DIORTHERN FRANCE * THE ARDENNES THE RHINELAND * CENTRAL EUROPE

( IIIIIIIII If 1.0 1. 01 The Veterans of the 106th INFANTRY DIVISION GOLDEN LION Vol. 31, No. 4 JULY, AUG., SEPT., 1975 29th Annual Reunion Rodeway Inn Atlanta, Georgia July 17 - 20, 1975

FORWARD RESERVATIONS TO

SHEROD COLLINS

625 CHANNING DR.

ATLANTA, GA. 30318

PHONE 404 - 351-2985 THE CUB ANNOUNCEMENT 106th Infantry Division Association, Inn. The 106th is many things to many people, President . Dr. James I. Clark Following an introduction upon the oc- 10 Vice President Sherod Collins casion of a Golden Lion European Tour in 2nd Vice President Robert Walker September 1974, Shared Collins and Adjutant . Robert L Scranton Treasurer Sherod Collins Laverne McGraw (of Royal Oak, Michi- Chaplain . . John T. Loveless, Jr. gan) announce that they will exchange Historian Sherod Collins marriage vows at Northside Methodist The CUB is the official publication of the Church, Atlanta, Georgia, at 7 P.M., May Association. Membership in the Association is 3, 1975. They will be home at 625 Chan- $5.00 per year which includes subscription to the ning Drive, N.W., Atlanta. CUB. (Best Wisher (torn all your 106th friends) Editor . John Gallagher All editorial matter should be addressed to: John Gallagher 4003 Frances Street CHAPLAIN'S MESSAGE Temple. Pa. 19560 Again an Anniversary of V.E.-Day has All business matters, renewal of membership, etc., should be addressed to: rolled around - the 30th. For most of us Robert L. Scranton who served in the 106th and survived, that 9441 Lee Road day in 1945 was a signal that our military Brighton, Mich. 48116 service spun would be over. Aututiliary Dues $2.00 pen year. In the years since then, our hopes for "Peace Now and Forever" for the living Membership 1973-74 yr. -289 have been dashed to the ground time after Membership 1974-75 -301 time. Within the past few days we have seen PRESIDENTS MESSAGE the departure of United States troops from South Vietnam. Though without achieving The most recent issue of the CUB notes victory after these many years, our Armed the fact that the 106th Infantry Division Forces, on the whole, served well, striving Association has the largest membership to honor our Government's Commitments (293) since Bob Scranton became adjutant. to a besieged people. Were the sacrifices The recent growth is not only a tribute in vain? Only history will tell. to the inherent worthiness of our organi- There now is no time to assess any blame, zation, but to the ceaseless efforts of the nor to give any praise, for any thing that membership to endure and procure. occurred during the long years of conflict. John Gallagher does a beautiful job on Once again, we, as a people blessed as no the CUB; Bob Scranton keeps the mailing other before us, can, should and must be list and dues notices current and compelling; ready to assist in the restoration not only and Jack Schlesser does a wonderful job of of the material things lost, destroyed or recycling artillerymen. The rest of the mem- damaged but, of greater importance it seems bership make their personal presence felt to me, of the spirit and aspirations of in so many ways in their contributions to the peoples who thm little fault of their own CUB; attendance at the reunions and general were caught in the cross-fires of a war not of communication of human warmth in all of their choosing. In wars and other calami- their contacts. Such a fabric should be ties, we, individually and as a nation, have woven to hold us all together and new mem- opened our hearts and our treasures, and bership should keep the cloth in good repair. used our minds and intellects, to aid those Samuel Johnson said, "If a man does not who needed what we could give whether make new acquaintances, as he advances they were friend or had been enemy. through life, he will soon find himself left Let each one of us pray that our Creator alone. A man should keep his friendship in will look with favor upon our efforts, how- constant repair". ever feeble, to do all those things that we See you all in Atlanta in July (All 293 should do in these troubled days. plus would be great!). "The hope of the righteous ends in glad- James I. Clark, President ness. but the expectation of the wicked 106th Infantry Division comes to nought." - Proverbs 10:28 Association John T. Loveless, Jr.

—2— BAG LUNCH significant occasion I send my warm greet- Middletown, 10 May 1975. ings and good wishes to you all. May 17, 1975 is Armed Forces Day and Lao T. McMahon it brings us to the eve of the Army's bi- centennial. On June 14, 1775, the Conti- RETURN OF DELEGATIONS FROM THE nental Congress, meeting in Philadelphia, ASSOCIATION TO ST. VITH, BELGIUM. adopted the raising of "ten companies of The Thirty one Volumes of the CUB riflemen" as the nucleus of a National speak loudly and eloquently of the determi- Army, to fight alongside militia units from nation and dedication of the relatively small the colonies. coterie of veterans of the I06th. Infantry On February 25, 1975, I received a copy Division who organized the Association at of the Army's "Year End Report - 1974", Camp Lucky Strike in France, August 1945 accompanied by a letter from Honorable and have kept it going for more than thirty Howard H. (Bo) Callaway, Secretary of the years. Army. He states "Having met and even Using the pages of the CUB we have slightly exceeded our Fiscal Year 1974 end attempted to assemble and record in one strength and proven that we can recruit the place the official visits of individuals and number of men and women required, we delegations from the Association to the have, for the past several months, been areas where they fought and served in Bel- concentrating on improving the quality of gium and Germany. the Army. There is still room for further Vol. 11-Jan.-Feb. 1955-Glorious Return improvement and our quality goals for 1975 of 106th to Brussels Belgium, 16 Dec. 1954 will result in an even better Army than we (10th. Anniversary of the Bulge) Front have today." Photo-King Baudouin of the Belgians greets In 1968, at the height of our military the 106th. Doug Coffey presents King a participation in Southeast Asia, the Army's copy of The Lions Tale. Six members of the strength totaled more than one and a half Association who made the trip: Douglas S. million. In December 1972 when the draft Coffey, 590th FA By., West Orange, N. J.; officially ended, its combat force was es- Richard H. Behr, 423 Inf., then St. Paul tablished at a significantly reduced 13 Minn. (now Phoenix, Aria.); Dr. C. Delsher divisions. Then only 10 of those divisions Fridline, Ashland, Ohio; John L Gallagher, ombat-ready. Today, we have all 13 81st. Eng. Bn., Reading, Pa.; William C. divisions operational and nearly all are McMurray, Pittsburgh, Pa., James E. Wells, combat-ready. In addition, plans are under- 81st. Engr. Bn., Augusta, Ga. They were way for three more combat divisions that accompanied by Mrs. John I. (Stella) will be formed within our manpower limit- Gallagher and Dr. Fridline's son. ation of 785,000. These divisions make up Vol. 18, No. 3, Jan., Feb., Mar., 1962., a credible, responsive and combat-ready Page 2-STOP PRE cation Date 25 force. March. It has just hero learned by the The Army National Guard and the Army CUB that Doug Coffey, Memorial Chair- Reserve are a more cesential part of the will leave 22 March for Saint Vith Army structure today than ever before. where the dedication of the 106th Division Reserve components make up more than Memorial will take place on Sunday 25 45 per cent of the Army's Total Force. As March 1962. Center Fold-The Old Stamp- such, extensive affiliation training has been ing Grounds Sixteen Years later, includes conducted with the Active Army this past photos of new Memorial. year to bring the Reserve and Guard capa- Vol. 18, No. 4, April, May, 1962 - ME- bility to peak readiness. MORIAL DEDICATION ISSUE. Front I present this thumbnail sketch to you Photo-Douglas S. Coffey, Memorial Chair- Golden Lions. You are veterans of a COM- man presides at Ceremony. Page 3 - Me- BAT DIVISION which endured a harrow- morial Dedicated. St. Vith, Belgium 25 ing experience in World War II in Europe March 1962. Before a crowd of more than in the Ardennes. Now, as the Army pre- 1,000 persons including representatives of pares to embark upon its third century of the Belgian and American Military Forces service to the Nation, it is determined to and governments, the 106th Infantry Di- continue to meet its goals, accomplish its vision Memorial was dedicated hem today mission, take care of its people, and be pre- on the grounds of the College Patronee. pared to defend this Nation whenever and General Bruce C. Clarke, Commander in wherever called upon. I urge its strong and Chief US Army Europe was principal continuous support by you Golden Lion speaker and laid a wreath on behalf of the veterans, your sons, your grandsons, your President of the United States, Colonel families and your friends. On this Peterkenne of the Belgian Army at Viel- salm delivered appropriate remarks in lay- the General would be happy to write Dennis ing a wreath as representative of King of a letter of recommendation. the Belgians. The Mayor of St. Vith, M. I refire June 30th and have had both Pip delivered a message of thanks to the hands operated on and they are nearly 106th Division and laid a wreath to signify healed and Sherry is busy packing every- his town's thanks for the battle waged in thing in the house for storage so that once its behalf by the Division during the the house is sold we may have a quick move Ardennes campaign in December 1944. The to Ohio and then a relaxing trip to Atlanta fact that this Memorial has been erected followed by at least 2 years of trailering entirely from funds collected by the Assoc- around this beautiful country of ours. iation from among its membership rather Hoping to see you in Atlanta July 17th. than by government participation, was Charles H. Schoch pointed out by speakers. 494 Lisa Ave. The Division Association held its 16th Odenton, Md. 21113 Annual Reunion at Carnal Hall, Annapolis, Md., 26-29 July 1962. LETTER TO EDITOR Vol. 19, Aug., Sept., 1962. Page 8 - Dear "Buddy" Scranton: Official Statement of Appreciation to At this very late date I leamed of the Douglas S. Coffey, Memorial Chairman by 106th Infantry Division Association through the Association in Convention Assembled none other than Mr. James K. Anderson, at Annapolis, Md. 28th Day of July 1962. Editor, VFW Magazine. Page 3 - In one of the highlights of the 16th. I had written to Mr. Anderson, compli- annual convention, Douglas S. Coffey was menting him on the story "THE BULGE: awarded the Commander Class (Gold) BRAVERY PAID OFF' that was sent to Order of the Golden Lion for his work as me by the Chairman of POW-MED Memorial Chairman in Planning, super- SEARCH, Mr. Gary J. Anloff, Jr. who is vising the erection of, and dedicating the a very dedicated Retired LTC (Navy-Lt. Division's Memorial to its honored dead at Commander, I suppose) who was a prisoner St. Vith Belgium. of the Japanese, WW H. Leo T. McMahon It's a long story about how I got infor- TO BE CONTINUED IN NEXT ISSUE mation about the EX-POW outfit about OF CUB. three years ago and how "Buddy" Anloff (who is devoting his life to helping ex NEW AND REINSTATED MEMBERS P.O.W.'s get a fair shake from the V.A.) Libby Dolitsky took a great deal of interest in a diary I kept 40 Indian Rd. as a P.O.W. from the time we were ordered Port Chester, N. Y. 10573 to surrender near SL Vith, Belgium, 19 Dee. Wilbur D. Evans, Sv. 591 44.until I escaped about April 10, 1945, 1328 W. Davis St. after having walked approx. 510 mil. -1st Burlington, N. C. 27215 march about 110 miles to Limburg (Stalag Robert Likins, B-591 IV-B) then by box cars to Gorlitz near the 6246 N. Lydell Neisse River - across from eastern border of Whitefish Bay, Wisc. 53217 Poland. That's odd - replace N with L and Vincent Musta.laio, D-331 you have my last name (Leisse). Anyway, 15 Carmer Ave. we had to leave that VIII-A on 2/14/45 Belleville, N. J. 07109 because the Russians were getting too close- marching dawn to dusk most every day until we reached Braunschweig, March 26th, LETTER TO EDITOR approx. 385 miles - quite a few besides my- Dear John, self without overcoats - and not one heated Thanks for your card reminding us of the building along the way; most times put up Cub deadline. I hope this makes it in time. in barns. This time last year we were consumed Am attaching hereto a summary of the with the 28th Annual Reunion in Frederick. information contained in my diary which I The Air For. Academy was only an idea was requested to famish Mr. Anloff so that for Dennis and retirement a whole year he might have the Dietician at Ft. Word away for me. Army Hospital evaluate the food we re- Dennis has been appointed to the Air ceived the first thitry days of our all-expense Form Academy and leaves for Denver 29 tour of Germany (on foot). There is also June with thanks in order for Gen. attached four pages of the EX-POW, McMahon and Wilda who casually stated August 1974 issue, covering POW MED- -4-- SEARCH comments. I thought you might A THANK YOU want to tell all the members of the 106th Vith, Division Assn. who might have been with the 4th of march, 1975 me on part or the whole journey (both Mr. Collins marches) - and they might, in turn, have 625 Charming Dr., N.W. some "fuel foe their fire" if they had little Atlanta, Georgia 30318 help from the V.A. - as I did. Better yet, U.S.A. suggest they write Mr. Jim Atwell, Editor, Dear Mr. Collins: EX-POW Bulletin, 1017 N. Phelps, Winter We are delighted to be given the oppor- Park, Florida 32789; ask him for free copy tunity to thank the 106th Infantry Division of latest bulletin for their own review and Association for the amount of 250 Dollars decision as to whether or not they might you have sent to us. wish to take advantage of the membership We have bought a tape recorder that will coupon and be one of a Organization that serve for the evening courses specially, is rapidly growing in strength. Their Service which we provide for grown-up students, Officer has helped many P.O.W.'s with their but it will serve in the ordinary day-school claims, also widows of men who they proved English classes as well. died of disabilities they proved were the We are quite honored to be your "favor- result of malnutrition, exposure to cold and ite school in your favorite city" in Belgium damp weather, dysentery, filthy living and we are sure our friendship will continue. quartets, etc. We express our special gratitude to Mr. Leo R. Leisse Douglas Coffey. 431 Green Meadows Sincerely Affton, Mo. 63123 J. Pankert Hq. 3 Be. 422 director Ed. Note: I have additional information for those interested. LAST REVIEW BASTOGNE, le 7 mars 1975 Mr. Collins L. A. (Bed) Wigs! 525 Charming Dr., N.W. ATHENS—Lewis A. (Bert) Wigal, 54, Atlanta, Ga. 30318 of 64 Stimson Ave. died unexpectedly Sun- Dear Mr. Collins, day evening in O'Bleness Memorial Hospital I received today the copy of "The Lions where he was taken after being struck by an Tale" for the Bastogne Historical Center, auto in Athens Feb. 4. you so kindly forwarded to us. He was a veteran of World War II, served We shall proudly display it in our library, with the 106th Division, 422nd Infantry in where everyone concerned will be able to Germany. He was a prisoner of war for see it. five months. Mr. Wigal was a former em- We sincerely hope that we shall have the of the Athens National Bank and honor to welcome again a delegation of the Ohio University. Golden Lions in Bastogne on the occasion Survivors include his wife, Mary Burns, of the opening of the new Bastogne His- Wigal, two daughters Libbie Ann and torical Center. Leora Mane. Hoping to hear from you soon, we remain. Col. R. Ernest Dupuy Sincerely Yours WASHINGTON (AP) — Retired Army S. SCHMITZ Col. R. Ernest Dupuy, 88, former chief of The above copy was sent to be a part of the the news division in the old War Depart- Bastogne Museum and is being acknow- ment from 1941 to 1943, died Friday. ledged by Madame Schmitz, who, along From 1943 to 1945 he was in the public with the acting Mayor, M. Roland Delper- relations department of Supreme Head- [lane, so graciously entertained our Euro- quarters in Europe. He also wrote several pean group at City Hall in Bastogne in Sept. books. 1974. Note: Col. Dupuy was editor of the 106th Div. history. Dear Friends, Just a fine to let you know Cheryl and Rick have a son, Ryan Douglas, 8 lbs. and Lt. Peter Dughi of 511 Topping Hill Rd., 2 oz. Everyone doing well including the Westfield, N. J. 07090 died August 1974. Grandparents. Lt. Dughi was executive officer of See Cannon Co. 423. He is survived by his Mar; "i& DijcPle Heee wife and three daughters. REUNION This exquisitely detailed relief map rep- GREETINGS TO ALL YOU resents the stage on which The War In POTENTIAL CONVENTIONEERS Georgia will play. The thousands of minis- AT ATLANTA IN JULY cule soldiers, cannons, horses and plantation We in Atlanta hope you are letting booms depict characters and places from nothing get in the way of your plans to be history's bloodiest pages. at our 29th Annual Reunion for which plans The auditorium darkens and the drama are nearing the home stretch. begins. There is a crisply narrated, objective You have received reservation forms via amount of Georgia's role in the Civil War — the CUB and we have tried to plan a good four incredibly cruel years, emblazoned with time for all. We always have a good time gallantry by civilians, Yanks and Rebels together and it is a disappointment for even alike — enlivened by stereophonic sound one to miss being with us. effects and special lights which seem to re- The motel is located at one of our oldest create battle scenes around the room. and best shopping centers, or rather it tr on Lenox Road which borders the Mall. If As the war transpires, the tiny "troops" one is coming via Interstate-85 from the advance, retreat and fire upon the enemy. North, you may approach it by tuming off It is easy to follow the action to Chica- at Lenox Road and proceeding almost to mauga, Resaca, New Hope Church, and the Peachtree Street. The same mad may be mountains — Mountain, Lost Mountain taken if coming from the South or one may and Kennesaw Mountain. Here is told the exit off 1-85 at North Peachtree Road exit story of the Battle of Atlanta, and the fierce, and proceed on Peachtree Road North. If desperate fighting that eventually whipped coming south on 1-75 from the North exit the South to her knees. on Northside Drive (US 41 highway), drive From Atlanta, the war's Heart-breaking north and tam to Peachtree Street which course goes through Macon, Milledgeville, parallels to the right. Limousine service is across a rich state with Sherman's famous available from the Airport. March to the Sea. The true saga ends at If you come early, call me at 351-2985 Savamah, which city General William and we will join you. Them in much to see Tecumseh Sherman gave to President and do in Atlanta. Abraham Lincoln as a Christmas gift in Bring film and slides from the European 1865. trip or other trips if you like. We will use them on Thursday night at the warm-up The War In Georgia exhibit, especially created for Stone Mountain Park, is Party. scon- There is a good seafood restaurant at the sidered one of the most educational and Rodeway Inn and several places to eat at interesting Civil War displays in America Lenox Square Mall. today. Get those reservations in and come for a good time. To you European tourists—if you am interested--I would even show you my Hummel collection. Till then. Shared Collins Committee Chairman

REUNION THE WAR IN GEORGIA An Exhibit At Stone Mountain The War In Georgia, located in Com federate Hall within a special exhibit room emoted to fit it's requirements, is a vivid portrayal of the Civil War years in Georgia. From a viewing platform, which can ac- commodate 200 people, there is a stunning view of an enormous relief map of Georgia, 35 feet wide and 45 feet long, recessed three feet into the floor. Planning Session of the Committee for the 29th Annual Reunion at Howells home.

—6— LOST CONTACT MEMBERSHIP The American Legion has over the years "COMMUNICATION" printed announcement of our reunion. Each In my last two letters to the "CUB" I have year we hear from 106ers who have lost tried to bring out the fact that "COMMUNI- contact. CATION" has kept the Association alive Listed below is list of those who have and the "CUB" has been the life line. The responded to date; if you know any of these "CUB" and the Association have helped me persons will you send them a note urging in my quest for members of my old battery. them to join up and attend reunion. When I rejoined the Association in 1968, little did I dream that today I would be in John J. Hohenstein, M-423 contact with 45 former members of my old 575 Virginia Ave. outfit, nor did I dream that I would have the Decatur, Ill. 62522 pleasure of visiting with more than half of C. L Allen these. The greatest thrill was to meet these 702 Camp Hollow Rd. fellows and their wives at the reunions, first West Mifflin, Pa. 15122 there were only two of us, later there was Theodor Schultz, B-422 seven and at the last reunion there were R D 02, Box 129 fifteen, my ambition is to see all of them at Walton, N. Y. 13856 a future reunion. Thomas A. Price In my last letter I told about the many RD 01 times that I almost quit writing these Barnesville, Pa. 18214 "NEWSLETTERS", but there was always L. Dale Patrick, C-589 another letter and will be as long as I can P. 0. Box 1 continue and as long as I continue to receive La Grange, Ill. 60525 the mail that I have. One couple wrote me Lester B. Roberts, H-424 last fall about the last reunion and I will 412 Liberty Church Rd. quote their reaction to the reunion; "I just Kingsport, Tenn. 37663 had to scratch out a few lines to say I'm Edwin Hagen, Jr. just so glad that we came to the reeunion. 505 East St. I had qualms about going but they were Sisseton, S. Dak. 57262 immediately dispelled when I met everyone. John P. Hart They were just like a big happy family and 200 Lane. Pkwy. I enjoyed every minute of my time with all, Shelbyville, Term. 37160 we both will be looking forward to the next Alvin A. Yeaton, Jr. reunion". If this was all these "NEWS- R. F. D. .1 LETTERS" have done, bringing this one Berlin, N. H. 03570 couple to a reunion, my last five years Wm. M. Lineberger of writing have not been in vain, but that is 1014 Woodlawn Ave. not all, we have been able to keep track of Dallas, Texas 75208 one another, we have shared our losses and James E. Teel enjoyed hearing what the other fellow is R D Of doing. I have kept a record of all these Port Norris, N. J. 08349 fellows, their addresses, telephone number, John Sterchak number and names of their children, would 451 Cedar Dr. you believe that there are two with ten Cortland, Ohio 44410 children and one with nine and thirteen Ben Hissam, Cannon 424 grandchildren. 701 - 6th St. Recently I had another gratifying ex- Milford, Pa. 18337 perience, in the spring of 73 we took a trip Edwin C. Humirshi, F-424 to Mississippi where we met a fellow that 2267 Spokane Ave. was a former member of "B" battery, 591st, Pittsburgh, Pa. 15210 he asked me if I would try to find a fellow by the name of Rasmussen who had lived in Battle Creek, Mich., which is not to far DUES from here. I tried and had no luck and then Bob Scranton is now receiving dues for about a year later I received a letter from 1975-76 year. Robert Likins in answer to one of my many Will you help by forwarding your dues ad's that I had put in the V.F.W., in our now - Thank You. exchange of letters I learned that Bob had a list of former "B" battery men and among THE WAY IT WAS them was the Rasmussen that my friend in SSG Zack Richards Mississippi was looking for, I sent him the address and also a letter to Delbert Ras- Reprint Soldier - May 75 mussen who now lives in Elk Horn, Iowa, WANTED . . . Volunteers for the U. S. all that remains now is for the two of them Army .. . privates will be paid S21 per to get together. Now this is a case where month. "COMMUNICATION" paid off, you have That's the way it was back in 1922. Of to keep those letters going, keep looking and course, privates didn't always make that some day you will be rewarded. much. The Second Continental Congress' WHAT CAN BE NICER IN THIS resolution on July 29, 1775 allowed privates WORLD ... THAN JUST A FRIENDLY a monthly pay of 61/2 dollars. THOUGHT . ACCORDING TO THE Pay. A glance at current pay scale will COMMON LOVE ... THAT ALL OF US convince you that the Army has come a long ARE TAUGHT . . . THE FRIENDLY way since 1775—but slowly. As late as THOUGHT THAT IS EXPRESSED . . . 1941 the monthly pay for a private was still BY MAIL OR TELEPHONE . . ESPE- $21. CIALLY WHEN SOMEONE IS IN Medicine. Medical benefits are taken for TROUBLE OR ALONE . . . WHY NOT granted today. But what were they like back REMEMBER SOMEONE NOW . . IN when... SICKNESS OR DISTRESS?. . IT TAKES Medicine in Revolutionary America had SO LITTLE OF OUR TIME . . . TO changed little since the Middle Ages. Bleed- SCATTER HAPPINESS...A FRIENDLY ing was an accepted method of treating WORD, A GREETING CARD . . A many illnesses. FINGER ON THE BELL . . . A BRIEF Food. Rations have always been near and HELLO, A KINDLY SMILE... AND dear to the soldier's heart. For those who "JUST TO WISH YOU WELL" . . IF view C rations with skepticism, take a look EVERYONE ON EARTH WOULD at the daily ration of the Continental Army HAVE. . . A FRIENDLY THOUGHT infantryman. Every man received, un- TODAY...THE WORLD COULD PACK cooked, each day: one pound of beef, three- ITS TROUBLES UP.. AND PUT THEM quarters pound of pork or one pound of ALL AWAY. salt fish; one pound of bread or flour; one To go on with my story about Delbert pint of spruce or cider and milk. Rasta and my friend from Mississippi In addition to the daily ration, a weekly whose name is Arthur Flemmons, I received ration was issued consisting of three pints a letter from both of these men thanking me of peas or beans, one-half pint rice or one for rejoining them after all these years, they pint of Indian wheat. Every one hundred both seemed delighted to hear that they men received nine gallons of molasses, three were back in communication with each pounds of candles, and sit pounds of hard other, I hope to see both of these fellows at soap. a future minion. This has been another case where "COMMUNICATION" has paid off so lets keep the letters going, keep the "CUB" and the association informed. P. W. REUNION I see by the last edition of the "CUB" Some of the members of the 106th who that Robert Likins is back with us and I were in Stalag 4B Arbiet Komando 1315, want to thank him for his help. He sent me Zittau, Germany held a reunion, Saturday, a list of "B" btry 591st men that enabled May 17 in the Ramada Inn, Montvale, N.J. me to complete a job that I had started two Dick DeHeer was the host this year to the years ago, and that was to find Delbert men and their ladies. Rasmussen. The men try to meet as near May 7 as This is it for this time, Kay and I will see possible for that is the day they walked out you in Atlanta on Thursday, July 17th. of Stalag 4-B back to the American lines. Take care. As Ever Jack Schlmser PHOTOS MEMBERSHIP Thanks to Jim Hemmins for forwarding Many thanks to all who helped to attain pictures taken by various persons who were goal. Lets look to greater heights in future. on trip to Europe last year. Cedric Foster Division was spread in a manner described DENVER—Funeral services were pend- as "pitifully thin," along a front of twenty- ing Thursday for Cedric Foster, a retired seven miles. It was holding a sector along network news commentator who died the Schnee Eifel . the Eifel Forest which Wednesday of leukemia. He was 74. is just northeast of the frontier of Luxem- Foster was a news analyst for the Mutual bourg, Belgium, and Germany. This was Broadcasting System for more than 25 years in the general sector of the Belgian town of and was known for his World War II broad- Saint Vith . . . twelve miles southeast of casts which began: "The news in Europe Malmedy. The Germans first laid down an tonight ..." earth-shaking artillery barrage. They di- THE STORY OF rected this against the 106th positions which AMERICA'S curved to the north from the center of the 106th INFANTRY Eifel woods . . . positions which were held DIVISION by the 14th Cavalry Group . . . an armored group attached to the infantry. A field Excerpt from a broadcast by artillery battalion, which was also attached CEDRIC FOSTER, News Analyst to the 106th, was the next target. In thirty- TONIGHT for the first time, there may five minutes more than one hundred rounds be told the story which, in its dual aspects, of German fire had landed squarely in the is one of the most tragic and yet one of the midst of this battalion. At six o'clock the most glorious episodes in the history of Germans opened up on Saint Vith itself. American arms . . . the story of America's Civilians of Saint Vith were all in their cel- 106th Infantry Division. lars. They were pro-German and the Huns Brand New Division had told them by radio that the barrage was The American 106th Infantry Division impending. When the barrage was over at was activated at Camp Jackson, Mississippi two o'clock in the afternoon, the civilians in March of 1943. Major General Alan W. came out. Jones, who commanded it at the time . . . Tanks and Infantry Follow told the 106th Infantry Division . . . "You The 422nd and 423rd Regiments bore are brand new. You have no past history to the brunt of the German fire. This fire was live up to. You have no past sins to live followed by German tanks and infantry. down." Tonight the 106th Infantry Division When dawn broke the next day, December has a past history to live up to, but it still 17, the Germans had two divisions in the has no sins to live down. It fought glori- line. They literally engulfed these two ously and it fought heroically in the full flush regiments and they forced the 424th Regi- of German power on the 16th of last De- ment to retire. Yet these two regiments cember. Two of its regiments were all but fought on. At half past three in the after- eliminated from the war. They were the noon of the 18th of December . . . radio 422nd and the 423rd. Three hundred men communications with those two regiments out of those two regiments were all who was lost. The last word that they sent survived most of the others are presumed through was that they were in need of am- to be prisoners of war. munition and water and food. The fog German Artillery Barrage which blanketed the countryside made it On the 11th of December the 106th impossible to send them supplies by air. Division was in a sector of the front desig- Then they said: "We are now destroying nated as "quiet." The division had not our equipment." After that came silence. been in action. As a matter of fact the 106th Thus it is believed that most of these men Division had engaged in nothing more dan- are prisoners of war. gerous than a few night patrol skirmishes. Five days later on the 16th these men of Supporting Regiments the Golden Lion Division were struck by en Saint Vith and divisional headquarters avalanche of German steel and fire. The were protected for a time by the heroic attack got under way just before six o'clock fighting men of the 81st and the 168th En- in the morning. In the battle that followed, gineer Battalions ... under Lt. Col. Thomas the division suffered eight thousand, six Riggs of Huntington, West Virginia. They hundred sixty-three casualties. 416 were were outgunned and they were outmanned. killed, 1246 were wounded. 7,000 were Their weapons consisted of three tank des- missing. troyer guns and three 57-millimeters. That Division Spread Thin was all. That was all except the raw cour- Censorship can now reveal that the 106th age which was theirs as they faced the foe.

—9— The 424th Regiment of the 106th had not sea. But its failure meant the failure of been destroyed. This regiment was support- Germany, V-E day came four months later. ed by a combat command team from the The Battle of the Bulge left nearly 50,000 Ninth Armored Division and by the 112th dead-35,000 Germans, 12,000 Americans Regiment of the 28th, ... the ... and 2,000 Luxembourgers and Belgians Division. It had other support too. Back caught in its path. Great commanders-- into the line of battle came the survivors... Bradley, Eisenhower, Montgomery, Patton. there hundred of them .. . the survivors of Von Rundstedt and Von Manteuffel led it. the 422nd and 423rd Regiments ... and it Famous soldiers-Creighton Abrams, Max- was eat until the 21st of December that the well Taylor, Matthew Ridgway, James 106th went out of the line to reorganize. Gavin - fought in it. Obscure Towns- St. But on the 24th the emergency was so great Vith and Vielsalm, Wilt. and Clervaux are that the valiant and broken remains were forever linked with it. For many, the bulge hurled into the line on the northern side of is memorable for Bastogne, capital of the the German salient between Stavelot and Belgian Ardennes, and the courage of its Manhay. defenders who withstood a six-day siege and Shining Example two weeks of German artillery battering. At "If only they had a chance to fight . . the depth of the siege, the Germans to prove themselves." Those words were demanded surrender, and the U.S. com- spoken to me on the telephone from mander in Bastogne, Brig. Gen. Anthony Rochester, New York, two weeks ago by McAuliffe, issued his famous one-word Mrs. Leon Brown the mother of a lad in the reply-"NUTS". 106th Division. They did have the chance "But what does it mean?" the Germans to fight and they didn't fail. They fought asked Col. Harper who delivered it. magnificently in the greatest American "Go to hell," Harper explained. battle of the war . .. their first battle with There am few sears now — just mementos foe. The record they wrote is a shining and memories. Bastogne has made the example for all of the armed forces of the siege a tourist industry. The former main United States. square, leveled in the bombardment, is Place General McAuliffe. Most of it is a DEC. 1944 parking lot with a Sherman tank and a bust This article appeared in the Chicago Sun- of McAuliffe in the corner and a "nuts Times, Sunday, Dec. 15, 1974 museum" on its fringe. "When the Ameri- THEY REMEMBER THE "NUTS" cans first liberated Bastogne in September. HEARD ROUND THE WORLD my sisters painted welcome signs in black Bastogne, Belgium; paint on the walls" recalled Joss Heintz, a Even today in the Ardennes Forest, son of a Bastogne druggist. "When the bulge rusted tank turrets and gun emplacements began, they began scraping them off, because lie only half-hidden in thin underbrush. the neighbors said we would all be shot if the These corroded souvenirs, plus still-vivid Germans ever saw it." Heintz, 48, is memories of soldiers and civilians who went Bastogne newspaper man and the town's through it, are all that is left on this 30th leading historian of the Battle. One of his anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge. The sisters is his devoted assistant. Nicolas bulge pitted more than a million U.S. and Engle, whose Cafe Schumann stood at a German soldiers in a battle that began at strategic crossroads near Bastogne, re- 5:30 em. on Dec. 16, 1944 with a thun- members Christmas day, 1944. "Christmas derous German attack across the 85-mile was a night full of shells." he said sourly. "ghost front" dividing Luxembourg and "We left and hid at another house For two Belgium from Germany, it ended Jan. 28, nights and a day. When we came back 1945, when the Germans finally fell back there were as many dead as . For three behind this line again. months we slept without a roof, windows or Adolf Hitler code-named the attack doors." Engle, 78, is slow to speak and Watch on the Rhine and planned it as the reluctant to reminisce. His son was killed counterattack that would reverse the six in Russia, fighting for the Germans. The month Allied push from Normandy, drive cafe was rebuilt and Engle has a special a German wedge to the North Sea and split table in the corner, beside the bar, where the British-U.S. alliance. At its worst, the no one bothers him. At Neffe, a Hamlet on German attack pushed a huge bulge into the endge of Bastogne, Gilbert Stillmant, U.S. lines, advancing as far as 55 miles to 39. and his father, Oomph, still farm the Celles, Belgium, mom than halfway to the land that was a battleground 30 winters ago.

—10— "I was 9", Gilbert remembered. "We were Disberger, 50, runs the family tobacco shop. living in the cellar and there were Ameri- Clervaux, a beautiful town 12 miles away, cans in the house. It was Dec. 19, my father suffered terribly from the defense put up by asked the Americans if there was still time by the U.S. 28th Division. By the time to leave, and they said there was plenty of Germans captured it, much of Clervaux was time. One hour later the Germans attacked. destroyed, including the 12th century castle "The Americans left and we ran into the once owned by the DeLannoi family, field, bullets flying all around. We flung ancestors of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, ourselves on the ground and tried to creep the wartime U.S. president The castle, like as deeply into it as we could. We stayed the rest of Clervaux, is rebuilt and houses them for five hours in freezing cold. I re- the city hall, a bar and a bulge museum. Of member all the bodies lying around ... " all the bulge memorials, the most hallowed Stilmant's four children listened as he told are two cemeteries—one U.S., one German-- the story and showed a Christmas card from just east of Luxembourg City. At the for- Bob Hogg of Munhalt, Pa., one of the G l's mer, 5,076 GIs lie beneath white crosses in the hou.se and Stars of David. Among them are the Bastogne is building a new museum and bodies of 101 unidentified soldiers and of hopes that McAuliffe, now in delicate health, Gen. George Patton, who died in an auto will return next year to help dedicate it. accident later in 1945. Outside the town stands the Mardasson, A narrow footbridge crosses the river a beautiful pentagonal monument dedicated near Viand.), Luxembourg, by the bridge to "the memory of the American Libera- the hiker crosses the "ghost frontier" where tors." Fresh Flowers and wreaths arrive the bulge began and enters West Germany. regularly at the Mardassou, one recently a There are no guns or armor today, not even gift of the Paratroopers Fraternity of a fence or customs guard or passport check, Aachen, Germany. The German attack just a small sign, half-hidden in the firs, stretched from Mor.schau, Germany, on the announcing the Federal Republic of Ger- Belgian border, in the north, to Echternach, many, the western half of Hfiters reich. Luxembourg, in the south. One reason it eventually failed was the five-day initial stand by defenders at St. Vith, Belgium. The SYMPATHY battle destroyed St. Vith. It is a bustling, We have been informed of the death of clean, prosperous market town now, but in Austin Byrd's father. The 106th extends a region of 200-year-old villages, St. Vith is its sympathy to the Bryd family. new, nothing older than 30 years stands there. Luxembourg has recovered more gracefully. There is a bulge memorial in Ettlebruck, bulge museums in Wiltz and Chervaux, an active bulge society. Meisy Stiners son was fighting with the German army, but when she found Ralph Ellis caught in Wiltz behind the lines, she took the GI in, washed him and gave him the clothes of her own boy. He had suffered much and had frozen feet, so we had to wash his feet with soapy water every day. Mrs. Steiner is 70 now, her son is a prosper- ous grocer with five children. Ellis also survived the war, but Mrs. Steiner, with hurt in her voice, said she has not heard from hint in years and added, "I considered him like a son, if only we had heard some- thing from him since, even a post card for the New Year." Other G I'S have come Maryland Chapter, 106th Infantry back on pilgrimages with their families. Division Association Marie Disberger recalled how she and her aunts rescued Lester Koritz, a U.S. sergeant 14 December 1974 after Germans captured Wiltz, and hid him Home of Bud and Kitty Wilkerson in their cellar. Koritz lives in now, has visited Wiltz and writes regularly. Mrs. Ben Johnson, Dorothy Broth, K. Loveless SOUTH CAROLINA 106th INF DIVISION Near this site on 15 March 1943 the 106th Infantry Division wa., officially activated and became known 411c -Golden Lion Division:. ,Attiic/gyh badly mauled in th

106 MARKER Following almost four years of work by our Association carried out mainly by Sherod Collins, our 106th Infantry Division Memorial Marker has been erected on Fort Jackson Boulevard at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. The marker is located in an area which is about three blocks West of the area where the 106th Division was quartered while at the Fort. It is in an area of newly completed barracks between the 6th and 7th Battalion complex which must be seen by us "old soldiers" to be believed. Wording on the marker was approved by the members of the Association and appears on both sides. It reads as follows: 106th INF. DIVISION Near this site on 15 March 1943 the 106th Infantry Division was officially activated and became known as the "Golden Lion Division." Although badly mauled in the "Battle of the Bulge," the division stubbornly continued to fight on. The 106th saw action in the Ardennes, the Rhineland, and Central Europe. Dedication of the marker will be held at a later date, possibly either just before or after our reunion in Atlanta. Easiest access to the marker is by the Forrest Drive entrance to Fort Jackson and a right turn on Fort Jackson Boule- vard with the marker being on your left. We are most appreciative of the co- operation given us by the Information Office at Fort Jackson in bringing this project to completion. —12—