Original Cub Document
Uploaded: 24-Nov-2022
The Cub
Vol. 72, No. 3, Nov, 2016
A Tribute to John Kline
This final issue of 2016 is dedicated to Golden Lion and former CUB editor John Kline. In the last issue of The CUB, Vol. 72, No. 2, John Kline was mentioned in the Memoriam section. John passed on June 9, 2016. During World War II, John's service started with ASTP at the University of Alabama, then on to the 106th Infantry Division in 1943, as a machine gun squad leader. He was captured during the Battle of the Bulge and was a POW.
Carl Wouters, Belgium Liaison to the 106th Association shared that John was one of the first 106th Division veterans with whom he corresponded. "A wonderful man, he was always helpful and willing to share his experiences. John was one of the key people who encouraged my research and I think that he, both as past-president and long-time editor of The CUB, has left an amazing historical legacy. Rest in peace John, you have earned your place in the big parade. You have made your comrades proud of their history and legacy."
Photo: John Kline
A tri-annual publication of the 106th Infantry Division Association, Inc.
Total Membership as of September 30, 2016 – 1,096
Membership includes CUB magazine subscription
Annual Dues are no longer mandatory: Donations Accepted
Payable to "106th Infantry Division Association" and mailed to
the Treasurer -- See address below
Elected Offices
President: Leon Goldberg (422/D)
Past-President (Ex-Officio) Brian Welke (Associate Member)
1st Vice-President Wayne Dunn (Associate Member)
2nd Vice-President Robert Schaffner (Associate Member)
Adjutant: Randall M. Wood (Associate member) 810 Cramertown Loop, Martinsville, IN 46151, woodchuck01@sbcglobal.net, 765-346-0690
Business Matters, Deaths, Address changes to:
Membership: Jacquelyn Coy 121 McGregor Ave., Mt. Arlington, NJ 07856 membership@106thinfdivassn.org 973-663-2410
Donations, checks to: Treasurer: Mike Sheaner
PO Box 140535, Dallas TX 75214, sheaner1@airmail.net, 214-823-3004
Memorial Chair: Dr. John G. Robb (422/D), 238 Devore Dr., Meadville, PA 16355, jrobb238@hotmail.com, 814-333-6364
Chaplain: Vincent J. Charron, vcharron@gccnny.org
106th ID Assn's Belgium Liaison: Carl Wouters
Waterkant 17 Bus 32, B-2840 Terhagen, Belgium, carl_wouters@hotmail.com, cell: +(32) 47 924 7789
106th Assoc. Website Webmaster: Wayne G. Dunn
620 Coachmans Way, Parkton, MD 21120, Host106th@106thInfDivAssn.org, 410-409-1141
Committee Chairs:
Atterbury Memorial Representative Jim West
Historian John Schaffner/William McWhorter
Membership Chair Jacquelyn Coy
Mini-Reunions Wayne Dunn
Nominating Committee Chair Brian Welke
Order of the Golden Lion Carol Falkner/Beth Garrison/ John Schaffner
Public Relations Chair Wayne Dunn
Resolutions Chair Bernard Mayrsohn
Reunion Co-chairs Murray Stein, Randy Wood
CUB Editor: William McWhorter
166 Prairie Dawn, Kyle, Texas 78640 williammcwhorter17@gmail.com 512-970-5637
CUB Publisher: Susan Weiss
9 Cypress Point Ct, Blackwood, NJ 08012 CubPublisher@106thInfDivAssn.org 856-415-2211
Board of Directors (all positions held through 2016)
Jacquelyn Coy, Membership (Associate member), jsc164@aol.com, 121 McGregor Ave., Mt. Arlington, NJ 07856, 973-663-2410
Wayne G. Dunn (Associate member), Host106th@106thInfDivAssn.org 620 Coachmans Way, Parkton, MD 21120, 410-409-1141
Joe Gardner (Associate member) K7Ci@hotmail.com 315 Ridgewood Drive, New Paris, PA 15554, 814-839-2473
Leon Goldberg (422/D), Lgoldberg-cpa@comcast.net 307 Penbree Terrace, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004-2333, 610-667-5115
Donald F. Herndon (424/L), oklastamps@aol.com 8313 NW 102, Oklahoma City, OK 73162-4026, 405-721-9164
Henry LeClair (Associate member)(father:422/G), henryleclair13@gmail.com 209 Range Road, Windham, NH 03087, 603-401-3723
Sy Lichtenfeld (422/I) [Past President], slich44@gmail.com 901 Somerby Dr., Apt 334, Mobile, AL 36695, , 251-639-4002
Bernard Mayrsohn (423/CN) [Past President] website: www.mayrsohn.com, ethelbarn@aol.com 34 Brae Burn Dr., Purchase, NY 10577-1004, 914-946-2908
Kris Rice (Associate member), krazyrice@comcast.net 23109 Glenbrook Street, St. Clair Shores, MI 48082-2194, 586-206-0018
John M. Roberts (592/C) [Past President], jmr81024@aol.com 1059 Alter Rd., Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304-1401, 248-338-2667
Dr. John G. Robb (422/D), jrobb238@hotmail.com 238 Devore Dr., Meadville, PA 16355, 814-333-6364
John Schaffner (589/A) [Past President], pumexim2@verizon.net 1811 Miller Rd., Cockeysville, MD 21030-1013, 410-584-2754
Robert Schaffner (Associate member), rschaffner@verizon.net 706 Morris Ave., Lutherville, MD 21093, 410-773-4297
Herbert "Mike" Sheaner (422/G) [Past President], herbsheaner@SBCGlobal.net PO Box 140535, Dallas, Texas 75214, 214-823-3003
Mike Sheaner, Treasurer (Associate member), sheaner1@airmail.net PO Box 140535, Dallas TX 75214, 214-823-3004
Murray Stein (423/I) (Exec Comm) [Past President], murraystein1925@gmail.com 8372 Calabria Lakes Dr., Boynton Beach, Fl. 33473, 561-336-2660
Jeanne M. Walker (Associate member), jeanne16jr@hotmail.com 22 Woodbine Rd., Marshfield, MA 02050-3632, 781-837-8166
Newton Weiss (423/HQ 3Bn) [Past President], newtruth@comcast.net
311 Route 73, Apt. 245, Voorhees, NJ 08043, 856-210-6696
Brian Welke (Associate member), brian423rd@gmail.com 1821 Morris Street, Eustis, FL 32726-6401, 352-408-5671
Janet Wood (Associate member), KipKai2000@yahoo.com 308 Camden Cove Circle, Calera, AL 35040, 205-910-0542
Randall M. Wood (Associate member) [Past President], woodchuck01@sbcglobal.net 810 Cramertown Loop, Martinsville, IN 46151, 765-346-0690
As I sat down to write a message to you as president, I thought about the reunion we just had. Although it was somewhat smaller than last year, I was impressed by the warmth and feeling of family evident everywhere.
I also thought about the meaning and significance of having a reunion. While it is wonderful to renew friendships, it is also important to remind ourselves that we must do what we can to tell the story of the devastation, death and suffering war brings. Reunions like ours do this and we must keep our families and friends involved to carry on this very important work. When we lose a comrade, as we recently did when Russell Hoff (422/M) passed away a few weeks before the reunion, we must do what we can to recognize him and to support his family.
Last week I attended the POW-MIA Recognition Day celebration sponsored by my local VA. They held an impressive and meaningful ceremony in honor of the four WWII prisoners of war and one hostage from Iran who attended. As we watch history unfold, it is obvious to me that war will never end. Therefore, we must keep reminding ourselves to stay strong and remain ever vigilant, continuing to support a strong defense organization, as we do now.
PHOTO: Leon Goldberg (422/D)
106th Infantry Division Association President 2016–2017
307 Penbree Terrace Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004-2333
610-667-5115
lgoldberg-cpa@comcast.net
Veterans' organizations like ours are essential to achieve this goal.
To those of you who were not able to attend the reunion, I want to say . . . Kudos to the officers and committee members who made the arrangements. To me, the highlight of the event was the visit to Fort George G. Meade and the briefings by Colonel Thomas S. Rickard, Garrison Commander and CSM Rodwell L. Forbes, Garrison Command Sergeant Major. They pointed out that Fort Meade (which was once the center where Eisenhower and Patton planned and developed the most effective tactical use of our then newest weapon -- the tank) is now the military center for cyber security and has thousands of people working in that area 24/7. Their briefings reassured me, and I am sure most of the audience, that our military is strong and able to protect
the United States of America. Garrison Command Sergeant Major Forbes was also the featured speaker at our closing banquet. His powerful presentation there was inspiring to all.
Another bonus was the attendance of Ester Eenhuizen and Corne Lauwerijssen who are members of the "Friends of the Timberwolfs in the Netherlands," young people from Belgium who have become very close to some members of our reunion
compatriots in the 104th Division. The appreciation the Belgians feel for the U.S.A. is very gratifying. It was exciting and heartwarming to meet some of them.
The reunion committee is currently working on our 2017 reunion. Now is the time to remind yourself to keep time in your fall calendar so that you will be able to join us. We'll announce the dates and location chosen as soon as that information is available.
New Board Member Joins the Ranks
At this past reunion in Washington, D.C., the association welcomed its newest board member, Henry LeClair from New Hampshire.
He was attending his second reunion in honor of his father, Henry J. LeClair, who served in the 422nd/G company. We thank him for his service.
PHOTO: Left to right, Henry and his partner Rys Wyman, at the Reunion.
Hinder forward: The 168th Engineer
Combat Battalion in ZI and ETO
from May 1943 through November 1945
By Dean F. Jewett (168th Eng)
Note: the cover may not look like the pictured image.
Dean F. Jewett has written a book about the 168th Engineer Combat Battalion, which was attached to the 106th Infantry Division during the Battle of the Bulge. The book is 456 pages and sells for $75, which includes postage, sales tax, etc.
New copies are only available through Mr. Jewett at P.O. Box 148, Saco, ME 04072 or by phone at 207-284-6778.
Used copies are available online through outfits, such as Amazon.com or Ebay.com.
106th Memorial 2016
Every day we are faced with decisions. Decisions that directly impact our future. We even, at times, have to make decisions for other people such as children and the elderly, that will directly impact their futures. Some decisions we make are instantaneous or are so slight that we are not even cognitive to the fact that we even made a decision at all. Other decisions take days, even months, to come to a final decision.
Why people make the decisions they do is a study that would take a lifetime to comprehend. People make decisions for all kinds of reasons that are too numerous to list, but the fact remains that whatever decisions people choose they will be the recipient of the end result of that decision.
If a drunk decides to drive and kills another individual, that guilt and remorse and prison sentence is going to linger in their lives forever. If a couple decides to have a baby that blessing, although a challenge at times, will forever be part of their lives no matter if it lives to be an old person or dies at birth. The parents are willing to endure the end results of their decision.
Even though decisions are a part of our everyday life there are those decisions in life that we have to make that are bigger than life. Today we are gathered on a very special weekend holding a memorial service for people who have faced such "bigger-than-life" decisions. Just like your decision, so many years ago, you were willing to lay down your lives for all that was good and true in the world, we now remember the tragic event in 2001 when our country came under attack. People
Vincent Charron
(PFC Nelson Charron 422/D)
Chaplain
Senior Pastor, Grace Covenant Church Ogdensburg, NY
Twitter-@vjcharron Facebook/VJCharron vcharron@gccnny.org
made a decision to come forward and get in harm's way to help as many people
as they could. So with your permission I would like to share the memorial service by giving a mention to the brave men and women of our Firefighters, EMTs, Paramedics, Police, National Guard, all hospital and medical staff and to the countless non-profits who made a decision to step forward and without regard for their own person, made a
difference in saving hundreds of people.
As mighty as this sounds and as proud as we can feel about the heroes who stepped out, the unfortunate side of this event is that there were some who were among the people that were not effected by the crash directly, who made the decision to go in and aid and assist others and gave everything to include their very own lives. It is to their decision, as it is to yours that we gather here today and remember.
Friends, family, neighbors, battle buddies, soldiers and civilians alike, people who made a decision to put other people's needs before their own. Men and women who were not in it for the glory, fame and medals. Ordinary people who accomplished extraordinary tasks. People I am sure that would love to be sitting here with you today instead of being remembered.
Why take the time to place emphasis on people's decisions? Why take the time to remember the people who made a hard decision look easy just to pay the ultimate price?
Three reasons; First, to the people who paid the ultimate sacrifice; you are "Gone but Not Forgotten" and nor should they ever be.
Second, to the survivors of combat, of war, of war prison camps, from the beginning of war up to the present.
Survivors of tragedies such as 9-11 and the horrific acts of humans in our streets today; thank you! There is no monetary gift this side of heaven that will ever convey the rightful thanks you deserve.
When you pass on from this earth you will be "Gone but Not Forgotten."
Lastly, to the new generation and the generations to come: "Never Forget." The moment in time when we allow the sacrificial decisions to be forgotten, we will have ungratefully prostituted the price that was paid.
I purpose a call to action. I call to action every living body who is able to choose today to place yourself on hold and make the decision to add value to another person. Use your God-given time, treasures and talents to invest in a young person, help a hurting person or care for those who cannot care for themselves.
The price that you pay to help someone else will pale in comparison to the love, respect, gratitude and appreciation the person on the receiving end is feeling. The thing about sacrifice is that it must be felt in order to grow. John Maxwell said, "A person must give up in order to go up." Make the decision now to make a sacrifice for someone else today and see if you are not also blessed because of it. Be blessed.
John W. Morse
The Sitting Duck Division: Attacked from the Rear
Our reunion in Washington, D.C. was eventful, informative and a great joy and yet sorrowful. We toured Fort Meade where Col Rickard and CSM Forbes spoke to us at our lunch. As reported in the Fort Meade Soundoff, Col Rickard thanked the Veterans of the 106th and 104th Divisions for everything they did, stating "We wouldn't be as strong as we are today if it had not been for the fight you fought in WWII." Today there are 119 different agencies housed at Fort Meade, including the National Security Agency (NSA) and Cyber Warfare units addressing up to 10,000 cyber attacks every day. Back when the 106th was drawn down to supply replacements to the European front, most of those troops being transferred went thru Fort Meade on the way to their new assignment.
Col Rickard also spoke to the question of PTSD. Today and during WWII, the disorder is the same but mostly undiagnosed during WWII and today there are many tools to help the soldier overcome the malady. CSM Forbes used powerful words to thank the Veterans for their sacrifice. "Freedom is not Free," Forbes said, "It has been bought with a heavy price." Forbes stated -- with all the attacks on the U.S. both cyber and physical -- "We will not be defeated. Not on our watch."
From Fort Meade, we went to the Holocaust Museum which was a sobering experience. Makes you wonder how it could have possibly been allowed to happen and is it happening anywhere else right now. We cannot allow it to happen again.
We are strengthening our pledge to keep our association alive and well
Randall M. Wood (Associate member) 810 Cramertown Loop
Martinsville, IN 46151
765-346-0690
woodchuck01@sbcglobal.net
to the "Last Man Stands and Beyond." We are, however, addressing a new initiative. Mike Sheaner, our treasurer and Jackie Coy, our membership chair, have developed "Pass It On." The effort is to perpetuate the legacy of the 106th Infantry Division by giving every family member of all generations access to the history and the stories of the Veterans in this division. These new members will be Cub-level associates. There is no cost to join and many benefits to be received. Ask your family members to provide their email address to Mike.
See the complete article a little later in this addition of The CUB. We will recognize the family with the most Cubs signed up at the 2017 reunion.
While there is no cost to become a Cub-level associate, we are asking interested members to consider donating $25 each year to help defray the cost of producing and mailing The CUB magazine. It is our primary form of
communication and source of stories and individual history of our Veterans of the 106th Division.
Our reunion with the 104th Division Association was a success. We learned some new traditions and made a lot of friends. We have invited them to join
us in Orlando for reunion in 2017 and hopefully they will decide to do just that. We offered that if they come to Orlando in 2017, then we will plan to go where they choose in 2018. In addition to inviting the 104th, Murray Stein has been working diligently with the Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge (VBOB) chapters in Florida asking them to join us at our reunion in Orlando.
There has not been a commitment made
by VBOB groups; however, there has been a lot of enthusiasm expressed about the opportunity to be a part of our joint reunion. The leaders have been very excited about encouraging their members to join us. With this in mind, it is up to our board to come up with an agenda that will be good for all those attending. We look forward to the challenge.
Our 2016 reunion is in the books. All of those who attended had a great time and have expressed positive thoughts. We look forward to the next reunion. Planning has started to take place in preparation for the 2017 Reunion in Orlando, Florida.
From former Adjutant, Murray Stein (423/I)
My Brothers and Sisters,
Our 70th Reunion was a great success despite the low turnout. We combined with the 104th Inf. Div., and since we shared the experience of the Battle of the Bulge, we had some great talks. For the Reunion in 2017, we chose Orlando and we are meeting with Battle of the Bulge chapters in Florida hoping to have many of their Veterans and families join with us in 2017. The response, so far, is very enthusiastic!
I just finished Harry Martin's book, I was No Hero in the Battle of the Bulge. But that's not so -- he wrote a terrific story and it's a wonderful read. I was so impressed with his recollection of the soldiers he fought with, and the battles and dates the 424th Reg. was
involved in, from Dec. 1944 to the spring of 1945, leading up to his discharge. We all know Harry as a real fun guy, but his story is about a remarkable young Soldier.
I join with others to thank our outgoing Pres. Brian Welke and wish him good luck in the election Nov. 8th. I hope to address him as "YOUR HONOR." Congratulations to our new Pres. Leon Goldberg! A special thanks to Randy Wood, our Adjutant, for the great work at our Reunion!
Stay well everybody -- and start making plans for Orlando 2017.
Love ya, Murray
The 70th Annual Reunion of our 106th Infantry Division Association in Washington, D.C. is now in the "history category." It seems like this event comes around and passes into history with ever increasing speed. The Washington area has history for everyone's interest from the era of the Colonies, to the Revolutionary War, to just yesterday. Only a small part of it can be absorbed in one day, or one week, or one year.
A person can make a career of studying American History in this one city and then only scratch the surface. We were privileged to be able to share the event with members of the 104th Infantry Division Association. I believe that it was advantageous to both organizations to combine forces and share spaces
and events.
And now just a bit of what is continuing to perpetuate the history of World War II in Europe. I am in touch with a young French fellow, Florent Plana, who is associated with the World War II Veterans' Memories Project in Normandy. This group is in the process of acquiring property just minutes behind the beach at Pointe du Hoc. This place has been a farm since 1800 so I don't need to provide a picture. These are Florent's words (in part) from a recent email:
Hi John,
I am very glad you were able to receive the pictures. This is a beautiful farm from 1800 and there is a part that we would like to convert as a museum. In the museum, we would share all the recording and artifacts I've been able to collect the last few years. We would play on TV screens many video clips
John R. Schaffner 589/A,
Historian, Past President 2002-2003 1811 Miller Road, Cockeysville, MD 21030
410-584-2754, pumexim2@verizon.net
(3-4 mins) according to the different thematics that we would approach.
There are hundreds of thousands of people visiting Normandy every year to discover the battlefields, museums and cemeteries. What I have noticed the last few months, working at the Normandy American Cemetery, is that many American and British families are coming to Normandy even if their relatives were not involved in that Battle of Normandy. They want to visit the Normandy American Cemetery over Omaha Beach, St. Mere Eglise and Arromanches but there is nothing to make them feel really connected with their own relatives.
In the World War II Veterans' Memories museum, we will share the stories of the men and women who fought for our freedom in Europe and in the Pacific. I also want to share the stories of the families who never saw their
beloved coming back. I have been fortunate to record 205 veterans and I am sure that I will meet many more in the future. In the museum, a large room would be dedicated to the Battle of France and the Battle of the Bulge. I will meet before December, around seven veterans who were in the 99th Infantry Division. I hope to be able to interview more veterans from the 106th Infantry Division.
Because it's very strategic position, I know people would come to visit the museum (Pointe du Hoc, about 10 min. from Omaha Beach). I am going back to the United States in 10 days and I will be in Maryland at the end of the month. I am looking forward to seeing you again.
Your friend,
Florent Plana -- World War II Veterans' Memories Project
When Florent visited with me last spring he was driving an older RV Camper. Each of the veterans that he had interviewed had autographed the side of the camper and Florent then placed a copy of the vet's unit patch beside the vet's name. When the museum opens, the camper will be on display. Anyone visiting the museum and recognizing a name on the camper will be able to then view that veteran's video on a monitor. When this gentleman visits a veteran he gently probes the past and ends up with soldier's experience recorded for posterity. They will not forget. I will be planning to meet with him again in the near future.
Shadows of Slaughterhouse Five
From Ervin Szpek Jr., Non-Veteran Member Ervin Szpek Jr. (Associate Member) is pleased to announce after many years of research that his and his colleagues' book on the infamous Arbeitskommando Slaughterhouse Five has been released. Nearly every man of this POW work camp (near Dresden, Germany) originated from the 106th Infantry Division including former 106th Association President, Gifford Doxsee. The book is their story, in their words and accounts for nearly every POW at the camp. It also chronicles the recollections and reflections of the 150 American Ex-POWs, many of whom are members of the Association. Newly released by iUniverse press at www.iUniverse.com, the book is also available at www.amazon.com and www.BarnesandNoble.com. With best wishes for 2016 and with appreciation for your efforts –– thank you.
Make checks payable to "106th Infantry Division Association" and mail them to the Treasurer:
Mike Sheaner, Treasurer
PO Box 140535
Dallas TX 75214 sheaner1@airmail.net 214-823-3004
Pass It On
Please report all changes of address and deaths to the
Association Membership Chair:
Jacquelyn S. Coy, Membership
121 McGregor Ave.
Mt. Arlington, NJ 07856 membership@106thinfdivassn.org 973-663-2410
Perpetuate the legacy of the 106th Infantry Division by giving every family member of all generations access to the rich history, news and stories of veterans found in each issue of The CUB. You can now "pass it on" to as many friends, heirs and family members as you wish at no cost! Those you designate will be recognized as members of the association on the "CUB Level" with the following benefits:
Receive an electronic copy of The Cub delivered by email complete with color photos and graphics
Access to the association website and Facebook pages
Receive timely notices and information regarding reunions, mini-reunions, special announcements and more
Enroll all family members -- sons, daughters, sisters, brothers, grandchildren and others -- by submitting their Email, Name, Address and Relationship to a 106th veteran to sheaner1@airmail.net
106th Challenge Coin -- Have You Gotten Yours Yet?
You can read more about it and see a color image of the coin on the association's website at www.106thInfDivAssn.org The coins cost $10 each, plus postage.
Adjutant Randall Wood is the contact person for the purchase of the coins and you may order them at any time. They will be sent directly to you when the payment is received.
Any questions or orders may be emailed to Randy: woodchuck01@sbcglobal.net
or call 765-346-0690.
"We were once Brothers…" and will remain so forever.
Once, brother carried brother through the trials of training at Camp Atterbury and endured in battle on the Schnee-Eifel of Belgium and Germany. Support the 106th Infantry Division Association by making a Memorial or Honorary contribution in the name of your brother, friend, father or spouse.
New membership applications are available for everyone in your family. Membership is only $10 and is open to all veterans and people (of every generation) and comes with full voting privileges. We encourage all family members to join to help honor our veterans and continue the legacy of the 106th.
Contact: Membership Chair, Jacquelyn S. Coy, membership@106thinfdivassn.org or Treasurer, Mike Sheaner, sheaner1@airmail.net.
Memorial, Honorary and Contributions of All Kinds are Essential for Keeping this Organization Going
A suggested annual donation of $25 to help underwrite the cost to publish and mail The CUB through the "Last Man Standing" and beyond is appreciated. The Association exists on donations from its members and interested individuals. Your gifts are essential to maintaining The CUB magazine in its current format with high-quality content and tri-annual delivery. The cost of printing and mailing each edition of The CUB exceeds our current level of giving. Therefore, we encourage all readers to make an annual contribution, as you are able, to help defray the cost of printing and mailing.
LIFE PLUS+ Club
Those Members who contribute to the LIFE PLUS+ Club will have their names (only, no amounts will be shown) published in the next CUB.
You can donate as much or as little as you can and as often as you like.
By donating, you are helping perpetuate the 106th Infantry Division Association.
To those Members from whom we haven't heard for a long time -- please take the time to join this exclusive club. Thank you!
Send your contribution, check made payable to 106th Infantry Div. Association, to:
Mike Sheaner
Treasurer, 106th Infantry Division, PO Box 140535, Dallas, TX 75214
Treasurer's Report:
June 1 – September 30, 2016
Beginning Balance:
$15,050.69
Money In:
$3,169.38
Money Out:
$4,360.34
Difference:
$1,190.96
Ending Balance:
$13,859.87
Association Membership As of September 30, 2016
Total Membership
1,096
Membership Veterans
641
Associate Membership
455
LIFE PLUS and REGULAR DONATIONS:
James P. Adsit 422/D
Louise Awalt Associate Member
Betty G. Carr Associate Member
Robert J. Faro Associate Member
Leon Goldberg 424/I
Beatrice F. Keeber Associate Member
Franklin R. Koehler 424/D
Harold J. Kuizema 589/FA/B
Lee R. Lively 591/FA/HQ
Michael Mangiaracina Associate Member
James O. Mason 423/G
Donald B. Prell 422/AT
Irving S. Schrom 423/C
Mike Sheaner Associate Member
Carol Starmack Associate Member
James A. Starrett Associate Member
Marshall P. Streib 424/B
Rick W. Sturdevant Associate Member
Victor and Barbara Vaade
Associate Member Brian J. Welke Associate Member
Henry C. Wittenberg 590/C
Wilma E. Wood Associate Member
NEW MEMBERS:
Anne Keeber Associate Member
Bethanie Keeber Associate Member
David Keeber Associate Member
Gail Keeber Associate Member
John Keeber Associate Member
James A. Starrett Associate Member
Rick W. Sturdevant Associate Member
HONORARY DONATIONS:
In honor of Henrietta Borst, wife of Recon Troop T/S Bill Borst, on her 98th birthday -- October 8.
Ed Strand, her nephew
Returned Issues of the Latest CUB of the Golden Lion
Membership Chair Jacquelyn Coy asks that the following names (and partial addresses) be listed in this issue of The CUB in hopes that anyone reading this issue might know the people listed and can get word to them that their address listed with the Association is incorrect or out-dated. If you know anyone on this list (or if you know they are deceased) and can get word to them, please ask them to contact Jacquelyn directly at the address listed on the inside cover of this issue with an updated mailing address. Thank you.
Donald L. Vogelsong, Brevard, NC
James B. Thomas, Hendersn, KY
Betty L. Wassgren, Half Moon Bay, CA
Frederic P. Smoler, New York, NY
I am grateful to Don Prell, 422/AT, who, in the process of trying to organize a mini-reunion in Southern California, was able to find many lost people -- some living and some dead."
Thank you to all who have responded so enthusiastically to our call for financial support of the association. The "Last Man Standing" campaign is in full swing and going strong. If you have not already made a Life+, Memorial or Honorary contribution this year, please look for the self-addressed envelope inside this issue of The CUB. Let's keep it going.
Mike Sheaner, Treasurer and Jacquelyn S. Coy, Membership Chair
for the 106th Association members
Please Let us Know Your Preferences!
To reduce the cost of communicating with members, we would like to take advantage of using email delivery whenever possible. General correspondence (i.e. annual reunion paperwork) and sending The CUB as a PDF, or link to the website, are two examples where an impact can be made. In addition, we would like to gather your email address. Please respond to the following:
Preferred delivery method for general correspondence: MAIL or Email
Preferred delivery method for The CUB:
MAIL or Email
Email address:
You can let us know your preference by emailing:
membership@106thinfdivassn.org
From the editor of The CUB of the Golden Lion
Hello, my name is William A. McWhorter and I am the editor of The CUB of the Golden Lion (The CUB).
I am an admirer of your outfit and hope that I can assist in keeping open the lines of communication for our Association. Please send news items that you would like reviewed for
Just a reminder . . .
potential inclusion in upcoming issues of The CUB to me. Whenever possible please send them to my email address (williammcwhorter17@gmail.com). If you do decide to send them via postal mail, if possible, please TYPE OR PRINT your messages (it helps me get names spelled correctly). Thank you.
If you have pictures, an article, or some other form of information you would like included in a future issue of The CUB, the due dates are as follows:
January 1, 2017 -- mail date March 15, 2017 (issue will include reunion paperwork)
May 1, 2017 -- mail date July 1, 2017
October 1, 2017 -- mail date November 30, 2017 (to include reunion photos and remembrances)
Articles and pictures can be mailed or emailed to:
CUB Editor: William McWhorter 166 Prairie Dawn, Kyle, TX 78640
512-970-5637
williammcwhorter17@gmail.com
CUB Publisher: Susan Weiss 9 Cypress Point Court Blackwood, NJ 08012
856-415-2211
CubPublisher@106thInfDivAssn.org
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Visit the 106th Association's Website!
By Wayne Dunn
To complement the wonderful websites that are already out on the Internet, including our own members Jim West (www.IndianaMilitary.org) and Carl Wouters (www.106thinfantry. webs.com), the association has launched our own website at www.106thInfDivAssn.org.
This is where you can find: info on upcoming events; copies of the member- ship application for your family to join; the complete latest issue plus additional photos and articles from The CUB.
Also look for our Facebook page at Facebook.com/106thInfDivAssn.
This is where you can find up- to-the-minute information and where you can connect with friends and make plans for the next reunion.
If you have any additional reunion photos or information that you would like to see on the website or Facebook page, please contact the Webmaster, Wayne Dunn at Host106th@106thInfDivAssn.org
or 410-409-1141.
Jim West and the www.IndianaMilitary.org Website
Associate member, Jim West (OGL-Officers, 2004) has created an excellent website at http://www.indianamilitary.org. It is hoped that this website will increase awareness of the 106th Infantry Division Association and perhaps our membership. The site has had 1,708,009 visitors to date. It is rated as the largest private site in Indiana at more than 50 gigabytes of unaltered history and is the largest depository of local historical photos. Check it out at your earliest convenience.
In addition to a very large section devoted to the 106th Division, it also contains information on Camp Atterbury (Indiana) and all the divisions that trained here in World War II and Korea.
They include the 28th, 30th, 31st, 83rd and 92nd Infantry Divisions, plus Fort Benjamin Harrison, Freeman AAF, Atterbury/ Bakalar AFB, the German and Italian POWs held at Camp Atterbury and Wakeman General Hospital. There is also a section for the several German Prisoner of War camps where some 106th members were held. There are dozens of 106th diaries and personal remembrances. The direct link to the 106th web is http://tinyurl.com/ IMO-106th
The 106th Roster at http://tinyurl.com/106th-Roster now contains information on 17,792 Veterans with 555 individual photos. If you visit the website, listed above, and a photo is not shown for an individual and the family has one available, all they need do is email a scan of him to Jim West.
All 106th General Orders have been reviewed and all the information has been added to the Roster. These General Orders allowed for the addition of 513 previously unknown names to be added and a huge amount of service numbers and other data were added. All the original General Orders are available for viewing on the website. These were made possible by a friend, John Bowen, of the 31st Division Association (Camp Atterbury, Korean War).
Every available issue of the 106th CUBs are available on the site, in addition to the Camp Atterbury Camp Crier, published when the 106th was there. Find the Camp Crier under the section for Camp Atterbury. You can email Jim at jimdwest@centurylink.net.
Jim would like to thank the "AmVets of Indiana." Through their generosity of support and hosting of the entire website, they are making it possible for the 106th to have a presence on the Web.
Historic Newspaper Article Research
From Jim West
The BaTTle for Snow MounTain
by Donald Young
The Battle for Snow Mountain is a comic novel -- based on Young's experience -- which gives a surreal picture of the German attack on the 106th Division
in the winter of 1944.
their war experience in the Battle of the Bulge, their accidental capture, escape from POW camp and return to freedom.
The Battle for Snow Mountain by Donald Young
can be purchased by April 1, from Pocol Press, 6023 Pocol Drive, Clifton, VA 20124, 1-703-830-5862.
It can also be ordered at Amazon.com, $17.95, ISBN 978-1-929763-48-1
Order of the Golden Lion Committee
This award is provided in three classifications depending on the qualifications of the recipient. The most prestigious is "Commander Class" issued in gold finish. This award is usually provided to someone who has served the Association faithfully over an extended period of time.
The second is "Officer Class" issued in silver finish. This award is usually provided to someone who has served the Association faithfully over an extended period of time.
The third is "Companion Class" issued in bronze finish. This award is usually provided to someone who has served the Association faithfully in the capacity of assistance in the operation of the Association.
The specifications for making the award are intended to fit many instances where an individual is deemed worthy.
The award should be determined by the recipient's contributions to the Association.
The Co-chairs of the Order of the Golden Lion committee will poll the members of the Board of Directors for recommendations for the OGL awards. The President or Co-chairs may select additional members to the committee.
Nominations will be submitted in a format suitable for composing a formal citation to accompany the award of the medal. This must be done in ample time prior to the next Reunion in order for the manufacturer to produce the medal(s) on time.
All citations should be kept confidential between the nominator
and the Committee Chairman prior to the actual awarding ceremony.
LEAD TIME -- 3 WEEKS, MINIMUM
Send nominations to any of the Co-chairs of the Order of the Golden Lion Committee at:
Carol J. Faulkner 3179 Kestrel Court,
Martinsville, IN 46151
765-342-1872
faulknerskeepe05@yahoo.com
Beth Garrison 618-628-4733
7766 Haury Road, Lebanon, IL 62254 rbamg@earthlink net
John Schaffner (589/A) 1811 Miller Road,
Cockeysville, MD 21030-1013
410-584-2754
pumexim2@verizon.net
Surviving U.S. Veterans of World War II
From John M. "Jack" Roberts (592/C)
Golden Lion John "Jack" Roberts (592/C) thought the association's members might be interested in learning about the numbers associated with the living and deceased veterans of WWII.
According to the article he forwarded at https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Surviving_U.S._veterans_of_World_
War_II there were 16,112,566 members of the U.S. Army in WWII. There
were 291,557 battle deaths, 113,842
other deaths in service (non-theater) and 670,846 non-mortal woundings. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, 697,806 American veterans from the war are still alive as of 2016. During this conflict 464 United States military personnel received the Medal of Honor, 266 of them posthumously. There are currently six living World War II Medal of Honor recipients.
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"I Was No Hero in the Battle of the Bulge"
One Step to Hell: Letters From
My Father Telling Me I Was Too Weak & Too Frail to Face the Enemy
A new book by Harry F. Martin, Jr.
This is the story of Harry F. Martin, Jr., in L Co 424th Regiment of the 106th Infantry Division who fought in the Battle of the Bulge in World War II.
In his own words: We were going to a quiet sector on the front lines. This was an area where combat troops were sent to rest and green troops like us were sent to gradually break in. The Germans did the same thing in this sector. The Americans had gone into combat at the Normandy invasion on June 6, 1944 and fought their way just inside Germany, securing a foothold in the Siegfried Line in the Ardennes.
Find it at: createspace.com/6329426
List Price: $10.95
Mark Pando, son of SFC Michael Pando, Makes a Connection at this Year's Reunion
By Susan Weiss and Brian Welke
At this year's reunion, Susan Weiss took the above photo and received the historic photo following with a note from Mark Pando, son of SFC Michael Pando. Mark was invited to the 2016 Reunion banquet by Brian Welke who first spoke with Mark in 2011.
At this year's reunion banquet, Brian Welke introduced Mark Pando, his guest, who was looking for information about his dad who passed away when Mark was only 2 years old. He said that Mark's dad served in the 423/HQ/3BN. At the next table Newt Weiss said that he was in Michael Pando's unit and knew him! Got chills yet?
Newt's memory of Mark's father was reignited when Brian mentioned that Michael Pando was present in Pearl Harbor on 07 December 1941. Newt remembered Michael Pando, relating his experiences to Mark. They talked for about an hour and looked at the group picture in the book in the hospitality room (see photo at right).
The following is a synopsis of SFC Michael Pando's story by Mark Pando.
My dad was born in Cambridge, MA, on 19 July 1918. He was the second oldest of four brothers and his parents had immigrated to the United States from Albania prior to World War I. His younger brothers served in the USAF and USN during World War II as well. He came of age during the Great Depression and served a tour of duty with the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) working on various public works projects in New England. He enlisted in the United States Army on 14 June 1940, and after basic training, was assigned to a unit of the U.S. Army's Coastal Artillery Corps at Fort Kamehameha, Hawaii, which guarded the approaches to Pearl Harbor. He was present during the Japanese attack on that fateful Sunday morning on 07 December 1941. A Japanese carrier based Zero fighter, shot down during the attack, crashed landed inside the grounds of Fort Kamehameha. I am in possession of my father's company CO after-action report detailing some of the action that occurred on that day -- one of the paragraphs therein describes how one of the soldiers, out on a morning stroll, was strafed by Japanese aircraft on the beach, and had to dive into an adjoining bush -- just like in the movies!
My Dad was assigned to the 106th I.D., 423rd Regiment, 3rd Battalion, HQ Company sometime in 1943/44 and
found himself at Camp Atterbury, IN, prior to shipping out to the ETO late in 1944. He was caught up in the great German counterattack in the Ardennes (Schnee Eifel) and became a POW on 19 December 1944. He, with so many others, was marched off to STALAG 9-B located close to Bad Orb, Germany. He and his buddies were liberated on 02 April 1945.
SFC Michael Pando 423/ HQ/3BN, late 1940s.
in the U.S. when I was in second grade but she decided to return to her native Germany where, of course, her family was. I grew up in a German home speaking German but spoke English while attending the U.S. Army's elementary and high school for dependents on a military base located in Karlsruhe, Germany.
So, with the exception of second grade, my first
My father decided to make the Army a career after the war and he was a proud member of the Quartermaster Corps. While stationed in Germany during the early 1950s he met my mother, a German refugee, who had escaped her home, in what is today southern Poland, with her family, to stay ahead of the advancing Russian Army in January of 1945. My mother was working as a civilian for the U.S. Army when she caught my dad's eye. Mom became a proud U.S. citizen in 1955 when she married my dad.
My father passed away while on active duty on 31 March 1959, when I was a little over 2 years old. He was buried in Arlington National Cemetery where I visit him and buddies of mine often. My mother had lived in the United States for several years and was well accustomed to American life and her English is very good to this very day at age 95.
We spent a year together
18 years of life were spent in Germany.
After college in the United States, I found myself as a U.S. naval officer (amphibious warfare) and still work in the field of navy financial management -- of all things, in a joint U.S.– German Navy program office. I return to Germany often to visit with family and friends and, of course, have my father's many cousins here in the United States, too. In a strange twist of fate, the country that affected my father so profoundly, Germany, became an integral part of my being.
SFC Michael Pando and Newt Weiss
The Class A Uniform Finds a Home
By John Schaffner (589/A)
John Schaffner/589/A (left) holds a pillowcase which will be donated to a museum in Belgium.
The pillowcase and the uniform being worn by re-enactor Jesse Campana of Brick, NJ, belonged to Janis Johnson from the Harrisburg, PA area. They were her father's -- Cpl. Earl E. Wilson/Div./HQ.
Association during reunions in the past. He is an amateur historian/former WWII reenactor and personal friend of John Schaffner's.
Mike felt there could be an enthusiastic re-enactor locally who will be anxious to obtain the uniform.
"Finding a home for Cpl.
College student Jesse Campana at the 106th Reunion in the uniform donated by Janis Johnson. He wore it proudly all four days of the event.
Kirk Gibson, President of the Central Pennsylvania WWII Roundtable in Harrisburg, PA wrote to John Schaffner to inform him that Janis Johnson had given her father's Class
A 106th Infantry Division uniform to him in hopes that he could find an appropriate home for it. President Gibson was told that the uniform belonged to Corporal Earl Edward Wilson and is in immaculate condition. The jacket is a size 36R and the trousers are W31, L33. It was her wish to know if there might be any re-enactment group or reunion where she could see someone wear the uniform.
John Schaffner (589/A) contacted Mike Pumphrey (Associate) who works with re-enactors in the area and a group that has participated with the
Wilson's uniform has been a unique and humbling request" said Mike -- to find someone to fit into an original WWII uniform." He believes he has located the right man for the job. Not only does this young man fit the bill regarding being of the correct build for the uniform, he is also an enthusiastic living historian. His name is Jesse Campana, from Brick, NJ.
The fourth bronze campaign star on the ETO ribbon says that he might have been in the 589th FABn or the 422 Inf. Reg. involved in the Lorient action.
70th Annual Reunion of the 106th Infantry Division Association Wilma Wood and CSM Rodwell L. Forbes
Sheraton Pentagon City – Washington, D.C. from September 7 to 11, 2016
Left and below, the trip to the Navel museum. The group photo includes the 104th I.D. who attended the Reunion with us.
Above left, Newt Weiss (423/HQ/3Bn) showing off his new VA-supplied scooter. Above and right, the tour to the Washington memorials included the Vietnam Memorial. Herb Sheaner with the Washington monument behind him, takes a short break.
Right, the tour to the Washington memorials included the WWII Memorial. The group shot includes the veterans from both the 106th and 104th.
Left, Murray Stein, Brian Welke and Randy Wood with the wreath presented at the Memorial service.
Right, attending recipients of the Order of the Golden Lion.
Above, the attending past presidents.
Right, the attending veterans
Below, the newest recipients of the Order of the Golden Lion. Left to right, Wayne Dunn, webmaster, Julia Hoff, daughter of Jerry and Susan Hoff, who received the medal posthumously for her grandfather Russell Hoff, and Bernard Mayrsohn (423/CN), past president.
Urgent Assistance Needed from All 106th Veterans
Our friend in East Germany, Uwe Steinoff, who helps maintain the Stalag IV-B memorial has raised the alarm on the possibility of a mining company stripping what remains of Stalag IV-B. In response to Uwe's request for "letters from abroad, where interested persons describe what the memorial of Stalag IVB at the original site means to the former POWs, their relatives and to the countries who fought Nazism in Germany," the 106th Infantry Division board of directors sends the following open letter and invites all others interested in preserving Stalag IV-B to also mail a letter or email to lager-muehlberg@t-online.de BVVG–Bereich Verkauf/Verpachtung Frau Dr. Sabine Dietrich Schönhauser Allee 120 10437 Berlin
Dear Frau Dr. Sabine Dietrich,
In collaboration with all United States Army veterans, friends and family members of those who suffered on the grounds of Stalag IV-B in 1945, We urge BVVG GmbH to withdraw all current and future tender offers to sell mineral rights in the Mühlberg/Neuburxdorf area that includes the memorial site and graves of the former Stalag IV-B.
Stalag IV-B holds an important place in history for the men and women of many nations who suffered and died on these grounds during and after World War II and remains a tangible memorial where generations to follow can visit and remember. The possibility of a mining company stripping what remains of Stalag IV-B is unthinkable.
The 106th Infantry was a division of the United States Army formed for service during World War II. Two-thirds of the division, more than 6,000 men, became surrounded during the initial days of the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944 and taken prisoner. Many were moved to Stalag IV-B for the duration of the war.
The 106th Infantry Division Association is an organization of veterans, family members and friends who share their experience and wisdom for healing and education so that we never forget the sacrifice of those who fought against Nazism.
Sincerely,
Board of Directors
106th Infantry Division Association
Golden Lion's Reunion Question about Stalag IV-B spurs an Interesting Story
By Mike Sheaner
Barney Mayrsohn, 423/CN (back row, second from the left), in a picture of himself along with four other POWs at Stalag IV-B posing with their liberators, three Russian women tank drivers
At this year's reunion in Washington D.C., Bernard "Barney" Mayrsohn, 423/CN, shared a picture of himself along with four other POWs at Stalag IV-B posing with their liberators -- three Russian women tank drivers. Barney marveled about the Russian women driving tanks to war but also wondered aloud about who the last commandant of the camp in late 1944–1945 might have been and what happened to him after the war. Barney felt like the commandant may have risked his own life to save his by sheltering him and others at Stalag IV-B rather than sending them off to work camps designated for prisoners of Jewish decent.
That evening, I sent off an email to Uwe Steinhoff to see what we could find out. Uwe was eager to help
and after some research provided the following account:
The person in charge of Work Commands at Stalag IVB at the end of the war was Hauptmann (Captain) König. In civilian life, he was a teacher and had a market garden and in most reports he was described as a reasonable man.
On April 13, 1945, Hauptmann König ordered "the men of confidence" (the leaders of POW nationalities) to be responsible for the discipline of their own men. However, the Germans were still in charge of the camp. A week later Hauptmann König asked the men of confidence if they wished to move their nationals westward over the River Elbe; all rejected this, insisting to stay inside the camp (there was still fighting going on outside) except the Poles, who were not eager to meet the
Soviet Army, and moved on.
It was so dangerous outside the camp that a few thousand new prisoners arrived in the overcrowded camp and could only be housed in tents. It is estimated that at one point 30,000 persons were in the camp designed for maximum 20,000. There was little food and no bread available.
On April 21, 1945, Hauptmann König said goodbye to the men of confidence. On the night to the April 23, the Germans (and the Hungarian watch-guards) left the camp as well. That day the Soviets entered the camp, including Cossacks on horses. People went out of the camp and a lot of looting started. On April 25 the first American patrol came to the camp.
On April 26 a Russian officer took control over the camp. The prisoners of war were now in the charge of the NKVD, a Secret Soviet police. After two weeks, the Americans and British could go to Riesa, where it took two more weeks to hand them over to the American forces. Other nations had to wait longer to be repatriated. It is estimated, that about 4,000 men fled the camp earlier to reach the American lines on their own. This was very dangerous, because they were not armed and everywhere was chaos, killing, dead people on the streets and in the houses in these days.
Hauptmann (Captain) Könitz returned to his civilian life. In summer 1946, he was ordered to the German
administration. They transferred him to the Soviets and they put him into NKVD camp No1. Mühlberg, which was now located at Stalag IVB using the same location and barracks. In these NKVD camps, "potential" enemies of the Soviet administration were isolated, i.e. no contact to the outside world, no letters, no information to the families, no work, no blankets, little food, no court and no trial. Like 6,700 of his fellow prisoners, Könitz suffered in the NKVD camp Mühlberg of starvation and bad conditions.
When NKVD camp Mühlberg was closed in 1948, Hauptmann Könitz was transferred to NKVD camp Buchenwald, which the Soviets operated on the area of KZ Buchenwald. When the camp was closed Könitz was together with about 3,400 persons transferred to the communist East German administration, and was convicted in the Waldheim Trials. These were Stalinistic show trials, where within a few minutes the subject had to appear before a "judge" and to confess his guilt. There was no legal defense. Then, the judge sentenced almost everybody to 10, 15 or even more years for crimes against humanity. Today, the Waldheim sentences are automatically regarded as not valid by the legal authorities. Könitz was also given a long punishment and a short time later he died in prison because of lack of food, bad conditions and broken moral.
Capt. William J. Hynes' Account of Dec. 16–18, 1944
at Schonberg–Bleialf
Transcribed from original hand written account by Capt. Hynes by William J. Hynes Jr. and Frances Hynes
On 16 Dec. 44, B Co, 81 Eng Combat Bn. was billeted in Schonberg, Belgium. At 0800 the individual platoons left Schonberg to engage
in their customary work of road maintenance in the 423 Inf. area.
At about 0820 I received a message from 81 Eng Bn which stated that the Germans were attacking and that B Co was to assemble in Schonberg and await the arrival of the rest of the Bn. I immediately sent out messengers to contact the platoons.
At about 0840, I received a message from Div. stating that B Co was attached to the 423 Inf. and was to move out to the vicinity of Bleialf and to prepare to counter attack at Bleialf. At once we left Schonberg in trucks for Bleialf. Schonberg was being shelled heavily as the Co. left. We left the trucks about one mile from Bleialf and proceeded forward on foot. Lt. Bell of 423 Inf. intercepted the Co. with orders from Col. Cavender Co. O. 423 Inf. He informed me that Germans had occupied a portion of Bleialf. That Service Co. 423 Inf. was attacking and that B Co 81 Engns was to support Sv. Co. in the attack.
After Bleialf had been cleaned out, I was ordered to take up a defensive position to the East of that town. I arrived in that area at about 1600. I had a front of somewhat less than a mile to occupy with my Co. The terrain consisted of a series of ridges and hills, thickly wooded in places. I occupied the highest ground in the area and proceeded
to organize a defensive position.
From this position I could command the surrounding country. I was part of a provisional Bn. commanded by Ex O. 423 Inf. Sv. Co was on my left and a Recon troop of the 18th Cav. was on my right. 1st Squad, 1st Plat was in Bleialf guarding the Bn. C.P.
At about 2300 I received orders to relieve Sv. Co with one of my platoons. I sent the 1st Platoon.
The Germans kept up heavy arty. fire throughout the night. Contact with the units on the right and left was maintained by patrol. In the early morning hours of the 17 Dec. the patrol sent to contact the 18 Cav. failed to return. A patrol returning from Bn C.P. in Bleialf ran into Germans infiltrating our loosely held lines. Sergeant Edward Timmers was killed in this encounter, the first man killed in B Co. Clashes with patrols kept up until daylight. At daylight, the Germans were revealed to be attacking in force. The first plan was overrun with the exception of the 1st squad which escaped and joined the 423 Infantry.
Due to our position on the high ground and after a H.M.G. had been shifted to cover our exposed left flank,
the German assault was repulsed with heavy losses to the enemy. I learned from two captured Germans that their regiment had been brought up in half-trucks the night before -- their objective was Schonberg. At this time we had no communications as our radio was out of order. The Germans kept up a steady fire with small arms and mortars but our casualties were very light due to our entrenched positions. The men settled down and soon had their previously unfired rifles zeroed in. Germans began to drop at 700 yard range.
At about 1200 an armored car of the 18 Cav. contacted me on orders of the 423. I told him that I could hold my position if I got ammunition which was running short. He returned to
his Co leaving me a walkie-talkie for communications. The next message I received informed me that he was
withdrawing. I held my position until 1500. At this time we exhausted our machine gun ammo. Two squads of the 2nd Plat were over-run and surrendered. I withdrew -- a squad at a time. After we reached a safe area, a count showed 64 men and 3 Os. The original strength was 162 E.M. & 5 Os. I tried to swing around and rejoin the 423 but found Germans in between so headed for Schonberg. That night we ran into Germans twice. The next morning found 4 men missing, 2 K.I.A. and 10 wounded. The next day I continued toward Schonberg.
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Warm Memories of Cold Spring
by Beatrice Fulton Keeber
A Golden Lion's war experiences forged a boy into a man. But what really defined him as the person he became was his "happily every after" with his family and his 60-year love story. Warm Memories of Cold Spring
is not a war story! It's a smile-producing tale of "what came next" that reminds other vets of their own "afters," their children and grandchildren of Dad's and Mom's or Grandpa's and Grandma's lives.
Pfc. Willard H. Keeber, with Co. G, 424th Infantry Regiment, 106th Infantry Division, was placed on-line
December 11, 1944 near St. Vith, Belgium, two months past his 19th birthday, five days prior to the German Tank Assault that smashed directly through his position, launching the Battle of the Bulge.
This is the story of a veteran's legacy that left his world better than he found it.
Online at www.amazon.com (simply type the title in the search bar)
Print copy – $9.99; Kindle – $4.99
Camp Lucky Strike, France
By Carl Wouters and Dick Lockhart (423/AT)
Camp Lucky Strike was one of the "cigarette camps" that were set up in WWII in the area of France near the port city of Le Harve. Carl Wouthers drove Golden Lion Dick Lockhart there in the summer of 2016, and took this picture. These so-called "cigarette camps" were established to process incoming G.I.s from the U.S. who were replacements for the casualties in combat divisions.
It was also the place where U.S. casualties, like Dick Lockhart, were processed for return to the U.S. Soon after liberation from Stalag IXB, in April, former prisoners including Lockhart were flown from Germany to Lucky Strike, and for most of them, it was their first airplane ride. At Lucky Strike, they could finally get rid of their vermin-infested, very ragged uniforms which they put on in November of 1944.
In Lucky Strike there was unlimited amounts of food available, which caused some G.I.s to, in effect, kill themselves by rupturing their stomach. After a few days at Lucky Strike, Lockhart and others were taken to Le Harve and put
on a hosptial ship for the U.S. They had learned that President Roosevelt had died the day before. After 10 days or so, they returned to the U.S. and boarded a train back to Camp Atterbury, Indiana where Lockhart had left six months earlier. Soon thereafter, Lockhart was reunited with his family. However, he was not discharged, that did not come until December 12, 1945 when he was 21-years old.
Carl remembered that the runway was still at Camp Lucky Strike and that there were historical markers remaining. This trip was a vivid reminder for Lockhart of our country's historic WWII role -- once upon a time.
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MY WAR
by Fredrick Smallwood
This is the story of my experiences as a young boy from a small town in south Georgia with the 106th Infantry Division during World War II. I was initially in the A&P Platoon of 1 Bn. Hq. Co. of the 423rd Regiment. I was one of the few who made my way through the German lines back to the Allied lines at St. Vith.
Books are $15 plus $4 for shipping. You can contact me at fsjs@mchsi.com or P.O. Box 1923, Bainbridge, GA 39818.
2016 Flag of Friendship Ceremony in St. Vith, Belgium
By Carl Wouters
The annual event honoring the men of the 106th Infantry Division will take place on Saturday,17 December 2016 at St. Vith, Belgium. The Belgian Chapter encourages all members and families of the 106th Division who are willing to make "one more" trip across the pond to attend the ceremony.
"The day will commence with a memorial ceremony at the Division monument in the Klosterstrasse, followed by a reception. Preparations are being made for an historical convoy consisting of WWII vehicles to retrace the route to Vielsalm. In cooperation with the C-47 Club Ardennes Salm River Chapter, presided by Eddy Lamberty, a second ceremony
will take place in Rencheux, after which we will go to Baraque de Fraiture for a dinner party at the Auberge du Carrefour."
If you are interested in attending the event, please contact Carl Wouters (carl_wouters@hotmail.com) or Doug Mitchell (Doug.Mitchell@t-online.de) for details.
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2016 Camp Atterbury Museum Dedication Ceremonies
Photos by Christine West
106th Camp Atterbury Liaison, Jim West, meeting "Rosie the Riveter" at the 2016 Camp Atterbury Museum dedication ceremonies. The actress portrayed a very good likeness of Rosie. There were several displays depicting her inside the new museum.
Jim West and his granddaughter, Elizabeth, meeting with COL Jorg Stachel, retired Installation Commander and VP of the Atterbury museum (second from left) and COL Busch, German Military Attaché, who came to the ceremonies to receive the roster of German POWs that were held at Camp
Atterbury, maintained on the Indiana Military website by webmaster Jim West. COL Stachel is the primary "mover" for the museum and Camp Atterbury history and is very knowledgeable on the 106th INF DIV.
How I Survived World War II
By Robert Pope
Part 1 --
Three Weeks from England to POW
After about fifteen days, we loaded up all of our gear in our own vehicles and drove across England to Weymouth on the English Channel. There the field artillery battalions boarded L.S.T.s for the trip across the channel to France. We hit a storm while crossing the channel and our L.S.T. lost its stern anchor. Since the L.S.T. can't beach without it, we
Division was moved to our left to bring the front there up to where we were. The departing soldiers
said, "it was
Robert Pope circa 1944
had to return to England to get another one put on. I don't know what the delay was, but by the time the new anchor was installed and we returned to France and went up the Seine River to the landing area, we had spent ten days on that boat. We passed the time by playing cards, eating and sleeping in our vehicles.
Once all of our vehicles were on land, we joined a convoy driving
through France and Belgium and up into our places in the Ardennes Forest. We were six miles into the Siegfried Line in an area called the Schnee Eifel, meaning Snow Mountains. It was very cold and the snow was quite deep, and there was daylight only between 8 am and 4 pm.
Our job was to replace the 2nd Division
which had pushed ahead of the rest of
the front.
a quiet sector, a little artillery and mortar
fire for practice, and occasional patrol, but really a piece of cake. Lucky guys! You're coming into a rest camp."
I was one of two machine gunners, one on the left flank of the howitzer positions and one on the right flank.
I was on the left flank and inherited a neat hut with a roof and windows on all four sides about two feet above ground. Underneath was dug out about four feet deep so we could stand straight up and look out of the windows. At the same, below ground level, right outside was my 50 caliber machine gun on a four foot tripod so it was usable for either anti-aircraft or ground fire. We were able to maintain a lookout while keeping warmer and staying out
of the bitter cold and strong winds.
It was December 12, 1944 when we got in our positions. The rush to get us there was so short and rapid that we
arrived with very minimal supplies. That translates into a week's supply of food, fifty rounds of machine gun ammunition per gun and six howitzer shells per
Robert Pope introducing himself at his first 106th Association Reunion, Sept. 2016.
The 2nd
howitzer, and one clip of bullets for our
continues on page 36
carbines. A good gun crew could get six shells off in three minutes. The next day all battalion supply trucks along with those from the other battalions were sent back for supplies and ammunition. They never made it back to us being cut off by German troops on Skyline drive.
Three things that I know of happened to tell the Germans there was a change of troops in that area and mark our front as one place to begin the Battle of the Bulge.
The second Division was from Oklahoma and had many Native Americans in it. Being skilled experienced soldiers they would allow German Patrols to penetrate their area, but not see any American Soldiers and not find out any information. When the 106th Division, fresh off the boats and with several thousand green, inexperienced replacement soldiers replaced them, it was quickly noticed. These new guys at the front fired their few rounds of ammunition at anything that moved or made a noise.
The second thing involved our other machine gunner, Lew Kai Ming.
Remember him? Well, the second day he scared the shit out of us when he fired his machine gun at a buzz bomb that had taken off about fifty miles in front of us headed for England. Fortunately for us
it was out of range by the time he loaded his machine gun and started firing. Had he hit it while it was overhead it would have wiped us all out. The 2nd Division soldiers would never have done that.
The third thing that pushed the button to start the German's last ditch effort to push the Allies back out of Europe was the weather. In the Schnee Eifel in winter the temperature didn't
rise above freezing, and there were always about a foot of snow on the ground, frequently causing snow fog. Unless you were used to it, it was difficult to move much less fight.
The starting date was early on the morning of December 16th. Just before dawn German shells began exploding in front of us, behind us and on our flanks. Later that morning our position was hit hard again by German 88s. During this second shelling our Battery Commander, Captain Luzzi, became our first casualty.
We only stayed in those positions until the morning of December 18th when the order to fall back was received. The fog was so bad that even with our field glasses it was difficult
to tell if the shadowy figures we saw were our soldiers retreating or German soldiers advancing.
On the road back a German ME109 suddenly appeared out of the fog and strafed us. We dove into ditches on
the side of the road. I have no idea how many of our guys were killed or wounded by the strafing. Right on his tail was an American P51 and shortly after they had passed us there was an explosion up ahead as the P51 shot down the German plane.
The German advance was so swift and met such little resistance due to the lack of fire power and experience that it was already too late. We were bivouacked in a valley on the night of
December 18th when word came around that we were surrounded. We were told to dispose of all gun firing pins and all vehicle rotors because we were going to surrender the next morning, Dec. 19th.
When daylight came so did the Germans. They came down the side
of one hill and in from both ends of the valley and most units surrendered. However, ten of us lead by a lieutenant from our battery ran up the hill on the
other side and made it to the woods. We ran through the woods until we came to a clearing and there we stopped to catch our breath. The clearing was several hundred yards wide to more woods and looked perfectly safe. We decided we better keep going and ran across the clearing as fast as we could to the next wooded area.
We stopped abruptly as we heard in English "halt" and a number of American soldiers stood up with guns pointed
at us. We quickly identified ourselves and were welcomed into their wooded "sanctuary." They told us we had just run
through a mine field when we crossed the clearing. Luckily we didn't set one land mine off. The "sanctuary" wasn't a large area but the troops seemed to be well organized with guards on all four sides.
They, too, had very limited supplies and ammunition and only one bazooka, useful against tanks.
That afternoon German tanks came into view on one side, not the side where the bazooka was, and fired at us point blank with their 88s. Shrapnel hit some of the soldiers and tree branches fell all around us. We had no defense because by the time a soldier crawled over to that side with the bazooka the tanks had unloaded and were gone. The next morning the tanks appeared on another side and repeated their assault with a few more shrapnel casualties. In the afternoon this scenario was repeated on another side with a few more casualties.
On the morning of December 21st a German command car appeared with the tanks. A Red Cross representative got out waving a white flag and asked in English to come in to check on the wounded and make plans to remove the most serious ones. He was given permission to come in and in the process of walking around to check on the injured Americans he got a good view of our "sanctuary." He went back to the German commanding officer without any Americans being removed. He must have told him about how many men were there and what we had in the way of supplies and weapons.
After about an hour the Red Cross worker, maybe a German Soldier dressed like a Red cross person, came back, this time with a note from the German commanding officer; "surrender now or we'll kill you all." It didn't take long for the American officer in charge of our group to agree to surrender.
The First Two Weeks as a POW
The German soldiers marched us out of the wooded area, single file with our arms raised over our heads. Each one of us was briefly searched for any hidden weapons. The wounded soldiers were taken away, leaving about one hundred of us. Then we were moved back a few miles, and some other German soldiers were brought up to be our guards.
We were in for a real surprise.
The nights of December 19th and 20th the Royal Air Force had bombed the railroad that had carried our comrades to a prisoner of war camp, so now on December 21st we had to march who knows how far to the nearest usable railroad. It was very cold and snowy.
One day lead to another, and another, and another. On Christmas Eve we walked through a small village and there was one church there. The Christmas Eve service was going on and as we walked by they were singing Silent Night. The words were strange but the tune was unmistakable. The village residents were celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ in their traditional manner, completely unaware that about one hundred of the enemies were marching under guard right through their village.
Several more days passed, nine in all. We found out we had walked about 100 kilometers in those nine days.
During that period we had minimal food and snow gave us water as it melted
in our mouth. We slept on the ground, huddled together by the guards for our body warmth and their ease to guard us. Most of us suffered frost bite and some other illnesses or injuries. A few of the soldiers had carried a blanket with them which they shared the best they could.
The guards took turns sleeping. Occasionally one of us would say we just can't go on. But not for long! The prodding of a gun barrel by a guard soon gave you enough strength and courage to get up and move on. They were not leaving any of us behind, at least not alive.
When we stopped to rest sometimes we were able to find and dig up frozen turnips and kohlrabies. We then would peal some skin off with our teeth and bite pieces off to chew. It wasn't great tasting, but it did provide some nourishment. And I haven't eaten either since the War.
On the night before New Year's Eve we finally reached the railroad where a string of box cars were waiting for us. We were herded in quite tightly. It wasn't comfortable, but it was warmer and dryer than outside.
The next morning, New Year's Eve Day, the train started moving, presumably back to a prisoner of war camp. After several hours it stopped. We sat for a while wondering what was going on when we suddenly heard the unmistakable drone of airplanes.
An instant later we heard gun fire and realized that the airplanes were strafing our train. Then a crash sounded as at least on bullet came crashing right through the wall of our box car. Where did it land? Did it hit anyone? The answer came quickly when the soldier standing next to me handed me his blanket as he slumped to the floor with a bullet hole in his head.
We all screamed for the guards to let us out. It seemed like an eternity as we waited for the door of our box car to slide open. Then we all jumped out and ran through the foot deep snow out into a field and, almost as if it had been rehearsed, we formed the letters U S P W in the white virgin snow. The American P-47s came back over a hill to strafe our train again. But they held their fire as they saw us all out in the snow identifying ourselves. As they flew over they flapped their wings and went on to another target, not knowing how many of their own countrymen they had killed or wounded.
I don't know how many Americans on the train were killed or wounded besides the one soldier in our car.
I'm sure there were others, but we were herded back into the box cars without delay and without any
information on casualties. It was a tense and frightening experience to be shot at by our own planes.
On New Year's Day we arrived at our temporary destination, a prisoner of war camp known as Stalag IV. We were taken to a large building where officers were separated from privates. The Germans recognized and honored the rank of officer, including non-commissioned officers. All of us went into small rooms one by one to be interrogated.
Our instruction, if captured, was to give only your name, rank and serial number. I did that and the interrogator laughed at me. I was a private first class and he told me my division and battalion, where I lived in the States, the high school from which I graduated and the military bases where I had been stationed. I can't imagine what they knew about non-comms and the officers. We were dispersed into barracks with British prisoners of war who had been there for a long time.
In addition to the German food served to us, we each received a Red Cross package from which the British confiscated the tea. They shared the finished product with us, but they were adamant that Americans did not know how to brew tea.
To be continued . . . in the next CUB
To read the rest of this story now, please visit our website at:
www.106thInfDivAssn.org
Prisoner's Odyssey
by Herb Sheaner (422/G)
Prisoner's Odyssey is a story of survival, hunger and reflection from a teenaged prisoner of war inside Germany near the end of WWII.
From capture at the Battle of The Bulge to
the final escape from his German guards, Herb Sheaner allows us a glimpse into the despair and agony of being a prisoner in a foreign land.
During World War II, Herb Sheaner served as a private first class in Company G, 422nd Regiment of the 106th Infantry Division.
After receiving ASTP training at University of Alabama, he joined the 106th at Camp Atterbury in Indiana where he earned Expert Rifleman honors and was designated Co. G Sniper and Regimental Scout. Fifty years later he recalls his experiences.
Available through Barnes & Noble, Amazon.com and Xlibris online.
Veterans and Family of the 106th Infantry Division TATTOO* Requests
With space in The CUB at a premium, yet Reunited Buddies and Their Families an important commodity, the editor of The CUB of the Golden Lion created the following list [In Their Own Words, most often] of inquiries submitted to him in hopes of helping people get in touch with the 106th I.D. Association Family. The following are requests for information. Feel free to contact them if you believe you can be of assistance. The CUB staff has received permission from all listed below
to print their inquiry and their contact email (phone and address when available).
In addition, Non-Veteran member Connie Pratt Baesman, daughter of Lt. Gerald Pratt (Field Artillery), has been one of three people helping to manage the 106th's online "message board" (set up by Jim West) for people to write an inquiry, looking for comrades, or for people who might have known a relative who is now gone. Sadly, some inquiries sit unanswered when the answers may be out there with a reader of The CUB who doesn't use a computer. The list has gotten quite long and Connie has asked that whenever there is room in The CUB we add a few of the requests. You can find messages like these below, along with other searches on the 106th Message Board at the following Web address: http://106thdivision.proboards.com/index.cgi
*The original meaning of military tattoo was a military drum performance, but subsequently it came to mean army displays, or a form of gathering more generally. For our Association, letting members know that someone would like to speak with them is "why we do this! So keep sending in your stories, as an old friend may find you!" -- Susan Weiss (Publisher of The CUB) and William McWhorter (Editor of The CUB)
Harold K. Mitchell
I am searching for any information on Harold K. Mitchell, who was in the 590th Field Artillery Battalion of 106th Infantry Division. He was from Alburg, Vermont. He had two other brothers, both in Infantry. Mr. Mitchell was KIA 21 December, 1944. I am not sure the circumstances of his death or the events that occurred directly, so far as the 590th FAB are concerned, but am a writer and want to do an article on him. He is one of several WWII vets I know of who are all buried at Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery, near Plombiers, Belgium. I know his grand-nephew and also know the woman who cares for one of these graves. I'd like to do an article on the loving care the Belgians have shown for the care of Americans who lost their lives. My own father and a cousin were also in the Battle of the Bulge, but both survived the war.
Jerry Eagan, call 575-534-4866 or email hikinginapacheria@gmail.com
continues on page 43
Prisoner of War Temporary Enclosure #17
Does anyone have information about units that served at Prisoner of War Temporary Enclosure number 17, located near Böhl, now Böhl-Iggelheim, Germany, during late spring and summer of 1945? Böhl is near Ludwigshafen and Speyer, across the Rhein and south of Mannheim. If so, could you please contact Ken Beebe at kenbeebe@aol.com
Lt. George Vaream and Lt. Charles Weeks
Golden Lion Donald Prell submitted the following question on behalf of Carl Wouters, the 106th Infantry Division Association's Belgium Liaison, who asked: "I wonder if you recall the shooting of two officers of the 106th at Hammelburg by the guards?" The First was Lieutenant George Vaream of the Recon Troop.
The second was Lieutenant Charles Weeks of Regimental HQ of the 423rd. As I understand, Vaream was buried at the camp cemetery (as was Weeks) but his remains were never formally identified. Remains were disinterred in 1946 by a Graves Registration Team, but they were not matched with Vaream. He remains MIA until present. Vaream was shot when he was walking back from the wire after a talk with some Yugoslavian officers. He was hit in the back and died the next day.
It was after an air raid alarm had sounded. Lieutenant Weeks's shooting also occurred during an air raid as he was running back to his barracks from the latrine. He was shot in the back of the neck and died on the spot. Those were the only two cases.
Weeks died about a week before Task Force Baum attacked the camp. Jay Drake of the 102nd Division made a sketch of Weeks's burial. I believe the Yugoslavian officers provided one of their hidden national flags to be draped across the box with Weeks's remains. If anyone reading this remembers these two men please contact Carl Wouters at carl_wouters@hotmail.com
The Importance of a Mini Reunion
Our veterans will always remember December 16, 1944, when they were thrust into the chaos of war. The years may have thinned the ranks, but those that remain still have the pride of knowing they played an instrumental part in slowing -- and ultimately defeating -- the German war machine.
As it becomes more difficult to travel, it is of critical importance that mini-reunions be held wherever our vets can join in. Any city, town -- or even in someone's home -- would be a fine place to gather to honor, cherish and remember all of our veterans. Plan one in your area today!
Contact Mini-Reunion Chair Wayne Dunn at
host106th@106thInfDivAssn.org
and he can assist you with members in your area.
Please Report All Changes of Address and Deaths to: Association Membership Chair:
Jacquelyn Coy
121 McGregor Ave., Mt. Arlington, NJ 07856 Phone: 973-663-2410
Email: membership@106thinfdivassn.org
ALFORD, BARNEY M.
589th A Battery
--Date of Death: September 20, 2016
Barney Alford was preceded in death by his wife, Clara Jean, and is survived by a son, Mark, a daughter, Ann, four grandchildren and two great-children. Barney was born on June 3, 1922 in Pensacola FL. He enlisted in the United States Army and was a veteran of World War II. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge at Parkers Crossroads where he was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action and he received a battle field promotion to Lieutenant.
After the war, he attended the University of Florida where he graduated with a degree in horticulture. He returned to Pensacola where he operated Lee Floral Gardens. He was a member of McIlwain Memorial Presbyterian Church. He moved his family to Lake Wales, FL in 1965 to become the Horticulturist at Bok Tower. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Lake Wales. During retirement he enjoyed fishing with friends and traveling to numerous countries to visit their botanical gardens.
As reported by The Ledger [Lakeland, FL]
CATHERMAN, GUY W., LTC
Unit Unknown
--Date of Death: October 14, 2012
Born August 30, 1922
Archived in the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer
CHURCH, QUENTIN E. 424/D
--Date of Death: October 25, 2014
Reported by his wife
COOK, FRANCIS 422/A
--Date of Death August 30, 2016
The Cook family is deeply saddened to report that my dad, Francis Cook, died peacefully today at 2:20 p.m. at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Pontiac, Michigan.
Late last night, he required emergency dialysis complicated by low blood pressure. We learned early this morning that he had not regained consciousness, but the doctors were holding out hope. Mary Lynn, Kimberly and I immediately went to the hospital. Shortly after arrival, it was determined that he had hours to live. The three of us talked to him for over five hours, held his hands, hugged and comforted him . . . hoping he just might somehow be aware of us and hear our words.
We'll never know, but it gave us a
chance to tell him how much we loved him and how much he meant to our family. Over the past twelve days, we were so fortunate and blessed to have my dad see: his 2-month-old great-granddaughter, Rowan Frances Drogos, for the first time; Rowan's parents Lauren and Justin Drogos, who drove over from Chicago; Kimberly Cook,
who arrived late Sunday night from LA. Shortly before my dad passed away, his longtime neighbor and very close friend, Rick Forzano, Sr. showed up at the hospital in his wheelchair. Seeing the two of them together at this time meant so much to all of us. Tears all around. My dad stopped breathing about 20 minutes after they arrived.
Please share this with others who may be missing on my list.
Reported by his son, Bill
GARDNER, JAMES 422/HQ
--Date of Death: August 18, 2016
Golden Lion James W. "Jim" Gardner, 92, of Shelbyville, IN, was born on September 23, 1923. He married Joan L. (Loudenback) Gardner on Aug. 4, 1945. Gardner graduated from Manilla High School and earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science at Ball State University. He did undergraduate and postgraduate work at Central Normal Teachers College in Danville, Butler University and Ball State University.
Gardner served in the 106th Infantry/422/HQ and attained the rank of E-4 specialist. He fought at the Battle of the Bulge, where he was taken prisoner by the German army. He received the Purple Heart.
After the war, Gardner was a teacher, guidance counselor and coach for Shelbyville Central Schools, retiring in 1989 after 41 years of service.
Thirty-one of those 41 years were at Shelbyville Junior High School. He also taught in Connersville and Manilla. Gardner was a member of First United Methodist Church. He was a member of the Retired Teachers Association, Elks Lodge, American Legion Post No. 70, Purple Heart Association and the Ex-Prisoner of War Association.
The Gardner family would like to thank all the doctors and staff at Major Hospital and Heartland Hospice for providing care and comfort during his final days. Burial was at Forest Hill Cemetery in Shelbyville, with a graveside military service conducted by a local veterans organization.
Reported by Jim West
HOFF, RUSSELL D. 422/M
--Date of Death: August 20, 2016
Russell was born in Doylestown, PA on October 19, 1924. Drafted into the 106th Infantry Division on March 11, 1943, Russell attained the rank
of Staff Sargent as a heavy machine gunner. He received the Bronze Star and Good Conduct medal as well as a Purple Heart for wounds received during the Battle of the Bulge in December of 1944. He was captured continues on page 46
on December 19th and was held prisoner in Stalag 9A and 9B, being liberated on Good Friday, April 6, 1945. He married his wartime sweetheart, Ellen Meehan on September 22, 1945. They had five sons. Ellen passed away in 1988 and Russ married Joan Fedoriska in 1990. The 106th was everything to Russ, who looked forward to the annual reunions starting in 1983. In more recent years, he took great pride in attending the reunions with his children and grandchildren, passing on the unique tradition that is the 106th.
Reported by his son, Tom
KUNTZ, C. KLINE 106th/HQ
--Date of Death: July 21, 2016
C. Kline Kuntz, 92 of Willow Valley Retirement Community, passed away at Lancaster General Hospital, PA. From a very early age, he exhibited prodigious woodworking talents. His shop teacher was so impressed with his skills that he commissioned the teen-aged Kline to build cabinetry for Hershey High School before his graduation in 1940. After graduating from Hersey Junior College in 1942, he worked in the defense industry in York, PA before being inducted into the 106th Infantry Division of the U.S. Army. He soon found himself in the thick of combat during the Battle of the Bulge and served in the following occupation of Germany. After his discharge in 1945, his sister June introduced him to a friend and co-worker at Hershey Chocolate Company, Pauline "Polly" Kuntz. Polly became his devoted wife for 60 years until her death at Willow Valley in 2008. They had lived for 53 years in a Cape Cod he designed and built by hand -- including the furniture and cabinetry. His love of woodworking led to a position at Hershey Lumber Company, where he designed a number of homes still standing throughout Derry Township. Later, he became a partner in the Harrisburg, PA architectural firm of Bogar, Bink and Kuntz until his retirement in 1989. He is survived by a son, two daughters, five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Reported by Leo T. McMahon, Jr.
COL USA (RET)
MCCARTNEY, GEORGE W. 423/M
--Date of Death: February 8, 2016
It is with deep sadness that I inform you of the death of your member, George W. McCartney of Pittsburgh, PA. George passed on February 8, 2016, surrounded by his wife of 65 years and a very loving family. Dad was 90 years of age. His wife, Ruth, followed him in death in June 6, 2016. None of us were surprised that one could not live without the other. Theirs was a love story that started on a blind date in Indianapolis, where Ruth lived and George was stationed. He called her when he returned home from the Battle of the Bulge, one of our soldiers blessed to return. His family is deeply proud of his service and he was buried with military honors. We love and miss him and mom. Reported by his family
PERKO, EMIL A. 422/H
--Date of Death: July 7, 2016
I am sorry to report that my father, Emil A. Perko, passed away July 7, 2016. We were blessed with his presence on this Earth since April 7, 1923,
and he was 93 years old when he passed. He was living in the Veterans Home here in St. Louis since October 2014 after two falls. I was able to visit with him three to four times a week, and while he was confined to a wheel chair, he did not suffer many other physical ailments. The Lord took him peacefully in his sleep on the morning of July 7, and he was buried with military honors on July 12. Ironically, he was named Veteran of the Month for July at the Veterans Home and we had many pictures of him displayed in the lobby of the home. An excellent article was written by one of the other residents and published for all to read. I enjoyed bringing dad to the reunions each year and due to his health we were not able to attend the past two years. However, we have many fond memories and developed many good friendships at these reunions which will always remain near and dear to my heart. I hope the reunions will continue for a long time, allowing these wonderful men and women to celebrate what they did for our country.
Reported by his daughter Sharon
SAUCERMAN, SALLY
WIFE OF GENE SAUCERMAN, 422/D
--Date of Death: July 8, 2016
Sally was the wife of Gene Saucerman, of Terre Haute, Indiana.
Sally and Gene attended 106th reunions regularly for over 40 years, until health issues prevented them from traveling. Sally faithfully served as "first lady" of the 106th in 1972 and 1973. Sally received the Order of the Golden Lion, Companion Class in 2008. She is survived by her husband, Gene, daughter Sandy and her family.
Reported by her daughter, Sandy Ring
SMOLER, ELSIE R.
WIDOW OF IRWIN C., 424/B
--Date of Death: March 7, 2015
Elsie Rubenstein Smoler died in her sleep on Mary 7, 2015 a few weeks after turning 90. After graduating from Erasmus High and Adelphi College, Elsie worked at WNEW and Mademoiselle before marrying Irwin Smoler in 1950.
For more than 50 years, the couple lived in Scarsdale (NY) where they raised their three children, Fred, Michael and Arlene. In 1995, the Scarsdale Foundation awarded her the Scarsdale Bowl for service to the town, including presidency of the School Board.
As reported in The New York Times
STEPHENS, GUY 423/M/2nd PL
--Date of Death: August 12, 2016
Golden Lion Guy Stephens was born October 11, 1925, to Edwin and Ethel Stephens of Boonville, IN, the fifth of six children. Stephens was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Lou (nee Schmitt) who passed in March 2009. They were one-month shy of their 62nd anniversary.
continues on page 48
He is survived by his children and his beloved companion of seven years, Pat O'Sullivan. Stephens enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1943 and was trained in Combat Intelligence; he joined the 106th Infantry Division at Camp Atterbury.
On December 16, 1944, "all hell broke loose." What followed were four days of nightmarish combat, confusion, running out of ammunition, and famished soldiers (there was no food for those four days). There were wounded men "boxed" in a valley; they had to surrender. They were marched for three days, sleeping in barn yards, then loaded into box cars (about 70 soldiers crammed in per car) on December 22.
The cars were parked in a rail yard at Koblenz on Christmas Eve when our Allied planes (RAF) bombed the tracks, unknowingly, killing 13 of our soldiers and injuring many others. Stephens arrived at Stalag 9B, Bad Orb, Germany, on December 27, 1944. The prisoners were liberated on April 2, 1945. His medals include: Combat Infantry Badge; European – African – Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with three battle stars; Bronze Star; Purple Heart; Prisoner of War Medal; American Campaign Medal; World War II Victory Medal; and Good Conduct Medal. Five months after being discharged from the Army, Guy married Mary Lou Schmitt on April 24, 1946.
He entered Evansville College on the GI Bill in 1947 and majored in elementary education. He worked days and went to college at night, completing his education eight years later, earning his Bachelor's Degree in 1955. He later received his Master's in Education from Indiana University. He began teaching 8th grade and coaching at Yankeetown Elementary and was the Principal for 34 years, retiring in 1989. He touched many lives while in education, and hundreds of his students and teachers have let him know over the years what a positive impact he made. He was a member of St. Rupert's Catholic Church and a Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Wednesday, August 17, 2016, at St. Rupert's Redbrush Catholic Church. Burial was in St. Rupert's Redbrush Cemetery with full military rites by the American Legion Post 44 Honor Guard.
Reported by Jim West
Read more about Guy's war experience at:
https://memory.loc.gov/diglib/vhp-stories/loc.natlib.afc2001001.00879/ transcript?ID=sr0001
STONECIPHER, GLEN 424/B
--Date of Death: 2010
Reported by his son Glen
TATE, COY LEE 423/F
--Date of Death: April 21, 2016
Coy was born April 13, 1922 in Hugo, OK. He has lived in the area since 1984, marrying his wife of fifty years on June 6, 1942. He served his country serving in the U.S. Army during WWII from March 29, 1944 until November 26, 1945. He served in the Battle of the Bulge and was a Prisoner of War from December 16, 1944 until April 13, 1945. He was awarded the Bronze Star, Combat Infantryman Badge and three Battle Stars. He completed his basic training at Fort Hood, TX. Coy enjoyed gardening, especially growing tomatoes.
Reported by his daughter, Debbie Madrid
/
To see a full-color version of this issue of The CUB,
please visit our website at:
www.106thInfDivAssn.org
The Date is set and final arrangements are being made
Make plans now to join us for the
71st Annual Reunion
of the
106th Infantry Division Association
tentatively to be held at the Park Inn Hotel, Orlando, FL
from September 14 to 17, 2017
For additional information about the reunion and
to register online visit: www.afr-reg.com/106inf2017
We are all feeling the effects of the current financial upheaval, including the
106th I.D. Association. The Annual Dues of $10 are no longer billed or collected. We are now accepting only donations for membership, memorials and LIFE PLUS.
The previously-allowed payment of $75 for Life Membership creates
a financial shortfall, as our expenses exceeds our income.
Our solution?
We are asking you to join the
LIFE PLUS+ Club
Those Members who contribute to the LIFE PLUS+ Club
will have their names (only, no amounts will be shown)
published in the next CUB.
You can donate as much or as little as you can and as often as you like.
By donating, you are helping perpetuate the 106th Infantry Division Association.
To those Members who we haven't heard from for a long time -- please take the time to join this exclusive club. Thank you!
Send your contribution, check made payable to 106th Infantry Div. Association, to:
Mike Sheaner Treasurer, 106th Infantry Division PO Box 140535, Dallas TX 75214
Index for This Document
104th Div., 6, 9, 10104th Inf. Div., 10, 11
106th Div., 10, 17, 19, 32, 36
106th Infantry Division Association, 11, 25, 27, 43
106th Memorial, 7
168th Engr. Cbt. BN, 6
2nd Div., 35, 36
31st Div., 17
422/M, 4, 45
422nd Inf., 24
422nd Inf. Regt., 39
423rd Regt., 22, 32
424/D, 12, 44
424/I, 12
424/L, 3
424th Inf. Regt., 31
424th Regt., 21
589th FA, 24
589th FA BN, 24
590th FA BN, 41
99th Inf. Div., 12
Adsit, James P., 12
Alford, Barney, 44
Alford, Barney M., 44
AmVets Of Indiana, 17
Arbeitskommando Slaughterhouse Five, 12
Ardennes, 21, 23, 32, 35
Ardennes Forest, 35
Auberge Du Carrefour, 33
Awalt, Louise, 12
Bad Orb, Germany, 23, 48
Baesman, Connie Pratt, 41
Baraque De Fraiture, 33
Battle Of The Bulge, 1, 6, 10, 12, 19, 21, 27, 31, 36, 41, 44, 45, 46, 48
Beebe, Ken, 43
Belgium, 1, 2, 6, 11, 24, 31, 35, 43
Bell, Lt., 30
Berlin, 27
Bleialf, 30
Böhl-Iggelheim, Germany, 43
Books, 32
Borst, Henrietta, 13
Borst, T/S Bill, 13
Bowen, John, 17
Buchenwald, 29
Busch, Col, 33
Camp Atterbury, 11, 17, 23, 33, 39, 48
Camp Atterbury, IN, 23
Camp Atterbury, Indiana, 32
Camp Lucky Strike, 32
Camp Lucky Strike, France, 32
Campana, Jesse, 24
Carr, Betty G., 12
Catherman, Guy W., Ltc, 44
Cavender, Col., 30
Charron, Pfc. Nelson, 7
Charron, Vincent, 7
Charron, Vincent J., 2
Church, Quentin E., 44
Cook, Francis, 44
Cook, Kimberly, 45
Coy, Jackie, 9
Coy, Jacquelyn, 2, 3, 14, 44
Coy, Jacquelyn S., 13, 11, 14
Dietrich, Dr. Sabine, 27
Doxsee, Gifford, 12
Drake, Jay, 43
Dresden, 12
Dresden, Germany, 12
Drogos, Lauren & Justin, 45
Drogos, Rowan Frances, 45
Dunn, Wayne, 2, 16, 26, 43
Dunn, Wayne G., 2, 3
Eagan, Jerry, 41
Eenhuizen, Ester, 6
Elbe, 28
Falkner, Carol, 2
Faro, Robert J., 12
Faulkner, Carol J., 20
Fedoriska, Joan, 46
Forbes, Csm, 6
Forbes, CSM, 9
Forbes, CSM Rodwell L., 4, 25
Fort Benjamin Harrison, 17
Fort Kamehameha, Hawaii, 22
Forzano, Rick, Sr., 45
Gardner, James, 45
Gardner, James W. 'Jim', 45
Gardner, Joan L. (Loudenback), 45
Gardner, Joe, 3
Garrison, Beth, 2, 20
Germany, 12, 11, 21, 23, 27, 32, 39, 46
Gibson, Kirk, 24
Goldberg, Leon, 2, 3, 4, 10, 12
Hammelburg, 43
Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery, 41
Herndon, Donald F., 3
Hoff, Jerry & Susan, 26
Hoff, Julia, 26
Hoff, Russell, 4, 26
Hoff, Russell D., 45
Hynes, Capt. William J., 30
Hynes, William J., 30
'I Was No Hero In The Battle Of The Bulge', 21
Jewett, Dean F., 6
Johnson, Janis, 24
Karlsruhe, Germany, 23
Keeber, Anne, 12
Keeber, Beatrice F., 12
Keeber, Beatrice Fulton, 31
Keeber, Bethanie, 12
Keeber, David, 12
Keeber, Gail, 12
Keeber, John, 13
Keeber, Pfc. Willard H., 31
Kline, John, 1
Koblenz, 48
Koehler, Franklin R., 12
König, Hauptmann, 28, 29
König, Hauptmann (Captain), 28
Korea, 17
Kuizema, Harold J., 12
Kuntz, C. Kline, 46
Kuntz, Pauline 'Polly', 46
Lamberty, Eddy, 32
Lauwerijssen, Corne, 6
LeClair, Henry, 3, 6
Leclair, Henry J., 6
LeHarve, 32
Lichtenfeld, Sy, 3
Lively, Lee R., 12
Lockhart, Dick, 32
Lorient, 24
Lucky Strike, 32
Ludwigshafen, 43
Luzzi, Capt., 36
Madrid, Debbie, 48
Mangiaracina, Michael, 12
Mannheim, 43
Martin, Harry, 10
Martin, Harry F., 21
Martin, Harry F., Jr., 21
Mason, James O., 12
Mayrsohn, Barney, 28
Mayrsohn, Bernard, 2, 3, 26
Mayrsohn, Bernard 'Barney', 28
McCartney, George W., 46
McMahon, Leo T., Jr., 46
McWhorter, William, 2, 16, 41
McWhorter, William A., 16
Meehan, Ellen, 46
Ming, Lew Kai, 36
Mitchel, Doug, 33
Mitchell, Doug, 33
Mitchell, Harold K., 41
Morse, John W., 8
Mühlberg, 27, 29
'My War', 32
Normandy, 11, 21
Normandy American Cemetery, 11
O'Sullivan, Pat, 48
Omaha Beach, 11, 12
Order Of The Golden Lion, 19, 20, 26, 47
Pando, Mark, 22
Pando, Michael, 22, 23
Paris, 3
Parkers Crossroad, 44
Pearl Harbor, 22
Perko, Emil A., 47
Photos, 33
Plana, Florent, 11, 12
Plombiers, Belgium, 41
Poland, 23
Pope, Robert, 35
Pratt, Lt. Gerald, 41
Prell, Don, 14
Prell, Donald, 43
Prell, Donald B., 12
Prisoner Of War, 17, 43, 45, 48
Prisoner Of War Temporary Enclosure #17, 43
Pumphrey, Mike, 24
Purple Heart, 45, 48
Rice, Kris, 3
Rickard, Col., 9
Rickard, Col. Thomas S., 4
Ring, Sandy, 47
Robb, Dr. John G., 2, 3
Roberts, John 'Jack', 21
Roberts, John M., 3
Roberts, John M. 'Jack', 21
Roosevelt, President, 32
Roster, 17
Salm River, 32
Saucerman, Gene, 47
Saucerman, Sally, 47
Schaffner, John, 2, 3, 20, 24
Schaffner, John R., 11
Schaffner, Robert, 2, 3
Schmitt, Mary Lou, 48
Schnee Eifel, 35, 36
Schnee-Eifel, 11
Schonberg, 30, 31
Schonberg, Belgium, 30
Schrom, Irving S., 12
Seine River, 35
Sheaner, Herb, 25, 39
Sheaner, Herbert 'Mike', 3
Sheaner, Mike, 2, 3, 9, 13, 11, 12, 14, 28, 49
Siegfried Line, 21, 35
Slaughterhouse Five, 12
Smallwood, Fredrick, 32
Smoler, Elsie R., 47
Smoler, Elsie Rubenstein, 47
Smoler, Frederic P., 14
Smoler, Irwin, 47
Snow Mountains, 35
Soviets, 29
St. Mere Eglise, 11
St. Vith, 31, 32
St. Vith, Belgium, 31, 32
Stachel, Col Jorg, 33
Stalag 9-A, 46
Stalag 9-B, 48
Stalag IV-B, 27, 28, 29
Stalag IX-B, 32
Starmack, Carol, 12
Starrett, James A., 12, 13
Stein, Murray, 2, 3, 10, 26
Steinhoff, Uwe, 28
Steinoff, Uwe, 27
Stephens, Guy, 47
Stonecipher, Glen, 48
Strand, Ed, 13
Streib, Marshall P., 12
Sturdevant, Rick W., 12, 13
Szpek, Ervin, Jr., 12
Task Force Baum, 43
Tate, Coy Lee, 48
'The Battle For Snow Mountain', 19
The Sitting Duck Div.
Attacked From The Rear, 8
Thomas, James B., 14
Timmers, Sgt. Edward, 30
Vaade, Victor & Barbara, 12
Vaream, Lt. George, 43
Vielsalm, 32
Vietnam, 25
Vogelsong, Donald L., 14
Wakeman Gen. Hosp., 17
Walker, Jeanne M., 4
'Warm Memories Of Cold Spring', 31
Wassgren, Betty L., 14
Weeks, Lt. Charles, 43
Weiss, Newt, 22, 23, 25
Weiss, Newton, 4
Weiss, Susan, 2, 16, 22, 41
Welke, Brian, 2, 4, 10, 22, 26
Welke, Brian J., 12
West, Christine, 33
West, Jim, 2, 16, 17, 18, 33, 41, 45, 48
Weymouth, 35
Wilson, Cpl. Earl E., 24
Wilson, Cpl. Earl Edward, 24
Wittenberg, Henry C., 12
Wood, Janet, 4
Wood, Randall, 13
Wood, Randall M., 2, 4, 9
Wood, Randy, 2, 10, 26
Wood, Wilma, 25
Wood, Wilma E., 12
Wouters, Carl, 1, 2, 16, 32, 33, 43
Wyman, Rys, 6
Young, Donald, 19