TRAIL~ · ~ rj BLAZER

I WINTER2004 I The President's

Report Stanley J. Lambert ere it is again-a deadline! schedule. The Friday activities re­ the late Donald "Charlie" Pence. Our worthy "Trailblazer" ceived much of our attention and The auditorium will be named for H Editor isn't one to let his have required a gen erous amount him. contributors forget. As if that re­ of Dorothy's and my e-mail, phone The 70th RRC made a further minder was not enough, the bel­ and U.S. mail exchanges for the request. They wanted information lowing calves we have just weaned past month. Fortuitously, the on a Loren Christianson, the WWII and corralled are distinctly crying, peripatetic Floyd Freeman (I/275) 70th Band Director, for whom the "Trailblazer - November 15." and Anne S chmidt paid us an music library in a wing of the au­ overnight visit in early October. ditorium will be named. Can any * Floyd was of tremendous help in one tell us anything about him? After the great Central States arranging a Chicago River cruise, Reunion in Cedar Rapids, Dorothy bus and meal accommodations * and I, graciously accompanied by etc. ebmaster Steve Dixon, HM Jack Nothnagle, 570 Signal; and Registration details will appear W has drawn our attention to Paul and Peggy Sumner, E/276 in the Spring "Trailblazer," but a poignant "USA Today" article made a two day visit to our 2004 you can expect the usual fare of (November 10, 2003) about a baby n a tional reunion site in Arlington events, plus a surprise or two. boomer's search for the experi­ Heights, Illinois. We had been Committee chair persons have ences of his reclusive WWII father. there previously, but the hotel had been or will be appointed. It goes The boomer r eceived fulfillment, changed hands. We further laid without saying that volunteers will as have numerous 70th Division plans for our September 1-5, 2004 be welcome ... or drafted. The in­ "children," wh en he located his dispensable Lou Hoger, G/275 dad's old unit's reunion. will be backing up our registration Which brings me to the recur­ crew (John Craig, F / 275; Jack ring interest in extending full vot­ Nothnagle and others) . Start ing rights in our 70th Infantry Di­ planning now for your contribu­ vision Association to the Associate The tion to the Silent Auction chaired Members in good standing. No Trailblazer by Paul and Peggy Sumner. Other vote on such an amendment in committee chairs will be listed in 2004 could be taken without due is published four times a year the Spring "Trailblazer." process. I would, however, sug­ by the 70th Infantry Division gest a cool and dispassionate dis­ Association and friends. Sub­ * cussion of the matter at our 2004 scription: $16 annually. artier in the fall I received a business meeting. call from our friends at 70th At Walter Cox's (E/274) urg­ Editor E Regional Readiness Command ing we contemplate reopening unit Ed Lane (RRC), US Army Reserve which is attendance competition in 2004. P.O. Box 1282 h eadquartered at Ft. Lawton, That was a feature of earlier re­ Radcliff, KY 40159 Washington. They requested that unions. Units would be defined as (270) 352-0753 we select a WWII T railblazer for rifle or weapons companies, artil­ [email protected] whom a new a uditorium at Ft. lery batteries, headquarters com­ Staff Artist Lawton will be named. That panies, signal companies, etc. Peter Bennet posed a problem, for there a re Perhaps a traveling trophy will en­ 3031 Sir Phillips Dr. many Trailblazers, living a nd ter t he picture, although not too San Antonio, TX 78209 dead, who are worthy of recogni­ many bienniums may pass before (210) 828-5477 tion. it ends up a t the Pearly Gates. Our Vice President-Central, All of which brings me to this Graphic Designer the much decorated Bill Trotter, appeal for a banner turn out at Martin E. Biemer B/275 had no doubts. It should the 2004 reunion. As always the Louisville, KY be h is old commanding officer. main attraction will be the renew­ Volume 62 Number 1 Further aided by the gripping ar­ ing of friendships forged during WINTER2004 ticle in the Fall "Trailblazer", the t h e seminal occurrence of our Executive Committee settled on lives. Spouses, associates and ex-

2 70th Infantry Division Association TRAILBLAZER f)l~l~I(;I1.\J.. N()'Jl(;E First call for propositions tended families are, of course, a cherished part of our gatherings_ for September 2004 reunion We have found that the Chicago area has afforded a very attractive irst call for propositions to be mit propositions. voted on at the September Lake-River Cruise, plus an excit­ F Please send your new proposi­ 2004 biennial reunion. New ing guided bus tour of the city_ tions to Jim Hanson at the ad­ propositions will be published in This will be on our Friday sched­ dress below to be received by Feb­ the Spring 2004 issue of "Trail­ ule. The lady's programs, the lun­ ruary 1, 2004 so the Resolutions blazer," requesting member com­ cheon meetings and the Friday Committee can get them into the ments, along with the two Spring and Saturday night dinners and Spring issue of "Trailblazer." 2003 mail vote propositions that programs will make this a memo­ Please include a brief explanation failed to achieve sufficient votes to rable time_ Chaplain Peterson's of what your proposition will do, meet the required minimum of 1 O Sunday morning memorial service and why you think it should be percent of active member will make a fitting climax to our adopted. 2004 reunion. strength. Mail to: Reminder: All Association $/mi membership categories may sub- Jim Hanson 2595 Landview Circle Virginia Beach, VA 23454 Propositions may be e-mailed to Jim at the address shown in the Special Appointments box in the back of this edition. Resolutions Committee: Jim Hanson (Chair) John Hildebrand Dave Mackie

2004 dues are due! Please send annual dues of $16 or Life Member dues of $100 as soon as possible to: DON LINDGREN 9001 Beacon Ave. Vancouver, WA 98664

On the cover • Items for the next edition • • are due in the Editor's mail­ 11 11 11 11 • Trailblazer Staff Artist Peter Tex Bennet, HQ 2nd Bn/276 has fur- box by February 16, 2004. nished us with a tableau illustrating that soldiers are a band of brothers We will be mailing April l. Their lives are dependent upon each other more than those who have no~ been there can ever know.

Winter 2004 3 Enemy interrogation of Major John Duffie

By Frank Sawyer U soon (after capture) I was my debriefing, which I did. F/275 taken far behind the lines "The questions he threw at me for interrogation, to the office of a were all fictitious. He did not ask Frank Sawyer is the former G-2 Colonel. At first he was very me anything they did not already CO, F/275. He wrote thefollowing stiff and formal as we introduced know, he said. To prove it h e article after reading about the cap­ each other, and he spoke with a pulled the canvas cover off the ea­ ture of Major John Duffie on page heavy British accent, better En­ sel and displayed there were the 31 of the Summer 2002 issue. glish than you or I would have 275 positions in detail, more accu­ spoken in similar circumstances. rate and more complete than on ew days before Hiroshima I noted there were two armed my own map back at the 3rd bat­ p;_ I was in Maastricht, The guards in the room with us along talion CP. I had no reason to Netherlands, at the R&R with a telephone, a radio, a record think the information he had on Center "recovering" from two player and a large easel covered the other battalions was anything weeks in London. As I crossed the with canvas. Then came the tor­ less excellent. footbridge into downtown rent of questions, so furious and "As if the map information was Maastricht I was surprised to see fast that I hardly had time to say not enough, he then recited the a familiar figure, one I never ex­ 'name, rank and serial number'. names of our battalion command­ pected to see again. "Then he started again, speak­ ers and some of the company It was Major John Duffie, HQ ing slowly, almost gently, like we commanders including your own 3rd Bn/275 on the corner waving were visiting as old comrades. first name, Frank; a nd the fact and calling - we literally ran into 'Yes, McAlear was competent; that you spoke German (which I each other. We quickly retired to Malloy and Barten are given high did not know at the time). He the nearest bar for the rest of the ratings by our Unter Officers.' wanted to know your age and ci­ day and most of t he night. We Shortly the decibels began to rise vilian and military backgrounds, had both been "kicked around a until at last he was ranting and of which I knew nothing; n or did I bit" and had plenty to commiser­ raving like Adolf, threatening and know why he wanted that infor­ ate about our respective com­ screaming to the extent that I mation. manders who shall remain name­ thought the armed guards wer e "These items were shocking to less. Such are the fortunes of war there to protect my Geneva Rights me and I had to wonder if we had throughout history. from this officer. In retrospect I similar information on their offic­ As the evening and night wore now think this gala performance ers." on the stories became bloodier was simply a satirical mocking of and bloodier until it's a wonder we Adolf. Major Duffie and I said a sad survived. Our admiration for each "goodbye," never to see each other other grew and grew until we were "suddenly, without warning, again. the finest in the regiment, al­ the 'act' stopped, the (Editor's note: Frank wonders though we admitted there were guards left and in came a lackey if somewhere in the G-2 a rchives some peers who shall also remain pushing a luncheon cart with there is a transcript of Duffie's de­ nameless except for our "beloved" American whiskey, soda, Ameri­ briefing which could be compared Lt. Col. (Ronald J.) Pierce, CO of can cigarettes, cigars and some to the story as Frank remembers it. 1st Bn/275, well known to both of current popular records. He said Major Duffie might have family us. the war is almost over (late Febru- members who heard his story or From this point let me para­ ary '45). He then read me some even have a written version or re­ phrase this adventure in Major German war bulletins to bring me cording of that experience. If so Duffie's own words as best I can up to date and suggested we please contact Frank or the Editor. remember: should be friends, hoping I would (Thanks to Dale Bowlin, CI 883 give an accurate account of him at FA for passing this story along to "Trailblazer.")

4 70th Infantry Division Association TRAILBLAZER Another memorable visit It seems as if any visit a Trail­ blazer or his family and friends makes to France is a memorable occasion. Recently, the old battle sites were re-visited by Lt. Col. Glenn Callihan, US Army. As many of you know (Summer 2003, page 29) Glenn has done extensive work in the areas while he was stationed in Europe. After his most recent trip, Glenn filed the follow report:

aren and I wanted to do something special for all of K the Trailblazer veterans and their families. We didn't find much in our searches of the old battlefields (I'm not giving up though). but we did take one meaningful picture. Our intent was to bring the US flag to as many of your old battlefields as we could and take a picture. Unfor­ The American Flag flies once again from Hill 400.6 east of Philippsbourg, France. tunately, on the first position that (Photo courtesy Lt. Col. Glenn Callihan) we attempted this, the ties holding the flag to the pole broke and we very steep hill with foxholes all next day was a tactical success, as gave up ... for now. around (both German and from the book reports. "When th e con­ We did get one picture, how­ the K/274 platoon). The only item fusion lifted, the result was thir­ ever. I hope that it has as much of interest that we found that day teen en e my dead, and six meaning for all of you as it does was a full clip of Ml rifle ammuni­ wounded." for Karen and me (perhaps more tion. Regardless, I believe that the for her as she carried the flag and picture symbolizes the efforts of pole to the top of the hill). all Trailblazers who fought in and What's that smell, II around Philippsbourg, France. The position is Hill 400.6. It is east of Philippsbourg, just north After reading m essages from In Fall 2003, Doug Duke, HQ of Niederbronn ridge, and south of Lt. Col. Callihan and looking at the 1st Bn/276 asked if anyone could the Philippsbourg/Dambach road. picture shown above, Karl remember which gas that was said From my discussions with Col. Landstrom, HQ 3 rd Bn/27 4 sent to smell like "new mown hay"? Landstrom, I learned that he the following: That sent the Editor to the Internet to refresh his memory. In placed a platoon-sized combat I am confident that the hilly 1971 he was a Drill Sergeant and outpost approximately 1, 000 area identified by Lt. Col. Callihan responsible for teaching nuclear, meters in front of the rest of his is the site occupied beginning biological and chemical warfare to Battalion, much to the consterna­ January 10, 1945 by a combat new soldiers. Phosgene is a color­ tion of German forces in the area. outpost that I sent out from K/ less, poisonous gas that smells This platoon held the position 274 in advance of our defensive like new mown hay. against considerable opposition, positions, commanded by Lt. Ed­ Several Trailblazer contacted withdrawing only during the gen­ ward Crowson, which, quoting the Editor, among th em George eral withdrawal on or about Janu­ from "Snow, Ridges and Pillboxes," Spires, M/275 who said, "The gas ary 21, 1945_ Hill 400.6 was the pages 115- 116, was "to warn of in question is phosgene, used as a location of that outpost. enemy approach and to observe lung irritant. This we learned in Karen and I searched the site and harass their activities." the gas chamber." on September 10, 2003. It is a The action that ensued the

Winter 2004 5 A111erican 111ilitary ce111eteries •.. n the Fall 2003 edition (page sible 'military' cemeteries world­ An order form is available from 15) we r eported about the wide. We also run an 'Honor Roll' the (ABMC) web site. I question of separate resting of military personnel who died "Also, many families don't p laces for different races and during the Vietnam War. know that they may order flowers mentioned the temporary cemeter­ "Saying a US military cemetery to be placed at their loved one's ies laid out in the ETO. We also is not accurate since we do not monument site. The rules, regula­ m entioned that the permanent have any data on any 'military' tions and instructions are on the cemeteries established in Europe cemeteries in the US. Most of web site. For example, flowers for and the rest of the world are un­ these are under the National Cem­ the Lorraine American Cemetery der the jurisdiction of the Ameri­ etery Administration under the and Memorial (St. Avold, France) can Battle Monuments Commis­ Veterans Affairs. The Arlington site is $30-$40. For Epinal, sion. National Cemetery is under the France it is $32-$40 (first price is Luckily we have the son of Department of Defense and so it is for May through September with m ember Bill Sole, K/275 to call independent from both the VA and the second price October through upon for reference material. Tho­ the ABMC. There m ay also be April). One may designate the mas R. Sole (retired Major, US 'military' cemeteries overseas that date the flowers are to be placed. Army, USMA 1980) is Director of we do not control - such as the "All grave sites are decorated Engineering, Maintenance and cemetery at the former US Clark with a flag for Memorial Day. Operations, American Battle AFB in the Philippines. That one However one may designate any Monuments Commission. Thomas is run by the local VFW .... " date, such as a birthday, anniver­ inspects all of the cemeteries once sary, date of KIA, etc. A colored a year. ob Hays, C/274 lent his expe­ Polaroid photo of the flowers at Thomas wrote to all of us in an Briences to the discussion in a the monument site is available." e-mail message after certain ques­ most enlightening way: tions were raised. "Many of the families who have he authoritative book for the "Anyone can go to our web site been unable to visit distant sites T 70th Infantry Division is the and find where someone is buried don't know that they may request "Directory of Memorials." This at­ in one of our WWI or WWII cem­ a lithograph and a black and tractive book is a monument and eteries. This amounts to only 22 white photograph of their loved memorial directory, with pictures cemeteries in a long list of pas- one's monument site (at no fee) . and directions on how to find our cemeteries and memorials both in the US and Europe. The book What a deal! also contains a complete listing of Trailblazer casualties buried at US By John L. Haller Combat pay in WWII was $10 Cemeteries in Europe (St. Avold A/276 a month against $225 a month and Epinal, France; and Maar­ now, an increase of 22Yi times. garten, The Netherlands). Price is ran across an interesting ar­ The insurance death benefit in $ 16 (in cludes postage). Order I ticle in our Columbia (SC) WWII was $10,000. Today fami­ from Lou Hoger, G/275 whose ad­ newspaper recently. It was the lies receive $250,000; an increase dress appears on the inside back military pay chart for today's of 25 times. cover of "Trailblazer. Army. I have compared our pay in This really shows how inflation WWII against the soldier's pay to­ has gone in th e last 60 years. (Editor's note: For the ABMC day. Boy, the country really got a good web site go to the Trailblazer web In WWII, a Private received deal out of us WWII servicemen. site. Search from "Miscellaneous" $50 a month or $600 a year. Now to "Related Sites" under which you (Editor's note: Information in a Private receives $1,290 a month will.find the ABMC site. John's fine reporting includes only or $15,480 a year. This is an in­ {This Editor has been to Europe what is known as "base pay." To­ crease of more than 25% times in three times and each time has day, additional money is paid for 60 years. been impressed by the job ABMC housing and rations in many cir­ In WWII, a Staff Sergeant got does in administe ring cemeteries cumstances. Also there is an al­ $96 a month or $1,152 per year. under its care. The sites are beau­ lowance for uniforms and longevity Now a Staff Sergeant gets $1,625 tiful and the staff on site is always pay increases in most pay grades.) a month or $19,500 per year. This very helpful, trying to fulfill each is 17 times more than WWII pay. and every request.)

6 70th Infantry Division Association TRAILBLAZER Miracle in the snow

By John T. Craig tion at the edge of town. The We had also been receiving in­ F/275 ground was covered with ten or termittent machine gun fire from twelve inches of snow. somewh ere on the south edge of t was a bitter, cold night on or To the right front of our posi­ town near the road junction. A about February 15, 1945. We tion toward the eastern edge of small creek ran all the way across I were situated in a defensive town was a cemetery. To the left the south edge of town from the position on the front edge of a front and in a draw near the west right front and passing perhaps a wooded ridge about a quarter of a of town was a group of s tone hundred yards in front of the road mile south of the town of Grosblie­ buildings including an old mill, junction near the center and ex­ derstroff. The 2nd Battalion was two barns and a house. This area tending past the back side of the slated to take the town in a few was called Obere Ohligmuhle. old mill on the left front. days. I was the platoon leader of It was known that the upper 1st Platoon, F /275. floor of the old mill contained a n the early part of th e night I Between our position and the German machine gun nest which I was called back to F Company town of Grosbliederstroff was a had a field of fire covering most all CP and received orders to as­ winding blacktop road which led of the open pasture land in front semble a recon patrol of ten or into a road junction on the south of us. We were also aware that the twelve men and be prepared edge of the town. The entire ter­ cemetery to our right front also sometime after midnight to lead rain across the front of the contained a German machine gun the patrol out of the woods, across wooded ridge (where we were dug emplacement which also h ad a the winding road in front of our in) was open pasture land extend­ field of fire covering the same area position and across the long ex­ ing all the way to the road junc- but from a different direction. panse of pasture in the direction

Winter 2004 7 of the road junction at the edge of what sounded like a machine gun few minutes later, the miracle town. Not an enjoyable prospect getting ready to fire (a clanking A began to happen. To our in that at this p a rticular t ime sound). We all heard it and imme­ right front, a heavy fog began to there was a full moon and visibil­ diately dived into the snow and al­ slowly follow the creek bed and ity was very clear, especially with most buried ourselves. moved west in front of us, between the foot of snow on the ground. Immediately the Germans us and the road j unction! We My Platoon Serge ant, Sgt. opened fire from the road junc­ could see that it seemed not to Gass, was to lead another patrol tion, from the cemetery, and from have any end and extended across in the direction of the cemetery to the u pstairs of th e old mil con ­ the entire front. I immediately sig­ the right front. Our mission: firming what we had already sus­ naled for each man to take off fo r "Keep going until you draw fire pected as machine gun positions . th e woods, one at time, on th e from the enemy. We need to know The bullets from all locations in­ double. wh ere their gun positions are in cluded the usual number of trac­ When we got about half way order to h elp plan our strategy for ers so that we could see them all back to our lines, th e German s taking Grosblied er stroff a few cross-firing well over our heads. began dropping mortar shells in days from now. You are not to en­ Sgt. Gass' patrol was not in the our direction but were about 50 gage the enemy u nder any circum­ line of fire because he was far yards or so off to our left. We all stances during this mission." enough to the right flank to avoid reached our lines in the wooded Sgt. Gass h ad fought through the blasts of bullets. ridge without anyone getting hit. North Africa and Italy before join­ We all knew that from here on, Sgt. Gass' patrol got back also be­ ing the 70th Division. He was in­ as soon as any man would try to cause they had been out of the deed a seasoned and knowledge­ stand up he would easily be seen line of fire. able veteran. When I came back and be a dead m an. The snow I am convinced that God had and told him what our m ission was a life saving blessin g thus far. other plans for each of us because was, h e looked a t me in disbelief My immediate thought and He seemed to provide the only way but said, "Yes, sir" and immedi­ prayer was "God, only you can get out. ately organized his patrol for the u s out of here. I have no idea 1\vo days later I was asked to cemetery. how. Only you have th e answer." tak e a night time combat patrol I asked fo r ten or twelve volun­ I know that every man in my pa­ and overtake the old mill and all teers to go with m e and had no trol must have u ttered a similar the other buildings. After much difficulty getting them. After tell­ prayer. planning we met with complete in g them what we were being In a few minutes, most of the success. (That is another story asked to do, we and Sgt. Gass' pa­ firing had stopped. We assumed which will be reported in another trol moved out of the woods to­ th at the en emy thought we were account.) ward our assign ed route sh or tly all dead or that they were waiting Grosbliederstroff was taken by after midn ight. fo r someone to stand up. G/275 on February 18. e h ad no white parkas. The W moon was bright. Eac h m an in the patrol was asked to A close call spread out as we moved forward across the road and onto the pas­ By Walter C . Cox Company CP (I was company com­ ture. I was in th e lead and could E/274 mander of Easy at that point) . I easily see every man in my patrol. ran outside, jumped on th e tank We all realized that sooner or later u r ing the t ime in Stiring­ and pointed out the position of the th e Germans would see u s a nd D Wen del trying to get up to the gun shooting at u s . wondered, "Then what?" Saar River, we were in the houses About that time, we heard one in the town and the Germans were coming and I figured the Germans We kep t s lowly trudging up above us on the hills overlook­ saw me on the tank. I jumped off through the deep snow and could ing the town. They would drop the tank and flattened out on the hear the crunching of every step. Screaming Memmies on u s at ev­ pavement. The sh ell hit about 14 After wh at seem ed about thirty ery opportunity. One day, I was feet from me and in front of the minutes, I knew we could expect watching th e hills and saw the tank. The umbrella effect of the something to happen soon . smok e from on e, and of course explosion saved me as the shrap­ We moved forward a few more heard it coming, so I th en knew nel hit all aroun d me but did not steps ... then s uddenly h eard where the damn thing was hidden. touch me. As usual, the Lord took We had a tank just outside my care of me once again.

8 70th Infantry Division Association TRAILBLAZER The old mill at Obere Ohligmuhle

By John T. Craig raid, the antitank gun was bore Several rounds were fired F/275 sighted on the upstairs window of through the door before opening the old mill where the machine it, killing one German. All the n early February 1945, 2nd gun was located. Lt. Hunt's heavy other Germans in the cellar came Battalion/275 was in a defen­ machine guns were emplaced up the stairs with hands on head I sive position on a wooded along side the antitank gun for and surrendered and the mission ridge south of the town of additional support. was completed. It was most un­ Grosbliederstroff. Colonel George fortunate though that one of my Barten, Battalion Commander, or­ J\bout three o'clock on the men stepped on a stray shu mine dered Company F to send a rein­ ~ morning of February 16, I as we neared one of the buildings forced platoon to the southwest moved my platoon out of the and lost his foot. outskirts of Grosbliederstroff and woods and down the slopes of the capture a strong point occupied sou th ridge toward the old mill j\fter the dust had settled from by the enemy. buildings. As we approached the ~ the attack, one of my men This stronghold was known as ran upstairs to make sure no one Obere Ohligmuhle and consisted was up there. I was aware that of three buildings. One of the tlY the Germans were clever and in­ buildings was an old mill in which novative but not to the extent as a manned machine gun was situ­ I~J\ \T(t lll'l,I~ found upstairs. ated in the upstairs, overlooking a We found no Germans up large expanse of open terrain be­ l\TJ\ll there. We did find that they had tween Grosbliederstroff and the been operating the machine gun wooded ridge south of the city S'l,f)llY by remote control, at least part of then being occupied F /275. Inter­ the time. They had attached a mittent fire had been delivered for outer perimeter of the buildings, wire to the trigger of the machine several days and nights sweeping we came to the first row of shu gun , and passed the wire through the entire open terrain. It was mines. Two of my scouts, using holes bored through two floors deemed necessary to capture this their bayonets, quietly cleared a and into the cellar! The gun was strongh old before G/275's path through three rows of mines fired at will by pulling the wire! planned attack on the city on Feb­ and the whole platoon quietly filed To end this saga, on February ruary 18. through that breach and took po­ 18, G/275 moved into Grosblie­ A day or two before our attack, sitions around the buildings with­ derstroff and took the city and Col. Barten had engaged an ob­ out being detected. several prisoners. servation plane to take pictures of We were to be in these posi­ the "fortress" and discovered two tions no later than a predeter­ n May 8 (VE Day) 1997 I was or three rows of "shu mines" sur­ mined time of 5 a.m. As planned, 0 so glad to be with eight other rounding the three buildings. at 5:03 a.m. the antitank gun and fellow Tra ilblazers to revisit This awareness greatly helped in h eavy machine guns opened fire Grosbliederstroff and participate developing our strategic plan for on the upstairs window. Simulta­ in ceremonies honoring the 70th our attack. neously all of us, each armed with Division and dedicating a monu­ a .45 cal. "Grease Gun" hit the ment bearing our Trailblazer em­ y platoon, the 1st, was downstairs doors of the buildings. blem to the liberation of the city. M given the assignment to We were surprised at what we On May 9 I was somewhat over­ capture the old mill and buildings found, or didn't find, in the build­ whelmed by revisiting the old mill during the early morning hours of ings, especially the old mill build­ and its owner, Mr. Meyer, who still February 16 and to have the posi­ ing where I was. We found no lives there with his family. Having tion secured before daylight. I Germans in any of the downstairs met him and his family on a previ­ was assisted in the raid by Lieu- rooms! Realizing that anyone who ous visit in 1986, it was so good to tenant Hunt and his F Company may have been in the upstairs see them again. After being Weapons Platoon to which was at­ couldn't have survived the fire served a wonderful lunch on this tached a 57mm antitank gun posi­ power, I took two or three men trip, I wanted to go to the base­ tioned on a hill overlooking the old around the back of the old mill ment door before leaving. Yes, the mill. and found a wooden door which .45 cal. bullet holes were still At dusk on the night of the obviously led to the cellar. there after 52 years.

Winter 2004 9 Mail Call

Destroyed the messenger headed back. I Cox of his meeting with one impor­ recommendations don't remember the words on his tant personage: return trip. had the unpleasant experience n our Summer 200 I edition I John Naumczik of seeing General Herren was astounded to read of Gen­ I I K/276 standing up on the road outside eral Barnett's order to destroy all Wingen as my platoon and I were pending recomme ndations for (Editor's note: The report of in ditches outside the town. He medals at war's end. During com­ recommendations for medals being told me to get up and get in the b at I raised the subject up with ordered destroyed at war's end ap­ houses and I yelled, "General get our Captain w ho tol d me they p eared on page 20. The incident down or you will be hit!" and at were only doing their job. was reported by the late Fred J. the same time, I said "Come on After some r esearch I found "Casey" Cassidy, G/274 in con­ men!" and we advanced into two the US Army in the ETO gave nection with the feature story "Fire houses. This was about 5 p.m. 82.32 percent of all decorations to and Maneuver." and we never went further. the Air Force, 9.3 percent to the (The statistics cited have been When I arrived in Pusan, Ko­ Infantry, 3.5 percent to the Artil­ confirmed by the Editor on page rea in 1952, I looked at the direc­ lery, 1.5 percent to the medical 367 of "World War II Strange & tory of officers and discovered Ma- corps and 3.38 percent to all oth­ Fascinating Facts," by Don jor General Tom Herren to be ers. Mccombs and Fred L . Worth, there. I called him on the phone At war's end, a messenger en­ Greenwich House, New York, and he invited me to come see him tered our house holding a Bronze ©1983.) and I did. We had a great time Star. He said the Captain said to discussing the incident outside find some one to give it to. I said, Wingen and other great battles. "Wher e is the officer to present * it?" Brass well met Walter Cox He said, "He sent me." The "Meeting the Brass" (fea­ E/274 Military Courtesy? Anyway ture, Fall edition) reminded Walter * Ike's humor "Meeting the Brass" also Effort spreads to find owner of lost ring brought back memories for our goodfriend George E. White. n the Fall 2003 edition (page cerned, found that Jim had al­ I 30) we ran an item about a ready initiated action by re­ n late June 1945 I left the hos­ 70th Infantry Division ring that questing one of his US Senators I pital at Reims, France and as h ad been found. So far no one to contact the Department of an ex-POW I was being repatriated has come forward to claim the the Army to ascertain to whom through Camp Lucky Strike near ring but the item caught the at­ the ASN belongs. Fecamp. One day at noon meal tention of two of our members As of November 13, 2003 General of the Army Eisenhower who determined to do some­ said Senator had initiated ac­ came by, gave a s h ort speech and thing in an attempt to locate the tion requesting assistance from had lunch with the ex-Kriegies in owner. Department of the Army and the huge mess tent at that facitly. Vice President-West John promising any further assis­ At the end of his speech and M . Hildebrand, A/274 con­ tance that he could provide. knowing what the Kriegies' diet tacted Jim Hanson, L/274 and Jim and John have prom­ had been, he turned to the cooks much to the delight of all con- ised to keep us updated on the and said "OK, star t serving t he effort. kartoffels and t urnips." That brought down the house. He was the greatest. George E. White G/276

10 70th Infantry Division Association TRAILBLAZER I ---Nos Amis FranfQ.is----

Edouard LANE On the evening of the fourth Redacteur we attended a magnificent concert in St. Avold at t h e Centre the end of October I re­ Culture!. The "Ukrainian Bandu­ ceived a French tri-color rist Chorus" is a touring American flag in the mail. I had A company based in Detroit, Michi­ sent my flag to M. Leon DIETSCH, gan. The group was originally Mayor of Spicheren and requested fo rmed in 1918 in Kyiv, Ukraine that he fly it over city hall. a nd performs traditional Ukrai­ This M. DIETSCH did. He also nian music on traditional instru­ sent me a nice certificate stating ments while dressed in native that m y flag h ad flown over the garb. In 1949 after persecution by Mairie from 6-21 October 2003 both the Soviets a nd the Nazis, (not just a mere few minutes) many members of the group were along with several glossy photos of a ble to emigrate to the United th e flag flying and a computer disc containing copies of the pictures. States. Reforming and surviving Many of us have had the plea­ to its present form, the group gave M. Leon DIETSCH, Mayor of Spicheren a s pectacular performance and sure of meeting M. DIETSCH dur­ flies a French tri-color belonging to the was r eceived warmly by the ing our visits. He is always a gra­ Editor at city hall. French. cious host and very proud of his (Photo courtesy M . DIETSCH) town. More next time. My flag will now be displayed That evening we were treated in my den with the certificate and to a dinner and Fourth of July cel­ * on special occasion s flown from ebration by Steve NEWTON, AM y trip planning to take part my front door as our Fre n ch and h is family. A group of us was M in the 60th anniversary ob­ friends fly the stars and stripes at treated to a great meal and a won­ servan ce of the Normandy Inva­ their homes. derful evening at Steve's house sion of June 6, 1944 continues. I (which flew an American Flag at will be camping and participating * the front door in our honor). Af­ in the observance with our French I\s reported in the Fa ll 2003 terward, before we left, Steve set reenactment friends . I portray an ~ edition, my trip to France in off a fireworks dis play in honor of Adjudant Chef in the French For­ July was terrific . It might take our holiday. Now this is a double eign Legion while our friends por­ this edition and the next to tell all h onor as Steve was born in E n ­ tray Gls from various units who about it but we will try. gland! Think of it: an American participated in the liberation of a nd a transpla nted Englishman France. On the third of July we took a celebrating the 4th of July in trip to the Lorraine American Mili­ A bientOt. France! Again, wonderful people tary Cemetery at St. Avold. As that we truly call our friends. shown on the back page of the fall issue, Fr en ch school children decorated the graves of the Ameri­ Help needed for Forbach celebration can liberators with 10,489 fresh roses. This was done in honor of By Edouard LANE unique in that each section is our Independence Day. Redacteur written in French and then fo l­ Our good friend Adolphe lowed by that same section written KIEFFER, HM was with u s and Jean-Claude FLAUSS, AM in English. gave a n impromptu a n d impas­ M • is a friend of ours living in M. FLAUSS would like us to sioned speech to th e youngsters . Forbach. He is the municipal ar­ h elp him as the city prepa res to Through I am not flue nt in chivist of Forbach and the author commemorate the even ts of the French , h is meaning was quite of t h e book "Chronicle of the Win ter of 1944-45 and th e cel­ clear as h e impressed upon the Siege." As many of you know, that ebrates the 60th a nniversary of youngsters at what price their lib­ book details the occupation and (continued on next page) erty was restored. liberation of Forbach. The book is

Winter 2004 11 Forbach celebration many pictures of Forbach and also 10335, 57608 Forbach, FRANCE. of Gls who participated in the lib­ M. FLAUSS would also like to (continued from previous page) eration, including Jack Herman, know if anyone knows what hap­ the liberation in 2005. C/276. pened to Pfc. James Starck (unit In connection with that his­ M. FLAUSS would like to orga­ unknown). It seems as if Pfc. toric era, M. FLAU$S related the nize an exhibition of Mme AHRI­ Starck painted the sign "Welcome story of the late Madame (Mme) NER' s work for display in the to Forbach Through Courtesy of Lucie AHREINER who lived in the Forbach town hall. If you have 276th INF. REGT." that appears Villa Marie -Antoin ette (a well one of Mme AHRINER's pictures on the cover of M. FLAUSS' book. known historic house in Forbach). and would like to cooperate with Any assistance that any of our Mme AHREINER was a painter of our friends, please contact M. members can render to our good som e tale nt who had painted FLAUSS at: Hotel De Ville, B. P. friend will be appreciated. The Gestapo prison at Saarbrucken

By Ed Lane Inside t h e prisons of course the the war years in the area and in Gestapo had complete power of life particular the activities at the Ge­ h ose of you wh o have revis­ and death over the inmates. stapo Prison in Saarbrucken. ited the French-Germa n The lecture included pictures T border area of Saarbrucken and an explanation of the layout walked the area M. MULLER may h ave seen the monumen t of the camp and an explanation of I farmed during the war. It en­ (near the old border check p oint the a ctivities that took place joys a clear view of the prison on the autobahn) which marks the therein. One of the favorite leisure a rea. From his vantage point s pot of wh at we were told was a activities of the Gestapo was to (sneaking peeks of course to avoid small concentration camp. Re­ have the guard dogs turned loose detection and thus incarceration cently, it h as been lear ned that on inmates in the courtyard. The in the prison) M. MULLER saw t he camp was not the traditional inmates would have to jump into various and sundry atr ocities concen tration camp at all but a lo­ the large pool of water (used as a committed upon the inmates to in­ cal prison run by the Geheime source of water to fight fires) in clude the turning loose of the dogs Staats Polizei (Secret State Police) order to keep from being mauled in winter upon the inmates who - known more commonly as t he by the dogs. When this was con­ then h ad to jump (and die) into "Gestap o." ducted in freezin g weather it the pool. During my trip to France in would of course have usually fatal The talk of the war years is not July 2003 I was invited by my results for the inmates. In sum­ easy for anyone who had to en­ hosts, Thomas and Dorothee mer the sport of the guards would dure them and M. MULLER is no KIRSCH, AM to attend a lecture at a lso usua lly lead to fatalities exception. I commend him for the Saarland University (Saarbruck­ among the inmates. This form of moral courage in took to dredge en) . It was to be educational to entertainment for the local guards up the old memories. I thank him say the least. of course was only one of many for his hospitality and his part in systematic tortures carried out by recording a history that must not hought for years to be a the capturers. be forgotten or repeated. T smaller concentration camp, Merci beacoup mon amL it is know known that the camp T est any think we relied entirely located on the French-German .l..J on the lecture for information border a t Saarbrucken was a regardin g the Gestapo "Lager," be prison run by the local Gestapo. assured we did not. While I was 2004 dues Armed with an identity disc, the living in Spicheren, Thomas Gestapo h a d unlimited access to KIRSCH introduced me to M. Emil are due! any private home or public build­ MULLER. M. MULLER was a boy Please send annual du es ing in any area controlled by the of 14 during the war and tended of $16 or Life Member dues of Nazis. fields at th e top of the bluff over­ $100 as soon as possible to: The Gestapo also had u n lim­ looking Germany from France. ited power to set up its own local I had occasion to enjoy M. DON LINDGREN jail for t he incarceration of dissi­ MULLER's hospitality twice while 9001 Beacon Ave. dents or anyone wh o fell into dis­ staying in Spicheren. On both oc­ Vancouver, WA 98664 favor with the local authorities. casions we talked at length about

12 70th Infantry Division Association TRAILBLAZER Trailblazer receives his Long-overdue purple heart

Royal Northup, AT/ 276 was made his way to a nearby aid sta- fathers' military service, and if not recently awarded the Purple Heart tion . for a mistake on the Army's part he earned in January 1945. The Mr. Northup, a lifelong Phil­ those long years ago and its un­ following story appeared in "The mont r esident sits in the living willingness to correct it. Indep endent" of Hillsdale, New room of his Summit Street home Disch a rge d in 194 7 after York on October 7, 2003 . Mr. Parry on a r ainy Saturday, reliving the spending two years in military Teasdale, Editor of "The Indepen­ d eta ils of t h at J a nuary day 58 hospitals, Mr. Northup received d ent" granted ''Trailblazer" p ermis­ years ago ...... a Bronze Star medal, the New sion to run the story. Our thanks Still the m emory of his fell ow York State Conspicuous Service to Mr. Teasdale and his staff soldier's d eath has h aunted Cross, the Combat Infantryman him . . .. Badge, and European-African­ Vet receives Middle Eastern Theater Medal with two bronze battle stars for overdue award the Ardennes-Alsace and Rhine­ land campaigns. By Jack Maab But miss ing from that collec­ t was cold that January day in tion was a Purple Heart, the medal 1945, just outside the French as awarded to soldiers injured in I village of Gaubvining, as Pri­ combat. vate Northup hurried to dig in be­ fore the light of a quickly fading ith encouragem ent from his sun disa ppeared. W son, Mr. Northup submit­ A foxhole was a welcome ref­ ted his request for the medal he u ge during those s hort winter thought h e deserved to the US days from the almost constant ar­ Army Reserve Personnel Center in tillery barrage by German troops. St. Louis. To his surprise, despite As th e private n eared comple­ living with a battle damaged arm, tion of his temporary home, Cor­ and with a 60 percent disability poral Lawrence Foley called him from the Army, h e was not eligible out for one last ch ore - ch ecking for the m eda l based on m edical out the unit's perimeter defenses. and other records of the time. The two m en , assigned to Requ esting t h ose r ecords, he Headquarters Company, 276th In­ learned that the morning report of fantry Regiment, 70th Infantry Di­ January 26, 1945 shows him go­ vision, hardly knew each other - ing to the aid station because he but as Private Northup would later was feeling ill. It n ever mentions write, "When a corporal said to do his arm. something, you did it." Over the years following his Part-way through their check His arm bears the scars of the initial effort, Mr. Northup tried un­ they h eard incoming artillery fire long-h ealed wound. His fingers s uccessfully to h a ve his record heading their way. Both dove for don't work p erfectly, but they changed. cover. Walking side by side, one work. He has made do. A respon se from an officer ... minute, diving s ide by s ide for But then there are the scars of framed his problem: cover the n ext, they were engulfed the unseen . . . . He weeps quietly "Th e Purple Heart is awarded in an inferno of fire and shrapnel today, thinking of the decades he for wounds or injuries received as as they hit the ground. was sure Corporal Foley died a direct result of hostile action. A Fortune deserted the men that alone that cold gray day . record of s uch must be contained day as they set off a trip flare. As Mr. Northup might have lived in official milita ry r ecords. A the smoke cleared, Corporal Foley his life without knowing the an­ search of these records has failed lay dying; Private Northup was swers to those questions if not for to produce any evidence that this dazed , his left arm limp by his his son Mark's and Corporal individual received s uch wounds. side. Somehow the injured private Foley's son Ross's inter est in their In the absence of evidence, the

Winter 2004 13 Purple Heart cannot be autho­ in Alexandria, VA. Kathleen gathered peace of mind. He found rized." Cummings, daughter of family other soldiers from the 70th Infan­ In response to that conclusion, friends Tom and Arlene try Division who were there that Mr. Northup notes, "Regrettably, Cummings of Old Chatham, took January day. my evidence was killed beside me Mr. Northup's information home From them he learned that de­ in a hostile fire accident." with her, writing a letter detailing spite his wounds and dazed from Inexplicably, the Army did ac­ his quest to Senator John Warner. the blast that tore his arm apart, cept Mr. Northup's accounting of Warner got the file submitted di­ he did n ot desert his fellow sol­ the tragic afternoon as evidence rectly to the military's Board of dier. Corporal Foley died in that Corporal Foley deserved he Corrections, bypassing some of Northup's arms. Purple Heart. His son Ross, who t he mid-level bureaucrats who The friendship forged over the lives in Illinois, had been on a had tied the request up for years. year s between t h e Foley and similar mission as Mr. Northup's That board voted to correct the Northup families brought them to­ son - to learn all they could record, clearing the way for the geth e r for a trip to France to about their fathers' military expe­ medal to be awarded. Foley's grave. An American flag rience and t hen to correct the Mr. Northup received his no­ that flew over t h at hallowed Army's omission of the Purple tice of that change on this past ground now holds a spot of h onor Heart for the two men. Over the September 24 .... in the Northup's living room. "I years, the two families have be­ will keep that flag until the day I come close. Based in part on Mr. nwilling to let the better-late­ die," he says. Northup's recollection of Cpl. U than-never m edal presenta­ Foley's death , the Army posthu­ tion h e be made by the Postal Ser­ escribing himself as not an mously awarded him the Purple vice, Mr. Northup's friend and fel­ D overly religious man, Mr. Heart in 1998. low Philmonter Russ Robertson Northup says he nonetheless took By t h e e nd of 2001, Mr. arranged an impromptu ceremony his (Book of Common Prayer) with Northup was about ready to give last week. him on that trip to France. With up his quest when h elp in the per­ Mr. Northup h as gamed much his son and his fallen comrade's son of an old friend from Chatham more out of the process than the son by his side at the grave, he and a Senator from her n ew home medal h e deserved. He has also read from (the prayer book) as three French Mirage jets flew over ­ head. "I took that as a sign that they A butte of a memory too were honoring him," says Mr. Northup. By Tom Higley oak! Always a lot of soldiers in Mr. Northup says he is at C/275 station hospital, including good peace today both with h is time in old Charlie Company/275. The the military and the life he has he most famous contribution guys would get into the stuff, then lived. In telling his story, he of Coffin Butte (shown on the rub their eyes. Also the Privates T readily accepts it as proof that cover of the Fall edition) to t he would rub t h eir private parts. persistence pays off - but he asks Camp Adair exercises was of Wow! All they had at the station despite his military service, that course Poison Oak. It was loaded hospital was the old calamine lo­ he not be considered a hero. as were so many areas we "played tion which took a long time to take "Those guys who paid the ulti­ games in." effect. mate sacrifice, they are the true Another memory of our time at So - I had it on \vr:ists, ankles h eroes," he says. Camp Adair is the time wh en we a nd thankfully n owhere else. I moved through an abandoned or­ wrote my wife Lutie in San Fran­ (Editor's note: Portions marked chard loaded with cherry trees. cisco wher e she stayed and by " . .. " have been deleted, re­ Gis, no matter wh at advice they worked. Told her I needed some­ specting Royal's wishes. The por­ got , as they moved through them thing that worked. She conferred tions appearing in parentheses re­ insisted on eating sam e ... green. with a druggist she knew and very ferring to the "The Book of Common I leave the results to your vivid quickly I received a pint bottle, no Prayer" replaced references to the imaginations. label, only directions of so many "The Holy Bible" in the original ar­ drops to the quart. It worked like But I digress from the story I ticle. Royal stated in writing to this a charm. It was that nice, new am itching to tell. At Camp Adair, Editor that he carried the BCP to prescription item just on the mar­ Gis had a great time with poison France and readfrom it.) ket ... liquid Benadryl.

14 70th Infantry Division Association TRAILBLAZER Nominations sought for Outstanding Trailblazer

ith Reunion 2004 fast ap­ You can write Con at: 4456 To win the coveted title a man W proaching, it's time once NE Oregon St. , Portland, OR must have made outstanding con­ again to seek nominations for the 97213. You can phone him at: tributions for the good of the As­ Outstanding Trailblazer Award. (503) 231-8941 . Remember when sociation , have b een an active Con Cremer, F /275 has once you call that Con lives in the Pa­ member of the Association for at again "volunteered" for the duty. cific Time Zone so don't sound least six years and attended one Con will be ably assisted by Bob reveille for him. or more National Reunions. As Crothers, B/275; Henry Clarke, many of you know, no man can The deadline for nominations AT /274; and Frank Lowry, A/ win the prestigious award more will be April 30, 2004. 276. than once.

Seventy-six men 1986 1992 1998 have won the Out- standing Trailblazer Harold R. Lewis * Norman Johnson Jack Apostal Award.. They are: Ed Cloonan Theodore Mataxis Jack Barton* Tom Dickerson Eugene Burtner Henry Clarke 1982 Greg Hosford Harold Kline * Frank Ellis Fred J. Cassidy* Dean Banker Buford Matlock James Hanson Wallace R. Cheves * Bryon McNeely Paul Thirion * Merritt Dick * Hy Schorr Richard Brown 2000 Orville F. Ellis Paul Durbin Lester Edwards Dale F. Bowlin Tom S. Higley Gus Comuntzis * Robert C. Hays Clinton F. Kruse * Floyd Freeman 1988 Andrew J. McMahon Elmer F. Martin, Sr. George S. Barten George D. Marshall Ernest Q. Miller * Edward J. Hawes * 1994 Wellstood W. Tipton* Frank J. Moran, Jr.* Louis A. Hoger Walter Cox Donald C. Pence * Karl S. Landstrom Cornelius Cremer 2002 Eugene J. Peterson Paul McCoy* Rex Douglas Jeffery Jack F. Horan, D/275 Lee Miller William Pierce Stanley J. Lambert, 1/275 1984 Charles Munie John T. Nothnagle, 570 Edmund C. Arnold 1996 Signal James Dunbar * 1990 Peter "Tex" Bennet Donald H. Lindgren, L/ Clarence E. Feaster * 274 Everett B. Austin * Robert Crothers Chester Garstki * Frank A. Lowry. Af276 L. Donald Docken Archie Smith * A. R. "Preach" Horton, Eugene G. Inzer DeLyle 0. Omholt * Harry Durkee George B. Wisdom* C/274 James T. Pettus Calvin Jones J. L. Wittal * A. William Rorabaugh Charles Kelly* * Deceased Alvin E. Thomas Edward Kraus

Winter 2004 15 The Editor's Barracks Bag Ed Lane

peaking of barracks Jerry promises a full report in column. Anyone wishing a copy bags . . . . As some of you Spring 2004. will be asked to send a self-ad­ Sknow, I assist at m y de­ The files of Tom Higley, CI dressed, stamped envelope and I nomination a l service on Sundays 275 h ave once again yielded great will forward a copy of the poem. (and as n eeded other times) on treasure. Tom sent the story writ­ Dorothy Lambert (wife of Presi­ Fort Knox, Kentucky. Every Sun­ ten by George A. Barten, HQ 2nd dent Stan) wrote a great poem day we serve about 100 soldier s Bn/275 in which George details about our trip to Europe in 2001. undergoing various phases of ba­ his experiences with the Russians Drop Dorothy a line for a copy of sic or armor related training. after WWII and a wonderful bio­ that one. R ecently, I saw one young graphic sketch of General Lucian Em Ra! V. Kempf, L/274 also trooper sitting with what is today K. Truscott. wrote a poem after a May 2002 commonly called a "laundry bag." For those of you with access to visit to Europe. He had the names I ask h im if he knew the proper computers, Steve Dixon, HM of six L/274 men buried in St. name (the one listed on Army runs a great 70th Infantry Divi­ Avold but didn't have the time to prop erty records). When he said sion Association web site. In Sep­ find their graves when the weather "no" I told him it is properly called tember alone the site had 10,631 wouldn't cooperate. His words are a "barracks bag." Light in the visitors or an average of 354 visi­ poignant to say the least. Send eyes told m e I had passed on some tors per day. Th at is good stuff me an SASE for that poem. Army lore. Steve. You have probably read Em's The cover shot of Coffin Butte great piece about meeting t he The barracks bags of today are used on Fall 2003 was taken by brass elsewh ere in this edition. In used mainly for laundry. They are former "Trailblazer" Editor Ed correspondence with him, Em tells gr een in color with light rope draw Arnold, HQ/ 70. A gr eat journal­ me he was with L/274 as a recruit strings as opposed the denim bags ist and a great shot; thanks Ed. at Adair, went overseas as a ma­ of WWII. chine gun Sergeant and received a My service with the troops is * battlefield commission as a Sec­ inspiring . We see the very finest ince the fall issue, I took a poll ond Lieutenant. As a reserve of­ in youn g, American manhood. Svia the Internet concerning ficer he was called back to active They are not complaining (even the publishing of poetry in "Trail­ duty as a Captain for 21 months though training is tough) and are blazer." Since well before my ten­ during the Korean War. determined to do the jobs they vol­ ure, "Trailblazer" has not printed Em solved another little mys­ unteered to do. Keep them in poetry for a number of r easons, tery. During combat, our Trea­ your h earts and (if you so believe) n ot the least of which are the pos­ surer, Don Lindgren, L/ 274 came prayers. sible legal problems involving dis­ up with some shrapnel. Em gave puted copyrights. Don first aid before sending him * The results of the poll are in. back to t h e medics. ne of the great thin gs about Many responding expressed the Em enjoys life, and at age 87 0 b eing Editor is h earing from opinion that they wanted "Trail­ plays golf regularly and has trav­ so many friends. Basically that is blazer" kept as a means of com­ eled extensively here and abroad. an y 70th Division veteran, his munication b etween old friends Em says it has "Been a good life, family or friends. and as a journal preserving the but my time with the 70th will al­ Jerry Boyea, HQ 2nd Bn/274 memories and stories of WWII . ways be the most remembered held a reunion for 274th Infantry, Many stated their opinion that po­ and recalled. n November 7-9, 2003. Too late fo r etr y is easy enough to find in an update to make this edition, other places. * Poetry will not be published in peaking of writing, I know that "Trailblazer." Any poem submitted Snot everyone likes to put will be offered by a note in this words into print and that is easily understood. One thing stands out though, and that is that in almost every is-

16 70th Infantry Division Association TRAILBLAZER sue we have a request from a sur­ ments since 1945. Without strong brary might have one to loan) and viving child or grandchild of a men armed killing Fascism, the tell your story on it. Your kids 70th Division veteran asking for s u cceeding gen erations would and grand kids will thank you. information about their loved one. have been slaves. The sands are running It seems as if dad or granddad If you don't write, borrow a through the glass, please do it never talked about his Army expe­ cassette tape recorder (your li- without delay. rience that much. That too is un­ derstandable. I haven't told too many people a lot of the things I witnessed dur­ I re:member Trottin' Truscott ing my eight years as a peace of­ By George A. Barten under General Alexander M. Patch ficer. There is just no way most HQ 2nd Bn/275 in the invasion of southern people can understand what hap­ France, the occupation of pened and why. Then again, do n 1945, when I was CO, 1st Bn/ Marseille and the allied advance. that many people care? I don't 309th Infantry, 78th Infantry know. I Truscott saw ear ly overseas (Lightning) Division in Berlin, I It is understandable that m en service in WWII. He was the was faced with one of those "u n ­ do not want to talk about what founder of the American Rangers usual" missions. happen ed in combat. War is a and the ranking US officer of the Our supply trains to Berlin horrible thing that runs diametri­ Dieppe raid in 1942 (passing through the Russian zone cally opposed to everything that is Early in the war, in Africa, h e from our supply base) were arriv­ taught to a human who posses was given command of the 45th ing with some contents missing. any value system. Infantry (Thunderbird) Division. General Lucia n K. Truscott, the The previous CG was r elieved Comma nding General, was con­ What the servicemen of WWII when the d ivision was not per­ cerned. He wanted to know the experienced needs to be preserved forming to expectations . General answer and to get the facts. though so that succeeding genera­ Truscott relieved quite a few of the I, with a British Sergeant Ma­ tions may know just a little of officers and put the division under jor, took over a caboose of one of what their freedom cost. That very heavy training programs. our supply trains and we left fo r freedom wasn 't ch eap; it was paid One of his programs involved a Berlin. We found that th e Soviets for with men's lives or their body lot of trottin'. He was soon given had "messed" up the tracks alon g parts; or worse yet , it took their the nickname of "Trottin' the way in their zone, a nd this minds. Truscott." brought the train to a halt so they So what's the p oint? Just could rob it of supplies . General Truscott retired to Co­ this: Even if you don't want to On return, I was directed to lumbus, New Mexico and became take credit for winning the war, arm one of th e trains and to re­ known as "Th e New Mexican Gen­ write down your part as you re­ port the results . I had the last car eral." There he wrote his books. member it. Even if you don't of the train sandbagged and His book, "Command Mission" is think your families will under­ placed a platoon of Infantry there well worth reading. stand what went on or why, write to take any action necessary. In that book, Truscott wrote of it down. If you got a medal, just The train proceeded to Berlin an incident of interest to Trailblaz­ jot down why it was awarded. It is with no incident whatever and I ers. When a large part of the Ger­ quite all right to give your buddies duly reported this fact to the com­ man Army escaped after the fall of c r edit as they backe d you up m and. We h ad no further inci­ Marseille, because a battalion of wh en th e chips were d own; but dents with our supply trains. the 36th Infantry (Texas) Division tell your survivors why you got the rushed t o the wrong pass, m edal. Truscott flew from his headquar­ WWII produced wh at histori­ * Tucia n K. Truscott (1895 - ters to fire our original 70th Divi­ ans now justifiably call the "Great­ .1..J 1965) became famous in the sion CG. General John E. Dahl­ est Generation." Without winning ETO for two of his very successful quist. After a long talk with Dahl­ WWII, we could not have had the "operations". First, he took com­ quist, Truscott realized it was not tremendous industrial growth and mand at the Anzio beachhead af­ the fault of the General but oth­ the subsequent contributions that ter its original failure to advance. ers. Truscott states in his book, "I the Untied States has made to th e Under Truscott the allied advance made the right decision as Gen­ world. We wouldn't have landed was su ccessful. eral Dahlquist and his 36th Divi­ on the moon, beaten polio or any Second: He was th e Deputy sion performed well." of the other wond erful achieve- Commanding General of 7th Army

Winter 2004 17 Editor's Bookcase

11Riviera to the Rhine" can be ordered for $39.95. Ship­ republished! "Trailblazer" does not en­ ping for one book is $4.00, and dorse any book reviewed. each additional book is $1. 00. Review by Opinions are those of the re­ Pennsylvania r esidents must add Kit Bonn, AM viewers only. 6 percent sales tax. Or der from Aegis Consulting Aegis Consulting Group, Inc. Group, P. 0. Box 629, Bedford, PA .M. h as announced its autho­ dresses the period from August 15522. Toll-free phone: (866) rized r eproduction of the official through September 1944. This 265-9063 . Personal checks, history of the Seventh Arm y in 229-page volume sets the stage for money orders, and VISA, Europe during World War II in a t h e Seventh Army's offensive MasterCard, American Expr ess, new, p articularly affordable for­ against German defens es in the and Discover are all welcome. mat. High Vosges Mountains and the "Riviera to the Rhine," by J eff drive to the Rhine. * Clark e and Robert Ross Smith, Volume II , "The Campaign in .1.1camp Adair" was originally introduced by the the High Vosges" addresses the US Army Center of Military His­ amp Adair" by John Baker fighting of the VI and XV Corps as Uc tory in 1993. Until now, it has tells the story of the build­ they ground their way into some only been available either through ing of the camp that was the of the most eminently defensible the US Government Printing Office birthplace of the 70th Infantry Di­ terrain in all of Western Europe, or in very limited quantities vision and three other Infantry Di­ and , for the first time in history, throu gh a magazine company visions. ultimately pierced the extensive which has already declared its German defenses there. This 220- From the forward: limited run ou t of print. page volume covers the stunning "At the beginning of World War Some Seventh Army veterans defeat of t he Germans' Army II, our nation needed to train hun­ have nevertheless acquired copies Group G in November 1944. dreds of thousands of young sol­ of this excellent book, and all of diers for combat in Europe and them have strongly recommended Volume Ill, "Operations in the Pacific. A site of several dozen that Aegis try to make it available Alsace and Eastern Lorraine, and square miles north of Corvallis to all veteran s of the Association the Drive to Stuttgart" covers the was selected for one of the US and their families. advance to the German frontier, Army's new training bases. Hun­ To enhance the book's afford­ the suspension of offensive opera­ dreds of farm families were forced ability and to allow veterans and tions in the wake of the German to depart. Soon t rainloads of their family members to purchase Ardennes Offensive, the repulse of troops began arriving, and about only those parts of the originally Operation NORDWIND, as well as 1,800 buildings were constructed. 600 plus page book wh ich are of operations in the Colmar Pocket, Between 1942 and 1944, Camp interest to them, Aegis has pro­ and the attack in the Saar which Adair served its purpose. An esti­ duced t h e book as a series of followed. mated 100,000 t roops were lower-priced, separate volumes. Using material from the US trained there, including most of For ease of reading, the text, all of Army's "The Last Offensive," the four army divisions." the m any photos, and excellent volume also covers the fmal drive The author goes on to explain maps are a lso 21 percent larger across the Rhine and the Seventh that many of the men who trained than in th e original government Army's drive into southern Ger­ at Adair returned to Oregon after printing. m any. The roles played by ele­ the war, settled down, had fami­ ments of the 70th Infantry Divi­ Volume I, "The Invasion and lies and contributed to the great sion in these operations are ex­ Campaign in Southern France" prosperity of the "baby boom" era. plained thoroughly in this 263 covers the planning for and execu - Growing up in the shadow of page volume. tion of Operation DRAGOON and Adair, the author did extensive re­ the destruction and pursuit of Each perfect-bound, soft-cover sear ch and did not rely on his German forces up the Rhone Val­ volume may be purchased for memory. This book should bring ley to the Vosges foothills. It ad- $14.95 individually, and all three back memories of an area that

18 70th Infantry Division Association TRAILBLAZER was an important part of life to of the campaign of Sicily and Italy; Libera ls will likely perceive many of the men who trained and, then the Battle of France and this book as propaganda in sup­ there. Family members of veter­ Germany. port of our armed forces and fight­ ans will also find this book inter­ "I loved his quote of Churchill ing troops . Maybe you should esting in h elping them to under­ regarding Field Marshall Mont­ read it and decide for yourselfl stand how the people of the gomery ('Monty'): 'Indomitable in The author is Editor in Chief of United States prepared to fight retreat, invincible in advance, in­ the "American Enterprise;" a J. B. and win WW II. To make it more sufferable in victory.' Fuqua Fellow at the American En­ personal, the late C. "Gus" "A good read. Thanks Steve!" terprise Institute in Washington, Comuntzis (SVC/275) contributed DC, and has appeared on his recollections to the book. * "Hardball" with Chris Matthews, To order, send a check for "Boots on the Ground, ABC's "Politically Incorrect" and $16.95 plus $3.95 shipping and A Month with the CNN's "Crossfire." handling to: Oregon Coast History 82nd Airborne in Center, 545 SW 9th St., Newport, OR 97365. You can also charge it the Battle for Iraq" to Visa, MasterCard or Discover. A Texan Review by If you have any questions you can Bob Hays, C/274 call (541) 265- 7509. All profits speaks French from the sale of the book will go to his n ew book is available in the Polk, Benton, a nd Lincoln arlez-vous ya'll? Not quite but bookstores (published Sep­ County History Societies. T maybe close. It seems as if tember 2003) or can be ordered. P Peter "Tex" Bennet, HQ 2nd Bn/ It is authored by Karl Zinmeister, 276 from down San Antonio way * and publish ed by Truman Talley had a couple of years of French in "An Army at Dawn: Books, St. Martin's Press, New high school before going to war. The War in North Africa York, ISBN 0-312-32663-7. 1942-1943" This is a book about the ob­ During the liberation of For­ servations and experiences of an bach a Frenchman came up to a U If you h aven 't r ead this book, embedded r eporter, assigned to Lieutenant Donahue and was re­ you s hould. It's very good. the 8 2nd Airborne Division's ally upset about something. Just This book recently won the 2003 325th Regiment when that unit w hat wasn't clea r as the good Pulitzer Prize for history." So says saw action in Iraq. Lieutena nt didn't s peak Fren ch Steve Dixon, HM. This is a fast r ead (213 pages, and the Frenchman didn't speak Hard on the heels of that ring­ in about a number 12 font sized English. What to do? ing endorsement that r ecently print, so you don't h ave to squint Up steps our good friend Tex went out over the 'Blazer Net; Bob to read it). Zinmeister is very im­ to offer his services. Lieutenant Hays, C/274 added: pressed with the training and effi­ Donahue says give it try and away "Strongly support Steve ciency of these professional sol­ Tex goes. Dixon's recommendation of the diers , and gives a detailed report b ook , by Rick Atkinson. (ISBN 0- After conver sing a little, Tex of his observations and findings. 8050-7 448-1: paperback). It is informs the Lieuten ant that the He is rather critical of some of his extraordina rily well r esearched Frenchman is upset a bout the fellow embedded reporter s who, h e 1 and documented. Unlike most his ­ deuce-and-a-half (2 / 2 ton truck) observed, seemed anti-milita r y parked in front of the gent leman's tories it does give good and appro­ and who, he believed, more or less priate m aps to follow the story of house. Th e Fre n chm a n h ad decided on a critical and n egative the battles. And it has an index! rightly concluded it would draw report b efore they left Kuwait. "Unlike so many military his­ German fire. Zinmeister is a conservative, tories, Atkinson tells it as it hap­ BINGO! Truck moved and so very p atriotic and s upports the p ened. When we (Eisenhower, is Tex. He finishes the war in the military. His book is not a n eu ­ Patton, etc.) screwed up or wh en Intelligen ce section b ecause of his tral, unbiased account. He is very they (Rommel, et al) screwed up linguistic s kills. s upportive of President Bus h , pro­ resulting in a lost battle or unnec­ military and mixes a lot of his po­ essary casualties, h e tells it warts litical philosophy in the writings. and all. It would m ake a nice cold Conservatives will love t his book. winter read by the fireplace. ''This book is the first of a tril­ ogy. Atkinson plans to n ext write

Winter 2004 19 .· '

By Fillmore Cannon back to the USA! I felt like I had Third Army Replacement Center I/275 hit the Irish Sweepstakes (as there in Nuremberg on May 6, 1945. were no lotteries that I knew of at We were billeted in a former n late April 1945 I read in the that time). I could not have been German barracks. I r ecall that we "Stars & Stripes" about a new happier, although I hated to leave were very close to and almost sur­ I point system for rotating men the good men in my platoon that I rounded by trees, where we were back for R&R. I didn't realize how had grown to love. We had truly told that approximately 5,000 re­ it affected me though, having been become a "Band of Brothers". placements were in their pup overseas twice before joining the It happened so suddenly that tents waiting to be shipped to the 70th Infantry Division in late fall there was little time to get my act front lines. I was happy for them 1944. together. I know that I was the knowing that the war was over. I was blown away when I was only officer with the few enlisted They no doubt had been issued notified that I was to be shipped men that were trucked to the live ammunition in preparation for

20 70th Infantry Division Association TRAILBLAZER impending action. lance. One of the soldiers told me and I know I had one blanket and I had chosen a top bunk in our that they were Engineers and that everything else was in my musette barracks that night when the they had just set off a charge to bag. Luckily, there were plenty of n ews leaked down to the recruits destroy the giant, bronze, swas­ "Ten-in-Ones" for the long trip. that the next day was VE-Day. tika-holding eagle that was over Finally the little engine gave a They began firing their rifles! Can the podium, and that a big piece blast with its whistle and we were you imagine what 5,000 rifles of it had hit their Captain and off. By this time we were feeling sound like? I sure couldn't. I had broken his leg. It was as if Hitler, no pain. Most of us had an ad­ one overpowering urge to get out may his soul burn in Hell forever, equate supply of hard spirits that of my sack and dig a foxhole had the last laugh. we had liberated one way an­ somewhere. I had survived 90 other ... and we were going home! some days of offensive combat, Soon we were trucked to the We hadn't gone far until we without a scratch; and now, if I railroad station in Nuremberg slowed down and came to a halt, where a cute little engine and box- and then began to back up. We thought maybe the trip was can-

were to be shot in my bunk it cars was already loaded with Gis celed and we were not going after would be the worst of luck. I sur­ in multiple forms of disarray. I all. vived the concentration of rifle fire thought, "If George Patton could We backed to the station and though, so my good fortune must see this we would never get about a hundred yards beyond. have been intact. home." Then it started again . . . full There were about 15 officers in steam through the station and he next morning I took a walk the first box car, one of which was soon starting up the steep hill. We T and to my surprise found the a Captain Greenwall from the got almost to the top and stalled Nuremberg Stadium where the 70th. I don't know how he got again. We realized then what the newsreels had shown Hitler ha­ there. If memory serves me right problem was. ranguing multitudes ad nauseam. he was on an emergency leave. "The little train that couldn't" There was a small crowd of sol­ There were about a half a had to back up again through the diers milling around an am bu - dozen bales of hay in our boxcar station and beyond. Then back

Winter 2004 21 through the station highballing it rack, which was a plank approxi­ was reading a "Holiday" magazine, and getting almost to the top mately 14 inches wide with a that I found a photo of the same again. curved metal support in the chateau, made from the same spot This time we didn't wait for it middle. This was a little uncom­ that I had sketched it! It was the to stall. Just as if on command fortable (it cut into my side when I home of Guy DeNausant whose we all piled off at once and pushed was on my back.) I could hook my short stories I had enjoyed when I it over the top. "Whoopee!" We left arm around the upright post first began enjoying literature. were on our way again. that the metal support was fas­ A short walk from the chateau, tened to. This I hoped would keep I could see LeHavre Harbor with can't describe the feeling I had. me from falling if I should happen the ships that had been scuttled I It was one of the happiest to roll over. to mark the channel for the inva­ times of my life. We made fre­ The four Captains griped and sion on D-Day. We had been told quent stops and everywhere the protested mightily for fear that I the Benedictine distillery was Frauleins were wishing us well would fall on them. What could I there and that the monks would and "auf Wiedersehen." They do? I slept the sleep that all of us give us a bottle if we visited them. screamed in delight when we had earned. That is, we could We didn't have much trouble tossed some of the Ten-in-Ones to finding it. We could smell it them. blocks away. The free bottle The weather couldn't have turned out to be a mini bottle of been better. We broke open the B&B, just about two ounces, hay bales and the one blanket was enough to make you want to go enough. The little engine that out and buy a full bottle some­ could chugged through the night; where else. and we slept like babies. I was doing another watercolor At one station where we on the beach at Entreau where all stopped, there was a crowed of of the impressionist artists had Gls who were liberated POWs. painted the peculiar formation of One of them I recognized as Cap­ land making a natural bridge out tain Smead who had been cap­ into the sea. I had barely finished tured with his whole company at when someone came and told me Philippsbourg. we were shipping out. I asked him if Lieutenant Spaulding was there also. He said sleep on a cannon ball if we had e had expected to get on a that Spaulding was OK but wasn't to. W transport ship or possibly in his group. I was of course glad I don't know how many nights even be flown back, but we soon to hear that. Spaulding and his I spent in the baggage rack, but learned that the liberated POWs platoon were captured at Lixing­ the next time we unloaded we had were being given priority. Rather les-Rouhling on the 7th of Febru­ quite a hike up a very high hill to than having us wait any longer we ary when I was 'T' Company Com­ a beautiful chateau where we were put back on the third class mander. (That was the worst day would spend at least a week. coaches and proceeded all the way of my life, but that's another These were the best quarters we across France to Marseille. story.) had seen since leaving the US. I By this time, the fifteen offic­ When we got into Thionville, inquired whose it was and what it ers who first started out in the we were transferred into a train was called, but no one knew any 40&8s had bonded into a strange with third class compartments. I more than I did. mix. We had gotten to know each was assigned to one compartment other so well; it was like one big with four Captains. he mess area was a huge happy family. We told jokes and The ranking Captain said, 'Tm T space with about a 20-foot sang a lot. One favorite song was gonna' sleep on this bench." ceiling. It had a pair of glass "I Ain't Gonna' Study War No The next Captain said, ''I'll pocket doors facing south, so it More." take the other bench." was the first time I had ever seen The trip across France became The other two said, "We'll have an example of solar heating. more scenic every day. When we to sleep on the floor side by side. The statuary in the surround­ got to Marseille I don't remember Where are you gonna' sleep, Lieu­ ing grounds had been vandalized. whether we stayed at Camp Lucky tenant Cannon?" I made a watercolor sketch as Strike or not. There was no mud It was obvious that there was soon as I could. It wasn't until there if we did. We had one night no other place but the baggage some years after the war when I of leave there and were trucked to

22 70th Infantry Division Association TRAILBLAZER the harbor the n ext day, where we dress armbands that I had ac­ sounding off a nd pumping foun­ boarded a Liberty Ship. quired somewhere. I was sur ­ tains of water into the air. Some­ prised h ow delighted he was with wh er e we got a 21-gun salute. e were soon greeted by the one. He then presented me his Our little Liberty was carrying the W Captain. He told us how black hat with the scrambled eggs first men from the US Army to re­ happy he was to be carrying on it. On th e reverse he had at­ turn home after cessation of hos­ American soldiers. He h ad ferried tach ed a note that read, "SS tilities in Europe. Even after we German POWs several times and James Hoband Homeward Bound disembarked and got on a train had even made t he r u n to May 1945 Captain P. Gnomon." I there were crowds cheering and Murmansk in the North Sea once still have that hat. waiving flags. or twice. The officers' quarter s I don 't remember how long it We were processed at Camp wer e as comfortable as could be took in crossing, but it was cer­ Kilmer, New Jersey and that night expected on a transport ship and tainly a luxury compared to other we wer e gr eeted by a band and a less crowded than those on the SS trips I h ad made (one to Hawaii hos t of beautiful girls to d ance West Point. and back and one to Panama and with. Some of the men's wives A few days later, another Lieu- back). The Captain even h ad can­ were there too. tenant and I h ad the honor of be­ v as cots set on the deck if we The Army didn't waste any ing invited to the Captain's quar­ wanted to sun bathe. time. They issued our travel or­ ters. He told us that he had been ders the next day. a sailor a ll his life having first 'll never forget how irritated he The parting was sweet sorrow shipped ou t as a cabin boy on a I was with the gun crew when we for the 15 of us. We shook h ands, coal ship to Japan when he was were nearing New York. I had no hugged and swore to keep in 12 years old. He also told us that idea why they wer e strin ging the touch and went our separate he had come out of retirement to rigging with colorful flags. When ways. command the ship. we passed the n arrows and came He asked if we h ad any souve­ into the harbor I found out. WE WERE HOME AGAIN!! nirs. I happen ed to have some SS Every fireboat in New York was

And on the way over . • • recent q u estion on the the voyage that I recall were play­ for combat, but not prepared ex­ A Internet, regarding the sail­ ing bridge o n d eck w ith Bob actly for the days of cold and mud ing date for the SS Mariposa Cheves, Tim Willis and Paul and pup tents that were shortly to brought back a flood of memories Durbin; enjoying the food aboard; follow at infamous CP-2. for Karl Landstrom, HQ 3rd Bn/ "I think it was there, Major 274. Alfred Coles, my 3/274 Executive "The Mariposa, with the 274th Officer, was h eard to say: Tll take aboard, departed Boston Harbor Texas anytime."' on November 30, 1944, according to Bob Cheves' book 'Snow Ridges * a nd Pillboxes.' The s h ip em­ That same item brought back barked the n ext day, h eld over­ a different memory for Milan night b y a storm at sea, which "Breze" Brezacek, Medic 2nd was not entirely over, as I can tes­ Bn/274. tify, having become seasick the "What I r emember was how first hour or so out. hard it was raining as we stood in "The ship followed a southern front of the empty passenger train route, according t o the book, re­ for at least 45 minutes or an hour portin g though that 'even in the in overcoats and full field packs. I smoother water many of us were poured water out of my boots after slightly seasick and skipped chow we got on the train. Did anyone for the first few days.' struggling with salt water in the keep their overcoat a fter we got "Among personal highlights of shower ; and arriving safely at into combat?" Marseille on December 10, ready

Winter 2004 23 pistol out of a window and hit one Operation Tally-Ho of the Gls' helmet. Another report stated that there was a lot of dig­ Part II thing like this: ging and burying of stuff ahead of "This is Throttle One. We have them (I think their communication In the Fall edition, Steve found and impounded the follow­ network was better than ours). Dixon, HM wrote about "Operation ing items: one web waist M-1 belt, After a couple hours almost all Tally-Ho" which involved American slightly used and quite dirty; one progress stopped. I went into a soldiers conducting searches of all pair of used GI socks, OD color, beer garden on the main street German homes looking for SS hold­ one has a hole in toe; two heavy and six or seven Gls were sitting outs and arms caches_ The article cans of "C" rations, not opened; around a table, holding spoons reminded Richard Nelson, HQ 1st and two American GI condoms­ and waiting for alcohol to come Bn/276 of his participation_ not used." out of a still. Needless to say they As the morning wore on the were enjoying themselves. * progress slowed and there was By mid afternoon all forward t seems that I recall this search much more laughter and slurred movement had ceased and the I on July 24, 1945 in a little dif­ speech. Everyone was having a party was over. I believe everyone ferent respect than what has been great time! thought it was a waste of time but written. The following is as I re­ One report came in stating a good morale builder none the member it, but after 50 years it that some civilian had thrown a less. might not be 100 percent accu­ rate. I think we were in the town of Wetzlar when we were awakened bright and early and marched to I also met some brass the jump-off point at some road By Em Ral V. Kempf our back was a more elaborate outside of town. The city was di­ L/274 place, the "home" of General Mark vided so each platoon knew ex­ Clark, the Commanding General actly where their area of attack of US forces in the area. was. Everyone was informed "Meeting the Brass" (Fall 2003) sure brought back that all US property as well as One evening while we were sit­ memories_ I was on my way home guns should be taken. All pla­ ting in the lounge area, having a on points and was in Antwerp, toons were to report every so often coffee and cookies (we often Belgium. There were 50,000 telling where they were and what brought the ingredients from our troops, no ships, and more troops they had found. A couple of men mess for the house frau to bake arriving each day so we were put at the front door and one or so in and share), there was a knock on into "packets" of 500 officers and back of the house was the plan of the door and there stood the Gen­ men. attack. eral and his aide! I called atten­ We had perfect radio commu­ Our packet was picked to re­ tion and he "at eased" us and we nications. The start time came main on the continent: specifi­ invited him in and asked if he and all the men moved forward cally, in Austria. I was assigned wanted refreshments. I believe he and everything went as planned to the 3rd Bn/22nd Infantry of the declined. He said he had noticed for about the first half hour or so. 42nd Infantry ("Rainbow") Divi­ us from his place and decided to Then it changed. sion. We were assigned as the oc­ stop in. He asked about where we Over the radio, one of the pla­ cupying force for the US section of were from, family, area of combat, toons contacted another platoon Vienna and coordinated guard ar­ etc. It was an honored visit. and the conversation went some­ eas with the three other occupying Later on in that winter of thing like this: forces: Great Britain, Russia and 1945-46, the Russians gave a First platoon: "We're hitting France. command performance at the op­ the bathrooms first and catching a Three of us officers took up era house on the "Ring" in Vienna. lot of girls in the nude." residence in the home of a univer­ Our battalion staff officers were Second platoon: "We found sity professor and wife who had told we must attend, spit and pol­ that out but we also found wine been Nazi sympathizers during the ish and wearing all medals. It was hidden in the coal or wood piles." war. They lived in part of the a presentation of dance and cus­ The first report received by downstairs area and we had the toms of all the Russian ethnic battalion was a very sincere and upstairs, three bedrooms and two groups and it was the greatest accurate report that went some- baths. Overlooking the balcony to show I would ever see.

24 70th Infantry Division Association TRAILBLAZER Our officers had to go through a reception line and shake hands What with the commanding gen eral from each country occupying Vienna: General Mark Wayn e is it? Clark, USA; Marshall Georgi K. By Ed Lane Zhukov, Russia; and I don't r ecall the British or Fr ench Generals' n page 12 of the names. Not only did I meet and Fall 2003 edition greet them, I was seated in the O we showed this picture front seats with all the "BRASS." of Thomas KIRSCH, I was battalion S-3 and moved AM and asked if any­ our battalion to Linz, Austria to one knew what the take over POW enclosures and implement was to his Displaced Person (DP) camps in left. Sadly no one several towns. I was with the last guessed. Maybe that is good call the implement a "cooker." troops to leave and was train com- though after all. Said cooker is used for cooking mander to LeHavre. I finally got the "mash" (ferm ented fruits or Those of us who, for one rea­ home in July 1946; a long delay, vegetables used as a base), whose son or another, h ave knowledge of but what an experience! vapors then pass through what is such things, would most readily known as a "coil" which cools the vapors and, in turn, turns said vapors into whiskey of various forms depending on the base 70th RRC ne~s used. Now I know this (and possi­ bly several Trailblazers do also) he 70th Regional Readiness at Camp Adair. If anyone has in­ merely because I was a peace of­ Command (RRC) recently re­ formation about Loren Christian­ T ficer and such instruction came quested the 70th Infantry Division son please contact Stan. my way strictly in the line of duty. Association to submit a name for In addition to the aforemen­ the RRC's new auditorium which Thomas' activities are strictly tioned dedications, the headquar­ is located in Harvey Hall. The legal in France. Citizens there ters will dedicate the band wing in RRC felt it would be appropriate to may ferment a certain number of memory of CW4 Robert Sherman consider the name of a WWII vet. liters of "schnapps" (referred to as who was Bandmaster of the 70th As reported in President Stan's wine in Europe) on a yearly basis Division (Training) Band when the column, he has coordinated with merely by obtaining the permit. Division was stationed in Livonia, the Executive Committee and al­ This year Thomas' yield will be Michigan. most unanimously came up with from cherries which were ferment­ Mr. Sherman is being r ecog­ the name of the late Donald C. ing in July when I visited (again nized for his 16 years of distin­ "Charlie" Pence, B/275. As most from professional training I had guished service as the commander members know, Charlie was a re­ knowledge of the process). Others and bandmaster of the band. He cipient of the Distinguished Ser­ make schnapps from raspberries was widely recognized throughout vice Cross. or pears. All very fine products I th e region as an outstanding mu­ can assure you. Sergeant First Class (SFC) sician and officer. In addition to Daniel Coon, 70th RRC is now leading the 70th Division Band he The distilling operation in asking for some background infor­ performed with other outstanding Spicheren is under the auspices of mation on a 70th Infantry Division ensembles including the Harris­ the ''Tree and Fruit District Asso­ Band Director by the name of burg (Pennsylvania) Symphony ciation of Spicheren." M. Achille Loren Christianson (whose rank Orchestra, the University of North METZINER is the President of the was Warrant Officer) for whom Carolina Brass Quintet, and association and along with Tho­ they are naming a band music li­ countless other bands and orches­ mas gave me a tour of their distil­ brary in a wing of the new build­ tras. lation house. ing. CW4 Sherman died of cancer Thank you M. METZINER and Stan and the other members of January 31, 2001 leaving a widow Thomas for the very informative the EC know little or nothing and two daughters. tour. You can be justifiably proud about Mr. Christianson, unless he The dedications were sched­ of your association and its prod­ is the man who directed the band uled for December 6, 2003. ucts.

Winter 2004 25 He loved the ga111e

aniel "Jesse" Mays, CN/274 Corporation team at home and game. Businesses sponsoring D contrtbuted his share to the helped them win the interstate amateur baseball would hire good war effort, not only by serving in league championships in 1946 ball players so that they could Uncle Sam's Army, but, in the and then again in 1950. play on the company teams. Ac­ end, by giving up a promising ca­ The intensity developed from cording to a recent interview in reer in big league baseball. survival on the field of battle and the "York Daily Record" Jesse A promising player before the the teamwork displayed there was says, "In the Great Depression of war, Jesse served with the Divi­ different from the spirtt of compe­ the 1930s, it could help a man get sion in Europe. Things weren't tition and the will to win on the a job in south York if he were good quite the same after the war for field of frtendly strtfe. So different at baseball." most veterans and Jesse was no that Jesse gave up the game he Jesse has written two books exception. He played for the Pitts­ loved. since ending his active playing burgh Pirates and the old Boston Jesse says that baseball was a days. "The Rise and Fall of the Braves minor league teams. He favorite pastime for most of the American Insulator Corporation" was with the Pirates from 1947 to people in his part of the country: and "One Hundred Years of Sports 1949 and then with the Braves in York County, Pennsylvania. Ama­ in Glen Rock." Jesse proudly says 1950. In his off time Jesse also teur games could bring in 2,500 that both are part of the archives played for the Amertcan Insulation people in the halcyon days of the of the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. Is another book in the offing? Yes, if a funding ad­ Komputer http://trailblazersww2.org vance is part of a deal. {Thanks go to Ellen Moran, AM Korner By Steve Dixon, Webmaster for forwarding iriformation used in this article.) he trend of the last three abilities? Were they effective T months continued as school troops? If you wish to contrtbute, let out for the summer. August please send your replies to your showed only 8,748 visitors, Sep­ webmaster or magazine editor. Combat Medic tember (with school starting back That's it for this issue and I up) showed 10,631 visitors and hope everyone had a safe holiday Memorial Fund October 11,478 visitors. season. For those using a computer, there have been a host of viruses Das Volksturm The details of a scholarship to contend with this past few fund have yet to be worked out, months. If you use the Internet The Volksturm (People's but donations are being accepted. and e-mail, make sure you have Guard) was the German home In this column we will list the do­ an anti-virus program. In most guard. The organization consisted nor and the honoree. cases anti-virus programs will of civilians conscripted for the last Please make out your checks save you a lot of headaches. Also, ditch fight to save the Reich. to: Medic Memorial Fund, 70th In­ you may want to get a personal Able-bodied males between 16 and fantry Division Association and firewall program, which will hide 60 were eligible for service. Those send them to Don Lindgren, Trea­ your computer from hackers. I exempted were in the Todt Organi­ surer. Please note if the donation is use Zone Alarm. It's a stable pro­ zation (a labor unit), police or se­ being made in honor of a particular gram and it's free. curity units. individual or in honor of Combat I have received a few inquirtes Age was not a factor to be con­ Medics in general. concerning the Volksturm. For sidered though for the allied fight­ those Trailblazers that faced them, ing men who faced the Volksturm. * what was your impression of their The members of the Volksturm Earl A. Bage (unit unknown) still had enough fingers to pull has given $15 in memory of the triggers, and in many cases Medics. Volksturm members were sitting behind well-fortified positions. * " ... For the good of the sick to the utmost of your power ...."

26 70th Infantry Division Association TRAILBLAZER Beautiful The Ha~aii devastation of war By Ed Lane Saarbrucken, n the current roster, six of our Germany after I Trailblazers list Hawaii as their the 10th Infantry state of residence. I regularly hear Division worked from two of them after the mailing on it. (Photo courtesy of each edition. On the Internet I Herb Holober, asked our members to notify me AT/275) when their "Trailblazer" arrives. That method has helped us a little in figuring out where glitches are in the delivery system and getting Infantrymen so I was posted to Hawaii, the US Navy accepted and them fixed. Camp Adair as a squad leader in I completed my career here with I have long been curious how the 274th. The rest is history. the staff of the Pacific Fleet before our vets wound up in Hawaii as "After being discharged in the retiring with more than 53 years most do not have names that one fall of 1945 I spent my time in San associated with our military de­ would traditionally associate with Francisco and Long Beach and fi­ partments." that Polynesian paradise. My nally wound up in Philadelphia morbid curiosity got the best of where I spent 40 years working as me recently and with the typical an aeronautical engineer with Who's "crust" th at many journalist have, what became Boeing Helicopter I asked them. They are so proud Corp. When I retired in 1989 my in charge of their state that they answered wife and I decided to return to immediately. beautiful Hawaii. We have been of this outfit? enjoying our lives here ever since." * Del Smyers, A/274 told me, "I * Chester Herron, 570 Signal joined the Regular Army in 1938 Paul E. Newman, D/276 also recently ask 'Blazer Net members if anyone remembered the name of because the depression forbade started life with a Pennsylvania the commanding officer of his old college. I was shipped to Harris­ connection. Paul wrote, "My outfit. Company mate Harley burg, Pennsylvania then to Fort youth was spent in Somerset Rush contacted his files and came Slocum in New York. County, Pennsylvania recently up with the following list of signal "I had a choice of being as­ made famous by United Flight 93, company officers: signed to Alaska, Panama, the and trapped coal miners. In fact, 1 Philippine Islands or Hawaii. I the p lane crash was about 2 / 2 Lt. Col. Herman Wagner wisely chose Hawaii and arrived miles from a n ephew's home. (Division Signal Officer) there via troopship through the "After military service I took a Panama Canal to Fort McDowell job with the War Department in Capt. Myron Leszyndki (Angel Island) off San Francisco, Yokohama, Japan. The office I (Company Commander) then by another troopship to Ho­ was with was transferred to the Lt. James Shanahan nolulu. US Air Force with duty station at (Executive Officer) "I was assigned to the 64th Yokota Air Base, Tokyo. I enjoyed Coast Artillery (Anti Aircraft) and the work, found a wife in Lt. Douglas Blankenship stationed at Fort Shafter. After my Yokohama and spent 42 'tempo­ (Message Center) two-year hitch was up in 1940, I rary' years mixing American and Lt. Edward Brand (Wire) shipped back to Fort McDowell Japanese culture. where I signed up for the duration Having made several trips to Lt. William Schmidt plus six months. Hawaii, I found the climate com­ Lt. Conrad Alex Stahl "At Fort McDowell I was as­ fortable, the lifestyle easygoing; (Radio Section Officer) signed as permanent party in the and best of all, a fine mixture of DEML (Detached Enlisted Men's western a nd oriental culture. WO Joe DeMarco List). In 1944 the Army needed When I requested assignment to (Message Center)

Winter 2004 27 Reunions ______~

Veterans of the 70th Infantry Division hold a reunion in Ce­ for the biennial reunion coming up in 2004 in Arlington dar Rapids, Iowa. This Central States Reunion was a warmup Heights, Illinois. Son't be left our of the picture there. (Photo courtesy Dale Bowlin) Central States reunion Dale Bowlin sects . We saw the community told how our national organization C/883 FA kitch ens, dining rooms and a tin cam e into existen ce nearly 40 smith shop, along with the furni­ years ago. he September 6 , 2003 Satur­ ture and woolen factories. The The speak er at the Saturday T day morning meeting was highlight for most was lunch at evening banqu et was Terri opened by Vice President-Central one of their fa1nous restaurants. Suchard from the Iowa City Veter­ Bill Trotter, B/275. Chaplain At the Saturday meeting Pam a ns Administration Office. Out­ Eugene Petersen, SVC/275 of­ Edwards, AM; daugh ter of Bill and standing entertainment was pro­ fered a prayer which was followed Edie Trotter, along with her hus­ vided by Tom Nothnagle, son of by the Pledge of Allegiance. Then band Gary, was introduced as a Past President Jack and Gail, a came Bill's h a unting m emory of "first timer." In th e process, Bill guitar player 'extraordinaire. · communion served from the hood reluctantly sh ared a bit more of Tom's amazing technique, com­ of a Jeep some 58 years ago. This his experience as a replacement bined with his knowledge of the opening set the stage for a gather­ wh o joined B/275 early in Janu­ early development of the guitar ing that will long be rem embered ary under less than normal cir­ (and his sense of humor) made a by the 64 folks who were fortunate cumstances. If Bill's records big hit with the crowd. enough to b e present. The setting could b e found they would prob­ The color gu a rd from Cedar for the reu n ion was the beautiful ably show that h e was AWOL for a Rapids Post Number 5, The Ameri­ Collins Plaza Hotel in the central few week s b efore his orders can Legion posted the colors to Iowa city of Cedar Rapids. caught u p with him and h e was start the Sunday morning Memo­ On Friday an optional bus tour transferred to the 3rd Division, his rial Service. Eugene Petersen con­ of the Amana Colonies was en­ original assignment. Bu t we still tributed an appropriate "Tribute joyed by most of the group. The defeated the Nazis. to the Fighting Men of the 70th," origin of the colonies was ex­ With no other first timers there after the n am es of the most re­ plain ed during the first stop, at was time for Bill Schaefer, I/ 275 cently deceased Central States which time most of us lea rned to tell of a recent, unique surprise members were read. that they h ave no connection with and Warren Haglund, B/274 to The reunion committee mem­ the Amish or Mennonite religiou s explain his dented h elmet. Asso­ b er s Stan Lambert, I/275; Bill ciation Charter Member Eugene Trotter ; Jack Nothnagle, 570/ Petersen and Jim Kyle, SV /275, SIG; and Eugene Petersen were applauded for another memorable affair.

28 70th Infantry Division Association TRAILBLAZER 1/274 reunites in Appleton, Wisconsin. Seated (left to right): Ludwick, Jane Garrett, Carl Forsline, Myrl Renaut, Charles Ron Garrett, Lois Forsline, Irma Renaut, Josephine Munie, "Radar" Munie, Jack Walsh, Frank "Bud" Renning, George Betty Walsh, Wim Renning, Gwen McNeely, Mary Ann Brown Cintas, Joe Brown, Norbert Stadler and Byron McNeely. and Bonnie Stadler Kleimeyer. Standing (left to right): Ray (Photo courtesy Byron McNeely) Biennial 1/274 reunion By Byron E. McNeely The hospitality room was open day Inn, south in Springfield, Illi­ I/274 and well used from early morning nois. Since then, I/274 reunions until late night. As always the war have been held in St. Louis, Mis­ n September 9 - 12, 2003 stories got better and better. The souri; Oshkosh, Wisconsin; Roch­ 0 members of I/274 held their group enjoyed dinner together at ester, Minnesota; Lexington, Ken­ eleventh biennial r eunion. Jack an upscale restaurant on Tuesday tucky; Bettendorf, Iowa; Harrison, and Betty Walsh hosted the met­ and Wednesday evening and the Ohio; Bellevue, Nebraska; Pigeon ing at the Comfort Inn in final evening banquet and memo­ Forge, Tennessee; St. Joseph, Mis­ Appleton, Wisconsin. The mission rial service was held at the coun­ souri and the most recent at goal was fun and fellowship and try club. Appleton, Wisconsin. Tentative the goal was accomplished as it The first I/274 reunion was plans have been made for the always has been with that group. held August 5-7, 1983 at the Hali- group to return to Minnesota in 2005. 1/276 reunion 2004 dues I\ t least three companies report pressing r egrets for not coming .t""l. good reunion turn outs in due to health problems had are due! caused the cancellation. Bill went the r ecent past, as indicated else­ Please send annual dues on to say that some had even where in this edition. Unfortu­ of $16 or Life Member dues of made their r eservations and then nately, ill health caused the can­ $100 as soon as possible to: cellation of I/276's biennial trek to experienced medical emergencies Roaring River State Park in Mis­ that prevented them from making DON LINDGREN souri. the trip. 9001 Beacon Ave. It was with a heavy heart that Bill hopes that everyone can Vancouver, WA 98664 our old friend J. W. "Bill" make the BIG ONE in Arlington Westmoreland, Jr. informed Heights next year. Second the mo­ many of us that numerous phone tion Bill, we hope that all Trail­ calls and letters from members ex- blazers can make it to the big party.

Winter 2004 29 ReuniODS(-con-tinu-edJ ______.

Western States reunion scheduled in Vancouver April 15-18 By Dale Bowlin provides free shuttle service from an opportunity to get acquainted C/883 FA the Portland International Airport, with the "first timers" along with 15 minutes from the hotel. hearing reports from Association he 16th annual Western Registration will start Thurs­ officers and others about National T States Reunion will take day afternoon with the hospitality and Regional activities. The after­ place in the southwestern Wash­ room opening at the same time. noon is available for story telling ington city of Vancouver from Friday an optional five-hour bus in the hospitality room, visiting Thursday, April 15 through Sun­ tour will be offered for those who the National Historic Site with day morning, April 18, 2004. would like to experience the Fort Vancouver and Officers Row Headquarters for the gathering is beauty of the spectacular Colum­ interesting attractions. Downtown the Red Lion Inn at the Quay, lo­ bia River Gorge, the historic Sce­ Vancouver offers restaurants cated on the Columbia River at nic Highway, Multnomah Falls while "up Main Street" you will the north end of the 1-5 bridge and Bonneville Dam with the fas­ find unique shops and boutiques. that connects Vancouver with cinating fish ladders. That Shopping Malls are located in Portland, Oregon. The Western evening there will be a catered northeast Vancouver and several States Reunion in 1990 was also buffet dinner with entertainment areas of Portland. Saturday held at the Quay. Special room at the Water Resources facility a evening there will be the tradi­ rates for this three star hotel are a short distance from the Quay. tional banquet in a room overlook­ very attractive $55 for two (the Please note that this dinner is in­ ing the Columbia River. general manager is a member of cluded in your registration fee. The reunion will close follow­ Dale's Rotary Club). The Red Lion Saturday morning will provide ing the Sunday morning Memorial Service. Folks are encouraged to ·------· plan excursions preceding and/ or Registration form for Vancouver reunion April 15-18, 2004 following the reunion. Mt. St. Helens (our state's most recent Registration Fee $55 x ___ = $ __ volcano) can be viewed from ob­ Optional Event: servation sites two to three hours Friday Tour of Columbia River Gorge $25x __ =$__ _ north of Vancouver. The famed Oregon coast is an hour and a half west of Portland while Mt. Hood Total $---- and Timberline Lodge are a short Make checks payable to Dale Bowlin drive to the east. Joseph, a small Saturday Night Banquet choices (indicate how many of each): town in northeast Oregon's Wallowa Mountains, is home to Chicken __ Salmon __ Vegetarian __ several bronze casting studios with world renowned artists. A Unit _____ 1 Name ------three-day trip to Pendleton and Joseph can be a memorable expe­ 1 Name on Tag ------rience. In addition to national rental cars, a local outlet provides Address ------late model cars at reasonable rates. Phone ______The registration fee of $55 per person covers hospitality room ex­ Have you attended a previous Western States Reunion? ____ penses, three continental break­ fasts (Friday, Saturday and Sun­ Attending with me: Spouse ______day), the Friday evening buffet supper, the Saturday evening ban­ Guest{s] ------quet and miscellaneous costs. Please direct your questions to 1 Can you help with registration and/or the hospitality room? _____ ·------· Dale or Phyllis Bowlin, 6712 Mon- 30 70th Infantry Division Association TRAILBLAZER tana Lane, Vancouver, WA 98661, G/274 reunion in Branson (360) 696-0871 or Don Lindgren at (360) 693-8787. G/274 Reunion Getting sick is b a d enough, Considerable information can By Army Leggett but getting sick away from home be obtained from several websites. G/274 is a calamity. So, for those who Contact Dale for that information. weren't physically able to join arly October in Branson, Mis­ their G Company family in Red Lion Inn at the Quay souri made a beautiful back­ Branson, everybody understands reservation information E drop as G/274 got together for a - and please know that you were 100 Columbia Street gala affair. Only 34 could make it, missed. Vancouver, WA 98660 and only 13 of those were G Com­ 360-694-8341 or 1-800-RED LION Dean a nd Aldean Banker, pany veterans. The r est were Room Rates: single/double Charles a nd Jeanne Blackmar, spouses and children. $55; Triple $65; river view up­ Lee Brashear, Bill and Judy grade $15 additional, rollaway $5 We expected 50 or more to sign Bloom, Joe DiMarzio, Laur etta each. Taxes are in addition to the up when the initial planning Dunbar, Harold a nd Norma above rates. started , but t hat optimistic goal Fisher, Rita Heye, John and Request 70th Infantry Divi­ overlooked the fact th at our WWII Lorraine Holihan, Tony Jeziorski, sion , Western States group rate. generation isn't as s pry as for­ Frank and Betty (Ria n) Klauda, Reservations at group r ate must merly . Early registrations were George and Eddy Krumme, John b e made no later t h an April 2. very encouraging, but illness - and Betty Kulyk, Will and Joan The Group rate is also available and the potential stress of travel Larson, Army and Kitty Leggett, t hree days before and two days - took its toll. Joe and Rita Priest, and John and following reunion. Actually, seven people had to Mary Warhola were all present and Specify number and type of cancel after reservations were accounted for. rooms required, arrival and depar­ m ade - five for health reasons. Many thanks to th e children ture dates, address, phone num­ The medics refused permission for who escorted their parents, thus ber, and credit card information if Bill and Eve Chittick (California). enabling mom and/ or pop to r eserving my mail. For the "mobil­ and Marie Leggett (North Carolina) make the reunion. Tom Black­ ity challenged". please request to fly - almost as they were ready m a r, Jim and Connie (Kulyk) first floor room (no elevator) n ear to board planes. Ed and Linnie Quigley, Sally (Heye) Turner, and the lobby. Space for a limited Wring (Kentucky) waited until the Cindy (Heye) Lamothe are some of number of RVs is available in the last minute before deciding that our second generation G people; hotel parking lot. Ed's r ecent heart attacks made and are valued participants in our the trip too ch ancy. activities . Lee Brashear was with u s part Branson trip planned after 2004 reunion of the time. He is a former Marine and Korean War veteran but h as a loyd Freeman, I/275 h as a Floyd has assured us that the trip G Company connection through F t rip to Branson, Missouri will NOT include SOS, mess kits, his late wife. Danice Brashear was planned for the week after the Ar­ the USO or fox holes. t h e younger s ister of one of our lington Heights reunion. On Friday. September 10 the KIAs, Carl Shields, Jr. group buses back to St. Louis for On Sunday, September 5, A first timer many of u s ha dn't the flight to Chicago. Floyd has seen s ince 1945 is Joe DiMarzio 2004 (after the Memorial Service) even fixed it so you can leave your a ch a r ter bus will take partici­ who led the first platoon 's third car at t h e hotel in Arlington pants to Midway Airport. South­ squad through the war. In the old Heights for free! days Joe s hared his food packages west Airlines will fly the group to Now the final cost is still in the from home with u s . That is a St. Louis, Missouri whence an­ works so let Floyd know if you memory tha t 59 years doesn't other charter bus will take t h e want to go. He needs 30 to make group to Branson. dim. J oe kept up the habit by ar­ the whole deal a GO. Write him riving with boxes of donuts each at: Freeman Travel Tours, 16813 The cost will cover five nights morning of the reunion! in Bra n son including meals, Jeanette Ave., Cerritos, CA 90703 s hows and accommodation s . Now or call him at (562) 926 - 6828 . Another first time attendee

Winter 2004 31 ReUDiODS=(con=tinu~edl------~

was Frank Klauda. Frank's wife send, and those whose feet didn't nication. The wire was our life Betty was formerly married to Jim fit them had serious foot prob­ line. I think that Casey and I Rian, a G/274 man who died in lems. For the next 59 years I made a good team. Only once did 1995. could never get up any enthusi­ I disobey him. asm for camping. Honoring our G Company "When we were in a forward dead, both the KIAs and the 93 "We were exposed to danger al­ position in the woods above others known to have passed on most all of the time. Of the ap­ Niederbronn, we received a call in the years since the war is one of proximately 250 men who served from the General's aide who was the highlights of reach reunion. in George Company, more than at battalion headquarters, asking, The ceremony takes place the last 10% made the ultimate sacrifice. I 'Is it safe for the General to come morning, just before adjourn­ well remember most of these men. down to your position?' ment. It's a very solemn and I have wondered ever since "When that message was re­ meaningful event, made even more whether there was anything I layed to Casey he said, character­ poignant this time by Fred could have done to protect some of istically, 'Hell, it's as safe for him Cassidy's vacant chair. them from their fate. Those of us as it is for us,' and said to me, who survived the war were fortu - The format follows one estab­ 'Tell that to the aide.' nate, and most fortunate of all are lished by Casey for our first G "Now I saw no benefit in hav­ those who can be here today. Company reunion: an opening ing a visit from the General. I prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, "We were together for our three didn't think that he would come to patriotic songs, a roll call of the months of active involvement. We hand out medals or to commend missing, the homily or sermon lived and slept together. Each had us on our deployment and secu - and Taps. his assigned role. We supported rity. Generals, like football each other. Out of our close asso­ Taps was particularly moving coaches, don't usually express ciation came a bond which has as played by Cindy Lamothe. Her satisfaction with their team's per­ dad would be proud. Leo Heye is lasted to this day, as is shown by formance. So I called the aide and our presence at this reunion. confined to a nursing home with said, 'It's quiet for the moment but Alzheimer's but he and Rita and "Casey, Captain Fred Cassidy, we're catching some stuff with their children reflect the best that was of course the prime mover in some regularity.' The General Company G has to offer. forging this bond. One of my con­ didn't come! stant fears was that he would be­ Charles "Blackie" Blackmar, "Then there came the day come a casualty and that I would when we were to make an am - took a few minutes just before ad­ have to take over the company. journment to reflect on the basic phibious crossing of the Saar This was not because I was un­ River. We were primed in advance elements that made Company G willing to assume the risks of our special. Charles was second in and told that it would take only 15 situation, but because I was a seconds for the boats to get command during most of our days Field Artillery retread and hadn't in combat. across, but were sure that blood had a single tactical exercise with would be shed on the other side. "Nearly fifty-nine years have an Infantry outfit before going on We were relived when we were told passed since George Company line overseas. And nobody from that our company would be in re­ went on line near Drusenheim in outside could possible replace serve, with Easy and Fox the lead­ Alsace. For the next three months Casey as the CO of George Com­ ing companies. we moved about Alsace and pany. 'Then they found out that the Lorraine, as we were ordered. It "After Wingen, Casey ap­ was cold . Snow was on the Germans had pulled out and, by pointed me his Executive Officer, the time we arrived, the engineers ground most of the time and then, and it was my privilege to work when it melted, there was mud. had thrown up a bridge. So we with him for the rest of our active marched some 25 miles through We found that it was possible to combat. I considered it my duty dig a hole and sleep in it. We sel­ the valley above Saarbrucken, to relieve him of as many adminis­ without seeing any enemy sol­ dom had a chance to change trative details as possible - sup­ clothes. Shoe pacs were a God- diers, until we made contact with ply, mess and especially commu- units of Third Army from the

32 70th Infantry Division Association TRAILBLAZER north, completing a r emark able encirclemen t. Our active combat was over! "During our three months on line I got to know all of you who are here. You did wh at was ex­ pected of you , and together we did what was expected of us. I won't go into further detail, but I want you to know that Casey and I and the other officers appreciated ef­ forts in working together with us. We tried to be there fo r you, and we cared! "One of the nicest compliments I ever had came from a man who as an essential part of our team but who couldn't be here today. He said to me, 'You were one of us!' I think t h at expressed the K/274 holds muster in historic Springfield, Illinois at the final resting place of Presi­ bond that the G-men have to this dent Abraham Lincoln. Both Lincoln and K/274 fought to preserve the Union and a day. We have something special, way of life. Front row (left to right): Bill Bisard, Charles Raffle, Bill Lynch, Pat wh ich other Army units did not Cowen, Elmer Johnson and Tom Axelrod. Rear row (left to right): Joe Paul, Merle h ave! Guy, Milton Hardolson, Harold Marcott and John Whalen. (Photo courtesy Tom Axelrod) "We are twice survivors, both of the war and of the intervening years. Nobody who hasn't sh ared K/274 reunion in Springfield th e experience with us can possi­ bly understand the bond t h at By Tom Axelrod Marx, Joe a nd Marge Paul, holds us together, and which we K/274 Charles Raffle, Wyatt a nd Trish this day reaffirm." Sager, John Wha len, and Ellen pringfield, Illinois, h ome of our Wittel. As can be seen by som e of S16th President, Abraham Lin­ the s urnames, the second and coln is now the historic site of a third gen erations played an im­ K/274 reunion. Held September portant part in ensuring the suc­ Std~-- 11- 13, 2003, the state capital was cess of the reunion. Near t h e end of November we a great backdrop for the rendez­ Good times, good food, good h eard from our fellow Michigan­ vous of old friends. memories and "Good Company." der, Edward "Jim" Skalitzky, A/ Thirty-four participants "regis­ What more could you ask for. 276. J im had just r e ported tered." The participants included: present for du ty from sick call in­ Tom and Alyce Axlerod, Bill and volving the r emoval of a cancerous Ruth Bisard, Pat and Bette J an e 2004 dues are due! kidney. The doc said the cancer Cowen, Dan and Jodi Cowen , Tim was contained to the kidney itself Cowen, Chris and Monica Cowen, Please send annual dues and had not spread. John and Charlotte Dicks, Merle of $ 16 or Life Member dues of First Sergeant Bonnie holds Guy and Clara Smith , Milton $100 as soon as possible to: mail call r egularly. You can drop Harolds on, E lmer a n d Lue DON LINDGREN Jim a line at: Johnson, Mary Emma Kurfman, Daivd and Rita Kurfman, Derek 9001 Beacon Ave. 10870 East Pleasant Valley Rd. Kurfman, Bill and Marth a Lynch , Vancouver, WA 98664 Shepherd, MI 48883. Harold and Betty Marcott, Chris

Winter 2004 33 Lost Buddies ______

Gavin Wells is looking for in­ 374-7739 or at work (708) 225- 937 Arthur St., Darlington, WI formation regarding his grandfa­ 3527. 53530. ther, former Lieutenant Robert C. Wells. Robert served with the Di­ Does anyone* recall a Ralph J. vision in Europe. It is believed Durenberger? Other than 2nd Remember your buddies that he received a Silver Star and Bn/275 his unit is unknown. Ac­ a battlefield promotion. cording to his daughter he re­ Bad news for Trailblazers You can contact Gavin at: ceived a battlefield promotion. If doesn't just include the sickness 11370 Elkins Rd., Monmouth, OR the name rings a bell, please con­ or loss of the member or his wife, 97361. tact Webmaster Steve Dixon. it includes family members. A * couple of our members were hit Joanne Kalnasy would like to * hard recently. find out if anyone recalls her fa­ Teresa Cagle is the daughter of ther-in-law, Andrew Kalnasy. Charles M. Burdine, B/274. * She and her husband, George can Charles was a rifleman trained at At the end of October we heard not recall in which unit of the Infantry Replacement Training from Tom Axelrod, K/274 who re­ 70th he served. Andrew was a re­ Center, Camp Fannin, Texas from ports that his son Bill had been placement. August 4 to December 22, 1944. critically injured in a car wreck. If anyone remembers Andrew He also went to 4th Division NCO Seems as if another driver blew a please contact Joanne at: 15023 School at Camp Butner, North red light and hit Bill's car at about Montrose Ave. , Cleveland, OH Carolina from November 11, 1945 40 to 50 miles per hour. Bill had 44111. until February 2 , 1946. He was to be cut out of the car. We'll leave separated from the Army at Fort the vehicular d a mage to your * Sam Houston, Texas July 3, 1946. imagination. It appears as if in Joe Davis reports the passing Charles passed away on Sep­ addition to various cuts, scrapes of his father, Joseph Davis, G/ tember 8 , 2000. He wouldn't talk and bumps, Bill suffered a 275 on October 7, 2003. Joseph about the war and didn't write the cracked pelvis and hip. was not a member of the Associa­ names of other soldiers on the Bill faces about a three-month tion according to his son. backs of old photographs. recuperative period. He's lucky Joseph "didn't talk about his If you have memories of though, dad Tom and mom Alyce time in WWII unless you dug it Charles to share you can write {aka: "Old Al"; according to her out of him," according to his son. Teresa at: 1111 East Camelia husband that is) have him at their "He was a great man who never Thibodaux, LA 70301. ' place during the time he is laid relished his taking of a human up. Cards to any and all of the life." Axelrod's would be appreciated. Joseph might have been with * Lee Danner would appreciate You can mail them to: 4151 Hazel Task Force Herren. He was thin any information about his uncle St., White Bear Lake, MN 55110. with wavy black hair. At Fort Raymond F. Orr, F /275. Ray­ Sheridan, Illinois he held a sign in mond passed away on October 28, a group picture. * 2003 at the age of 80. At the beginning of November Joseph did tell one story about Raymond was a Second Lieu­ we heard from Bob Cole, B/274 his time in the military when he tenant during the Division's time who told us it had not been a good "and a couple of other guys run­ in Europe. year for him. In September his ning some communication wire If you remember Raymond you son Robert J. Cole passed away got a hot meal (SOS) and a dry can contact Lee at: 221 West just three days after his 51 st place (a barn) to sleep. One of the Bush St., Fort Bragg, CA 95437. birthday. Totally unexpected of guys was named Sylvia and he course, our kids aren't supposed later got shot right through" the to go before us. Young Robert was lower set of cheeks according to * Donna Marhee is searching for also an Army veteran and had son Joe. anyone w ho has information served a tour in Germany. You can contact Joe at: 13323 about her father, former Sergeant Cardinal Ln., Cedar Lake , IN You can drop Bob and note at: Leland J. Kammerud, F/274. 46303 or call him at home (219) 487 Batavia Pike, Cincinnati, OH You can contact Donna at: 45244.

34 70th Infantry Division Association TRAILBLAZER Call(ed) to quarters I

haplain Eugene Petersen, SV/ family at: 14 63 NW Reisling Way, charter member of the Governor's C 275 r elayed word from the McMinnville, OR 87128. Criminal Justice Council, a Mem­ family that C. G. "Gus" Comunt­ ber Emeritus of the Board of Di­ zis, SV /275 passed away on Octo­ * rectors of the Art Museum of b er 15, 2003 after a period of fail­ oah Otis Kennedy, E/276 South Texas, President of the Cor­ ing health. Gus is r ecognized as N passed away on August 31, pus Christi Industrial Founda­ the first President of the 70th In­ 2003 at the age of 77. tion. He was a member of the fantry Division Association. During his life h e served his Corpus Christi Mustangs, the Gus was born November 5, country in the armed forces dur­ Southwest Sculpture Society and 1915 in Morgantown, West Vir­ ing World War II, gave 41 years of the Southside Literary League. He ginia where he spent most of his public service, raised three chil­ was also a supporter of his life. He enlisted in the Army as a dren and three step-children. He church. Private shortly after Pearl Harbor. will be r emembered for his years He was preceded in death by He served in both WWII and Korea of public service, his generosity, his sister. r etiring as a Lieutenant Colonel, and his sense of humor. He is survived by his widow US Army Reserve. Noah was born on February Peggy, a sister, a brother, three Gus h elped open Camp Adair 28, 1926 in Banquete, Texas. He children, three step-children, four where he and Dorothy "Dottie" came to the Division after entering grandchildren , six step-grandchil­ were married in 1943. The union the Army at the age of 18. For his dren, and numerous nieces and produced a son and a daughter. war time service he garnered the nephews. In 2002 t h ey sold their home Combat Infantry Badge, the You may write Peggy and the in Morgantown and moved to Bronze Star Medal, the European­ family at: 729 Meadowbrook McMinnville, Oregon. African-Middle Eastern Theater Lane, Corpus Christi, TX 78412. One of a small group of five Campaign Medal with one cam­ (Carl Settle, Cf 276 and Jim men who formed the 70th Infantry paign star, and a Purple Heart. Hanson, L/274 provided informa­ Division Association, h e remained After the war Noah studied at tionfor this obituary.) active as President (elected in the University of Texas in Austin, 1964, 1966, 1968 and 1970) and and completed his Juris Doctor * in the many years following was a degree from Baylor Law School in rom his widow Claudine, we loyal supporter. His outstanding 1950. Progressing through vari­ F have b een informed of the accomplishments on behalf of the ous elected judgeships, his legal passing of Wilburn T. Marks, M/ Association were recognized in career was capped in 1981 wh en 276 on October 9 , 2003. "Wf" as 1992 when he was name an Out­ the Governor of Texas appointed h e was affectionately known, died standing Trailblazer. him to the Thirteenth Texas Court at his home in T a llahassee, Gus attended reunions until ill of Appeals, a position he h eld un­ Florida at the age of 83. Death health prevented travel. Dottie re­ til retirement in December 1994. was attributed to congestive heart ports that he looked forward to r e­ In 1960 Noah was selected as failure after a year of declining ceiving "Trailblazer" and grieved one of five outstanding young Tex­ health. for those who were gon e. ans by the Texas Jaycees. The He was born October 20, 1919 Eugene paid tribute to Gus in Cecil Burney Humanitarian Award in Jackson County, Florida. He the letter informing us of his pass­ was presented to him by the move to Tallahassee as a baby and ing. "He was blessed with a mag­ Nueces County Bar Association in lived there most of his life. netic personality and the gift to 1994. He and Claudine were married ad-lib about any subject! He was Noah was a member of the on November 4 , 1939 in Crawford­ the Special Service Officer in the 70th Infantry Division Association, ville, Florida. 275th and cared for the dead in Texas state and local bar associa­ wr served in the Army from combat." tions. He was past Chairman of May 1944 until February 1946. Gus was laid to rest in the Dal­ the Judicial Section of the State He served as a machine gunner las, Oregon cem etery with four Bar of Texas. Past President of the while in the Division. generations of Dottie's family. South Texas County Judges and H e was the owner of W. T. You can write Dottie and the Commissioners Association, a Marks & Son Roofing Co. He was

Winter 2004 35 a member of the Wakulla ter and worked part time at Wisconsin. Fisherman's Association and loved Cunningham Parker Johnson Fu­ Bob was born in Racine on to mullet fish after retirement in neral Home. He was a member of September 9, 1922. He and Doris 1979. the VFW, The American Legion (Freudenwald) were married on wr was very proud of his large and the West Virginia Funeral Di­ May 29, 1948. family of four children, ten grand­ rectors Association. He had been While serving with the Division children, 20 great-grandchild and honored by the VFW Ladies Auxil­ Bob became the recipient of two one great-great grandchild. He iary for his work in encouraging Purple Heart Medals. had just posed for a five-genera­ the proper display of the American After graduation from Horlick tion picture shortly before his Flag. High School, Bob worked was a death. He is survived by his wife of 51 Tool and Die Maker, Tool Room WT was buried in Roselawn years, a daughter and one grand­ Foreman, and finally Vice-Presi­ Cemetery in Tallahassee with mili­ daughter. dent of Manufacturing at tary honors. Interment was at Tyler Moun­ Echmann Pressed Metal Com­ You can write Claudine at: tain Memory Gardens, Charleston, pany. After 36 years of service he 2021 Autumn Lane, Tallahassee, West Virginia with military retired from the company in 1987. FL 32305. graveside rites. Bob is survived not only by You may write Bonnie and the Doris, but by two daughters, four * family at: 2204 Falcon Dr., grandchildren, a step-grand­ enry Clarke, AT/274 passed Charleston, WV 25312. daughter, a sister, two sisters-in­ H along word that company law and numerous nieces and mate Loys "Ed" Lepper died on * nephews. September 5, 2003 at the home of rom his widow Doris, we have Burial with full military honors his granddaughter in Morrieta, F learned of the passing of took place in West Lawn Memorial California. Ed died one weeks shy Rudolph R. "Bob" Braun, L/276. Park, Racine, Wisconsin. of his 80th birthday. Bob was 80 when he passed away You may write the family at: Ed came to the anti-tank com­ on March 13, 2003 at the St. 1051 N. Sunnyslope Dr. #104, pany from SV/274 and was the Mary's Medical Center, Racine, Racine, WI 53406. Jeep driver for Lt. Charles Lobel of the 3rd Platoon. He was nick­ named "Tiny" by many of his friends as he was 6 feet 7 inches tall and not a bit of fat, just a BIG person. "Ed lost his wife about five number of years ago Carl in Bischweiller prior to combat, years ago. His grandchildren were A Denner, Allan Duesman and wanted something other his pride and joy," Henry tells us. and Les Edwards, all of B/274; than standard Army chow. Henry says that Ed will be formed a "last man" club. As They set out into the town and missed by all who knew him and many of you know, a last man found a house where they were that he had visited with Ed an his club is a group of good buddies invited to come in. wife five or six times since they left getting together and making a It turned out that the inhab­ the service. deal, that whomever is the last itants had relatives in Chicago! man gets a certain item and The civilians would take noth­ * usually has to have a meal and ing when offered pay for the rom his widow Bonnie, we remember his fallen buddies. meal, so the three Gls left them F have been informed of the A number of years ago Allan some American dollars as sou­ passing of Earnest J. Wandling, Duesman left us. Now Les in­ venirs. K/275. Earnest died at his home forms us that Carl Denner died The three originally pur - at the age of 78 on August 22, on November 24, 2003. Les chased four Krugerrands (gold 2003. Earnest was stricken with Edwards is therefore the last currency of South Africa) each. a heart attack. man. When Allan passed on, Carl and Joining the Army on July 31, The friendship started in the Les each received two. Now Les 1943 he joined the Division for his Army, exactly when Les can no gets the six entrusted to Carl. basic training at Camp Adair. A longer remember. Les does re­ Les will have a party for the recipient of the Silver Star, he was member though Christmas Day families and toast his two lost discharged May 6, 1947. 1944. The three were together buddies. Lest we forget .... Earnest was a retired carpen-

36 70th Infantry Division Association TRAILBLAZER *TAPS*

BELARDE, Leno LEPARA, Albert 8144 Nice Way Hot Springs Village, AR 11 076 Mills Rd. 3011 Glenbrook St. Sarasota, FL 34238 Unit Unk - Died: 6/12/ 02 Apple Valley, CA 92308 Carlsbad CA 92008 570 Signal Co. - Died: 8/ G/ 276 - Died: 9/ 5/ 02 K/274 Died: 08/ 19/ 2003 22/ 02 TICE, Francis "Pete" G/ 274 - Died: 5/ 5/ 01 COMUNTZIS, C. "Gus" MARKS, Wilburn T. SCHWANDT, Marlyn C. 1463 W Reisling Way 2021 Autumn Ln. W 7718 Pine; P. 0. Box 228 WOLACH, Herman J. McMinnville, OR 97128 Tallahassee, FL 32310 Shiocton, WI 54170 1815 Enclave Pkwy #3208 SV/ 275 - Died: 10/ 15/ 03 M/ 276 - Died: 10/ 9/ 03 D/ 276 - Died: 2/ 21 / 03 Houston, TX 77077 HQ/1st Bn/ 274 - Died: 2/ COX, Harold L. MEEHAN, Myron B. SOPER, George C. 1/ 98 725 FA Died: 12/ 07/ 97 8800 Williams Hwy. 109 Cobble brook Ct. Grants Pass, OR 97527 Lexington, KY 40515 DENNER, Carl E. Medic/ 1 Bn/ 274 - Died: 9/ E/ 276 - Died: 10/30/ 03 5309 Witten Dr. 28/ 02 Louisvi ll e, KY 40258 STROUPE, John R., Jr. B/ 274 - Died: 11 / 27/ 03 OLSON, Orman J. 710 S. Ash Ave. DESMOND, James J. Marshfield W I 54449 K/274 - Died: 8/ 24/ 03 B/ 276 Died: 05/ 14/ 03 IN DOBBS, Archie C. ORR, Raymond F. B/ 882 FA - Died: 11/ 01 281 Caswel; P. 0 . Box 1673 MEMORIAM Twin Falls, ID 83303 DONOVAN, William P. F/ 275 - Died: 10/ 28/ 03 17 Westwood Rd. In compliance with action Pittsfield, MA 01201 PETERSON, Robert taken by the Executive Committee lf274 - Died: 8/ 15/ 03 ickelgrand 1 meeting in Denver in 1999, the 16256 Vall ingby SWEDE 1 70th Infantry Division Association HILTNER, Robert L. G/ 276 - Died: 10/ 20/ 03 has established a Memorial Fund 309 W. Oakland Ave. to honor a comrade in arms, unit of Oaklyn, J 08107 POWERS, Lynwod T. the 70th or a deceased member of 26500 Reed Ct. D/ 275 - Died: 11 / 24/ 03 the Association. In this column we Mechanicsville, MD 20659 will list the donor and the honoree. JURY, Daniel W. G/ 274 - Died: 2003 Please make out your checks 8 Montable Dr. to: Memorial Fund, 70th Infantry Dillsburg, PA 17019 PREY, Melvin Division Association and send Kankakee, IL A/276 - Died: 2003 them to Don Lindgren, Treasurer. B/ 275 - Died: 3/ 29/01 Please note in whose name the KLUKOWSKI, Chester contribution is being made. 22558 Ardmore Park PRUSINSKI, Harry J. St. Clair Shores, Ml 48081 1022 Malta St. E * M/276 - Died: 10/ 23/ 03 Gran d Rapids, Ml 49503 Don George, K/275 h as given F/ 275 - Died: 11 / 7/ 03 $50 in memory of Donald C. KOPLIN, Orville W. Pence, B/ 275. Wilson Bou rgh, PA ROMANO, Anthony C/ 882 FA - Died: 6/ 05/ 91 25 29 Claymont St. Philadelphia, PA 19153 * "... Wefew, we happyfew, we KOVARIK, James C/ 276 - Died: 11 / 8/ 00 band of brothers: 8337 Carr Ct. "For he today that sheds his Lyons, IL 60534 SANCHEZ, Lawrence blood with me M/ 276 - Died: 10/ 22/ 03 Unit Unk - Died: 9/00 "Shall be my brother . ... " SCHILLER, Edward H.

Winter 2004 37 Me111bership Updates

New associate BREUKER, Edward KLOIBER, Frank J. WEBER, Robert P. members 824 Beverly Rd. N. 2550 Memorial Dr. Apt 6 Shelby 300 Venice, FL 34293 16 Clarence, MO 63437 Ft. Atkinson, W I 53538 Phone: (816) 699 - 3387 ERIKSSON, Gail L. BYERS, Claude F. Phone: (920) 563 - 4944 3620 Westcliff Dr. 2100 Swope Dr. #C-149 WHITE, William L. Hood River, OR 97031 lndependance, MO 64057 l(Ol(ESCH, Francis N. 13716 E. 49th Terr Unit F (Daughter of Orville Koplin, Phone: (816) 373 - 7540 9353 S. Holland Way Kansas City, MO 64133 C/882) Littleton, CO 80127 (541) 386 - 7369 CANNON, Fillmore 3 N. Main St. Apt 2 LaBAR, F. Berne Phone number LAMBERT, Jon Cohasset, MA 02025 100 Freemason Dr. Apt changes 7124 Beaver Creek Ln. 3555 COLE, Wilson P. Lincoln, NE 68516 Elizabethtown, PA 17022 (Nephew of Stan Lambert, 19360 American Ave. FREEMAN, Floyd C. Phone: (562) 926 - 6828 1/275) Hilmar, CA 95324 MACK, F. Kenneth COPELAND, Charles H. 2323 E. W illis St. Rm 31 GAUCH, Norman E. LINK, Steve Perry, IA 50220 4032 N. Branch Hollow Rd. Phone: (716) 271 - 1368 2273 Souverain Ln . Phone: (515) 465 - 5342 Virginia Beach VA 23454 Van Buren, AR 72956 MAYER, Dean L. (Grand so n of D. C. Pence Phone: (479) 471 - 8491 ORENSTEIN, Marvin Phon e: (260) 833 - 2340 15 Ailee Rd. B/275) COWAN, Bert Massapequa, NY 11758 STOUDER, Eugene C. 360 Thistle Trail O'CONNOR, Stephen A Phone: (516) 731 - 5159 Phone: (574) 533 - 0329 341 Malden Ln. Mayfield Heights, OH Newport News, VA 23602 44124 PETERMAN, Edward P. SUPERNAW, Ruel B. (Grandson of John Black, Phone: (440) 449 - 5888 624 Vandenberg St. Phone: (561) 540 - 5915 G/275) CROWE, Clifford N. Altamonte Spring, FL WARGO, Everett 32701 9344 Palomino Dr. Phone: (203) 264 - 8421 SCHLEGELMILCH, Phone: ( 407) 339 - 8220 Nancy Castle Ro ck, CO 80104 21919 Riverside Cir. Phone: (303) 799 - 8162 PURYEAR, Hardin K. Auxiliary 1209 W. Goodwin St. Unit Elkhorn, NE 68022 CURTIS, Chet members A (Niece of Stan Lambert, I/ 369 13th SE Pleasanton, TX 78064 275) Willmar, MN 56201 COPE, Mrs. Charles H. Phone: (830) 281 - 4307 Phone: (320) 796 - 3046 226 S. High St. SCHULTZ, Harold F. East Bangor, PA 18013- DANIELS, Malcolm L. Roster changes 2795 Jennifer Dr. 2245 6 Apple House Dr. Castro Va lley, CA 94546 (Widow of Charles, F/ 275) BEARY, Leonard Cranston, RI 02921 Phone: (510) 538 - 8463 FOX, Mrs. Ralph C. 5655 w. 120th HOLMES, Russell A. SHOOK, Wayne L. 1601 Eucl id Ave. Lovilia, IA 50150 288 Windy Hill Ln. P. 0 . Box 99 Lincoln, NE 68502 Phone: (641) 946 - 7964 Montoursville, PA 17754 Spencerville, IN 46788 (Widow of Ralph, D/ 276) BENTZ, Frederick J. HUFFMAN, Clarence V. STEWART, William H. KLAUOA, Betty Rian 1314 Marquette Ave. 716 3rd Ave. 3313 Orchid Way 5208 Goodview Ln. NW #1903 Grand Tower, IL 62942 Minneapolis, MN 55403 Prescott, AZ 86305 Rochester, M N 55901 Phone: (618) 684 - 8871 (Widow of Vincent, G/ 274) Phone: (61 2) 332 - 6811 WEAKLY, Marlin E. JOHNSON, Ralph E. 1209 21st Ave. Apt B-106 BIEGLER, John C. 206 NE Bordner Dr. (Auxiliary Members Rock Island, IL 61201 821 Long Crescent Dr. Lees Summitt, MO 64086 shown only if husband was Bristol, VA 24201 Phone: (816) 246 - 9145 not listed in roster or if ad- dress has changed.)

38 70th Infantry Division Association TRAILBLAZER The Treasurer's Report Don Lindgren

70th Infantry Division Association 3rd Quarter Financial Report - JUL 1 - SEP 30, 2003 (No Cents) Executive Committee OPENING BALANCE - APR 1, 2003 $ 59,190 President: Vice President-Central: Stanley J. Lambert William A. Trotter RECEIPTS HC 62, Box 27 P. 0. Box 97 DUES: Ewing, NE 68735 Ainswo rth, IA 52201 ASSOCIATES $ 160 LIFE $ 100 (402) 482- 5427 (319) 657-2591 REG ULAR $ 572 President-Elect: Vice President-West: TOTAL DUES $ 832 Paul Sumner John M. Hildebrand DO 1ATIO S 23 Seneca Ave. 1207 W. Porter Ave. MEMORIAL FU D s 70 Oakland, I J 07436 Fullerton, CA 92633 TRAILBLAZER $8 (201) 337- 0616 (714) 871 - 7964 COMBAT MEDICS s 18 I HERITA CE $ 5,000 Past-President: Secretary: TOTAL DO ATIONS $ 5,096 John T. Nothnagle Louis A. Hoger 1016 Ma rcy St. 5825 Ho rton St. OTHER INCOME Iowa City, IA 52240 Mission, KS 66202 BOOK SALES $ 55 (319) 338-3757 (913) 722- 2024 I TEREST $ 345 SOUVE IR SALES $ 181 Vice President-North: Treasurer: TOTAL OTHER INCOME $ 581 Robert C. Hays Donald H. Lindgren 121 Hatherly Rd. 9001 Beacon Ave. TOTAL RECEI PTS $ 6,509 I Syracuse, Y 13224 Vancouver, WA 98664 EXPENSES Vice President-South: (360) 693-8787 ADA DUES $ (25) Eugene P. Burtner Editor "Trailblazer" BOOK 70TH GE ORDRS $ ( 124~ HC 71Box24 Ed Lane SOUVENIR COSTS $ (27 WEB PAGE $ (40) Taos, NM 87571 P. 0. Box 1282 TOTAL GE ERAL EXPENSE $ (216) (505) 758-2561 Rad cliff, KY 40159 (270) 352-0753 TRAILBLAZER EXPENSES: DESIGNER $ ~1,982) MAILING ' (128) Special Appointments PRI NTING $ (2,837) TOTAL TB EXPENSES $ (4,946) Chaplain: Historians: The Rev. Dr. Eugene J. Dr. Eugene J. Petersen TOTAL EXPENSES $ (5,162) Petersen 46105 Tahkodah Lake Rd. 46105 Tahkoda h Lake Rd . Cable, WI 54821 TOTAL ASSOCIATION FUNDS -12/ 31/ 02 * **$ 60,537 Cable, WI 54821 (715) 798-3397 (715) 798- 3397 John M. Hildebrand SPECIAL FUNDS Assistant Chaplain: 1207 W. Porter Ave. COMBAT M EDIC FUND CAS H $ 3,293 (1) I CLUDES 400 SH OF RITE-AID STOCK The Rev. Dr. Jim Full erton, Ca 92633 OT SHOWN IN BAL. ABOVE $ 2,084 Lowther (71 4) 871-7964 TOTAL VALUE OF FU D 9/30/ 03 $ 5,377 5337 Weddington Court Todd Anton BAL OF MEMORIAL FUND $ 4,447 TOTAL OF DESIG 1ATED FUNDS $ 7,740 Ft. Worth, TX 76133 12714 Silver Spur Way (817) 294- 2645 Victorvill e CA 92392 FINAL TOTAL OF ASSOC. FUNDS $ 52,797 (760) 956-1089 Webmaste r: LOCATION OF FUNDS BA K OF AMERICA - CHEC KI NG $ 8,292 Steve Dixon BANK OF AMERICA - SAVINGS $ 8,432 404 Calgary Dr. WEST COAST BA K CD $ 43,813 Peachtree City, CA 30269 (770) 486-1846 TOTAL OF FUNDS ***$ 60,537 Emial Coordinator - 'Blazer Net: James M. Hanson Jim_H [email protected]

Winter 2004 39 NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION •=1m44;11 U.S. POSTAGE PERMIT-148 70th Infantry Division Association ELIZABETHTOWN, Louis Hoger KY 5825 Horton Street Mission, KS 66202

Address Service Requested Il 111l 1IIu11 ll1ll1111111f 11lI111l1I1l 1l1lI1111l1l 1u ff, ,f ,( 1I MORRIS. MONICA J x 12/03 907 TRAVIS ST APT 203 WICHITA FALLS TX 76301-3250

The price of Hitler's depravity is clear in this photo of the wreckage of the once great city of Frankfurt, Germany at the end of the war. (Photo courtesy Herb Holober, AT/275)