US Army, Page #2
WWII
Dog tag was found in an abandoned army training camp in Arizona.
PATSY C. MASTROCOVI
104th Infantry Division patch
Sgt. Patsy C. Mastrocovi was born in 1922 and was from Brooklyn, New York.
He entered service with the US Army on October 30, 1942. Mastrocovi was assigned to Company B, 1st Battalion, 415th Infantry Regiment, 104th Infantry Division.
After training stateside, his unit was deployed to Europe, landing in France on September 7, 1944. They would enter combat during the Battle of Hürtgen Forest.
Sgt. Mastrocovi was severely wounded while overseas, suffering a penetration wound in the left thigh, after walking through a minefield. For his actions below, he was awarded the Silver Star Medal.
"Div.Company B, after crossing according to plan, encountered the same type of opposition as Companies A and C. Sgt. Patsy C. MASTROCOVI was severely wounded by an enemy mine during the attack. Realizing that he was in a mine field, he crawled through the mine-infested field to warn his comrades."
After being wounded he was evacuated for medical treatment to Scotland and was sent back to the states in April 1945. He was discharged from the army soon after.
He entered service with the US Army on October 30, 1942. Mastrocovi was assigned to Company B, 1st Battalion, 415th Infantry Regiment, 104th Infantry Division.
After training stateside, his unit was deployed to Europe, landing in France on September 7, 1944. They would enter combat during the Battle of Hürtgen Forest.
Sgt. Mastrocovi was severely wounded while overseas, suffering a penetration wound in the left thigh, after walking through a minefield. For his actions below, he was awarded the Silver Star Medal.
"Div.Company B, after crossing according to plan, encountered the same type of opposition as Companies A and C. Sgt. Patsy C. MASTROCOVI was severely wounded by an enemy mine during the attack. Realizing that he was in a mine field, he crawled through the mine-infested field to warn his comrades."
After being wounded he was evacuated for medical treatment to Scotland and was sent back to the states in April 1945. He was discharged from the army soon after.
JOSEPH W. SMERESKI
80th Infantry Division patch
Captain Joseph W. Smereski was born on July 21, 1917 and was from Nanticoke, Pennsylvania.
He enlisted in the US Army on August 27, 1941. Later was assigned to the 905th Field Artillery Battalion, 80th Infantry Division.
Smereski departed overseas with his unit on July 1, 1944 and made their way to Europe. They would land at Utah Beach on August 5, 1944.
Smereski would participate in all of their campaigns, including; Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace, and Central Europe.
Capt. Smereski was awarded the Bronze Star Medal.
He was discharged on December 30, 1945.
He enlisted in the US Army on August 27, 1941. Later was assigned to the 905th Field Artillery Battalion, 80th Infantry Division.
Smereski departed overseas with his unit on July 1, 1944 and made their way to Europe. They would land at Utah Beach on August 5, 1944.
Smereski would participate in all of their campaigns, including; Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace, and Central Europe.
Capt. Smereski was awarded the Bronze Star Medal.
He was discharged on December 30, 1945.
RANDALL J. FLEIG
99th Infantry Division patch
Randall J. Fleig was born on April 19, 1906 and was from Toledo, Ohio.
Fleig entered the US Army on November 29, 1942. He was eventually assigned to the 99th Cavalry Reconnaissance Troop, 99th Infantry Division before they departed overseas.
His unit arrived in England on October 10, 1944 and from there moved to Le Havre, France on November 3 and proceeded to Aubel, Belgium, to prepare to enter the front lines.
The division first saw action on the November 9, taking over the defense of the sector north of the Roer River between Schmidt and Monschau, a distance of nearly 19 miles.
Fleig received his "baptism of fire" on November 20, when a V-1 Flying Bomb struck near him.
"Behind all this action lay a story of a little preliminary secret training under fire. Papers at home had played these other deeds up as a "baptism of fire" for the "battle babies". But on Nov 20th some of the babies had had an advance party. T/4 Whitaker , Troop Clerk, was "filling in" by manning a switchboard for the CP . A shell dropped in for tea in the same room, but T/4 Whitaker stayed on at his post while the Artillary continued knocking at the door. T/5 Randall J Fleig and T/3 Olsen were well baptized November 20 on route to Malmedy when held up by a V-1 bomb explosion in a barracks at Butgenbach within seconds of their arrival. T/3 Olsen without hesitation went to work to alleviate the terrible suffering while T/5 Fleig drove down the road post haste for more medical assistance." (http://www.99recon.com/combat-spotlight.html)
After defensive patrolling, the 99th probed the Siegfried Line against heavy resistance on December 13.
The division was lodged on the northern shoulder of the Ardennes Offensive, when the Battle of the Bulge began on December 16.
Later served in Germany participating in the Central Europe campaign.
Fleig was discharged on October 30, 1945.
Fleig entered the US Army on November 29, 1942. He was eventually assigned to the 99th Cavalry Reconnaissance Troop, 99th Infantry Division before they departed overseas.
His unit arrived in England on October 10, 1944 and from there moved to Le Havre, France on November 3 and proceeded to Aubel, Belgium, to prepare to enter the front lines.
The division first saw action on the November 9, taking over the defense of the sector north of the Roer River between Schmidt and Monschau, a distance of nearly 19 miles.
Fleig received his "baptism of fire" on November 20, when a V-1 Flying Bomb struck near him.
"Behind all this action lay a story of a little preliminary secret training under fire. Papers at home had played these other deeds up as a "baptism of fire" for the "battle babies". But on Nov 20th some of the babies had had an advance party. T/4 Whitaker , Troop Clerk, was "filling in" by manning a switchboard for the CP . A shell dropped in for tea in the same room, but T/4 Whitaker stayed on at his post while the Artillary continued knocking at the door. T/5 Randall J Fleig and T/3 Olsen were well baptized November 20 on route to Malmedy when held up by a V-1 bomb explosion in a barracks at Butgenbach within seconds of their arrival. T/3 Olsen without hesitation went to work to alleviate the terrible suffering while T/5 Fleig drove down the road post haste for more medical assistance." (http://www.99recon.com/combat-spotlight.html)
After defensive patrolling, the 99th probed the Siegfried Line against heavy resistance on December 13.
The division was lodged on the northern shoulder of the Ardennes Offensive, when the Battle of the Bulge began on December 16.
Later served in Germany participating in the Central Europe campaign.
Fleig was discharged on October 30, 1945.
WALTER P. GRYSZKA
3rd Armored Division patch
Corporal Walter P. Gryszka was born on June 22, 1915 and was from Steubenville, Ohio.
Gryszka was assigned to Regimental Headquarters Company, 36th Armored Infantry Regiment, 3rd Armored Division. His unit landed in Normandy in early July 1944. Gryszka served as a scout in his unit and would participate in all of his units campaigns, including: Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace, and Central Europe.
Gryszka departed from overseas on September 18, 1945, with HQ Company, 44th Armored Infantry Battalion. After arriving back in the states, he was discharged.
Gryszka was assigned to Regimental Headquarters Company, 36th Armored Infantry Regiment, 3rd Armored Division. His unit landed in Normandy in early July 1944. Gryszka served as a scout in his unit and would participate in all of his units campaigns, including: Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace, and Central Europe.
Gryszka departed from overseas on September 18, 1945, with HQ Company, 44th Armored Infantry Battalion. After arriving back in the states, he was discharged.
Czaplinski in 1942.
JEROME P. CZAPLINSKI
65th Infantry Division patch
Jerome P. Czaplinski was born on March 17, 1925 and was from Toledo, Ohio. Before entering service he went to Irving E Macomber Vocational High School.
He entered the US Army on September 24, 1943. After training, he was assigned to Company K, 3rd Battalion, 259th Infantry Regiment, 65th Infantry Division. Czaplinski served as a squad leader with his unit overseas.
Czaplinski would first arrive in France in January 1945, participating in the Rhineland and Central Europe campaigns.
After the war, he was discharged on April 1, 1946.
He entered the US Army on September 24, 1943. After training, he was assigned to Company K, 3rd Battalion, 259th Infantry Regiment, 65th Infantry Division. Czaplinski served as a squad leader with his unit overseas.
Czaplinski would first arrive in France in January 1945, participating in the Rhineland and Central Europe campaigns.
After the war, he was discharged on April 1, 1946.
Bracelet was given to him by Betty on his 22nd birthday.
WARREN E. NEHMER
33rd Infantry Division patch
S/Sgt. Warren E. Nehmer was born on September 22, 1921 and was from Half Day, Illinois.
He entered the US Army on October 16, 1942. After initial training, he was assigned to Company C, 1st Battalion, 130th Infantry Regiment, 33rd Infantry Division.
His unit would arrive in Hawaii in July 1943. Nehmer first saw action during the Battle of Morotai in December 1944.
Nehmer would then land at Lingayen Gulf, Luzon, on February 10, 1945, relieving the 43d Infantry Division. The Division drove into the Caraballo Mountains on February 19, toward its objective, Baguio, the summer capital of the Philippines and the headquarters of General Yamashita. Fighting against a fanatical enemy entrenched in the hills. Baguio would fall from enemy hands on April 26.
During mopping-up operations in the vicinity of Baguio, on May 7, Nehmer was leading his squad on a patrol. He would pay the supreme sacrifice for his country that day. Later posthumously being awarded the Silver Star medal for his actions that lead to his death. His citation as follows...
"Staff Sergeant WARREN E. NEHMER, 36380508, Infantry, United States Army. For gallantry in action in the vicinity of Baguio, Mountain Province, Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 7 May 1945. Sergeant NEHMER was leading a squad of replacements on their initial combat patrol with the mission of combing the enemy from a draw that was honeycombed with caves and tunnels. Moving up the draw, Sergeant NEHMER spotted four Japs. Under his efficent direction his men eliminated the four Japs without sustaining any casualties, but Sergeant NEHMER and his squad were immediately subjected to small arms fire emanating from caves and tunnels further up the draw. Due to the narrowness of the draw and the limitedvisibility, Sergeant NEHMER was unable to make the new men understand clearly what he wanted them to do. Therefore, with utter disregard for his own safety, Sergeant NEHMER exposed himself to the enemy fire in order to get into a position to throw grenades on the enemy strongpoint. Gaining this vantage point, Sergeant NEHMER neutralized the two caves by killing three Japs with grenades, but while doing so he was fatally wounded by an enemy rifleman hiding behind a four foot bank but a short distance ahead. Sergeant NEHMER by his leadership, gallantry, and devotion to duty so inspired the new men on their first combat mission that they continued up the draw killing the Japs in the remaining caves and tunnels."
After the war, Nehmer's remains were brought home to Illinois, where he was buried in his home town. His parents would be buried next to him.
He entered the US Army on October 16, 1942. After initial training, he was assigned to Company C, 1st Battalion, 130th Infantry Regiment, 33rd Infantry Division.
His unit would arrive in Hawaii in July 1943. Nehmer first saw action during the Battle of Morotai in December 1944.
Nehmer would then land at Lingayen Gulf, Luzon, on February 10, 1945, relieving the 43d Infantry Division. The Division drove into the Caraballo Mountains on February 19, toward its objective, Baguio, the summer capital of the Philippines and the headquarters of General Yamashita. Fighting against a fanatical enemy entrenched in the hills. Baguio would fall from enemy hands on April 26.
During mopping-up operations in the vicinity of Baguio, on May 7, Nehmer was leading his squad on a patrol. He would pay the supreme sacrifice for his country that day. Later posthumously being awarded the Silver Star medal for his actions that lead to his death. His citation as follows...
"Staff Sergeant WARREN E. NEHMER, 36380508, Infantry, United States Army. For gallantry in action in the vicinity of Baguio, Mountain Province, Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 7 May 1945. Sergeant NEHMER was leading a squad of replacements on their initial combat patrol with the mission of combing the enemy from a draw that was honeycombed with caves and tunnels. Moving up the draw, Sergeant NEHMER spotted four Japs. Under his efficent direction his men eliminated the four Japs without sustaining any casualties, but Sergeant NEHMER and his squad were immediately subjected to small arms fire emanating from caves and tunnels further up the draw. Due to the narrowness of the draw and the limitedvisibility, Sergeant NEHMER was unable to make the new men understand clearly what he wanted them to do. Therefore, with utter disregard for his own safety, Sergeant NEHMER exposed himself to the enemy fire in order to get into a position to throw grenades on the enemy strongpoint. Gaining this vantage point, Sergeant NEHMER neutralized the two caves by killing three Japs with grenades, but while doing so he was fatally wounded by an enemy rifleman hiding behind a four foot bank but a short distance ahead. Sergeant NEHMER by his leadership, gallantry, and devotion to duty so inspired the new men on their first combat mission that they continued up the draw killing the Japs in the remaining caves and tunnels."
After the war, Nehmer's remains were brought home to Illinois, where he was buried in his home town. His parents would be buried next to him.
MALCOLM E. KING
34th Infantry Division patch
Malcolm E. King was born on August 4, 1923 and was from Brackenridge, Pennsylvania.
He was inducted in the US Army on February 10, 1943. At the time he was 20 years old.
King left for overseas service on October 2, 1943. He was assigned as a replacement of Battery A, 1st Battalion, 151st Field Artillery Regiment. His outfit was attached to the 133rd Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division.
He arrived in Italy after the landings into Salerno and participated in the Battle of Monte Cassino, Anzio beachhead, and the drive to Rome, to name a few.
In Italy he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for heroic achievement.
He went back to the states in November 1945 and was discharged on November 8.
He was inducted in the US Army on February 10, 1943. At the time he was 20 years old.
King left for overseas service on October 2, 1943. He was assigned as a replacement of Battery A, 1st Battalion, 151st Field Artillery Regiment. His outfit was attached to the 133rd Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division.
He arrived in Italy after the landings into Salerno and participated in the Battle of Monte Cassino, Anzio beachhead, and the drive to Rome, to name a few.
In Italy he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for heroic achievement.
He went back to the states in November 1945 and was discharged on November 8.
KENNETH D. PRICHARD
3rd Infantry Division patch
Corporal Kenneth D. Prichard was born in 1922 and was from King, Washington at the time of enlistment.
He enlisted in the US Army on July 1, 1943.
Cpl. Prichard was a replacement in the 30th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Divsion. He was likely received while the division was still in Italy.
The 3rd Infantry Division would invade Southern France during Operation Dragoon on August 15, 1944.
Cpl. Prichard was reported as captured on November 9, 1944.
This was during the 3rd Division's fighting in the Vosges. On November 9th, as the 30th Infantry pushed closer to the city the German defenders attempted vicious counterattacks all along the 30th Infantry's front however, the 30th Infantry beat back all of their attempts and captured and secured the city of St. Die by the next day.
Cpl. Prichard was held at Stalag VII/A for the remainder of the war. He survived the war and was discharged.
He enlisted in the US Army on July 1, 1943.
Cpl. Prichard was a replacement in the 30th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Divsion. He was likely received while the division was still in Italy.
The 3rd Infantry Division would invade Southern France during Operation Dragoon on August 15, 1944.
Cpl. Prichard was reported as captured on November 9, 1944.
This was during the 3rd Division's fighting in the Vosges. On November 9th, as the 30th Infantry pushed closer to the city the German defenders attempted vicious counterattacks all along the 30th Infantry's front however, the 30th Infantry beat back all of their attempts and captured and secured the city of St. Die by the next day.
Cpl. Prichard was held at Stalag VII/A for the remainder of the war. He survived the war and was discharged.
DAYTON C. LINEBRINK
36th Infantry Division patch
Corporal Dayton C. Linebrink was born on September 24, 1916 in Defiance, Ohio. Before the war he was living in Wayne, Michigan.
He enlisted in the US Army on December 6, 1942 at Camp Perry Lacarne. Linebrink was assigned to Company F, 2nd Battalion, 142nd Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division.
He first saw action in the Battle of Salerno on September 9, 1943. After a brief rest, they went back into action, capturing Mount Maggiore, Mount Lungo, and the village of San Pietro despite strong enemy positions and severe winter weather.
Linebrink's luck would run out when his unit was on hill 862 near Massa Manna (between Terelle and Cairo), north of Monte Cassino. He was captured in the early days of February 1944 during the bitter fighting faced there. Company F and G would suffer a high amount of casualties during this action.
Cpl. Linebrink would be held at Stalag II-B. After being liberated, Linebrink returned home from the war.
He enlisted in the US Army on December 6, 1942 at Camp Perry Lacarne. Linebrink was assigned to Company F, 2nd Battalion, 142nd Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division.
He first saw action in the Battle of Salerno on September 9, 1943. After a brief rest, they went back into action, capturing Mount Maggiore, Mount Lungo, and the village of San Pietro despite strong enemy positions and severe winter weather.
Linebrink's luck would run out when his unit was on hill 862 near Massa Manna (between Terelle and Cairo), north of Monte Cassino. He was captured in the early days of February 1944 during the bitter fighting faced there. Company F and G would suffer a high amount of casualties during this action.
Cpl. Linebrink would be held at Stalag II-B. After being liberated, Linebrink returned home from the war.
GEORGE N. MORGAN
99th Infantry Division patch
Lieutenant Colonel George N. Morgan was born on February 7, 1913 and was from Lake Preston, South Dakota.
He enlisted in the US Army Reserve in June 1936 immediately after graduating from college. He was given the rank of 2nd lieutenant. He stayed in the army reserves until January 1941. He was put into active duty at Fort Francis in E. Warren, Wyoming, as a first lieutenant
In 1942 he was promoted to captain and by 1944, he was a major. During the war, Morgan served in the Regimental Staff of the 393rd Infantry Regiment, 99th Infantry Division as supply officer. He was the regiment's S-4.
His unit arrived in England on October 10, 1944 and from there moved to Le Havre, France on November 3 and proceeded to Aubel, Belgium, to prepare to enter the front lines.
The division first saw action on the November 9, taking over the defense of the sector north of the Roer River between Schmidt and Monschau, a distance of nearly 19 miles. After defensive patrolling, the 99th probed the Siegfried Line against heavy resistance on December 13.
The division was lodged on the northern shoulder of the Ardennes Offensive, when the Battle of the Bulge began on December 16. Right away, the inexperienced battalion was hit hard by enemy artillery, mortars, and lots of infantry. The following morning, on December 17, the attack was resumed with greater intensity. Around the clock the men had fought off one attack after another, patrols of 50 and more continued to infiltrate and harass troops in the rear. All through the day the attacks were repulsed, then great columns of armor, crawling with shouting infantry, charged the positions. The regiment suffered high casualties. Major Morgan was one of them...
Major Morgan was evacuated and eventually sent back to the states for treatment. He survived the war, but stayed in the Army.
In 1948, he was sent to Japan as economic officer in the military government. He held that post for three years.
Back in the United States again, Morgan was promoted to lieutenant colonel July 7, 1951. With that rank he served as commander of the 2nd Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, and adviser to the 12th Republic of Korea Division in Korea from June 1953 to September, 1954.
In 1957, the Department of Defense announced an economy measure known as the "Reduction in Force Program." The program called for certain lieutenant colonels to be relieved of duty or to drop to the rank of sergeant until their retirement requirements were fulfilled. Morgan was one of those affected. He chose to be a sergeant. In November 1957, Morgan was assigned to the Reserve Center in Chester and eventually retired from the army on November 30, 1960.
He enlisted in the US Army Reserve in June 1936 immediately after graduating from college. He was given the rank of 2nd lieutenant. He stayed in the army reserves until January 1941. He was put into active duty at Fort Francis in E. Warren, Wyoming, as a first lieutenant
In 1942 he was promoted to captain and by 1944, he was a major. During the war, Morgan served in the Regimental Staff of the 393rd Infantry Regiment, 99th Infantry Division as supply officer. He was the regiment's S-4.
His unit arrived in England on October 10, 1944 and from there moved to Le Havre, France on November 3 and proceeded to Aubel, Belgium, to prepare to enter the front lines.
The division first saw action on the November 9, taking over the defense of the sector north of the Roer River between Schmidt and Monschau, a distance of nearly 19 miles. After defensive patrolling, the 99th probed the Siegfried Line against heavy resistance on December 13.
The division was lodged on the northern shoulder of the Ardennes Offensive, when the Battle of the Bulge began on December 16. Right away, the inexperienced battalion was hit hard by enemy artillery, mortars, and lots of infantry. The following morning, on December 17, the attack was resumed with greater intensity. Around the clock the men had fought off one attack after another, patrols of 50 and more continued to infiltrate and harass troops in the rear. All through the day the attacks were repulsed, then great columns of armor, crawling with shouting infantry, charged the positions. The regiment suffered high casualties. Major Morgan was one of them...
Major Morgan was evacuated and eventually sent back to the states for treatment. He survived the war, but stayed in the Army.
In 1948, he was sent to Japan as economic officer in the military government. He held that post for three years.
Back in the United States again, Morgan was promoted to lieutenant colonel July 7, 1951. With that rank he served as commander of the 2nd Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, and adviser to the 12th Republic of Korea Division in Korea from June 1953 to September, 1954.
In 1957, the Department of Defense announced an economy measure known as the "Reduction in Force Program." The program called for certain lieutenant colonels to be relieved of duty or to drop to the rank of sergeant until their retirement requirements were fulfilled. Morgan was one of those affected. He chose to be a sergeant. In November 1957, Morgan was assigned to the Reserve Center in Chester and eventually retired from the army on November 30, 1960.
393rd Infantry during the Battle of the Bulge
Cooper's set from WWII
Left-Korean War tag, Right-Post Korean War tag.
GERALD W. COOPER
106th Infantry Division patch
Major Gerald W. Cooper was born on August 20, 1923 and was from Chicago, Illinois.
Cooper entered the US Army on March 12, 1943. After training he was assigned to the 422nd Infantry Regiment, 106th Infantry Division.
The 106th Infantry Division relieved the 2nd Infantry Division in the Schnee Eifel on December 11, 1944.
5 days later, the new outfit was attacked by the Germans at the start of the Battle of the Bulge on December 16, 1944. The division's 422nd and 423rd Infantry Regiments were encircled and cut off by a junction of enemy forces in the vicinity of Schonberg. They regrouped for a counterattack, but were blocked by the enemy. The two regiments surrendered on 19 December. The Germans gained 6,000 prisoners in one of the largest mass surrenders in American military history. Nearly 50% of the division's strength was brushed aside in the first days of the Battle of the Bulge.
Cooper, a Staff Sergeant at the time, was one of those captured in mass. He was sent to Stalag IV-B and spent the remainder of the war there. After being liberated, he stayed in the Army and later served during the Korean War as an officer.
He retired from the US Army on March 31, 1963, having over 20 years of service. His awards included the Bronze Star with Oak leaf Cluster; Army Commendation Medal; Purple Heart; European Medal; Korean Presidential Unit Citation; Korean Service Medal with Two Battle Stars; and more.
Cooper entered the US Army on March 12, 1943. After training he was assigned to the 422nd Infantry Regiment, 106th Infantry Division.
The 106th Infantry Division relieved the 2nd Infantry Division in the Schnee Eifel on December 11, 1944.
5 days later, the new outfit was attacked by the Germans at the start of the Battle of the Bulge on December 16, 1944. The division's 422nd and 423rd Infantry Regiments were encircled and cut off by a junction of enemy forces in the vicinity of Schonberg. They regrouped for a counterattack, but were blocked by the enemy. The two regiments surrendered on 19 December. The Germans gained 6,000 prisoners in one of the largest mass surrenders in American military history. Nearly 50% of the division's strength was brushed aside in the first days of the Battle of the Bulge.
Cooper, a Staff Sergeant at the time, was one of those captured in mass. He was sent to Stalag IV-B and spent the remainder of the war there. After being liberated, he stayed in the Army and later served during the Korean War as an officer.
He retired from the US Army on March 31, 1963, having over 20 years of service. His awards included the Bronze Star with Oak leaf Cluster; Army Commendation Medal; Purple Heart; European Medal; Korean Presidential Unit Citation; Korean Service Medal with Two Battle Stars; and more.
NOLL S. RINKER
41st Infantry Division patch
Private Noll S. Rinker was born on September 8, 1913 and was from Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
He entered the US Army on August 4, 1943. He departed for overseas duty in February 1944 and was then assigned to Company G, 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry Regiment, 41st Infantry Division. This was the same battalion that Archibald Roosevelt, son of President Theodore Roosevelt, commanded in the pacific from 1943 to early 1944.
Pvt. Rinker would have arrived in Australia in early 1944, while his new unit was there for rest and refit.
In April 1944, he would arrive at Hollandia, New Guinea, landing at Humboldt Bay. Though the beaches were defended after the naval bombardment, the Japanese troops there uncharacteristically abandoned their positions and fled inland. There was some opposition as they pressed forward, but by 24 April they had reached the lake and by 26 April secured the two eastern airfields.
Pvt. Rinker then participated in the Battle of Biak in New Guinea, landing on May 27, 1944. Rinker was lightly wounded in action on Biak on the 1st of June. He was sent back to the states in September 1944, after likely spending a good amount of time in the hospital from being wounded.
He was then discharged from the US Army on February 19, 1945.
He entered the US Army on August 4, 1943. He departed for overseas duty in February 1944 and was then assigned to Company G, 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry Regiment, 41st Infantry Division. This was the same battalion that Archibald Roosevelt, son of President Theodore Roosevelt, commanded in the pacific from 1943 to early 1944.
Pvt. Rinker would have arrived in Australia in early 1944, while his new unit was there for rest and refit.
In April 1944, he would arrive at Hollandia, New Guinea, landing at Humboldt Bay. Though the beaches were defended after the naval bombardment, the Japanese troops there uncharacteristically abandoned their positions and fled inland. There was some opposition as they pressed forward, but by 24 April they had reached the lake and by 26 April secured the two eastern airfields.
Pvt. Rinker then participated in the Battle of Biak in New Guinea, landing on May 27, 1944. Rinker was lightly wounded in action on Biak on the 1st of June. He was sent back to the states in September 1944, after likely spending a good amount of time in the hospital from being wounded.
He was then discharged from the US Army on February 19, 1945.
CLYDE H. YINKEY
28th Infantry Division patch
PFC Clyde H. Yinkey was born on January 16, 1920 and was from Somerset, Pennsylvania.
He enlisted in the National Guard on December 2, 1939. He was placed into Somerset's National Guard unit, Company C, 110th Infantry Regiment, 28th Infantry Division.
After the breakout of war, Yinkey was still with his unit. He departed overseas with his unit on October 8, 1943 and arrived in England.
He landed in Normandy on July 22, 1944 and immediately entered into combat.
They pushed towards the French capital of Paris through the Bocage, its roads littered with abandoned tanks and bloated, stinking corpses of men and animals. In little more than a month after landing at the Normandy beachhead, as part of the Allied invasion of Normandy, the men of the 28th entered Paris and were given the honor of marching down the Champs-Elysées on August 29, 1944 in the hastily arranged Liberation of Paris.
His unit then entered the Hürtgen Forest on November 2nd, which would result in a bloodbath for the 28th Infantry Division.
During the Battle of the Bulge, the 28th fought hard to beat off German attacks and many of its units were encircled and cut off. Yinkey, a Sergeant at the time, was reported as missing in action on December 20th. 2 days later, the 28th pulled back, Yinkey was able to make it back with his unit. Afterwards they participated in the Colmar campaign.
Yinkey was sent back to the states after the war on October 5, 1945 and was then discharged on November 28, 1945.
He enlisted in the National Guard on December 2, 1939. He was placed into Somerset's National Guard unit, Company C, 110th Infantry Regiment, 28th Infantry Division.
After the breakout of war, Yinkey was still with his unit. He departed overseas with his unit on October 8, 1943 and arrived in England.
He landed in Normandy on July 22, 1944 and immediately entered into combat.
They pushed towards the French capital of Paris through the Bocage, its roads littered with abandoned tanks and bloated, stinking corpses of men and animals. In little more than a month after landing at the Normandy beachhead, as part of the Allied invasion of Normandy, the men of the 28th entered Paris and were given the honor of marching down the Champs-Elysées on August 29, 1944 in the hastily arranged Liberation of Paris.
His unit then entered the Hürtgen Forest on November 2nd, which would result in a bloodbath for the 28th Infantry Division.
During the Battle of the Bulge, the 28th fought hard to beat off German attacks and many of its units were encircled and cut off. Yinkey, a Sergeant at the time, was reported as missing in action on December 20th. 2 days later, the 28th pulled back, Yinkey was able to make it back with his unit. Afterwards they participated in the Colmar campaign.
Yinkey was sent back to the states after the war on October 5, 1945 and was then discharged on November 28, 1945.
DANIEL J. HARTMANN
Daniel J. Hartman was born on June 2, 1915 and was from Reading, Pennsylvania.
He entered the US Army on May 12, 1943. After training, he was sent overseas in December 1943 as a replacement in Troop D, 112th Cavalry Regiment. Likely arrived in time for the New Britain campaign.
Arrived at Aitape, New Guinea on June 26, 1944, as reinforcements to 32nd Infantry Division. Engaged in close combat successfully defending Driniumor River line. Resupply by air for 45 days.
Landed on east coast of Leyte, Philippine Islands on November 14th. Went into immediate combat attached to 1st Cavalry Division to open Ormac highway. Engaged in bitter fighting over very difficult terrain in Mt. Minoro-Sinayawan area and assisted in capture of Loney and Cananga. Leyte declared secure on Dec 25th.
Landed at Lingayen Gulf, Luzon, Philippine Islands on January 27, 1945. Covered the left flank of the VI Army advance to Manila. Took part in the battle for Manila. Helped clear the Ipo dam area and assisted in the capture of Tatay and Antipola. Helped turn the southern flank of the Shimbu Group’s fortified mountainous line of defenses in the Antipola-Santa Inez area. Assisted in clearing the Morang and Bicol Peninsulas. Concentrated at Antipola after the surrender of Japan on Aug 15, 1945.
Arrived in Tokyo Bay for surrender ceremony then landed at Tateyama Naval Base where occupation duties were initiated in September 1945. The regiment disarmed and demobilized 70 Japanese combat units and bases without incident.
He arrived back in the states in December 1945 and was then discharged on the 20th.
He entered the US Army on May 12, 1943. After training, he was sent overseas in December 1943 as a replacement in Troop D, 112th Cavalry Regiment. Likely arrived in time for the New Britain campaign.
Arrived at Aitape, New Guinea on June 26, 1944, as reinforcements to 32nd Infantry Division. Engaged in close combat successfully defending Driniumor River line. Resupply by air for 45 days.
Landed on east coast of Leyte, Philippine Islands on November 14th. Went into immediate combat attached to 1st Cavalry Division to open Ormac highway. Engaged in bitter fighting over very difficult terrain in Mt. Minoro-Sinayawan area and assisted in capture of Loney and Cananga. Leyte declared secure on Dec 25th.
Landed at Lingayen Gulf, Luzon, Philippine Islands on January 27, 1945. Covered the left flank of the VI Army advance to Manila. Took part in the battle for Manila. Helped clear the Ipo dam area and assisted in the capture of Tatay and Antipola. Helped turn the southern flank of the Shimbu Group’s fortified mountainous line of defenses in the Antipola-Santa Inez area. Assisted in clearing the Morang and Bicol Peninsulas. Concentrated at Antipola after the surrender of Japan on Aug 15, 1945.
Arrived in Tokyo Bay for surrender ceremony then landed at Tateyama Naval Base where occupation duties were initiated in September 1945. The regiment disarmed and demobilized 70 Japanese combat units and bases without incident.
He arrived back in the states in December 1945 and was then discharged on the 20th.
Private Slate's dog tag from when he was KIA and his Purple Heart Medal
Wayne Slate
3rd Infantry Division patch
Private Wayne Slate was born on April 17, 1925 and was from Laceys Springs, Alabama.
He entered the US Army on May 13, 1944 and after training was assigned to 2nd Platoon, Company I, 3rd Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division as a replacement in France.
During the Battle of the Colmar Pocket, Pvt. Slate was present on the battlefield. His company and another was chosen to recapture the bridge at Maison Rouge at 0300 to cross the Ill River on January 25, 1945. This was done in order to secure the bridgehead, so that the engineers could construct another bridge.
They succeeded to do so, but this was short lived, as at 0800, there was a German counterattack of 4 tanks and a high concentration of infantry that overran Company I, inflicting heaving casualties, including Pvt. Slate. Pvt. Slate had received a fracture to his head, likely from the enemy armor, and unfortunately was killed in action. He was only 19 years old.
During the couple days the 15th Infantry pushed south towards the towns of Riedwihr and Holtzwihr. On the 26th, the day after Pvt. Slate was killed, Audie Murphy stood atop a flaming M-10 tank destroyer, firing the machine gun affixed to it in order to ward off enemy tanks and infantry. He defended his position despite receiving a leg wound and only pulled back when he ran out of ammunition. This action is what lead him to receive the Medal of Honor. Audie Murphy would become the most decorated American soldier of WWII.
He entered the US Army on May 13, 1944 and after training was assigned to 2nd Platoon, Company I, 3rd Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division as a replacement in France.
During the Battle of the Colmar Pocket, Pvt. Slate was present on the battlefield. His company and another was chosen to recapture the bridge at Maison Rouge at 0300 to cross the Ill River on January 25, 1945. This was done in order to secure the bridgehead, so that the engineers could construct another bridge.
They succeeded to do so, but this was short lived, as at 0800, there was a German counterattack of 4 tanks and a high concentration of infantry that overran Company I, inflicting heaving casualties, including Pvt. Slate. Pvt. Slate had received a fracture to his head, likely from the enemy armor, and unfortunately was killed in action. He was only 19 years old.
During the couple days the 15th Infantry pushed south towards the towns of Riedwihr and Holtzwihr. On the 26th, the day after Pvt. Slate was killed, Audie Murphy stood atop a flaming M-10 tank destroyer, firing the machine gun affixed to it in order to ward off enemy tanks and infantry. He defended his position despite receiving a leg wound and only pulled back when he ran out of ammunition. This action is what lead him to receive the Medal of Honor. Audie Murphy would become the most decorated American soldier of WWII.
Bridge at Maison Rouge. Collapsed bridge is the original and the 2nd is the one constructed by the engineers.
M4 Sherman with infantry at Riedwihr, France in January 1945.
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The letter on the right is a letter from Wayne Slate's mother that was never received by him as he had been killed in action just weeks after this letter was written...
Katie M. Slate Lacey Springs, Alabama January 5th, 1945 "Dear Wayne, Just a few lines to let you know are still alright, are having some cold, but clear weather here. Hope you are alright and make it alright. Daddy and Mitchell are alright, they're having a ball game tonight with (P???? + C????) tomorrow night. Well I don't know just what to write, hope you got the money before you had to leave, I feel worried a lot about it. Wished a thousand times I had have wired it to you, but never overthought. Write and ask for anything you want so I can send it. I still have been writing to your old address I mean the last one till I got the other one yesterday. Well how I wish you all kinds of luck and be careful at all times and take care of yourself. We will try to make the best of everything. Lots of love. Mother + all" |
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Interesting to note that his tags are marked "L" for Lutheran. Not a commonly seen abbreviation on WWII tags.
STEPHEN A. MAHLE
95th Infantry Division patch
PFC Stephen A. Mahle was born on November 7, 1922 and was from Ashley, Pennsylvania.
He entered the US Army on December 19, 1942
He departed for overseas duty on February 10, 1944 and was eventually assigned to Company I, 3rd Battalion, 377th Infantry Regiment, 95th Infantry Division.
His unit would enter combat in France in October 1944. PFC Mahle would participate in all of their campaigns: Northern France, Rhineland, Central Europe.
Mahle was discharged from the US Army on October 20, 1945.
He would receive the Purple Heart Medal, Good Conduct Medal, EAME Medal w/ 3 bronze stars, and Combat Infantry Badge.
He entered the US Army on December 19, 1942
He departed for overseas duty on February 10, 1944 and was eventually assigned to Company I, 3rd Battalion, 377th Infantry Regiment, 95th Infantry Division.
His unit would enter combat in France in October 1944. PFC Mahle would participate in all of their campaigns: Northern France, Rhineland, Central Europe.
Mahle was discharged from the US Army on October 20, 1945.
He would receive the Purple Heart Medal, Good Conduct Medal, EAME Medal w/ 3 bronze stars, and Combat Infantry Badge.
This veterans tag was found at Camp Shelby. Interesting to note that his religion is marked "B" for "Buddhist"
MINORU F. MINAMOTO
442nd Regimental Combat Team patch
SGT. Minoru F. Minamoto was born on July 4, 1919 and was from Los Angeles, California. He was a Nisei, Japanese-American.
He enlisted in the US Army on April 22, 1941. Sometime after the attack at Pearl Harbor, he was assigned to Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 442nd Infantry Regiment.
His unit went into action in Europe and participated in the Rome-Arno and Vosges Campaigns.
He was discharged on February 22, 1945.
Minamoto received the CIB, GCM, American Defense Medal, EAME Medal w/ 1? battle star, and the American Campaign Medal.
The 442nd RCT would become the most decorated American unit of WWII.
He enlisted in the US Army on April 22, 1941. Sometime after the attack at Pearl Harbor, he was assigned to Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 442nd Infantry Regiment.
His unit went into action in Europe and participated in the Rome-Arno and Vosges Campaigns.
He was discharged on February 22, 1945.
Minamoto received the CIB, GCM, American Defense Medal, EAME Medal w/ 1? battle star, and the American Campaign Medal.
The 442nd RCT would become the most decorated American unit of WWII.
JOSEPH F. ABRAMCZYK
38th Infantry Divsion patch
PFC Joseph F. Abramczyk was born on May 28, 1924 and was from Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
He joined the US Army on February 17, 1943 at age 18. After training he was attached to Company D, 2nd Battalion, 152nd Infantry Regiment, 38th Infantry Division.
PFC Abramczyk likely arrived with the division on January 17, 1944 in Hawaii for combat training.
The division would then participate in the Battle of Leyte from December 1944 to January 1945 and then landed in the San Narciso area in Southern Zambales Province, Luzon, 29 January 1945.
The division later moved to the area east of Manila, 1 May, and attacked enemy forces behind the Shimbu Line.
On May 9, 1945, PFC Abramczyk was killed in action at Woodpecker Ridge.
The Japanese counteroffensives themselves, according to a 38th Division history, “consisted mainly of night infiltration attacks using automatic weapons and knee mortars, and several daylight counterattacks against our units. In some instances, these attacks were supported by artillery and heavy mortars, but these weapons were soon spotted and silenced by our own artillery.”
However, troops were kept on edge by the nighttime infiltration's through the permeable front line; attacks could come from areas that had been previously cleared. They were always repulsed, so Yokoyama called them off on May 15. His forces at Woodpecker Ridge, however, did not get the message for nearly a week; the 152nd had to make seven attempts to take the crest before succeeding.
He joined the US Army on February 17, 1943 at age 18. After training he was attached to Company D, 2nd Battalion, 152nd Infantry Regiment, 38th Infantry Division.
PFC Abramczyk likely arrived with the division on January 17, 1944 in Hawaii for combat training.
The division would then participate in the Battle of Leyte from December 1944 to January 1945 and then landed in the San Narciso area in Southern Zambales Province, Luzon, 29 January 1945.
The division later moved to the area east of Manila, 1 May, and attacked enemy forces behind the Shimbu Line.
On May 9, 1945, PFC Abramczyk was killed in action at Woodpecker Ridge.
The Japanese counteroffensives themselves, according to a 38th Division history, “consisted mainly of night infiltration attacks using automatic weapons and knee mortars, and several daylight counterattacks against our units. In some instances, these attacks were supported by artillery and heavy mortars, but these weapons were soon spotted and silenced by our own artillery.”
However, troops were kept on edge by the nighttime infiltration's through the permeable front line; attacks could come from areas that had been previously cleared. They were always repulsed, so Yokoyama called them off on May 15. His forces at Woodpecker Ridge, however, did not get the message for nearly a week; the 152nd had to make seven attempts to take the crest before succeeding.
Photos from http://www.trailblazersww2.org/photos_57.htm
ROBERT W. THORNE
38th Infantry Divsion patch
Lieutenant Colonel Robert W. Thorne was from Detroit, Michigan.
He served in Headquarters, 70th Infantry Division as the division's G-3 (Air) Operations Officer in Europe. He coordinated air operations with the 358th Fighter Group for the 70th Infantry Division.
The three infantry regiments of the 70th Infantry Division, the 274th, 275th and 276th, landed at Marseille, France, 10–15 December 1944, and were formed into Task Force Herren under command of deputy division commander, Thomas W. Herren, before the arrival of the remainder of the division on 18 January 1945. Task Force Herren took over defensive positions along the west bank of the Rhine, 28 December 1944, in the vicinity of Bischwiller, south of Haguenau Forest. Elements took part in the fight to stop the German Operation Nordwind, and struck at the enemy at Phillipsbourg and at Wingen between Bitche and Hagenau. In mid-January 1945, the task force moved to an area directly south of Saarbrücken, where it carried out reconnaissance and combat patrols, and improved its defensive positions. Upon the arrival of the remainder of the division, Task Force Herren was dissolved.
The division continued patrolling and combat raids as it made preparations for an offensive drive in mid-February. On 17 February 1945, the division attacked just below the Saar River. The 70th drove onto high ground overlooking Saarbrücken, smashed into Forbach, took Stiring-Wendel, and continued across the Saar to take Saarbrücken, 20 March 1945. Pushing through Siegfried Line defenses along the north bank of the Saar, the division took Völklingen and other Saarland cities and towns. On March 31 it was reassigned to the Third Army. In April it took part in the reduction of the Saar Basin, and after VE-day was engaged in occupational duties, with command posts at Otterberg, Bad Kreuznach, Frankfurt, and Oranienstein in Germany.
Thorne would receive the Bronze Star Medal at end of war.
He served in Headquarters, 70th Infantry Division as the division's G-3 (Air) Operations Officer in Europe. He coordinated air operations with the 358th Fighter Group for the 70th Infantry Division.
The three infantry regiments of the 70th Infantry Division, the 274th, 275th and 276th, landed at Marseille, France, 10–15 December 1944, and were formed into Task Force Herren under command of deputy division commander, Thomas W. Herren, before the arrival of the remainder of the division on 18 January 1945. Task Force Herren took over defensive positions along the west bank of the Rhine, 28 December 1944, in the vicinity of Bischwiller, south of Haguenau Forest. Elements took part in the fight to stop the German Operation Nordwind, and struck at the enemy at Phillipsbourg and at Wingen between Bitche and Hagenau. In mid-January 1945, the task force moved to an area directly south of Saarbrücken, where it carried out reconnaissance and combat patrols, and improved its defensive positions. Upon the arrival of the remainder of the division, Task Force Herren was dissolved.
The division continued patrolling and combat raids as it made preparations for an offensive drive in mid-February. On 17 February 1945, the division attacked just below the Saar River. The 70th drove onto high ground overlooking Saarbrücken, smashed into Forbach, took Stiring-Wendel, and continued across the Saar to take Saarbrücken, 20 March 1945. Pushing through Siegfried Line defenses along the north bank of the Saar, the division took Völklingen and other Saarland cities and towns. On March 31 it was reassigned to the Third Army. In April it took part in the reduction of the Saar Basin, and after VE-day was engaged in occupational duties, with command posts at Otterberg, Bad Kreuznach, Frankfurt, and Oranienstein in Germany.
Thorne would receive the Bronze Star Medal at end of war.
Alfred H. Collins
Alfred H. Collins was born on June 26, 1925 and was from Troy, NY.
He he enlisted in the US Army on March 15, 1944. After training, he arrived in Europe as a replacement in Company G, 310th Infantry Regiment, 78th Infantry Division.
He he would participate in the Battle of the Bulge on the Siegfried Line and later crossed over the Ludendorff Bridge at Remagen, on 8 March. Later in the war, Collins was awarded the Bronze Star for valor in Germany. Read citation below.
He he enlisted in the US Army on March 15, 1944. After training, he arrived in Europe as a replacement in Company G, 310th Infantry Regiment, 78th Infantry Division.
He he would participate in the Battle of the Bulge on the Siegfried Line and later crossed over the Ludendorff Bridge at Remagen, on 8 March. Later in the war, Collins was awarded the Bronze Star for valor in Germany. Read citation below.
ALEXANDER N. PIZZULLI
Alexander N. Puzzulli was born on January 15, 1916 and was from New York.
He enlisted on September 26, 1942 and served in the 6th Ranger Battalion during the Battle of Leyte and later in the war, transferred to the 1688th Engineers.
He was discharged on June 23, 1945.
He enlisted on September 26, 1942 and served in the 6th Ranger Battalion during the Battle of Leyte and later in the war, transferred to the 1688th Engineers.
He was discharged on June 23, 1945.
EARL G. CULBERTSON
29th Infantry Division patch
S/Sgt Earl G. Culbertson was born on October 17, 1916 and was from Pennsylvania.
He enlisted before the war on February 2, 1941. During the war he served in Company B, 121st Engineers. Left for overseas duty in October 1942.
On D-Day, June 6, 1944, his unit was attached to the 116th Infantry and participated in the landing on the Dog Green Sector of Omaha Beach. On the beach, Culbertson was hit by a sniper in the chest and was severely wounded. After being evacuated, he was hospitalized for some time before returning to the states in March 1945.
He was discharged on December 15, 1945.
He enlisted before the war on February 2, 1941. During the war he served in Company B, 121st Engineers. Left for overseas duty in October 1942.
On D-Day, June 6, 1944, his unit was attached to the 116th Infantry and participated in the landing on the Dog Green Sector of Omaha Beach. On the beach, Culbertson was hit by a sniper in the chest and was severely wounded. After being evacuated, he was hospitalized for some time before returning to the states in March 1945.
He was discharged on December 15, 1945.
DUDLEY O. HENRY
36th Infantry Division patch
T/Sgt. Dudley O. Henry was born on February 20, 1920 and was from Mosheim, Texas.
He he enlisted in the US Army on November 20, 1940 and served as part of the Texas National Guard. Henry served in Company K, 3rd Battalion, 143rd Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division.
Henry would see heavy fighting in Italy, starting at the Battle of Salerno. During the Battle of Rapido River, T/Sgt. Henry was reported as killed in action on January 24, 1944.
He he enlisted in the US Army on November 20, 1940 and served as part of the Texas National Guard. Henry served in Company K, 3rd Battalion, 143rd Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division.
Henry would see heavy fighting in Italy, starting at the Battle of Salerno. During the Battle of Rapido River, T/Sgt. Henry was reported as killed in action on January 24, 1944.
EDWIN H. COONS
100th Infantry Division patch
Sgt. Edwin H. Coons was born on March 12, 1917 and was from New York.
Coons entered the US Army on December 2, 1942 and during the war served in 3rd Platoon, Company B, 1st Battalion, 399th Infantry Regiment, 100th Infantry Division. First entered combat in the Vosges Mountains. In December 1944, the division went on the offensive in Bitche, France and during the Battle of the Bulge were told to hold their positions there.
In the beginning of January 1945, Operation Nordwind was in full swing and the germans attacked the division at Bitche. The 399th was attacked by the entire 559th Volks-Grenadier Division and parts of the 257th. It was during this action that Coons was reported MIA on January 2. He was in fact taken as a POW and was held at Stalag 5A and Stalag 4B.
He was liberated near the end of the war and later discharged.
Coons' awards would include the CIB, POW MEDAL, BRONZE STAR, PURPLE HEART, EAME MEDAL W/ 2 BRONZE STARS, AMERICAN CAMPAIGN, WWII VICTORY MEDAL.
Coons entered the US Army on December 2, 1942 and during the war served in 3rd Platoon, Company B, 1st Battalion, 399th Infantry Regiment, 100th Infantry Division. First entered combat in the Vosges Mountains. In December 1944, the division went on the offensive in Bitche, France and during the Battle of the Bulge were told to hold their positions there.
In the beginning of January 1945, Operation Nordwind was in full swing and the germans attacked the division at Bitche. The 399th was attacked by the entire 559th Volks-Grenadier Division and parts of the 257th. It was during this action that Coons was reported MIA on January 2. He was in fact taken as a POW and was held at Stalag 5A and Stalag 4B.
He was liberated near the end of the war and later discharged.
Coons' awards would include the CIB, POW MEDAL, BRONZE STAR, PURPLE HEART, EAME MEDAL W/ 2 BRONZE STARS, AMERICAN CAMPAIGN, WWII VICTORY MEDAL.
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JOSEPH J. JASILIONIS
100th Infantry Division patch
Joseph J. Jasilionis was born on December 18, 1925 and was from Cleveland, Ohio.
He entered the US Army on March 16, 1944. After training he was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 399th Infantry Regiment, 100th Infantry Division.
First entered Combat in the Vosges Mountains in November 1944. Later on the offensive In Bitche, France.
Sometime in France he was wounded in action.
The Division then moved into Germany. I am not sure if Jasilionis stayed with his unit or was evacuated, but he survived the war.
He entered the US Army on March 16, 1944. After training he was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 399th Infantry Regiment, 100th Infantry Division.
First entered Combat in the Vosges Mountains in November 1944. Later on the offensive In Bitche, France.
Sometime in France he was wounded in action.
The Division then moved into Germany. I am not sure if Jasilionis stayed with his unit or was evacuated, but he survived the war.
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ALOUIS R. KUBICEK
Alouis R. “Louie” Kubicek was born on August 18, 1916 and was from Columbus, Nebraska. Before the war he worked as a farm hand and at Montgomery Ward.
On November 7, 1941, he was drafted by the US Army. During the war he was assigned to the 33rd Armored Regiment, 3rd Armored Division. He would take part in all 5 of the 3rd Armored Division’s campaigns in Europe, including participation in action in Normandy and during the Battle of the Bulge.
Kubicek was wounded in action on September 15, 1944 on the Siegfried Line, but stayed with his unit.
After the war, he was discharged on January 25, 1946.
On November 7, 1941, he was drafted by the US Army. During the war he was assigned to the 33rd Armored Regiment, 3rd Armored Division. He would take part in all 5 of the 3rd Armored Division’s campaigns in Europe, including participation in action in Normandy and during the Battle of the Bulge.
Kubicek was wounded in action on September 15, 1944 on the Siegfried Line, but stayed with his unit.
After the war, he was discharged on January 25, 1946.
ELMER C. McENDOLLAR
95th Infantry Division patch
T/5 Elmer C. McEndollar was born on February 12, 1912 and was from St. James, Illinois.
He entered the US Army on June 26, 1942.
He was assigned to Company G, 3rd Battalion, 377th Infantry Regiment, 95th Infantry Division.
His unit would enter combat in France in October 1944. T/5 McEndollar would participate in all of their campaigns: Northern France, Rhineland, Central Europe.
McEndollar was discharged on November 19, 1945.
He would receive the Good Conduct Medal, EAME Medal w/ 3 bronze stars, and Combat Infantry Badge.
He entered the US Army on June 26, 1942.
He was assigned to Company G, 3rd Battalion, 377th Infantry Regiment, 95th Infantry Division.
His unit would enter combat in France in October 1944. T/5 McEndollar would participate in all of their campaigns: Northern France, Rhineland, Central Europe.
McEndollar was discharged on November 19, 1945.
He would receive the Good Conduct Medal, EAME Medal w/ 3 bronze stars, and Combat Infantry Badge.
JOSEPH NADEAU
Staff Sergeant Joseph Nadeau was born on October 4, 1921 and was from Johnson City, Tennessee.
He enlisted in the US Army on October 22, 1940. During the war he served in the 6th Cavalry Group as a scout.
His unit landed in France from Utah Beach on July 10, 1944. They wouldn’t go into action until November 1944, attached to the 3rd Army.
On December 2, 1944, Nadeau’s unit, along with Company D, 5th Rangers, assaulted German defenses at L’Hôpital in France. It was during this skirmish that S/Sgt. Nadeau was captured and became a prisoner of war.
Nadeau was held at Stalag 17B for the remainder of the war.
He was discharged from the Army on August 19, 1945.
He enlisted in the US Army on October 22, 1940. During the war he served in the 6th Cavalry Group as a scout.
His unit landed in France from Utah Beach on July 10, 1944. They wouldn’t go into action until November 1944, attached to the 3rd Army.
On December 2, 1944, Nadeau’s unit, along with Company D, 5th Rangers, assaulted German defenses at L’Hôpital in France. It was during this skirmish that S/Sgt. Nadeau was captured and became a prisoner of war.
Nadeau was held at Stalag 17B for the remainder of the war.
He was discharged from the Army on August 19, 1945.
Interesting to note that this dog tag has an updated tetanus date on it. The dog tag tetanus date was originally just "T44" and after his vaccine in 1945, "-45" was added to the same tag.
RAE J. CODONI
28th Infantry Division patch
PFC Rae J. Codoni was born on April 24, 1924 and was from Modesto, California.
He was drafted into the US Army on July 18, 1944. Codoni would train at Camp Roberts before going overseas aboard the Queen Mary, first arriving at Southampton. From there he made it to Le Harve, France and was transferred to the front in the Ardennes.
In January 1945, Codoni was assigned as a replacement in Company F, 2nd Battalion, 110th Infantry Regiment, 28th Infantry Division. During the Battle of the Colmar Pocket in January, he was wounded in action at Le Valtin. He was flown to a hospital in Paris, then England to treat his wounds.
Codoni was able to rejoin his unit during occupation duty. He would depart from overseas in July 1945 and after arriving back he was discharged on November 1, 1945 at Camp Shelby.
During his service he would receive the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, CIB, Good Conduct Medal, EAME Medal w/ 1 bronze star, WWII Victory Medal, and Expert Rifleman Badge.
He was drafted into the US Army on July 18, 1944. Codoni would train at Camp Roberts before going overseas aboard the Queen Mary, first arriving at Southampton. From there he made it to Le Harve, France and was transferred to the front in the Ardennes.
In January 1945, Codoni was assigned as a replacement in Company F, 2nd Battalion, 110th Infantry Regiment, 28th Infantry Division. During the Battle of the Colmar Pocket in January, he was wounded in action at Le Valtin. He was flown to a hospital in Paris, then England to treat his wounds.
Codoni was able to rejoin his unit during occupation duty. He would depart from overseas in July 1945 and after arriving back he was discharged on November 1, 1945 at Camp Shelby.
During his service he would receive the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, CIB, Good Conduct Medal, EAME Medal w/ 1 bronze star, WWII Victory Medal, and Expert Rifleman Badge.
This set has corrosion in the lettering, most likely from salt water from being worn in the South Pacific.
JOHN S. PANEK
41st Infantry Division patch
COL John S. Panek was born on October 18, 1909 and was from Portland, Oregon.
During WWII, Panek would serve in Battery C, 218th Field Artillery Battalion, 41st Infantry Division. See below for Panek's story from Jungleer.com.
"Panek’s Career with 218 Field Artillery
by Dr. Hargis Westerfield, Division Historian with Major John Panek
On 18 March 1944, Captain Panek's forward observation party from C Battery 218 Field Artillery was first assigned to charge into Wakde Beach in an LCVP of A Company 163 Infantry. Probably we would have been in the same LCVP where a coxswain was killed and A's Commanding Officer Lieutenant Rhodes was wounded and put out of action. But suddenly, we OP men discovered that we had our own private amphibious craft an alligator with chauffeur for our war on Wakde.
Since 218 Field Artillery already had difficulty receiving from our "610" radio, Panek conferred with Wire/Sergeant Hewitt about whether we could lay our own underwater cable from Arare Beach to Wakde. Hewitt said that the cable might be practical. We hurried to load a portable switch- board, "130" wire, and wire-laying gear from 218 Field Artillery. Also on board besides Panek were Swails, Bates, Corporal Hale, Sergeants Hanson and Lauzon, and Lieutenant Leigholt. Although Panek was commanding officer of C Battery, he had a special assignment as observer for Colonel Green, 218 Field Artillery Battalion's commanding officer.)
By the time our alligator was loaded and seaborne, 163's 2nd Battalion plus F Company was already ranked and charging for Wakde Beach. Running much slower than the LCVPs, we cruised some distance behind them. We still got the attention of Jap machine gun fire but were not hit.
When we set up our switchboard on Wakde Beach, Panek found that his project of an underwater cable was successful. For three days, this wire was 191 Field Artillery Group's main communication with our fire-base at Toem. (This 191 Field Artillery Group consisted of 218 Field Artillery with 155mm guns, and 167 Field Artillery and Cannon Company 163 with 105s.) And Wakde Force's Commanding Officer Major Wing was happy because he too might use our cable.
But when Panek told Major Wing that we were ready to call fire from our 155s, Wing was extremely cautious. For the night before, our own Field Artillery had shelled E Company guarding our Provisional Groupment on Insoemani Island across from Wakde. Seven men were seriously wounded: two of them would soon die. Luckily, Wing believed, however, that 167 Field Artillery had shelled E Company the night before - not our 218 Field Artillery - and finally consented to use our cannon. (The commanding officer of 191 Field Artillery Group accused inexperienced Cannon 163 of the disastrous shellfire, but a Cannon spokesman denies this accusation.) Panek thus fronted for 167 Field Artillery's Colonel Beach until Wing consented to let 218 Field Artillery fire. Of course, both Battalions then fired! Later that 18 May, when Jap machine guns cut C Company in two when trying to cross Wakde Strip, both 218 Field Artillery and 167 Field Artillery silenced the lap machine guns. All of C Company then crossed the Strip.
Now it was late in the afternoon of 1st Battalions 163's first bloody day on Wakde. Panek heard Wing conferring with another officer about the difficulty of forwarding water and ammo - probably to B Company. (Evidently our expectation of an easy victory on Wakde had caused laxity in planning to supply our men against those stubborn Japs. And the Japs were slipping around B Company's right flank and menacing our beachhead.
Panek then volunteered the services of our alligator to carry ammo or water to the front. He asked only that Wing lend him a machine gun with its crew.
When soldierly Wing granted Panek the machine gun with gunner an loader, Panek put Lieutenant Leigholt as exec with the alligator. With Leigholt were 218 Field Artillery's Swails and Sergeant Gene Hanson. .
We feared that the Japs would gut our open alligator with grenades when we rumbled towards B Company through the brush. Seeing several Nippo riflemen, we were badly scared, but we slew three of them. We were also scared when we crossed the open Strip, but nobody shot at us there. B Company welcomed us with our water cans and ammo. Loading some of B's wounded, we returned safely through that dangerous overgrown coconut plantation.
During the next day or so on Wakde, while the battle still went on, our alligator made more successful supply trips to the front and did not lose even a man wounded. Why did the Japs fail to attack this obvious and easy target? We concluded later that the Japs must have thought our alligator was a heavily armored tank which might readily blow them to pieces, or run over any Japs who tried to escape.
Throughout most of 18 May, 218 Field Artillery's fire on Wakde was continual. Sometimes against those formidable and deep bunkers and pillboxes, all 12 of our 155s would fire a concentration. Sometimes we directed 10 rounds from every gun on a target - a salvo of 120 rounds at a time. And we might keep on firing for effect after all of those 10 rounds of 12 of our guns. Our batteries called for so many more shells that even the cooks were drafted to truck them to our gunners.
That night, Major Wing called for 20 rounds per hour on the Japs' final positions in the corner of northeast Wakde. When knee mortarmen harassed B Company's holes early that night, Wing had us range our guns as close to B's front as we could. Then 30 rounds silenced the Jap mortarmen - whether rounds from 167 Field Artillery, 218 Field Artillery, or Cannon 163 is not known.
At daylight 19 May, Panek awoke from his hole before the alligator. The morning was quiet as he looked out over the terrain. Out front lay a number of dead Nips, and rifles shattered by grenades. As Panek dropped back into his hole for more rest before the hard day ahead, he heard a little "zing" over his head. A bullet hole appeared in the line of fire which would have passed through his brain.
For two days more, Panek's observers were assigned to Wakde. On the morning of 20 May while we stood in the alligator, we saw 6-8 Japs setting fire to poorly guarded Engineer aviation trucks. (Aviation ground forces had landed prematurely on Wakde even during our first fighting on D-Day.)
We field artillery men opened up on the incendiary Japs with our carbines, but could not save the trucks. Despite the long range for our short-barreled little carbines, Panek was sure that he killed an apparent Jap Marine of 91 Naval Garrison Unit. He was probably a Staff Sergeant - 6 feet tall and weighing about 190 pounds. Panek still has his picture. A Sioux Sergeant, formerly a 163 Infantry member, hastily organized his Air Force counter-attack and slew all 54 Jap raiders.
Returning from conquered Wakde on 20 May, Panek was complimented by Battalion Commanding Officer Colonel Green for his good job. Green also said, "John, would you mind going out tomorrow with a forward observation group? I need someone of your caliber." Panek was to take his alligator and crew west across Tor River to cover 158 Infantry's attempt to capture Sarmi Strip. For the Jap 70s of 36 Division were giving 158 plenty of trouble. They would fire 25-30 rounds, then cease. Although our guns' counter-fire would seem to silence the Japs' guns, after 1-2 hours, they would open up again.
Panek decided to scout up the beach in his alligator for closer observation of the Jap guns. Perhaps he would observe from out in Maffin Bay. And so we drove about a mile west across Tor River.
But our alligator became a prime target for the Jap 70s. A first round hit below us - and a second round in front. Round number 3 split the bracket; it exploded under our vehicle.
Packs and supplies around us padded us from serious wounds but for a few trivial cuts in Panek's chest. We piled out of the alligator and took cover from shellfire among the arching aerial roots of tropical trees above us. As we withdrew under jungle protection, Panek glimpsed on his right a Jap bayonet attached to a rifle. And a Jap was also attached to that rifle. Panek seized the rifle from the Jap and killed him.
About a mile back down the beach, safe from the shells, we discussed what to do. We were an observation post without communications. Radio, telephone wire were all back with the alligator - perhaps destroyed, along with our rations and water cans.
Corporal Hale, our machine gun-gunner, said, "I know how to drive. I'll get it back." He planned to work up under jungle cover until abreast of the alligator, then make a dash for its controls, if any were operable.
About an hour later, Hale chugged back in the alligator. Only damage was a 6-inch hole between the tracks. It was now useless on water and obviously a slow target on land. In the rest of the Maffin Bay Operation, we used a jeep to carry our field artillery observers as close as possible to our target.
Panek and his observers spent about three weeks with 158 Infantry. Every 3-4 days, he rotated some men up from his own Battery C. He wanted to help their morale - to have them see the effect of their hard work and gunfire upon the Japs.
Panek never forgot that especially fearsome night of about 26 May. When 158 men dug a night perimeter, our observation post had to be out in front of them to range in our 155s for protection against a Jap night attack. We notified the 158 outfit's commanding officer that we would be before their perimeter, and that we would phone him to alert the men in their holes when we were ready to pass through in the dark. We did not want 158's machine gun to fire a final protective line through our flesh and bone.
Adjusting fire was difficult on this evening. Darkness fell before we had registered our 155s. We tried to phone that 158 commanding officer to ask him to pass through the lines, but we got no reply. Rather than risk trying to pass through those alert pickets with their hands on their grenades in their holes, we dug in on the beach. We spent that weary night between our venomous infantry and the Japs who might crawl in on us with knives in the dark.
Ours was an interesting method of adjusting fire to protect our infantry perimeters. We began by shooting one gun into the sea. From observing the splashes, we could bring in fire parallel to our lines as close as it was safe. Of course we fired just one gun at this time to conserve our store of heavy 155 shells. Then we could turn the guns inland before our perimeter, and then fire a battery volley to be sure that all guns were adjusted right.
Thus we fired on defense. Our offensive fire - especially in counter-battery fire - was much more difficult. For often the Japs sheltered their guns in caves and rolled them out to fire. When we ranged in on them, they wheeled their guns back into the safety of the caves. Finally after our observers located them, a Navy cruiser had to silence them by direct frontal fire from the sea. For final security, 158 Infantry flamed out the caves.
After 218 Field Artillery withdrew west of Tor River, we forwarded one gun every day to range and destroy an important Jap footbridge across a river towards Sarmi. (Name of that river is not remembered.) After demolishing that bridge, the gun was retreated back across the Tor River into our Battalion's main emplacements.
In these shoot-outs, Sergeant Rutherford and Corporal Hicks of C Battery were often gunners with that advanced gun. They needed only 2-3 rounds to smash that bridge. But every night, persistent Japs rebuilt that bridge. This action of blowing apart and rebuilding the bridge went on for 30 days!
For working our guns, T/4 Lloyd "Skip" Willis gained special recognition. He invented a new kind of gas pad to fit in the 155mm gun breach and keep the guns firing more accurately, and at longer ranges. When a gun fired, explosion of gases in the breach would impact the shell to fire harder and farther.
These pads were made of fiber, but with sustained usage, the fibers dried out and let the gases escape harmlessly into the air behind the gun. Then ingenious T/4 Willis got tape from the Medics. He wrapped several layers securely around the used-up pad. He discovered that his "medical" pad worked better than a new pad. For this achievement, Willis was called all the way up to the Battle of Biak to demonstrate this effective new pad. (We believe that "Skip" Willis should have had a bronze star for his originality.)
Such were high points of Captain Panek's war on Wakde Island and at Maffin Bay. At Zamboanga Battle in our Southern Philippine Campaign of 1945, Panek daily made two recon flights over the Jap lines to pinpoint targets for our 155s. Pilots were either Lieutenant Case or Lieutenant Janssen. On our third day at Zambo, about 1745 on 12 March, his pilot had to swoop at dangerously low heights to see into the jungle foliage. A Jap 20mm machine-cannon struck one of the plane's main struts, but Panek continued observing, and calling down fire.
Seeing small fires on the ground and Japs milling around a large hut and many tents - surely a headquarters area - he saturated the area with all of the available 12 guns of 218 Field Artillery. After firing this mission, he attacked a gun position. Fifty Japs ran from it into a nearby rainforest grove. He dropped eight volleys into that grove; they surely caused numerous casualties.
On Wakde and at Maffin Bay and Zamboanga, Panek was a front-line artilleryman. On deadly Wakde, he led a daring alligator crew of field artillery men and infantry to carry water for thirsty infantry. His ground or air observation at Maffin Bay or Zamboanga were risky - and accurate. Panek richly deserved his promotion to the rank of Major by the war's end."
Panek had been awarded the Silver Star Medal for his actions on one of the islands.
During WWII, Panek would serve in Battery C, 218th Field Artillery Battalion, 41st Infantry Division. See below for Panek's story from Jungleer.com.
"Panek’s Career with 218 Field Artillery
by Dr. Hargis Westerfield, Division Historian with Major John Panek
On 18 March 1944, Captain Panek's forward observation party from C Battery 218 Field Artillery was first assigned to charge into Wakde Beach in an LCVP of A Company 163 Infantry. Probably we would have been in the same LCVP where a coxswain was killed and A's Commanding Officer Lieutenant Rhodes was wounded and put out of action. But suddenly, we OP men discovered that we had our own private amphibious craft an alligator with chauffeur for our war on Wakde.
Since 218 Field Artillery already had difficulty receiving from our "610" radio, Panek conferred with Wire/Sergeant Hewitt about whether we could lay our own underwater cable from Arare Beach to Wakde. Hewitt said that the cable might be practical. We hurried to load a portable switch- board, "130" wire, and wire-laying gear from 218 Field Artillery. Also on board besides Panek were Swails, Bates, Corporal Hale, Sergeants Hanson and Lauzon, and Lieutenant Leigholt. Although Panek was commanding officer of C Battery, he had a special assignment as observer for Colonel Green, 218 Field Artillery Battalion's commanding officer.)
By the time our alligator was loaded and seaborne, 163's 2nd Battalion plus F Company was already ranked and charging for Wakde Beach. Running much slower than the LCVPs, we cruised some distance behind them. We still got the attention of Jap machine gun fire but were not hit.
When we set up our switchboard on Wakde Beach, Panek found that his project of an underwater cable was successful. For three days, this wire was 191 Field Artillery Group's main communication with our fire-base at Toem. (This 191 Field Artillery Group consisted of 218 Field Artillery with 155mm guns, and 167 Field Artillery and Cannon Company 163 with 105s.) And Wakde Force's Commanding Officer Major Wing was happy because he too might use our cable.
But when Panek told Major Wing that we were ready to call fire from our 155s, Wing was extremely cautious. For the night before, our own Field Artillery had shelled E Company guarding our Provisional Groupment on Insoemani Island across from Wakde. Seven men were seriously wounded: two of them would soon die. Luckily, Wing believed, however, that 167 Field Artillery had shelled E Company the night before - not our 218 Field Artillery - and finally consented to use our cannon. (The commanding officer of 191 Field Artillery Group accused inexperienced Cannon 163 of the disastrous shellfire, but a Cannon spokesman denies this accusation.) Panek thus fronted for 167 Field Artillery's Colonel Beach until Wing consented to let 218 Field Artillery fire. Of course, both Battalions then fired! Later that 18 May, when Jap machine guns cut C Company in two when trying to cross Wakde Strip, both 218 Field Artillery and 167 Field Artillery silenced the lap machine guns. All of C Company then crossed the Strip.
Now it was late in the afternoon of 1st Battalions 163's first bloody day on Wakde. Panek heard Wing conferring with another officer about the difficulty of forwarding water and ammo - probably to B Company. (Evidently our expectation of an easy victory on Wakde had caused laxity in planning to supply our men against those stubborn Japs. And the Japs were slipping around B Company's right flank and menacing our beachhead.
Panek then volunteered the services of our alligator to carry ammo or water to the front. He asked only that Wing lend him a machine gun with its crew.
When soldierly Wing granted Panek the machine gun with gunner an loader, Panek put Lieutenant Leigholt as exec with the alligator. With Leigholt were 218 Field Artillery's Swails and Sergeant Gene Hanson. .
We feared that the Japs would gut our open alligator with grenades when we rumbled towards B Company through the brush. Seeing several Nippo riflemen, we were badly scared, but we slew three of them. We were also scared when we crossed the open Strip, but nobody shot at us there. B Company welcomed us with our water cans and ammo. Loading some of B's wounded, we returned safely through that dangerous overgrown coconut plantation.
During the next day or so on Wakde, while the battle still went on, our alligator made more successful supply trips to the front and did not lose even a man wounded. Why did the Japs fail to attack this obvious and easy target? We concluded later that the Japs must have thought our alligator was a heavily armored tank which might readily blow them to pieces, or run over any Japs who tried to escape.
Throughout most of 18 May, 218 Field Artillery's fire on Wakde was continual. Sometimes against those formidable and deep bunkers and pillboxes, all 12 of our 155s would fire a concentration. Sometimes we directed 10 rounds from every gun on a target - a salvo of 120 rounds at a time. And we might keep on firing for effect after all of those 10 rounds of 12 of our guns. Our batteries called for so many more shells that even the cooks were drafted to truck them to our gunners.
That night, Major Wing called for 20 rounds per hour on the Japs' final positions in the corner of northeast Wakde. When knee mortarmen harassed B Company's holes early that night, Wing had us range our guns as close to B's front as we could. Then 30 rounds silenced the Jap mortarmen - whether rounds from 167 Field Artillery, 218 Field Artillery, or Cannon 163 is not known.
At daylight 19 May, Panek awoke from his hole before the alligator. The morning was quiet as he looked out over the terrain. Out front lay a number of dead Nips, and rifles shattered by grenades. As Panek dropped back into his hole for more rest before the hard day ahead, he heard a little "zing" over his head. A bullet hole appeared in the line of fire which would have passed through his brain.
For two days more, Panek's observers were assigned to Wakde. On the morning of 20 May while we stood in the alligator, we saw 6-8 Japs setting fire to poorly guarded Engineer aviation trucks. (Aviation ground forces had landed prematurely on Wakde even during our first fighting on D-Day.)
We field artillery men opened up on the incendiary Japs with our carbines, but could not save the trucks. Despite the long range for our short-barreled little carbines, Panek was sure that he killed an apparent Jap Marine of 91 Naval Garrison Unit. He was probably a Staff Sergeant - 6 feet tall and weighing about 190 pounds. Panek still has his picture. A Sioux Sergeant, formerly a 163 Infantry member, hastily organized his Air Force counter-attack and slew all 54 Jap raiders.
Returning from conquered Wakde on 20 May, Panek was complimented by Battalion Commanding Officer Colonel Green for his good job. Green also said, "John, would you mind going out tomorrow with a forward observation group? I need someone of your caliber." Panek was to take his alligator and crew west across Tor River to cover 158 Infantry's attempt to capture Sarmi Strip. For the Jap 70s of 36 Division were giving 158 plenty of trouble. They would fire 25-30 rounds, then cease. Although our guns' counter-fire would seem to silence the Japs' guns, after 1-2 hours, they would open up again.
Panek decided to scout up the beach in his alligator for closer observation of the Jap guns. Perhaps he would observe from out in Maffin Bay. And so we drove about a mile west across Tor River.
But our alligator became a prime target for the Jap 70s. A first round hit below us - and a second round in front. Round number 3 split the bracket; it exploded under our vehicle.
Packs and supplies around us padded us from serious wounds but for a few trivial cuts in Panek's chest. We piled out of the alligator and took cover from shellfire among the arching aerial roots of tropical trees above us. As we withdrew under jungle protection, Panek glimpsed on his right a Jap bayonet attached to a rifle. And a Jap was also attached to that rifle. Panek seized the rifle from the Jap and killed him.
About a mile back down the beach, safe from the shells, we discussed what to do. We were an observation post without communications. Radio, telephone wire were all back with the alligator - perhaps destroyed, along with our rations and water cans.
Corporal Hale, our machine gun-gunner, said, "I know how to drive. I'll get it back." He planned to work up under jungle cover until abreast of the alligator, then make a dash for its controls, if any were operable.
About an hour later, Hale chugged back in the alligator. Only damage was a 6-inch hole between the tracks. It was now useless on water and obviously a slow target on land. In the rest of the Maffin Bay Operation, we used a jeep to carry our field artillery observers as close as possible to our target.
Panek and his observers spent about three weeks with 158 Infantry. Every 3-4 days, he rotated some men up from his own Battery C. He wanted to help their morale - to have them see the effect of their hard work and gunfire upon the Japs.
Panek never forgot that especially fearsome night of about 26 May. When 158 men dug a night perimeter, our observation post had to be out in front of them to range in our 155s for protection against a Jap night attack. We notified the 158 outfit's commanding officer that we would be before their perimeter, and that we would phone him to alert the men in their holes when we were ready to pass through in the dark. We did not want 158's machine gun to fire a final protective line through our flesh and bone.
Adjusting fire was difficult on this evening. Darkness fell before we had registered our 155s. We tried to phone that 158 commanding officer to ask him to pass through the lines, but we got no reply. Rather than risk trying to pass through those alert pickets with their hands on their grenades in their holes, we dug in on the beach. We spent that weary night between our venomous infantry and the Japs who might crawl in on us with knives in the dark.
Ours was an interesting method of adjusting fire to protect our infantry perimeters. We began by shooting one gun into the sea. From observing the splashes, we could bring in fire parallel to our lines as close as it was safe. Of course we fired just one gun at this time to conserve our store of heavy 155 shells. Then we could turn the guns inland before our perimeter, and then fire a battery volley to be sure that all guns were adjusted right.
Thus we fired on defense. Our offensive fire - especially in counter-battery fire - was much more difficult. For often the Japs sheltered their guns in caves and rolled them out to fire. When we ranged in on them, they wheeled their guns back into the safety of the caves. Finally after our observers located them, a Navy cruiser had to silence them by direct frontal fire from the sea. For final security, 158 Infantry flamed out the caves.
After 218 Field Artillery withdrew west of Tor River, we forwarded one gun every day to range and destroy an important Jap footbridge across a river towards Sarmi. (Name of that river is not remembered.) After demolishing that bridge, the gun was retreated back across the Tor River into our Battalion's main emplacements.
In these shoot-outs, Sergeant Rutherford and Corporal Hicks of C Battery were often gunners with that advanced gun. They needed only 2-3 rounds to smash that bridge. But every night, persistent Japs rebuilt that bridge. This action of blowing apart and rebuilding the bridge went on for 30 days!
For working our guns, T/4 Lloyd "Skip" Willis gained special recognition. He invented a new kind of gas pad to fit in the 155mm gun breach and keep the guns firing more accurately, and at longer ranges. When a gun fired, explosion of gases in the breach would impact the shell to fire harder and farther.
These pads were made of fiber, but with sustained usage, the fibers dried out and let the gases escape harmlessly into the air behind the gun. Then ingenious T/4 Willis got tape from the Medics. He wrapped several layers securely around the used-up pad. He discovered that his "medical" pad worked better than a new pad. For this achievement, Willis was called all the way up to the Battle of Biak to demonstrate this effective new pad. (We believe that "Skip" Willis should have had a bronze star for his originality.)
Such were high points of Captain Panek's war on Wakde Island and at Maffin Bay. At Zamboanga Battle in our Southern Philippine Campaign of 1945, Panek daily made two recon flights over the Jap lines to pinpoint targets for our 155s. Pilots were either Lieutenant Case or Lieutenant Janssen. On our third day at Zambo, about 1745 on 12 March, his pilot had to swoop at dangerously low heights to see into the jungle foliage. A Jap 20mm machine-cannon struck one of the plane's main struts, but Panek continued observing, and calling down fire.
Seeing small fires on the ground and Japs milling around a large hut and many tents - surely a headquarters area - he saturated the area with all of the available 12 guns of 218 Field Artillery. After firing this mission, he attacked a gun position. Fifty Japs ran from it into a nearby rainforest grove. He dropped eight volleys into that grove; they surely caused numerous casualties.
On Wakde and at Maffin Bay and Zamboanga, Panek was a front-line artilleryman. On deadly Wakde, he led a daring alligator crew of field artillery men and infantry to carry water for thirsty infantry. His ground or air observation at Maffin Bay or Zamboanga were risky - and accurate. Panek richly deserved his promotion to the rank of Major by the war's end."
Panek had been awarded the Silver Star Medal for his actions on one of the islands.
This is an M-1924 dog tag, issued to servicemen between 1924 and 1940.
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Trottier in 1940
ROBERT W. TROTTIER
29th Infantry Division patch
Captain Robert W. Trottier was born on July 16, 1916 and was from Lowell, Massachusetts. Before the the war he resided in Erie, New York and was married. He had gone to Northeastern University Boston. It appears he enlisted in 1937 and was commissioned sometime before 1941.
Trottier re-enlisted for a second time in June 1942. He was eventually assigned to Headquarters Company, 175th Infantry Regiment, 29th Infantry Division.
Trottier (at the time a 1st Lieutenant) landed on D+1 at Omaha Beach, while the beach was still under shell and machine gun fire. On June 11, he was listed as a non-battle casualty, but returned from the hospital 5 days later. He would participate in all of the divisions campaigns, including Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, and Central Europe.
On August 1, 1944, he was promoted to Captain.
After the war, he stayed in Germany for occupation duty. Unfortunately, on Christmas Day of 1945, he died in a car accident in Frankfurt. He was temporarily buried overseas before being re-buried at home in 1949 with full military honors.
Trottier re-enlisted for a second time in June 1942. He was eventually assigned to Headquarters Company, 175th Infantry Regiment, 29th Infantry Division.
Trottier (at the time a 1st Lieutenant) landed on D+1 at Omaha Beach, while the beach was still under shell and machine gun fire. On June 11, he was listed as a non-battle casualty, but returned from the hospital 5 days later. He would participate in all of the divisions campaigns, including Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, and Central Europe.
On August 1, 1944, he was promoted to Captain.
After the war, he stayed in Germany for occupation duty. Unfortunately, on Christmas Day of 1945, he died in a car accident in Frankfurt. He was temporarily buried overseas before being re-buried at home in 1949 with full military honors.
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ROBERT TAYLOR
3rd Infantry Division patch
Sgt. Robert "Bob" Taylor was born in 1924 and was from Live Oak, California.
Taylor was drafted during his senior year of high school in early 1943. However, was allowed to finish high school before reporting for duty. It was on June 10, 1943, that he officially entered service in the Army.
He would receive basic training at Camp Roberts in California and further training in Colorado and Missouri before going overseas.
Taylor would arrive in France as a replacement machine gunner in Company H, 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division. He would participate in the following campaigns: Southern France, Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace, and Central Europe.
He had been one of the first to visit Hitler's house at Berchtesgaden.
After V-E day, he was transferred to the 385th MP Battalion to serve as an MP. He would stay during occupation duty in Germany until he was sent back to the states in April 1946 and was discharged in May at Camp Beale.
Taylor was drafted during his senior year of high school in early 1943. However, was allowed to finish high school before reporting for duty. It was on June 10, 1943, that he officially entered service in the Army.
He would receive basic training at Camp Roberts in California and further training in Colorado and Missouri before going overseas.
Taylor would arrive in France as a replacement machine gunner in Company H, 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division. He would participate in the following campaigns: Southern France, Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace, and Central Europe.
He had been one of the first to visit Hitler's house at Berchtesgaden.
After V-E day, he was transferred to the 385th MP Battalion to serve as an MP. He would stay during occupation duty in Germany until he was sent back to the states in April 1946 and was discharged in May at Camp Beale.
EDWARD D. LARGENT
10th Mountain Division patch
S/Sgt. Edward D. Largent was born on April 13, 1921 and was from Shelton, Nebraska.
On February 27, 1942, Largent enlisted in the US Army and volunteered for special duty in the 10th Mountain Division.
Largent is listed as one of the early joiners of the division. He would join them after initial training at Fort Lewis, Washington, in July 1942. He would be assigned to Company H, 3rd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 10th Mountain Division.
At Camp Hale, Largent would undergo winter-warfare type training. They were trained in skiing, snow shoeing, snow fighting, trail breaking for toboggans, mountain rescue work, avalanche prevention, rock climbing, mule packing, forest fire fighting, dog-sled operation, and snow-cave building.
After training, Largent and his unit would be sent to Fort Ord, CA, to prepare for the invasion of Kiska. In August 1943, they would find after arriving at Kiska, that the Japanese had abandoned the island.
In January 1944, Largent returned to Camp Hale with his unit. Largent was re-assigned to Company G and would now participate in training maneuvers known as the D-Series. The D-Series required 12,000 men and mules to hike into the mountains that surrounded Camp Hale to participate in military maneuvers from March 24 to May 6, 1944. This would be the divisions toughest training challenge. The recruits and mules faced a raging blizzard, two-and-half feet of snow, and temperatures that plummeted to 25 degrees below zero. This would result in more casualties for the division than in combat. Shortly afterwards, Largent would go on furlough for 14 days.
In June, Largent and his unit went to Camp Swift, Texas for ground training. By December 1944, they were in Virginia awaiting overseas deployment. Largent would board the USS West Point and would arrive in Naples on January 13, 1945.
Largent would participate in all of the division's combat actions in Italy. He would be credited with the North Apennines and Po Valley campaigns.
On August 2, 1945, Largent left Naples aboard the USS Mount Vernon and arrived in Virginia. Largent didn't have enough points to be discharged, so was assigned to Reception Station No. 17 at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. He was discharged soon after.
On February 27, 1942, Largent enlisted in the US Army and volunteered for special duty in the 10th Mountain Division.
Largent is listed as one of the early joiners of the division. He would join them after initial training at Fort Lewis, Washington, in July 1942. He would be assigned to Company H, 3rd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 10th Mountain Division.
At Camp Hale, Largent would undergo winter-warfare type training. They were trained in skiing, snow shoeing, snow fighting, trail breaking for toboggans, mountain rescue work, avalanche prevention, rock climbing, mule packing, forest fire fighting, dog-sled operation, and snow-cave building.
After training, Largent and his unit would be sent to Fort Ord, CA, to prepare for the invasion of Kiska. In August 1943, they would find after arriving at Kiska, that the Japanese had abandoned the island.
In January 1944, Largent returned to Camp Hale with his unit. Largent was re-assigned to Company G and would now participate in training maneuvers known as the D-Series. The D-Series required 12,000 men and mules to hike into the mountains that surrounded Camp Hale to participate in military maneuvers from March 24 to May 6, 1944. This would be the divisions toughest training challenge. The recruits and mules faced a raging blizzard, two-and-half feet of snow, and temperatures that plummeted to 25 degrees below zero. This would result in more casualties for the division than in combat. Shortly afterwards, Largent would go on furlough for 14 days.
In June, Largent and his unit went to Camp Swift, Texas for ground training. By December 1944, they were in Virginia awaiting overseas deployment. Largent would board the USS West Point and would arrive in Naples on January 13, 1945.
Largent would participate in all of the division's combat actions in Italy. He would be credited with the North Apennines and Po Valley campaigns.
On August 2, 1945, Largent left Naples aboard the USS Mount Vernon and arrived in Virginia. Largent didn't have enough points to be discharged, so was assigned to Reception Station No. 17 at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. He was discharged soon after.
GORDON E. GREENLAW
2nd Infantry Division patch
PFC Gordon E. Greenlaw was born on August 7, 1923 and was from Eastport, Maine.
Greenlaw entered the US Army on June 22, 1943 and took basic training at Camp Croft in South Carolina. After initial training he would be assigned to Company I, 3rd Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division.
Greenlaw boarded the Queen Elizabeth in New York and set sail to England. Later trained in Cardiff, Wales in preparation to the invasion of Normandy.
On June 6, 1944, Greenlaw boarded a troop transport and made his way to the coast of France. Greenlaw and his unit anxiously awaited the order to go in. He feared for a buddy of his, Alden "Hoody" Kinney of the 1st Division, who Greenlaw knew was in the first wave of the invasion.
It wouldn't be until the next day of the invasion that they would get the order, so Greenlaw would land on D+1. Greenlaw would describe how his unit initially went ashore with only the weapons they carried on them, with heavy weapons arriving shortly after. He would find out that his buddy, "Hoody," safely made it inland.
Greenlaw would be utilized as a first scout by his unit in Normandy. He would describe the movement through Normandy as slow, saying "progress was measured by hedgerows."
On June 14, just one week after he landed, Greenlaw was hit by a German sniper. An armor piercing bullet would enter through his hip pocket, go through his canteen, and down his leg. His leg would become paralyzed.
He was evacuated to the 135th General Hospital and got the bullet removed. After being hospitalized for several months, he boarded a hospital ship and was brought to Charleston, SC. He was discharged on October 14, 1945.
For his service, Greenlaw would receive the Bronze Star, CIB, Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, EAME Medal w/ bronze star, WWII Victory Medal, and Expert Rifleman Badge.
Greenlaw entered the US Army on June 22, 1943 and took basic training at Camp Croft in South Carolina. After initial training he would be assigned to Company I, 3rd Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division.
Greenlaw boarded the Queen Elizabeth in New York and set sail to England. Later trained in Cardiff, Wales in preparation to the invasion of Normandy.
On June 6, 1944, Greenlaw boarded a troop transport and made his way to the coast of France. Greenlaw and his unit anxiously awaited the order to go in. He feared for a buddy of his, Alden "Hoody" Kinney of the 1st Division, who Greenlaw knew was in the first wave of the invasion.
It wouldn't be until the next day of the invasion that they would get the order, so Greenlaw would land on D+1. Greenlaw would describe how his unit initially went ashore with only the weapons they carried on them, with heavy weapons arriving shortly after. He would find out that his buddy, "Hoody," safely made it inland.
Greenlaw would be utilized as a first scout by his unit in Normandy. He would describe the movement through Normandy as slow, saying "progress was measured by hedgerows."
On June 14, just one week after he landed, Greenlaw was hit by a German sniper. An armor piercing bullet would enter through his hip pocket, go through his canteen, and down his leg. His leg would become paralyzed.
He was evacuated to the 135th General Hospital and got the bullet removed. After being hospitalized for several months, he boarded a hospital ship and was brought to Charleston, SC. He was discharged on October 14, 1945.
For his service, Greenlaw would receive the Bronze Star, CIB, Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, EAME Medal w/ bronze star, WWII Victory Medal, and Expert Rifleman Badge.
HARRINGTON E. WEST
17th Airborne Division patch
PFC Harrington E. West was born on August 18, 1924 and was from Opelousas, Louisiana.
West entered the US Army on March 16, 1943. He would volunteer to become a paratrooper.
After training and qualifying as a paratrooper he was assigned to Company C, 1st Battalion, 513th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 17th Airborne Division.
He would participate in all of his units battles, including the Battle of the Bulge and Operation Varsity.
West was discharged on November 23, 1945.
West entered the US Army on March 16, 1943. He would volunteer to become a paratrooper.
After training and qualifying as a paratrooper he was assigned to Company C, 1st Battalion, 513th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 17th Airborne Division.
He would participate in all of his units battles, including the Battle of the Bulge and Operation Varsity.
West was discharged on November 23, 1945.
ELMER C. BURK
9th Armored Division patch
T/4 Elmer C. Burk was born on February 2, 1918 in Helena, Ohio. He lived in Quincy, Michigan until he entered the service on November 26, 1940 in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
During the war, Burk served in Headquarters Company, 14th Tank Battalion, 9th Armored Division, specialized as a truck driver, heavy. This could mean driving a half-track or a heavy truck. Burk would fight with the 9th Armored Division fought in the Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe.
On September 2, 1945, Burk had gained a total ASR score of 90, so he was able to get shipped stateside, which he did October 4, 1945. He separated from the army after almost five years of service at Ford Sheridan, Illinois on October 29,1945.
During the war, Burk served in Headquarters Company, 14th Tank Battalion, 9th Armored Division, specialized as a truck driver, heavy. This could mean driving a half-track or a heavy truck. Burk would fight with the 9th Armored Division fought in the Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe.
On September 2, 1945, Burk had gained a total ASR score of 90, so he was able to get shipped stateside, which he did October 4, 1945. He separated from the army after almost five years of service at Ford Sheridan, Illinois on October 29,1945.
WALTER B. RAYMAN
9th Armored Division patch
Lt. Walter B. Rayman was born on September 7, 1920 and lived in Asheville, North Carolina.
He served as an officer in WWII with the US Army. He was assigned to infantry and served in Cannon Company, 386th Infantry Regiment, 97th Infantry Division.
Rayman would see action in the ETO late in the war. Departing for overseas in February 1945, they did not see combat until April in the Ruhr pocket.
After hostilities ended in the ETO, Rayman and his unit were sent to the PTO for occupation duty in Japan in August of 1945.
He served as an officer in WWII with the US Army. He was assigned to infantry and served in Cannon Company, 386th Infantry Regiment, 97th Infantry Division.
Rayman would see action in the ETO late in the war. Departing for overseas in February 1945, they did not see combat until April in the Ruhr pocket.
After hostilities ended in the ETO, Rayman and his unit were sent to the PTO for occupation duty in Japan in August of 1945.
RAYMOND R. BARNES
T/4 Raymond R. Barnes was born on March 8, 1919 and was from National City, California.
Barnes enlisted in the Army on October 24, 1940 and would serve in the Coastal Artillery Corps before the war. He would deploy to Hawaii with Headquarters Battery, 251st Coastal Artillery on October 31 of the same year. Barnes would arrive on the 5th of November.
After almost a year in Hawaii, he was sent back to the states, on October 20, 1941. Less than 2 months after he departed, Pearl Harbor was attacked. Shortly after his arrival, he was discharged from the Army on November 4, 1941.
While out of the Army, he was a truck driver for the Hoose Wiles Buscuit Company out of San Diego, CA.
After the war began, Barnes would re-enlist in the Army on February 18, 1942, this time serving in the Medical Corps.
He was assigned to the 118th Evacuation Hospital as an X-Ray Technician. On December 16, 1944, Barnes and his unit departed for overseas duty. They would serve in Europe and treated soldiers in the field. Barnes was credited with the Rhineland campaign battle star.
T/4 Barnes arrived back in the states on August 3, 1945 and was discharged on September 18, 1945 at Fort MacArthur, CA.
Barnes enlisted in the Army on October 24, 1940 and would serve in the Coastal Artillery Corps before the war. He would deploy to Hawaii with Headquarters Battery, 251st Coastal Artillery on October 31 of the same year. Barnes would arrive on the 5th of November.
After almost a year in Hawaii, he was sent back to the states, on October 20, 1941. Less than 2 months after he departed, Pearl Harbor was attacked. Shortly after his arrival, he was discharged from the Army on November 4, 1941.
While out of the Army, he was a truck driver for the Hoose Wiles Buscuit Company out of San Diego, CA.
After the war began, Barnes would re-enlist in the Army on February 18, 1942, this time serving in the Medical Corps.
He was assigned to the 118th Evacuation Hospital as an X-Ray Technician. On December 16, 1944, Barnes and his unit departed for overseas duty. They would serve in Europe and treated soldiers in the field. Barnes was credited with the Rhineland campaign battle star.
T/4 Barnes arrived back in the states on August 3, 1945 and was discharged on September 18, 1945 at Fort MacArthur, CA.
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Dog tag found in army training camp in Arizona.
FREDERICK E. JOHNSON, JR.
104th Infantry Division patch
Sgt. Frederick E. Johnson was born in 1918 and was from Luling, Texas.
He entered the US Army on December 6, 1942. Sgt. Johnson was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 413th Infantry Regiment, 104th Infantry Division.
After training stateside, his unit was deployed to Europe, landing in France on September 7, 1944. They would enter combat during the Battle of Hürtgen Forest.
On November 16, the division went on the offensive during Operation Queen, taking on heavy resistance. The next day, Sgt. Johnson was wounded in action in the hand. He was evacuated to a hospital in England and eventually made his way back to the states. He was discharge soon after.
He entered the US Army on December 6, 1942. Sgt. Johnson was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 413th Infantry Regiment, 104th Infantry Division.
After training stateside, his unit was deployed to Europe, landing in France on September 7, 1944. They would enter combat during the Battle of Hürtgen Forest.
On November 16, the division went on the offensive during Operation Queen, taking on heavy resistance. The next day, Sgt. Johnson was wounded in action in the hand. He was evacuated to a hospital in England and eventually made his way back to the states. He was discharge soon after.
ROBERT S. MUSSER
Lt. Robert S. Musser was born on August 4, 1917 and was from Harrisburg, PA.
Before the war served as an enlisted man in a cavalry unit. Later was in Troop A, 117th Cavalry Recon Squadron and was a Armored Recon Unit Commander. He was credited with the Rome-Arno, Southern France, and Rhineland Campaigns.
He first was deployed overseas in June 1943 and was a replacement in his unit in Italy.
On December 31, 1944, while in France, the M8 Armored Car he was in was struck by a rocket burst, causing him to become unconscious on the battlefield for a few hours and awoke to ringing ears, headaches, soreness in the chest, and paralysis of the left leg and arm.
He spent a fair amount of time being hospitalized and was diagnosed with psychoneurosis (severe anxiety). He was medically discharged upon request because of his health conditions on September 1, 1945.
Before the war served as an enlisted man in a cavalry unit. Later was in Troop A, 117th Cavalry Recon Squadron and was a Armored Recon Unit Commander. He was credited with the Rome-Arno, Southern France, and Rhineland Campaigns.
He first was deployed overseas in June 1943 and was a replacement in his unit in Italy.
On December 31, 1944, while in France, the M8 Armored Car he was in was struck by a rocket burst, causing him to become unconscious on the battlefield for a few hours and awoke to ringing ears, headaches, soreness in the chest, and paralysis of the left leg and arm.
He spent a fair amount of time being hospitalized and was diagnosed with psychoneurosis (severe anxiety). He was medically discharged upon request because of his health conditions on September 1, 1945.
EDWARD L. SPIES
83rd Infantry Division patch
Sgt. Edward L. Spies was born on July 11, 1919 and was from Chebanse, Illinois. He graduated from Chebanse High School in 1937.
Before the war he worked as a grinding machine operator at the David Bradley Manufacturing Company from 1939 to 1942.
Spies would enter the US Army on April 16, 1942. Eventually was assigned to Cannon Company, 331st Infantry Regiment, 83rd Infantry Division. Arriving in the ETO on January 9, 1945, he would become a replacement for this unit that first saw action at Normandy.
Spies would arrive in time to receive credit for the Ardennes campaign. He would serve as a part of an M-3, 105mm howitzer crew. At the front, he was in charge of providing rations to the men.
He would also serve in the Rhineland and Central Europe campaigns. After the war ended, he was sent back to the states in January 1946 and discharged on the 14th at Camp Grant, Illinois.
Before the war he worked as a grinding machine operator at the David Bradley Manufacturing Company from 1939 to 1942.
Spies would enter the US Army on April 16, 1942. Eventually was assigned to Cannon Company, 331st Infantry Regiment, 83rd Infantry Division. Arriving in the ETO on January 9, 1945, he would become a replacement for this unit that first saw action at Normandy.
Spies would arrive in time to receive credit for the Ardennes campaign. He would serve as a part of an M-3, 105mm howitzer crew. At the front, he was in charge of providing rations to the men.
He would also serve in the Rhineland and Central Europe campaigns. After the war ended, he was sent back to the states in January 1946 and discharged on the 14th at Camp Grant, Illinois.
This is a German POW identification tag issued to an unknown American POW at Stalag 12A. The veteran was probably captured sometime in 1944 and was in the US Army.
40th Infantry Division patch
T/5 Donald R. Jones was born on October 10, 1924 and was from Bemidji, Minnesota.
He was graduated from the Bemidji high school in 1942 and attended the State Teachers college there for one year.
He entered the US Army on July 9, 1943 and was assigned to the 655th A.A.A.M.G., Stewart, GA. Jones was transferred to camp Pickett, VA and on October 20, 1944 was sent to the South Pacific and New Britain Island.
T/5 Jones was assigned to Company K, 185th Infantry Regiment, 40th Infantry Division.
Taking part in the invasion of Luzon, he was killed by a gunshot wound to the right wrist, when the troops were taking a hill near Clark's field on February 11, 1945. He was buried at Fort Stotsenburg, Philippines, following a military funeral. Later his body was moved to national cemetery number one at Manila.
In 1949 his remains were brought back to Minnesota and he was buried in Crookston.
He was graduated from the Bemidji high school in 1942 and attended the State Teachers college there for one year.
He entered the US Army on July 9, 1943 and was assigned to the 655th A.A.A.M.G., Stewart, GA. Jones was transferred to camp Pickett, VA and on October 20, 1944 was sent to the South Pacific and New Britain Island.
T/5 Jones was assigned to Company K, 185th Infantry Regiment, 40th Infantry Division.
Taking part in the invasion of Luzon, he was killed by a gunshot wound to the right wrist, when the troops were taking a hill near Clark's field on February 11, 1945. He was buried at Fort Stotsenburg, Philippines, following a military funeral. Later his body was moved to national cemetery number one at Manila.
In 1949 his remains were brought back to Minnesota and he was buried in Crookston.
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Men of the 40th Infantry Division on Luzon, January 1945.
ALLIE A. PLUDE
95th Infantry Division patch
Allie A. Plude was born on May 31, 1922 and was from Des Moines, Iowa.
He entered the US Army on July 14, 1942. After training he was assigned to Company I, 3rd Battalion, 379th Infantry Regiment, 95th Infantry Division.
He departed overseas on August 10, 1944. His unit would enter combat in France in October 1944. Plude would participate in all of their campaigns: Northern France, Rhineland, Central Europe.
He returned to the states in July 1945. Plude was discharged on November 17, 1945.
He entered the US Army on July 14, 1942. After training he was assigned to Company I, 3rd Battalion, 379th Infantry Regiment, 95th Infantry Division.
He departed overseas on August 10, 1944. His unit would enter combat in France in October 1944. Plude would participate in all of their campaigns: Northern France, Rhineland, Central Europe.
He returned to the states in July 1945. Plude was discharged on November 17, 1945.
DAVE B. BOYD
63rd Infantry Division patch
T/5 Dave B. Boyd was born on September 1, 1910 and was from Kew Gardens, New York.
Boyd entered service in the US Army on April 3, 1941. Before the war served in Battery G, 7th Coast Artillery Battalion.
He was later assigned to Company F, 2nd Battalion, 263rd Infantry Regiment, 66th Infantry Division. His unit served in Northern France during the war.
He was honorably discharged from the US Army on November 7, 1945.
Boyd entered service in the US Army on April 3, 1941. Before the war served in Battery G, 7th Coast Artillery Battalion.
He was later assigned to Company F, 2nd Battalion, 263rd Infantry Regiment, 66th Infantry Division. His unit served in Northern France during the war.
He was honorably discharged from the US Army on November 7, 1945.
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EDWARD SAUNDERS
PFC Edward Saunders, Jr. was born on July 23, 1922 and was from Amonate, Virginia.
He entered service likely in 1943. He was eventually assigned to Battery B, 975th Field Artillery Battalion.
Saunders was killed in action in the Vosges on January 11, 1945 by 150mm artillery.
He entered service likely in 1943. He was eventually assigned to Battery B, 975th Field Artillery Battalion.
Saunders was killed in action in the Vosges on January 11, 1945 by 150mm artillery.
Middle initial misspelled.
BRUNO G. BALDUCCI
Bruno G. Balducci was born on January 18, 1918 and was from New Britain, Connecticut.
He entered the US Army on September 3, 1941. During the war he was assigned to Company B, 757th Tank Battalion. His unit fought in the Italian campaign.
Balducci was honorably discharged on October 3, 1945.
He entered the US Army on September 3, 1941. During the war he was assigned to Company B, 757th Tank Battalion. His unit fought in the Italian campaign.
Balducci was honorably discharged on October 3, 1945.
RAYMOND L. REEVES
Raymond L. Reeves was born on April 13, 1921 and was from Crockett, Texas.
Reeves entered service in the US Army on March 21, 1941.
He was assigned to the 77th Field Artillery Regiment and it appears he was a forward observer of some kind based on the photo of him.
His unit participated in the amphibious assault on Licata, Sicily 9 July 1943. Then saw combat on the Italian mainland in Naples, Anzio, and Rome.
On 24 February, 1944, the regiment was broken up with 2nd Battalion becoming the 631st FA Battalion. The 631st FA participated in the amphibious assault on Southern France and saw further action in the Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace and Central European campaigns.
Reeves entered service in the US Army on March 21, 1941.
He was assigned to the 77th Field Artillery Regiment and it appears he was a forward observer of some kind based on the photo of him.
His unit participated in the amphibious assault on Licata, Sicily 9 July 1943. Then saw combat on the Italian mainland in Naples, Anzio, and Rome.
On 24 February, 1944, the regiment was broken up with 2nd Battalion becoming the 631st FA Battalion. The 631st FA participated in the amphibious assault on Southern France and saw further action in the Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace and Central European campaigns.
HARRY HECKER
9th Infantry Division patch
PFC Harry Hecker was born on July 20, 1921 and was from Long Beach, NY.
Before the war worked for the Apex Tool Company in Vridgeport, CT as a machinist.
He entered the US Army on November 20, 1942. After training, he was assigned as an MP, being assigned to the 9th Infantry Division's Military Police Platoon.
Hecker departed overseas on May 27, 1943 and arrived in the ETO on June 2, 1943.
He landed at Utah Beach, Normandy, France, on June 10 (D+4) and would see combat in Normandy. He is also credited with Northern France and Rhineland campaigns. Would serve as a traffic guide, as well as a guard for posts and POW's.
During the Battle of Hurtgen Forest, Hecker was shot in the head after being encountered by an enemy patrol and was captured by the Germans. He was held at Stalag VII/A in Moosburg, Bavaria. Attempted to escape twice, but was recaptured both times.
He survived the war and was honorably discharged on October 14, 1945.
Before the war worked for the Apex Tool Company in Vridgeport, CT as a machinist.
He entered the US Army on November 20, 1942. After training, he was assigned as an MP, being assigned to the 9th Infantry Division's Military Police Platoon.
Hecker departed overseas on May 27, 1943 and arrived in the ETO on June 2, 1943.
He landed at Utah Beach, Normandy, France, on June 10 (D+4) and would see combat in Normandy. He is also credited with Northern France and Rhineland campaigns. Would serve as a traffic guide, as well as a guard for posts and POW's.
During the Battle of Hurtgen Forest, Hecker was shot in the head after being encountered by an enemy patrol and was captured by the Germans. He was held at Stalag VII/A in Moosburg, Bavaria. Attempted to escape twice, but was recaptured both times.
He survived the war and was honorably discharged on October 14, 1945.
Dog tag Smalheiser was wearing when he was killed in action during the Battle of the Bulge.
Smalheiser c.1944
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RAYMOND SMALHEISER
7th Armored Division patch
S/Sgt. Raymond Smalheiser was born in 1918 and was from Hungary. His family came to the United States in 1924. He lived in Peekskill, New York.
Before enterering service, he worked as a tire repairman at Max Tire Service in New York.
Smalheiser was drafted into the US Army on March 13, 1942. After training, he ended up with Company A, 48th Armored Infantry Battalion. Later, he was assigned as an original member to Company A, 38th Armored Infantry Battalion, 7th Armored Division on September 20, 1943. Smalheiser would serve as the supply sergeant in his company.
Boarded the Queen Mary on June 6, 1944 and set sail for England. After arriving in England, his unit was sent to France, landing at Utah Beach between August 13-14, 1944. They went into combat right away.
Smalheiser fought in France and Holland, before moving into Belgium for the Battle of the Bulge. After the start of the German offensive, the division was sent to St. Vith, a strategic area during the Battle of the Bulge. For almost a week, the 7th Armored Division, along with the 9th Armored, 28th Infantry, and 106th Infantry Divisions, held St. Vith from the Germans. Thus giving time for reinforcements to arrive in to stop the German offensive.
During the ferocious fighting that took place at St. Vith, Smalheiser was killed in action on December 21, 1944 in the northeast sector of St. Vith. On that day, the Germans pounded A/38 AIB's sector at 1600 hours. Minutes later German infantry began attacking all along the line and soon after, tanks. Artillery was requested, but not available. The attacks went off and on, each time the 7th Armored beat the attacks away. At one part of the sector, enemy tanks were firing at point blank from 50 yards away.
Enemy tanks made another attack at 1935 hours at A/38 AIB's sector and other parts of the line. They successfully broke through the line in the center part of the lines. German tanks and infantry moved through the lines as the night went on. American forces on the line retreated through St. Vith and set up a new defensive position northeast of Krombach. However, Smalheiser did not make it back with his unit.
American forces withdrew from the St. Vith area 2 days later before they could be surrounded by the Germans.
Sgt. Smalheiser was 1 of 7,000 Jewish GI's KIA in combat during WWII. His body was recovered and after the war he was re-interred in the state in New Jersey.
Before enterering service, he worked as a tire repairman at Max Tire Service in New York.
Smalheiser was drafted into the US Army on March 13, 1942. After training, he ended up with Company A, 48th Armored Infantry Battalion. Later, he was assigned as an original member to Company A, 38th Armored Infantry Battalion, 7th Armored Division on September 20, 1943. Smalheiser would serve as the supply sergeant in his company.
Boarded the Queen Mary on June 6, 1944 and set sail for England. After arriving in England, his unit was sent to France, landing at Utah Beach between August 13-14, 1944. They went into combat right away.
Smalheiser fought in France and Holland, before moving into Belgium for the Battle of the Bulge. After the start of the German offensive, the division was sent to St. Vith, a strategic area during the Battle of the Bulge. For almost a week, the 7th Armored Division, along with the 9th Armored, 28th Infantry, and 106th Infantry Divisions, held St. Vith from the Germans. Thus giving time for reinforcements to arrive in to stop the German offensive.
During the ferocious fighting that took place at St. Vith, Smalheiser was killed in action on December 21, 1944 in the northeast sector of St. Vith. On that day, the Germans pounded A/38 AIB's sector at 1600 hours. Minutes later German infantry began attacking all along the line and soon after, tanks. Artillery was requested, but not available. The attacks went off and on, each time the 7th Armored beat the attacks away. At one part of the sector, enemy tanks were firing at point blank from 50 yards away.
Enemy tanks made another attack at 1935 hours at A/38 AIB's sector and other parts of the line. They successfully broke through the line in the center part of the lines. German tanks and infantry moved through the lines as the night went on. American forces on the line retreated through St. Vith and set up a new defensive position northeast of Krombach. However, Smalheiser did not make it back with his unit.
American forces withdrew from the St. Vith area 2 days later before they could be surrounded by the Germans.
Sgt. Smalheiser was 1 of 7,000 Jewish GI's KIA in combat during WWII. His body was recovered and after the war he was re-interred in the state in New Jersey.
Torkelson before the war
LLOYD T. TORKELSON
106th Infantry Division patch
Private Lloyd T. Torkelson was born on February 25, 1919 and was from St. Paul, Minnesota.
Before the war worked for the Clyde Fish Box Lunch Company.
Entered the US Army in 1943. Assigned to the 81st Combat Engineer Battalion, 106th Infantry Division.
During the Battle of the Bulge, his unit was at/near St. Vith. Torkelson was captured by the Germans on December 21.
He was sent to Stalag 9B and spent the rest of the war as a POW. He survived the war and was discharged.
Before the war worked for the Clyde Fish Box Lunch Company.
Entered the US Army in 1943. Assigned to the 81st Combat Engineer Battalion, 106th Infantry Division.
During the Battle of the Bulge, his unit was at/near St. Vith. Torkelson was captured by the Germans on December 21.
He was sent to Stalag 9B and spent the rest of the war as a POW. He survived the war and was discharged.
THOMAS F. BURNS
10th Mountain Division patch
PFC Thomas F. Burns was born on December 17, 1925 and was from Long Eddy, New York.
He was a graduate of the Delaware Valley Central School, Class of 1942.
On January 27, 1944, Burns entered the US Army and volunteered for special duty in the 10th Mountain Division.
He completed high-altitude and ski training at Camp Hale, CO in June 1944. Went to Camp Swift, TX for ground training.
On August 9, 1944, Burns was assigned to Company I, 3rd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 10th Mountain Division as a rifleman.
By December 1944, they were in Virginia awaiting overseas deployment. Burns would board the USS West Point and would arrive in Naples on January 13, 1945.
Burns would participate in all of the division's combat actions in Italy. He would be credited with the North Apennines and Po Valley campaigns. He was wounded in action on March 6, 1945 near the town of Castel d’Aiano in the Po Valley.
On August 2, 1945, Burns left Naples aboard the USS Mount Vernon and arrived in Virginia.
He was discharged on January 22, 1946.
He was a graduate of the Delaware Valley Central School, Class of 1942.
On January 27, 1944, Burns entered the US Army and volunteered for special duty in the 10th Mountain Division.
He completed high-altitude and ski training at Camp Hale, CO in June 1944. Went to Camp Swift, TX for ground training.
On August 9, 1944, Burns was assigned to Company I, 3rd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 10th Mountain Division as a rifleman.
By December 1944, they were in Virginia awaiting overseas deployment. Burns would board the USS West Point and would arrive in Naples on January 13, 1945.
Burns would participate in all of the division's combat actions in Italy. He would be credited with the North Apennines and Po Valley campaigns. He was wounded in action on March 6, 1945 near the town of Castel d’Aiano in the Po Valley.
On August 2, 1945, Burns left Naples aboard the USS Mount Vernon and arrived in Virginia.
He was discharged on January 22, 1946.
SIDNEY YAVERBAUM
91st Infantry Division patch
T/4 Sidney Yaverbaum was born on January 28, 1923 and was from Brooklyn, New York
He enlisted in the US Army on July 1, 1942. Yaverbaum was assigned to Company H, 3rd Battalion, 362nd Infantry Regiment, 91st Infantry Division during the war.
He did see combat action, most likely during the North Apennines, Po Valley and Rome-Arno campaigns in Italy.
Yaverbaum arrived back in the United States on September 10, 1945 and was discharged on November 9, 1945.
Below is a Luger pistol Yaverbaum brought back from Italy (does not belong to me).
He enlisted in the US Army on July 1, 1942. Yaverbaum was assigned to Company H, 3rd Battalion, 362nd Infantry Regiment, 91st Infantry Division during the war.
He did see combat action, most likely during the North Apennines, Po Valley and Rome-Arno campaigns in Italy.
Yaverbaum arrived back in the United States on September 10, 1945 and was discharged on November 9, 1945.
Below is a Luger pistol Yaverbaum brought back from Italy (does not belong to me).
TONY NUNES
106th Infantry Division patch
Corporal Tony Nunes was born on September 10, 1922 and was from Solano, California.
Nunes was drafted into the US Army on November 17, 1942. He was assigned to the 590th Field Artillery Battalion, 106th Infantry Division.
During the Battle of the Bulge, his unit was at/near St. Vith. Nunes was captured by the Germans on December 21.
As a prisoner of war he was held at Stalag 3D and IX-B.
Nunes was drafted into the US Army on November 17, 1942. He was assigned to the 590th Field Artillery Battalion, 106th Infantry Division.
During the Battle of the Bulge, his unit was at/near St. Vith. Nunes was captured by the Germans on December 21.
As a prisoner of war he was held at Stalag 3D and IX-B.
Lichtenberger's dog tag came attached with another veterans dog tag. I am not sure what the relation is.
Lichtenberger during war (Note the bomb disposal patch on his sleeve).
HAROLD W. LICHTENBERGER
Bomb Disposal patch
T/Sgt. Harold W. Lichtenberger was born on October 1, 1921 and was from Elkhart, Indiana.
He entered service in the US Army on July, 6, 1942.
Lichtenberger trained at the army’s Ordnance Bomb Disposal School at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland and became one of 2,000 men to serve in this elite unit. Their task was to recover and defuse unexploded ordnance.
After training, he was assigned to the 162nd Ordnance Bomb Disposal Squad.
His squad deployed overseas to the ETO and would serve in France, Belgium, and Germany. Lichtenberger would receive the Bronze Star Medal.
Lichtenberger was discharged on November 29, 1945.
He entered service in the US Army on July, 6, 1942.
Lichtenberger trained at the army’s Ordnance Bomb Disposal School at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland and became one of 2,000 men to serve in this elite unit. Their task was to recover and defuse unexploded ordnance.
After training, he was assigned to the 162nd Ordnance Bomb Disposal Squad.
His squad deployed overseas to the ETO and would serve in France, Belgium, and Germany. Lichtenberger would receive the Bronze Star Medal.
Lichtenberger was discharged on November 29, 1945.
FRANK E. DANGELMAIER
8th Armored Division patch
Cpl. Frank E. Dangelmaier, Jr. was born on February 23, 1923 and was from Winnemucca, Nevada.
He entered the US Army on December 28, 1942.
Dangelmaier was assigned to Headquarters Company, 53rd Armored Engineer Battalion, 8th Armored Division.
Departed for overseas duty on November 6, 1944 and landed in France in January 1945.
The division was deployed to the Netherlands in late February/early March 1945. In late March, the 8th crossed the Rhine River and moved into the industrial Ruhr region, where it took part in heavy fighting in the Ruhr Pocket.
Later moved into central Germany before the war ended in the ETO.
After the war Dangelmaier was discharged.
He entered the US Army on December 28, 1942.
Dangelmaier was assigned to Headquarters Company, 53rd Armored Engineer Battalion, 8th Armored Division.
Departed for overseas duty on November 6, 1944 and landed in France in January 1945.
The division was deployed to the Netherlands in late February/early March 1945. In late March, the 8th crossed the Rhine River and moved into the industrial Ruhr region, where it took part in heavy fighting in the Ruhr Pocket.
Later moved into central Germany before the war ended in the ETO.
After the war Dangelmaier was discharged.
Russo's NOK dog tags and POW stalag tag.
WILLIAM RUSSO
PFC William Russo was born on October 23, 1915 and was from Providence, Rhode Island.
Russo entered service in the US Army on June 8, 1942.
He was assigned to Company C, 83rd Chemical Mortar Battalion. Following the invasion of Southern France, on August 28, 1944, his unit was in Briancon, France. They had set up defensive positions in the area at Fort de Trois Tetes. During the night before, the Germans had infiltrated past their lines and attacked at dawn. The company defended the fort until all their rounds were expended and were forced to surrender to the Germans. Some evaded, however, most were captured. Russo was among those captured.
He was first sent to Stalag 7A and later spent time at Stalag 7B.
Russo was discharged on December 13, 1945.
Russo entered service in the US Army on June 8, 1942.
He was assigned to Company C, 83rd Chemical Mortar Battalion. Following the invasion of Southern France, on August 28, 1944, his unit was in Briancon, France. They had set up defensive positions in the area at Fort de Trois Tetes. During the night before, the Germans had infiltrated past their lines and attacked at dawn. The company defended the fort until all their rounds were expended and were forced to surrender to the Germans. Some evaded, however, most were captured. Russo was among those captured.
He was first sent to Stalag 7A and later spent time at Stalag 7B.
Russo was discharged on December 13, 1945.
Though Jewish, Reuben had his dog tags marked "P" for Protestant.
Reuben ca. 1940
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Reuben's brother, Emanuel, ca. 1944
|
REUBEN BRUNNER
PFC Reuben Brunner was born on September 26, 1923 and was from Bay City, Michigan.
Brunner entered service in the US Army on February 16, 1943. He embarked overseas to England after training and was assigned to Company B, 146th Engineer Combat Battalion, 1171st Engineer Combat Group of the 1st Army. The task of this unit was to clear obstacles on the beaches of France during the invasion.
Brunner's brother, Emanuel, was in England as well. He was with the 327th Glider Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (Emanuel was later killed during Operation Market Garden). They would both participate in the D-Day landing.
For the invasion, Brunner was assigned to Support Boat Team D, which was combined with NCDU 128 (Naval Combat Demolition Unit). They boarded LCM-20 in England.
Brunner landed with his gap team at the Easy Green sector of Omaha Beach at H-hour + 3 minutes (0633). On the beach he was hit by shrapnel from artillery.
He recovered from his wounds and served in the ETO for the rest of the war. Departed from overseas on October 26, 1945 and arrived in the states, being discharged 4 days later.
Brunner entered service in the US Army on February 16, 1943. He embarked overseas to England after training and was assigned to Company B, 146th Engineer Combat Battalion, 1171st Engineer Combat Group of the 1st Army. The task of this unit was to clear obstacles on the beaches of France during the invasion.
Brunner's brother, Emanuel, was in England as well. He was with the 327th Glider Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (Emanuel was later killed during Operation Market Garden). They would both participate in the D-Day landing.
For the invasion, Brunner was assigned to Support Boat Team D, which was combined with NCDU 128 (Naval Combat Demolition Unit). They boarded LCM-20 in England.
Brunner landed with his gap team at the Easy Green sector of Omaha Beach at H-hour + 3 minutes (0633). On the beach he was hit by shrapnel from artillery.
He recovered from his wounds and served in the ETO for the rest of the war. Departed from overseas on October 26, 1945 and arrived in the states, being discharged 4 days later.
DONALD C. GRAHAM
Donald C. Graham served in Company B, 1st Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division.
First arrived in North Africa with his unit and staged for Operation Husky. Graham would serve in all of the 504th's campaigns.
At the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944, he was wounded by shrapnel in the fingers. In February 1945, he was wounded by shrapnel in the head.
First arrived in North Africa with his unit and staged for Operation Husky. Graham would serve in all of the 504th's campaigns.
At the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944, he was wounded by shrapnel in the fingers. In February 1945, he was wounded by shrapnel in the head.
JOSEPH D. BARRY
Article written about Barry by the Notre Dame Magazine:
"Soldiers of the 45th Infantry Division dreaded the series of Sicilian peaks that impeded their advance on Axis defenders in July 1943. The mountain range’s nickname — Bloody Ridge — denoted the carnage caused by the young Americans’ attempts to knock their opponents from their perches, even as German bullets and shells cut swaths through their ranks. The dead lay in grotesque forms on the ground. Wounded men cried out for aid. Bloody Ridge was no place for combat veterans, let alone raw recruits, but few would shrink from the job they had to do.
The petrified soldiers of the 45th knew they could count on one man who would be there for them through the peril: their unit chaplain, Father Joseph D. Barry, CSC, who crawled through a dry creek bed during the fighting to reach the injured. He paused over each fallen man, and either heard hurried confessions and gave absolution to the Catholics, or said quick prayers those who weren’t. His actions during the five-day battle so moved the soldiers and Barry’s fellow officers that the Army soon awarded Barry one of its highest honors, the Silver Star.
Serious-minded, sturdy and competitive by nature, Barry ’29 had always compensated for his 5-foot, 3-inch frame with intensity and grit. Born to Irish immigrant parents on October 7, 1902, in Syracuse, New York, Barry had excelled at sports. A key member of his high school baseball nine, Joe Barry the quarterback also led the school’s football team to the city championship.
He matched his devotion to athletics with academic achievements and a desire to help others. In the classroom, he listened to the nuns spin their stories about the summer classes they had taken at Notre Dame and the joys of religious life. Seeking an occupation that privileged the community over individual attainment, he later enrolled at Notre Dame and would spend an additional four years at the Congregation of Holy Cross seminary near the University’s grounds before his ordination in June 1933.
Father Barry expected a future of mission work, parish labors and teaching at Holy Cross schools, but Germany and Japan would soon alter his path. As war once again tossed Europe into chaos in 1939, he concluded that he needed to put himself where others most needed religious guidance and support: the military. Yet joining the Army in April 1941 with the assent of his religious superior meant embracing a quandary, for from that moment on, he became a man of peace in a sphere of violence. He would walk a tightrope between those disparate worlds, all the while trying to maintain his balance. After Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor that December, he became one of the 29 chaplains and six missionaries affiliated with the congregation and the University who would serve American soldiers and civilians during World War II.
Once he completed chaplain school, Barry was attached to the 157th Regiment, a Colorado National Guard unit that was part of the 45th Infantry. The unit saw action in Sicily and at Anzio on the Italian mainland before campaigning into southern France and Germany. Throughout, Barry maintained an extensive correspondence with his superior at Notre Dame, Father Thomas A. Steiner, CSC, and others back home. In every letter, he shared his observations about the fighting, referring to the men he served not as soldiers, but as his “boys” or “lads,” who wanted nothing more than to end the ghastly business and return home.
The priest whose men admiringly called him a “foxhole chaplain” spent part of his time at aid stations removed from the fighting where he could assist the wounded, but he preferred to be where he believed his boys most needed him — at the front lines. He celebrated the Mass, heard confessions and prayed with the frightened and the dying. Once he consoled a new soldier who expressed fears about how he would handle the fighting. If he were to die, and if Barry thought he had conducted himself honorably, would the priest tell his family that he’d carried out his duty? When German fire cut down the youth, Barry rushed to his side, cradled the mortally wounded boy in his arms and whispered into his ear, “Remember how we talked last night. Here it is. And I can say you were a good soldier.”
Chaplains share the life of the men they attend, and Barry succumbed to the same fears and doubts that assailed those soldiers. He shivered in the same cold; he, too, trod wearily along dusty roads. His comforting words to the fatigued men came from a human being staring into the same abyss. “When you are crouched against a thick wall while the air splits and the earth quakes,” he wrote Father Steiner, “there is one and only one thing to do: pray, boys, pray.”
That Christmas, longing to be back home, he typified the spirit of the season by turning down an invitation for Christmas dinner that most soldiers would have given a month’s pay to accept. His commanding officer asked Barry to accompany him to dine with General Mark W. Clark, commander of the United States Fifth Army. Barry politely declined. Instead, on Christmas Eve, in a desolate cave, Father Barry celebrated Mass surrounded by soldiers from the 157th.
Barry enjoyed a pause from combat when the regiment entered Rome the following June and everyone received a 48-hour pass. He smiled when his boys asked whether he would visit Pope Pius XII. “To hear my kids talk, you would think all I had to do was to go up to the front door, knock, and say, ‘Is the Pope in?’” In fact, those hopes materialized when Pius XII addressed Barry and 63 other chaplains. After addressing the group, the Holy Father spent a moment with each chaplain, asking his name and hometown. When he learned Barry was from Notre Dame, he smiled and made reference to his October 1936 visit to campus, when he was still Cardinal Eugenio Pacelli. “It is very beautiful,” the pontiff told the priest. “I was there, you know.”
Barry’s letters became his link to all that was not war — to Notre Dame, to friends, to laughter and civilization. He referred to the peace he found at the Grotto and described the campus as a magnet that drew his thoughts to Notre Dame. He loved reading about Irish football victories and celebrated whenever sportswriters picked them as the No. 1 team in the nation. “That’s the kind of news that keeps my morale up . . . up . . . up for Notre Dame,” he wrote Steiner.
He would need those infusions of spirituality and levity, for in the spring of 1945 he came face to face with ultimate evil. On April 29, the 45th received orders to head to the Dachau concentration camp, where, between 1940 and 1945, at least 28,000 people were slaughtered. Appalling images lay before Barry and his regiment. Soldiers “who last week still wondered why we fought the Germans and their beliefs,” one of the division’s newspaper reporters wrote, “got their answer at the Dachau prison camp, where death claimed victims by the carload and murder was a wholesale sadistic business.”
Barry had read about the gas chambers and preferred to avoid them, but believed that if anyone then in Dachau had a duty to observe the scenes, a chaplain was that person. When the priest arrived at the chambers, he found emaciated bodies everywhere. “The stench was such that you could not stand it long,” he said in an interview 35 years later.
Standing among the bodies of men, women and children, Barry confronted the very core of his convictions about human beings and the God who made them. If he was correct in thinking that man was good, how could such depravity exist? If he was wrong, he would be admitting that the foundations of his religious beliefs were frayed at best, rotting at worst.
War’s end in Europe on May 8, 1945, completed 511 days of combat for Father Barry. “I need not tell you that I am most eager to get back,” he wrote Steiner. “I believe I have seen my share of blood, death, mud, hunger and cold.” Yet years later he would recall his military service as “the happiest years I spent in the priesthood” because he had worked with such courageous men.
Barry returned to the States in September 1945, arriving in Boston in plenty of time to join the football team, fresh from administering a 34-0 thrashing to Dartmouth, for the train ride back to Notre Dame. A relaxing journey ended at South Bend’s station, where University luminaries provided a warm homecoming. “Local Priest Modestly Returns as War Hero,” the South Bend Tribune proclaimed on October 22.
But Barry’s wartime experiences had changed him, and he doubted whether he could ever be the same. “I fear I’m going to be very impatient when I return to the States and hear complaints about domestic troubles, low wages, sore arms and stiff necks,” he had written to his friend, the campus historian Father Arthur Hope, CSC.
After leaving the Army, Barry held a variety of posts at Notre Dame — hall rector, football chaplain, prefect of discipline. In 1963 he left to begin a 19-year stint as chaplain and religion teacher at one of the congregation’s largest high schools, Archbishop Hoban in Akron, Ohio.
The ravages of Dachau had assailed Barry’s conviction in the goodness of man. It took many years, but with the passage of time and the experience of rewarding work among students in an era of peace, the priest rediscovered his optimism.
He died on September 25, 1985, at the age of 82. It is fitting that he rests in the Holy Cross cemetery not far from the Grotto, for it was his beloved Notre Dame that had always motivated him to his highest standards. He may not have saved lives with the weapons of warfare as his boys had done in combat, but he had rekindled hopes and rescued futures with the tools of religion. In his tenure as Army chaplain, laboring alongside young men in the cauldron of battle, Father Joe Barry exemplified those principles that adorn the eastern door of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart: “God, Country, Notre Dame.”"
https://magazine.nd.edu/news/onward-christian-soldier/
More about Father Barry...
https://books.google.com/books?id=vJhWDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT424&lpg=PT424&dq=%22joseph+d.+barry%22+chaplain&source=bl&ots=V5qKx6jwvt&sig=CsV0zAKgcsc5TFtYV8s4qPhrdKU&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjy9-G8_ffeAhUFG6wKHagYAegQ6AEwCnoECAUQAQ#v=onepage&q=barry&f=false
"Soldiers of the 45th Infantry Division dreaded the series of Sicilian peaks that impeded their advance on Axis defenders in July 1943. The mountain range’s nickname — Bloody Ridge — denoted the carnage caused by the young Americans’ attempts to knock their opponents from their perches, even as German bullets and shells cut swaths through their ranks. The dead lay in grotesque forms on the ground. Wounded men cried out for aid. Bloody Ridge was no place for combat veterans, let alone raw recruits, but few would shrink from the job they had to do.
The petrified soldiers of the 45th knew they could count on one man who would be there for them through the peril: their unit chaplain, Father Joseph D. Barry, CSC, who crawled through a dry creek bed during the fighting to reach the injured. He paused over each fallen man, and either heard hurried confessions and gave absolution to the Catholics, or said quick prayers those who weren’t. His actions during the five-day battle so moved the soldiers and Barry’s fellow officers that the Army soon awarded Barry one of its highest honors, the Silver Star.
Serious-minded, sturdy and competitive by nature, Barry ’29 had always compensated for his 5-foot, 3-inch frame with intensity and grit. Born to Irish immigrant parents on October 7, 1902, in Syracuse, New York, Barry had excelled at sports. A key member of his high school baseball nine, Joe Barry the quarterback also led the school’s football team to the city championship.
He matched his devotion to athletics with academic achievements and a desire to help others. In the classroom, he listened to the nuns spin their stories about the summer classes they had taken at Notre Dame and the joys of religious life. Seeking an occupation that privileged the community over individual attainment, he later enrolled at Notre Dame and would spend an additional four years at the Congregation of Holy Cross seminary near the University’s grounds before his ordination in June 1933.
Father Barry expected a future of mission work, parish labors and teaching at Holy Cross schools, but Germany and Japan would soon alter his path. As war once again tossed Europe into chaos in 1939, he concluded that he needed to put himself where others most needed religious guidance and support: the military. Yet joining the Army in April 1941 with the assent of his religious superior meant embracing a quandary, for from that moment on, he became a man of peace in a sphere of violence. He would walk a tightrope between those disparate worlds, all the while trying to maintain his balance. After Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor that December, he became one of the 29 chaplains and six missionaries affiliated with the congregation and the University who would serve American soldiers and civilians during World War II.
Once he completed chaplain school, Barry was attached to the 157th Regiment, a Colorado National Guard unit that was part of the 45th Infantry. The unit saw action in Sicily and at Anzio on the Italian mainland before campaigning into southern France and Germany. Throughout, Barry maintained an extensive correspondence with his superior at Notre Dame, Father Thomas A. Steiner, CSC, and others back home. In every letter, he shared his observations about the fighting, referring to the men he served not as soldiers, but as his “boys” or “lads,” who wanted nothing more than to end the ghastly business and return home.
The priest whose men admiringly called him a “foxhole chaplain” spent part of his time at aid stations removed from the fighting where he could assist the wounded, but he preferred to be where he believed his boys most needed him — at the front lines. He celebrated the Mass, heard confessions and prayed with the frightened and the dying. Once he consoled a new soldier who expressed fears about how he would handle the fighting. If he were to die, and if Barry thought he had conducted himself honorably, would the priest tell his family that he’d carried out his duty? When German fire cut down the youth, Barry rushed to his side, cradled the mortally wounded boy in his arms and whispered into his ear, “Remember how we talked last night. Here it is. And I can say you were a good soldier.”
Chaplains share the life of the men they attend, and Barry succumbed to the same fears and doubts that assailed those soldiers. He shivered in the same cold; he, too, trod wearily along dusty roads. His comforting words to the fatigued men came from a human being staring into the same abyss. “When you are crouched against a thick wall while the air splits and the earth quakes,” he wrote Father Steiner, “there is one and only one thing to do: pray, boys, pray.”
That Christmas, longing to be back home, he typified the spirit of the season by turning down an invitation for Christmas dinner that most soldiers would have given a month’s pay to accept. His commanding officer asked Barry to accompany him to dine with General Mark W. Clark, commander of the United States Fifth Army. Barry politely declined. Instead, on Christmas Eve, in a desolate cave, Father Barry celebrated Mass surrounded by soldiers from the 157th.
Barry enjoyed a pause from combat when the regiment entered Rome the following June and everyone received a 48-hour pass. He smiled when his boys asked whether he would visit Pope Pius XII. “To hear my kids talk, you would think all I had to do was to go up to the front door, knock, and say, ‘Is the Pope in?’” In fact, those hopes materialized when Pius XII addressed Barry and 63 other chaplains. After addressing the group, the Holy Father spent a moment with each chaplain, asking his name and hometown. When he learned Barry was from Notre Dame, he smiled and made reference to his October 1936 visit to campus, when he was still Cardinal Eugenio Pacelli. “It is very beautiful,” the pontiff told the priest. “I was there, you know.”
Barry’s letters became his link to all that was not war — to Notre Dame, to friends, to laughter and civilization. He referred to the peace he found at the Grotto and described the campus as a magnet that drew his thoughts to Notre Dame. He loved reading about Irish football victories and celebrated whenever sportswriters picked them as the No. 1 team in the nation. “That’s the kind of news that keeps my morale up . . . up . . . up for Notre Dame,” he wrote Steiner.
He would need those infusions of spirituality and levity, for in the spring of 1945 he came face to face with ultimate evil. On April 29, the 45th received orders to head to the Dachau concentration camp, where, between 1940 and 1945, at least 28,000 people were slaughtered. Appalling images lay before Barry and his regiment. Soldiers “who last week still wondered why we fought the Germans and their beliefs,” one of the division’s newspaper reporters wrote, “got their answer at the Dachau prison camp, where death claimed victims by the carload and murder was a wholesale sadistic business.”
Barry had read about the gas chambers and preferred to avoid them, but believed that if anyone then in Dachau had a duty to observe the scenes, a chaplain was that person. When the priest arrived at the chambers, he found emaciated bodies everywhere. “The stench was such that you could not stand it long,” he said in an interview 35 years later.
Standing among the bodies of men, women and children, Barry confronted the very core of his convictions about human beings and the God who made them. If he was correct in thinking that man was good, how could such depravity exist? If he was wrong, he would be admitting that the foundations of his religious beliefs were frayed at best, rotting at worst.
War’s end in Europe on May 8, 1945, completed 511 days of combat for Father Barry. “I need not tell you that I am most eager to get back,” he wrote Steiner. “I believe I have seen my share of blood, death, mud, hunger and cold.” Yet years later he would recall his military service as “the happiest years I spent in the priesthood” because he had worked with such courageous men.
Barry returned to the States in September 1945, arriving in Boston in plenty of time to join the football team, fresh from administering a 34-0 thrashing to Dartmouth, for the train ride back to Notre Dame. A relaxing journey ended at South Bend’s station, where University luminaries provided a warm homecoming. “Local Priest Modestly Returns as War Hero,” the South Bend Tribune proclaimed on October 22.
But Barry’s wartime experiences had changed him, and he doubted whether he could ever be the same. “I fear I’m going to be very impatient when I return to the States and hear complaints about domestic troubles, low wages, sore arms and stiff necks,” he had written to his friend, the campus historian Father Arthur Hope, CSC.
After leaving the Army, Barry held a variety of posts at Notre Dame — hall rector, football chaplain, prefect of discipline. In 1963 he left to begin a 19-year stint as chaplain and religion teacher at one of the congregation’s largest high schools, Archbishop Hoban in Akron, Ohio.
The ravages of Dachau had assailed Barry’s conviction in the goodness of man. It took many years, but with the passage of time and the experience of rewarding work among students in an era of peace, the priest rediscovered his optimism.
He died on September 25, 1985, at the age of 82. It is fitting that he rests in the Holy Cross cemetery not far from the Grotto, for it was his beloved Notre Dame that had always motivated him to his highest standards. He may not have saved lives with the weapons of warfare as his boys had done in combat, but he had rekindled hopes and rescued futures with the tools of religion. In his tenure as Army chaplain, laboring alongside young men in the cauldron of battle, Father Joe Barry exemplified those principles that adorn the eastern door of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart: “God, Country, Notre Dame.”"
https://magazine.nd.edu/news/onward-christian-soldier/
More about Father Barry...
https://books.google.com/books?id=vJhWDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT424&lpg=PT424&dq=%22joseph+d.+barry%22+chaplain&source=bl&ots=V5qKx6jwvt&sig=CsV0zAKgcsc5TFtYV8s4qPhrdKU&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjy9-G8_ffeAhUFG6wKHagYAegQ6AEwCnoECAUQAQ#v=onepage&q=barry&f=false
