Independence Day Edition
Hello veterans and friends of the 75th Division !
I have again a big bag full of new informations and contacts. Please
see if you can help our new readers.
If you don´t find your message here … I have to put it in the
next mailbag.
PLEASE: Be very careful on this 4th of July…I don´t want to see
bad news over CNN (constantly running in my office)
*Keep five yards. (For you guys in Afghanistan: keep ten 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„
PLEASE UPDATE YOUR BOOKMARKS, OUR WEBSITES ARE:
75th Division: www.plbg.de/75th
86th Division: www.plbg.de/86th
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
For your calendar:
2002 Reunion -- Myrtle Beach, South Carolina was voted, to be held at the Wyndham Resort-- September 15--18, 2002.
Saturday, September 14th: free Day
Sunday, September 15th: Registration, wine and cheese reception and
hospitality room 5 pm
Monday, September 16th: registration, Tours, Hospitality room
Tuesday, September 17th: registration, Tours, Hospitality room, NEC
meeting, Dinner
Wednesday, September 18th: General Assembly – men and Ladies 10 am
– noon
ASTP & Cadets 1 pm – 2 pm
Memorial Service 2 pm – 4 pm
Dinner and Dance 6 pm – on
Thursday, September 19th: Breakfast Buffet: Time is to be announced
Contact:
Wyndham Hotel – Myrtle Beach Resort Reunion
10000 Beach Club Drive
Myrtle Beach, SC, 29572
Phone: 843-449-5000
Fax: 843-449-3216
Cut off date for reservations is Aug. 24, 2002
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
List of contents:
1.) Feedback regarding our newsline
2.) 75th dad Guestbook entry
3.) IN GOD WE TRUST?
4.) Do you agree ?
5.) 75th Division, 291st Infantry
6.) VETERANS
7.) THE 75TH INFANTRY CO. C (MY DAD...HELMER H. POE
8.) Francis Paul (Hank) Brady, E company, 291st Infantry
9.) Dad was in 75th -- 291st, Co G. Pvt. Charlie R. Disel
10.) 75th Infantry Division - Battle of the Ardennes
11.) 393rd Inf ?
12.) 75th Div 291st E Co
13.) Ray Barnard
14.) 75th Division Dad Guestbook Signature
15.) Military burial
16.) A Wonderful Thank You to our American Veterans...
17.) Debbie Adcock, Stalag 6A
18.) 75th Inf. GI Famous Photo
19.) Robert (Bob) Jewett, H Company, Second Battalion, 289th Inf. Reg.,
75th Inf Div
20.) Eugene L.Hellickson, 275th Combat Engineers 1st platoon B company
21.) 75th Infantry Division in the Netherlands
22.) Military History Institute Questionnaire
23.) Military History http://www.patriotfiles.com
24.) CONTACT INFO FOR WWII MEMORIAL REGISTRY
\\|//
(o o)
------------------oOOo-(_)-oOOo------------------------------75th DIVISION
online
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DON'T BE A LURKER.... GET INVOLVED... YOU ARE A MEMBER... MAKE THE
MOST OF IT
**********************************************************************************
(actual count: 334 members online worldwide !)
1.) Feedback regarding our last newsline:
Date: Sun, 30 Jun 2002 01:12:47 -0400
Von: The Knoblauch's <theknobs@bellsouth.net>
email address change
Hi,
I would like to update my email address for the Newsline 75th Division Newsletter.
The new address is
theknobs@bellsouth.net
My old address was
arches@noblestar.net
Thank you! I enjoy each and every newsletter. Thank you for providing this service! You are doing a great job!
Sincerely,
Cindy Knoblauch
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Von: AGREATAJ@aol.com
Datum: Fri, 7 Jun 2002 22:41:31 EDT
75th Newsletter
My name is Arthur J. Huvar, e-mail address: agreataj @aol.com I was a wireman/radio operator/forward observer for the Cannon Company, 291st Regiment, 75th Infantry Division. I joined the division in February 1944 and left in November 1945. I would like to receive the newsletter. Thanks
Von: AGREATAJ@aol.com
Datum: Tue, 11 Jun 2002 21:55:50 EDT
Re: 75th Newsletter
Thanks Mr. Wilmink, I will look forward to receiving the newsletter.
I am curious about how you became involved with the newsletter.
AJ
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Von: "Donald Campbell" <dcntc@btopenworld.com>
Betreff: new email address
Datum: Tue, 2 Jul 2002 23:32:41 +0100
Dear Rolf,
please note that my email address has changed, it is now:
dcntc@btopenworld.com, previously it was donnycam@netscapeonline.co.uk
please continue to send your very interesting newsline, I enjoy it very much.
Best wishes,
Donald Campbell
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Von: "kkaiser" <kkaiser@columbus.rr.com>
New email
address for Ken Kaiser
Datum: Wed, 26 Jun 2002 14:22:11 -0000
Hello Rolf,
Here is my new email address
kkaiser@columbus.rr.com (my local ISP
removed the need for the m5 right after the @). Thank you so much
for going to my page to let me know. I am very interested in the
information about the 86th Thank you so very much
Sincerest regards,
Ken Kaiser
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Von: "Steve Graber" <mtnview1@worldnet.att.net>
Fw: COMPANY B 291ST INF
Datum: Tue, 28 May 2002 22:46:20 -0400
----- Original Message -----
From: "Steve Graber" <mtnview1@worldnet.att.net>
To: "Lucas, Jack DAC G3" <jack.lucas@riley.army.mil>
Sent: Tuesday, May 28, 2002 10:36 PM
Subject: Re: COMPANY B 291ST INF
Hi Jack,
I'm sorry you no longer have your Dad's company. First of all, I want
to thank you for your service in Vietnam. I know you guys sacrificed so
much for so many of us. Thank you.
I find myself often watching the History Channel if I have time to
sit and watch TV. I have two children under 4 so it's often rare. Anyway,
I try to learn as much as I can about Vietnam. I'm sure you know all too
well about Rt. 1, the Iron Triangle, etc. etc. I'd like to hear about where
you were.
>
Anyway, since my father is a veteran of I-Company, 291st Regt, we often
talk about the war. My father was wounded during the Battle of Grand Halleux,
Belgium and I've done some research on that battle. The entire 291st Regt
was engaged at Grand Halleux on either Jan 15th (1st and 2nd Bns) or 16th
(3rd Bn). They had to charge across 400-500 yards of open field in a foot
of snow into the well entrenched enemy in the woods facing the field. G-Company
on the extreme left, B-Company on the extreme right. They took heavy casualties.
1st and 2nd Bns were pinned down on the 15th and took very heavy casualties.
Capt. Bogardus of C-Company, originally in reserve, saw an opportunity
and was granted his request to move South along the Salm and take the high
ground with marching fire and some well placed artillery rounds. C-Company
was ordered to return to Grand Halleux but left 3rd Platoon to hold their
location.
>
On the morning of the 16th, I-Company led the 3rd Bn charge. My father
miracously made it across the field and eliminated a foxhole but was wounded
pushing forward into the attack. Most of the enemy in the foxhole surrendered
and were taken as POWs.
>
The purpose of the battle was to take Vielsalm. The 291st Regt attacked
South toward Vielsalm (vicinity Grand Halleux) while the 289th Regt attacked
North towad Vielsalm (Salmchateau) in a double envelope maneuver. If the
75th took Vielsalm, St. Vith is in jeopardy of being surrounded which was
the last major road hub in the Northern sector still occupied by the enemy.
>
If your father was an infantryman in B-Company on Jan 15th, I'm sure
he would consider this one a harrowing experience. Many men were killed
or wounded during the battle and I think Gen. Prickett (75th Div General)
was replaced by Gen. Porter shortly after but not sure if it was a direct
result of the order to attack across those fields. My Dad and I, along
with one of my brothers and one of my sisters, travelled to Grand Halleux
in 1998 and walked these fields.
>
Over the years, I've collected some first hand accounts of this battle.
Attached is a map from Robert Conroy's book, "In Their Own Words".
It is a compilation of C-Company recollections.
>
Regards,
Steve
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Datum: Tue, 28 May 2002 11:57:08 -0500
Von: Don Shannehan <donshann@optonline.net>
Fw: 75th Inf Div newsline No. 54 (Memorial day issue) 25 may 2002
Hi Rolf,
Many thanks for the information about my Dad, I'll get in touch with
the photographer.
Keep up the good work. I know it means a great deal to all of the veterans
and their familes. Keeping the history keeps all of them alive, forever.
Thanks
Don Shannehan
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Colmar pocket
Von: "carol bradley" <bradley_carol@hotmail.com>
An: ssorg@tompkins-co.org
Datum: Mon, 27 May 2002 14:57:48 +0000
Dear Sharon,
I was in the 897th FA battallion which supported the 289th infantry
regiment. Fourteen artillerymen were assigned to each of the three
battallions of the 289th. We artillerymen made up a forward observer
section which in turn supported each rifle company. Five of us, including
me, supported, in our case, the commander of 1st battallion, Major, then
Lt. Col. Henry Fluck. Col. Fluck commanded his battallion from a
rifle platoon of one or another of his companies at all times. We
five were with him 24/7. We directed fire as Col. Fluck requested
it and much more often on our own initiative on both strategic targets
and targets of opportunity.
The 75th infantry was withdrawn from Belgium upon the success of the
reduction of the German incursion into Belgium, now called "The Bulge."
The 75th was transported by rail and vehicle to eastern France. On
the last day of the fighting in Belgium the approximately 600 men of the
original members of the 3 rifle companies of 1st Battallion had been reduced
to 218 by wounds, killed and cold casualties. We were so weak as
to be very nearly non-operational. The entire 75th, the 28th Infantry,
the 3rd Infantry, the 12th Armored Division and another division the identity
of which I do not recall were severely weakened during the fighting in
the Vosges Mountains and a southeasterly sweep up the Rhine riverbank.
The French 1st Army had landed in southern France after
having fought in North Africa, Sicily and Italy. The French troops
who we encountered in Alsace Lorraine (Colmar pocket) were both native
Frenchmen and Colonial troops(from the French Congo and Senegal in equatorial
Africa). The North African colonial troops were from Algeria and
Morocco as best I can recall.
French sailors of the scuttled French fleet had been made into infantrymen.
French foreign legion troops were also present.
As so often happens with our recollections, some of them fade while
others stand out.
My duty assignment demanded that I know what was happening in the entire 289th regiment and have some knowledge of what was happening in the 290th and 291st. All of the American divisions which fought in the Colmar pocket were part of the 1st French Army. We were all commanded by General de Lattre de Tassigny. French divisions were generally on the right and American divisions were generally on the left. As we approached the Rhine River, 1st French Army was attempting to encircle a very large force of German troops so as to back them up against the Rhine and to make their escape over the Rhine impossible.
Your father, quite understandably, is under the impression
that we Americans fought in the Colmar pocket alone, because most of our
troops by far had no real contact with the Frenchmen. Because of
my duties, I was required to maintain contact with the troops of the Division
Blindee.
Additionally, we worked with troops of an infantry division the identity
of which I do not recall. There were several other French divisions
in Alsace at this time, the identity of which I did not specifically know
but had been made aware of their presence. We were, after all, fighting
from considerably northwest of Colmar and extending southeast up the Rhine
to the Swiss border. We Americans were very thin on the line as were
the French after the casualties suffered during the winter.
I have seen great bravery on the battlefield from our first
days in Belgium until we were pinched out of the Dortmund pocket in Germany.
However, the sheer courage of the French troops alongside whom we fought
was unique and usually impressive. The French tactics were amazing
to me. They did not conform to any military doctrine that I had known
of during our training in the US or in battle. Nothing that I had
learned during an additional 20 years of military training as an Army reservist
from 1956 to 1976 in a succession of coursework in Army schools explained
the tactics that we saw the French use in Alsace. I had had a strong
curiousity about the FRench methodology which was only satisfied when my
wife and I attended a reunion (Congres) of the Association Rhin et Danube
in Nancy, France, in 2001.
I took courses in French in high school and picked up more of the language in Alsace and after the war in Lorraine in northwest of Alsace, where most days, because of my assignment, I spoke virtually no English during my duty hours. I was able to communicate quite easily with our French comrades in Nancy. All of them had fought variously in the campaigns up to and including fighting from southern France to the Rhine and then to the Danube.
I learned that French troops had minimal sources for replacements
until the landing in southern France. Thereafter, FRench boys and
men from ages 15 on up spontaneously joined the French Army as the fighting
moved north.
I spoke with one man amongst many, for example, who said that he had
had zero training to be a soldier and had never fired a weapon of any kind
until he entered combat on the very day that he joined an infantry unit
as the unit came through his town. Another man told me that when
he joined an armored column, a sargent handed him a rifle(GErman) and three
bullets. He was told to shoot at a tree, which he did. He was
then told, "Now, you are a soldier." By far the majority of the soldiers
who fought from the Mediterranean up to the Rhine had equally sparse and
deficient training.
This lack of training clearly explains why the French did not utilize
movement and maneuver but rather attacked frontally.
One example, amongst many, of the French bravery follows:
As 289th approached a city, Horbourgh, we encountered a mine field. It was very urgent that we close the pocket before the Germans were able to cross the Rhine. The 75th Infantry's objective was Neuf Brisach on the Rhine. We were supported by French tanks. Some of the tanks were American Shermans, most were junk that the French had captured in North Africa, Sicily and Italy and were somehow maintaining operational. Many were tanks captured from the Germans in North Africa. The heavy German tanks had never reached North Africa in significant numbers. The French tactic was to have the driver of a war weary tank proceed into the mine field until the tank blew, either injuring or killing the driver. Then, another hunk of junk moved forward, pushed the wrecked tank aside and kept going until it, in turn, blew. A path through the minefield was created in this fashion. I heard the orders being issued. I saw the orders being executed without hesitation. The speed of the advance was crucial and no other means of clearing the minefield existed. The French had no mine detecting equipment and therefore no mine clearing capability as we Americans knew it. Thus, we Americans proceeded into the attack with the continued support of the French amored forces as Horbough and many other towns and village were taken by the combined arms of France and the United States.
It is quite true that the actual capture of Colmar was accomplished by French troops. The French Army had decided that there would be no artillery used in the fighting that would undoubtedly occur around and in Colmar itself. So, the French infantry without mortar or artillery preparation attacked and took the city using small arms, machine guns and grenades.
We Americans did indeed participate in what eventually was a failed effort to create and close the Colmar pocket. However, since an infantry soldier knows very little more than what is happening in his war beyond his personal field of vision, it is not remarkable that your dad is under the impression that the Americans were the dominant fighting force in Alsace.
It was my good fortune to have observed and on occasion spoken with French troops as we coordinated our artillery fires so as not to fire on each other.
Yes, there is a French campaign medal which is awarded
to us by the 1st French Army. An award certificate signed by the
president of the Association Rhin et Danube is available to your father.
Similarly, a medal and written materials (in French) may be obtained by
contacting
Mr. Robert Phillips, 5503 Beaconsfield Court, Burke, VA 22015=1913,
phone 703-978-1228.
Without doubt, your father was issued a felt patch which our Army distributed to us after the war but which we are not allowed to wear on the uniform. The medal is quite handsome, made of bronze and bears the legend "Campagne Rhin et Danube." The ribbon is vividly striped, red and green. Mr. Robert Phillips is president of the Association Rhin et Danube-American section, which presently has approximately 500 members. Bob edits and publishes an excellent newsletter which is sent to every member.
Our next reunion will be at Williamsburg, VA, and will include the activities at Yorktown, where a combined army of American and a much larger French Army defeated the British to end our Revolution. Without the many thousands of French troops and a huge French naval force, which prevented Cornwallis' evacuation from the Yorktown/Jamestown peninsula, that battle could not possibly have been won.
We Americans have fought three wars alonside French troops,
our Revolution, War 1 and War 2 being the last.
Should your father wish to chat about his time in the
289th, he can call me at 614-231-1679.
Very truly,
Philip R. Bradley, Lt.Col. AUS retired
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Von: RWC1975@aol.com
Datum: Sun, 28 Apr 2002 15:27:48 EDT
75th ID
An: his7children@msn.com
Joan,
My grandfather was Bill Corner of cannon company 289th. Maybe your
father-in-law knew him. He was the 1SG and later was the first battlefield
commission of the 75th ID. Let me know - good luck
Rich
CPT Richard Corner
FA, US ARMY
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Von: "Cravens, James O CDR (CLF N02GR)" <CravensJO@clf.navy.mil>
Change of address
Datum: Mon, 22 Apr 2002 10:17:58 -0400
Greetings, all
I am in the process of leaving active duty after a six month mobilization
in support of Noble Eagle. I will be resuming my civilian parish
responsibilities in Lincoln, IL, no later than June 1.
Effective immediately, I would request that you use my civilian email
address, rather than this Navy account. The civilian address is chcusnr@ccaonline.com.
For those of you with Navy business, I will continue as Director of Reserve Ministries for the Atlantic Fleet, resuming my SELRES pre-mobilization drill schedule (generally 4 consecutive weekdays every other month). If you have reserve business, you may reach me at my civilian email (above), or at my home phone (217) 735-1067. My SELRES PRD is 01 OCT 03.
CDR Jim Cravens NO2G(R)
Deputy Fleet Chaplain
Office: 757 836 5504
Cell: 757 469 0119
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Von: "J Puckett" <puckett5@worldnet.att.net>
To: <jammapcn@juno.com>, <C21Douglas@aol.com>
75th Infantry Division
Datum: Sat, 20 Apr 2002 12:31:44 -0500
Hello,
Thank you for writing. I have included (below) the names of 75th
Div., 898th FA members from the Veteran's Association Roster I have.
The roster is a bit dated - 1996, but maybe you'll get some hits from it.
If Mr. Nicholas is not currently a member of the 75th Division Veteran's
Association, he can contact the following to join: Harold Lindstrom
(President) 4105 75th St., Des Moines, Iowa 50322-2551.
Phone: 515-278-0081. The Vice President is: Ted Davies 4507
25th Ave., Rock Island, IL., 61201 Phone: 309-786-6126. I'm
quite sure they would be happy to hear from Mr. Nicholas and they could
provide a current roster to him.
There is also a reuninon coming up, Sept., 14th through the 19th, in
Myrtle Beach, S.C.
As far as researching the net, it's kind of hit and miss. You
can get to some research links from my website at:
http://www.members.tripod.com/hldnoqtr/75thdivisiondad.html
A good place to start are the "whitpages" such as www.switchboard.com
. I would also try some of the geneolgy websites, such as www.ancestry.com
.
I'm not sure where to find the 27th Div Association - I'll look around
and let you know if I find anything.
Jay Puckett
6931 Broadmoor
Overland Park, Kansas 66204-1316
913-677-0190
puckett5@worldnet.att.net
LIST OF 898th FA ASSOC. MEMBERS AS OF 1996
Russell Barilaro, 287 North St., Hingam, MA 02043
Edwin Covert, 801 E. 52nd, Omaha, Nebraska 681061803
Leo Croy, 2421 Huffine Circle, Johnson City, TN 37604
Philip Cusack, 887 W. Pilger, Roseburg, OR 97470
John Duret, 7025 38th Ave. N., Crystal, MN 55427
Tom Evans, 10905 N. City Rd., Ft. Collins, CO 80524
Maurice Friedman, 3028 David Dr., Roslyn, PA 190014006
Kenneth Germain, 2415 North 39th Place, Phoenix, AZ 85008
Bernard Gmerek, 4908 Bellemeadow Rd., Mentor, OH 44060
Kenneth D. Greenhalgh, 7417 Silverwood Dr., Manlius, NY 13104
Firman Grimes, 2323 Barcelona East, West Palm Beach, Fl 33415
Warren Harris, 710 Wyoming St. Rear, Williamsport, PA 17701355
Charles Jorgenson, 120 Lakewood Ave., Cedar Grove, NJ 07009
Alexander Konick, 1405 Highland Villa Dr., Pittsburg, PA 15234
J.B. McKinney, 1905 W. Wilkens St., Indianapolis, IN 46221
Joe Miks, 5560 Crooked Lake Rd., Howell, MI 48843
Ortho Morris, 202 Railroad St., Union, SC 29379
Norman Morse, 8605 N.W. 116th St., Oklahoma City, OK 7316220
Louis Pacello, 5923 E. Ward Low Rd., Long Beach CA. 90808
Joseph Russo, 7061 Hickory Dr., Cleveland OH 441464151
Russell Sala, West 6945 Hauser Lake Rd, Post Falls ID 83854
Howard Spring, 3150 S.E. 41st Ave., Ocala, FL 34471
Walter A. Taubeneck, 11801 52nd Dr. N.E., Marysville, WA 98271
Kenneth Usher, 8542 Via Amorita, Downey, CA 902412645
Joseph Vitiello, 4306 Sea Grape Rd, Louisville, KY 40299
Elmer Weiss, 2107 Bermuda Dunes, Oxnard, CA 93030
William Wiley Jr., 1855 East 700 South, Lebanon, IN 46052
Stanley Wrzeski, 2635 S. 92nd St., West Allis, WI 53227
Frank Yarnal, 125 Mt. View Dr., Hillsdale, PA 15746
Original message:
Greetings!
Ted Nicholas, my father-in-law, went through training at Camp Breckenridge,
Ky and was assigned and went to the ETO with the 75th Div(898th Arty) and
served with the 75th Div until the end of WW2 as a Chaplin's Asst. Ted
is trying to find former members of his unit.
Ted is also new to the use of the internet so maybe you could give
him some pointers on where to look(and HOW to look up on the net).Ted lives
in Lexington, Ky.
Also, I have just found a 1940-41 year book from the 27th Div when
they were at Camp McClellean(Spelling?). I would like to give it to their
Association but am having trouble find their Secty on the net. Any ideas?
Thanks for your help.
Douglas Petrie
1015 Casabella Drive
Bradenton, Florida 34209
941-794-3835 Home
941-748-5551 Work
Ted's e-mail address: jammapcn@juno.com
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Von: C21Douglas@aol.com
Datum: Fri, 19 Apr 2002 11:49:01 EDT
Betreff: Rev Ted Nicholas
Please send a message to Theodore Charles Nicholas at e-mail address:
jammapcn@juno.com
Ted is my father-in-law and he was in the 75th Div during ww2.
Ted joined the 75th Div in Ky and went all the way throgh the
war as a Chaplin's Asst in the 898 Arty Batt.
Ted is new to the use of the internet and sure could use any help you
could give him in locating other people who were in the same unit.
I have enjoyed being on your e-mail list and think that the last e-mail
you sent out would be of great help to him along with any other information
that you can think of in his search for former friends.
Also, I just came into possession of a year book (1940-41) from the
27th Div while they were in Camp (FORT) McCleanan. I would like to give
this book to their Assoc. but I am having a hard time finding an internet
address.
If you know of anyone OR an e-mail address I would appreciate your
help in this matter.
Thanks again,
Douglas Petrie
1015 Casabella Drive
Bradenton, Florida 34209
Phone 941-794-3835 Home
941-748-5551 Work(with
voice mail)
***************************************************************************
2.) 75th dad Guestbook entry
Von: "Jay Puckett" <jpuckett@gbronline.com>
Datum: Sat, 29 Jun 2002 00:04:59 -0500
Saturday 06/29/2002 0:16:46am
Name: Kevin Hopkins
E-Mail: lambertm2314@msn.com
Location:Richmond, VA
Comments:
My grandfather was killed in action on April 11 '45 while helping clear
the Ruhr Pocket in a town named Oispel, Germany. His name was John "Johnie"
H. Binnix of the 290th Company E. He also served in the Ardennes and the
Colmar Pocket.
My mother was 5 months old when he passed and knows very little about him. I am trying to find out more about him and I am planning a trip to visit his grave in Margraten, Holland in September.
If anyone remembers him or has any information about his company, please let me know.
Thanks for creating this site!! The information has helped recreate his journey from Richmond to Germany
***************************************************************************
3.) IN GOD WE TRUST?
U.S. COURT OF APPEALS RULES "PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE" UNCONSTITUTIONAL
"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, ONE NATION UNDER GOD, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
"One nation under God" are the words that the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in a 2-1 decision as "unconstitutional," claiming that the pledge is a government endorsement of religion, forbidden by the U.S. Constitution, and should not be recited in schools.
The ruling was prompted by an appeal made by Michael Newdow, a California atheist protesting about his daughter having to recite the Pledge of Allegiance in school.
"I think the law is clearly on my side. The question is just whether or not judges are going to uphold the law," said Newdow during a CNN interview Thursday morning.
"It is a profession of religious belief, namely monotheism," Judge Alred Goodwin wrote on behalf of the panel of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.
President George W. Bush, who expresses himself emphatically as a religious man, is seeking ways to overturn this "ridiculous" ruling.
"It is the president's view that this is a wrong decision and the Department of Justice is now evaluating how to seek redress," said the president¹s spokesman Ari Fleischer.
This ruling has sparked outrage among the citizens of this nation, and among our government. The decision would affect millions of school children who recite the pledge daily, with hands across their hearts, staring at their nation's flag.
Further, this is not a good message at all to be sending to those children, especially during a time when our nation needs to be united.
It "undercuts our strength and unity at a time where we need our strength and unity," said Joseph Lieberman, former Democratic vice presidential candidate.
The U.S. senate has voted 99-0 to file an appeals court brief in support of the pledge.
"WE PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG," AND HONOR ALL IT STANDS FOR
I cannot say that I am surprised at this ruling coming out of the 9th
Circuit. The 9th has been responsible for some rather appalling rulings
in years gone by. Makes you wonder whom they are representing and
what justice they are after. They have often not been friendly to
our cause.
There is no question that this ruling has angered those of us here at Calibre Press. For as far back as I can remember, I said the Pledge of Allegiance at the beginning of every school day. No one complained, but perhaps that is because I belong to the Baby Boomer generation and I was raised with a certain value system. We pledge allegiance now at the beginning of every seminar. No one has approached me, or any other instructor to complain.
Patriotism burns deep within my soul. To have an atheist searching for his 15 minutes of fame by bringing forward this absurd notion rankles my very being. Where would we be as a culture without this most important attestation? The Warrior Spirit lives in each of us. A part of that spirit is the strength of one's belief system.
One might think that if someone is offended by anything and they had
the wherewithal to pursue it, whatever was bothering them would be eliminated.
What would that leave us with?
I think back to every military conflict, to every fallen officer and to the tragedies of September 11. Each had one thing in common. There was always a flagŠand always a pledge. There is remembrance and affirmation of belief.
I challenge each of you to contact your governors and your state and federal legislators and express your feelings about this travesty. This is a democracy and everyone has an equal say.
My flag flies in my front yard. I pledge allegiance every day. Damn those that oppose what so many have given their lives for.
1*
Bill Burroughs
Calibre Press
Executive Director
***************************************************************************
4.) Do you agree ?
After hearing that the state of Florida changed its opinion and let a Muslim woman have her picture on her drivers license with her face covered, I believe this is even more appropriate.
Read on, please! This is an Editorial written by an American citizen, published in a Tampa Newspaper. He did quite a job; didn't he?
IMMIGRANTS, NOT AMERICANS, MUST ADAPT.
I am tired of this nation worrying about whether we are offending
some individual or their culture. Since the terrorist attacks
on Sept. 11, we have experienced a surge in patriotism by the
majority of Americans.
However, the dust from the attacks had barely settled when the
"politically correct" crowd began complaining about the possibility
that our patriotism was offending others.
I am not against immigration, nor do I hold a grudge against anyone
who is seeking a better life by coming to America. Our population
is almost entirely comprised of descendants of immigrants.
However, there are a few things that those who have recently come to
our country, and apparently some born here, need to understand.
This idea of America being a multicultural community has served only to dilute our sovereignty and our national identity. As Americans, we have our own culture, our own society, our own language and our own lifestyle.
This culture has been developed over centuries of struggles, trials, and victories by millions of men and women who have sought freedom. We speak ENGLISH, not Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, or any other language. Therefore, if you wish to become part of our society, learn the language!
"In God We Trust" is our national motto. This is not some Christian,
right wing, political slogan. We adopted this motto because Christian
men and women, on Christian principles, founded this nation, and
this is clearly documented. It is certainly appropriate to display
it on the walls of our schools. If God offends you, then I
suggest you consider another part of the world as your new home, because
God is part of our culture.
If Stars and Stripes offend you, or you don't like Uncle Sam, then
you should seriously consider a move to another part of this planet.
We are happy with our culture and have no desire to change, and we
really don't care how you did things where you came from.
This is OUR COUNTRY, our land, and our lifestyle.
Our First Amendment gives every citizen the right to express his opinion
and we will allow you every opportunity to do so.
But, once you are done complaining, whining, and griping about our
flag, our pledge, our national motto, or our way of life, I highly encourage
you to take advantage of one other great American freedom, THE RIGHT TO
LEAVE.
Please pass this along if you agree.
***************************************************************************
5.) 75th Division, 291st Infantry
Von: "Mark Pedigo" <mwpedigo@msn.com>
Datum: Wed, 19 Jun 2002 08:06:37 -0600
Mr. Wilmink,
My name is Mark Pedigo and my father, Willis Pedigo (deceased in 1987), was a PFC in the 291st Infantry, 75th Division during World War II and was involved in the Ruhr Pocket offensive. I am trying to find out more about him and his division as well as possibly contact anyone who may have known him. I would appreciate any suggestions you may have.
Thank you,
Mark Pedigo
***************************************************************************
6.) VETERANS
Datum: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 07:36:36 -0700
Von: Charles Taliaferro <crtnjt@pacbell.net>
Greetings from the Kitchen Table Gang Trust.
We are a rag-tag bunch of retired veterans who help out men and women
who are in VA and military hospitals with a little "R & R" and comfort
and caring. We have also started a "grass roots" movement to stop
the closure of VA hospitals. We were wondering if you might like to help
us with, what many folks say, is a really great project. We hope
you deem us worthy!
We are holding our annual fund-raiser with the sale of our 12th Annual Veteran's Celebrity Cook Book. The book is large format, 52 pages and has 128 recipes from some pretty famous people. There is a suggested donation of only $10 (+$2.41 first class postage) and you can get it from the Kitchen Table Gang Trust, P.O. Box 783, Hanford, CA 93232.
If you'd like more information on the cook book and who all gave us recipes, please visit http://taliaferro.net/cookbook
We are a non-profit organization and if you'd like to know more about us, please visit our website at http://www.kitchentablegang.org
If you are not interested in this at all -then we are sorry to have bothered you and sincerely apologize -just delete this message!
God Bless You! GOD BLESS AMERICA!
Charlie Taliaferro
***************************************************************************
7.) THE 75TH INFANTRY CO. C (MY DAD...HELMER H. POE
Von: RWIN777@aol.com
Datum: Sat, 15 Jun 2002 20:16:42 EDT
HELLO THERE:
I'VE BEEN LOOKING FOR ANY INFORMATION OR ARMY PHOTO'S MY DAD MIGHT BE
IN AND SPECIFIC INFORMATION OF THE BATTLES HE FOUGHT. HE WAS IN THE
75TH INFANTRY MY MOTHER SAYS. MOM IS 80 NOW SO ISNT SURE ABOUT THE
COMPANY BEING "C". BUT AS CLEAR AS I CAN REMEMBER , SHE DID SAY IT
WAS "COMPANY C" MANY YEARS AGO WHEN I HAD ASKED HER THIS QUESTION.
DAD...HELMER HARRISON POE AND HIS WIFE (MY MOM) FLORENCE A. (HOGUE)
POE LIVED IN MISSOURI, IM NOT SURE IF IT WOULD OF BEEN JACKSON COUNTY OR
HENRY COUNTY AT THE TIME HE WENT TO WAR WHICH WAS 1944-45. DAD TOLD
US HE FOUGHT IN THE BATTLE OF THE BULDGE AND MENTIONED THE RHINE IN GERMANY.
BUT LIKE ALOT OF PEOPLE WHO FOUGHT, THE MEMORIES WERE TOO MUCH TO TALK
ABOUT. HE WOULDNT DISCUSS THEM WITH US MUCH. HE REMEMBERED
HIS BUDDY GETTING BLOWN TO BITS BY A MORTER RIGHT IN FRONT OF HIM AND IT
THREW DIRT UP IN HIS FACE AND CAUSED MY DAD TO BE SENT TO A HOSPITAL BECAUSE
OF A EYE WOUND. DAD GOT A ( PURPLE HEART)o AND THEN WAS SENT BACK
TO THE FRONT LINES AFTER HIS EYE HEALED.
HOW CAN I FIND MORE INFORMATION OR GET SOME OF THESE BOOKS WITH ALL
THE PHOTO'S IN THEM? HELP ME WITH THIS IF YOU CAN.
THANKS
RITA (POE) WINFREY
***************************************************************************
8.) Francis Paul (Hank) Brady, E company, 291st Infantry
Datum: Thu, 13 Jun 2002 17:05:53 -0700
Von: "Steve & Sandi Brady" <sbrady@televar.com>
Dear Mr. Wilmink,
I am looking for information about my Uncle, Francis Paul (Hank) Brady,
SN 35580186. He was a member of E company, 291st Infantry under Col
Robertson. Hank was killed on April 6, 1945. He was never married
and so his sacrifice will be forgotten. My brother and I are trying
to keep his memory alive. One way to do this is to write a biography
about him-where he trained, where he landed in France, where he was in
combat and etc.
Can you help and point me in the right directions? Any help would
be appreciated very much. Steve Brady-814 Gehr St.-Wenatchee,
WA 98801
***************************************************************************
9.) Dad was in 75th -- 291st, Co G. Pvt. Charlie R. Disel
Von: ADLevon@aol.com
Datum: Thu, 6 Jun 2002 21:42:42 EDT
My father was in the 75th -- 291st, Co G. Pvt. Charlie R.
Disel ... I am starting to try to piece together his trek through
the war effort and match things with his medals, etc.
I have a copy of a letter he had sent his mother (12 pages long typed)
detailing his steps from Camp Breckenridge, through the "Bulge" to VE day
and beyond. It's mostly told like a story. I don't know if
you are interested in items like this, but I thought it was quite interesting
and informative. I'm still trying to get as much info about the 291st
and Co G as I can. Dad NEVER talked about the war to us kids and
now that he's gone it may be tough for me to track some things down.
If you can give me some leads on where to find info about the 291st
Co G, I would really appreciate it. Dad retired at W-4 after 30 in
the Army and he used to attend a 75th reunion every once in a while in
the states, but I don't know if it was just folks from his Co or something
bigger. Any leads will be appreciated.
Thanks Allen Disel adisel@wspan.com
or adlevon@aol.com
***************************************************************************
10.) 75th Infantry Division - Battle of the Ardennes
Von: "CS 1965" <cs_1965@hotmail.com>
Datum: Thu, 30 May 2002 15:38:42 +0000
Dear Mr. Wilmink,
First of all, let me congratulate you on your excellent website of the 75th Infantry Division.
I am in the process of researching the history of the 326. Volksgrenadier Division and its involvement during the Battle of the Ardennes. Based on my research, I know that 75th Infantry Division, supported by elements of the 750th Tank Battalion fought against the 326. VGD in the Salmchateau - Commanster area.
I was wondering whether you might be able to assist me in securing information or records (AAR, diaries, etc.) covering this units during this the time period of January 1st - 25th, 1945.
Thanks in advance for your feedback and any assistance you might be able to provide.
Sincerely,
Christian Stock
Columbus, Ohio, USA
***************************************************************************
11.) 393rd Inf ?
"Claire Sims" <cwsims2@insightbb.com>
Datum: Thu, 9 May 2002 07:12:54 -0500
Dear Mr. Wilmink,
My uncle, now deceased, served in the 393d Infantry. I would
be interested in receiving the information described under No. 21.
393d Infantry in Review. I can be reached by fax at 217-333-5251.
Thanks,
Jerry Sims
***************************************************************************
12.) 75th Div 291st E Co
Von: "Bill Kemp" <bkemp@esn.net>
Datum: Fri, 5 Apr 2002 13:00:41 -0500
Rolf,
I was given your address from Steve Graber concerning the new book
of the 75th. I don't know if you are collecting or not but I have
rece3ntly found out about a cousin of mine who was a part of the 75th Div
291st E Co who was killed at St. Halleux, Be on 15 Jan 1945. If you
are collecting info of these members let me know and I can get you
this one.
Bill Kemp
North Carolina
Guten Tag Herr Wilmink,
Quite frankly I have given this info to the '75th Division '
BULGEBUSTER when I was looking for people who may could give me info
on my cousin and the deployment of the 291st during the time of 15 Jan
1945. I have a number of responses and have learned a lot from those
old soldiers. Didn't know if you needed it. Anyway, my cousin
KIA, as best can be determined via Army records, was during the Battle
of St. Halleaux and was Pfc Edward A. Kemp Jr. He was of 75th
Div 291 st Inf E Co. Records indicated shrapnel wound to the head.
I will leave an attachment of his pic.
I will also mention for your interest that his first cousin my father
T/5 William W. Kemp of 38th Armored Inf 7th army captured at Krombach,
Belgium near St. Vith. He was a POW at Stalag IVB until I understand
about 12 Apr1945. He was captured about 3 weeks before the death
of his cousin. I doubt that he even knew that Edward was even in
the war......
Thanks for your response and let me know if you need more
Bill Kemp
***************************************************************************
13.) Ray Barnard
Von: Stephen Graber <graber@flowmgt.com>
An: 'Christmas Forest' <ramona@christmasforest.com>
Datum: Mon, 10 Jun 2002 17:08:03 -0400
Ramona,
There is an area on that website for "The 75th Div Newsline". It is a newsletter that is distributed to 75th Vets and 75th Div relatives, friends, etc. The site host is Rolf Wilmink. I recommend that you ask him to sign up for the newsletter and ask him if he can post your inquiry in the next newsline. You may get some responses. I will try to do some more research on my end in the next few days.
There is also a print newsletter distributed by the official 75th Division called "The Bulgebuster". I will find more info on how you can subscribe.
I also feel the 75th Div doesn't get the credit they deserve. I have talked with numerous 75th Div veterans, obtained info from the National Archives in College Park, Maryland, visited battlefields in Belgium, and they deserve much more credit than you may read. They certainly have my respect for their service.
By the way, my home email is: mtnview1@worldnet.att.net.
Regards,
Steve Graber
-----Original Message-----
From: Christmas Forest [mailto:ramona@christmasforest.com]
Sent: Monday, June 10, 2002 4:55 PM
To: Stephen Graber
Subject: Re: WWII
Thank you for your response. I don't know the company or regiment. I will try to find out but he has never spoken of the war to me. I do know that he landed at La Havre in 1944, fought in the Battle of the Bulge, helped protect the pontoon bridge at Remagen and stayed at a monestery at some point. He has mentioned to my mother that he felt the 75th wasn't given proper credit for their part. I understand that there is a reunion of the 75th in September and I have sent my father information on that.
My father's name is Ray Barnard. Is there a site that has a list of names in the 75th or a place where you can add names? I see there is a list of PA names but that is all I can find.
Thanks again.
Ramona Holt
ramona@christmasforest.com
http://www.christmasforest.com
Forest Fresh Wreaths from the Cascade Mountains
----- Original Message -----
From: "Stephen Graber" <graber@flowmgt.com>
To: "'Christmas Forest'" <ramona@christmasforest.com>
Sent: Monday, June 10, 2002 10:15 AM
Subject: RE: WWII
> Ramona,
>
> What is your father's name? Do you know which Regiment your father
was a > member (ie. 289th, 290th, 291st)? Also, what company was he in
(ie. > A-Company, B-Company, etc.)? My father is a veteran of the 75th
Division and we often talk about the war. I will do my best to help.
>
> Kind regards,
>> Steve
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Christmas Forest [mailto:ramona@christmasforest.com]
> Sent: Monday, June 10, 2002 12:20 PM
> To: graber@flowmgt.com
> Subject: WWII
>
>> My father fought in the Battle of the Bulge in 1944 in the 75th
Infantry. Do you have a list of links where we could find more information?
Thank you in advance for your reply.
> Ramona (BARNARD) Holt
> ramona@christmasforest.com
> http://www.christmasforest.com
> Forest Fresh Wreaths from the Cascade Mountains
***************************************************************************
14.) 75th Division Dad Guestbook Signature
Von: "Jay Puckett" <jpuckett@gbronline.com>
Datum: Fri, 7 Jun 2002 22:57:14 -0500
Another one from the Guestbook.
Jay Puckett http://www.members.tripod.com/hldnoqtr/75thdivisiondad.html
Name: Robert Knaack
E-Mail:robgeneva@hotmail.com
Location: Iowa
Comments:
My father, Alfred F. Knaack, trained with the 75th, (289th, F company,
4th platoon mortar gun #3) from July 43 to about August of '44. He was
then transferred overseas, where he was a replacement for the 9th division
in the battle of the Hurtgen Forest.
He was wounded on Oct 21. Afterwards reassigned to 7th Corps as a courier
and eventually ended up in Signal Corps. Since he never really got to know
anyone in the 9th, he is very interested in what became of the guys he
knew in the 75th.
***************************************************************************
15.) Military burial
Von: "ralf.klodt" <ralf.klodt@web.de>
Date: Wed, 3 Jul 2002 01:00:09 +0200
Howdy!
Here you can see where I have spent the day of June 22nd with taking my own b&w photos (250 or so).
http://www.hqusareur.army.mil/htmlinks/Press_Releases/2002/Jun2002/26Jun2002-01.htm
Best
Ralf Klodt
Germany
***************************************************************************
16.) A Wonderful Thank You to our American Veterans...
Datum: Tue, 26 Mar 2002 00:43:52 -0600
Von: Chaplain Boyd Fallwell <Boyd@honorguard.org>
Firma: Veterans of America Honor Guard
Greetings,
Peggy Stanley & Rachelle Kropp give live performances to recognize veterans and present them with a medal to demonstrate their appreciation. I have known these fine ladies for a couple of years and they are doing a great service for our veterans.
Do yourself a favor and visit their website...
http://vintagememoirs.com/
"Vintage Memoirs" Visiting the 1930's - 1940's Through Memorabilia & Music
"Vintage Memoirs" is a celebration of the 1930’s - 1940’s through music, vintage clothing and memorabilia. Peggy Stanley & Rachelle Kropp focus on rekindling memories and paying respect to those who lived during this era. For those not familiar with this historic period, our hope is to bring a glimpse of the "good old days" through the eyes of our grandmothers and grandfathers.
We focus on working with all military organizations, recognizing VETERANS from all eras, but especially W.W. II. We have created a VETERANS Autograph Book in which we ask for signatures of VETERANS. We also have a VETERANS HONOR BOOK in which we dedicate a page to a VETERAN including pictures and personal information. Our VETERANS gave the ultimate sacrifice to provide the freedom we enjoy today. "A man is not dead until he is forgotten" and this is our way of keeping the memory alive and paying tribute to those who served. During our live performances we also recognize veterans and present them with a medal to demonstrate our appreciation. In addition we recognize the wives of VETERANS as we realize they also made numerous sacrifices.
Go here for the rest of the story, hear them croon, and view pictures
of these great ladies...
http://vintagememoirs.com/
Peggy Stanley & Rachelle Kropp create "free" honor pages for any
VETERAN and mail to family members. They also create honor pages on their
website.
Click here to view the page they posted for me Boyd Fallwell
http://vintagememoirs.com/honorbook/18.html
ThankYou Peggy & Rachelle for you dedicated service that comes from
the heart....
Chaplain Boyd Fallwell
2828 S.W. 53rd St.
Oklahoma City, OK. 73119
Ph. 405-681-4263 Mobile 405-834-4690
mailto:Boyd@honorguard.org
http://www.honorguard.org
To be added to the Honor Guard Newsletter email list Click here...
mailto:mail-list@honorguard.org
2 hour video tape of Military Honor Burial Ceremonies! Click here for
info mailto:VideoTape@honorguard.org
Send a free Veteran-Military-Patriotic greeting card http://honorguard.org/webcards/index.html
Post a message on the Honor Guard BBS & Forum http://honorguard.org/wwwboard/index.html
For Info to become a Sponsor click here mailto:Sponsors@honorguard.org
Following are Sponsors of Veterans of America Honor Guard
Honor The Flag-U.S. Flags & Flag Products http://www.honortheflag.com
Branstetter-Rosewood Funeral Home http://www.honorguard.org/rose.html
McNeil's Mustang Funeral Service http://www.honorguard.org/mcneil.html
Wilson-Little Funeral Home http://www.honorguard.org/littles.html
DeArmans Wynnewood Funeral Home http://www.honorguard.org/de~arman.html
John M. Ireland Funeral Home http://www.honorguard.org/ireland.html
My Favorite Place Florist http://www.myfavplaceflorist.com
WAC Karen Chambliss http://www.honorguard.org/karen.html
Researchers Ltd. http://www.honorguard.org/researchers.html
Hazel Fallwell Family http://www.honorguard.org/hazel.html
Bill Weaver Family http://www.honorguard.org/weaver.html
Lawrence P. White Family http://www.honorguard.org/lpwhite.html
Mike & Louise Mauritz http://www.honorguard.org/p-40.html
VALoans.com http://www.valoans.com
KB Guest Book http://www.kbnet.com
Hardwood Perfection Inc. Flag Cases http://www.hardwoodperfectioninc.com
Please visit my friend at http://www.armed-guard.com
***************************************************************************
17.) Debbie Adcock, Stalag 6A
Datum: Fri, 28 Jun 2002 08:21:20 -0500
Von: "Debbie Adcock" <debbie@redmaple.com>
I am interested in any film taken during the liberation of Stalag 6A in May 1945. My dad, Bob Cooley, was in prison there during that time. I have heard that Joseph Karr had these pictures. PLEASE PLEASE help me finds some pictures of this day.
I found the following articles online
I am going to Hemer on July 4, next week, and I would love to talk to someone there about that day or see some pictures.
MAY DAY - Stalag # 6 A (D-58675 Hemer near Iserlohn, Westphalia) (1
May 1945) (LIB 6128, film no.: ADC 1753) HS, MS, Pan, Russian prisoners
of war hold May Day celebration in POW camp, Stalag 6A, after liberation
by US Forces. CU, Russian soldier carrying sign in Russian and English;
"Long live the American Army Which liberated us from Nazi captivity."
CUT - still portraits of Stalin, Truman, Churchill, Lenin, Zhukov.
LS, speakers platform with portraits of Stalin, Truman and Churchill. LS,
US Maj Gen Ray E Porter, CG 75th Inf Div; Maj N Mironof (wearing white
uniform) Camp commandant and other russian officials on speakers platform.
CUs, assembled Russian prisoners. CUs, Russian nurses march past review
stand. Follow shots, Russian army band passes in review. VS, American D
rations and cigarettes are issued to released prisoners.
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 ! He 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. )
Debbie Adcock
Red Maple Technologies, Inc.
PH: (972) 980-6963
FX: (972) 858-3855
***************************************************************************
18.) 75th Inf. GI Famous Photo
Von: "Mark Toland" <mdtoland@thegrid.net>
Datum: Sun, 26 May 2002 10:04:14 -0700
Please see...
LIFE Book
"Our Finest Hour: The Triumphant Spirit of the World War 2 Generation"
Copyright 2000, Time, Inc.
Library of Congress Catalog Card No.: 00-101239
www.TimeBookstore.com
***See pages 168 to 169. GREAT PHOTOGRAPH!
***Photo of Ray Toland, 75th Infantry Division
Taken in Belfort, France in 1944.
Reference: National Archives: No. 208-YE-75
Thank you, Mark Toland, son of Ray Toland
mdtoland@thegrid.net
***************************************************************************
19.) Robert (Bob) Jewett, H Company, Second Battalion, 289th Inf. Reg., 75th Inf Div
Hello~
Please subscribe me to the 75th Infantry Newsletter Online.
I recently came into posession of writings by my Grandfather, Robert (Bob) Jewett. In his memiors he mentions his time in Germany, Holland, etc... as a member of the 9th Army, H Company, 289th Infantry Regiment, 75th Infantry Division. He was sent initially to England (Liverpool I believe) via the USS Wakefield (formerly a cruise ship called the Manhattan) on January 31st, 1945. He was then shipped to Holland where he was assigned to the machine gun squad of Sgt. Cornyn (sp?) which comprised a "section". Sgt. Gaskin was in charge of this section.
Through his recently aquired stories, I am learning more about my Grandfather. I also know from past conversations with him that he was part of the troops who liberated some of the camps (which camps, I have no idea). He does reference at one point being part of the "Occupation Patrol Duty" in Hagen, Germany. I do not know if this has any relation to liberating camps.
If you would be so kind as to subscribe me to your newsletter I would
appreciate it. I have already read many back issues in hopes of finding
more information about WWII and about my Grandfather.
Thank you so very much~
Stacy Schweiczer
------------------------------------------------------------
Von: Stacyschwe@aol.com
Datum: Wed, 26 Jun 2002 22:23:40 EDT
Rolf~
Thanks so much for including me in the mailing list. I had a wonderful time reading through the current issue a couple of past issues. Also, thank you for forwarding my information on to Norm Kutner. I am in hopes that he will contact me.
If you are going to include my email in a future issue, let me include some further information from my Grandfathers memoirs in hopes of connecting with some other members of the 75th.
Here is my original email with a couple of additions:
"I recently came into posession of writings by my Grandfather.
In his memiors he mentions his time in Germany, Holland, etc... as a member
of the 9th Army, H Company, Second Battalion, 289th Infantry Regiment,
75th Infantry Division. He was sent initially to England (Liverpool
I believe) via the USS Wakefield (formerly a cruise ship called the Manhattan)
on January 31st, 1945. His writings include information about the
boat ride over to England, his training prior to being shipped over at
Camp Howze and then being shipped to Camp Meade prior to his departure
on the Wakefield in New York. He was then shipped to Holland where
he was assigned to the machine gun squad of Sgt. Cornyn (sp?) which comprised
a "section". Sgt. Gaskin was in charge of this section. In
Germany he served some time on the west bank of the Rhine, opposite Duisberg,
then the troops were marched to Wesel. As the British 2nd Army pushed
into the Ruhr, his group followed.
This began five weeks of night and day pursuit of what remained of
the German Army. After the battle of the Ruhr, they pushed into Hagen,
Germany to begin weeks of Occupation Patrol Duty. They were then
shipped to Crepy-En-Laonaise in France to run a Repple Depple.
He does include a very humerous story about being on the bank of the Maas (Meuse) River and finding that if you collected the excess "band-aids" from the bottom of 81mm mortar round and attached it to the bottom of a "C Ration" can of spam, it was a loose slip fit into a 81mm mortar tube. After much experimentation, the troops found that three was the perfect number of "band-aids" to attach to the can of spam to shoot it across to the East Bank of the river where the German's were. Eventually the Platoon Officer caught wind of what they were doing and called an immediate halt to it.
Through his recently aquired stories, I am learning more about my Grandfather.
I also know from past conversations with him that he was part of the troops
who liberated some of the camps (which camps, I have no idea). He
does reference at one point being part of the "Occupation Patrol Duty"
in Hagen, Germany. I do not know if this has any relation to liberating
camps.
I am in hopes that by posting this information I might find someone
who served with my Grandfather as he has passed away. It is my understanding
that the highest rank my Grandfather achieved was that of Sgt.
Thanks Rolf for everything!
Stacy Schweiczer
***************************************************************************
20.) Eugene L.Hellickson, 275th Combat Engineers 1st platoon B company
Von: "J Puckett" <puckett5@worldnet.att.net>
75th
Datum: Thu, 25 Apr 2002 16:19:26 -0500
This is from my Guestbook. I didn't see this man's name in the roster. Maybe someone might know him or be looking for him.
Jay
Name:Eugene L.Hellickson
E-Mail:Genelof@hotmail.com
Referred By:Just Surfed In
Location: Portland,Oregon
Comments:
I was in 275th Combat Engineers 1st platoon B company 4/15/43 to 9/22/45
Nice web site
***************************************************************************
21.) 75th Infantry Division in the Netherlands
Von: "Fam Meijers" <meijbur@hetnet.nl>
Datum: Sat, 20 Apr 2002 17:09:40 +0200
Dear Mr Wilmink,
My name is Antoon Meijers, I am a 1st lieutenant in the Royal Netherlands
Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD).
I am doing a historical investigation about the Lock and the island
in the river Maas just south of the city Roermond, the Netherlands during
1944 - 1945.
As far as I know two regiments of 75th Infantry Division has been attached
to the 6th British Aiborne Division in February 1945.
This two regiments have liberated several towns in the Limburg region.
As far as I know (but I am not sure) units of the 75th has assaulted
the lock and the on 26-02-1945 and took about 50 German prisoners who have
been transported to the village Heel.
Do you have information about the time that the 75th has been in the
Netherlands and which towns they have liberated, and special about the
assault on the lock and the bell chaped island in the river Maas in February
1945.
Many thanks in advance - 1st Lt A.H. Meijers RNLA
------------------------------------------------------------------
Von: "Fam Meijers" <meijbur@hetnet.nl>
Datum: Tue, 23 Apr 2002 20:24:03 +0200
Geachte mijnheer Wilmink,
I have recieved a booklet about the fighting near the lock in the river
Maas.
291 Inf Regt has assaulted the island on 26th february 1945.
Many greetings - Antoon Meijers
----- Original Message -----
From: "MK-Wirtschaftsdienst" <mkw-detective@t-online.de>
To: "Fam Meijers" <meijbur@hetnet.nl>
Cc: "Joseph D. Karr" <167thSig@comcast.net>
Sent: Monday, April 22, 2002 11:12 AM
Subject: Re: 75th Infantry Division
> Goede Dag minheer,
> thanks for your answer.
>
The name of the towns is from documents of the 75th Inf. Div., so there
might be a misspelling. I have noted that also the names of some german
towns were not correctly written.
>
> I will publish our emails in the next issue of our 75th Inf Div email
newsline, so that the veterans read about your questions and can reply.
I will enclose you in the free subscription list.
>
> I will also forward your messages to Mr. Joseph D. Karr, 167th Signal
Photo Company, who was travelling and taking pictures of the 75th Div and
other units. He also took pictures in Netherlands, that surely nobody has
seen them there before.
>
> It is a lucky circumstance, that Mr. Karr will be in Europe from
31st May until 10th June. He will also be in the Netherlands during his
trip.
>
> In 20 Oct. 1944, he arrived in Maastricht, then later in Heerlen,
Nieeuwenhagen, Robroek, Vaals, Hoensbroek, Haanrade, Trintelen, Sittard,
Obbicht, Venlo, Nieuherk.
>
> Maybe some of the towns are near your area.
>
> I am sure that Mr. Karr can give you more infos about that.
>
> Greetings from Germany
> Rolf G. Wilmink
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22.) Military History Institute Questionnaire
Von: "J Puckett" <puckett5@worldnet.att.net>
Datum: Fri, 19 Apr 2002 23:32:33 -0500
Thought you might be interested in further establishing your efforts
during WWII, and the 75th's, for the record. I'm not quite sure what
the MHI, at Carlisle Barracks, intends to do with these, but it might help
in the continuing education of what you all did for all of us.
http://carlisle-www.army.mil/usamhi/1questionnairesubheaders.html
Jay
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23.) Military History http://www.patriotfiles.com
Datum: Mon, 6 May 2002 12:04:12 -0400
Von: The Patriot Files <webmaster@patriotfiles.com>
I want to invite everyone here to come visit http://www.patriotfiles.com.
The site is dedicated to the preservation of military history and has extensive
archives related to many military issues. The site also features forums,
chat, free email, instant messaging, military quizzes, polls, and a great
bunch of flash games to burn the time away at work ( no one uses the computer
at work I know ). Hope to meet you there :-)
David
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24.) CONTACT INFO FOR WWII MEMORIAL REGISTRY
Von: "Jay Puckett" <jpuckett@gbronline.com>
Datum: Tue, 30 Apr 2002 23:15:43 -0500
You can support the present and future needs of the World War II Memorial by becoming a Charter Member of the World War II Memorial Society, and enrolling members of the World War II generation in the Registry of Remembrances.
You can write the memorial at:
National World War II Memorial
2300 Clarendon Blvd., Suite 501
Arlington, Virginia 22201
Or call: 1-800-639-4WW2
Or e-mail: custsvc@wwiimemorial.com
I hope everyone will take the opportunity to register themselves, a
friend, or loved one that served in WWII. You can also upload a photo!
I think you'll need to contact the webmaster of the site for registration
first though. Very nice tribute with the convenience of online viewing.
Jay
http://www.wwiiregistry.org
http://www.members.tripod.com/hldnoqtr/75thdivisiondad.html
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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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If you want to become a member of the 75th Div Veterans
Association, please contact the president of the Association:
75th Division Veterans Association
Harold Lindstrom (F-289)
4105 75th Street
Des Moines, IA 50322-2551
(515) 278-0081
Other adresses: Vice President
Ted Davies (I-289)
4507 25th Ave.
Rock Island, IL 61201
(309) 786-6126
Secretary and Publisher of the „Bulgebuster„
Jim Warmouth (HQ 289)
6545 W. 11th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46214
(317) 241-3730
Treasurer
Donald Ratliff (375th Medic)
23701 Hartland Ave.
Euclid, Ohio, 44123
(216) 731-3744
Historian
George Tachuk (575th S.G.)
19892 Hillard Blvd.
Rocky River, OH 44116
(440) 333-5578
..The Simple Rules of the 75th Div List...
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:
1) Info Unrelated to 75th Division in WWII and today,
or WWII in the ETO.
2) Flames or Negative posts (if you must flame do it
in private)...
3) E-Signatures that are considered excessive...
4) Advertisements not DIRECTLY related to the list topics...
5) Attached Files... (sent them, but we have to see how
to include them)
6) Oversized Posts... (May be edited to save room - <snip>)
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list.
8) Thou shalt not lurk ;-)
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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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