C 0 K PAN YIP 0 0 P SHE E T May 2001

MRS. DENVER (SYBIL) HATF~FLD - Box 162 - Pawnee, Oklahoma 74058 Phone (918) 762-3291 Thanks for sending me the Company I Poopsheet, I enjoy readind it, and I am happy to see a picture of Denver in the latest Poopsheet. Enclosed is a donation to help with expenses. Will you please send a copy _of the Company I picture taken at Fort Bragg in 1943 and a roster of names of the men in this picture, and a Company I pre-Normandy Invasion Roster of May'44. EDITOR'S NOTE: I am happy to send the requested items to Sybil.

JIM and MABEL HOWELL - P.O. Box 528 - Aberdeen, Mississippi 39730 Phone (662) 369-4395 Just a short up-date on my condition before the Snowbird Reunion. By the way, 14 people have told me, either verbally or in Christmas Cards that they would try to be at the Reunion. On January 11 I received my 8th treatment. Normally I would have a C-Scan before the Snowbird Reunion, but my doctor said although he expected a good report, he would wait until I return· from the Reunion, just in case. So now I will receive my C-Scan on February 7. Bob Molsberry called and advised us that he and Stelle would attend the Snowbird Reunion. He said all arrangements had been taken care of. We haven't seen them since the pittsburgh Reunion.

CHARLES and MARILYN OLSOX - 201 Grant St. PH4 - Sewickley, Pa. 15143 Phone (412) 749-0290 Enclosed is a donation to the Poopsheet in loving memory of Allie Mae {COle) Beall - Col. Cole's widow.

MRS. RALPH (PETRA) CASAS - 601 Lance Dr. - Barstow, California 92311 Phone (760) 256-1338 Would you please send the following Company I items. The Company I picture taken at Fort Bragg in 1943 and the Roster of names of the men in the picture - Company I pre-Normandy Invasion Roster - Company I Holland Invasion Roster - Copy of the Citation for the Award of the French Croix de Guerre with Palm to the 502nd - The copy of the Presidential unit Citation to the 502nd. Enclosed is a donation to help with expenses. God willing I'll see you and all the others at the Snowbird Reunion. EDITOR'S NOTE: I am happy to send the requested items to Pete.

MRS. NELSON (LONNY) STEPHENS - 18 Elderberry Dr. - Plymouth, Mass. 02360

I enjoy the Poopsheet very much. I have always wanted to attend a Snowbird Reunion, but being a widow I never had the courage to attend. Then I read in the January Poopsheet that Mrs. Ralph (Petra) Casas, a widow, will attend this year's Reunion. That gave me the courage I needed. I too plan to attend this year's Snowbird Reunion.

MRS. JOHN (ELMEDA) LACHKOVIC-HILL - 18731 Northridge Dr. - Hagerstown, Md. Phone (301) 790-1696 21742 We won't be able to attend the 2001 Snowbird Reunion, and we will miss not being with our Company I family. We sometimes think we can do anything we would like to do, but sometimes we can't do it all. Oh well, maybe 2002.

JOHN and LYDIA ALTOMARE - 1814 Palo Circle - Baltimore, Maryland 21227 Phone (301) 242-9649 We are enclosing a donation to help with expenses of the poopsheet which we enjoy very much receiving. KATHLEEN BURNS (daughter of Bob Burns) - 2305 E. Sioux St. - Sioux Falls, Phone (605) 332-1249 S. Dakota 57103 Thank you for you.r phone call Ln qu i.r.i.nqabout my father Bob Burns. My father's Paratrooper buddies were very important to him. And thank you for keeping me on the Poopsheet mailing list. EDITOR'S NOTE: I asked Kathleen to send me an obituary COlfher father, to put in our Poopsheet, and she sent me the obituary, and much more, which I will share with you.

LOUIS and MARY ANN DUNCH - 309 Sherman Ave. - Sharon, Pennsylvania 16146 Phone (412) 347-4837 Hould you send me a copy of the 3rd Battalion 502nd picture taken at Fort Bragg in 1943. I truly wanted to see Alfred Simmons at this Reunion. EDITOR'S NOTE: At the "Snowbird Reunion" Lou asked me if there was any way I could make him a copy of the 4 foot long 3rd Battalion 502nd picture, which he knew I had. I found someone who could do it, but the 4 foot picture had to be reproduced in 3 pieces. I am happy to send a copy of this picture to Lou. I have my picture hanging in a frame specially made for this 4 foot X 9 inch picture.

A LATTER LETTER FROM JIM and MABEL HOWELL: It was certainly good to see everyone again at the "Snowbird Reunion". wish it could occur more often. I had my evaluation last week and it showed improvement. I started a new series of Chemo the same day. This series is once a month instead once every 23 days. Enclosed are some photos taken at the "Snowbird."

BOB and STELLE MOLSBERRY - 10368 Glenwood Pines Ct. - Grass Valley, Calif. Phone (530) 273-1698 95945 Even though I was -{eeling--"punk" while at the--"'Snowbird"-I·had a good time, and it was worth the trip to see all of those Company I people. Bob had a really good time and every time he came up to our room to see how I was doing, he was so excited to see everyone downstairs I would encourage him to go back down. Seeing his pleasure in seeing everyone, - that alone was worth the trip. Many of you Company I men do not look or act your age. We thought the Banquet was terrific, and good food for such a large crowd. Most everyone were gone Sunday, a few in the lobby waiting for the Shuttle, we had the chance to meet and talk once more. Bob had a good report on his P.S.A. level. He sees his Neurologist Tuesday; a fellow golfer, so I think they discuss golf more than Parkinson's disease. A donation is enclosed for the Poopsheet, - you have really put out some terrific ones, and I know it costs to do it. To you and Marie and all Company I families, Bob and I send the thought, live "La Dolce vita"!

A LATTER LETTER FROM MRS. RALPH (PETRA) CASAS: Wi11 you please send me a Company I Roster. I received pictures taken at the "Snowbird" from Jim and Mabel How·ell, it is so nice of them to send them. -While at the Reunion I spent so much time visiting all the MalLs with the girls that I missed a big part of the Reunion activities. I wanted so much to see and talk with Lou Dunch but I missed seeing him. Lou was one of Ralph's good buddies.

PAT and TERESA CALLERY - 629 Park Ave. - W. Hempstead, New York 11552 Phone (516) 486-7439 Enclosed is a donation to help with Poopsheet expenses. Keep them coming we really appreciate everyone of them.

EARL and VIRGINIA KELLY .- 3 Morgan Lane - Aberdeen I Maryland 21001 Phone (410) 272-3330 We know there are expenses in putting the Poopsheet together and in mailing them. Enclosed is our donation to help with these expenses. 3 THE 101ST 2001 SNOWBIRD REUNION POOP

This annual mid-winter gathering of 101st people was held on February 1-2-3, 2001 at Kissimmee, Florida just outside of Orlando, with 70 degree temperature. The Florida Sunshine State Chapter of the 101st puts on a 3 day Reunion hard to top. It is always on the first part of February and it is very inexpensive, and it gives us Northerners a taste of summer in the middle of winter. The Hospitality Rooms at this gathering were well stocked with food and drink from beginning to end, and on Saturday evening we had a prime beef dinner. This is my typ~ of Reunion, :mostly visiting and sharing and laughing in a well stocked continuous Hospitality Room. Company I people in attendance at this '''SnowbirdReunion" were: Charles and Marilyn Olson - James S. Norris - John Altomare - Joe and June Hennessey - Earl Kelly - Ward Faulkenberry - Harry and Joanie Nivens - Bob Hartzell - Fred an Dolores Kraus - Celso and Mary Garcia - Jim and Mabel Howell - Alphonse Felderhoff - Mrs. Ralph (Petra) Casas and daughter - Walter and Kay Murdock - Pat and Teresa Callery - Ivan and Ann Hershner - Louis Dunch - Mrs. Nelson (Lonny) Stephens - Bob and Stelle Molsberry - Warren Shook - Bob and Alicia Tripp - Ray and June Dunlap. Sadly for those of us who were looking forward to seeing him, Alfred Simmons had to cancel out of this Reunion due to family problems. "Get Well Cards" were signed by all present, with individual notes, and mailed to Richard Stephens, one of our regular attendees, who because of illness was unable to attend this Reunion. And at this Reunion Bob Molsberry gave me news items pertinent to Company I taken from the 502nd newspap.er- "The Screamer" printed June 6, 1945. Mrs. Nelson (Lonny) Stephens) gave me a Boston area newspaper printed June 5, 1994, honoring the 50th D-Day anniversary, which included Nelson's account of his D-Day actions. Bob Tripp gave me several pictures of wartime Company I people. These gifts will be shared with you in our Poopsheet.

IVAN and ANN HERSHNER - 5427 37th St. N. - Arlington, Virginia 22207 Phone (703) 538-4411 We appreciate all the effort you have put into Company I and the 'Poopsheet over the years, and we know expenses are involved. Enclosed is a donation to help take care of the expenses.

JAMES S. NORRIS - 452 Richardson Dr. - Roanoke, Virginia 24019 Phone (540) 992-1846 I look forward to receiving each of the Company I poopsheets~ Enclosed isa donation to help with expenses.

56TH ANNUAL 101ST REUNION IN SAN ANTONIO AUGUST 8, 9, 10, II, 2001

Four Points-Sheraton Hotel - 110 Lexington Ave. - San Antonio, Texas78205 - Phone (210) 223-9461 will be headquarters for this Reunion. The cost for rooms is $91.00 per night plus tax. Make your reservations directly with the Hotel. Reunion Registration cost is $85.00 per person which includes - Hospitality Room every day - Friday Memorial Dinner - Saturday Awards Dinner and Dance. Send your $85.00 Registration Fee to - 101st Airborne Div. Ass'n. - P.O. Box 101 - Bentonville, Ohio 45105.

SEEN IN THE "SCREAMING EAGLE" MAGAZINE: Richard Stephens of Company I 502nd has been recovering from a stroke and is doing much better. Our thanks to Pat Simpson of "West Coast Airborne" for being with Richard regularly. 1) Who is this guy who needs 2 Parachutes to get him down? 2) Nick Marovich, Mike Olesh and Joe Hennessey in Philadelphia 1962. 3) Front - David Ludlow, Bob Hartzell, Jack Dulaney, Ivan Hershner. Back - Jim Howell, Woody Cumming, Charles Windham, Harry Nivens, Bill Steadman at Fort Campbell 1965. 4) Lisa and Joe Garcia, Lou Dunch, Mary and Woody Cumming in Cleveland 1954. 5) Ralph and Petra Casas, Mary and Celso Garcia, Louise and Joe Zamblauskis in San Francisco 1963. 6) Champ Baker in Houston 1973. 7) Front - Bob Hartzell, Lou Dunch. Back - Bob Tripp, Jim Gleason, Charles Windham, Bill and Marjorie Steadman, June Hennessey in Pittsburgh 1964. 8) Theodore Murphy, Joe Garcia, Joe Hennessey, Lisa Garcia, in front is the back of the head of Woody Cumming in Cleveland 1961. 9) Dave Bonfiglio, Lou Stranzl, Marie Hartzell in D.C. 1969. 10) Melvin Turney, Ed Augustynowski, Charles Olson, Lou Dunch, Joe Garcia, Jim Gleason, John Sekora, Woody Cumming, Ivan Hershner, Bob Hartzell. in Pittsburgh 1957. 11) Leroy Gravelle, Edward M. smith, Lou Morong in Omaha 1988. 12) Richard Campbell and family Christmas 1959. 13) Bob Hartzell, Joe Hennessey, Mike and Chris Olesh, Lou Mete, Joe Garcia, Mary ~nd John Sekora, Ada Murphy, Charles Windham, Lou Dunch in pittsburgh 1964. 14) C-47 airplane in flight, the kind that we jumped out of. 15) Nick Bledsoe 1945. 1) Joe Hennessey, Bob Tripp, Lew and Avalon Roush in Philadelphia 196~. 2) Charles Olson, John Altomare, Bob Hartzell, Jim Howell at the Snowbird 2000 Reunion. 3) Lou Stranzl, Champ Baker, Tommy Grey in Houston 1973. 4) David Ludlow, Woody Cumming, Bob Hartzell at Fort Campbell 1965. 5) Marie and Bob Hartzell in Philadelphia 1971. 6) Front - David Bonfiglio, Bob Hartzell, Lou Dunch, Tommy Grey, Bob Boyce, Joe Garcia. Back - Bill Steadman, Jim Gleason, Bill Purdy, Joe Hennessey, Earl Kelly, John Sekora, Ray Dunlap, Charles Windham, Ivan Hershner, Harry Nivens, Ed Augustynowski, Joe Zamblauskis in Philadelphia 1971. 7) Richard Campbell, Earl Kelly, Dave Bonfiglio, Bill Steadman irtWashington D.C. 1969. 8) Paul Cooney in England 1944. 9) Lt. John Painschab 1943. 10) DanZapalski, Ivan Hershner, Bob Hartzell, Joe Hennessey, Harry Nivens, Joe Garcia, Mae Beth Nivens, Bill Steadman at Fort Campbell 1965. 11) Front - Louise and Joe Zamblauskis, Back - Walter and Irene Murdock, Charles and May Schultz,_Mary and Woody Cumming, Bob Hartzell, Jane and Walter Presley in San Fransisco in 1963. 12) Vincent Wendt at Camp Mourmelon 1944. 13)'Jim Howell and Bob Tripp at Snowbird 2000 Reunion. 14)Civilians inspecting one of our C-47 Jump planes. DID YOU HAVE A GOOD DAY TODAY?

At day's end, is anybody happier because you passed his way? Does anyone remember that you spoke to him today? The day is almost over, and it's toiling time is through; Is there anyone to utter now a kindly word of you? Can you say tonight in parting, with the day that's slipping fast, That you helped a single brother, of the many that you passed? Is a single heart rejoicing over what you did or said? Does the man whose hopes were fading, now with courage look ahead? Did you waste the day or lose it? Was it well or sorely spent? Did you leave a trail of kindness, or a scar of discontent? As you close your eyes in slumber, do you think that God will say, "You have earned one more tomorrow, by the wo rk you did today?"

AIRBORNE MEN

They are a special breed of men Now, after victory's been won who merit rousing cheers. they're back to normal ways, They, bravely, entered battle but even after fifty years in the Springtime of their .years. can never forget those days.

TheirCameraderie was close, Today, they wear the crown of age, and striking like a spider, and many are mostly chairborne; they entered battle from the air But all the years can't take away by Parachute and Glider. the pride of being "AIRBORNE".

They came from small towns, cities, farms; the nation's finest men, putting on the line their "all" to free the world again.

OH, TO BE A KID AGAIN, AND GO BACK TO THE TIME WHEN •.•

... "race issues" meant arguing about who ran the fastest • ...catching lightening bugs would happily occupy an entire evening. ",the worst thing you could catch from the opposite sex was cooties • ...having a weapon in school meant being caught with a slingshot . ...nobody was prettier than Mom • ... scrapes and bruises were kissed and made better • ...getting a foot of snow was a dream come true • ...spinning around, getting dizzy and falling down, was cause for giggles . .••baseball cards in the spokes transformed any bike into a motorcycle.

KILLED IN ACTION

Have you ever given thought to being,killed in war at eighteen years old? Not to be able to see and hug-Mom and Dad ever, attend church, have Sunday dinner, sit on the porch, look at the blue sky never, take a stroll on a sunny day, feel the grass beneath your feet, smell the beautiful aroma of flowers; I will never realize such hours, as watching a rainy day, go out and play baseball, shed a tear or even smile again. I will never know the joy to meet a girl, fall in love, have children, play with them, hug and watch them grow. These things this young man will never ever know. I will never have a chance to bean old person, for I will always be an eighteen year old vet.,I have given up all this for your freedom. "Lest 'you forget." '7

THE MAKING OF A PARATROOPER

"THROUGH THESE PORTALS WALK THE WORLD"S GREATEST SOLDIERS" This inscription adorns the entrance to a building at the Paratrooper training school in Fort Benning, Georgia and is a distinction bestowed upon all those who train to be a Paratrooper. To qualify for "Jump Wings" we had to endure rigorous physical, mental, and emotional training. Many of us began the training as confident and almost cocky young men. I was no exception. I qu i ck ly r.r eaLt zed however, that my physical stamina had not yet been tested. We ran five miles double time twice every morning, tumbled and jumped from mock towers, trained in judo, climbed thirty foot ropes hand over hand from a floor sitting position, practiced jumps after being hoisted to the top of 200 foot towers, exercised in a pipe maze, folded and unpacked parachutes, and finally, jumped from an airplane in flight for five consecutive days. The difficult physical training, however, was easy relative to the mental and emotional hammering we took. Every day was an exercise in "Sweating it Out." We worried that our parachutes wouldn't open, and we constantly doubted our own courage and physical stamina, I even questioned my sanity after reading an interview published in the GI newspaper at Fort Benning when the commandant of the Parachute School was asked, "Sir, how do you account for troopers "freezing" at the door?" His response was, "That is a trooper momentarily regaining his senses." However, our training regime did not give us time to dwell. By the next day, my brief dp.pression was replaced by exhaustion. Many of our would be Paratroopers dropped out and we watched them go, wondering if we would be next. At the end of each day's training, the elated feeling of surviving gave us the strength and determination to hang in there and do it all again the next day. Surviving this rigorous training gave us feelings of belonging, accomplishment,.and superiority. This special confidence, and mental toughness was something that we all drew from during the "real thing." We develope~ a camaraderie, which bordered on brotherhood. We didn't hesitate to support a fellow trooper, whether it was a bar room or street brawl, or on the field of combat. It's a bonding that we carry with us even now, more than fifty years later.

ROBERT B. COLE (son of Col. Robert G. Cole) - 414 E. Hathaway Dr. Phone (210) 824-4337 San Antonio, Texas 78209 I sadly inform you of the death of my mother Allie Mae (Cole) Beall on December 15, 2000. Enclosed is a donation to help with Poopsheet exp.enses. Also enclosed are some copies perhaps you can share with the men. I enjoyed our btief phone conversation. Please tell Charles Olson that the photo of himself at my father's gravesite was part of a centerpiece in the Dining Room during the visit of family and friends after my mother's funeral. She had a lot of friends. You guys however, were foremost in her thoughts. BEALL ty unqualified caring and sup- and was awarded The Medal serving as a member of the DUTY, HONOR, COUNTRY port The example she set is a of Honor, posthumously for Presidents' Council and The Allie Mae Beall, born August source of Inspiration and action, June 1944 in Nor- Military-Civilian Club. She 16, 1916 in San Antonio, strength to her family and the mandy, France. She married was an officer in the Daugh- Texas, died December 15, many devoted friends she Claudius Albert. Beall, Jr., ters of the Republic of Texas, 2000 and was preceded in leaves behind. The manner in Col., U;S.A in November, Alamo Mission Chapter C, a death by parents, Dan H. and which she lived her life was a 1947 and was widowed Feb- regent from 1985-1987 in the Allie Mae (Mayes) Wilson and touchstone. An eternal opti- ruary 7, 1991. She remained Daughters of. the American husbands, Robert George mist Allie Mae found beauty· to the end, a devoted miiitary Revolution, Green Mountain Cole and Claudius Albert and kindness and leaves that wife. Allie Mae's chiidren Boys Chapter. Allie Mae was Beall, Jr. An accomplished legacy for all. "And when our include Robert B.ruce Cole, also a member of Bel Meade pianist, Allie Mae did post work is done, our course on Claudia Beall Langford and Garden Club, Ft, Sam Hous- graduate work at the Julliard earth is run, may it be said, husband, W_Mark Langford'ol ton Officers' Club and a Life School, NewYork. She contin- 'IIell done; Be thou at peace.· Austin, Cynthia Beall Suich Member of the Retired Offi- ued her lifelong musical inter- Allie Mae married Robert and husband, Dennis M. cers' Association. ests, serving as President of George Cole, Lt. cei. U.S.A. Suich, M.D. of Columbia, Mis- '._- - ._- SERViCE. ------, li sd M . I CI b 1977 of San Antonio in 1940, after souri; stepson, Marshall Dent t~eI9~§ ~JIC:Sa uniember hts graduation from the Unit- Beall, u. cei, .U.S.A. and FRIDAY-1:00 P.M. until her death. Allie Mae was ed States Military Academy, wife, Donna Beall of Salt Lake Al.AMO HTS. UNITED loving and loved by all who West Polnt.. New York.Col. City, Utah; four grandchildren METHODIST CHURCH I knew her. She gave her Iami- Cole was killed in action Sep- and two 2reat grandchildren. . GARDEN CHAPEL ternber 18. 1944 in Holland Allie Mae s activities included 8

S'..Jprei1le ll.ec!dC;~d;-tcrs AL.LI::8 cXPcDITiONAfl-Y FORCE Off;ce of the Svprerne Commander

8 Maroh, 1945

Dear Mrs. Cole:

Only recently I learned that your husband lost his life during our airborne operations last fall. Although I do not wish to bring afresh to your mind memories of your tragic loss~ I adndred and liked him .0 much that I feel im- pelled to send you soma expression of my 8ym- pathy and regret.

He was one of our ablest and certainly one of our most gallant· otfic"era. He had earned among hi8 associates a universal respect and liking and, of course, I had an additional interest in hi~ beoause or our old assooiation in the 15th Infantry_

I do hope that the ~owledge of his superb gallantry and of his invaluable services to his country will bring to you some comfort, even it though. Can. notdiminishyourgriet.o

Most si,ncerely, q

A BOSTON AREA NEWSPAPER'S ACCOUNT OF NELSON STEPHEN'S D-DAY ACTION

Nelson Stephens of Natick, Mass. got a jump start on D-Day. As a Paratrooper with the "Screaming Eagles" of the 101st Airborne, he was dropped 21 miles behind enemy lines seven hours before the invasion to keep German reinforcements from reaching the Normandy beaches. "You should seen us .•.I had land mines strapped to my ankles, dynamite in my pockets and hand grenades on my belt," Stephens said . . First to fight phens, reliving the moment it was yelled for a medic and he came over his turn to jump. , and was shot and killed." Nelson Stephens, a spry 25-year- But his assault almost ended in Black soldiers from a construction old on D-Day, wanted to "do some- tragedy. The 5-foot, 8-inch Stephens crew pulled him out of the fight and thing others wouldn't do." So the landed in water over his head. . brought him back to the Normandy Natick man, now 75, became a para- . ·Weighed down by almost 100pounds beachhead where he was shipped to trooper. of explosives 'strapped to.his body, safety. . The squad leader was assigned to ·he 'cut his gear loose with a pocket He was awarded the knife. the 502nd parachute regiment of the ·and Bronze Star for his heroics. The 101st Airborne. His mission was to - "Here'I was in a swamp in France medal is kept in a case with an old drop 21 miles behind enemy lines spearheading the invasion, so to picture of himself in the football hel- seven hours before the invasion and speak, scared," he said. met and parachute he wore a~ a "cause havoc" for as long as he was He took his pocket knife and one paratrooper. able to fight A total of 13,000 para- hand grenade and scrambled to sal- Stephens says he "can't complain" vage ammunition from paratroopers about losing more than a few inches troopers made the jump with him; killed on the way down. of bone and flesh and much of the nearly half would become casual- "It 'was a rough experience, but I feeling in his left arm. The injury did ties. { can't say-Fwas frightened to death," force him to change careers from a Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower told Stephens added. "It was hit-and-run, Linotype operator to payroll super- Stephens and his fellow paratroop- a hit-and-run." visor. ers in a pep talk, made famous by a On the fourth day, Stephens was "I had three bone grafts and two picture of the address, to "Do your shot twice - once seriously in the tendon operations," he said. job or we won't be there is the morn- ·left ami - while defending a bridge A spring storm forced a one-day ing." leading to Normandy. He had sur- delay of the invasion. Eisenhower .Right after the speech, Stephens vived a brutal bayonet attack against needed a moonlit night on the eveof and his crew flew to France. German troops but keeping control D-Day so the paratroopers could . "I went to the door of the plane jump. On June 5, he got what he and looked down and saw machine of the bridge almost cost him his life. . "Being shot twice is enough," he wanted. .'. '. t gun fire coming up at us," said Ste- said. "They shot off part of my arm. I

Paratroopers up first tended effect of bafflingthe Ger- "Why are you doing this?" one of mans. them asked. "I can't tell you," Sum- The parachutists were the first to "They knew where they were, but mers answered. "It was all kind of go - 13,000 Americans of the 82nd none of them knew what was hap- crazy." and 101st Airborne Divisions land- pening," writes historian Max Ha- Pvt, John Steele's parachute .ing behind Omaha and Utah - and stings. "The Americans knew what snagged on the church steeple of St 4 800 men of the British 6th Airborne was happening, but didn't know ·Mere-Eglise, giving him a ringside a~ound Caen behind the Anglo- where they were." .. balcony seat ashe watched the 82nd Canadian beaches of Sword, Juno The Germans were further befud- Airborne capture the key road hub .. .and Gold to the east .'. dled by parachuted dummies that Lynn Compton, an All-American Before takeoff, the Americans had landed with prerecorded shouted . catcher at UCLA, hit a German with feasted on ice cream for the first commands, then exploded with sim- . a grenade and blew his head off-Lt, time in months and been treated to a ulated gunfire. Off Calais, loud- Mike Dowling had until 0530 to si- movie, "Mr. Lucky," starring Cary speakers on small vessels sounded lence a German battery. He made it Grant and Laraine Day. anchoring and engine noises. No by 15 minutes and reported: "Bat- . The precise formations of 882 C- landing feint was staged along the ·tery taken as ordered, sir. Guns de- 47s (DC-3s in civilian life) broke up Channel coast to keep open the pos- stroyed," then fell dead. in clouds over Normandy .. Para- sibility that a major attack was in the troopers spilled all over. the . offing. . Cogtentin Peninsula. Some soldiers, In the dark, the paratroopoers burdened with up to 150 pounds of gradually coalesced into! fighting gear -. rifle, .45 automatic, seven. units. After dawn, Sgt. Harrison grenades, four blocks of TNT, a Summers waged a one-man war, mine, ammo, rations' and a carton of bursting into one farm building after cigarettes - fell into the sea and another,spraying the Germans in- drowned. side with his tommy gun while his The confused drop had the unln- battle-shy colleagues watched in amazement . /0

JOHN and LEONA SANDERS JR. - 688 Mikkelsen Dr. #113 - Auburn, Calif. 95603 Phone (530) 888-6627 I was really distressed to read that Robert Burns had died. A great Paratrooper in my book. I remember the first time I saw him, he had called the Company to attention and stood there ready to report to the Captain. His face was naturally flushed, it made me think that this Officer wasn't much, but I was much ~istaken, - he was tough as hell. On D+2 of the Holland Jump Burns and I were the first men across the open field to the highway leading to Best. We took cover at a house on the corner of the small road intersection of the highway. Burns took the front of the house and I at the rear. Suddenly Burns motioned for me to be quiet, from a side door out popped a German sniper, Burns took him without a shot, then came another, and he met the same fate. Burns just grinned and gave me wave. Down the small road a hundred yards we saw a head with a GI helmet sticking out from behind a hedge, the guy was motioning for us to come up there, but we both knew that none of our men were that far up that road. We just watched him and waited, a minute later, out popped that head again, only this time he made the mistake of letting a nice shiny German Officer's boot show. Burns and I both fired at the same time. I can remember that action as if it were yesterday.

MRS. WALTER (REGINA) KWIECINSKI-KERWYNN - 4408 Jackson Pl. - Alexandria, Va. Phone (703) 7~9-3060 22309 Thank you for the Poopsheets. Receiving these, and the American Flag which I fly daily in honor of Walter, keeps my memories of Walter alive. Enclosed is a donation to help with Poopsheet expenses in honor of Walter.

MRS. NEAL (BETTY) BURKETT - 6760 Leon Rd. #1295 -Andover, Ohio 44003 Phone (440) 293-7015 My husband, Neal Burkett of Company I 502nd, died February 26, 2001 at our home from lung cancer. In sorting through his things I find that he kept most everything that had to do with the 101st Airborne. He was so proud of all the men and what they had done for their country. Neal was a Company I Medic and he often recalled the men he helped to patch up. Before Neal retired he was employed as an architect for a Cleveland firm. He later became self-employed as an architect. He also served on the Board of Catholic Charities in serving the poor for some years. He loved music, especially Jazz and the Big Band sounds.

LATTER NEWS FROM JIM and MABEL HOWELL: Celso and Mary Garcia called last evening but I was at a club meeting. I will return their call soon. I have sent group photographs taken at the "Snowbird Reunion" to all Company· I men. My latest evaluation showed "improvement" and I started my third series of chemo that same day. I have completed 10 treatments and have 2 more to go on this series. We still plan to go to England in June if there is no drastic change in my condition between now and then. Give Marie a hug for us.

LATER NEWS FROM EARL and VIRGINIA KELLY: It was great seeing our old Company I gang again at the "Snowbird Reunion." I am enclosing information of another "French Citation" recently issued for U.S. Veterans who served in France between June 6, 1944 and May 8, 1945. Many of our guys will want to apply for this. You sure put a lot of memories in that Poopsheet, and I want to thank you for that. I notice that the balance in your last "Treasury Report" is dangerously low. Enclosed is a donation to help with poopsheet ex~enses. May God bless you and your family. CELSO and MARY GARCIA - 359 62nd St. N.W. - Albuquerque, New Mexico 87105 Phone (505) 831-0377 We enjoy receiving the Poopsheet and we know there are expenses in putting it out. Enclosed is our donation to help with expenses.

BOB HARTZELL - 313 Wentz St. - Tiffin, Ohio 44883 Phone (419) 447-0448 If you have pictures of Company I people that you would like reproduced in the "Poopsheet", you can either have copies made of them and send the copies to me, or send me the original pictures and I will have copies made. I will return all pictures to you if you will ask to have them returned. Please include picture information, such as names of people in the picture and when and where picture was taken, if known. Our Poopsheet is in need of more news sent to me from our Company I people. I had to use many "fill in" articles in past Poopsheets because of the lack of news from you, our Company I people. The main source of news for our Company I Poopsheet comes from you, our Company I people, that is what has made our Poopsheet what it is. Since January my wife Marie has had several mini-strokes. We thought we were going to lose her in January, but she pulled out of it, as she has done with her other strokes. I still visit with her in the Nursing Home every day. Sometimes she knows me, and other times I don't think she does. Please continue to keep her, and all of our ailing Company I people in your prayers.

FRANCE IS AGAIN HONORING U.S. VETERANS OF WORLD WAR II

The Ambassador of France to the , H. E. I'Estang has informed the acting Secretary of Veterans Affairs, That the French authorities are issuing a certificate to recognize the participation of all American and Allied soldiers who took part in the Normandy landing and or contributed to the liberation of France. The certificate is meant to express the gratitude of the French people to the soldiers who participated in the Normandy landing and liberation of France, on French territory and in French territorial waters and airspace, between June 6, 1944 and May 8, 1945. The certificate will not be issued posthumously. The ten Consuls General of France in the United States will issue the documents on behalf of the French authorities.They will do so in coordination with Veterans Affairs Offices, Veterans Service Organizations' and Veterans Associations. Veterans are encouraged to apply now at a local Veterans Office if they are eligible. Veterans must provide a copy of their Military Discharge to be submitted with the request for the certificate.

COMPANY I TREASURY REPORT

Since our lastTreasury Report in January we received $341.00 in donations, we received .74¢ interest on our money in the bank, we had a balance of $173.61, giving us a total of $515.35. Our expenses since our last Treasury Report are,_for rep~oducing our June 6, 1945 "Screamer" newspap~rmailing $190.80, $100.30 postage, $5.00 labels,$296.10 total for the "Screamer". $132.48 for reproducing our January Poopsheet, $68.00 postage this Poopsheet, $5.00 address labels this Poopsheet, $205.48 expense for January mailing, a total expense for both maili~gs of $501.58, leaving us a balance of ($132.26) in the hole.

Yours in the 101st Robert J. Hartzell 313 Wentz st. Tiffin, Ohio 44883 6~ phone (419) 447-0448 j'J-'

ITEMS STILL AVAILABLE FROM OUR COMPA~Y I ACCUMULATION

If you want any of these items listed below, they are yours simply by asking for them, - and they are yours at no charge. Items available are: - Company I picture taken at Fort Bragg in 1943 - Roster of names of the men in this Company I picture - Company I pre- Kormandy Invasion Roster of May 1944 - Company I Holland Invasion Roster of September 17, 1944 - Copy of the Citation for the Award of the French Croix de Guerre with Palm to the 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment - Copy of the citation for the Award of the Belgian Fourragere 1940 to the 101st - Copy of the Citation for the Award of the Belgian Croix de Guerre 1940 with Palm to the 101st - Copy of the Award of the Presidential Unit Citation to the 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment - Copy of the Citation for the Award of the Dutch Orange Lanyard to the 101st - Copy of the Award of the Presidential unit Citation to the - Pamphlet on how you can receive your Medals and Awards - Sterling Miniature Paratroopers Kings and 101st Insignia Combination Pins, given to us to distribute to you by Mrs. John Lachkovic-Hill - Company I cassette tape made in 1980, recalling the names of Company I men kil~ed in action, and those who died since 1945 - Copy of the Citation of a Qualified Paratrooper given at Fort Benning, Georgia - Cassette tape of "D-Day Jump June 6, 1944" by NBC reporter Wright Bryant, as seen by him from Col. Robert G. Cole's plane - Copy of an 8~X11 picture of a fully equiped Paratrooper ready to make a Combat Jump - List of all Company I men who were killed in action, along ¥ith their date of death - List of all the men who ever served in Company I.

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