, ROBERT H.
LANKFORD, WILLIAM
LAPATO, FRANK
PILKINGTON, FRED A.
422/AT
PAWLUK, WALTER S.
422/CN
GAITHER, JACK L.
NELSON, DR. RALPH
PURCELL, THOMAS I.
ROOS, ARTHUR K.
422/HQ 1BN
DESANTIS, JOSEPH M.
POWERS, ALVIN T.
THOME, MICHAEL
422/A
BLACK, JR., REV EWELL C.
POWELL, EUGENE M.
422/B
BAUSWELL, VICTOR D.
COLBERT, HUGH L.
SANDAHL, DEAN E.
422/C
MASSEY, JOSEPH A.
RODRIGUEZ, DR. JUAN G.
422/D
BRANKIN, WILLIAM J.
CHARRON, NELSON J.
HILLIARD, REV ROY H.
ROBB, DR. JOHN G.
SANDERS, JOE T.
SAUCERMAN, EUGENE L.
TRAUTMAN, FRANK S.
WILLIAMS, LAWRENCE R.
YORK, ROBERT E.
ZIMAND, GERALD P.
422/HQ 2BN
LOSEY, WALTER F.
422/G
ELDRIDGE, ROBERT D.
GINTHER, KEITH
NEWMAN, SAUL A.
SHEANER, JR., HERBERT
422/H
DORN, EDWARD W.
IVY, WILLIAM F.
JENKINS, WILLIAM D.
JONES, WILLIAM B.
LATA, WALTER J.
MEADOWS, GERALD D.
PERKO, EMIL A.
PHELAN, WILLIAM R.
PODLASKI, EDMUND P.
POST, LAWRENCE W.
PRESCOTT, EUGENE L.
RACSTER, JOHN R.
RIECK, CHARLES F.
ROPER, EDWARD Y.
SNOVEL, ROBERT
422/I
BLAHER, WILLIAM S.
BREITE, VICTOR W.
KELCH, EUGENE B.
MALONE, WILLIAM E.
422/K
BLOCH, JACQUES W.
TOY, WAID S.
422/M
ADOLPHSON, MAYNARD
HOFF, RUSSELL D.
MASCONE, ATTILIO A.
SYKES, MORRIS G.
422/MED
DEAN, VERNER W.
SCALZO, SALVATORE A.
423/HQ
MCCLURE, CLINT
TARANTINO, JOSEPH C.
ZICKER, GORDON B.
423/AT
SWARTZ, HARVEY L.
423/CN
COLLINS, VIRGIL L.
TAYLOR, HAL R.
423/SV
COLLINS, SHEROD
HECK, HOWELL H.
STARMACK, JOHN S.
423/HQ IBN
BEAN, RALPH L.
BRYAN, KENNETH V.
GREVE, WALTER C.
MALUEG, RUSSELL J.
423/A
EZELL, JOHN E.
423/B
CROWELL, EDWARD R.
FORBES, FONTAINE C.
GILBERT, DANIEL W.
PINNEY, GORDON B.
RIGATTI, RICHARD L.
423/C
BLADEN, JOHN A.
GOLDBERG, EPHRAIM
HALLADAY, MAURICE A.
THOMAS, JAMES B.
423/D
ANGELO, MARIO J.
BURRELL, JAMES V.
HAWKINS, HAROLD W.
HUNTER, DAVID
MARSH, ROBERT H.
VOGEL, JAMES
YINGST, WILLIAMJ.
YOUNG, DAMON F.
YOUNGBLOOD, C. EDWIN
ZENN, MIKE
423/E
BARNES, RALPH K.
KRONMUELLER, WILLIAM W.
423/F
SULSER, JACK A.
423/G
JONES, L. MARTIN
423/H
BASEL, THEODORE
DIEHL, LLOYD J.
JOHNSTON, RAY A.
KURZEJA, MICHAEL F.
MCCARY, WILLIAM ‘HUGHES'
PETERSEN, WALTER A.
SMITH, KENNETH M.
SWETT, JOHN A.
TROST, PAUL M. L.
423/HQ 3BN
HINKLE, RAYMOND A.
MARCUM, GEORGE C.
WEISS, NEWTON W.
423/I
HOLDEN, ROBERT R.
LANG, E. RUSSELL
PETERSON, PHD, DR. RICHARD
RAPP, ALBERT T.
WENTE, MARTIN L. ‘CHIC'
15
106th Infantry Division Association - 54th Annual Reunion
423/K
BRAX, RICHARD I.
CAPSHAW, CLIFTON
423/M
BURNSIDE, JULIAN B.
EDELMAN, LOUIS
KLINE, JOHN P.
KUHMAN, CLEMENT A.
VENEGONI, VINCENT J.
423/MED
COSTA, ANTON E.
COSTA, LAWRENCE
424/HQ
HELMICH, LESTER A.
KEATING, WALTER W.
MALONEY, JOSEPH P.
424/AT
TRUEMAN, DR. DUNCAN
424/CN
CLOWER, ROBERT G.
HOFFMAN, HAROLD
LIBMAN, OLIVER
424/SV
CHEZMAR, JOHN P.
ICE, ORVA L.
424/HQ 1BN
KUCHOLICK, STANLEY
424/B
ARVOLD, NORMAN W.
HILL, MAJOR H.
HINSLEY, VERNON R.
PASSARIELLO, LOUIS
PREWETT, EDWARD A.
SMOLER, IRWIN C.
STREIB, MARSHAL P.
VITALI, ALFRED L.
424/D
BRIDGES, WALTER G.
DICKERSON, MYRTON B.
HOMAN, ROBERT C.
KOEHLER, FRANKLIN R.
LANDIS, ROBERT J.
RAY, LTC MARION
RUSSELL, ALDEN F.
SIMMONS, NORMAN
424/E
FITZGERALD, GILBERT
GREGORY, JOHN A.
424/F
HUMINSKI, EDWIN C.
SCHOBER, MILTON J.
424/G
DALLMAN, JOSEPH G.
GEIB, GEORGE
KEEBER, WILLARD H.
MORGAN, AUBREY D.
REDIGER, DELBERT G.
SALEMINK, RICHARD J.
SWISHER, RALPH A.
424/H
MIKALAUSKIS, JOHN L.
MURRAY, JR., GEORGE
424/HQ 3BN
CARVER, DALE R.
424/K
BEVILLE, JOHN G.
CAPLAN, BERT
424/L
BISHOP, ALAN G.
HERNDON, DONALD F.
MARTIN, JR., HARRY F.
WOOD, JOHN
424/M
CULLINAN, CHARLES V.
81ST ENG/HQ
STEVENSON, ROBERT L.
81ST ENG/A
AGOSTINI, ORFEO E.
COLLINS, JOHN P.
HANNON, PHILIP A.
JONES, HOWARD W.
LACEY, DAVIE
NESTER, GEORGE
PRAZNIK, LOUIS
SHEETS, ROY S.
STONE, PAUL E.
ZIMMERMANN, JOSEPH W.
81ST ENG/B
CARPENTER, EDGAR R.
HANSON, ROBERT J.
KREZMINSKI, EDWARD S.
NAGLE, JR., EDWARD .1
TETZLAFF, JAMES E.
WOJAHN, EDWARD C.
401ST FAB
BACHMURSKI, STANLEY M.
333 FAB/C
ALPHONSE, WILLIE R.
DIV/ARTY
TWINN, JAMES H.
589/HQ
SCOTT, EARL A.
TACKER, FRANK
589/A
GATENS, JOHN
HOLTZMULLER, J. DON
SCHAFFNER, JOHN R.
SNYDER, WALTER M.
58915
HOFFMANN, JR., BRIGGS A.
KUIZEMA, HAROLD
RAIN, JOHN C.
590/HQ
BOSCHERT, PAUL V.
MARTINEZ, FRED T.
REED, JAMES W.
WOODWARD, JACK
590/A
BROWN, RAYMOND
CREEL, E. V.
PEROS, GEORGE
YOUNG, EDWARD E.
591/HQ
MCMICHAEL, BRYCE D.
PANICE, RAYMOND H.
VANDERHEYDEN, DONALD
59I/B
STAUFF, JOHN H.
591/SV
DATTE, CHARLES
HOWARD, JOHN N.
592/C
ROBERTS, JOHN M.
592/SV
GILLILAND, JOHN O.
HARTLIEB, GLENN O.
JOHANSEN, CHARLES H.
UNIT UNKNOWN
DEDIAN, ARA
ROBINSON, RICHARD
WRIGHT, DENNIS L.
ASSOCIATE
FORD, JR., DAVID J.
BRASFIELD, PAUL W.
BURKES, FRANKIE
FLEHARTY, DHARLYS
GIBSON, THOMAS A.
GRUCE, JAMES R.
HAGAN, RONALD E.
HOHENSTEIN, IONA
HOOGLAND, L'MYRA A.
KOPATZ, IDA L.
LAUMAN, DOROTHY
LAWSON, JAMES W.
LICHTENFELD, DR. NORMAN S.
MCCARY, JIM
MEISSLER, CHARLES G.
PALAIA, RALPH
16
106th Infantry Division Association - 54th Annual Reunion
106th Association Membership- September 2000 - State Count
OVERSEAS 30 MI 65 SD 4
AL 30 MN 42 TN 37
AR 13 MO 30 TX 53
AZ 42 MS 14 UT 4
CA 77 MT 3 VA 24
CO 12 NC 29 VI 1
CT 20 ND 1 VT 5
DC 1 NE 10 WA 15
DE 7 NH 5 WI 74
FL 157 NJ 74 WV 13
GA 49 NM 6 WY 2
HI 1 NV 5
IA 24 NY 82 Total Membership
ID 3 OH 68 September 2000
IL 104 OK 16 1
1,603
IN 41 OR 10
KS 20 PA 124
KY 15 PR 1
LA 7
MA 42 RI 14
40 SC 28
9
Attendance - 54th Annual Reunion - St Louis, Mo - By State
BELGIUM 2 MO 8 VT 2
AL 5 MS 2 WA 2
AR 1 MT 1 WI 24
AZ 10 NC 3 WV 5
CA 12 NE 7 WY 1
CO 7 NJ 9
CT 4 NM 3
DE 1 NV 1 Total Attendance
FL 20 NY 11 54th Annual Reunion
GA 7 OH 11 Veterans-Associates
IA 9 OK 4 316
IL 35 OR 1
IN 8 PA 23
KS 2 RI 2
KY 2 SC 5
LA 3 SD 3
MA 6 TN 2
MD 3 TX 11
MI 19 UT 2
MN 11 VA 7
17
Order of the Golden Lion . .
ORDER of the GOLDEN LION
By John O. Gilliland, Chairman
Order of the Golden Lion Award Committee
Any recipient of the Order of the Golden Lion or any member of the Association Board may nominate a candidate for the Order of the Golden Lion (reference: pages 331-336 "The Cub of the Golden Lion: PASSES in REVIEW" or the "Officer's Field Book'"
The purpose of the Order of the Golden Lion, is to honor members who have rendered outstanding and exemplary service to "the Division" in peacetime, i.e.: President, member of the Board, Chairman of a Mini-Reunion or anything contributing to the welfare and enhancement of the membership for the Association.
Nominations, with reasons for the award, must be submitted in writing, be received by no later than May 1, 2001. Send to: John Gilliland
140 Nancy Avenue
Boaz, AL 35957-6060
1-256-593-6801
The Order of the Golden Lion The ribbon is red, white and blue.
The medal either Gold, Silver or Bronze
Gold for Commander's Class Silver for Officers Class
Bronze for Companion Class
The terms "Commander and " Officer have no military meaning as to rank or association to any prior holding of such rank, The award is for service rendered to the Division Association, after the war. However, the ranks do designate an order of commitment, Gold the highest; Silver and Bronze.
Order of the Golden Lion Awards - 54th Annual Reunion Awards this year were to:
Colonel Joseph Matthews, 422/HQ and Robert F. Walker 422/D and his wife, June Walker. See page 5 and the front cover for Matthew's citation.
Walker's citation for the Order of the Golden Lion, Commander Class, Gold, read in part; He has been a member of the 106th Infantry Division Association since 1966 and has attended 33 of its reunions. Elected to the Board of Directors in the early 70's and served on many committees, was elected President and served ably in that capacity for the year 1976-77, In 1969 and again in 1974 he joined a group of 106 'ers on their return to Europe to retrace their paths. Along with his wife, June, he attended several commemorative dinners in Chicago. In 1984 he started holding the December reunions in his home for the southern Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky areas and continued to do so for ten years.
His wife June was awarded the Companion Class, Bronze, for her support and participation in all the events mentioned in Robert's citation. She and Robert have been very active volunteers at their local Cincinnati VA for years... Congratulations to all '..
18
Photos from the 54th Annual Reunion .. .
William Yingst, 423/D furnished this photo with the comment, "Here's James Vogel with his CADILLAC. Showing that a disability should not stop a person from attending a reunion."
L/R: Jack Roberts, 592/C 589/A; John Schaffener, 589/A; John Gatens, 589/A; Harold Kuizema, 589/B; Phil Hannon, 81st Eng/A; Walt Snyder, 589/A; and Dave Ford, Associate.
Joseph DeSantis, 422/HQ 1BN and wife. They furnished several photos for this display.
L/R: Harry Martin, John Wood, Grayson Bishop all 3rd Squad, 3rd Platoon, "L" Company, 424th Infantry. First meeting since "Combat."
Adda and Willie RIKKEN, Gouy, Belgium. John Schaffner, 589/A in the middle.
Two of the Anheuser Busch courtesy buses that helped haul us around the large plant area.
An old beer delivery truck at the Anheuser Busch Museum
John Gatens, John Schsffner,589/A and Phil Hannon, 81st ENG/A at the end of the tour. Gatens furnished many photos for this display.
19
Photos from the 54th Annual Reunion .. .
Mary Vandermast, Lillian Schaffner and Jean Hannon
106th people boarding for the RIVER BOAT CRUISE Dinner, A leisurely cruise upstream to Alton, IL and back to St Louis, MO on the Mississippi
106th people boarding the Dinner-Cruise Boat
Cruising along the Mississippi. I don't know, maybe the photographer got out and ran alongside.
The St, Louis Railroad Station, where many of us passed through, on our way to various duties, Now, a fantastic Market Place
Earl Scott, 589/HQ with wife Catherine outside the Rail Station, Earl was an aerial observer for the 589th FAB
John Gregory President of the Association 1999-2000 at the Men's Luncheon
Scene from the Men's Luncheon
20
Photos from the 54th Annual Reunion .
Scene from the Men's Luncheon
Scene from the Men's Luncheon
Scene from the Men's Luncheon
Closing Banquet l/r John Kline Editor 423/M; Adda and Willie RIKKEN, Associate Members from Belgium
Standing: Ed and Natalie Goldberg
Sitting l/r- Vets from 423/C.
John Bladen and wife Mary Bladen; Bud Haladay and wife Maurice Haladay. Scene from Closing Banquet
Scene from Closing Banquet
Scene from Closing Banquet
Scene from Closing Banquet; Back l/r: John and Lillian Schaffner; John Gatens and guest and Adda and Willie RIKKEN sitting.
21
Photos from the 54th Annual Reunion . .
I wish to thank Jack Sulser, John Gatens, Ed Goldberg, Al Vitali, Joseph DeSantis, William Yingst, Harry Martin and all the others that sent Reunion photos by mail and email.
Without your help these four pages would not have been possible. John P. Kline, Editor
The youngest was six years old, she performed like a Pro. All donations, made by the crowd went to the Washington DC, WWII Memorial.
This group has performed for many veteran groups, they were absolutely marvelous.
When they performed with their rifles, you could hear the crowd gasp.
The Colonial Fife and Drum Corps of Alton, Illinois dressed in uniforms of the Revolutionary War
These teenaged boys and girls entertained the 106th group by marching and playing tunes of that time period.
The Ladies. luncheon had a German Band that entertained them.
The Eagles Elite Drill Team, from Edwardsville, Illinois, composed of young ladies, brought the house down with their performance
22
Family Reunions, Spend them with the 106th . . .
L/r Jason Keech; CWO Stanley M. Bachmurski, 401st Field Artillery Battalion attchd;
Rosemary Backmurski-Fosdick and Sarah Keech
54th Annual Reunion, 106th Infantry Division Association
Submitted by: Rosemary Bachmurski-Fosdick assistance from: CWO Stanley M. Bachmurski, U,S, Army (Retired), 401st FAB
Family traditions. We all have our own unique and special ways to celebrate the bringing together and gathering of our family units. While some families travel over the river and through the woods to grandmother's house for reunions, dinners, picnics, and other traditional family affairs, our particular family (and various attached units!), come from far and wide, over hill and dale, 1-70 and rail, to converge and met each year at the annual September reunion of the 106th Infantry Division.
Even before Time Magazine listed The American G.I. " in the top twenty people (Heroes and Icons) of the past 100 years, my Dad, Mom, sisters and I, mastered the logistics, coordination, transportation, and other strategies required to meet some unspoken standing order to come together annually for the 106th Reunion. (And, sometimes, reunions of other units in which Dad was in combat in the ETO or Korea') Whether it be Roanoke, Nashville, Indianapolis, Schaumburg, or St. Louis, we travel, sometimes great distances, to be with each other and with the "brothers" and heroes of the 106th. We celebrate their history, bravery, and personally pay tribute to these great Americans who sacrificed so much in the "Battle of the Bulge'"
All together, we attend luncheons, flag ceremonies, and stand in "chow lines" for banquet seating. We ride shuttles (a great place to take a little nap!), see the local sites, and hear old jokes about how much "God must love the infantryman, because he sure made a lot of `em!" We watch close-order drills, sing patriotic songs, pray aloud, and learn the location of "post everlasting'" We hear taps, see the laying of the wreath, and listen intently to Chaplain Trueman's words about how the 106th is the closest thing to "holiness" there is on this earth. And sadly, each year, we see and hear the 106th deceased roster grow a little bit longer and wonder just how many more times the 106th and our family will be able to met and celebrate together at these annual affairs.
23
Family Reunions, Spend them with the 106th .. .
But amid the respect and admiration for the old, brave, and holy, this year's reunion held special meaning for our family. My sister's son, Jason, and fiancee, Sarah, residents of St. Louis, decided that the timing and coordinates of the 54th Annual Reunion were the perfect time and place to get married. With Grandpa, Mom, aunts, and cousins already in town for the reunion, why not just tie the knot the weekend of September 9th and 10th?
Personally, I don't know of any other young married couple who would choose to "honeymoon" with a bunch of old soldiers, but a great time was had by all. And the reunion will always hold special memories of a beautiful wedding, a new life, and love. Adding to the efficiency and organization of the wedding, the reunion, and the troops, Grandpa didn't have to go out and rent a fancy tux or buy a new suit, he just showed up at the wedding in his uniform! Mom and aunts could wear the same new dress to the wedding and then to the reunion banquet the following evening--just as long as all the colors were coordinated to match Dad's dress blues for the pictures.
Like I said, each family has its own unique and special traditions and reunion practices. Our family unit has been well-trained, can work together well when we have to, and were fortunate enough to be raised and reared by a father and mother who, like General Patton, knew how short the distance was between a pat on the back and a kick in that "other place" and used them both liberally.
The busy wedding weekend, the 106th reunion, and our mission to accomplish both were extremely successful. Dad never, ever, once had to raise or exercise his "bad" knee for kicks in that "other place," and pats on the back abounded. Or, perhaps, God's love of the infantryman prevailed, because we sure felt His presence throughout the hectic weekend. In another tradition, and not at all to slight the infantry, the artillery, or any other unit, company, battalion, or other group belonging or attached to the 106th or the United States Army, I did promise Mr. Robert Stevensen that I would mention in this story the accomplishment of the 81st Eng. Bn, 106th
Infantry Division. Mr. Stevensen and a unit 14 men in Winterpark, Florida single-handedly directed, sought personal funds and donations, and ereeted (in record time I might add), a Memorial to the Veteran's of the Battle of the Bulge. It was dedicated on that very special day, 16 December of last year.
So the next time you visit Disneyland, or hold a family reunion in Florida, stop by and see what 14 old soldiers can do in their continued courage to their cause and their war. Perhaps Tom Hanks, Wal-Mart, and the others involved in building the national memorial can call this great bunch of guys for direction and advise on how to "get a move on" the national memorial to WWII veterans in Washington, D'C. So, at the next reunion, should you see a "distinguished old soldier," his "younger" daughters, grandchildren and other attached units, it's probably our uniquely "special" family celebrating a "reunion" within a reunion while paying tribute to the veterans of the 106th, honoring their sacrifice, and celebrating their courage and continued loyalty. They hay most definitely, earned it. The remair members may age and tire, but like flag-they may fade, but they will never nm. See you for the 55th Reunion in Falls Church, Virginia!
Love and gratitude to all,
Rosemary Bachmurski-Fosdick,
Rosemary is a daughter of Stanley and Rose Bachmurski. CWO Stanley M. Bachmurski; U. S. Army, Retired; 401st FAB.
Note: The 40 I st Field Artillery Battalion was attached to the 106th Infantry Division from March 16 to June 23, 1945. The 401st, 105mnz Howitzers, trained at Fort Riley Kansas April 1944 - deactivated at Camp Kilmer, NJ 23 March 1946. Port of Embarkation 8 Mar 1945; France 18 March 1945. Campaigns: Northern France and Central Europe. Last position: Heilbronn, Germany. J. Kline, editor
24
591st Field Artillery Battalion - Trivia .. .
sry sa-n2d he; oornt ewf oelrl ws e1ds oF iyeol du rAertdi Iteor yr
by Dr, Lawrence Myers, Colonel, USAR Retired, formerly 1st Lieutenant, Lawrence Myers, Forward Observer, B Boy, 591st FA Battalion, part of the 424th Regimental Combat Team of the 106th Infantry Division in late December, 1945,
The first story - Trivia - occurred the night and morning of December 17-18; and is reproduced here as written without editing.
The second story was originally written and mimeographed by Capt Verner Gaggin, S-2, 591st FA Bn, Retyped without change by 1st Lt Lawrence Myers, FO, Btry B, 591st FA Bn, The photos in this story "591st Field Artillery Battalion - S-2 Report," were submitted by Raymond Kurth, B Battery, 591st FAB several years ago, just waiting on these stories, Thanks to all of you for your input.
J Kline, CUB Editor)
The 591st Field Artillery Battalion was an integral part of the 424th Regimental Combat Team. You probably have acquired its official history and can relate it to the regiment. But on the possibility that you may not have it, I am enclosing a copy. The history, originally prepared and mimeographed by our S2, received very
led distribution. In fact, I made copies i ve to 12 members of Battery B, to which I was originally assigned as Forward Observer, at their reunion in 1996, and discovered that none were aware of its existence. Make use of it as you think appropriate.
(By the way, Battery B currently has 27 members, plus 7 wives of former members, on its roster. It has held an annual reunion since 1949, the next affair occurring in August in New Orleans. I fear that very few are active in the 106th')
I'm also enclosing a short episode, Trivia??, which I wrote shortly afie, our initial encounter with the Germans in the Battle of the Bulge. As a front-line forward observer, we thought we were doing very well on December 15th and 16th, and on the 17th captured nearly 200 Germans in their unsuccessful attempt to storm our positions. Other sectors were less fortunate; and we received a message at about 1600 hours to pull stakes at dusk and "begin a retrograde movement" to the rear.
Regards,
Lawrence Myers COL-USAR Retired 151 Cambridge Street
Syracuse, NY 13210-2205
TRIVIA
It was one of those incidents which, upon reflection, seems so small and insignificant when compared with the Big Picture of things. But to some 150 stragglers on that chill drizzly black night in December, it was an eternity.
If one wanted to be sarcastic, one might have called it a motley crew--that bunch of 150 weary men. For it was composed of men from several infantry companies, a few artillerymen, several combat engineers, and some others thrown in for good measure. There was no particular organization; they merely had the same thought in common--to get back to safety without being cut off entirely from their comrades. Because they loved life, and because they had been taught to do so--a curious combination of civil and military life--they followed the few officers present with hope and trust.
The senior officer present, a captain, took the lead, knowing only that if he
25
591st Field Artillery Battalion - Trivia . . .
followed a compass heading of 310 degrees, he would have reasonable hopes of reaching safety. That was the only way out. To the north, and east, and south, the Huns were lying in wait, or moving forward. As the line moved slowly along, one could hear the clink of steel as the Germans dug foxholes in the hillsides within easy calling distance.
No one said much. If a man talked at all, he whispered. And there wasn't much to say anyway. They were already tired, having filtered back several thousand yards to the point where they could re-group. To this day, I shall always admire Capt. X for the magnificent job he performed in leading the men back. He must have decided that a creek leads to a stream, then to a river, eventually to an ocean; and that was the direction for as to take. We followed that creek, we crossed it several times, occasionally we waded it. It's constant bubbling was the only thing present to give any kind of moral support. Eventually that creek did reach a stream, then a small river. (L'M. Note: it was the Our river) By now it was near midnight and the soldiers were exhausted. The physical being will carry one a long way in an emergency, but sooner or later it demands rest.
We stopped and threw our sore bodies onto the ground. We were on a steep pine-covered hill. I loaned my helmet to my sergeant, who had lost his along the way, pulled my knit cap over my ears and my hood over my face in a futile attempt to ward off the mist which managed to filter through the pines. Some of the more hardy slumbered immediately. I was too tired to sleep.
Then we heard that sound. The shrill whistle of shells unmistakably heading our way. I turned over and dug into the ground.
But fingernails are poor substitutes f shovel. So I closed my eyes tightly to blot out what couldn't be seen anyway, waited breathlessly for three seconds, and said a hundred prayers during the short interval. The 88's cracked all around us. Some were tree bursts, showering fragments of hot steel about us. One shell landed not twenty yards away, the concussion bouncing us in the air like a child would bounce a rubber ball. Then it was over.
Call it luck. Call it what you like. Only one man in that 150 suffered a slight leg wound. We ran out of the blackness of the forest into the semi-blackness of the trail like scared deer, reformed in single file, and trudged on.
At six in the morning we can to a small village. It had been deserted the day previously by the populace. The only living things were a few cows that the people could not take along. We commander three shelters and slept until mid-morrW By mid afternoon we were back to safety. (L'M'. Note: St. Vith)
Ours was not the only instance. Four days later, small groups were still straggling back. As I mentioned previously, the whole incident was rather insignificant. And the shelling took but a few seconds. But I will remember that night as long as I live. And will shudder each time the memory flashes back. Einstein is correct when he says that Time is relative. I now have proof that three seconds can be an eternity.
My only regret is that it took a war to discover the fact.
Dr. Lawrence Myers, Forward Observer '44-'45 - B 591st FAB
The CUB of the Golden Lion
26
591st Field Artillery Battalion, S-2 Report...
1111ISTORY OF THE 591ST FIELD ARTILLERY BATTALION
(Editors Note: Originally written and mimeographed by Capt Verner Gaggin, S-2, 591st FA Bn, Retyped without change by then 1st Lt Lawrence Myers, FO, Btry B, 591st FA Bet
Before the combat history of the 591st Field Artillery Battalion is started, it would be a good idea to know what this battalion did immediately preceding its entry into combat. It was activated at Fort Jackson, South Carolina along with the 106th Infantry Division. Basic training was completed in South Carolina. Three months of maneuvers in Tennessee came next. The outfit then went to Camp Atterbury, Indiana. At Camp Atterbury men were sent out to help out the divisions already overseas and preparing to invade France. Replacements were received and
wining went through its final stages aining beforc shipping. On the 9th of October 1944 the battalion left Camp Atterbury by rail and proceeded to the staging area. On 11 Oct 1944 it arrived at Camp Myles Standish and
immediately started to prepare for shipment on a transport. All the men had a last fling at civilian life in Boston before shipping. A long wait which made many men doubt if we would ever ship across then came. On the 9th of Nov word finally came down to pack and get ready to board a transport. By rail the battalion went to Boston harbor and boarded the USS Wakefield. A band and Red Cross workers were the only people to observe our departure from the United States. On the 10th of Nov the Wakefield was fully loaded and the ship slipped away from the docks at 1600. The men crowded the decks for a last glimpse of America, the last one for many months.
•
The battalion acted as guard for the Wakefield. It was not so bad the first day, but pulling guard while deathly seasick was no easy detail for most men. On the trip over the only thing to bother the men was seasickness, lack of food, and lack of much to do. No enemy action was encountered on the whole trip. Rainy weather and mist followed the ship all the way across. Perhaps this was best, since the enemy could not see us. Practically everybody in the battalion stocked up on cigarettes and candy. They had heard that there was a shortage where we were going. The destination was announced as Liverpool, England.
On 17 Nov 1944 the Wakefield steamed into Liverpool harbor. After dark the battalion unloaded and boarded trains for Gloucester. After an all night train ride the battalion arrived at Gloucester and went to a small camp on the outskirts of town. Equipment was received almost immediately and the dull routine of unpacking all that we had packed a month ago was started. Vehicles were drawn and equipment prepared for a motor march. A few men received passes to surrounding towns, but the majority of the men had little chance to get to know England. Bad weather seemed to dog the footsteps of the battalion. Ever since we left Camp Atterbury, the weather had been bad except for a very few days.
On the 30th of Nov the battalion went by motor to Weymouth. It was here that we embarked on our last leg of the journey. On the morning of 1 Dec 1944 the battalion loaded its vehicles and men into LST's and started across the English Channel. Very few men got seasick this time. We arrived off the mouth of the Seine River at Le Havre and anchored for the night. All the next day we stayed anchored near Le Havre while we watched many other ships go ahead of us. The trip up the Seine River
The CUB of the Golden Lion
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591st Field Artillery Battalion, S-2 Report...
started on 4 Dec 1944. Just a few miles from Rouen the anchor cable of the LST we were in fouled on the propeller. After a day the propeller was cleared and we proceeded to Rouen where we unloaded and went to Yerville, France. There we received more equipment and got everything in shape for a motor march across France to our final destination.
After spending three nights at Yerville the battalion started on the final lap. We left on the morning of 8 Dec 1994 and spent the 2nd Inf Div and take over a quiet see where we could gain a little combat experience without suffering too much. The 591st FA Bn relieved the 37th FA Bn, 2nd Inf Div in position on 10 Dec 1944 in the vicinity of Heckhalenfeld, Germany (coord: 90.278.8). A, B, and Hq Btry were situated around and in Heckhalenfeld. C Btry was in position at Staffeshausen, and Sv Btry was located at Burg Reuland. The first round was fired by B Btry, commanded by Capt Robert A. Likins, at
591st Field Artillery Battalion, "B" Battery, 2nd Gun Section, Roanne, Belgium
left/right: 1. Irwin; 2. Tate; 3. Lacarno; 4, Isener; 5, Scalisi
Photo credits Raymond Kurth B-591st FAB:
that night at Rosee, France. The following day we went through the rear of France, a corner of Luxembourg, and entered Belgium, The night of the 9th was spent in deep snow near St. Vith, Belgium. We knew that we were not too far from the front lines because the sound of artillery could be heard where we were. The next morning we were told that we were moving into the line against the Germans. We were to relieve
1655, 10 Dec 1944. (Lawrence, then 1st Lt. Lawrence Myers, forward observer, B Btry, adjusted the fire')
The battalion was engaged chiefly in firing harassing fires with a primary mission of direct support of the 424th Inf until the early morning of 16 Dec 1944. The enemy began shelling the front lines shortly after 2400 15 Dec 44 and also started counterbattery fire on our posit
The CUB of the Golden Lion
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591st Field Artillery Battalion, S-2 Report .. .
st 0530. This latter continued for about two hours and then the Germans launched a determined attack all along the division front. No casualties were suffered in this unit from enemy shellfire at this time (although there were some casualties in the infantry), but communications were continually being disrupted. During the next 24 hours the Germans moved up and attacked with very heavy forces, including tanks, infantry, and artillery. Considerable horse drawn artillery was also seen in this area. The battalion fired 2622 rounds of HE during this time in support of the infantry and could have fired more if it had been available.
Late in the afternoon of the 16th Dec the 1st Bn, 424th Inf was committed at Winterspelt to fill a gap caused by the overrunning of the Inf Cannon Co. and the Division Recon Troops. Capt Edward A.
teaunauf, the liaison officer with the
n, Pvt Harold R. Schneringer, his Wireman, Lt John D. MacKinnon, the forward observer, and two men from his section, Cpl Harold B. Walker and Pvt Frank Carey, were reported missing in action during this operation. While the Combat Team awaited assistance from the 9th Armd Div advancing south from St Vith and held doggedly to its position along the 2nd and 3rd Bn fronts, the enemy succeeded in driving the 1st Bn from Winterspelt in a savage, costly attack by tanks and infantry.
With the loss of Winterspelt the only good route for withdrawal was lost. Div Arty relinquished control of the 591st FA Bn to Col Reed, commanding the 424th Inf. Col Reed, still counting on support from the 9th Army Div, decided to hold his position and the battalion remained in support. Fighting continued throughout the night and considerable activity was eiluntered on our north flank and to the rear. The following day, 17 Dec 44, the situation remained critical and the 9th Armd Div made no headway. During the day some of the forward observers with the 2nd and 3rd Bns were cut off but managed to withdraw back into our lines.
In spite of their inexperience, all FO's displayed a marked courage and coolness under fire and did a superb job. 1st Lt James J. Kelly, C Btry FO, was cut off twice. The first time he was rescued by our infantry and 193 PWs were taken in and around the house in which he was situated. The second time he managed to crawl back to safety under cover of darkness. 1st Lts Herbert A. Pihl, John H. Stauff, Peter F. Fleischmann, Lawrence Myers, and Bernard Rosenthal and 2nd Lt William Nolan had similar experiences and in several instances during the day were compelled to defend their OPs with their pistols and carbines while conducting artillery fire on the attacking enemy. The infantry of the 424th Regt fought savagely and heroically, and a ft= bond of mutual respect and confidence between them and their artillery was cemented in the cooperation and support that existed throughout the battle.
In the artillery Bn the critical item was ammunition. The main supply route had been cut off and the only alternate was a cross-country route to Sv Btry at Burg Reuland. Due to the heavy mud this route to Sv was impassable to any but light vehicles. All day long ammunition for both the artillery and infantry was hauled over this route in jeeps. Just prior to the fall of Winterspelt the Bn Executive, Maj Carl H. Wohlfeil, managed to get a detail of three trucks back to Kleerath to get the ammunition left there by the Inf Cannon Co. This ammunition was used by the artillery batteries. About this time, too, Pvt Bill T. Ervin, B Btry, driver of an ammunition truck, displayed great courage
The CUB of the Golden Lion
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591st Field Artillery Battalion, S-2 Report .. .
and heroism in hauling a truck load of 965th FA Bn who had been over the roe) ammunition through enemy fire which the S3, and a route-marking party. The knocked off the right front shock absorber remainder of the Bn under the Bn Exec and riddled the truck with holes. followed about a half hour later. During the Finally, about 1500, 17 Dec, Col Reid march the route was under sporadic decided that the situation was no longer nebelwerfer fire. About 1900 the infantry tenable. The enemy was pouring into the withdrew on a compass of 270. At gap at Winterspelt and the 112th Inf Regt of approximately 2330, the Bn was reunited at the 28th Inf. Div on the right flank was Burg Reuland and proceeded to being hard pressed and falling back. He Grufflingen where the batteries were put gave the order to evacuate as soon as into position. Except for three vehicles and darkness closed in. Lt Col Hoover, some personnel equipment abandoned at commanding officer of the 591st FA Bn, Heckhalenfeld, the Bn remained intact and
591st Field Artillery Battalion, "B" Battery, 3rd Gun Section, Roanne, Belgium
left/right: 1. ?: 2. Randall; 3. ?; 4, Betancourt; 5, Welch; 6, Flemmons; 7. ?; 8. Cornwall
9. Smile, 10, Drake; 11. Claridge
Photo credits Raymond Kurth B-591st FAB:
called in the BCs of Hq, A, and B Batteries, 1st Lt Bernard L. Lockridge, Capt Arthur W. Corcoran, and Capt Robert A Likins, respectively, explained the situation, and showed them the proposed route of withdrawal. This route led back to within 300 yards of the then known front lines and then proceeded northward to Burg Reuland. He then left with Capt Wetherill, the liaison officer from the reinforcing
no casualties were suffered. C Btry abandoned one truck and howitzer at Steffenhausen but returned the next day, 18 Dec, and retrieved the howitzer. The truck had been burned.
At Grufflingen the Bn again rendered direct support to the 424th Inf which had now taken up a defensive position along the high ground between Bracht and Burg
•
The CUB of the Golden Lion
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591st Field Artillery Battalion, S-2 Report...
*land. [L. Myers addition to narrative:] Bn Hq was established in a former tavern in St Vith. It was soon visited by Brig Gen Leo McMahon, 106th Div Arty commander, who placed the 592nd FA Bn under control of the 591st Fire Direction Center.] The 59 I st (also) adopted one platoon of the Inf Cannon Co which had managed to escape and employed it as a fourth battery. This platoon remained attached to Bn for the following two days and, under Lt Buedingen, the Cn CO, did a magnificent job.
While in position at Grufflingen, all Batteries of the Bn were continually under enemy artillery fire and two linemen, Pvt Richard D. Savage and Pvt John H. Paninea, both of Hq Btry, were wounded. The Bn Cmdr decided to displace to Braunlauf and this was accomplished the night of 21 Dec. (LM addition to narrative:
s new location, the FDC discovered a
'root which pigeons had been released with intelligence information of use to the enemy.) During the occupation of Braunlauf the Bn continued to receive hostile artillery fire but no casualties occurred.
That night the enemy again broke through at St Vith, thereby threatening our flank and rear once more. The Bn received orders to withdraw to the vicinity of Commanster the following day.
At daybreak 22 Dec the Bn Cmdr with the S-3 led the Bn less C Btry to the new positions in the vicinity of Commanster. The Bn Exec with a section of the FDC was left behind with C Btry to give the infantry artillery support until such time as the infantry withdrew. Visibility was limited to approximately 50 yards and radio communication with the front was very poor--only one FO was in the net. No missions were fired for almost three hours and finally the FO reported that the infantry was moving to the rear. C Btry fired an unobserved mission to the front of the infantry to cover its withdrawal and then, having received permission by radio from the Bn Cmdr, executed march order and proceeded to its position at Commanster. The Bn remained in this position, attached to the 7th Armd Div, and continued to support the 424th Inf until the morning of 23 Dec when a general withdrawal was ordered to the west of the Salm River. At 0800, 23 Dec, the Bn Cmdr and S-2 left to reconnoiter a rendezvous area in the vicinity of Ville, Belgium. The Bn, under the control of the Bn Exec, followed at 1130, crossing the river at Vielsalm. At about 1600 the Bn closed in Ville. Members were quartered in civilian homes. The next day, 24 Dec, was spent in reorganizing, cleaning equipment, and replacing supplies.
At 1900, 24 Dec, the Bn again moved up to the vicinity of Cheneal-Pierre to go into action behind the 7th Armd Div. Since the position was exposed to a threatened enemy armor attack, positions were reconnoitered by the Bn Exec to the rear in the vicinity of Faye. These positions were occupied on the morning of 25 Dec with the Bn CP at Sodelheid.
Meanwhile the 424th Inf was again committed on the front of the 7th Armd Div and the Bn rendered them direct support. The situation continued until the 75th Inf Div relieved the 424th Inf about noon, 28 Dec, at which time the Bn again displaced to the vicinity of Chevron and was attached to the 82nd A/B Div with a mission of General Support. In this position replacement supplies were received daily and replacement personnel joined the unit. By midnight, 31 Dec, the Bn had lost in 21 days of continuous action against the enemy 2 EM's wounded, 1 Off and 3 EMs
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591st Field Artillery Battalion, S-2 Report .. .
missing in action, and 7 men evacuated sick or injured as non-battle casualties. No materiel was lost with the exception of one howitzer which B Btry was forced to abandon and destroy in the general withdrawal on 23 Dec. This howitzer was replaced and the Bn continued to perform its mission at 100% efficiency.
The New Year found the Bn on positions near Vaucy La Martens, which had been occupied on 28 Dec, and the mission continued as General Support of the 82nd reinforcements, and this brought the? strength up to normal.
On 2 Jan, Maj Carl H. Wohlfeil, Bn Exec, went forward to Basse Bedeux to reconnoiter for new battery positions and to check the condition of the roads. Arriving in town, he proceeded to saunter about, thinking the place was well under control because lie had seen Maj Gen Gavin, 82nd A/B Div commander, strolling down the street. As he came around the corner of a battered house where Nugget CP was
591st Field Artillery Battalion, unknown which gun section or location
Battle of the Bulge
Photo credits Raymond Kurth B-591st FAB:
A/B Div Arty. The news from the Bastogne sector was heartening and the morale of the men was higher than it had been at any time in the past two weeks. Brig Gen Leo T. McMahon, the 106th Div Arty commander, visited the CP in the AM and brought along a good German made radio which he presented to the Bn. At 1715, 2nd Lt Kaulitz and 18 EM arrived as
located, he almost stumbled over a soldier lying in the snow peering intently out toward the edge of town. The Major asked him how come. Without turning to see who addressed him, the paratrooper said, "For Christ's sake, get your ass in the ditch. They're shooting down this alley'" It was good advice and the Major complied. Having selected positions around the outskirts of town, he returned to the
The CUB of the
3Golden Lion
591st Field Artillery Battalion, S-2 Report.. .
the following day, Maj Wohlfeil took the BCs into Basse Bedeux on reconnaissance. As the party split up to inspect their respective position areas, the enemy threw about 6 rounds of heavy artillery into the town. One of these, a tree burst, caused injuries to 1 Off and 1 EM. Pfc Minured R. Burke, A Btry, was hit twice in his leg and once in his arm. He was removed immediately to the paratrooper aid station in a building across the street. Lt Peter Fleischmann, A Btry, was blown through a doorway by the blast and suffered a broken bone in his right hand. [L Myers addition to narrative: To commemorate the incident, Capt Bob Likins, B Btry commander, penned a perceptive Kipling-like 8-line verse. Attached at end of narrative.]
On 3 Jan the Bn moved into the positions at BasseBedeux and continued in General
ort of the 82nd AB Div Arty until 8
During this entire period heavy snows
ha
lobeen falling and visibility was very poor. As a result most of the Bn fire missions were harassing fires with a few targets of opportunity which were adjusted by the infantry or forward observers from the reinforced artillery units, with periodic registrations when observation permitted. During the four final days of the attack from 4-7 Jan inclusive, the Bn fired 749 missions with an expenditure of 9997 rounds, an average of one mission approximately every 7.5 minutes.
The Bn rejoined the 424th Inf again on 8 Jan under 106th Div control and moved to positions around Moustier and Roanne from the vicinity of Odrimont and Arbrefontaine, which latter positions had been occupied the previous night. No firing was done from the latter. At Moustier, the Bn relieved the 229th FA Bn and took over their positions. We had worked alongside tlin at the time the Germans started their offensive and now, as then, we found them very helpful and cooperative. From 8-12 Jan the Bn fired very few missions in comparison to the previous weeks activity. Blinding snowstorms and heavy ground haze were constantly hindering the observation of the FOs.
Again on 12 Jan the Bn Exec and the BCs reconnoitered for forward positions near Ster and Parfondray. These positions were occupied in the evening of the next day, the Bn moving by echelon: first C Btry, then A and B Batteries as soon as C Btry had completed registration. The burned and mutilated bodies of three civilians found in Parfondray were mute testimony to the cruelty of the German SS troops who had been there.
The weather cleared considerably on 13 Jan as the 424th Inf jumped off in an attack against Lavaux. The Bn fired 1198 rounds in 135 missions in support of the infantry this day. Although the regiment advanced steadily, resistance was stronger than had been expected and progress was slow. The following day in an attack on Coulee, several of the FO parties suffered casualties from enemy artillery, mortar, and direct fire from tanks, including 2nd Lt Paul H. Seehausen, A Btry FO, 1st Sgt Gross, C Btry, who was acting as FO in order to be eligible for battlefield appointment, and Cpl McClure, Hq Btry radio operator of Ln section 1. It was during this attack that Lt Herbert A Pihl, artillery Ln Off with the 1st Inf Bn, distinguished himself by such courageous leadership in reorganizing a badly decimated and lost group of infantrymen, and in evacuating wounded under fire that he was recommended for the Silver Star decoration. Several other officers and EM were also recommended for Bronze Star decorations as a result of their performance of duty during the days attack. M/Sgt Howard D. Crank, Bn Sgt
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The CUB of the Golden Lion
591st Field Artillery Battalion, S-2 Report .. .
Major, also led an FO party during this The Bn CP moved to La Neuville orli
engagement and did a superb job' Jan and A and C Batteries moved to
Clearweatherandheavy firing bythe Bn positions in Spineux and Lavaux,
continued on 15 Jan. Our aircraft had a field respectively. B Btry moved into position in
day knocking out German vehicles and Lavaux on the 19th. It was necessary to
equipment streaming out of the dwindling clear the mines out of the roads leading to
salient. The infantry gained all but one of Spineux and La Neuville before the
its final objectives by nightfall and dug in. batteries could move in. The Engineers
B Btry was moved forward to vicinity of were busy elsewhere so a volunteer crew
Aisemont in order to register on the 16th, from Hq Btry consisting of Cpl Creath,
but visibility was so poor that it was S/Sgt Hostler, Maj Brousseau, 1st Lt
impossible to do so. A and C Batteries Smith, Maj Wohlfeil, and 1st Lt Lockridge
undertook the job and cleaned the road. Lt
591st Field Artillery Battalion, "B. Battery, Roanne, Belgium
left/right: Davenport; Jablonski; Ellerton; Grillo; Gunderman
Photo credits Raymond Kurth B-591st FAB:
continued to fire harassing missions from their positions near Ster. The Bn was reaching out near the limits of its range and communications was weak both by radio and wire. The infantry took all of its final objectives on 17 Jan and proceeded to consolidate its positions. The 30th Div on the left and the 75th Div on the right were now making contact and squeezing the 424th Regt out of the line as planned.
Lockridge volunteered to drive the first vehicle over the road and did so in spite of the knowledge that known booby-trapped materiel was in the area and along the roads and that a jeep with 2 officers and 2 EM had been blown up by a mine on an adjacent road the night before. However, no mines were encountered other than those previously removed and the Bn moved into position safely.
•
The CUB of the Golden Lion
34
591st Field Artillery Battalion, S-2 Report .. .
fin 19 Jan 2 officers and 9 EM left to go on 72 hour passes to Paris. These were the first passes issued in the Bn since the unit left the United States.
The Bn remained in position near La Neuville until 23 Jan, cleaning and repairing equipment and getting ready for the next operation. Lt Col Hoover, the Bn CO, contacted a mild case of intestinal flu on 21 Jan and was evacuated to the clearing station. Maj Wohlfeil, the Bn Exec, assumed command.
On 23 Jan at 0815 Maj Wohlfeil went forward with the Btry Execs and Asst Comm 0 to reconnoiter positions in the vicinity of Ondreval. One piece from B Btry was taken along in order to register as soon as possible. Plans were previously made with the Air Observer to conduct this registration. Maj Louis D. Brousseau, S-3, brought the remainder of the Bn forward
se: the BCs since they had reconnoitered oute the day before. The Bn cleared La 'Neuville at 0900 and went into position with B Btry and Hq Btry at Ondreval, and A and C Batteries at Thirimont. The mission was Direct Support of the 424th Inf which was attached to the 7th Armd Div. 1st Lt Lawrence Myers, FO from B Btry, reported at the CP about 1400 and notified the CO that the front lines were then about 8000 yards from the Bn position. C Btry was then ordered to displace to the vicinity of Montenau immediately and occupy a position alongside C Btry, 460th FA Bn, which was planning to move out the next day. Again a single piece was sent forward ahead of the remainder of the Btry and completed registration before the Btry arrived. This registration was conducted by a forward observer because the weather had closed in and flying was impossible. During the night of 23-24 Jan, with both positions registered in, the Bn fired harassing missions while the 424th Inf relieved the 508th Paratroop Inf in the line. On 24 Jan the remainder of the Bn moved to the vicinity of Montenau and relieved the 470th FA Bn. At 0930 one of our forward OPs occupied by Lt Ronald J. Kaulitz, S/Sgt Ray H. Blackwell, Tec 5 William L. Monroe, and PFC Homer W. Miller, all of C Btry, received a direct hit from an enemy mortar shell. All but Monroe were killed. Monroe received a severe wound in the head but managed to get back to a near by infantry aid station from which he was evacuated. These were the first known killed in action.
That evening, 24 Jan, orders were received for the 424th Inf to attack the following morning at 0715. A thorough plan for artillery preparation and interdiction fires was set up by the acting Bn Cmdr, Maj Wohlfeil, Maj Brousseau, S-3, and Capt Richard E. Raymond, Ln 0 with the infantry regiment. Capt McGinnis, Ln 0 from the 440th FA Bn, rendered his assistance in carrying out this plan, as did Maj Sanfer, S-3 of the 7th Armd Div Arty. The 424th Inf. Cannon Co was attached to the Bn for this operation and did an excellent job. The attack jumped off on schedule following the preparation on the morning of the 25th and by the end of the first hour all companies had reached the first phase line. It was a good indication of the thoroughness of the preparation that very little resistance was encountered in this initial attack and 97 prisoners were taken.
Lt Col Hoover returned from the clearing station at 0930 and resumed command of the Bn.
A considerable amount of smoke, both WP and HE, had been fired on the high ground in order to cover the advance of the infantry across the open, snow-covered
11
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591st Field Artillery Battalion, S-2 Report .. .
fields. This hampered observation by the forward observers considerably but they moved up with the advance elements in order to overcome this disadvantage. During the day, 2162 rounds of ammunition were fired in 172 missions, one of which was conducted by Maj Wohlfeil from the air on a column of enemy troops on a road leading out of Meyerode.
The Bn remained in position at Montenau during the 26th, continuing to support the infantry which took the last of i t s objectives early in the afternoon. Good news about the operations of the Air Force against enemy motorized columns to t h e northeast and about the Russian advance on Berlin continued to come in over the radio hourly. On 27 Jan orders were received to send a billeting detail to the rear in the vicinity of Hestreux-Villers aux Tours to arrange for the Bn to move back to these areas while reverting to 106th Div control for reorganization. Maj Wohlfeil, with one enlisted man and a detail from each battery, went back on this mission. Billets ill
obtained for Hq Btry in Hestreux, for A Btry in La Grange, for B and C Batteries in Targnon, and for Sv Btry in Limont. The Bn remained in position at Montenau until 1500, continuing to fire harassing missions, and then executed march order for the displacement to Hestreux, arriving about 2030.
From 29-31 Jan emphasis was placed on reorganization and care and maintenance
equipment.
A beer
ration for
h e battalion and two PX rations, along with somc movies
s t a
s h o s
0
helped to relieve the tension of seven weeks of continuous action. Two more officers and 10 EM left on 31 Jan on 72-hour passes to Paris. Recommendations for awards and battlefield promotions were submitted and the battalion settled itself to enjoy the hospitality of our genial Belgian hosts. For the first time since going into action on 10 Dec 44 the battalion was in a rest area in the rear in the vicinity of Hestreux, Belgium. This area had been
•
General J, J, Pershing Monument
left/right: Colonel Philip Hoover; T/5 Bill Brewer; Cpl Roy T. Jackson
Photo credits Raymond Kurth B-591st FAB:
591st Field Artillery Battalion, S-2 Report .. .
•iously occupied by a British army unit, and pictures of the men and officers of that outfit could be found in almost every home attesting to the high regard in which they were held by the Belgian townspeople. In spite of the difficulties posed by the inability of the troops and civilians to understand each others language, they managed to get along very well. The Belgians were most hospitable, and the men did all in their power to demonstrate their appreciation for this hospitality. The movies and the G.I. variety shows were held in Limont and were well attended by both soldiers and civilians.
The weather continued to be warm and the snow disappeared rapidly; however, there were occasional raw, cold days with light showers. Particular attention was placed on motor maintenance and Lt Col Hoover organized and conducted daily inspections of
ors and materiel in all batteries.
1 Feb 45 a formal ceremony was held at Hestreux for the presentation of awards. Brig Gen Herbert T. Perrin, Div Cmdr, attended the ceremony, and the presentations were made by Brig Gen McMahon, Div Arty Cmdr. At this formation the Bronze Star was awarded to Lt Col Philip F. Hoover, Bn CO, and to Cpl Peter A. Veetich, Btry C.
On 3 Feb 45 Lt Col Hoover attended a conference at the 99th Div CP where he received orders for the employment of this battalion in support of that Division in the vicinity of Bullingen, Belgium.
The following day, 4 Feb 95, Maj Wohlfeil took a reconnaissance party forward to select and develop battery positions for the battalion which would arrive the next day. This party included the Asst Comm 0, Lt Paul R. Kaster, the Btry Execs, Lt William H. McCue, Lt Charles C. McKinnis, and Lt Gordon H. True, and the
• Bn Motor Officer, Lt Howard W. Kriz. Enlisted details from all batteries were also in the party to prepare the positions. Because of the size of the party, 15 vehicles, the extremely raw, rainy weather, and the poor condition of the roads, it took almost the entire day to reach the area assigned to the battalion just east of Hunningen. And when the party did arrive, it was discovered that available positions were very limited due to the fact that there were artillery battalions of the 1st, 2nd, and 99th Divs already in positions plus an artillery Group and some Corps artillery. The Bn CP was located in a shattered farmhouse in Hunningen, firing battery positions were selected on an open hill northeast of the town with Btry A, Btry B, and Btry C located close to each other. Lt Kriz selected a position for Sv Btry at Butgenbach, Belgium. On 5 Feb the Bn moved up and occupied the positions selected. The mission assigned was General Support of the 99th Div and Reinforcing the fires of the 371st FA Bn of that division.
The 106th Div became part of the V Corps on 6 Feb and moved up to Hunningen. The 924th Inf took over the sector held by the 99th Div on 8 Feb, with the mission of the 591st FA Bn to be Direct Support of the regiment. The following day the 106th Div took over control of the CP and the responsibility for the sector. Meanwhile the batteries spread out a bit more and improved their positions. The sector being relatively quiet and the roads being in extremely poor condition, the ammunition allocation to the battalion was curtailed to 500 rounds per day. Subsequently activity was moderate for the remainder of the month with a few exceptions. On several days occasional propaganda shells were fired into the enemy lines with good effect.
The CUB of the Golden Lion
37
591st Field Artillery Battalion, S-2 Report .. .
Approximately 40 deserters came over during the period 9-28 Feb, all of them carrying safe conduct passes. Most of these Germans admitted that our artillery fire was very effective and the morale of the German troops very low.
On 21, 22, and 23 Feb the Div Arty fired a 10 minute serenade at 0430 which was also accompanied by heavy fire from battalion but no casualties or mat. damage resulted. On 17 Feb 3 rounds of medium artillery landed approximately 200 yards short of the CP. From the shell reps it was evident that the enemy was right on the money for deflection, but his range was not so good. However, one of the greatest dangers encountered during the period was the presence of German mine
591st Field Artillery Battalion, "B" Battery, Villers-Au-Tours, Belgium
Two Forward Observers, Sgt. Herman Jansen (on sled); Cpl. Roy T. Jackson & cigar
Photo credits Raymond Kurth B-591st FAB:
infantry weapons to give the Germans the impression that an attack was imminent. Relatively little fire from the enemy's artillery was received to the rear of our front lines. On 10, 11, 18 and 19 Feb light counterbattery fire was received by the
fields, particularly in the forward areas of the FO teams.
Tee 5 Solomon Gus man, Btry A, a wireman with an FO team, lost a leg on 9 Feb from an AP mine; and on the 21st 1st Lt John B. Stauff, Btry B, had a leg
The CUB of the Golden Lion
38
•
591st Field Artillery Battalion, S-2 Report.. .
lien when he stepped on a Soho mine near his OP at Neuhof, Germany.
The static situation enabled the men and officers to take advantage of relatively frequent showers, the installation having been erected by the division's 81st Engineers. Considerable juggling was required in the temporary assignment of officers while some were on pass in Paris and Eupen, Belgium.
On 28 Feb the battalion supported an attack on an enemy held pill box. This operation was undertaken more as a demonstration and to determine the effectiveness of a new type flame thrower. Capt Herbert A Pihl, artillery liaison officer with the I st Bn, coordinated the role of the artillery in the action which was successful, resulting in the destruction of the pillbox and three Germans and the capture of nine prisoners.
inks the period closed the battalion was Wing up plans in conjunction with the infantry for an attack to the southeast in the direction of Scheid. The first few days of March saw complete plans being worked out for the attack of the 424th Inf Regt. A large number of combat patrols were sent out each day by the infantry to try to determine the strength and location of the enemy. Final plans were perfected and the 424th Inf jumped off on the morning of 5 Mar with the support of the artillery. Little opposition was encountered and the doughboys drove ahead steadily. A few prisoners were taken. Very few contacts with the retreating enemy were made in the next few days. The Germans seemed to be relying more on mine fields planted in every conceivable place to slow us up than by actual rear guard fighting. On 7 Mar the battalion moved up to new positions near Neuhof, Germany. The areas were swept closely for mines and many were removed.
The 106th was pinched off by the 87th and 69th Inf Divs on 8 Mar. The entire V Corps was to be pinched off by the other corps in the following days. During this period, the 424th RCT of which the 591st FA Bn is its supporting artillery, held the flank of the 1st U'S. Army.
Both the infantry and the artillery were involved with sending out many patrols on the roads and into the surrounding countryside to pick up all German soldiers and stragglers who may have been missed during the advance. Several were picked up in civilian clothes. Pvt Bailey and Cpl Berneking lost feet as a result of stepping on AP mines. Mines remained an ever present danger to all personnel.
On 15 Mar the battalion left Neuhof, Germany, for a motor march back into France. The convoy arrived in St. Quentin, France, early on the morning of 16 Mar after passing through Belgium. From 17 Mar to the end of the month the battalion was billeted in a large warehouse in town. Many passes to the UK, Brussels, and Paris were received during this time. This was the first real rest that the battalion had for months. Word was received that the division was now a part of the 15th Army, and that the 106th was scheduled to go further back in France for a complete reorganization of all of its units.
On 1 Apr 45 the battalion left San Quentin by motor convoy to go to Rennes, France. Here the 106th started its long job of completely reorganizing. A cadre for the reconstituted 589th and 590th FA Bns was sent out from this battalion. Maj Wohlfeil, the battalion Exec, became Bn CO of the 590th (Personal note: Lawrence Myers, B Btry FO, became Asst S-3; - McCue, ExO, A Btry, became CO, A Btry; and Robert Ringer, Ammo Train CO, Svc Btry, became CO, Svc Btry). At this same time
• The CUB of the,olden Lion
591st Field Artillery Battalion, S-2 Report...
the 422nd and 423rd Inf Regts were reconstituted. The 159th and 3rd Inf Regts and the 627th and 401st FA Bns were attached to the 106th Inf Div to make a complete division while the reconstituted units engaged in a period of training. The 591st FA Bn and the 424th Inf Regt were alerted for a possible forced march to the support of the 66th Inf. Div which had been holding the Germans in the Lorient and Saint Nazaire pockets.
Trouble was expected from these
three rounds into they Loricnt submill pens on May 6th prior to the official "cease fire."]
Leaving the reconstituted units to continue their training, the 106th Div moved back into Germany. On 22 Apr 45 the battalion (591st) began its march. After a motor march of three days the battalion arrived at its bivouac area near Mannheim. The first night was spent in the woods near a little town called Vierheim. On the following day billeting parties were sent
591st Field Artillery Battalion, "B" Battery, Machine Gun Section
left/right: Persall; Gundersman; Bettancourt and Kittredge
Photo credits Raymond Kurth B-591st FAB:
pockets with the conflict in Germany drawing rapidly to a close. All types of small arms were fired by the members of the battalion while at Rennes. [LM comment: As a symbolic gesture to demonstrate that the reconstituted 590th FA Bn was now ready for action, one artillery piece from A Btry, with Major Wohlfeil and Lts Myers and McCue, displaced from their training area and fired
out to different localities to locate and requisition billets for the personnel.
On 27 Apr the batteries moved to their respective towns and started to carry out their assigned missions. Hq Btry went to Huttenbach to carry on the administration of the battalion. Btry A went to a section of the Rhine River and guarded it and its bridges. Btry B moved to Saarbrucken and took over a section of the city to guard Golden Lion
40
591st Field Artillery Battalion, S-2 Report .. .
0 remained near Vierheim for a few days and then moved to Heidelburg to carry on the function of supplying the battalion. Btry C moved to Worms and took over responsibility for guarding that city. No trouble was encountered by the batteries of the battalion in carrying out their guard missions. Gradually the firing batteries were relieved of their missions, but remained in place until further orders were received. It was known that the future mission of the battalion would be to operate prisoner of war stockades. The war drew to a close so rapidly that it was hard to follow. News of mass surrenders of German armies and the death or capture of high Nazi leaders continued to come through daily. It was hard for the men to see how the war could continue much longer.
On 2 May 95 the radio announced that Hitler was dead. The next day Berlin fell to Russians after most of what was left had destroyed by them. On 7 May the news came that Admiral Doenitz had surrendered the German armies and armed forces. No confirmation of this came through until the following day. On 8 May everyone found out that the war was over with Germany. The 9th of May was officially celebrated as V-E Day. This brings the official history of the 591st Field Artillery Battalion during its combat participation in the ETO to a close.
What the future holds is not known, but perhaps we will be in on the victory march into Tokyo.
Dr. Lawrence Myers, Forward Observer '44-'45 - B Btry, 591st FAB
591st Field Artillery Battalion, "B" Battery,
Villers - Au - Tours, Belgium
The people of La Tours, when we came off One,
took us in for rest and re-organizing. This gentleman claimed to have sung before the Council Heads of Belgium and Europe.
The signature on left upper of the photo
"Humblet Octavel?"
Below, not shown,
Amon meilleur ami
Photo credits Raymond Kurth B-591st FAB:
ADDENDUM: Verses penned by Cpt Robert Likins, CO, B Btry, 591st FA Bn, shortly after reconnaissance for new artillery positions vicinity of Basse Bedeux']
ON RECONNAISSANCE
They battled at nine for the valley,
We took over Basse Bedeux;
And following short on the rally
They ordered my cannons to go.
Now I'm not an aged soldier,
But I'm also not on pap;
There's a hell of a lot of reconnaissance
That you can't get off a map!
The CUB of the4Golden Lion
New Members .
GIBSON, BERNICE G. ASSOCIATO
403 WATER STREET, PINCONNING, MI 48650, 517-879-6262
I am the widow of Albert S. Gibson, deceased, 422/H
ARMGARD, CLIFFORD D. 422/HQ
108 MAIN STREET, GENOA, WI 54652, 608-689-2341
As soon as I turned 18, in my Senior year at high school, I was drafted. That was 20 December 1943. Captured 19 December 1944 I was liberated 17 April 1945. I worked at a couple jobs until I started work as a route man for a dry cleaning firm. I stayed with that until I retired, 41 years later. I also drove a school bus, part time, for 30 years. My wife and I have been married 54 years, have a son and two daughters. Have seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Cliff
BLAUCH, JOSEPH M. ASSOCIATE
2 GLASSMOYER LANE, NEWMANSTOWN, PA 17073, 717-949-2218
I am the son of James Blauch, formerly with "A" Company, 423. Infantry Regiment
BROCKWELL, MARTHA L. ASSOCIATE
two L II1LLCREST DRIVE JOHNSON CITY, TN 37604-4412
My husband, Charles Brockwell was a member of "M" Company, 422f" Infantry Regiment. I was an Axiliary Member with him until his death July 31, 2000. Knowing his pride in being part of the Golden Lion Division, I want to continue to hear and read about this group.
BROWN, VIRGIL M. 424/A
63 SOUTH LOMA PLACE, UPLAND, CA 91786, 909-982-3232, Rbscw6365@juno.com
CRAM, MILTON B. 423/CN
3210 FAUNA ST, SARASOTA, FL 34235-6605, 941-955-5170
EBLING, GEORGE 424/HQ 2Bn
12900 90th TERRACE NO., SEMINOLE, FL 33776, 727-391-4982
GIBSON, THOMAS A. ASSOCIATE
403 WATER STREET, PINCONNING, M148650, 517-879-6262
Son and Daughter-in-Law, Bonnie, of Albert Gibson, 422/H
GIBSON, JAMES R. ASSOCIATE
9472 HOPI LN, FREMONT, WI 54940, 920-446-3994
ECDICencrgycontroldesign,com
Son of James O. Gibson, 424/F (deceased)
JOHNSON, WILLIAM S. 106 MP
112 MORSE, NORTHLAKE, IL 60164, 708-344-9631
JOHNSTON, GARY D. ASSOCIATE
PO BOX, WEST YELLOWSTONE, MT 5
LAPP, ROYCE C. 424/C
35467 SCHAFER RANCH RD YUCAIPA, CA 92399-9479, 909-790-6566, RoyceGeorgie@aoLcom
MOHLER, SHIRLEY ASSOCIATE
2702 PEEL STREET, HUNTSVILLE, AL 35805, 256-539-3660
My father was James W. Tucker, PFC, G Company, 423. Inf Regiment, Stalag 9-B
PIERCE, MARJORIE H. ASSOCIATE
474 FEDERAL STREET NW WARREN, OH 44483-3230
RUSSO, RALPH J. 422/K
140 STONEY CLIFF RD, CENTERVILLE, MA 02632, 508-775-7307
My wife, Helen Russo, joins as an Auxiliary member.
42
New Members...
SLITTER, ROB ASSOCIATE
3100 3RD STREET, MARION, IA 52302, 319-373-9836
My Great Uncle Sgt Arthur J. Thomas, Battery A, 592. FAB served from 1944-46. He died 10 years ago. I am doing research on his life so that our family can be aware of what he did and what he experienced. His military records were destroyed by fire in St Louis. I would like to ask if any of you knew him or know if there were other records available, I would like to know. Thank you for allowing me to participate in your organization.
THOMAS, H. WHEATON 423/M
35 VILLAGER RD CHESTER, NH 03036, 603-887-6788 WhcatonT@aol,com
I took Basic Infantry Training at Camp Wheeler, Macon GA; ASTP Program at University of Alabama, engineering ses. Advanced Infantry Training Camp Atterbury, IN M Company, 423. Infantry, machine gun squad leader. Wounded and taken POW in the Battle of the Bulge. Returned to USA in June 1945, Married in July. Re-assigned as a machine gun instructor to Camp Wheeler. Discharged on points in October and returned to college. Graduated Brown University 1947. Worked for the Old Stone Bank, Providence, RI. Left the bank and joined Amica Insurance Co in 195-53. Joined the LG Balfour Co, Attleboro, MA in 1953 and retired from there in 1979 as VP of Sales. 1979-1992 worked as an Independent Insurance sales agent in Durham, NC. Moved to Chester, NH in '92 where I presently reside. Along the way we had three sons and I developed an interest in boating, golf and tennis.
VINCENT, MERLIN 331 MED/B
19613 EAST SUN TAN BLVD QUEEN CREEK, AZ 85242, 480-987-3678
VOGLESONG, DONALD L. 422/F
PO BOX 101 PAOLI, IN 47454 812-723-2498
Daniel Voglesong purchased a LIFE Membership for his father, Donald, and Donald's wife Twighla Voglesong. Donald Voglesong was a Corporal in F Company, 422nd Infantry.
WENTE, MARTIN L "CHIC" 423/I
1309 PASEO VALLE VISTA COVINA, CA 91724-3202, 626-332-5079
Joined the 106th Infantry Division at Atterbury, was in the machine gun section of I Co, 423. Infantry. Cavender (423. CO) made me his orderly prior to me being commissioned a 2nd Lt on 16 December. I received a slight shrapnel wound on 17 December and was taken prisoner on 19 December. What records we didn't destroy at Regimental Headquarters the Germans destroyed. I was Lt for 3 days and it was impossible to get my new dog tags. The Germans didn't believe I was an officer and put me with the enlisted men at Bad Orb Stalag IX-B. I was then salt to a slave labor camp at Berga/ELster. I was finally liberated at Reising (17 miles north ofMunich) On 29 April 1945. I've been trying to get back my commission but I have been told I needed documentation to prove I was commissioned. I was at the Reunion in St Louis hoping to see Colonel Cavender. I teamed he had died several years ago.
After discharge on 7 December 1945 I was a Los Angeles police detective for 33 years and have been a high school teacher, teaching law for the past 20 years. I had a great time at St Louis and am looking forward to Washington next year.
You guys do a Great Job - many thanks. Martin "Chic" Wrote
43
In Memoriam
Bean, Ralph 423/HQ 1Bn Rte 2,BoxI I ,
Date of death: 14 October 2000 at age 78. Cynthia said that Ralph died of an apparent heart attack after he came into the house for a drink of water. He had been cutting weeds in the yard.
Hal Taylor, 423/CN a very good friend of Ralph's notified us of his death. He and Ralph were with our group in Auw, Germany in May 1999 at the German/American Reunion visit. Ralph and Hal had gone back to Halle, where they were held as POWs and labored in a Kommando work shop. That story was featured in The CUB of Jan-Feb-Mar 1997 (pages 16-19)
Brockwell, Charles L. 422/M
Date of death: 31 July 2000. No details, but widow Martha Brockwell continues her membership as an Associate.
Ciliberti, Michael G. 424/C
Michael's widow Eva Ciliberti wrote that he died 26 October 2000
Guintard, Robert O. 424/C 732 Blackman Street - Lake Charles, LA 706056
Cub returned. A call revealed that Ouida Guintard, his wife died 28 July 2000 and he died 2 August 2000.
House, Pete 590/A 5662 Clifton Ave - Jacksonville, FL 32211
Date of death 29 September 2000. Pete House, Sr., 76, passed away on Friday, September 29th. He was a graduate of Lee High School and a 1949 graduate of the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Education. He was a member of the Beta Zeta Chapter of Kappa Delta Pi and the Florida Blue Key. Mr. House was a veteran of the U.S. Army -- WW II. He served in the 106th Infantry Division and was captured by the Germans during the Battle of the Bulge and held as a prisoner of war in Stalag 9B. Following his return to the states, he worked for Theatre Jacksonville in San Marco, where he met his wife of forty-two years. He worked in television at WMBR and then WJXT and later as an audio-visual sales representative for the Company.
His civic interests included the Boy Scouts of America where he served in Scout leader training for over 35 years and received the highest adult award in scouting -- the Silver Beaver. He was also involved with the Ground Observer Corps, United States Power Squadron, 106th Infantry Division Association, and American EX-Prisoners of War. Survivors include his wife Joanne House, son Peter House, daughter-in-law Debbie, and grandchildren Ryan and Rachel.
A memorial service, with Rev. Greg Frazier officiating, was held at the Corey-Kerlin Funeral Home, 940 Cesery Boulevard in Arlington. Memorial contributions may be made to the Boy Scouts of America, 521 S. Edgewood Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32254.
Knighton, Glen 423/SV 3500 Morningside Drive - Fairfax, VA 22031
Date of death: 30 June 2000
Mills, Col. Eric R. 422/HQ 1Bn 5007 Dian Woods Drive East - Jacksonville, FL 32210
Date of death: 5 June 2000
Matthews, Col. Joseph 422/HQ Robert Matthews, 205 Weaver Drive, Williamston, NC 27892
Col. Joseph C. Matthews, Jr.',(USAR) died September 24 2000. Born July 18 ,1907, he was a Raleigh native and the eldest son of Joseph C. Matthews, Sr. and Moddie Ellington Matthews He was married to the late Anna K. Skarren of Beaufort, North Carolina for 45 years.
His youngest son, Bruce E. Matthews and his sister Dr. Mary E. Matthews, precede him in death. His sons Reverend Joseph C. Matthews, III of Waldorf, MD, and Robert F. Matthews, Sr., of Williamston, NC; eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and his brother Wilbur P. Matthews of Raleigh survive him.
Rest in Peace
In Memoriam
Col. Matthews was a 1928 graduate of North Carolina State College and joined the North Carolina National Guard while in college. He subsequently was employed by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture as a chemist until 1933 when he was placed on active duty with the Civilian Conservation Corps, where he served as a camp commander in Southern Pines, NC, Tellico Plains, TN, and Lakewin PA. He remained on active duty and was assigned to the cadre of the 106th Infantry Division. While serving, as Executive Officer of the 422nd Infantry Regiment, 106th Infantry Division, he was captured near St. Vith, Belgium during the Battle of the Bulge and was a Prisoner of War for over five months, After the war, he served in Korea, Japan, and Jackson, MS, retiring in 1957 as a member of the staff of the Inspector General of the Third Army at Ft. McPherson, GA.
After retirement from the military he returned to NC State where he earned the Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, and Ph'D. in Agricultural Economics in 1905. He then joined the faculty of NC State serving as an Assistant Professor of Economics and a member of the staff of the Center for Occupational Education. He retired from teaching and research in 1973.
Since his retirement, he was a faithful assistant at the Shepherd's Table Soup Kitchen and also delivered Meals on Wheels until poor eyesight forced him to stop. He was active in the Golden K. Kiwanis Club, American Legion Post #1, American Ex-POW Tarheel Chapter #1, the Raleigh Sports Club, the NC State Alumni Association and Forever Club, the Retired Officer's Association, as well as the 100th Infantry Association on which he served as a lifetime member of the Board of Directors. The 106th Infantry Association had recently honored Col. Matthews with the Order of the Golden Lion, its highest civilian citation, for his dedicated service and commitment to the Association for over fifty years.
Funeral services were held September 29,2000, at the Episcopal Church of the Good Nerd on Hillsborough Street in downtown Raleigh. Burial was at the Oakwood Cemetery. ontributions may be made to the Shepherd's Table Soup Kitchen, c/o the Church of the Good qepherd, 125 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, NC.
Pina, George A. 590/MED 69 Cavalcade Blvd - Warwick, RI 02889
Date of death: 18 June 2000. Ella Pina, his widow wrote that she forgot to notify us. She said George had been in a nursing home for the past three years. She sent along $20 so that she could continue to receive the CUB as an Associate member.
Ryan, Gerald W. 1425 Brookside Ave - Redlands, CA 92373
Date of death: 1 February 2000
Sweir, (Ted) Thaddeus 591/HQ 228 South Wingate Drive - Schaumburg, 11 60193
Date of death: October 2000 (exact date not known). Ray Panice, 591/HQ wrote notifying us of his death. He said, in part, "Swier was with 591. Headquarters from the time the 106. formed until they come home. He was an unsung hero (though there were many). When our battalion was overrun and our condition was "no ammo" he and two other GI's plus our major , volunteered to go to the overrun gun sites and get whatever ammo they could find. They came back with a 2'5 ton loaded with 105mm Howitzer ammunition. He leaves behind his wife, Rosalie Sweir and three sons and a daughter and grandchildren.
Wendel, James W. Unit Unknown 918 South Cowen Street - Garrett, 1N 46738
Date of death: 4 April 2000, reported by his son James Wendel, Jr. James gave his unit as 112. Regiment, Co I, 286 Infantry Division, first that we knew that.
Rest in Peace
HAPPY
HOLIDAYS!
BEST WISHES
FOR A.
HAPPY NEW
YEAR !!
From the Officers and Board of Directors of your 106th Infantry Division Association
REMINDERS FOR THE YEAR
STAY WELL
BE GOOD
PAY YOUR ANNUAL DUES BY JUNE 30, 2001
CHECK THE FEBRUARY CUB
FOR THE 55TH ANNUAL REUNION DETAILS
The CUBA quarterly publication of the 106th Infantry Division Association, Inc. A nonprofit Organization - USPO #5054 St Paul, MN - Agent: John P. Kline, Editor Membership fees include CUB subscription.
Paid membership November 27, 2000 - 1,606 members
President Marion Ray
Past-President John A. Gregory
1st Vice-Pres Joseph P. Maloney
2nd Vice-Pres Frank Lapato
Treasurer/Historian Sherod Collins
Adjutant John A. Swett
CUB Editor John P. Kline
Chaplain Dr. Duncan Trueman
Memorials Chairman Dr. John G. Robb
Atterbury Memorial Rep O. Paul Merz
Membership Chairman John P. Kline
Resolutions Chairman E.V. Creel
Washington Liaison & AFR Jack A. Sulser
Order of the Golden Lion John O. Gilliland
Committee: Joseph Massey, Sherod Collins
Nominating Committee. Chairman John M. Roberts
Committee , George Peros, Richard D. Sparks
Budget Chairman Charles F. Rieck
Mini-Reunion Chairman: John R. Schaffner
Editorial matter and photos
John P. Kline - CUB Editor
11 Harold Drive, Burnsville, MN 55337-2786
952-890-3155 -jpk@mm.com
Business matters, deaths, address changes:
John Swett- Adjutant
10691 E Northern Crest Dr. Tucson, AZ 85748
520-722-6016 - jaswet@juno,com
Memorial matters and inquiries:
Dr. John G. Robb - Memorial Chairman
238 Devore DR., Meadville, PA 16355
814-333-6364
Membership dues, Historical items:
Sherod Collins - Treasurer/Historian
448 Monroe Trace, Kennesaw, GA 30144
770-928-3207
Membership fees
Life Vets/Associates , $ 75 Auxiliary $15 Annual Vets/Associates .,, $10 Auxiliary $2 Make checks payable to "106th Infantry Division Association."
Send checks to Treasurer - see address above,
Board of Directors
E. V. Creel, 5901.8 ('2001)
315 Fern ChB. Av8e6T9e8MT,errace, FL 33617
Marion Ray, 424/D (Exec. Comm.) ('2001)
704 Briarwood Drive, Bethalto, IL 62010-1168
618-377-3674 - bugleboy19@, juno,com
Col. Earl Valenstein US (Ret), 81st Eng/B ('2001)
5737 Bar Neck Rd,, Cambridge, MD 21613
410,28-0716 - caglc@shorenet,net
Gerald P. Zimand, 422/D ('2001)
1+1;',!.1)51 :-74:4'71q Hyde 5P67-1'732'-'3832")
Joseph P. Maloney, 424/HQ (Exec. Comm.) (.2002)
1120 Warren Ave, Arnold, PA 15068
724-335-6104 - maloney@salesgiver,com
Richard D. Sparks, 423/HQ ('2002)
3180 Hanley St,, Deltona, FL 32738
904-789-4692 - dsparky@magicnetnet
Russell H. Villwock, 106 Signal ('2002)
8960 West Fostertc,5 2
Norridge, IL 656
John O. Gilliland, 592/SV ('2003)
140 Nancy S25tml= AL 35957
Frank Lapato, 422/HQ (Exec. Comm.) ('2003)
RD 8 - Box 403, Kittanning, PA 16201
724-548-2119
Harry F. Martin, Jr., 424/L
PO Box 221, Mount (6
un,tirlizon, NJ 07856
George Peron, 590/A ('2003)
19160 Harbor Tree Ct, NW Fort Myers, FL 33903
941-731-5320
Charles F. Week 422/H ('2003)
7316 Voss Parlzay8,,r6dAlton, WI 53562
Pete Yanchik, 423/A ('2004)
1161 Airport Rd,. Aliquippa, PA 15001-4312
412-375-6451
Richard L. Rigatti, 423/B ('2004)
113 W71251-.111-81"3,1 PriigtilabcOAm,lcSo2m15- 7"
John R. Schaffner, 589/A ('2004)
1811 Miller Road Cockeysville, MD 21030-1013
410-584-2754 jschaffn@bcpl,net
Jack A. Sulser, 423/F ('2004)
9" '7'013‘-troti 1-‘.sleuZrj'aca'rtAli-ii2n3ki.n2;.155.
Robert R. Hanna, 422/HQ ('2005)
7215 Linda Lake 13riv,e-,ha,r,:eir. NC 28215-3617
,7o
John M. Roberts, 592/C ('2005)
1059 Alter Road- Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304-1401
248-338-2667 - jmr810(4aol,com
Waid Toy, 422/K ('2005)
4605 Wade Street-,,C,,,,linibt SC 29210-3941
Frank S. Trautman, 422. ('2005)
9 Mcadowerest [hive- Parkersburg, WV 26101-9395
Index for: Vol. 57 No. 1, Oct, 2000
Index for This Document
106th Div., 42, 43, 44, 48, 49, 51106th Div. Arty., 42, 43
106th Inf. Div., 7, 8, 10, 13, 35, 36, 39, 55, 57, 59, 60, 61
106th Inf. Div. Assn., 59
106th Infantry Division Association, 7, 10, 57, 60, 61
106th Sig. Co., 61
112th Inf., 41
112th Inf. Regt., 41
15th Army, 51
229th FA BN, 44
28th Inf. Div., 9, 41
2nd Inf. Div., 40
31st Div., 9
333rd FAB, 17
37th FA, 40
37th FA BN, 40
3rd Army, 59
401st FA BN, 33
422/K, 17, 20, 54, 62
422/M, 17, 57
422nd Inf., 6, 13, 55, 59
422nd Inf. Regt., 59
423rd Inf., 10, 51
423rd Inf. Regt., 10
424/A, 16, 53
424/C, 16, 54, 57
424/D, 16, 61
424/E, 16
424/G, 16
424/L, 17, 62
424th AT, 4
424th Inf. Regt., 7, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 47, 50, 51
424th Regt., 36
424th Regt. Cbt. Team, 36
589th FA, 16
589th FA BN, 16
590th FA BN, 6, 16, 51
591st FA BN, 16, 36, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 46, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52
591st FAB, 16, 36, 38, 40, 42, 43, 46, 48, 50, 51, 52
592nd FA BN, 16, 42
592nd FAB, 16
75th Inf. Div., 43
7th Armd. Div., 42, 43, 47
81st Eng/Hq, 17
81st Engr., 50
82nd Abn. Div., 44
965th FA BN, 41
99th Div., 49
9th Armd. Div., 41
Adolphson, Maynard, 20
Agostini, Orfeo E., 24
Aisemont, 46
Alphonse, Willie R., 24
Angelo, Mario J., 21
Arbrefontaine, 44
Ardennes, 7
Armed Forces Reunions, 7, 8
Armgard, Clifford, 53
Armgard, Clifford D., 53
Arvold, Norman W., 23
Attached Units, 16, 17
Auw, 57
Auw, Germany, 57
Bachmurski, Stanley M., 24, 33, 34
Backmurski-Fosdick, Rosemary, 33
Bad Orb, 55
Barnes, Ralph K., 21
Basel, Theodore, 21
Bastogne, 43
Battle of the Bulge, 11, 12, 33, 34, 36, 43, 55, 57, 59
Bauswell, Victor D., 19
Bean, Ralph, 57
Bean, Ralph L., 21
Belgium, 27, 40, 42, 43, 46, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 59
Bennett, Jackson Z., 19
Berga, 55
Berlin, 48, 52
Beville, John G., 24
Bishop, Alan G., 24
Bishop, Grayson, 29
Black, Jr., Rev Ewell C., 19
Black, Rev. Ewell C., Jr., 1, 6
Black, T. Wayne, 19
Blackwell, S/Sgt. Ray H., 47
Bladen, John, 31
Bladen, John A., 21
Bladen, Mary, 31
Blaher, William S., 20
Blauch, James, 53
Blauch, Joseph M., 53
Bloch, Jacques W., 20
Books, 14
Born, 6, 58
Boschert, Paul V., 25
Bracht, 42
Brankin, William J., 19
Brasfield, Paul W., 25
Braunlauf, 42
Brax, Richard I., 23
Breite, Victor W., 20
Bridges, Walter G., 23
Brockwell, Charles, 53, 57
Brockwell, Charles L., 57
Brockwell, Martha, 53, 57
Brockwell, Martha L., 53
Brown, Raymond, 25
Brown, Virgil M., 53
Brussels, 51
Bryan, Kenneth V., 21
Buedingen, Lt., 42
Bullingen, 49
Burg, 40, 41, 42
Burg Reuland, 40, 41, 42
Burkes, Frankie, 26
Burnside, Julian B., 23
Burrell, James V., 21
Butgenbach, 49
Cadillac, 29
Camp Atterbury, 9, 14, 39, 55
Camp Atterbury Memorial, 14
Camp Atterbury Memorial Fund, 14
Camp Atterbury Museum, 9
Camp Atterbury, IN, 39, 55
Camp Kilmer, NJ, 35
Camp Myles Standish, MA, 39
Caplan, Bert, 24
Capshaw, Clifton, 23
Carey, Pvt. Frank, 40
Carpenter, Edgar R., 24
Carver, Dale, 13
Carver, Dale R., 24
Cavender, Col., 55
Central Europe, 35
Charron, Nelson J., 20
Chevron, 43
Chezmar, John P., 23
Childs, Dean F., 19
Ciliberti, Eva, 57
Ciliberti, Michael, 57
Ciliberti, Michael G., 57
Clower, Robert G., 23
Colbert, Hugh L., 19
Collins, John P., 24
Collins, Sherod, 1, 6, 21, 60, 61
Collins, Virgil L., 21
Commanster, 42
Costa, Anton E., 23
Costa, Lawrence, 23
Coulee, 44
Cram, Milton, 53
Cram, Milton B., 53
Creel, E. V., 25, 61
Creel, E.V., 60
Crowell, Edward R., 21
Cullinan, Charles V., 24
Dallman, Joseph G., 24
Datte, Charles, 25
Dean, Verner W., 20
Dedian, Ara, 25
DeSantis, Joseph, 29, 32
Desantis, Joseph M., 19
Dickerson, Myrton B., 23
Diehl, Lloyd J., 21
Direnzo, Peter L., 19
Div. Arty, 41, 42, 43, 44, 47, 49
Dorn, Edward W., 20
Ebling, George, 53
Edelman, Louis, 23
Eldridge, Robert D., 20
Eupen, 50
Eupen, Belgium, 50
Ezell, John E., 21
Facey, Col. Kenneth, 19
Fitzgerald, Gilbert, 23
Fleharty, Dharlys, 26
Fleischman, Peter, 44
Fleischman, Peter F., 41
Fleischmann, Peter F., 41
Fletcher, Robert A., 4
Forbes, Fontaine C., 21
Ford, Dave, 29
Ford, Jr., David J., 25
'FORWARD', 11
France, 35, 39, 40, 51
Frazier, Rev. Greg, 57
Ft. Jackson, SC, 2, 39
Gaither, Jack L., 19
Gasses, Joseph J., 19
Gatens, John, 25, 29, 31, 32
Geib, George, 24
Germany, 11, 12, 13, 50, 51, 52, 57
Gibson, Albert, 53
Gibson, Albert S., 53
Gibson, Bernice G., 53
Gibson, James, 53
Gibson, James O., 53
Gibson, James R., 53
Gibson, Thomas A., 26, 53
Gilbert, Daniel W., 21
Gilliland, John, 28
Gilliland, John O., 25, 28, 60, 62
Ginther, Keith, 20
Gloucester, 39
Goldberg, Ed, 32
Goldberg, Ed & Natalie, 31
Goldberg, Ephraim, 21
Gouy, Belgium, 29
Gregory, John, 30
Gregory, John A., 23, 60
Greve, Walter C., 21
Gruce, James R., 26
Grufflingen, 41, 42
Guintard, Ouida, 57
Guintard, Robert O., 57
Hagan, Ronald E., 26
Haladay, Bud, 31
Haladay, Maurice, 31
Halladay, Maurice A., 21
Halle, 57
Hamilton, Lawrence, 19
Hanke, Arthur K., 19
Hanks, Tom, 11, 34
Hanna, Robert, 1
Hanna, Robert R., 19, 62
Hannon, Jean, 30
Hannon, Phil, 29
Hannon, Philip A., 24
Hanson, Robert J., 24
Hartlieb, Glenn O., 25
Hawkins, Harold W., 21
Heck, Howell H., 21
Heckhalenfeld, 40, 41
Heckhalenfeld, Germany, 40
Heidelburg, 52
Heilbronn, 35
Heilbronn, Germany, 35
Helmich, Les, 9
Helmich, Lester A., 23
Herndon, Donald F., 24
Hestreux, 48, 49
Hill, Maj. H., 23
Hilliard, Rev Roy H., 20
Hinkle, Raymond A., 22
Hinsley, Vernon R., 23
Hoff, Russell D., 20
Hoffman, Harold, 23
Hoffmann, Jr., Briggs A., 25
Hohenstein, Iona, 26
Holden, Robert R., 22
Holtzmuller, J. Don, 25
Homan, Robert C., 23
Hoogland, L'Myra A., 26
Hoover, Lt. Col., 41, 46, 47, 49
House, Joanne, 57
House, Mr., 57
House, Pete, 2, 6, 57
House, Pete, Sr., 57
House, Peter, 57
Howard, John N., 25
Huminski, Edwin C., 24
Hunningen, 49
Hunter, David, 21
Huttenbach, 51
Ice, Orva L., 23
Inspector Gen., 59
Ivy, William F., 20
Jackson, Roy T., 48, 50
Jenkins, William, 1
Jenkins, William D., 20
Jennings, Dr. Vance, 8
Jennings, Vance, 8
Johansen, Charles H., 25
Johnson, William, 53
Johnson, William S., 53
Johnston, Gary D., 53
Johnston, Ray A., 22
Jones, Howard W., 24
Jones, L. Martin, 21
Jones, William B., 20
Josephs, Robert H., 19
Kaulitz, Ronald J., 47
Keating, Walter W., 23
Keeber, Willard H., 24
Keech, Jason, 33
Keech, Sarah, 33
Kelch, Eugene B., 20
Kline, J., 9, 35
Kline, John, 1, 3, 6, 7, 10, 31
Kline, John P., 23, 32, 60
Knighton, Glen, 57
Koehler, Franklin R., 23
Kommando, 57
Kopatz, Ida L., 26
Korea, 33, 59
Kortlang, Charles E., 19
Krantz, Albert R., 19
Krezminski, Edward S., 24
Kronmueller, William W., 21
Kucholick, Stanley, 23
Kuhman, Clement A., 23
Kuizema, Harold, 25, 29
Kups, Stanley, 19
Kurth, Raymond, 36, 40, 42, 43, 46, 48, 50, 51, 52
Kurzeja, Michael F., 22
Lacey, Davie, 24
Landis, Robert J., 23
Lang, E. Russell, 22
Lankford, William, 19
Lapato, Frank, 19, 60, 62
Lapp, Royce, 54
Lapp, Royce C., 54
Lata, Walter J., 20
Lauman, Dorothy, 26
Lavaux, 44, 46
Lawrence, Lt., 36, 39, 47
Lawson, James W., 26
LeHarve, 39
Libman, Oliver, 23
Lichtenfeld, Dr. Norman S., 26
Likins, Capt. Robert, 52
Likins, Capt. Robert A., 40, 42
Limburg, 12
Limburg, Germany, 12
Liverpool, 39
Liverpool, England, 39
London, 8
Lorient, 51
Losey, Walter F., 20
Luxembourg, 40
Malone, William E., 20
Maloney, Joseph P., 23, 60, 61
Malueg, Russell J., 21
Mannheim, 51
Marcum, George C., 22
Marsh, Robert H., 21
Martin, Harry, 29, 32
Martin, Harry F., 62
Martin, Harry F., Jr., 62
Martin, Jr., Harry F., 24
Martinez, Fred T., 25
Mascone, Attilio A., 20
Massey, Joseph, 60
Massey, Joseph A., 19
Matthews, Bruce E., 58
Matthews, Col., 58, 59
Matthews, Col. Joe, 3
Matthews, Col. Joseph, 1, 2, 6, 28, 58
Matthews, Col. Joseph C., 58
Matthews, Col. Joseph C., Jr., 58
Matthews, Dr. Mary E., 58
Matthews, Joseph C., 58
Matthews, Joseph C., Sr., 58
Matthews, Moddie Ellington, 58
Matthews, Rev. Joseph C., III, 58
Matthews, Robert, 6, 58
Matthews, Robert F., Sr., 58
Matthews, Wilbur P., 58
McCamly, Col. David, 4
McCary, Jim, 26
McCary, William 'Hughes', 22
McClure, Clint, 20
McCollum, Vollie L., 19
McMahon, Brig. Gen., 49
McMahon, Leo, 42
McMichael, Bryce D., 25
Meadows, Gerald D., 20
Meissler, Charles G., 26
Memorials, 60
Merz, O. Paul, 60
Meyerode, 48
Mikalauskis, John L., 24
Miller, Homer W., 47
Mills, Col. Eric, 57
Mills, Col. Eric R., 57
Mohler, Shirley, 54
Montenau, 47, 48
Morgan, Aubrey D., 24
Moustier, 44
Murray, Jr., George, 24
Myers, 1st Lt. Lawrence, 36, 39, 47
Myers, Dr. Lawrence, 38, 52
Myers, Lawrence, 36, 40, 41, 51
Myles Standish, 39
Nagle, Jr., Edward, 24
Nelson, Dr. Ralph, 19
Nester, George, 24
Neuhof, 50, 51
Neuhof, Germany, 50, 51
Neuville, 46
Newman, Saul A., 20
Nolan, 2nd Lt. William, 41
Northern France, 35
Odrimont, 44
Order of the Golden Lion, 3, 6, 28, 59, 60
Our River, 38
Palaia, Ralph, 26
Panice, Ray, 59
Panice, Raymond H., 25
Paris, 46, 48, 50, 51
Passariello, Louis, 23
Patton, Gen., 34
Pawluk, Walter S., 19
Perko, Emil A., 20
Peron, George, 62
Peros, George, 25, 60
Persian Gulf War, 4
Petersen, Walter A., 22
Peterson, Phd, Dr. Richard, 22
Phelan, William R., 20
Photos, 29
Pierce, Marjorie H., 54
Pilkington, Fred, 12
Pilkington, Fred A., 19
Pina, Ella, 59
Pina, George A., 59
Pinney, Gordon B., 21
Plenskofski, John, 9
Podlaski, Edmund P., 20
Post, Lawrence W., 20
Powell, Eugene M., 19
Powers, Alvin T., 19
Praznik, Louis, 24
Prescott, Eugene L., 20
Prewett, Edward A., 23
Prisoner of War, 59
Purcell, Thomas I., 19
Racster, John R., 20
Rain, John C., 25
Rapp, Albert T., 22
Ray, Ltc Marion, 23
Ray, Marion, 2, 3, 60, 61
Rediger, Delbert G., 24
Reed, James W., 25
Reid, Col., 41
Rennes, 51
Rennes, France, 51
Reunions, 7, 8, 10, 34
Revolutionary War, 4, 32
Rhine, 51
Rhine River, 51
Rieck, Charles F., 20, 60
Rigatti, Richard L., 21, 62
Rikken, Adda & Willie, 29, 31
Ringer, Robert, 51
Roanne, 40, 42, 44, 46
Robb, Dr. John G., 20, 60, 61
Roberts, Jack, 29
Roberts, John M., 25, 60, 62
Robinson, Richard, 25
Rodriguez, Dr. Juan G., 19
Roos, Arthur K., 19
Roper, Edward Y., 20
Rosee, 40
Rouen, 40
Russell, Alden F., 23
Russo, Helen, 54
Russo, Ralph J., 54
Ryan, Gerald W., 59
Saarbrucken, 51
Saint Nazaire, 51
Salemink, Richard J., 24
Salm, 43
Salm River, 43
San Quentin, 51
Sandahl, Dean E., 19
Sanders, Joe T., 20
Saucerman, Eugene L., 20
Scalzo, Salvatore A., 20
Schaffner, John, 3, 29
Schaffner, John & Lillian, 31
Schaffner, John R., 9, 25, 60, 62
Schaffner, Lillian, 30
Scharnerberger, Ellsworth H., 19
Schober, Milton J., 24
Schoeck, Richard J., 19
Scott, Earl, 30
Scott, Earl A., 25
Seine, 39
Seine River, 39
Sheaner, Jr., Herbert, 20
Sheets, Roy S., 24
Simmons, Norman, 23
Skarren, Anna K., 58
Slitter, Rob, 55
Smith, Kenneth M., 22
Smoler, Irwin C., 23
Snovel, Robert, 20
Snyder, Walt, 29
Snyder, Walter M., 25
Sodelheid, 43
Sparks, Richard D., 60, 61
Spineux, 46
St. Vith, 14, 40, 41, 42, 59
St. Vith, Belgium, 40, 59
Stalag 9-B, 54, 57
Stalag IX-B, 55
Starmack, John S., 21
Stauff, John H., 25
Stein, Murray, 10, 11
Ster, 44, 46
Stevenson, Robert L., 24
Stone, Paul E., 24
Streib, Marshal P., 23
Sulser, Jack, 7, 8, 32
Sulser, Jack A., 21, 60, 62
Swartz, Harvey L., 21
Sweir, (Ted) Thaddeus, 59
Sweir, Rosalie, 59
Swett, John, 61
Swett, John A., 22, 60
Swisher, Ralph A., 24
Sykes, Morris G., 20
Szpek, Ervin, 9
Szpek, Ervin, Jr., 9
Tacker, Frank, 25
Tarantino, Joseph C., 21
Taylor, Hal, 57
Taylor, Hal R., 21
Tetzlaff, James E., 24
The Battle of the Bulge, 12
Thomas, H. Wheaton, 55
Thomas, James B., 21
Thomas, Sgt. Arthur J., 55
Thome, Michael, 19
Tokyo, 52
Toy, Waid, 62
Toy, Waid S., 20
Trautman, Frank S., 20, 62
Trost, Paul M. L., 22
Trueman, Chaplain Duncan, 4
Trueman, Dr. Duncan, 4, 23, 60
Trueman, Duncan, 4
Tucker, James W., 54
Twardzik, Raymond, 19
Twinn, James H., 25
V Corps, 49, 50
Valenstein, Col. Earl, 61
Vanderheyden, Donald, 25
Vandermast, Mary, 30
Venegoni, Vincent J., 23
Vielsalm, 43
Vietnam, 10, 11
Vietnam War, 10
Ville, Belgium, 43
Villwock, Russell H., 61
Vincent, Merlin, 55
Vitali, Al, 32
Vitali, Alfred L., 23
Vogel, James, 21
Voglesong, Daniel, 55
Voglesong, Donald, 55
Voglesong, Donald L., 55
Voglesong, Twighla, 55
Wakefield, 39
Walker, Cpl. Harold B., 40
Walker, June, 28
Walker, Robert F., 28
Week, Charles F., 62
Weiss, Newton W., 22
Wells, James E., 9
Wendel, James W., 60
Wendel, James, Jr., 60
Wente, Martin, 55
Wente, Martin L. 'Chic', 22
West, James D., 9
Wetherill, Capt., 42
Weymouth, 39
Williams, Lawrence R., 20
Winterspelt, 40, 41
Wohlfeil, Maj., 51
Wohlfeil, Maj. Carl H., 41, 43
Wojahn, Edward C., 24
Wood, John, 24, 29
Woodward, Jack, 25
Wright, Dennis L., 25
Yanchik, Pete, 62
Yerville, 40
Yerville, France, 40
Yingst, William, 29, 32
Yingst, William J., 21
York, Robert E., 20
Young, Damon F., 21
Young, Edward E., 25
Youngblood, C. Edwin, 21
Zenn, Mike, 21
Zicker, Gordon B., 21
Zimand, Gerald P., 20, 61
Zimmermann, Joseph W., 24