Original Cub Document
Uploaded: 11-Dec-2020
The CUB
Vol. 58, No. 3, Apr., 2002
The CUB
A 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 June 9, 2002 – 1,610
President Joseph P. Maloney
Past-President (Ex-Officio) Marion Ray
1st Vice-Pres John R. Schaffner
2nd Vice-Pres John M. Roberts
Treasurer/Historian Sherod Collins
Adjutant John A. Swett
CUB Editor, Membership John P. Kline
Chaplain Dr. Duncan Trueman
Memorials Chairman Dr. John G. Robb
Atterbury Memorial Representative O. Paul Merz
Resolutions Chairman Richard Rigatti
Washington Liaison & AFR Jack A. Sulser
Order of the Golden Lion, Chairman John O. Gilliland
Committee Joseph Massey, Sherod Collins
Nominating Committee Chairman John M. Roberts
Committee: Walter Bridges, Harry Martin
Mini-Reunion Chairman John R. Schaffner
Editorial Matters, Membership Committee:
John P. Kline - CUB Editor
11 Harold Drive, Burnsville, MN 55337-2786
952-890-3155
Business Matters, Deaths, Address changes:
John Swett - Adjutant
10691 E Northern Crest Dr, Mesa), AZ 85748
520-722-6016
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, $IO Auxiliary $2
Make Checks Payable to
"106th Infantry Division Association"
Send Check and Application to
Treasurer - see above
Board of Directors
Joseph P. Maloney, 424/11Q (Exec. Comm.) (2002)
1120 Warren Avenue, Arnold, PA 15068
724.335-6104
Richard D. Sparks, 423/11Q (2002)
3180 Hanley Street. Deltona. FL 32738
904-789-4692 Email: dsparky@eartlink,net
John O. Gilliland, 592/SV (2003)
140 Nancy Sues.... AL 35957
256-593-6801
Frank Lapato, 422/IIQ (2003)
RD IL Box 403, Kittanning, PA 16201
724-548-2119 Email: flapato@alltel,net
Harry F. Martin, Jr., 424/L (2003)
PO Box 221, Mount Arlington, NJ 07856
973-663-2410 mainjr@localnet.com
George Peros, 590/A (2003)
19160 Harbor Tree Court, NW Fort Myers, I, 33903
941-731-5320
Charles F. Rieck 422/H (2003)
7316 Voss Parkway. Middleton. WI 53562
6064131-6110
Pete Yanchik, 423/A (2004)
1161 Airport Rout Aliquippa, PA 15001-4312
412-375-6451
Richard L. Rigatti, 423/B (2004)
113 Woodshire Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15215-1713
412-781-8131 Email, rigani@hbcomcom
John R. Schaffner, 589/A (Exec. Comm.), (2004)
1811 Miller Road, Cockeysville, MD 21030-1013
410-584-2754 Emailjschaffn@bcptnet
Jack A. Sulser, 423/F (2004)
917 N Ashton Street, Alexandria. VA 22312-5506
703454-0221 Email: sullaj I Bearthlink.net
Robert R. Hanna, 422/HQ (2005)
7215 Linda Lake Drive, Charlotte, NC 28215-3617
704.567-1418
John M. Roberts, 592/C (Exec. Comm.) (2005)
1059 Alter Road, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304-1401
248-338-.7 Email, jmr81043,aoLcom
Waid Toy, 422/K (2005)
4605 Wade Street, Columbia. SC 29210-3941
803-77.132
Frank S. Trautman, 42211) (2005)
Meadowcrest Drive, Parkersburg. WV 26101-9395
304-42.6.
Walter G. Bridges, 424/1) (2006)
225 Laird Ave, Hueytown. AL 35023.2418
813-988.7013 Email: wewidgeslembra.net
Joseph A. Massey, 422/C (2006)
4820 Spunky Hollow Rd. Remiss, AL 35133.5546
205-681-1701
Walter M. Snyder, 589/A (2006)
2901 Dunmore Rd Apt F4, Dundalk, MD 21222,5123
410-285-2707
Robert F. Sowell, 424/E (2006)
612 Via Del Monte, Palos Verdes Estate, CA 90274-1208
310-378-5404
Hal Taylor, 423JCN , (2006)
2172 Roc.dge Dr. Grand Junction. CO 81503-2534
970-245.7807 Email: ha112710attbi,com
Parker's Crossroads - Baraque de Fraiture, Belgium
No. John Schaffner and John Gatens 589/A, Associate David Ford with Andre HUBERT, Past-President C.R.I.B.A. "Center for Research and Information - Battle of the Ardennes" known to Americans as "The Battle of the Bulge"
See Feature Story inside
7 UB
President's View...
Looking forward to the 55th Annual Reunion.
John Schaffner, VP, is off to the old battlegrounds in the St. Vith area. I'm looking for his usual complete report in a future Cub. Schaffner writes so well he brings his trips to life.
Our Second VP Jack Roberts has been having some serious medical problems but has a strong will. Jack has the Nominations to the Board well in hand at this early stage. The nominations will be presented to the Board and membership at the September meeting. Jack tells me he will arrange his medical procedures to be at Hampton.
John Schaffner, I" VP, mentioned above, has done a yeoman's job in keeping the Mini reunions going for another year. Jack did two stints as the chair of this important facet of our Association. Give a hand to these two fine men. They take on the leadership for the next two years.
Each and every one of you should have received the mailing forms for the 56". reunion in Hampton.
Donna Lee of the Armed Forces Reunions tells us that even at this early date, April, you are signing up. It nice to see that we are getting people interested in the sea food dinner trip and the Harbor Cruise as well.
Now the rest of you might just take down the forms that you put under the magnet as you were instructed to do, fill them out and send them to the appropriate people. Remember what we said in the mailing. There will be plenty of opportunity for you to take a couple of extra days either before or after the reunion to tour on your own.
You don't want to miss Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown Colony or even a trip to Virginia Beach and the shore area. We are just a couple hours from Richmond and the scenes of the tragedy of 1860's. One can get there via the Interstate system. I know the Holiday Inn and Conference Center will go all out to accommodate you, because I know their hospitality. I have experienced both their good graces and those of the Convention and Business Bureau.
You History buffs will enjoy the walk-through Fort Monroe and the Casement Museum. I know I did. Some of you might be interested in seeing where Jefferson Davis was housed for a short time after the War it's in there as are many period artifacts of the era. This is the largest stone fort ever built in the U.S.
We do hope you are taking care of yourselves, keeping healthy and are beginning to pack for Hampton, September 17 (early bird day) if you can or come on the 18th that's OK too.
There is an old Irish saying," As you slide down the banister of life, may the splinters never point the wrong way." Good Health and a happy attitude.
Think Hampton in September two thousand two.
Joseph P. Maloney, President - 106th Infantry Division Association
Joseph P, Maloney, President 2001-2002
106th Infantry Division Association Headquarters Co., 424th Infantry Regiment 1120 Warren Ave, Arnold, PA 15068-6104
Phone: 724-335-6104
Email: maloney@salsgiver,com
1
Chaplain's Message...
"My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." (Psalm 73:26)
On February 12, 1973, Brigadier General Dick Abel was part of a contingent to Vietnam in a joyful mission to repatriate American P.O.W.'s from Vietnamese prison camps. Many of these men had spent years in dirty, hot, bug-infested cells. They had been starved and tortured. Somehow, they had survived. On the flight home, Gen. Abel asked how anyone could survive such conditions. One man replied: "If it weren't for the Lord, I would never have made it, I looked up one day and seemed to see a vision of the Lord, and he said to me, "Larry, you'll make it'"
When we were young and vigorous we believed that we would live forever, and that anything was possible. As years have passed and we have faced life's disappointments, sorrows and hurts, we have come to learn that yes, anything is possible as long as the Lord is in it'
We sometimes look back now and see how the hand of God was upon our lives so many times. Unlike Larry, we did not always recognize it. But it should be a strength and a reminder to us in later years. As we face the complex problems that often accompany aging'. deteriorating health, diminishing strength and abilities, the loss of old friends and even of life's partners'', we need reminders of how God's strong arm supported us all those many years ago - even when we were clinging to life precariously.
At Arlington, speaking of the bond that still unites us after all these years, your chaplain attributed it to the remembrance that there was a time when all we had was one another. The truth is, of course, that there never was such a time. We had far more than just one another. God was there! In life and death, God was there!
It's still true today. But, like that P.O.W. Larry, our lives must be open to His presence. The key is the open heart. Isaiah wrote: "Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near" And again he wrote: "When thou passeth through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers they shall not overflow thee."
In other words, no waters of affliction shall overcome us when we open our lives to the reality of His presence and put our trust in His promises, then He's with us'', beside the hospital bed, or the wheelchair, at the graveside, with the lonely, calming the desperate and reassuring us: "You'll make it! You'll make it!"
"In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."
Chaplain
Dr. Duncan Trueman, 424/AT
29 Overbill Lane, Warwick NY 10990
TEL: 845-986-6376 FAX: 845-986-4121
2
Front & Center . . .
Editor's Report
John Kline, 423/M
11 Harold Drive
Bumsville, MN 55337-2786
Tele: 951-890-3155
Web site: http://www,mm.com\user\jpk
Email: jpk@mm.com
Email "Bulge List"
If you are on email and are not receiving email from me sent to a list of members I call my "Bulge-List" please drop me an email at jpk@mm.com and request to be added to this list of over 375 participants. The email list itself, is not distributed. Email addresses are sent BCC: Blind Carbon Copy so that your address will not show.
Items of interest about WWII, places on the Internet relating to the war and news from the Association are passed to the group. You can get off the list anytime you please. No junk mail, no politics, no jokes, no rumors, only what I feel would be of interest to the group about our Association and WWII experiences.
No special frequency, just whenever and whatever strikes my fancy'
Drop me an email and say
" Add me to the list."
John Kline, editor jpk@mm.com
106th web site: http:///www.mm.com/user/jpk
Donations Since Last CUB January-Feb- March 2002
Beach, Jean 10
Beaver, Johnnie 423/H 25
Cooley, James 423/D 5
De Santis, Joseph 422/HQ/1" Bn In memory of his wife 500
Erhardt, Roger J. 81" ENGIC 3
Hanke, Arthur K. 26
Head, R. L. 20
Idstein, Richard 424/C 20
Lauman, Dorothy (Widow of Pete Lauman) 5
McMichael, Bryce D. 591/HQ 5
Petito, Joseph 591/B 20
Prell, Donald 422/AT 20
Prewett, Edward 424/B memory of Lloyd Cosby his foxhole buddy 100
Young, Damon 423/D 5
Thanks to you all.
Donations are placed in the operating fund to help offset Association expenses.
Your generosity is appreciated.
If you are an "Annual Pay Member" and the mail envelope label on this CUB reads "Paid to July 1, 2002" this is the last CUB you will receive unless you send us your ANNUAL DUES
($10.00 per year) (Re-up for LIFE $75.00)
SEND it TO: Treasurer: Sherod Collins
440 Monroe Trace, Kennesaw, GA 30144
3
Front & Center...
THE BATTLE OF THE BULGE
This book describes the combat at the Losheim Gap, part of the sector of the 99th Infantry Division from December 16th to the establishment of American defensive positions along Elsenbom Ridge, It is based on official U.S. Army documents (AAR, After Action Reports), combined with interviews of members of the 99th Division and its supposing troops.
These are complemented by testimonies of several members of units who fought in the area, Official documents from the German side also grace this story, as well as testimony of several former members of German combat units.
The book describes action at Losheimergraben - Lanzcrath - Krinkelt - Bucholz Station - Murringen - Wirzfeld - Elsenborn Ridge, etc., beginning December 16, 1944. After nearly six years of research in the area, and with the help of many veterans of both German and U,S, units who fought there, an in-depth account of this sector of the Battle of the Bulge is presented.
The book describes the action at "the Northern Shoulder" where the main thrust of the German army was halted.
The many present-day pictures taken in the area will cause the reader to feel he/she is stepping back in time, because, even with the passing of nearly 60 years, many "wounds" are still visible.
Author and Publisher:
Hans J. Wijers, Holland
Zegeristraat 27
NL-6971 ZN Brummen (GLD)
wijers@wxs.nl
Associate Member 106th Inf Div Assoc
Price: $35'00 Plus $10.00 Standard Air Mail (2-3 weeks)
No credit cards, your check will do'
Soft cover (color), 8.5. x 11', approx. 270 pages, maps, color and black & white photographs and copies of original documents'
FOREWORD (re-printed, in part)
"The Battle of the Bulge," the greatest battle ever fought by the U.S. Army, was not just one battle, It was hundreds of battles, some of battalion size and some of squad size and smaller, This book is the sum of many stories of many different battles-stories by individual men of the infantry, artillery, engineers and others, by leaders of squads, platoons, companies, battalions, en divisions and armies.
The difficulty of the terrain and the inability of the attacking units to perform reconnaissance, plus the fog that was to have been an advantage for surprise, all combined to create great confusion for the attackers, The confusion that helped stymie the German advance of large units also lent initial confusion to the Americans so that the magnitude of the attack could not be accurately determined.
While there were many bits of intelligence sent back from the front lines prior to that fateful December 16, there was a mind-set in the higher levels that the Germans were running out of steam, and that the thinly-held Ardennes front was ideal for breaking-in two inexperienced divisions and refitting two well-worn ones. The fact that the surprise attack did not follow Hitler's plan at the north shoulder is revealed in the many stories in this hook, stories that show the lack of in-depth leadership on the German side, while showing individual entrepreneurship among many Americans, even when there were only two or three engaged.
Although I have not met the author personally, I've grown to know him through our e-mail correspondence. This young Dutchman, Hans Wijers, has impressed me with his investigative energy and his deep passion for teaming all he can about the events of this important piece of history, His presentation of the many stories, colored by interviews of participants from both sides, adds interesting highlights to the already large volume of writings on this battle, It has been a pleasure to be a part of this adventure.
B. O. Wilkins, Jr., K Company, 393rd Infantry Houston, Texas USA October 26, 2001
4
Front & Center.. .
Before The Veterans Die
In Memory of Dale Carver
Poet Laureate of the 106th Inf. Division Association
424/HQ 3rd Bn. A&P Platoon leader
Silver Star recipient 1945
61 pages $8- $2.50 S&H
See 106th PX Advertisements in this CUB magazine
THE INFANTRY, QUEEN OF BATTLES
The sleeping Queen was awakened by the crowing cock of gold.
She roused to make the routine call; to her the game was old.
From the mines and orchards, from schools and shops and farms,
her conscripts came to shoulder her arms.
She kneaded the motely mixture with hands carelessly cruel.
Unmindful of on single man, from millions she fashioned a tool.
She honed it with exquisite frustration; she tried it in the mud.
She heated it to desperation, then quenched it slowly in blood.
If you are one of the 29,000 former prisoners of war who do not belong to AXPOW, we need you
Life Membership Annual
Under 35 $360 Membership
36-50 $300 Single $ 30
51-60 $180 Husband & Wife $ 40
61 & Over $120
Spouse Life Member $ 40
For information on who we are and what we do, please contact us at
American Ex-Prisoners of War
3201 E. Pioneer Parkway, Suite 40, Arlington, TX 76010
Fone: (817) 649-2979 * * * Fax: (817) 649-0109
email: pow@flash.net
5
Front & Center . . .
Photo: 106th Infantry Division Veteran Speaks to Baltimore Round Table of Military History by John R. Schaffner, 'A" Battery, 589th FAB, 1st VP, 106th Infantry Division Assoc.
On 21 March 2002, our good buddy, A. Grayson Bishop related his wartime experiences, as a soldier in "L" Co., 424th Combat Infantry Regiment, 106th Infantry Division, World War II, to members of the "Baltimore Round Table of Military History"
Bishop spoke about actions of his unit from the time it was established on-line in the Ardennes. The audience was most attentive as he related how his squad was positioned within the defensive line as the German soldiers attacked and described the action that followed, up to the final suppression of the "Battle of the Bulge."
He spoke of the heroism of Captain Lee Berwick, his Company Commander, who rallied his men to take the initiative in capturing several hundred German prisoners. These events are not written down in many places and Bishop found that his listeners were taking in every word'
When Grayson Bishop ended his talk the president of the Baltimore Round Table, Curtis Vickery, thanked him for coming from such a long way to speak to the crowd. Vickery then presented Bishop (left in the photo) with a "Certificate of Appreciation" from the Baltimore Round Table of Military History.
The Round Table meets monthly at the Pikesville Armory in Baltimore, home of the units of the 29th Infantry Division (Light) now on duty in Bosnia-Hertzgovina.
6
Front & Center . .
The Great Race is on!
The GREAT RACER'''. March/April 2002 reported:
"A national economic downturn and 9/11 virtually dried up sponsorship dollars in America and following completion of a four-year title sponsor contract with The History Channel, in 2001, Tom McRae, Great Race Founder and CEO, was determined to pull off the 20th Great Race, with or without a sponsor. Tom will be stepping down after this year, but Great Racers will be glad to hear Tom wants his last to be his best and he is in negotiations with prospective buyers committed to continuing the Great Race. Total Prize money remains at $250,000 (based on 100 paid entries."
106th Association Great Race team, John Swett (left) and Ken Smith, 423/H veterans, will once again race with their WWII Jeep. The 106th Infantry Division Association has donated to the cause again this year. We wish them luck. Since the Race will not be televised nationally, but will be locally as they pass through various towns from San Antonio, Texas to Anaheim, California. We have listed the schedule for the event on the next page, even though it may be too late.
7
Front & Center . . .
The Great Race Route 2002
Saturday, 6/15 San Antonio TX Schulenburg TX Houston TX
AM Pit Stop Lunch PM Pit Stop Overnight
Sunday, 6/16 Hillsboro TX Fortworth TX
Monday, 6/17 Eastland TX Sweetwater TX Littlefield TX Clovis TX
Tuesday, 6/18 Tucumcari TX Las Vegas NM Rio Rancho NM
Wednesday, 6/19 Gallup NM Winslow AZ Williams AZ
Thursday, 6/20 Prescott AZ Payson AZ Scottsdale AZ
Friday, 6/21 Gila Bend AZ Holtville CA Chula Vist CA
Saturday, 6/22 Temecula CA Anaheim CA
The original photo (four years ago?) of the Jeep, owned by John Swett and Kenneth Smith, 423/H. This race team is sponsored by the 106th Infantry Division Association. I talked with Ken and John today, both told me the Jeep was in good shape.
GOOD LUCK GUYS!
8
106th Infantry Division Association - PX Items ..
Send Order to our PX Manager John Gilliland
No credit cards - make your Checks payable to:
John Gilliland, 140 Nancy Avenue Boaz, AL 35957-6060, 256-593-6801
106TH PX ITEMS - MISC.
Cap, ball, mesh back, adjustable, 106th Logo/Washington $10.00 +$3,000 S&H
Cap, ball, mesh back, adjustable, 106th Logo/WW II Memorial $15.00 + $2.50 S&H
Patch, shoulder, duplicate of original, 21etc, $3,00 PP
Patch, pocket, etc. 106th Inf. Div Assn., 4" $3.00 PP
Flag Set, US & 106th w/base, miniature (limited) $12.00 PP
Address Index, expandable, magnetic, credit card size, w;/106th Logo, Gold $3.00 PP
Decal, 4', like 4. Patch, peel and stick $3.00 PP
Decal, 4' x 10', Combat Infantry Badge $3,00B), peel & stick $3.00 PP
Decal, 1-3/8", Lion's Head, 60 to sheet, peel & stick $5.00 PP
Belt Buckle, 106th Logo Insert (nice) $16.00 + $2.50 S&H
Bolo Tie, 106th Logo Insert (Gold Rope) $1 .00 + $2.50 S&H
Lapel Pin, Hat, etc. Washington, D.C. w-106th Logo $3,00 PP
Lapel Pin, Hat, etc. St. LInf,,Div,0Assn,,go (15 left) $3.00 PP
Lapel Pin, Hat or tie or dress (raised Goldin red & blue circle $3.00 PP
Lapel Pin, same as above - with bar and chain for tie tac. $4.00 PP
Scratch Pads, 5 x 8, (50 sheets)w/106th Logo, Battles, etc. $3.00 PP
Great Book of Poems "Before The Veterans Die'
by Dale Carver, Poet Laureate, 106th Inf Div Association
424/HQ 3rd Battalion (deceased) $8.00 + $2.50 S&H
Book, The Sitting Duck Division, John Morse 422/C
"Humorous" (See Ju$2,50 2001 Cub) pg. 14
On line - http://www.iUniverse.com or Bames & Noble $9.95
Planner, Two Year, pocket size, w/106th logo (Nice) $3.00 PP
(Continued next page)
9
106th Infantry Division Association - PX Items . . .
106TH PX ITEMS - COINS
U. S. MINT Modem Commemoratives Silver (except as noted) coins, in original U,S, Mint Cases, Call before ordering as very few left.
Shipping and insurance each coin or set. $ will advise when called.
Proof Uncirculated
1982 George Washington Half Dollar 10 10
1986 Statue of Liberty Dollar 24 24
'1986 Statue of Liberty Dollar and Clad Half 32 28
•1987 U.S. Constitution Dollar 28 23
*1989 U.S. Congressional Dollar and Clad Half 32 28
1Mt, USO Dollar 28 23
•1Sil,Mt. Rushmore Dollar 30 23
1991 Korean Dollar 28 23
1992 White House Dollar 28 23
1993 WW II Dollar and Clad Half 35 30
1994 Vietnam Veterans Dollar 31 27
1994 Vietnam Veterans 3 coin Dollar Set
(Wall-POW-Women - in svc. 79 75
1994 Thomas Jefferson Dollar 34 2U,S.
1994 U.S. Capitol Dollar 36 32
1995 Special Olympics Dollar 35 32
*These limited sets also available with Gold Coin.(in original cases)
3 coin set - 1986 Liberty $5 Gold, Silver Dollar & Clad Half $210 P&U
6 coin set - same except one each Proof & Uncirculated in Cherrywood Case $440
3 coin set - 1991 Mt. Rushmore $5 Gold, Sil. Dollar & Clad Half $255Clad, U
6 coin set - same except one each Proof & Uncirculated in Cherrywood Case $490
2 coin set - 1987 U.S. Constitution S5 Gold & Silver Dollar $250
4 coin set - same except one each Proof & Uncirculated w/case $525
3 coin set - 1989 U.S. Congressional $5 Gold, Sit. Dollar & Clad Half $245
6 coin set - same except one each Proof &. Uncirculated Mt,n Cherrywood Case $480
Note: Some 1983-84, 1988/1992 Olympics available plus 1994 World Cup
(Gold, Dollars & Halves) Please call due to limited quantity
Also, a few
1992 Columbus (500th Anniversary), 1993 Madison/Bsvc,of Rights in Gold, Silver & Clad.
Support your Association by buying from the PX
10
106th Infantry Division Association - PX Items .
Golden Lion Afghan Blanket 50" x 65" Pre-washed Cotton, fringed and machine washable - Made in USA
Color is a mixture of Navy, Dark Gold, Red and Natural
At $58.00 it is a steal!
11
106th Infantry Division Association - PX Items .
The 106th Infantry Division Association proudly presents...
The Golden Lions Afghan
Featuring historical and battlefield landmarks:
• Ft. Jackson, SC • St. Vith Memorial
• P.O.W. Camp • Camp Atterbury Memorial
• The Battle of the Bulge • Major Unit Designations
• The Ardennes, The Rhineland & Central Europe Campaigns
This beautiful custom afghan will be a treasured gift of World War II (Europe) history and remembrance.. offered again, exclusively by your Association for only $55.00 delivered in the USA.
Use this order blank to order "Your" Blanket
At $58.00 it is a steal!
Read the instructions, then Order Now!
Send your order and check to:
John O. Gilliland, PX presents... Nancy Avenue, Boaz, AL 35957-6060
Phone 256-593-6801
Do not send to the Association Treasurer.
12
Mini-Reunions . . .
From John R. Schaffner 1st Vice-President
Mini-Reunion Chairman
106th Infantry Division Association
CONGRATULATIONS: To the Mini-Reunion Chairman and helpers.
Here are some of the Mini-Reunions held too late for the February CUB.
You sure did a fine job this year. (Written March 28, 2002) Here are a few more to add to those already reported. I have recorded 31 with a head count around 650.
A great big "Thanks" and "Congratulations" is extended to all of those involved.
We can still improve on that. Oh, I know we are all busy and retirement doesn't provide time for us to do everything. That's a popular and old story. I use that excuse myself, sometimes.
If nobody is doing it in your area it is up to you, even if you take your wife out for dinner and report it as a "Mini-Reunion, Have the waiter snap a shot for the record and send it to the editor of The CUB magazine.
If you were one of those that the weather won out - just choose another time. Several of the Mini-Reunions set their dates earlier to avoid weather and for better deals on reservations. Best and warmest regards to all.
John R. Schaffner (589/A) 1st Vice-Pres, Mini-Reunion Chairman
Texas - 2001
John Miller (Ltc US Ret) 423/E 1511 Cochise Dive, Arlington, TX 76012 817-274-2773
I thought about not holding a 2002 Mini-Reunion, but the group enjoyed this one so much that I decided to go for it this coming December, subject to health, etc.
Left to Right: John Miller and wife Sean; Reverend William Lynch, guest of and wife Betty, guests of John Miller; Bob Kammertrie; Hugh Colbert 422/B; James Nicol 424HQ 2Bn; Mike Sheaner - son of Herb Sheaner; Herb Sheaner 4221G; R. Hagan and Dan Roach
13
Mini-Reunions...
Alabama - 2001
Co-hosted by Joseph Massey and Walter Bridges
On December 15,2002 Joe Massey and Walter Bridges co-hosted the Alabama Mini-Reunion of Alabama contingent of the 106th Infantry Division Association. We met in conjunction with the George S. Patton, Jr. Alabama Chapter of the Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge in the Jefferson County Courthouse at Center Point, Alabama. Represented at the meeting were nine members of the 106th and a total of 150 VBOB members and guests. President (VBOB) Walter Bridges presided.
Col Frank J. Stone Director of Combat Development at the U.S. Army Infantry Training Center, Fort Benning, GA presented an overview of his area of development for the next several years. The timing and content of his presentation reassured us that our Armed Forces are well trained, well equipped and prepared for the future challenges.
Our meal was delicious, steak or chicken, baked potato, dessert and coffee/tea. The program concluded with VBOB President Walter Bridges. presentation of the gavel to incoming president, Hoyt Barron.
Photo: Left to Right in the photo, 106th who were present:
Mr. & Mrs. Will S. Temple Sr, 422/D;
Lawrence Williams 422/D;
guest speaker, Col. Frank J. Stone;
Mr. & Mrs. Walter Bridges 424/D;
Mr. & Mrs. John Racster 4522/H and
Mr. & Mrs. Dave Lacey 81st Engineers/C.
Joe Massey's wife, Hazel Massey, was ill at the time of the reunion and neither could be there.
14
Mini-Reunions. . .
Camp Hill, PA Mini-Reunion May 2002
Christian Truman, 424/D, 27 Center Drive, Camp Rill, PA 17100 717-763-4871
Photo: Men L/R: Elmer Brice, Sr. 422/L; Norman Simmons 424/D; William Potts 424/K;
Truman Christian 424/D; Arthur Potts 424/K
On May 14th we held our mini reunion. There were eleven of us present. Truman Christian opened the reunion with a meditation entitled Combat Vets Understand written by George Fisher, of Long Beach, CA. We had a moment of silence to remember our fallen comrades of the 106th Division and others of the Silent Corp. Christian then led in prayer and table grace. What a nice reunion we had. The Potts twins and their wives were there. Art 424/K (our photographer) and Ruth-Alice. Bill Potts 424/K and his wife Thelma Potts were up from Port Saint Lucie, Florida, Christian and Bill Potts hadn't seen one another since 1946. Norman Simmons of 424/D and his wife Betty Simmons, Truman Christian 424/D and his wife Anne Christian, Elmer Brice, Sr 423K and Janet Brice, and Anne's cousin Kathy Pape joined us, We met at Hoss. Restaurant near Downingtown, PA.
Photo: Ladies: L/R: Thelma Potts; Ruth-Alice Potts; Janet Brice and Betty Simmons
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Mini-Reunions
Aurora, Colorado Mini-Reunion April 2002
Walter Greve 423/HQ, 1st Bn, 13992 E Marina Dr. Aurora, CO 80014 303-751-5866
Held in Aurora, Colorado at the County Buffet on 411. Nobody left hungry as this is an "Eat All You Want" place. There was no formal program, but everyone mixed well and wants to meet again next year.
Photo: Men- Back row l/r: Hal Taylor, 423/CN; Floyd Fredrick, an early 106er at Fort Jackson;
Al Rickenbrode, 423/1C, Joe Cucarola, 422/B; Clarke Brandt, visitor - a former medic, Lt Col Retired.
Front row l/r; Walt Greve, 423/HQ 1st Bn; Elmer Shipman, 423/3rd Bn; Francis McHugh, 422/AT
Photo: Women l/r: Lillian Cucarola, Margaret Taylor and Dorothy Shipman
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New Members...
BAIRD, JOSEPH H. - ASSOCIATE; 2117 HILLWAY DRIVE, BOISE, ID 83702
BAIRD, MARY ELIZABETH; ASSOCIATE ; 11 WHITE OAK DRIVE, CALIFON, NJ 07830
BEACH, JEAN - ASSOCIATE
239 GOLDTHWAITE RD
WHITINSVILLE, MA 01588
Tele: 508-234-4972
Email: pbeachticharlernet
My father's name was Allan R. Moore. He was a member of "K" Company, 423rd Infantry Regiment. But, we are not sure he was actually with the unit, or was discharged with that unit. He had, from the War, articles, pamphlets, news and a little cloth with "423/K" written on it. So he must had some conviction or deep respect, wouldn't you think, to have these in his possession all these years:
I've been on the 106th web site so many times I know it by memory. Mr. Kline has helped to try and find my father's involvement. I think it may be safe to just say he went home with "K" Company, 423rd Infantry Regiment'
I admire and respect all that the Association has done for the members and families of the 106th all these years. My only regret, that I've only started to learn, in the last year, about the 106th history. History has become a daily study for me and the 106th is very much a part of my intense desire to learn.
I have a sincere interest in learning the history of World War II and researching my father's service, If any of you knew him, I would like to hear from you, I've enclosed $10 for a one year membership and The CUB magazine, and another $10 as a donation. Sorry for writing so much, but when it comes to the 106th, it's not easy to say just a few words. My best to Mr. Kline, God Bless and Good health. Jean Beach''.
BILLETT, CLAUDE – ASSOCIATE; RUE DE DOYARD 44, 4990 LIERNEUX, BELGIUM
BYRAM, ROBERT L. 423/A 7810 MCMECHAM RD, GREENVILLE, OH 45331, Tele: 937-548-8289
CLARKE, RONAHN I. , - ASSOCIATE
17 TERRACE CT IC BLUE HILL, ME 04614 Tele: 207-374-5266
Mr. Collins, Thank you for explaining the membership process. Enclosed find $10 for membership in the 106th Association in his name.
Ronahn (age 3) is the son of my son and daughter-in-law, Richard and Deborah Clarke. Edward R. Hudson was Deborah's grandfather. Only recently did papers come to light regarding Mr. Hudson's military service, "C" Company, 423rd Infantry Regiment, his interment at Stalag 9-B, Bad Orb and his death from starvation and pneumonia at a hospital (?) called, Bad Sodden, January 25 or 26, 1944. Deborah only knew that her grandfather had died in a POW Camp during the war. Her mother, Natalie, was only Ronahn's age when Mr. Hudson went off to war.
Together, Deborah and I, with the help of the 106th web site, John Kline and many men of the 423rd, we have put together what we call a "Memory Book," about her grandfather. We are doing this for Ronahn and a new great-grandchild just born on January 24, 2002.
Also Mr. Hudson's medals were stolen from his, now deceased, widow, Edith Hudson, in a robbery 16 years ago. The department of the Army just sent words that the medals will be reissued to the family.
Mr. Hudson's remains were not identified until 1951. He came home for burial in the Spring of 1952 to North Parish Cemetery, Plaistow, New Hampshire. In one of the two postcards the family has from
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New Members...
Stalag 9B, he expressed the wish to be home in time to plant the Spring Garden.
If any of your members, that we have not contacted, have any information about Mr. Hudson, we would appreciate hearing from them. Their letters will be put into "The Memory Book."
Write Rosemary Clarke at the address in the heading of this article. Or Mrs. Richard Clarke, 25 Kerri Farms Drive, Standish, Maine 04084
COOLEY, JAMES H. - 423/D; 13009 TWISTED OAK RD, OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73210-8928; Tele: 405-755-1794; Email: cooley@cox,net
Mr. Collins, at John Kline's suggestion, I am changing my membership to "LIFE." Thanks, James Cooley
CONDIKE, CHARLES - 9th AF 306th Fighter Control
281 GARTH RD APT C 1L, SCARSDALE, NY 10583, 914-725-4679; Emelt caider@mystation,com
In an email prior to joining, Charles said he was attached to our headquarters in a "Air Corp Radio Site" right behind Division Headquarters. Their assignment - to control any fighter aircraft that were called into in the area around Saint Vith.
They took their meals with our headquarters personnel and knew many them. If any of you remember the radio setup and/or any of the airmen attached to that facility, contact him, please. Charles has an interest in attending our 56th Annual Reunion in Hampton, VA.
DAVIS, CLYDE W. - 422/A; 1738 N SPENCER AVE, INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46218, Tele: 317-353-6994
I spent most of my working years with Chrysler Corporation at their plant in Indianapolis, Indiana. I like to bowl, play golf, hunt and fish with my two sons.
My wife and I do not travel, as we are disabled with arthritis. I just found the ad in the AX-POW magazine and thought it would be nice to hear about some of the old foot slogging buddies that were POW's with me at Stalag IV-B and the work details the 40 of us were assigned to until the end of the war. We weren't liberated, the guards just walked away and left us on May 8, 1945. We stayed close together until an officer and some soldiers found us two weeks later.
DONOVAN, HOWARD A. - 424/L
8700 S HONEY CREEK RD MUNCIE, IN 47302 Tele: 765-759-9187
All these years I never knew there was an Association of 106th Veterans. I kept watching for years in the VFW Magazine and wondered why there were no reunions. Now I am glad to hear that they have been having them. Wish I had known years ago.
Editor's Note: Howard, you are not the only one, I didn't discover the 106th infantry Division Association until 1987, Welcome Home!
FRANKLIN, GEORGE - ASSOCIATE; 389 WELLINGTON -IC WEST PALM BEACH, FL 33417-2515
GRIFFITHS, RICHARD M. ASSOCIATE; 530 SPENCER WAY
INCLINE VILLAGE, NV 89451-8304; Tele: 775-831-0350; Email: tahoesmg@ieee,org
Note: 2nd Lt. Lewis W. Walker, 01051429 is my Uncle. I am transcribing his handwritten diary (dates 16 Dec - March 30) for his sister, his son and daughter and other interested family members. We have become extremely interested in knowing more about the 106th, especially his 422nd Infantry Regiment.
Editor's Note: Richard, I do not know if we have met on the Internet. Some of my past entail records were destroyed. Contact me at jpk@mm.corn and let's get together. I looked at all the available records I have and cannot find his name. Maybe some of the 422nd Veterans will
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New Members . . .
recognize his name and let us know. If I knew his "Company" I could send you by email, a list of his comrades that currently belong to the Association, If his "Discharge Papers" are available it should give the "Company" under his name on the front page. If not, it is possible that he registered it at the local County Courthouse, in the County to which he returned. Call the County Service Officer and see if they have that record on hand, Let me know. I you are successful I can send you a list of his buddies by email.
HIRSCH, RUDOLPH - 589/HQ; 3777 INDEPENDENCE AVE, BRONX, NY 10463-1418; Tele: 718-884-2117
HOOVER, ROBERT L. - 422/K
5372 FALMOUTH, TROY, Ml 48085 Tele: 248-879-9684
See information below in the membership of Randy L. Richmond, Roberts. daughter as an Associate.
KLOBERDANZ, GEORGE D. 424/E
1022 DENVER STREET WATERLOO, IA 50702 Tele: 319-233-0335
KRAVITZ, SOL F. - 424/MED; 152-41 FLUSHING, NY 11367 Tele: 718-793-1249
MARSH, MARY LOU – ASSOCIATE; PO BOX 437 CAL-NEVARI, NV 89039
NOVAK, JOHN - 423/K; 4087E 72 STREET, CLEVELAND, OH 44105; Tele: 216-883-3599
RATHE, GORDON – ASSOCIATE; 907 E, 9TH STREET DULUTH, MN 55805 Tele: 218-724-1862
RICHMOND, RANDY- ASSOCIATE; 695 PINEWOOD DR, SHOREWOOD, MN 55126, Tele: 651-490-1141
I am the daughter of Robert L. Hoover, "K" Company, 422nd Combat Infantry Regiment. Enclosed is a check to be used to enroll my father as a member and my mother and me as Associate members. (See Hoover's name in this listing) I wish to order a copy of Battle of the Bulge, St. Vith by Michael Tolhurst. Thank you
Editor's Note: Welcome, Randy..
Send $20, no credit cards to our Treasurer, Sherod Collins. See inside front cove, bottom left COLUMN for address.
Your book will be mailed from the publisher's stock in Pennsylvania, J Kline jpk@mm,com
RIPLEY, WILLIAM T. - ASSOCIATE; 122 N, JOHN STREET, PENDLETON, IN 46064, Tele: 765-778-8801, Email: snafu947@yahoo,com
William lists himself as a "Military Historian." Welcome to the 106th, William. John Kline, editor
ROBINSON, RICH, ASSOCIATE; 22045 LOPEZ STREET, WOODLAND HILLS, CA 91364-2088, 310-584-2088, teeveeboy@holmattcom
My father, deceased, was Richard R. Robinson, 424th Cannon Company. If anybody knew him I would appreciate you contacting me.
Editor's Note: Rich, thanks for including the story your father wrote for the Olympia Washington "Olympian" for the 50th Anniversary celebration of WWII, I will keep this story and one of these days, will be able to use the many stories that have accumulated, in a special publication.
Interesting that you work with FOX Television. I assume it is the same as "FOX News,"
I am working with FOX News, right at this moment with information for the Oliver North series. They are preparing a film on "The Battle of the Bulge."
John Kline, editor
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New Members...
ROMP, CHESTER - 423/F; 12700 LAKE AVE #905 LAKEWOOD, OH 44107; Tele: 216-228-0276 Email: L-rompilattnet
SANTORO, BUD - 422/MED; 3715 BOWER ROAD, ROANOKE, VA 24018, Tele: 540-774-9153, Email: Budsantore@aol.com
Welcome back to the 106th, Bud, I have enjoyed the many email contacts we have had together. John Kline, editor.
SCHOELKOPF, JACK W. 34TH INF DIV; 8 SUNRISE LANE
OCEAN VIEW, DE 19970
SKOPEK, ROBERT E., ASSOCIATE; 7847 CAHILL ROAD, MANLIUS, NY 13104, Tele: 315-682-5708
I was an original member of the 106th at Fort Jackson March '43 to September '43. I was shipped out as a replacement, sent to North Africa then to Casablanca and Oran, then on over to Italy over Christmas and New Years 1944.1 was then sent to the 34th Infantry Division on 16 January 1944 and was with them until October 1944.
Editor's Note: If any of you recognize Jack, and can identify his unit at Fort Jackson, please contact me, My address is on the front inside cover of this magazine.
John Kline
My reason for joining is to that I am hoping to find some old friends.
I do not remember what unit I was in but we were up on Tank Hill on the right side of the road and I was in the 1st barracks on the right, behind the Mess Hall and Company Headquarters. It seemed to me it was the second battalion "E" Company or "I" Company
The officers I remember were Lt Schivel, Lt. Croonquest and Chester W. Talley, Jr. Our non-coms were Robbie Robinson, 1st Sergeant, Jack Willis, Platoon Sergeant and also a Sgt Macery and Sgt McCowan. Maybe this will help find what regiment I was in. I look forward to seeing some of you in Virginia, this Fall.
Looking forward to meeting you. J Kline editor
SKORKA, FRANCIS 422/UNIT?; PO BOX 1061 EAST DENNIS, MA 02641
SMITH, WILLIAM R. ASSOCIATE; 542 E CALAVAR RD PHOENIX, AZ 85022 Tele: 602-375-1097
My father was a veteran of the 106th Infantry Division. PFC Raymond C. Smith 386 29 992 captured in The Bulge near Schonberg. He was held at Stalag 4-B, Muhlberg. I am unsure how long or where he may have gone from there. John Kline gave me excellent help on where my father was captured. All we have is a Golden Lion shoulder patch and some of his medals. If anybody out there can help us, we would appreciate a letter or call.
If you know. the UNIT for Raymond C. Smith. please let me know J Kline editor
TATE, COY L. 423/F; HC 69, BOX 34 HUGO, OK 74743
VENNBERG, DAVID H. - 423/E; PO BOX 202, SUGAR GROVE, PA 16350
WENC, CHESTER C. - 424/B
138 MILLBURY STREET GRAFTON, ME 01519 Tele: 508-839-5192
If any of you new members, who did not add comments to your membership application, want to send your story do so for the next CUB magazine
20
Saluting a Great 1st Sergeant - Roger Rutland 424/B
Photo: A reprint from the Oct-Nov-Dec 1993 Cub magazine cover, all "B" Company, 424th Inf. Regiment veterans, Right to Left: CO Captain Charles S. Peyser congratulating newly elected '93-'94 Assoc President, Pvt. Edward A. Prewett, To Prewett's right, let Sgt Roger Rutland, Past President '87-'88 and Reunion Chairman for the 1993 Reunion at Columbia S.C. To far left, Corporal Major Hill, the Captain's Runner, Hill later became Association President year '96-'97.
Rutland was awarded The Order of the Golden Lion in 1994, Prewett in 1996.
Preface by the editor:
Jay Tronco is a new "Associate" member (see page 29 of the Jan-Feb-Mar 2002 CUB magazine) and Great Nephew of Roger Rutland 424/B, Past-president of the 106th Infantry Division Association 1987-1988, Furnishing a major portion of this story, is Past-Pres. Ed Prewett, 424/B.
Roger Rutland has been a member since July 1973, He was the 1st Sergeant of "B" Company, 424th Combat Infantry Regiment, He was and still is called by his men as a "Great First Sergeant'"
Roger was, in recent years, struck with Alzheimers, This section of The CUB is dedicated to this valiant, grand gentleman, great soldier and his loving wife Mattie Rutland, Roger Rutland joined the Association in July 1973, As time passed he served on the 106th Infantry Division Association Board and made his way through the "chairs" to become President of the Association for the year 1987-1988.
He is also holder of the "Order of the Golden Lion, Commanders Class (Gold) awarded to him in 1994 by the Association, He hosted the 106th Infantry Division Association annual reunion in Mobile, Alabama in 1987.
I had just joined the Association, mid 1987. The CUB editor, Dick DeHeer, had passed away, His wife, Marge DeHeer, had produced the last three CUB magazines, The Association was looking for an editor.
It was my first reunion in Mobile, Alabama, September 1987. William F. Smith, 423/M, a past-president of the Association, convinced me that I should volunteer to be editor. Against all "Army" rules, I did.
Roger Rutland, President, snapped me up, He didn't know it then, but he changed my life, ( for the good, I should say.)
Thank you Roger.
John Kline, 423/M, CUB editor Past-President, 106th Inf Div Assoc...
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Saluting a Great 1st Sergeant - Roger Rutland 424/B
Jay Tronco sent letters of inquiry to several 424/B veterans, Norman Orvold, George Call, Major Hill, Louis Passariello, Charles Peyser, Edward Prewett, Marshall Streib, Irwin Smoler, Martin Troutman, Alfred Vitali, seeking information about his Uncle, 1st Sergeant Roger Rutland. He received many letters in reply.
The only response I have in my possession is the letter that follows, from Edward Prewett.
Jay agrees that the reply from Prewett is representative of the information he received, and wished to have it published. He wishes to thank all for the help they gave. John Kline, editor
Tronco's letter, in part, to the 424/B group, Dated December 2001
Dear Sirs:
You don't know me, but my name is Jay Tronco. My great uncle is a man named Roger Rutland. He was First Sergeant of "B" Company, 424th Combat Infantry Regiment, as well as being a Past-President of the 106th Infantry Association and holder of the coveted "Order of the Golden Lion, Commander's Class (Gold)"
I recently visited with Uncle Roger and his wife, my aunt, Mattie Rutland. It was from Aunt Mattie that I have gotten your names and some brief stories of Uncle Roger's challenges and accomplishments in the European Theater during World War II'
As you may know, Roger is debilitated with "dementia" after suffering several strokes. The strokes have left him with a very limited vocabulary and not all of his mental faculties.
I am embarrassed to be writing to you. The source of my embarrassment and guilt is that I just don't know that much about the experiences of men like yourself and Uncle Roger and what you went through at places like St. Vith and Coulee in the Battle of the Bulge. I guess I feel guilty that it has taken me until now to develop an interest in that area of the "great crusade'"
My interest lies more specifically with the 424th. Now the best person to share his experiences, my Uncle, is unable to due to his illness.
That is the reason I am writing to you today. I know that you all have very busy schedules and lives. However, if it is not too much of an imposition, I would love to receive correspondence from you in the way of a letter, an email if you have that capability, or the opportunity to call you on the phone.
I would really like to know what it was like to have served at the Battle of the Bulge and what it was like to serve with First Sergeant Roger Rutland.
What was your rank and how did you relate to Uncle Roger? Maybe you can share some stories of specific maneuvers, recollections of specific events when you were in harm's way and then when you were just plain colder than you could ever imagine possible.
Were you wounded and if so, how? How bad was the food? When did you eat? What do you do when you run out of ammunition? Was the M-1 Garand all that I have read it was? Tell me about your close calls.
Tell me about your lives together or whatever you may feel like sharing'
I cannot tell you how much this means to me. Aunt Mattie said that you from the 424th would be the best to talk to'
So I write to you to ask you for something that means more than you can know-your memories of my uncle and of your experiences together.
I just want to better understand what it was that you went through together. And for that understanding, I am deeply appreciative'
Jay Tronco
3027 Finley Place
Charlotte, NC 28210
(704) 554-0360 jaytronco@mindspring.com
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Saluting a Great 1st Sergeant - Roger Rutland 424/B
Edward A. Prewett's letter in response to Jay's request for information
RE: Roger Rutland
1st Sergeant "B" Company, 424th Infantry Regiment
Jay.
I am PFC Edward A. Prewett, who served under 1st Sergeant Roger Rutland as a combat rifleman in Co. B, 424th Regiment of the 106th Infantry Division. I joined Co. B in June 1944 and served with them through the end of the conflict in August of 1945.
As background I was born and raised in a farming area near Brentwood, which is 50 miles inland from San Francisco. I had completed two year of education at the University of California before being drafted into the Army. I had attended one summer of Citizen's Military Training right out of High School and of course had two years of ROTC at UC.
The War was on and I tried volunteering in every branch of the service but was turn down and was classified 4F. This may have been the last patriotic war of our century and no one wanted to be 4F. In 1942 I had my Thyroid removed and that seemed to have been the problem so in 1943 they took me in on limited service. I served for 18 months in the Military Police at Camp Beale, California. In 1944 they were preparing for the D-Day landings so they felt your pulse and reclassified you fit for combat. Thus in June of 1944 I was off to Camp Atterbury, Indiana assigned to the 106th Infantry Division.
I was 22 years old, soon to be 23 and had developed some definite opinions by then. The worst one was that I didn't have a very high opinion of ROTC Officers. I had formed this from my Citizen's military training days. We as trainees were used to give the ROTC Officers training experience during their two-week summer training time. We got a new batch every two weeks all summer long. The noncoms really ran things and the Officers just came and went. Roger may have had the same feeling about some of the Officers but did not express it.
David Zarragoza, an 18 year old hot blooded young Spaniard, and I were assigned to Co. B., as we reported in at the same time. There we first met Roger Rutland 1st Sergeant of Co. B, who immediately let us knew who was in charge. You must realize that the new men get the menial jobs. Before even being assigned to a barracks, we were loaded down with a full field pack and joined the Company on a 15-mile forced march to spend a week in the field. David and I, as the newest men, were assigned the extra duty by Roger to dig a large sump for the kitchen garbage.
Then we could pitch our tent but we were also required to dig a foxhole each before retiring. We were so exhausted that we never got our foxholes dug before Roger and Capt. Peyser made their inspection in the morning. So more extra duty. David's youth and hot temper led to getting us even more extra duty. We got off to a bad start with Roger, but we survived. At that time in our life Roger represented authority and we tried to avoid him. Roger had joined the army at a very young age and was about a ten-year veteran by this time. He seemed like an old timer to all of us.
The Division had recently come off of Tennessee Maneuvers. If you hadn't experienced Tennessee Maneuvers you were a nothing in this outfit, which held until we got into combat then if you hadn't been a part of the initial combat you were a nothing. I had feelings for the replacements because I had experienced this earlier feeling of not belonging. The Division was being methodically emptied of trained riflemen. They were being shipped out to fill
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Saluting a Great 1st Sergeant Roger Rutland 424/B
the ranks as needed elsewhere. We new guys were being brought in as replacements. This depletion of trained men continued until we were shipped out in October.
The Paratroopers were asking for volunteers and David and I decided that we would go for it. As a result we could not be transferred until the paratroopers decided whether they wanted us. Ultimately we were passed over and stayed with the 106th.
Even though we had only joined Co. B in June, we ended up being old timers by October 1944 when we shipped overseas. As I look back on it now I realize what a good job Roger did whipping us into a fighting unit. All the time he was losing his trained men and had to retrain new men. He was a leader we looked up to and although strict he was always fair.
In October 1944 we crossed the Atlantic on board the RMS Aquitania. It was a converted luxury liner. We traveled alone rather than in convoy. We landed in Scotland on October 28, which was David Zaragoza's 19th birthday. We moved immediately (by night) down to Banbury, England. I celebrated my 23rd Birthday on the 27th of November in Banbury. We moved across the English Channel and after riding out a few days of rough water (and sea sickness) on December 6, 1944 we landed on the beaches near LeHavre, France.
Roger immediately put me to work directing road traffic. The others were being fitted with rubber overshoes. When I came off traffic duty I had a choice of overshoes - "too big" or "too small." I was instructed to take a pair, which could be exchanged when we got settled later. We never got settled and I never got any overshoes. This started my feet problems.
After spending a couple of day in the rain trying to sleep in the muddy fields, we were loaded on trucks and hauled non-stop across France and Belgium to the border of Germany. It was freezing weather and our feet suffered because of it. Sitting for hours in the lightly covered truck, we couldn't keep circulation in our legs.
Our Company's destination was Lommersweiler, a Division reserve area on the Belgium side of the "Our River" (which is on the border of Germany). As I understand the situation, we were supposed to be in a quiet area thus there was supposed to be a rotation of units into the line. We were in reserve and asleep in Lommersweiler when we were awoke by the explosive fighting to our East.
Roger had to feed and equip us with what he had and get us up into the fight. No one had planned for anything happening in this rugged area. Up to this time we had not been issued live ammunition. All of a sudden we needed everything and at once.
We received a couple of clips of rifle ammunition and a hand full of loose ammo.
Each squad was issued three hand grenades. At this time I was lead scout so I was issued two grenades and the other one was given to my second scout, F. G Bynum. I guess we thought that we would be back before dark because none of us put on enough warm clothing. We almost forgot to take our entrenching tool. We were quickly fed, loaded on trucks and rushed up to the battle area. David Zaragoza, being a tall strong young man was assigned a BAR (an automatic rapid-fire weapon) in our squad.
We didn't have access to the workings of Company Headquarters, so I can only imagine the heavy load dumped on Roger and his supply personnel.
From here on there was mass confusion, nothing went as planned, if there was any plan. After many starts and stops continually on the move, we ended in the dark near Winterspelt, Germany.
The military book of instructions directed our leaders to place a rifle squad on
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Saluting a Great 1st Sergeant - Roger Rutland 424/B
each side of the draw and place the machine guns and heavy weapons at the head of the draw. My squad was put in individual foxholes behind the other squad as reserve. One man to a hole I guess meant that we were expected to stay awake all night, which wasn't practical and we soon learned to use the buddy system but that came too late. We were also instructed not to fire because we were in reserve behind our own men.
Around three or four in the morning the Germans renewed their attack. But they didn't come up the draw as our defenses were planned. They had tanks and heavy equipment enough to fight their way through right up the road behind us. From my fox hole position, I saw the most glorious fire fight right down below us. A lot of the ammo we had been issued was tracer ammo, which lights up the area.
The Germans had a good target of our headquarters at the head of the draw. They were being hit hard and it looked like they would be wiped out. I thought that I would never see Roger again.
The next week or so was strictly my battle. Roger, leading his survivors, moved south toward Bracht. My platoon leader, Lt. Robert L. Nuffer, was leading our small group and we worked our way West toward Steinebrucke. At least that is where we consolidated after many fire-fights. 1st Lt. Herman F. Slutsky, Co. B Executive Officer, was leading what we thought was left of Co. B. We were not alone, there were pieces of many units and we were under the command of a Battalion Officer.
I can get lost in my personal experiences so I'll skip ahead to where I rejoined Roger's survivors. Suffice to relate, when we got over run at Steinebrucke, a group of us joined forces with the 9th Armored.
While with them I became aware of the battle at Baraque de Fraiture (Parker's Crossroads).
Roger told me that David Zaragoza had been so effective with his BAR that they assigned a sniper to knock him out. Also lost was PFC Harold B. Parker, a scout in the squad next to me, both men were killed by the same sniper.
When the tankers were ordered to break out from behind the enemy lines, we had to climb on top of a tank and escape our encirclement under heavy artillery fire. As we moved west, units of the 106th were working west also. I jumped from the tank and happily rejoined the 106th and finally was able to rejoin Co. B. Much to my delight I was greeted by Roger, we were both surprised to find that each still lived.
Lt. Nuffer was also there and as my platoon leader immediately put me in charge of the squad, which now consisted of only PFC F. G. Bynum, PFC Lloyd R. Crosby and me. Three remained of the original twelve. We were in the Area of Commanster, from where we were taken out on Weasels under the cover of darkness through the defenses thrown up by the newly arrived 82nd Paratroopers to the small village of Ferrieres.
By this time I have to take back my thought about most Officers. They were
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Saluting a Great 1st Sergeant - Roger Rutland 424/B
doing the best they knew how and they were out there doing it. I had it much better I only had two men to take care of.
Time gets all mixed up so I'll relate only to certain events. We were getting replacements to fill our ranks, but never enough to bring us up to full strength.
Roger talked to me about filling a spot in communication at Regiment, but I turned it down and recommended F. G. Bynum, who moved up to Regiment. I remember the weather breaking enough for the Air Corps to fly over and drop supplies on Christmas Eve, no Turkey with trimmings this Xmas, lucky to be alive. But I do remember they tried their best to get us a Turkey Dinner on New Years. We were on line near Manhay, it didn't work out very well because we were under constant fire. Roosevelt had ordered that all soldiers were to receive Turkey with all the trimmings and orders are orders. The enemy had us under observation and fire so we moved back one by one. Got our hot turkey and mashed potatoes and immediately carried it back to our hole so that the next guy could go. We had cold mash potatoes and turkey by then.
I failed to say that the 424th Regiment was the only remaining Infantry Unit remaining in the 106th Division, The 422nd and the 423rd had been overrun and most all were captured, killed or injured. The Division lost around 8,000 men in battle during this engagement, including deaths, injuries and POWs''
The 112th Inf. Regiment were separated from their organic unit, the 28th Inf. Division. The 106th 424th and the 28th's 112th Infantry Regiment were formed as a "Combat Team."
The 517th Paratroopers were brought up eventually and was also attached to our division. For the balance of our time on the line the 106th Division, consisting of the 424th the 112th and the 517th, would fight side by side with the 82nd Airborne Division. Thus I finally was joined to the Paratroopers'
We moved up into Spineux for our kick off battle toward Coulee. Roger wrote a very good article about the battle at Coulee, which was published in the book "The Golden Lion Passes in Review".
(editor's note: In honor of Roger Rutland, his story about Coulee follows this story by Edward Prewett, J Kline, editor)
Years after the war, my father and I revisited the area with Dr. Maurice DeLaval. In the village of Wanne I saw a monument, which had been dedicated to the veterans killed in World War I from that area. After World War II they had added a list of the veterans killed in this war. They had a third side listing the civilians murdered by the Germans during the war as reprisals. This was done by Hitler's SS Nazi special troops, not the ordinary German soldier. We had started our advance from Spineux to Coulee. The 517th continued the advance from there. We were pulled back to Wanne for reorganization.
Roger inspected his Company and ordered me to go on sick call. On January 15th I was sent to a field hospital to thaw out my feet. They didn't keep me out of action for very long because they needed riflemen up front. I didn't get back to the Company for 10 or 15 days. During my absence Co. B assisted in the liberation of St. Vith, regaining all the territory lost during the Battle of the Bulge.
The Battalion, which consists of four full Companies plus Battalion personnel, lost all of its Officers except three Lt's. As Col. Welch was being evacuated, he asked Roger to hold the Battalion together and not let them run. A Major plus other Officers were late sent in to help, but Roger was our leader that the men would willingly follow.
26
Saluting a Great 1st Sergeant - Roger Rutland 424/B
You asked about his Bronze Star award, He more than earned it. I understood that he had been put in for the Silver Star, but unfortunately never received the award.
I also heard that he was offered a battlefield commission to the rank of 1st Lt., which he turned down. As 1st Sgt. with plenty of seniority the promotion would have amounted to a demotion for Roger. Besides it might have meant being transferred out of the Company he had trained and loved.
By the time I rejoined the Company we were moving up against the Bunkers of the Siegfried Line. We sent out patrols to probe for weak spots, but the main action was taking place elsewhere for a major breakthrough.
Many more replacements had been brought up, some with high noncom rank. Reluctantly Roger was not able to give me back my squad. However, this worked out favorable for me because whenever he needed someone with authority for special duty, I got the call.
The break through finally came and the 106th was squeezed out of the front. Roger sent me as part of an advance party back to San Quentin, France. When the rest of the Company got settled back in San Quentin, Roger issued me a pass to Paris. From Paris, I joined a motor convoy, which took me to Rennes, France. The 106th Division had moved to that area and was being rebuilt, the 422nd and 423rd Regiments were being reactivated anew.
There were plenty of opportunities for advancement if you wished to leave Company B, but no one wanted to leave. Co. B men developed a strong comradeship through their battle experiences.
Two more regiments brought down from Alaska, which were no longer needed up there, and were added to our division. While all of this was going on, Roger sent me to participate in a demonstration platoon, which was housed in a chateau near Rennes, very nice duty.
The 106th Infantry Division, now with five Regiments strong, was moved back into Germany to administer a collection of prison facilities. The Germans were surrendering in large numbers and they had to be handled.
Our Company was sent to Biebelsheim near Bingen on the Rhine. Just to illustrate the conditions: Roger sent me with only four men to bring in a train load of prisoners. It wasn't dangerous, they knew that their war was over and they were there to get discharged and sent home. We won and had to stay. They lost and were getting to go home.
Something didn't seem quite right. We had quite a variety of prisoners to deal with. There were many Eastern Allies fighting with the Germans. Some looked like Mongolians, which we understood to be politically White Russians fighting with the Germans against the Red Russians.
Mixed in with the ordinary German soldiers were SS Nazi Germans trying to evade recognition. We also had women soldiers, which created an interesting problem. Some place there was a hole in the fence. Another of Roger assignments for me was to stay within the compound area one night to locate the weak spot in the
27
Saluting a Great 1st Sergea nt - Roger Rutland 424/B
fence. Naturally the word was out so nothing took place that night.
Roger also put me in charge of some hard cases, supervising their manufacture of small rocks out of big ones.
The War was over in Europe but we would be needed in the Pacific. The top brass knew that the veteran riflemen had fewer casualties than the raw recruit. It didn't seem fair to us survivors, but they felt their score card would look better if we were brought home, given 30 days leave and then sent to the Pacific. This was all figured out on a point system.
Roger stayed with the high point men and continued to run the Company. Along with many others, I was shipped home to receive my 30 day pass en route to the Pacific. Fortunately, with the help of the bomb, the War Ended just as we were pulling into New York Harbor. We really had much to celebrate!
The war ends and we return to civilian life and try to catch up where we left off. Back to school under the GI Bill, marriage, children, earning a living took priorities. Contacts are lost or never made.
Crosby, my foxhole buddy, and I kept in contact over the years, We both kept our membership contact with the 106th Infantry Division Association but never attended any of the reunions.
It was a long ways from California to the East Coast, where all of the reunions were being held. Crosby called to urge us to attend the Savannah Georgia Reunion. We flew to Elba, Alabama and drove together to Savannah. We figured we would at least know each other at the reunion.
There was one other Co. B veteran attending, Roger Rutland. So in 1984, thirty-nine years since we last saw each other, we had a great reunion'
Much to my surprise I found that he was only a few years older than I and no longer the old man and disciplinarian we all tried to avoid. We found that during the Korean War, Roger had been at Camp Stoneman, Pittsburg, California for a short time, only 18 miles from our home.
Of course neither of us realized the other was there, but ever since Roger tells everyone how we failed to invite him to our home. We had such a good time that we committed ourselves to do it again and try to locate more Co. B. veterans to attend. We have had many great reunions and many of our Co. B veterans have come.
Unfortunately age is taking its toll and disabilities keep many from attending now.
Roger and Mattie as a team sponsored two reunions in Columbia, S.C. in 1986 and 1993. Fort Jackson was where the 106th Division was activated so it meant a lot to the membership and were heavily attended – two of the best.
As host, the Rutland's rated a suite and they invited the Prewett's to share the adjoining suite with them. The Prewett's hosted the first reunion west of the Mississippi, in Sacramento in 1990. Roger served the Association as President in 1987-88. Roger and Mattie visited us during to his term of office and assisted us in making arrangements for the 1990 reunion. I served as President in 1993-1994. At the '93 reunion in Columbia after being installed as President, as commander of the 106th I busted Capt. Peyser to a Sgt. and 1st Sgt. Roger Rutland to a Private. However before leaving office, at our '94 reunion in Rapid City, N.D. I reinstated them to their former rank. The Association honored Roger and Mattie and I had the honor of presenting them with the Order of the Golden Lion, the highest honor bestowed by the Association.
See following pages for related stories
from The CUB of the Golden Lion:
PASSES IN REVIEW
Published 1992, out of print
John Kline, author
28
Saluting a Great 1st Sergeant - Roger Rutland 424/B
How I remember The Battle at Coulee
by Roger Rutland, former 1st Sgt B/424, Apr-May-Jun 1988 CUB Magazine
This is how I remember January 9-13, 1945, We moved in around Spineux the night of January 9th, As we approached the house where I planned to set up Company Headquarters we heard a noise in the basement, We threw in a few hand-grenades and the German soldiers who had occupied the house got away in the dark.
We remained in the area until early morning January 13th.
Company A and B of the 424th moved forward and by 1200 noon we had accomplished our first mission of the day. It was about noon when 1st Lt. McKay, Commanding Officer of A Company was killed. Soon after noon we moved on toward Coulee with C Company taking the lead position. At 1400 we stopped for a break and it was at that time an artillery shell landed near us. 1st Lt. Herman Slutzky, Commanding Officer of B Company was wounded. 1st Lt. Charles E. Brown assumed command of B/424 at that time. I assigned a man to take Lt. Slutzky to the Battalion Aid Station.
We continued on toward Coulee, through the deep snow, until 1700 (5:00PM). Near Coulee the German 88's hit us very hard.
The Battalion Commander Lt. Col Lamar A. Welch and S-2 Lt. Huddleston were hit. About fifteen men in my weapons platoon were killed on the spot. Col. Welch was hit in the hip and leg and could barely walk. He told me to take charge of the Battalion, and to please not let the men run.
Lt. Huddleston had both legs blown off but was still alert enough to pack snow on the remaining part of his legs to help stop the bleeding, He directed the two men carrying him to the Aid Station and died after arriving there.
Lt. Daniel B. Woolcock of Company B was hit the same time as the others in the weapons platoon. T/Sgt Clair D. Adams and Pfc Thomas B. Cowan were assisting Lt. Woolcock when a shell landed near them killing Woolcock and Cowan and wounding Adams. All of the killing and maiming happened within five minutes We moved back several hundred yards and set up the best defense we could. It was dark at that time and there was no other action for the next few hours.
Colonel Welch had been wandering around for the past few hours in a daze. About 9:00PM he found me and wanted a cigarette. I could tell he was weak and had lost much blood. After he smoked and rested awhile I had a man take him to the Aid Station. I did not see him again until April.
A Major that I was not familiar with was sent, later that night, to take command of our Battalion. The next morning we were relieved by another Battalion and moved from our position near Coulee.
January 13, 1945 was without a doubt, the worst day of my life.
Re-visiting the Battle of Coulee
By Edward A. Prewett 424/B
Apr-May-Jun 1988
Andre Hubert was born two miles from the important crossroad in the Battle of the Bulge known as "PARKERS CROSSROAD." He was a child during the battle but has become an ardent student of the Battle of the Bulge. He is now Vice-President of CRIBA, which stands for Centre De Recherche Et D'Informacion Sur La Bataille Des Ardennes (Research and Information Center of the Battle of the Ardennes). He was a guest speaker at the Arlington, Virginia Veteran's of the Battle of the Bulge (VBOB) convention in December 1985.
When Dr. DeLaval realized that he would be hospitalized at the time of our visit, he arranged for Andre to fill in for him. Andre was overly generous with his time, seeing to our every need. Since our main reason for the visit was to see Dr. DeLaval, we were not seeking old battle areas. One area we did explore was around Coulee. Andre knew of another member of CRIBA, who had written articles of this particular battle and was trying to obtain all the information he could from veterans of that particular engagement, We made a date to meet in the village of Wanne. We arrived first and had time to admire a monument to those killed during World War I. It had been altered to honor the World War II dead also.
29
Saluting a Great 1st Sergeant - Roger Rutland 424/B
Under words that were confusing to me was a list of others who obviously died during the battle. At least the dates would so indicate, Serge Fontaine, our expert on the battle, explained that those were the people, who the Germans took and killed during that period. They were not killed accidently, but were picked out of a line up and murdered by the Germans.
One readily should realize that the French speaking people who live close to the border Germany, to this day do not forgive the Germans. Some of this feeling exists within Belgium between German and French citizens of Belgium. Also St. Vith and Vielsalm are only about 10 miles apart, but there is a much wider gap between them. St. Vith was originally a part of Germany and was given to Belgium when Germany lost the 1st War. Changing the boundaries did not necessarily change the people. This I was not aware of in December1944, prior to the Breakthrough. It does explain much now, when we reflect on the events of that time.
Serge Fontaine brought a copy of his map and his writings on the Battle of the Bulge. Unfortunately they were in French and I could not read them. He spoke very good English and proceeded to explain what he knew about the battle known as the Battle of Coulee. This he knew was the engagement I was interested in. He explained that he had received information from other organizations, but had never received much from the veterans of the 106th Infantry Division,
The objective of CRIBA is to get the facts recorded correctly, while the actual participants are still alive. he definitely knew mom about the Battle of Coulee than I. His map spelled out exactly where the various units were and where they went.
He explained to me that the 1st Battalion/424th started from Spineaux. Company A/424 attacked the village of La Vaux. Company B/424, my Company, attacked the hill to the left of La Vaux.
We then proceeded to advance on the Village of Coulee, Stopped by darkness and the loss of over 250 casualties, including our Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Welch, the 1st Battalion drew back towards Wanne.
Serge Fontaine's explanation cleared up some things in my mind, In my papers, I had the name of Spineaux but didn't know where it fit. I never saw a map nor were we ever told much about of where we were. Once in a while we would catch the name of a place, but nothing was ever mapped out in any pattern.
Serge took us to Spineaux. Sure enough this looked familiar and with a little exploring I found the house that we used, We were in fox-holes facing the Germans across a valley, however the extreme cold weather I i forced us to rotate out of those holes every couple of hours, The house I found was used to give us warmth and rest, From Spineaux we worked our way through the woods toward Coulee. He pointed out where A Company/424 had run into a machine gun nest that resulted in casualties. He then pointed out the area where we were hit by a barrage of 88's. The shells exploded in the tops of the trees and rained shrapnel down on us. We lost many men. Then finally we reached the hill across from Coulee, the high point of our advance.
He had the facts down nicely. What he lacked was the finer points. He wanted to know if we reached the bridge across a small stream. If there was a stream I wasn't aware of it, nor the bridge. It was all covered by snow in 1945. He didn't know that Company B's 1st Sergeant Roger Rutland had been put in charge of the 1st Battalion by Lt. Col. Welch, before he allowed himself to be evacuated. Edward Prewett
Photo, above, The Ardennes,- by Associate member
Chris Van Kerckhoven,. Waterlo, Belgian
30
In Memoriam . . .
Richard S. Adamson - 424/I
Daughter's address: 13512 87th Ave NE, Kirkland, WA 98034 Died: 03/10/2002: Karen L. Adamson, daughter of Richard, wrote, "I am writing to inform you that my father passed away from heart problems, It was his foremost desire the Association be notified," "He served as First Scout in the 1st Squad, 3rd Platoon, Company "I", 424th Regiment, He described the regiment as the "Lucky Regiment," and the "Proudest Regiment," He considered himself fortunate to have served with the best men in the bravest fighting unit, Thanks to all the Association members for giving my father the opportunity to enjoys his past friends, As he would say, "Kudos to everyone,,, and thank you!
He is survived myself, his son Richard Adamson, daughter-in-law Kathryn, two beautiful granddaughters that he adored. Jennifer and Lauren. his sister Virginia and his brother Jack.
William J. Brankin - 422/D
38395 Cashmore Rd, Wadsworth, IL 60083
Died: 03/02/2002: Brankin, age 79, died of Lung Cancer, He attended the 55th Annual Reunion in September 2001, He worked as a street car driver in his early years and then for Universal Oil Products as a lad technician for over 25 years. He was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, the late V. Brankin, He is survived by daughters Janice Wadsworth and Paula Miner, a son Dr. Gary Brankin, dear friend Ilomae Curran and dear nephew. Michael Pace, Joe Schiro, son of Frank. 424/E deceased and Richard Idstein, 424/D and Frank Gombotz, 422/HQ 1st Bn also notified us of Brankin's death.
Lloyd R. Crosby - 424/B
1237 County Road 547, Elba. AL 36323
Died: 03/15/2002: Past President Ed Prewett notified us that Lloyd, age 87, died at the Flowers hospital after an extended illness, Lloyd and Ed were "foxhole buddies," Lloyd's survivors include his wife of 60 years, Ouida L. Crosby. Damascus Senior Citizens Center Community, one daughter Cindy Windham (Andy), Valdosta, GA, three grandchildren, Christina, Felicity and Kyle Windham all of Valdosta, GA, several Nieces and Nephews
James L. Hiers - 424/M
2815 Rennington, Nashville, TN 37215 Died: 03/15/2002: Pam Hiers, daughter of James, notified me by email that her father died of Cancer, The address I have above is the last known, Pam's email address is: pamhiers@net-serv,com. No other details known.
Raymond O. Jensen - 591/HQ
329 Second St. Nashwauk, MN 55769-1210
Died: 05/04/2001: Association records list Jean Jensen as his wife, No other details known.
Orville B. Kiper - 106 RECON
1405 South Roosevelt, Bloomington, IL 61701-6666 Died: H/24/2001: Bessie Kiper, his wife wrote: Elwood died at the age of 77, He died of Cancer, He battled the disease for 13 months. He is survived by his wife Bess, three daughters Tracy, Beverly and Debra, seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren
Elwood Lorah - 592/C
607 Holtzman Rd. Reinhold, PA 17569-9790
Died: 01/01/2002 February Cub returned marked "deceased," No other details known.
Stanleigh McDonald - 806 ORD
1290 N Western Ave #209, Lake Forest, IL 60045-1257 Died: 04/04/2002: Stanleigh's son, Scott McDonald, after a phone call, wrote including a couple of legal size pages of history that his father had written to his father and stepmother on June 9, 1945. This interesting history includes the start of the battle and his experiences in looking for and carrying ammunition to the troops in the St, Vith area. One quote says, "We had rifles and two machines guns, Don't let anyone tell you an Ordnance LM, Company doesn't catch hell, We are right in there with the Infantry." Richard Idstein. 424/C sent a news clip.
Rest In Peace
31
In Memoriam . . .
In part it says, "Stanleigh McDonald, age 78, founder of an Executive Search firm, died of congestive heart failure. Born in Saint Louis and raised in Indianapolis, he served with the 106th Inf, Div in WWII, After the war he attended Butler University and the Indiana University School of Law, He began a career in personnel management and later founded Buell Associates Ltd, an Executive search firm in Chicago, In 1972 he wrote "Ten Weeks to a Better Job," according to his daughter this was before detailed job search advice was commonplace, McDonald's genealogy search led him to Scotland. His wife of 54 years, Mary Ann McDonald, said he was very easy to know. Called everybody by their first name, or "laddie," Lake Forest's 2nd Ward alderman 1979-1985 and president of the Lake Forest Club. He enjoyed his sailboat, the Curry Sark, His passion was restoring cars, his first car was a used Ford Model A when he was 16, Over the years he owned several vintage Mustangs, His prize was a hunter green 1947 MGTC, an auto show trophy that he drove in July 4th parades.
Other survivors include two sons, Scott McDonald and Bruce McDonald and six grandchildren"
Robert G. Milkey - 590/HQ
5419 So River Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32211-4521 Died: 10/26/200: In a letter from his wife, Kathryn Milkey: "He was born and raised in Lacrosse, Wisconsin, Bob was a WWII veteran captured in the Bartle of the Bulge and discharged from Fort Lewis, Washington as a Tech 4 on October 7. 1945, He is survived by his wife Kathryn, 3 sons Tony Milkey, Mike Milkey and Steve Milkey, 4 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild and 5 stepchildren,"
Joseph C. Odom - 424/HQ 1BN
5306 Red Fox Road, Jackson, MS 39211-4626 Died: 02/18/2002: Ina letter from Josephine Holland Odom, his wife. "I write to tell you of the death of my husband following a lengthy (since Jan 4, 2002) stay in the hospital. He just could overcome the fluid buildup in his lings from pneumonia,"
"We had been unable to attend the reunions for the past few years and missed them so much. The CUB issue came to me the day of his burial and I was thrilled to read "Donald's Story," because he was in the 424th Regiment, and from Camp Atterbury to Winterspelt his story was the same as Joe's - so I am happy to have this copy for our children and grandchildren,"
From the obituary: Joseph Creath Odom, operator of Odom's Optical died Monday February 18, 2002 at the G.V. "Sonny" Montgomery Veterans Affairs Medical Center, He founded the Jackson office of "Odom's Optical" in 1957, He was charter member and past-president of the Mississippi Association of Dispensing Opticians.
"Son of Robert Henry Odom and Mary Lou Hines Odom, both of Jackson, A 1939 graduate of central High School he attended Millsaps College. Oklahoma State University and Vanderbilt University as part of his U.S. Army Specialized Training Service, A long time member of the First Baptist Church of Jackson. Mr. Odom had been active in the Fisher Men Sunday School Class, A member of Kappa Alpha Order, the Masonic Order and a Shriner and for many years an avid golfer."
Survivors, his wife Josephine Odom, son and daughter-in-law Richard H. and Teresa Odom of Madison; daughter and son-in-law Creath and Donald Thomas of Jackson; granddaughters Abbi and Mary Jo Thomas and brother Robert Charles Odom, Sr., of Vicksburg, He was preceded in death by three brothers Aubrey Odom, William E. Odom, and Robert H. Odom Jr.
William R. Pettus - 424/HQ 1BN
9701 Monrovia St #616, Lenexa, KS 66215-1564
Died: 03/15/2002: 106th Infantry Division Association mail returned marked "Deceased,"
Lawrence W. Post - 422/11
4510 Goldfinch Dr,, Madison, WI 53714-3216
Died: 02/03/2002: "Larry" was 77 years of age. He married Virginia ‘Ginny' Hanley on Feb. 6, 1947 at St, Bernard's Catholic Church in Madison, Wisconsin, where they were still members.
Larry attended Madison Central High and entered military service in 1943, He was a "heavy Weapons" NCO, Seriously wounded and captured on 16 December 1944 and liberated 15 April 1945. A member of VFW. American Legion, DAV and past local commander for the badger Chapter- POW, Larry and Ginny were frequent attenders to the 106th Infantry Division Association's reunions, including
Rest in Peace
32
In Memoriam …
Arizona, Florida, S.C., Va. Mo, III and Indiana and the most recent in Washington D.C.
Larry was employed at the University of Wisconsin residence halls for 28 years. He and Virginia, retired in 1986. Larry enjoyed woodworking, creating beautiful furniture for his family and friends. He enjoyed traveling especially to Arizona and Alabama to see hiswartime buddy, Calvin.
In addition to his wife, Virginia Post, of 55 years, survivors include his sons, Larry Post Jr. (Betty) of Sun Prairie, Tom Post (Vicki) of Mt. Horeb. David Post of Madison, his daughters Mary Post and Theresa Post; his grandsons, Paul and Todd and his great-grandson Ryley James Post and numerous friends. nephews and nieces.
Leo Rossin 422/H
1947 Ocean Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11230-6870
Died: 10/17/2001: Leo passed away at the Brooklyn Veterans Administration Center Hospital being treated for prostate cancer. Captured on 19 December 1944 in The Battle of the Bulge and was held in Stalag 4-B Muhlberg, Germany. Leo is survived by a brother-in-law Samuel, and a sister, Doris, a sister. He spent his retirement days doing extensive volunteer work at the Veterans Hospital , 23rd Street in New York. A Life member of the 106th Inf. Association.
Charles Sartori - 423/HQ
11 Montclair Dr, East Hanford, CT 06118-3328 Died: 02/02/2002: Dick Sparks, 423/HQ wrote, " I received a call about the death of Charles. Charlie was a member of the original I&R Platoon at Fort Jackson and was transferred to S-2 as a driver when the division moved to Camp Atterbury, Indiana. On December 16, 1944 he had driven back to St. Vith and could not return to his Company so he escaped capture. He then served with the 424th until the reconstitution of the new 423rd Infantry Regiment."
"In civilian life he worked for Pratt and Whitney Aircraft in East Hartford, CT. He is survived by his wife of 55 years. Stella R. Satori, a son Thomas C. Satori of East Hanford and a daughter, Charlene E. McHale of Scituate, MA. He was a life long resident of East Hanford
Howard Gray Smith - 423/F
PO Box 516, Forestdalc, MA 02644
Died 05/16/2002: Harry Azidian notified us that his neighbor, Howard, age 77, husband of Virginia Smith, a resident of Forestdale for 53 years, passed away. Born in Berlin, N.H. He died at the Cape Cod Hospital in Hyannis after a long illness. He was captured in the Battle of the Bulge and held prisoner by the Germans. He was discharged with rank of First Lieutenant. He received a bachelor's and a master's degree from Brown University.
He worked as an economist for the board of governors of the Federal Reserve System in Washington D.C. and later transferred to the Federal Reserve Bank in Boston in 1953. He retired in 1979. The family made their home in Braintree for 34 years before moving to Cape Cod as permanent residents where they had summered for many years.
He enjoyed both classical and jazz music, stamp collecting, bird watching, and investments.
A direct descendant of 10 Mayflower families and was a member of Alden Kindred of America, Inc. Life member of AX-POW and the Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge, as well as Post 188 in Sandwich. A former member of St. John's Episcopal Church in Sandwich.
Besides his wife, survivors include four sons, Alan W. Smith of Coleseille, Md; Dana S. Smith and David E. Smith, both of Plympton, and Douglas A. Smith of Raleigh, N.C. and a grandchild.
Harry J. Welsh - 424/K
44 Dolphin Rd, Levittown, PA 19056
Died: 01/14/2002: In a letter, his son, Harry J. Welsh, Jr. wrote, "This is to inform you of the death of my father, Harry J. Welsh, Life Member of the 106th Infantry Division Association. He always enjoyed "The CUB" and looked for names he might remember. You guys were "The Greatest Generation."
I salute you all!"
Rest In Peace
56th Annual Reunion
106th Inf. Div. Association
September 18-22, 2002
Holiday Inn - Hampton, Virginia
56th Annual Reunion
Registration Forms were mailed
Special First-Class Mail in February 2002
to each Association member
and then to every New Member as he/she joined after
February 2002.
If you did not receive your
56th Annual Reunion Registration Papers
Call, Write or Email
John Kline, editor
Tele: 952-890-3155
Address:
11 Harold Drive
Burnsville, MN 55337
email: jpk@mm.com
Website: http://www.mm.com/user/jpk
Index for: Vol. 58, No. 3, Apr, 2002
Index for This Document
106th Div., 21, 41106th Inf. Div., 46
112th Inf. Regt., 39
28th Inf. Div., 39
29th Inf. Div., 12
34th Inf. Div., 29
422/K, 3, 27
422nd Inf. Regt., 26
423rd Inf. Regt., 23, 52
423rd Regt., 41
424/A, 6
424/C, 7, 49
424/D, 20, 21, 48
424/E, 3, 27, 48
424/I, 48
424/L, 2, 25
424th Cannon Co., 28
424th Cbt. Inf. Regt., 12, 31, 32
424th Inf. Regt., 4
424th Regt., 34, 39, 48, 50
517th Paratroopers, 39
589th FA BN, 12
806th Ord. Co., 49
81st Engr., 20
82nd Abn. Div., 39
82nd Paratroopers, 38
99th Inf. Div., 9
9th Armd. Div., 38
Abel, Brig. Gen. Dick, 6
Abel, Gen., 6
Adams, T/Sgt. Clair D., 44
Adamson, Karen L., 48
Adamson, Richard, 48
Adamson, Richard S., 48
After Action Report, 9
Alabama Mini-Reunion, 20
Aquitania, 36
Ardennes, 9, 18, 44, 47
Armed Forces Reunions, 4
Aurora, Colorado Mini-Reunion, 22
Azidian, Harry, 52
Bad Orb, 23
Bad Sodden, 23
Baird, Joseph H., 23
Baird, Mary Elizabeth, 23
Baltimore Round Table Of Military History, 12
Banbury, England, 36
Baraque De Fraiture, 38
Baraque De Fraiture, Belgium, 3
Barron, Hoyt, 20
Battle Of The Ardennes, 44
Battle Of The Bulge, 12, 20, 32, 39, 44
Beach, Jean, 7, 23
Beaver, Johnnie, 7
'Before The Veterans Die', 11
Belgium, 23, 36, 46
Berwick, Capt. Lee, 12
Biebelsheim, 41
Billett, Claude, 23
Bingen, 41
Bishop, A. Grayson, 12
Bishop, Grayson, 12
Bosnia-Hertzgovina, 12
Bracht, 38
Brandt, Clarke, 22
Brankin, Dr. Gary, 48
Brankin, V., 48
Brankin, William J., 48
Brice, Elmer, Sr., 21
Brice, Janet, 21
Bridges, Mr. & Mrs. Walter, 20
Bridges, Walter, 1, 20
Bridges, Walter G., 3
Brown, 1st Lt. Charles E., 44
Bucholz Station, 9
Bynum, F. G, 36
Bynum, F. G., 39
Bynum, Pfc. F. G., 38
Byram, Robert L., 23
C.R.I.B.A., 3
Call, George, 32
Camp Atterbury, 50
Camp Atterbury Memorial, 18
Camp Atterbury, Indiana, 34
Camp Beale, California, 34
Camp Stoneman, 42
Carver, Dale, 11, 15
Central Europe, 18
Christian, Anne, 21
Christian, Truman, 21
Clarke, Mrs. Richard, 25
Clarke, Richard & Deborah, 23
Clarke, Ronahn I., 23
Clarke, Rosemary, 25
Colbert, Hugh, 19
Collins, Mr., 23, 25
Collins, Sherod, 1, 7, 27
Commanster, 38
Condike, Charles, 25
Cooley, James, 7, 25
Cooley, James H., 25
Cosby, Lloyd, 7
Coulee, 32, 39, 44, 45, 46
Cowan, Pfc. Thomas B., 44
CRIBA, 44, 45, 46
Croonquest, Lt., 29
Crosby, Lloyd R., 48
Crosby, Ouida L., 48
Crosby, Pfc. Lloyd R., 38
Cucarola, Joe, 22
Cucarola, Lillian, 22
Curran, Ilomae, 48
Davis, Clyde W., 25
Davis, Jefferson, 4
De Santis, Joseph, 7
DeHeer, Dick, 31
DeHeer, Marge, 31
DeLaval, Dr., 45
Delaval, Dr. Maurice, 39
Div. HQ, 25
Donovan, Howard A., 25
Elsenbom Ridge, 9
Elsenborn Ridge, 9
Erhardt, Roger J., 7
Ferrieres, 38
Fisher, George, 21
Fontaine, Serge, 46
Ford, David, 3
Fort Benning, GA, 20
Fort Jackson, 22, 29, 42, 52
Fort Monroe, 4
'FORWARD', 9
Franklin, George, 25
Fredrick, Floyd, 22
Ft. Jackson, SC, 18
Gatens, John, 3
Germany, 36, 41, 46
Gilliland, John, 15
Gilliland, John O., 1, 2, 18
Gombotz, Frank, 48
Greve, Walt, 22
Greve, Walter, 22
Griffiths, Richard, 25
Hagan, R., 19
Hanke, Arthur K., 7
Hanley, Virginia ‘Ginny', 51
Hanna, Robert R., 3
Head, R. L., 7
Hiers, James L., 48
Hiers, Pam, 48
Hill, Camp, Pa Mini-Reunion, 21
Hill, Cpl. Major, 31
Hill, Maj., 32
Hines, Mary Lou, 50
Hirsch, Rudolph, 27
Hoover, Robert L., 27
Hubert, Andre, 3, 44
Huddleston, Lt., 44
Hudson, Edith, 24
Hudson, Edward R., 23
Idstein, Richard, 7, 48, 49
Italy, 29
Jensen, Jean, 48
Jensen, Raymond O., 48
Kammertrie, Bob, 19
Kiper, Bessie, 48
Kiper, Orville B., 48
Kline, John, 7, 23, 25, 27, 28, 29, 31, 32, 43, 54
Kline, John P., 1
Kline, Mr., 23
Kloberdanz, George D., 27
Kravitz, Sol F., 27
Krinkelt, 9
La Vaux, 46
Lacey, Mr. & Mrs. Dave, 20
Lanzcrath, 9
Lapato, Frank, 2
Lauman, Dorothy, 7
Lauman, Pete, 7
Lee, Donna, 4
Lehavre, France, 36
Lommersweiler, 36
Lorah, Elwood, 49
Losheim Gap, 9
Losheimergraben, 9
Lynch, Rev. William, 19
Macery, Sgt., 29
Maloney, Joseph P., 1, 2, 4
Manhay, 39
Marsh, Mary Lou, 27
Martin, Harry, 1
Martin, Harry F., Jr., 2
Massey, Hazel, 20
Massey, Joe, 20
Massey, Joseph, 1, 20
Massey, Joseph A., 3
McCowan, Sgt., 29
McDonald, Bruce, 50
McDonald, Mary Ann, 50
McDonald, Scott, 49, 50
McDonald, Stanleigh, 49, 50
McHale, Charlene E., 52
McHugh, Francis, 22
McKay, 1st Lt., 44
McMichael, Bryce D., 7
McRae, Tom, 13
Merz, O. Paul, 1
Milkey, Kathryn, 50
Milkey, Mike, 50
Milkey, Robert G., 50
Milkey, Steve, 50
Milkey, Tony, 50
Miller, John, 19
Miner, Paula, 48
Moore, Allan R., 23
Morse, John, 15
Muhlberg, Germany, 52
Murringen, 9
Nicol, James, 19
North Africa, 29
Novak, John, 27
Nuffer, Lt., 38
Nuffer, Robert L., 38
Odom, Aubrey, 51
Odom, Joseph C., 50
Odom, Joseph Creath, 50
Odom, Josephine, 50
Odom, Josephine Holland, 50
Odom, Richard H. & Teresa, 50
Odom, Robert Charles, Sr., 51
Odom, Robert H., Jr., 51
Odom, Robert Henry, 50
Odom, William E., 51
Of Battle Of The Bulge, St. Vith, 27
Order Of The Golden Lion, 31, 32
Orvold, Norman, 32
Our River, 36
Pace, Michael, 48
Pape, Kathy, 21
Paris, 41
Parker, Pfc. Harold B., 38
Parkers Crossroad, 44
Parker's Crossroads, 3, 38
Passariello, Louis, 32
Patton, George S., Jr., 20
Peros, George, 2
Petito, Joseph, 7
Pettus, William R., 51
Peyser, Capt., 34, 42
Peyser, Capt. Charles S., 31
Peyser, Charles, 32
Pikesville Armory, 12
Post, David, 52
Post, Larry, Jr., 52
Post, Lawrence W., 51
Post, Mary, 52
Post, Ryley James, 52
Post, Theresa, 52
Post, Tom, 52
Post, Virginia, 52
Potts, Arthur, 21
Potts, Bill, 21
Potts, Ruth-Alice, 21
Potts, Thelma, 21
Potts, William, 21
Prell, Donald, 7
Prewett, Ed, 31
Prewett, Edward, 7, 32, 39, 46
Prewett, Edward A., 34, 44
Prewett, Pfc. Edward A., 34
Prewett, Pvt. Edward A., 31
Racster, Mr. & Mrs. John, 20
Rathe, Gordon, 27
Ray, Marion, 1
Rennes, 41
Rennes, France, 41
Reunions, 19, 20, 21, 22
Re-Visiting The Battle Of Coulee, 44
Rhine, 41
Rhineland, 18
Richmond, Randy, 27
Rickenbrode, Al, 22
Rieck, Charles F., 2
Rigatti, Richard, 1
Rigatti, Richard L., 2
Ripley, William T., 27
Roach, Dan, 19
Robb, Dr. John G., 1
Robb, John G., 1
Roberts, Jack, 4
Roberts, John M., 1, 3
Robinson, Rich, 27
Robinson, Richard R., 28
Robinson, Robbie, 29
Romp, Chester, 29
Rossin, Leo, 52
Rutland, 1st Sgt. Roger, 32, 34, 42
Rutland, Mattie, 31, 32
Rutland, Roger, 31, 32, 34, 36, 38, 39, 41, 42, 44, 46
San Quentin, France, 41
Santoro, Bud, 29
Sartori, Charles, 52
Satori, Stella R., 52
Satori, Thomas C., 52
Schaffner, John, 3, 4
Schaffner, John R., 1, 2, 12, 19
Schiro, Joe, 48
Schivel, Lt., 29
Schoelkopf, Jack W., 29
Schonberg, 29
Sheaner, Herb, 19
Sheaner, Mike, 19
Shipman, Dorothy, 22
Shipman, Elmer, 22
Siegfried Line, 41
Simmons, Betty, 21
Simmons, Norman, 21
Skopek, Robert E., 29
Skorka, Francis, 29
Slutsky, 1st Lt. Herman F., 38
Slutzky, 1st Lt. Herman, 44
Slutzky, Lt., 44
Smith, Alan W., 53
Smith, Dana S., 53
Smith, David E., 53
Smith, Douglas A., 53
Smith, Howard Gray, 52
Smith, Ken, 13
Smith, Kenneth, 14
Smith, Pfc. Raymond C., 29
Smith, Raymond C., 29
Smith, Virginia, 52
Smith, William F., 31
Smith, William R., 29
Smoler, Irwin, 32
Snyder, Walter M., 3
Sowell, Robert F., 3
Sparks, Dick, 52
Sparks, Richard D., 2
Spineaux, 46
Spineux, 39, 44
St. Vith, 4, 25, 32, 39, 46, 52
St. Vith Memorial, 18
Stalag 4-B, Muhlberg, 29
Stalag 9-B, 23
Stalag IV-B, 25
Steinebrucke, 38
Stone, Col. Frank J., 20
Streib, Marshall, 32
Sulser, Jack A., 1, 3
Swett, John, 1, 13, 14
Swett, John A., 1
Talley, Chester W., Jr., 29
Tank Hill, 29
Tate, Coy L, 29
Taylor, Hal, 3, 22
Taylor, Margaret, 22
Temple, Mr. & Mrs. Will S. Sr, 20
Tennessee Maneuvers, 34
The Battle Of The Bulge, 3, 9, 28, 52
The Sitting Duck Div., 15
Thomas, Abbi & Mary Jo, 50
Thomas, Creath & Donald, 50
Tolhurst, Michael, 27
Toy, Waid, 3
Trautman, Frank S., 3
Tronco, Jay, 31, 32, 33
Troutman, Martin, 32
Trueman, Dr. Duncan, 1, 6
Truman, Christian, 21
Van Kerckhoven, Chris, 47
Vennberg, David H., 29
Vickery, Curtis, 12
Vielsalm, 46
Vietnam, 6
Vitali, Alfred, 32
Wadsworth, Janice, 48
Walker, 2nd Lt. Lewis W., 26
Wanne, 39, 45, 46
Washington, George, 16
Welch, Col., 39, 44
Welch, Lt. Col., 46
Welch, Lt. Col. Lamar A., 44
Welsh, Harry J., 53
Welsh, Harry J., Jr., 53
Wenc, Chester C., 30
Wijers, Hans, 10
Wijers, Hans J., 9
Wilkins, B. O., Jr., 10
Williams, Lawrence, 20
Willis, Jack, 29
Windham, Christina, Felicity & Kyle, 48
Windham, Cindy, 48
Winterspelt, 50
Winterspelt, Germany, 36
Wirzfeld, 9
Woolcock, Lt., 44
Woolcock, Lt. Daniel B., 44
Yanchik, Pete, 2
Young, Damon, 7
Zaragoza, David, 36, 38
Zarragoza, David, 34