Fifteenth Infantry Regiment Fifteenth Infantry Regiment

www.sergeantsmajor.org/cando 15th Infantry Regiment Association Newsletter October 2002

REGIMENTAL DINNER-BUFFALO, NY By John Burke The Tenth 15th Infantry Regimental Dinner in conjunction with the Society of the Third Infantry Division Reunion was held September 13,2002 at Buffalo, NY. A total of 205 attended. There were 159 Can Do Dragons and quests. In addition there were: 39 from various Field Artillery units who had supported the 15th Infantry Regiment in past campaigns; one from the 7th Infantry Regiment with 3 guests; and 3 from the Belgian Battalion. The Can Do Dragons present represented WWII, Korean War, Cold War, Vietnam, , and the current Ready Forces. Due to illness of the Association President, Leonard Lassor, the Past President, John Burke, acted as the evening’s master of ceremonies (MC). The evening began with Posting of the Colors performed by a detachment from the 3rd Battalion from Fort Stewart, GA. The soldiers, led by 1st Sergeant Jeff Moser, performed in the traditional Can Do manner. After the posting of the colors the entire assemblage pledged allegiance to the flag of the US. The Association Chaplain, Charles Trout, delivered the Invocation at the commencement of the dinner as well as the Benediction at the conclusion. Program events included recognition of several distinguished members who have contributed to the history of the Regiment as well as to the growth of the Association. These included four Association Founding Members: Maurice Kendall, Edward Dojutrek, Michael Halik, and Whitney Mullen. Recognition was made of those individuals named by the active Army as Distinguished Members of the Regiment including Clayton Craig, Robert Hawkins, Maurice Kendall, Whitney Mullen, Jerry Sapiro, and John Shirley. Chaplain Charles Trout was also recognized for recently being inducted into the Infantry Officer Candidate School Hall Of Fame at Fort Benning, GA. Special recognition was made of two contingents from overseas. One was a group of three Belgian veterans who had served with the Belgian Battalion as part of the United Nations Forces in the Korean War. The other group was particularly unique. Julian Mitchell, a 7th Infantry Regiment veteran of the Korean War, had as guests three young men from France. These young men are part of a Rock of the Marne Memorial and Re-enactment Organization. The organization takes part in numerous ceremonies through out Europe commemorating the actions of the Third Infantry Division. They were dressed in authentic WWII uniforms. John Burke presented a summary of the activities of the two active battalions since the last Regimental Dinner and their current situation. Both active battalions are currently engaged in intensified training, with the 1st Battalion in Kuwait and the 3rd Battalion gearing up for deployment to Kuwait next month. The featured speaker for the evening was Richard G. Stillwell, Jr. Richard’s father commanded the Regiment in Korea from November 1952 to May 1953. The theme of Richard’s address was what he believed his father would have had to say regarding traditions and service to unit if he were still living and had the opportunity to address the Association. All in attendance were inspired by Richard’s comments. Henry Burke, acting on behalf of Leonard Lassor, presented a President’s Appreciation Plaque to Lloyd D. Whitmer for the great work he has performed as Treasurer for the Association during the past Year. Ed Dojutrek, Association Vice President, presented remarks on behalf of Leonard Lassor and also vowed to assume responsibilities of the ailing President. Richard Guimond, Assistant Treasurer, conducted the annual Raffle Drawing. Winners awards were for $300, $200 and three $100 prizes. The winners are shown in another section of this edition of The Dragon. Prior to the retirement of the colors and the benediction, Mrs. Pennie Burke thrilled the assemblage with the singing of “I’m Proud To Be An American”. She is truly a Can Do Dragon. An announcement was made that the 1st Battalion was preparing to host the 2003 Can Do Rendezvous in early April and that the next Regimental Dinner with the Society Of the Third Infantry Division would be in St. Louis, September 2003. This concluded the evening.

Check Your Address Label. This may be your last Dragon If your address label shows 2002 your dues were paid to October 2002. If so, this is your last Dragon. Contact the Treasurer and renew your membership

th 2 The Dragon, 15 Infantry Regiment Association Newsletter October 2002 The Dragon Officers

The Dragon is the quarterly publication of President Commander, 3rd Battalion the 15th Infantry Regiment Association. It Leonard L. Lassor LTC Stephen Twitty is published in January, April, July and 7 Berkshire Lane HQ 3-15 IN, Bldg. 522 October. Neither its editorial nor articles Dover N.H. 03820-4532 692 William H. Wilson Ave., Ste 101 content carry official endorsement of the  603-742-9195 Ft. Stewart, GA 31313 Association. Input for the Dragon is due [email protected] 912-767-7720 the 15th of each month prior to publishing. Vice President Asst. Secretary-Treasurer 3rd Bn Lenny Lassor.….……….……….President Edward Dojutrek CPT David Kinlaw, S1 Michael J. Horn………………….…Editor 3303 Far View Dr HQ 3-15 IN, Bldg. 522 Lloyd D. Whitmer …...……...….Treasurer Austin, TX 78730-3300 692 William H. Wilson Ave., Ste 104  512-343-0900 Ft. Stewart, GA 31313 Objectives of the Association  912-767-9923 Secretary Leon Lebowitz Chaplain………………Charles C. Trout  To perpetuate and foster the history 3403 Cascadera Dr. 10191 Birchwood Dr. and traditions of the Regiment. Austin, TX 78731-5811 Huntington Beach, CA 92646-5432  To provide opportunities for uniting  512-452-8601  714-836-4981 past and present members of the [email protected] [email protected] Regiment into a close and cooperative alliance. Treasurer HCOR………….….………...Jerry Bates  To promote morale and high espirit de Lloyd D. Whitmer 1903 Mallison Way corps among members of the 7500 Mose Road Alexandria, VA 22308-2760 Regiment. Navarre, Ohio 44662  703-360-5417  To acquire and maintain a repository  330-756-2803 of regimental historical memorabilia. [email protected] Historian…………....LTC Timothy Stoy  To assist in the maintenance of 950th TC, Unit 22419 GAFSC monuments dedicated to the units of Membership APO AE 09069 the 15th Infantry Regiment. John Burke 5704 Hastings Square Trustees Send dues and new addresses to: Columbus, GA 31909

 706-563-8909 Patrick D. Heagerty Lloyd D. Whitmer [email protected] 4837 Carey Drive 7500 Mose Road Manlius, NY 13103-1606 Navarre, Ohio 44662 Publicity and Asst. Treasurer  315-682-6459  330-756-2803 Richard R. Guimond [email protected] 7001 142ND Ave #324 – Annual dues $10 for regular members and Largo, FL 33771-4709 Roger Lochman $5 for active duty members, due October 1  727-530-5342 1616 Frederick each year. [email protected] Collinsville, IL 62234-1067 Life membership: To age 60 = $150; Age  618-345-1067 61-69 = $120; Age 70-79 = $100; Age 80 Commander, 1st Battalion

and above = $50. LTC John W. Charlton Whit Mullen HQ 1-15 IN, Bldg. 9055 1106 McPherson RD Send or Email news items to: Ft. Benning, GA 31905-1641 Burlington, NC 27215-4420  706-544-1633  336-584-5516 Michael J. Horn [email protected] Editor of The Dragon Asst. Secretary-Treasurer 1st Bn

1833 Walker Ridge Drive CPT Richard D. Conkle, S2 Pat O Connor, Jr. Marietta, GA 30064 - 4193 HQ 1-15 IN, Bldg 9012 ’ 803 Trafalgar Road  678-581-0392 Ft. Benning, GA 31905-1641 Towson, MD 21204-3805 [email protected]  706 544-2918 –  410-321-8235

[email protected]

th October 2002 The Dragon, 15 Infantry Regiment Association Newsletter 3

NOMINATIONS FOR ELECTION OF Chaplains Corner OFFICERS By LTC Chuck Trout, Sr.

In accordance with the Constitution and By Laws Association As we begin to prepare for the upcoming Thanksgiving and Officers are elected every two years. The next election will be Christmas Holidays, we should take time and thank the Dear conducted at the annual business meeting during the 2002 Can Lord for the many people in our lives that supported us with Do Rendezvous to be held in the spring of 2002. their love and loyalty as we served our country. Allow me to Nominations are sought for a full slate of officers as follows: quote from a page of a diary, written to Tom, a teen-age soldier who served in Korea with the Third Infantry Division. President Vice President Dear Tom, I remember our first date. You told me we were Secretary going to see a live performance of the stage show Oklahoma. Treasurer You said you would pick me up at 6:30 and that I had to be Four (4) Trustees ready on time because they closed the doors to the theatre when the performance began. I was not ready when you We need two or more nominations for each office. arrived to pick me up, we were late, and could not enter until the half- The term of office for elected officers is two years. The time intermission. I though you would say, "Never again, President is limited to one term. The Vice President and four that's it." BUT YOU DIDN'T! Trustees are limited to two terms. There is no term limit for the Secretary or Treasurer. A term begins with installation of office Then when you got your first car, I bugged you to death to at the Regimental Dinner during the Society of the 3rd Infantry drive it down the lane. You finally gave in and I hit a fence Division Reunion. As an exception the Treasurer's term of office causing eight hundred dollars damage to your car. I thought shall begin on January 1. for sure you would say, "Good-bye, good riddance." BUT YOU DIDN'T! Any member in good standing is eligible for office. If you are interested in filling any office, please come forward, ask to be Then the evening of our high school prom. You asked me not nominated or nominate yourself. If you know someone that to bring that open soda into your father's car. I did anyway, would serve the Association well in one or more of the spilling the soda all over your rented tux and the front seat of positions, encourage them to permit you to place their name in your father's car. I waited for your to scream and finally tell nomination. Only members who have accepted nomination will me to get lost. BUT YOU DIDN'T! be placed on the ballot. Now as I set at home waiting for you to return from Korea, I Nominations will be accepted from the today through December realize just how much you really mean to me. I planned as 31 to allow an absentee ballot to be published in the January soon as you came home from Korea, I was going to run to edition of The Dragon. Under unusual circumstances as meet you, to hold you and to tell you how much determined by a 2/3 vote at the business meeting, nominations I love you, BUT YOU DIDN'T! may be accepted from the floor. Don't let that happen to you. Tell that special loved one today Submit nominations to the following address: just how much you love them. Don't wait until it is too late. Edward Dojutrek Also remember that God loves you and if he had a 3303 Far View Drive refrigerator, your picture would be on it. Austin, TX 78730-3300

NEW ASSOCIATION MEMBERS

Bob D. Buckner 4864 N. Farm Rd 159 Springfield, MO 65803 15th I&R Feb-Nov 53

David K. Knapp 755 Argyle Rd. Brooklyn, NY 11230 Hvy Mort Co July52-May53

New Members continues on next page French Re-enactors, our Color Guard and Dale Marker

th 4 The Dragon, 15 Infantry Regiment Association Newsletter October 2002 Mail Call Soldier I was that which others did not want to be. I went where others feared to go, and did what others failed to do. I asked nothing from those who gave nothing, and reluctantly Anna Lea (Indelicato) Bruening accepted the thought of eternal loneliness….should I fall. 403 S. West I have seen the face of terror; felt the stinging cold of fear; and Springfield, MO 65806 enjoyed the sweet taste of a moments love. (417) 864-6210 I have cried, pained, and hoped…but most of all, I have lived times [email protected] others would say were best forgotten. At least someday I will be able to say that I was proud of what I I am looking for a war buddy on behalf of my grandpa, Jack was…a soldier. Indelicato. My grandpa served in WWII in Company E. He has George L. Skypeck many fond memories of serving with a man named Henery Thorn. He lost contact with Thorn after they were discharged together (from a Hospital in Illinois.) I am looking for Henery Thorn himself, or any family members. I am told Thorn was originally from Ft. Wayne Indiana. If it helps, I know they were both discharged on Jan. 19, 1945.Thank you.

Tonya Longley PO Box 471 Morrisvile VT 05661 [email protected]

My father was in the Reg’t during the Korean War. He was on Outpost Harry in April of 1953. His name is Emery Longley. He was wounded on April 24th. If anyone out there remembers him, please drop a line and I will relay the message to him. He would love to hear from anyone who remembers him.

CPT Eric Rant Dale Marker and ISG Moser 4535 Apple Valley Drive Bettendorf, IA 52722 Lanny D. Austin New

14 Oak St. Association I am the grandson of PVT Luther Ange who was KIA near Hongsong Korea on 22 MAY 1951. PVT Ange was a Medic Hinesville, GA 31313 Members assigned to Echo Company. Any information regarding PVT 97-99, Jan02-Present Ange, any action Easy Co. faced in May 1951, or a contact for someone who could assist further, would be greatly Jeff Moser appreciated. 1142 Montclair Dr. Hinesville, GA 31313 Oct01-Present Angela Doubikin 3725 A Oregon Ct Andrew J. Pawlick Great Lakes IL 60088 7 Linda Lane 847-785-1967 Oak Ridge, NJ 7438 [email protected] I am looking for any information on my Grandfather Richard Jeffrey L. Danby N. Totte he served in Company L. He was captured September 1299 Normandy Dr. 28,1944 and was released July 18,1945. He was in Stalag 5B. Newark, OH 43055 He was in Campaigns Naples Foggia, Rome Arno, Southern France, and Rhineland. He was injured three times in 1944 Michael P. Magrane European Theater. He was discharged May 15 1946 to the 130 Eagle Rd. Winchendon, MA 1475 Cold War, Germany Mail Call continues on Page 6. New Members continues on Page 7.

th October 2002 The Dragon, 15 Infantry Regiment Association Newsletter 5

Regimental History during World War II By Tim Stoy Continuing the Regimental history, we last saw the Regiment withdrawn from China in March 1938 and stationed at Ft. Lewis, Washington. TAPS The entire Regiment, after training for almost two years with the 3d Infantry Division embarked for North Africa as part of Walter Garceau Operation Torch, landing at Fedala on the coast of Morocco on 8 Walt of Boscawen, NH died May 24, 2002. He served with November 1942. It continued across North Africa through Oran, L Company in Korea during 1951 and 1952. He was a Life Algiers, and Bone, Algeria and Bizerte, Tunisia. Having cleared and Charter member of the Association since 1993. Known Africa of Axis forces, the Regiment participated in its second for his sense of humor he received the Purple Heart, the amphibious assault, landing at Licata, Sicily on 10 July 1943 and CIB, and the Korean Service Medal with 3 Bronze Service driving on first to Palermo and then to Messina. Success in Sicily Stars for action in Korea. was followed by the Regiment’s landing at Salerno in September Reported by Dan Wolfe. 1943. With the Fifth Army stalled on its drive against Rome, the 15th Regiment with the rest of the 3d Infantry Division, made its Pat Harder third amphibious assault on 22 January 1944, this time at Anzio. Born July 21, 1917 in Bowling Green, Kentucky, Fitzgerald The Regiment followed this tough combat with an advance and Harder was a member of the Association since 1994. Pat occupation of Rome. There it rested and recuperated for the served with the Regiment during WWII. He served in the coming invasion of France. Regiment until his discharge September 1, 1945. He was a While the main effort of Allied forces began on 6 June recipient of he with Oak Leaf Cluster as 1944 with the landings on the Normandy beaches, Operation Anvil well as the French Croix de Guerre with Palm. Pat died was launched as a supporting effort in Southern France with the June 26, 2002 in Arkansas City, Kansas. Regiment making its fourth amphibious assault of the war as part of Reported by his wife, Bessie. the 3d Infantry Division in the area of San Tropez on 15 August

1944. Tough combat against the German 19th Army through the Vosges Mountains brought the Regiment to the Colmar pocket in Regnard Burgess Alsace by the winter. After tough fighting in January 1945 it An Association member since 1995, Burgess died April 21, 2002. Although never assigned to the Reg’t, he served with cleared the Colmar pocket. In March 1945 the Regiment crossed th the Rhine and fought through southern Germany. Its path took it the 39 FA providing direct support artillery during the through Bamberg, Nuernberg, Augsburg and Munich. On 8 May Korean War. Reported by his daughter, Suzann C. Vickers. 1945, the day the war ended, the Regiment was in Berchtesgaden. As part of the occupation forces, the Regiment was Jesse Sanchez stationed in Northern Bavaria. The First Battalion was stationed at Died of a heart attack. In Los Angeles, CA in July 2002. He Wildflecken with D Company at Elsenfeld. The entire Second was a Corporal with A Company in Korea. Jesse was a Life Battalion was in Hammelburg and the 3d Battalion Headquarters in Member of the Association. He served with the Reg’t Mellrichstadt. Regimental Headquarters were in Schweinfurt. February 1951 to May 1953. Reported by Martin Markley Service Company of the Regiment was in Wuerzburg, Cannon Company was in Maroldsweisach, L and M Companies in Malvin Goldstein Koenigshofen, K Company in Ostheim, and I Company in Malvin died July 5, 2002 in Birmingham, AL at the age of Fladungen. The Regiment remained in Germany until September 73. He served in the Medical Company during Korea from 1946. May to December 1953. Reported by Lenny Lassor. The 3d Infantry Division was drawn down in Europe in 1946. In September of that year, the Division colors with those of Harry Durbin all its sub-elements were sent to Camp Campbell, Kentucky, Harry was a Life Member of the Association since 1994. He arriving on the 8th. There, the 5th Infantry Division was reflagged served as a Sergeant with Item Company from April 41 to to the 3d Infantry Division. The 15th Infantry was part of that August 43. Harry’s death on June 24, 2002 was reported by reflagging. In December 1948 it moved to Fort Benning, Georgia. his wife, Betty. In January 1949 the Regiment was ordered to fill the Third Battalion with black soldiers. Herbert C. Graham In the next issue, the Korean War. Herbert died October 4, 2002. He was a member of the Check Your Address Label Association since 1995. He served with King Company during the Korean War. Reported by his wife, Jane. This may be your last Dragon Don’t let this be your last Dragon. Mail your dues to the Treasurer right away. Dues amounts and address are shown on page 2.

th 6 The Dragon, 15 Infantry Regiment Association Newsletter October 2002

Walter Reed General Hospital, Washington, DC. I would like to Donna McElreath know any information about him and who served with him. I also 7450 Saint Tropez Way know he took a picture of Ernie Pyle while he was in southern Sacramento, CA France. I don't know the date. Any pictures or maps will be [email protected] appreciated. Thank you for any help you can give me. I am looking for information on my Great Uncle Corporal Emden "Ben" Smith. Was stationed at Fort Lewis, Skyler Johnston Washington until being shipped to South Africa. He was P.O. Box 495 killed November 8, 1943 and is buried in the Sicily Rome Alton, Missouri 65606 American Cemetery in Nettuno, Italy. He was awarded the (417) 778-1923 and a purple heart. Family history tells a story of [email protected] him capturing several German Soldiers and of being almost fearless as most of the people that served in WW II were. I am in search of information on the late Raymond R. Batchelor. My Grandmother, Esther Ahern at one time ( 1943/1944 ) He was in Company H in World War II. He was a Heavy Mortar had contact with one of his buddies that was there when he Crewman #1607. He was awarded 4 died. The buddy found it hard to write my Grandmother Bronze Stars and the French Croix de Guerre. I am his great- about her favorite brother's death. Any and all information is grandson and I requested his records and I was told that they welcome. Thank you for your time and efforts, hope the burned in a fire. All I got was his discharge papers. He never name rings a bell and someone has information. talked about his wartime service. I would like to get as much information possible on him and the people he served with him. Thank you very much for your help.

Michael B. Sturm 7 Niles Place Staten Island, NY 10314 718 698 6626 [email protected]

Requesting information on Pvt. Sidney I. Heistein, Co. B, KIA by a mortar in Italy (Salerno area?) 18 Oct 1943. Sidney Heistein served in the Sicily campaign prior to his death. He was my father's first cousin. Many thanks for your help.

WINNERS OF THE 2002 RAFFLE Kay L Morris Rt 1 Box 295 The following are the lucky persons in our annual raffle. Lecoma, MO 65540 The drawing was held during the Regiment Association 573-467-0042 Dinner at the 83rd National Reunion of the Society of the [email protected] Third Division at the Adam's Mark Hotel in Buffalo, New York. On Friday the 13th those lucky people were I would like any information regarding my father who served in the following. Co B during WWII. His name was PFC Robert E Jordan and when he left the States he was with the first landings of his unit in W. Morris John F. Steinke 1942 and served until the end of the war. He was at Tunisia, Helena, MT Garrison, ND Anzio beachhead, North Africa, Morocco, wounded in France, and finally his last days of duty were in Germany. He was drafted Benito Montez John A. Wiess at the age of 26; Dec. 5, 1941 so he was older than the usual Lancaster, CA Spokane, WA young soldiers. He died in 1995 so I am trying to piece some things together and I have his discharge and other things he Millie Edwards collected during the war. He never talked much about the war but Atlanta, GA I have some of his mail he sent home to family when he was there. It would be interesting to know if anyone who knew him could contact me. He served with Audie Murphy, too. He did tell us he was the company barber if that helps and he still cut his own hair up until he died.

th October 2002 The Dragon, 15 Infantry Regiment Association Newsletter 7

1st Battalion SITREP by LTC John W. Charlton

Hello to all the great Can-Do alumni out there. I’m coming up on my fourth month in command here in the desert and the experience has been great. I have one company of armor attached from 1-64 Armor and a company of combat engineers attached from 317th Engineer Battalion. A and B CO, 1-15 Infantry are attached to my task force and C CO, 1-15 Infantry is attached to 2-69 Armor. These are the habitual attachments that we would have in combat. We train with them so we are better prepared to fight as a combined arms task force. We have done more maneuver, live-fire, and combined arms training in five months than most battalions do in 2 years. We started off with platoon force-on-force training, and then progressed into company and even battalion force-on-force training. These mock battles pitted the Dragons against other US units in the 3rd Brigade Combat Team. Needless to say the battles were intense…after all, bragging rights were at stake. You’ll be proud to know that the Dragons came out on top every fight and are especially known for our ability to breach and assault enemy defensive positions. We have also done numerous live-fire exercises. There is just no training substitute for shooting live ammunition. This live- fire training progressed from company all the way up to brigade level and included artillery, mortars, attack helicopters, engineer demolitions, Bradley Fighting Vehicles, and Abrams Tanks. Most important of all, the live fire training included the awesome power of dismounted infantry soldiers fighting to clear enemy trench lines and bunkers. Although we are well into our fifth month in the desert, we are by no means through training. We recently concluded the Expert Infantryman’s Badge Training where we awarded 48 Dragons with the EIB…the highest number in the Brigade Combat Team. We are now going back to some basics with individual weapons training, squad and platoon live fire exercises, a mortar platoon evaluation, scout training, sniper training, and urban combat training. It never stops for the Dragon battalion. We will be joined by our sister battalion, 3-15 Infantry, here in the desert this month. It will be great to get the whole regiment together in one place. I can think of no better unit to have on our flank than the mighty Dragons of 3-15 Infantry! Speaking of Regimental reunions, 1st Battalion will be hosting the annual 15th Infantry Regimental Rendezvous 16-17 April 2003 in Fort Benning Georgia. As you know, we had to cancel last year’s Rendezvous because of our deployment to Kuwait. We are still early in the planning stages for the 2003 Rendezvous but I want to get the word out early so all the Regimental alumni can start planning to attend. If all goes well, we will have both battalions back in Georgia and have good attendance. As you all know, this is a very uncertain time for our military and especially this battalion. We don’t know if we will be coming home soon or attacking the enemy in combat. I ask you all to keep the soldiers of our Regiment in your prayers. One thing is for sure: if our Commander in Chief orders us to attack, we will be ready. CAN DO!

George Raynor New 5908 NE 35th Cir. Association Vancouver, WA 98661 Members F Co 2nd Bn Oct50-Dec51

Aldo P. Biagiotti 115 Rainbow Ave. Fort Benning, GA 31905 HHC 1st Bn Mar02-Present

Carl W. Siegel 611 Topeka Ct. Carol Stream, IL 60188 A Co 1st Bn 1951-52

Joseph G. Kennelly 430 Bogert Rd. River Edge, NJ 7661 E Co 1st Bn Oct51-Aug52

Astor Terry Check Your Address Label-This may be your last Dragon 1702 Berriedale Dr. If your address label shows 2002 your dues were paid to October 2002. If Fayetteville, NC 28304 so, this is your last Dragon. Contact the Treasurer and renew your C Co 1st Bn Sep59-Feb61 membership

th 8 The Dragon, 15 Infantry Regiment Association Newsletter October 2002

15th Infantry Regiment Association Michael J. Horn, Editor Presorted Standard 1833 Walker Ridge Drive U.S. Postage Paid Marietta, GA 30064-4193 Marietta, GA Permit # 111 Return Service Requested