Hello veterans and friends of the 75th Division !
In the last newsline from14. October 1999, I reported:
Robert (Rob) Smith, G-289,
was killed in an auto accident shortly before the 75th Div Reunion
in Texas. He leaves his devoted wife Ruby at
6000 E. Banner Ln,
Invernessin, FL 32652
USA
I am happy to tell you, that this person is not our newsline-member Rob Smith, also from Florida.
He has send me a message this morning, please read below !
Sorry for the wrong information, happy to have you with us Rob !
---------------
From: rmsmith1924@webtv.net (Robert M Smith)
Date: Fri, 15 Oct 1999 03:39:08 -0400 (EDT)
Re: 75th Inf Div newsline no. 40 (14 Oct. 1999)-RE: Robert Smith
Rolf,
The report of the untimely death of ROBERT SMITH ( G - 289 ) of Invernessin,
Florida in an automobile accident has confused some of my 75th Division
friends. The fact that our names are identical and that we both reside
in Florida has contributed to the confusuion. I am ROBERT M. SMITH
who served in the 290th Regimental Antitank Company and reside in Sarasota,
Florida. I am the person who uses the signature, "GREETINGS FROM
ROB AT FLORIDA-USA" in my e-mail correspondence.
I personally did not know the deceased but extend my condolencs to his family in this tragic event.
Rolf, thank you for your concern and your kind words about me.
Sincerely, Rob Smith.
GREETINGS FROM ROB AT FLORIDA - U.S.A.
-------------------------------------
Date: Fri, 15 Oct 1999 13:34:46 +0200
From: MK-Wirtschaftsdienst GmbH <MKW-Detective@t-online.de>
To: Robert M Smith <rmsmith1924@webtv.net>
Re: 75th Inf Div newsline no. 40 (14 Oct. 1999)-RE: Robert Smith
X-Priority: 1 (Highest)
Dear Rob,
this is the best message that I recieved. I am very happy to read that
you are alive and I am sorry that I published a wrong information.
I will send a newsline to all explaining my wrong information and your
message below.
I was sitting together with my wife last night and we talked about you,
how you helped all the members that needed infos and you had tips for everyone.
I explained to her how difficult it is for me as a german to express myself
in a situation like this. I was thinking about to dedicate the next newsline
to you. I am happy that now I dont have to do it.
It was my fault that I didnt ask if the info was correct (I have read
it in the latest issue of the Bulge Busters) because I thougt that nobody
would read my email to you the next days.
Rob, its good to have you with us.
Greetings from Germany
Rolf G. Wilmink and family
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FYI: This newsline might contain messages not in chronological order
or messages, that I have already sent. Don´t shoot me, it was 3 A.M.
when I had this newsline ready.
*Keep five yards.
(*Means spread out so one round won't get us all.)
Rolf G. Wilmink
„German by birth, american by heart, P.I. by profession„.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
For your calendar:
75th Div reunion year 2000: Peoria, Ill.
75th Div reunion year 2001: Denver, Col.
(more infos as soon as we have them or contact the 75th Div Vets. Assn.
President Parker, see adress below).
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
List of contents:
1.) Feedback regarding newsline No. 40 ( 14 October 1999
)
2.) email Adresses needed:
3.) Daddy´s girl
4.) RE: Can You Help - I am yooperpat@aol.com
5.) Chance Dannen & 75th Reunion
6.) Members
7.) 75th ID Band photos
8.) 807 Tank Destroyer Bn
9.) 174th
10.) VBOR
11.) The Eisenhower Center at The University of New Orleans
12.) US Constitution Ratification Day
13.) Nijmegen ceremony
14.) Can you help an old WAC ?
15.) p.o.w.
16.) Re: Pearl of a book on 75th and Other Divisions
17.) Who knew Philip R. Mongeau, 575th Signal Corps ?
18.) The truth is out there...
19.) Silver Star
20.) International Liberation Museum 1944-1945
21.) Re: Battle of The Bulge
22.) REMEMBERING SOLDIERS IN PEACETIME
23.) Medal Of Honor
24.) On the lighter side
\\|//
(o o)
----------------oOOo-(_)-oOOo------------------------------75th DIVISION
online
**********************************************************************************
DON'T BE A LURKER.... GET INVOLVED... YOU ARE A MEMBER... MAKE THE
MOST OF IT
**********************************************************************************
(actual count: 189 members online worldwide
!)
1.) Feedback regarding our newsline No. 40 ( 14 October 1999):
From: goyatd@webtv.net (john koumon)
Date: Fri, 15 Oct 1999 09:10:32 -0400 (EDT)
Re: 75th Inf Div newsline no. 40 (14 Oct. 1999)
Buddies,
I am sorry to hear about the passing
of Rob Smith. It is a loss to all of us who fought. Each combat veteran
is a warehouse of information and yet we are seldom asked. Thanks to websites
like yours history can be told through the eyes of the lonely front line
soldier.
You have a fantastic website.
John Koumon
807 Tank Destroyer Bn.
Co B , 2 nd Platoon
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: "D. Cooper" <dcooper19@simplecom.net>
Date: Fri, 15 Oct 1999 02:14:59 -0500
Gosh, you can never tell what will come up on the net that connects us.
Your last news letter had two articles that hit home.
The first may answer a question that has been in my mind for several
years. "What larger unit was the 117th FA a part?" My grandfather, John
Beal Hardin, was a Corporal in C Battery, 117th Field Artillery during
World War One. Through James West's site on the 31st Division, I found
out that it is likely that the 117th FA was a part of 31st (Dixie) Division
during W.W.I.
Further down your newsletter, I found an article sent to you by Dan
Fisher about MSG James D. Jett's letter to the relatives of one of his
buddies killed in action during World War Two.
James Jett is a cousin of my ex-wife. So I am sending a copy of the
article to my daughter and one to James' brother, Joe. It is unlikely that
they would ever see a Glens Falls, NY newspaper article about James and
his buddy without yours and Dan's help.
Dan has been very kind and helpful in offering suggestions to help
us launch the web site for the 275th Armored Field Artillery Battalion,
my pop's W.W.II unit.
Thanks for your work on the newsletter, another service that you are
offering to folks, who you don't even know. (And a special thanks again,
Dan, for your kind help.)
Dan Stewart, ISG
USARNG (Ret)
Web Master, 275th Armored Field Artillery Battalion Association
http://members.xoom.com/31stInfDiv
31st DIXIE Division
----------------------------------------
From: "D. Cooper" <dcooper19@simplecom.net>
To: <jimwest@shelbynet.net>
CC: "MK-Wirtschaftsdienst GmbH" <mkw-detective@t-online.de>
RE: 117 Field Artillery Bn - WWI?
Date: Fri, 15 Oct 1999 00:50:26 -0500
I came across your site on the 31st Division by way of your message
to the 75th Division Newsletter.
Since we live in "The Heart of Dixie" and some of the Alabama National
Guard Units still wear the DD patch, I was interested.
Going over the units that comprised the Dixie Division, I see that
the 117th FA was part of the division artillery.
My grandfather served in Battery C of the 117th FA, a 75MM howitzer
unit during World War One. Was the 117th FA also in the Dixie Division
during W.W.I? If so, I could attempt to scan some of the photos that Granddaddy
sent home. if you would be interested.
I don't believe any of the photos are from France. I seem to recall
that they were taken during training in Georgia. Prior to their departure
to France.
Dan Stewart
Tuscaloosa, AL
Web Master, 275th AFA Bn Site
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: "Tim Roop" <doggreen@beachin.net>
Re: 75th Inf Div newsline no. 40 (14 Oct. 1999)
Date: Fri, 15 Oct 1999 00:35:02 -0400
Rolf,
When I was in Normandy in June. "I had the pleasure to finally meet,
Mr. Sidney Salomon". The Movie "Saving Private Ryan" was based on the area
of Omaha-Beach that his company and 2 others landed D-Day morning. Please
see attached site:
www.phillyburbs.com/intelligencerrecord/dday/dday1.shtml
Tim
www.ww2dday.com
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: "Campbell, Phillip" <pecampbe@bechtel.com>
RE: 75th Inf Div newsline no. 40 (14 Oct. 1999)
Date: Fri, 15 Oct 1999 06:48:13 -0500
Just wanted to let you and all the veterans of the 75th that I was quite impressed with the reunion. I went with my Dad (289th-C) Robert E. Campbell. We had a wonderful time, I especially liked listening to the stories and Shoney's buffet! It was nice to meet all of those brave soldiers.
Phillip E. Campbell
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: "Louise F. Perkins" <bodacious1@foothill.net>
Date: Thu, 14 Oct 1999 15:53:44 -0700
I am slowly getting back into trying to get the rest of my pictures
scanned. Unfortunately, both my wife and I came down with pneumonia after
our return from the Houston reunion.
I still have about 30 pictures to be sent that I will get to
as time allows. I also have about 25 0r 30 photos from the reunion.
Regards
Reg.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: "James E Dillman" <Jdill26@hitter.net>
Date: Fri, 15 Oct 1999 14:52:21 -0400
Hi, Rolf,
You didn't give a source citation for Tammy Dominski's essay.
It was very moving. She should be congratulated and her story should
be circulated (with permission). It would fit very nicely in Jim
Dowd's E Company newsletter, THE EAGLE.
Thanks for printing it.
Jim Dillman, Co E, 291st Inf.
***************************************************************************
2.) email Adresses needed:
The newsline lost email contact to:
Neil Wyllie, 75th Inf Div 291st Div HQ Btry (regarding Franklin Hickenlooper)
The following address(es) failed: 550 unknown user <nwyllie@wasatchits.net>
Max Payne, 75th Inf Div (regarding James Ralph Johnson)
550 5.1.1 unknown or illegal alias: mpayne@ellijay.com
Major Kraus, 75th Inf Div (Exercise) Houston, TX
KRAUSP@usarc-emh2.army.mil; The recipient name is not recognized
Does somebody have their new adress ?
Tx, Rolf
**********************************************************************************
3.) Daddy´s girl
From: Mavsnv@aol.com
Date: Tue, 13 Jul 1999 12:14:33 EDT
Dear Sir: Thank you for adding me to the list of The Sons and
Daughters of Veterans of The 75th Infantry Division to receive the
newsletter. I referred to myself as a "Daddy's Girl" . My Father
,as I said ,died on May 26th 1990 but, he instilled a sense of pride and
dignity regarding "The 75th" that I will always cherish. His name
was PFC Charles L. Stevens. My mom thinks one of his nicknames was "Benny".
As I said he was in the Battle of the Bulge.
Thanks again. Daddy's Girl.
When I sent this, I realize I did not say my name. It is Shelley.
Thanks for asking.
**********************************************************************************
4.) RE: Can You Help - I am yooperpat@aol.com
From: Yooperpat@aol.com
Date: Thu, 29 Jul 1999 18:19:06 EDT
Looking for a Mr. Axel (J)? Anderson - reported missing in '44 early 45 at Battle of the Bulge - all we know is that he was in a Mortar Squad. His wallet was sent to his brother, along with a note that the remains were "buried in a cemetery -- somewhere in France." What other information could I provide you to help to find out (for my neighbor -- if his ONLY brother is in fact there)?last part of the Ruhr Pocket.......
Or, can you give me a web site to browse through, as I am not very familiar with the computer.
Harry Anderson was in the 20th Armored Division Battery C of the 413th Armored Field Artillery in World War II. Don't know EXACTLY how to find that, either. This is our next door neighbor (Harry). - he recently lost his wife. He'd like to talk about the war - but has no one to do it with. Maybe I can do it for him through the net
Please respond
Thank you
----------------------------
Date: Fri, 30 Jul 1999 22:13:59 EDT
Re: Can You Help - I am yooperpat@aol.com
received 32 pages of information. thank you so much for your IMMEDIATE
response - what a surprise! Don't know how to check the internet
for that association "The Field Dispatch" Tried; but nothing came
up. Like I said, I'm quite new to computerland. I will give
the pages to Harry (my neighbor in the morning). He asked me yesterday
if I could "find" a picture of the tank he used in the War. He said
the weapon was an M7 artillery vehicle tank with open top 105 gun plus
150 caliber machine gun. Can you give me a site to check for that?
I also have photos of Harry and his brother Axel (in uniform).
Anyway to get them on the web/net? or any other ideas?
Thanks so much for your prompt help! Kindly be patient with me, as it's difficult for me to "get around in the computer when you're so new at it" Harry, however, LOVED reading the information I WAS able to print from the computer.
Thanks again.
**********************************************************************************
5.) Chance Dannen & 75th Reunion
From: "Louise F. Perkins" <bodacious1@foothill.net>
Date: Sun, 5 Sep 1999 20:42:50 -0700
Dear Rolf,
Just returned from the reunion. Unfortunately
I purged my files some time ago, it was bulging. Although I did find an
E-mail address last used on February 14, 99 which still be good.
MRHAPPy@aol.com
Had a great time in Houston , only two men were there from my original
company in the division. Didn't know it for 3 days, they were from another
platoon in the company. Many of the officers and men from the
present 75th Division (Exercise) at the headquarters in Houston were available
the headquarters and at the banquet dinner You would have enjoyed it
I am sure
Regards
Reg
++ Moderator´s note: ++
We had a member of this newsline with the name Chance Dannen. Now we
have found photos of a 75th soldier with the name Dannen, but we cannot
reach Chance anymore. Does anybody maybe has his new email adress ?
Thanks, Rolf
**********************************************************************************
6.) Members
From: Alsugal@aol.com
Date: Fri, 10 Sep 1999 16:52:22 EDT
I find listed the members from PA. Are lists of members from other states available and how can I find them?.
I have a copy of the 75th Div Pictorial History of 1944. It is a pity that the individuals were not listed since I have difficulty recognizing myself in the photo. But it has been 55 years ago.
Al Sugalski
ALSUGAL@AOL.com
++ moderators note: ++
If you get in contact with the 75th Inf Div veterans association and
become a member, you can buy a roster of the members from them.
++ ++
**********************************************************************************
7.) 75th ID Band photos
From: "Joseph Karr" <167thsig@email.msn.com>
Date: Sat, 11 Sep 1999 21:24:39 -0400
Dear Rolf,
I examined the photos, that I took at Stalag 6a near Hemer, with a 10X loupe and the few band members standing next to the speakers platform appear to be a few American soldiers and a few Russian soldiers with instruments. I do not believe this was an official 75th Infantry Division Band. If anyone is still interested, I can scan the photos and send them copies . I don't think that scanned copies and sent as Jpeg via email would show enough detail to any satisfaction.
I will wait to hear from any interested parties.
Greetings from Rochester Hills, Michigan
Joe
**********************************************************************************
8.) 807 Tank Destroyer Bn
From: goyatd@webtv.net (john koumon)
Date: Sat, 11 Sep 1999 22:44:32 -0400 (EDT)
Gentlemen,
We just started our web
site and would like to put you in our links. We were attached to your outfit
near the end of the war. I saw the 75th mentioned in our records. Our URL
is:
geocties.com/pentagon/barracks/8929/
Check out our site and let us know.
John Koumon
Co. B 807 TD Bn.
**********************************************************************************
9.) 174th
From: Klargo1@aol.com
Date: Sun, 12 Sep 1999 11:16:08 EDT
Does anyone have any information on the 174th combat engineers. I am trying to find out where they served and information about my Uncle Raymond Hipkins who served with them. Thanks
Craig Hipkins
**********************************************************************************
10.) VBOR
From: "Edward_Trost" <egtro@email.msn.com>
Date: Mon, 13 Sep 1999 08:53:54 -0400
Thank you for including me on your mailing list. My father was proud
of his time in the 75th, though he never talked much about it.
Below I have a site for you to review. I am a disabled veteran myself
and fight the VA for years. This idea of bill of rigths seems timely.
I wrote the articles and met a Active Duty ARMY CSM who designed
this site and operates it. Our goal is reform of the Benifits Administration.
I realize a lot of WWII vets have healthcare needs and this Bill is not
inclusive of those as we didnot want to let the BVA focus on healthcare
and overlook the other problems.
A lot of groups already fight for healthcare.....but we need benifits
reform.
If you approve of this idea please pass it on to anyone you feel might
support us. If you want to link us to your site please contact Roger Stadley....he
is the CSM.....thank you for your time.....Please send any comments about
the Bill of Rights....I would enjoy hearing your perspective.
Edward Trost
WWW.VBOR.ORG
Two hundred and twenty-three years ago, our nation stood up her colors in defense of human freedoms.
From that time, over forty-one million men and women have answered the call of freedom. Our nation’s servicemen and women and those who supported them deserve our respect and our commitment in honor of their sacrifices. To this end we dedicate this effort to preserving the benefits of our fellow veterans and their deserving families.
Be it known, that these men and women have joined together to create
the Veterans Bill Of Rights, so in that our past, present and future warriors
are not forgotten by the United States of America, the Veterans Benefits
Administration or her people.
For they have defended our rights with their lives, futures and fortunes.
Veterans and your families, the following are ten draft articles,
please review them and make your comments as appropriate. If you think
that the intent of the Article is sound and would vote for it as they did
in the Continental Congress, then cast your vote.
We would ask you to sign in at the Guest Book, so that we can with
creditability approach our national leaders with our submission.
Addresses may be shared with legislators but will not be given or sold
to any third parties.
**********************************************************************************
11.) The Eisenhower Center at The University of New Orleans
From: "jpuckbird" <jpuckbird@email.msn.com>
Re: A Small Favor
Date: Mon, 13 Sep 1999 20:37:48 -0500
Rob,
Great to have you back, hope you had a real good time - I'm sure you did! Thanks for talking to McConnely, I appreciate it. Everyone told me that he has a phenominal memory! Gosh, how time flies...I can't believe the reunion has come and gone.
I received a call at work today from The Eisenhower Center at The University of New Orleans, as you may know, they are the "repository" for Stephen E. Ambrose' veteran remembrances. I had written them several months ago in regards to information about the 75th Division and they responded by stating that they had no information on the 75th. Well, today the researcher (sorry, can't recall her name) called me to tell me that she received a lengthy email in the form of a newsletter. Long story but it turns out that it is Rolf's 75th "Newsline." I asked if Rolf was sending it to them and she said no. Evidently, their center has a researcher in Holland right now and he somehow came across the Newsline and forwarded it to the University...small world. Anyway, I thought it was very kind of her to remember my letter and to contact me.
I hope you don't if I take the liberty of forwarding this email to Rolf, he may find it interesting and be able to shed some light on this - How bout' it Rolf?
Take care and thanks for the info Rob,
Jay
Again, thanks Rob.
Best,
Jay
----- Original Message -----
From: Robert M Smith <rmsmith1924@webtv.net>
To: jpuckbird <jpuckbird@email.msn.com>
Cc: <rmsmith1924@webtv.net>
Sent: Monday, September 13, 1999 11:00 AM
Subject: Re: A Small Favor
> Jay, Hi---Got home from Houston in the wee hours of the a.m. Flight did not leave TX until almost 10.pm and then lost an hour flying east. Feel kind of numb right now, but it was worth it. Spoke to McConnely Byrd. Real nice guy. His best recollection is that your Dad was in 3RD PLATOON---1ST SQUAD of F290. Hope this helps. Only a few guys from F290 attending. Spoke with Blincoe and Rojko also.. Nothing new to report on this subject. Also saw, Gil N., Al Rox and Paul Ellis among others. Al Rox going on line fairly soon. Gil still dragging his heels about going on line , he still likes keeping ATT rich.
Talk to you later..... Best, Rob
GREETINGS FROM ROB AT FLORIDA - U.S.A.
------------------------------------------------------------------
From: "Jan Bos" <circle82@wishmail.net>
Re: A Small Favor
Date: Tue, 14 Sep 1999 21:03:16 +0200
Dear Rolf,
Ich habe dass gemacht, I have forwarded the newsletter to The Eisenhower
Center, sorry had to ask you first,
Jan Bos
-----Oorspronkelijk bericht-----
Van: MK-Wirtschaftsdienst GmbH
<mkw-detective@t-online.de>
Aan: jpuckbird <jpuckbird@email.msn.com>
CC: Robert M Smith <rmsmith1924@webtv.net>;
Gerrie Franken <gerriefranken.ww11@worldonline.nl>; Jan Bos
<circle82@wishmail.net>
Datum: dinsdag 14 september 1999
16:04
Onderwerp: Re: A Small Favor
Hi Guys !
thanks for the email. I checked my email adress book of the 75th ID
and found two persons in Holland. One is Jan Bos of a museum in Groesbeek,
Holland, the other one Gerrie Franken of the Liberation museum in
Holland. Maybe one of them has forwarded the newsline. You find their adress
in the header. I can send the newsline directly to the Eisenhower Center,
they just have to give me the adress.
The Eisenhower Center is interesting for me. As you might know, Eisenhower was travelling around in our area to visit the troops, and there are photos existing from Olpe, where he had lunch with some top brass.
Here the description of motion footage in the National Archives:
General Eisenhower visits 86th Inf Div
D-57439 Attendorn, Germany, 13 April 1945 (LIB 5520, film no.: ADC
4015) VS, recon party of the 86th Inf Div, 343rd Regt in jeeps and M-8
armored light cars prepare to leave area. VS, Five-star Gen. Dwight D.
Eisenhower and members of the 18th AB group visit 86th Div Hq. CU, General
five-star insignia on jeep. LSs, MSs, CUs, large number of German prisoners
recently captured in Ruhr Valley pocket are assembled in village. CU, German
officers smoking and relaxing.
GENERAL EISENHOWER VISITS 99TH DIV Fretter (correct: D-57413 Finnentrop-Fretter)
Germany, 13 April 1945
(LIB 5424, film no.: ADC 4015)
MSs, Cus, jeep bearing 5-star Gen Dwight D Eisenhower and 4-star Gen
Omar N Bradley puls up to camera. MSs, Cus, Gen Eisenhower, Supreme Allied
Commander, Gen Bradley, 12th Army Group commander; Lt. Gen Courtney H Hodges,
FUSA Commander; Maj Gen James A Van Fleet, III Corps Commander, and Maj
Gen Walter E. Lauer, 99th Inf Div.greeting each other outside of Div bldg.
CU Gen Eisenhower leaves bldg and enters jeep. CU, Gen Einsenhower seated
in Jeep, waves to enlisted men as he departs.
I also found this, because we were talking about the 75th Div band:
VICTORY PARADE (D-57076 Siegen, Germany) (9 May 1945) (B-1208, film
no.: ADC 4426)
VS, 75th Div band, halftracks and other vehicles of the 440th AAA Bn,
parading thru streets.
Note: We have found the cameraman of this footage, T-4 Raymond Witham
Daum, (Ser. Number 19164678) 167th Signal Corps, Combat Unit 126, in USA!
Also from them same unit, we found the photographer Cpl. Joseph D. Karr
and the son of the cameraman Donald E. Hunt ! Daum has this film listed
under the library number 1208. We have a complete list of his films with
title, LIB No. and date, but not which military units are filmed.
(Important ! Please note that Mr. Daum named our town Plettenberg in
a drawing wrongly as Lettenburg, so please look for this name during research.
)
There is the rumour, that during his tour at the front, Eisenhower came through my hometown Plettenberg, which is close to the above mentioned places, and spoke to somebody here for about 30 minutes. We could not find out who this was, but it would be very interesting for our city history ! Does the Eisenhower Center has some info,maybe out of his diary or adress book ?
Greetings and tot ziens
Rolf
-------------------
Rolf,
The web address for The Eisenhower Center for American Studies at The
University of New Orleans is:
http://www.uno.edu/~eice and the web address for The Eisenhower Center
and Library in Abilene, Kansas is:
http://history.cc.ukans.edu/heritage/abilene/ikectr.html You
might write to them and see if they would be interested in receiving the
Newsline, I tend to think that EC in New Orleans might be as they sound
like they are very active in their WWII research.
Thanks for your prompt reply, I hope all is well with you and yours.
Jay
Sehr geerhter Rolf,
hier ist die E-mail addresse von The Eisenhower Center for American
History: cymru43ad@aol.com
Jan Bos
**********************************************************************************
12.) US Constitution Ratification Day
Date: Fri, 17 Sep 1999 09:19:25 +0800
From: melee <melee@ms16.hinet.net>
Hello to one and all,
Today's date in history, September 17th, is probably the most important one anyone should be able to name. It marks the creation of a country, the United States of America. For good or bad, depending upon where you live and ethnic background, the creation of said country has had more effect on more people, than any other.
Despite the global effect this country has on the world, whether one considers the US as "good" or "evil", most people can't even tell you when it was created. If you ask most people, their first answer will be July 4th, 1776. The sad fact is that this is not true. At that point in time, thirteen separate entities, each with its own laws and currency, were created.
September 17th, is the true day to celebrate. It was on this date, in 1787, that my country was created. I am doubly proud to celebrate my birth on the same date, 178 years later. So, in closing, a Happy US Contitution Day to everyone.
Sincerely,
Lee Errin "The Fool" "The Shack" "Melee" Shackelford (there exist a
plethera of nicknames by which I am known--these are the more polite)
**********************************************************************************
13.) Nijmegen ceremony
From: "Jan Bos" <circle82@wishmail.net>
Date: Wed, 22 Sep 1999 17:33:42 +0200
Dear friends,
the 55th anniversary of operation Market Garden came and went, there
were no landings of American paratroopers as was in 1984, 1989 and 1994.Maybe
in September 2004 (??). There were many British veterans of the Market
Garden Assn. There were also a couple of American veterans:
John and Bette Hoye - 316th Troop Carrier Group
Donald Evans and Joe ... 2nd Armored Division
Harry Dunlop - 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division
Dutch Nagel - 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment
an unknown trooper of the 508th Parachute Infantry Division.
On 16 September I picked up John and Bette, Don and Joe and took them
to our house for coffee and pie. I showed them my computerroom or better
to say my hobbyroom with all my books, binders, etc of my collection and
then drove them around in the Nijmegen area, went to Arnhem to see "the
Bridge too far", went to the dropzone where John's group dropped the 505th
Parachute Infantry and General James M. Gavin, commanding officer 82nd
Airborne Division, on that sunny Sunday 17 September 1944 and went to the
Liberation Museum 1944.
The official part of the ceremony at Nijmegen was on 16 September 1999.
There were stands near the Waal riverbridge, the British veterans came
marching in, shoulders right, straight and their chest full of medals.
There were speaches and wreath laying, the national anthems (of all the
countries that took part in the battle around Nijmegen) were played. The
Brist marched off again. Harry Dunlop presented flowers at the monument
and saluted. We were met my the American military attache in The Hague,
Colonel Hammack who introduced himself, talked to us and who went to the
American Ambassador, Mrs Schneider. Both came to us and we shaked hands
with the Ambassador. It was a nice ceremony. There were also 10 paratroopers
of the 82nd Airborne Division from Ft Bragg, North Carolina, including
a Color Guard. Four British
Guards of the Nijmegen Company from London were also present.
The were old vehicles on the waterfront of the Waal River on the 18th
and 19th, a Lancaster and a A-20 bomber came over on those days. On the
19th was a ceremony at Overasselt near the 504th monument. Both Harry and
Dutch presented flowers to the monument. John and Bette, Don and Joe were
already back in Belgium where they had other apppointments. Several helicopters
from the Dutch Army came over and three of them landed in the fields behind
the monuments. The local kids could take a look.
Jan Bos
**********************************************************************************
14.) Can you help an old WAC ?
Date: Fri, 24 Sep 1999 15:37:17 -0400
From: JHT <jimthompson@mediaone.net>
Sir, I am new to the computer and I wonder if you might be able to point
a still kicking WWII WAC in the right direction? I served from 1945-47
in various hospitals as a surgical technician. Mainly, I was at Thayer
General Hospital in Nashvile and a hospital, the name of which escapes
me, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. I am wondering if there is a resource I can
access which will provide the names/addresses of my old comrades. Any help
you can provide would be appreciated.
Thank you,
Mary "Young" Thompson
**********************************************************************************
15.) p.o.w.
Date: Fri, 24 Sep 1999 22:10:52 -0700
From: Bob Pennington <lakacy@intermediatn.net>
I am trying to find out any information on my Father who was a P.O.W.
in Germany in 1940. He passed away in 1992 and I would be grateful for
any help I could get. His name was Ernest Kenneth Pennington and was in
the army. He was held for 18 months. He was in the infantry. Any leads
you could give me would be greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Robert Pennington
**********************************************************************************
16.) Re: Pearl of a book on 75th and Other Divisions
From: "greg underwood" <gregcolmar@hotmail.com>
Date: Wed, 29 Sep 1999 19:02:45 PDT
Dear Rolf, I've been looking for that Pictorial History of the 75th
Infantry Division, but cannot find it at several college libraries. My
father, Stephen A. Underwood, Jr. was hit by mortarfire and sustained 3
fatal wounds at Selestat, France, while with the 36th infantry division.
These towns are like waystations and lots of folks pass through them.
I of course have a lot of info on Selestat from the 103d infantry division
and 36th, but would love to see the photos of The Alsace Plain, Schlettstadt,
The Colmar Pocket, Ribeauville etc., and I'll send you what I have. Surprisingly
very few snapshots of these towns exist as far as I know. Also, I found
the 93d Evac Hospital which served Dad when he got hit. He was taken to
93d at Bischweiler then to the hospital in Mirecourt, France. The 93d Evac
website has real MASH photos of Bischweiler. The 21st General at Mirecourt
was bombed by the Luftwaffe and strafed at the end of Dec 44. All of this
and the fight for the Colmar Pocket as regards the German 106th Panzer
Brigade can be viewed on the 36th infantry division website discussion
area called "forum." If I could work out some sort of trade I'd sure appreciate
it!
Thanks, Greg Underwood at GregColmar@hotmail.com
**********************************************************************************
17.) Who knew Philip R. Mongeau, 575th Signal Corps ?
From: "Sam Mongeau" <sam@vantageone.com>
Date: Mon, 4 Oct 1999 13:06:14 -0700
My father, Philip R. Mongeau, was in the 575th Signal Corps. He died
in 1961, and I was far too young to have had any meaningful conversations
with him about the war, or much else.
I have been reading much about the Bulge recently, and I have been
frustrated with lack of solid information about the 75th's role. My mother
told me that he worked with many types of communication equipment and that
was responsible for deciphering coded messages.
Thanks for the terrific web site.
Sam Mongeau
Vantage One Communications Group
3131 E. Camelback Rd, Ste 200
Phoenix, AZ 85016
602.606.5988
602.549.4258 (mobile)
http://www.vantageone.com
sam@vantageone.com
**********************************************************************************
18.) The truth is out there...
From: "Tim Roop" <doggreen@beachin.net>
Date: Mon, 4 Oct 1999 19:43:11 -0400
To all that have recieved this message. "I've written to Mr. Sidney Salomon several times about the action he saw that morning, near "The Gambier House,WN73, "Later known as: The Fortified House. I was finally able to meet him in person, for the first time, at the Ranger's Homecoming party at the town of Grandcamp,Normandy of 4 june 1999. He and his fellow rangers took on a mission, that could have been called: Mission Impossible. I have great admiration for everyone that took part in the "Liberation of France", and to my 3 uncles that landed over to Sidney's left, on Omaha Beach.
Tim Roop
www.ww2dday.com
-----Original Message-----
From: Glenn Booker <glenn.booker@net.ntl.com>
To: Tim Roop <doggreen@chef.beachin.net>
Date: Monday, October 04, 1999 8:14 AM
Subject: The truth is out there...
http://www.phillyburbs.com/intelligencerrecord/dday/dday1.shtml
Glenn
**********************************************************************************
19.) Silver Star
From: TJONESm@aol.com
Date: Thu, 7 Oct 1999 19:58:26 EDT
Dear Sir,
I have an additional name for your Silver Star list on the 75th web
page:
CPT Robert L. Martin, commander, company B, 289th Infantry awarded
the Silver Star. Thank you.
CPT Michael L Martin
Ft Bragg, NC
**********************************************************************************
20.) International Liberation Museum 1944-1945
From: "Jan Bos" <circle82@wishmail.net>
Date: Fri, 8 Oct 1999 16:12:09 +0200
Dear friends,
To-day received words that the Liberation Museum 1944 at Groesbeek
starts it expansion soon. An architect made some sketches and the "green
light"for the expansion was given. Funds for this expension - estimated
costs some $ 1,000,000 dollars - came from individuals, companies, local
-, county - and nationals authorities, also companies spend money on the
project. The board of the museum hopes that it all will be ready in May
2000.
This year there were some 22,000 visitors and next we hope to receive
some 45,000 visitors in our museum. The museum still wants a C-47 on display
- do not know how far the negociations are on this moment.
A new name will be given to the museum from to-day on: The National
Liberation Museum 1944-1945.
will keep you informed on the progress of our museum.
your Dutch correspondent:
Jan Bos
**********************************************************************************
21.) Re: Battle of The Bulge
From: "Jeff Collier" <jscusmc69@hotmail.com>
Date: Wed, 13 Oct 1999 12:36:01 EDT
----Original Message Follows----
From: "Edward_Trost" <egtro@email.msn.com>
To: "JSC" <jscusmc69@hotmail.com>
Subject: Re: Battle of The Bulge
Date: Wed, 13 Oct 1999 11:22:12 -0400
Go to this link and write this address this is an organization is all
about Bulge vets....MK-Wirtschaftsdienst GmbH
E-mail Address(es):
mkw-detective@t-online.de
My father also was in the bulge......infantry, 75th division
Edward Trost
----- Original Message -----
From: JSC <jscusmc69@hotmail.com>
Newsgroups: soc.veterans
Sent: Wednesday, October 13, 1999 10:37 AM
Subject: Battle of The Bulge
Request for information....12 December1944 to 20 December 1944. Unit...707th
Tank Battalion attached to the 28th inf Division
Location....Near or around the towns of St.Vith,Clervaux,Fishbach,
Luxembourg.
Purpose...Information about my Father and the men in his Tank Plt and
the firefight during which he was wounded and his crew killed. His
capture by units of the 5th Panzer and the German Doctors that treated
him (saving his life). And his release to the units of Pattons Army (with
the German Med team) as the remainder of the 5th Panzer retreated.
> This information is for the VA and my mother.
> Reply..jscusmc69@hotmail.com
> Thanks.
> Jeff Collier
> 2ndLt USMC(VietNam 65-69)
**********************************************************************************
22.) REMEMBERING SOLDIERS IN PEACETIME
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
SUMMARY: A story sent to us by one of our readers. Our hearts and prayers
go out to First Sergeant Turnbull's family. "COMPANY!":"P-R-E-S-E-N-T.ARMS!"."ORDER
ARMS!"
***********************************************
This is moving, interesting article written by the brother of the 1SGT
that died here at Hohenfels last month. It appeared in the Chicago Tribune
on Sunday, the 19th of Sept.
Chicago Tribune Sept. 19, 1999
Remembering Soldiers In Peacetime
By Jim Turnbull
DETROIT-My brother, Bruce Turnbull, recently died in Germany. Bruce was a 1st sergeant in the United States Army. Bruce is survived by his wife and his 11-year-old son, our mother, another brother and a gaggle of nephews and their wives.
We flew to Germany for the funeral. The next day the family filled up three station wagons and we were driven to the training base near Nuremberg. Led by a military police vehicle, we slowly moved through the streets of the base. Each time we passed a group of soldiers, they snapped to attention and saluted. Conversation in the vehicles slowed, then it stopped altogether.
We moved around a great sweeping curve and the parade ground stretched before us. Six hundred twenty men and women of the United States Army stood, at solemn attention, in immaculate uniforms, as far as the eye could see. This was not our world. This was the holy world of 1st Sgt. Bruce Turnbull, 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, United States Army. And the soldiers had come to say farewell to their own.
Bruce looked like a poster for today's Army. He was 6 foot 1, tan and about 180 pounds. We all loved him. He was easy to love. He had a sense of humor that seemed to make him irresistible to young people. Bruce got the youngest soldiers, he got the hard cases, the lonely kids and the lost souls who, seemingly, didn't have anywhere else to go. They went to Bruce.
There wasn't a Christmas or a Thanksgiving we'd call, wherever he was stationed, when there wasn't some new, gawky-as-a-chicken, 2nd lieutenant from West Point or Virginia Military Institute or Texas Christian University or the Big Ten, as part of the gathering around the table.
For one week in Germany, we were honored by seeing the inside workings of the finest and most feared fighting force that this world has seen, the best guarantee of peace the world has.
We are not at war right now and soldiers, unless they are in your family, are not particularly high on the interest level. But they are out there -- in the tens of thousands. We know when they fight in major engagements, but sometimes they fight in nasty little skirmishes that the world doesn't hear about. And sometimes they die.
When soldiers die, the United States Army honors its dead. We didn't know that a few weeks ago. On the parade ground in Germany, the details of 1st Sgt. Turnbull's military life were read out by his commanding officers and his fellow sergeants. Mute testimony to his service was provided by his highly polished combat boots, his down-facing rifle with bayonet mounted, his dog tags on the trigger guard, his black beret on The butt of the rifle.
There was the final roll call-four companies singing out that they were present and accounted for. The 5th company was my brother's. His name was shouted three times. There was no answer. There was a 21-gun salute. Then the awesome finality of taps. First Sgt. Turnbull's decorations were given to his wife and to his mother. There were many. Wife and mother were each given United States flags, which had been draped over Bruce's coffin.
There was more, much more. There was insurance for his widow, education
for his child, moving expenses and a list of benefits that only the family
and the Army will ever know. My brother was a soldier. He was a superb
soldier, and he had the recognition of his men and his officers and his
government to prove it. But even if he had not been a superb soldier, he
was a soldier of the United Stated Army. I suddenly want you to know, with
all the passion of a country preacher, that our military forces take care
of our country, and our country takes care of its fighting men and women.
**********************************************************************************
23.) Medal Of Honor
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
KELLY, THOMAS J.
Rank and organization: Cpl, USA, Med. Det., 48th Armored Inf. Bn., 7th
Armored Division.
Place and date: Alemert, Germany, 5 April 1945.
Entered service: Brooklyn, N.Y.
Birth: Brooklyn, N.Y., G.O. No.: 97
1 November 1945. Citation:
He was an aid man with the 1st Platoon of Company C during an attack on the town of Alemert, Germany. The platoon, committed in a flanking maneuver, had advanced down a small, open valley overlooked by wooded slopes hiding enemy machineguns and tanks, when the attack was stopped by murderous fire that inflicted heavy casualties in the American ranks. Ordered to withdraw, Cpl. Kelly reached safety with uninjured remnants of the unit, but, on realizing the extent of casualties suffered by the platoon, voluntarily retraced his steps and began evacuating his comrades under direct machinegun fire. He was forced to crawl, dragging the injured behind him for most of the 300 yards separating the exposed area from a place of comparative safety. Two other volunteers who attempted to negotiate the hazardous route with him were mortally wounded, but he kept on with his "Herculean" task after dressing their wounds and carrying them to friendly hands. In all, he made 10 separate trips through the brutal fire, each time bringing out a man from the death trap. Seven more casualties who were able to crawl by themselves he guided and encouraged in escaping from the hail of fire. After he had completed his heroic, self-imposed task and was near collapse from fatigue, he refused to leave his platoon until the attack had been resumed and the objective taken. Cpl. Kelly's gallantry and intrepidity in the face of seemingly certain death saved the lives of many of his fellow soldiers and was an example of bravery under fire.
++ moderators note++
There is no town with that name in Germany.
++ ++
**********************************************************************************
24.) On the lighter side:
How many do you remember ?
1. Blackjack chewing gum
2. Wax Coke-shaped bottles with colored sugar water
3. Candy cigarettes
4. Soda pop machines that dispensed bottles
5. Coffee shops with tableside jukeboxes
6. Home milk delivery in glass bottles with cardboard stoppers
7. Party lines
8. Newsreels before the movie
9. P. F. Flyers
10. Butch wax
11. Telephone numbers with a word prefix (Olive -6933)
12. Peashooters
13. Howdy Doody
14. 45 RPM records
15. S&H Green Stamps
16. Hi-fi's
17. Metal ice trays with levers
18. Mimeograph paper
19. Blue flashbulbs
20. Beanie and Cecil
21. Roller skate keys
22. Cork popguns
23. Drive-ins
24. Studebakers
25. Wash tub wringers
If you remembered 0-5 = You're still young
If you remembered 6-10 = You are getting older
If you remembered 11-15 = Don't tell your age
If you remembered 16-25 = You're older than dirt!Just like me.
***************************************************************************
And in the next newsline...............
........your feedback to this newsline !!!!
Greetings from Germany
Rolf G. Wilmink
75th Inf Div WWII Veterans Association Unofficial homepage
www.mknet.de/75th
**************************************************************************
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Association, please contact the president of the Association:
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1104 Tanner Rd.
Plant City, FL 33756
USA
Phone: 1-813-752-6988
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The 75th Div List Owners may remove a list member for
violation of the following rules. The list owner may also reject any posts
that are/contain:
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or WWII in the ETO.
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reposted or forwarded to any non-list member without expressed written
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(The 75th Div newsletter „Bulgebusters„, secretary Jim
Warmouth, hereby has the permission to print everything out of our newsletter,
as long as we as the source are mentioned with e-mail and internet-adress)
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++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
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