THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION ☆ VETERANS OF THE BATTLE OF THE BULGE
VOLUME I I I NUMBER 1 THE ARDENNES CAMPAIGN MARCH 198A
signments will be made according to your 1984 ARDENNES VISIT service - dividing the Bulge area into the We th o u g h t th e i n t e r e s t was t h e r e ...... north and south sectors. Next, we will now we know! It is! The response to our study your individual requests of places AOth Anniversary European tour to partici you want to visit and route the motorcoach pate in special commemorative events honor as closely to that area as possible, and ing the Battle of the Bulge has been great. plans are under way to have local citizens We are now is a GO position! Already 96 provide their private cars to take individ people have registered for our trip and ual family units to these special places on more are expected! one or more of the days that we will be t h e r e . Our planned trip has stirred the memories and imagination of nearly every European Each motorcoach will operate as a separ nation, particularly Belgium and Luxembourg. ate tour, not in convoy, to enable greater This was clearly evidenced in September when flexibility. At the same time, scheduling members of the VBOB took part in the Cler- will be arranged to insure that everyone is vaux, Luxembourg, dedication of a new G.I. present at predetermined points for group monument built by that small community to functions and events. This will enable honor the American veterans of the Bulge. everyone to enjoy the major group events, But everywhere, it seems, from officials to but still have the opportunity of "doing local citizens, great anticipation was ex t h e i r own th in g " in t h e i r own s e c t o r s . pressed at the prospect of joining with This represents a massive planning program, them in 198A to remember the AOth Anniver but it will be accomplished. Much of the s a r y . And w o n d e rfu l p la n s a r e b e in g d ev success w ill, however, depend upon each e lo p e d . person who plans to take part. Early reg istration and advance information as to Many q u e s tio n s have been r a i s e d in th e your particular areas of interest, as re past several weeks about how the trip will quested in the Registration Form, will be organized; whether individuals who take h e lp . SO ACT PROMPTLY! I f you p la n to go part will be able to return to their spec and have not registered, make your reser i a l p la c e s w here t h e i r own u n i t f o u g h t; vations NOW. Don't delay. And mail in will there be time to retrace some of our your requests for special places immediat route, etc. These are all good questions e l y , to o . and are being considered by Galaxy Tours, our tour organizer, a company which has A few other facts which will be helpful.. specialized.in trips for U.S. veterans for FIRST, there are a number of tours be more than 20 years. ing offered by different organizations and travel companies. Some of these are excel But le t's examine some of these points. lent, but tend to lean very heavily on one Fortunately, the complete area of Bulge or two basic elements without the balance action is relatively restricted. It will of historic facts and personal involvement enable all of us to enjoy an overview of with local citizens and touristattractions. the total battle areas, yet to have suffic Our VBOB trip is structured to recognize ient time in our own sectors to revisit that most people want some of both. It is places that are particularly important to our belief that the association of our each of us. We will accomplish this in members with local people in each area in several ways; for instance, motorcoach as which we can share together some of the extraordinary activities being planned is V itS l wC tw0 pr*OpS*^ y>oc! +■ o ^ T r>r* ryf' PnlgO BATTLE OF THE BULGE action and the development of family par IViQrsiUfVIEfNiT TO THE ticipation in the growth of VBOB itself. AMERICArU SOLOIER Moreover, the spirit and the friendships On the occasion of the dedication of the manifested in our visits will contribute to monument to the American Soldier in the a more meaningful experience and support Battle of the Bulge in Clervaux, Luxembourg the common goal of perpetuating the wonder on 11 September 1983, VBOB President, Clyde ful relationships which have endured for D. Boden, addressed the assemblage as fol the past AO years. lows : SECOND, airline arrangements will be "Royal Highnesses, excellencies, ladles, made for you from your home to Europe and return. If you want to remain overseas after the tour ends, Galaxy will assist you and provide the lowest cost, most conven ient airline arrangements for you. You can even return from a city other than that shown in our brochure. Call them on their toll-free telephone (800-523-7287) for in formation . THIRD, d e t a i l s and recom m endations w ill be sent to you soon regarding suggestions for perhaps small gift items you may want to take to Europe to present to your hosts who will be attending to your special re quests. We are planning social gatherings with our friends in Belgium and Luxembourg and this information will be sent out to everyone who i s going. Scj — we’re on our way . . . but we want Y 0 U to be with us. If you haven't made your r-eservations, DO IT TODAY! If you would like another copy of the tour broch ure, let us know. Tt will sent to you. And, by the way, bring your family and friends with you. This will be perhaps our "LAST Hurrah" for major celebrations in MONUMENT TO THE AMERICAN SOLDIER IN THE Europe! And it will be a good one! BATTLE OF THE BULGE...... [This information is provided by "Kipp" gentlemen, distinguished guests and mem D eA ngelis, VBOB's L ia iso n O ffic e r f o r In bers of CEBA (Cercle d'etudes sur la Bat- ternational and Intergovernmental A ffairs.1 aille des Ardennes), it is with the great =+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+= est of pleasure that I join with others here to bring you warm greetings from the Outfit Reunions Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge on this The 557th AAA Battalion Association will momentous occasion honoring those who par hold its 35th Annual Reunion at the Marriott ticipated 40 years ago in combat here in M otel, H a rrisb u rg , PA on 18 & 19 May 19BA. the Ardennes. In this peaceful setting in Further details may be obtained from L. C lervaux, we a re f a r rem.oved from the h ard Edell, 290A OakcresL, Baltimore, MD 21234. ships and horrors of that pivotal battle »>»>>»»><<<<«<<<<<< which was fought in the most severe of 1984 GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING SHAPES UP! weather conditions -- fog, mud, ice, snow - 9j_ 10, 11 November 1984 ______over a period of 40 days and which involved NOTICE n o t only a m illio n tro o p s but a ls o many others whose heroism cannot go unnoticed... The VBOB Executive Council will meet at Our thoughts are sad as we gaze at this y a.m. on baturnay, Marcn 31, iy«4, at striking monument which reminds us of val Fort Myer, VA. Other VBOB members are invited to attend. ues that have undergirded free-thinking people for centuries. But I see more than citizens of Luxembourg as you gather to a monument . . . I see a soldier, seemingly celebrate and commemorate the liberation of solemn in thought, recalling for us battles your home country nearly AO years ago. over the ages. Those were battles — some Those indeed were trying times, but during won, some lost — that were in many the long dark years of occupation, faith in instances fought by young people who just the future and belief in the fundamental recently had been in school, on the farm, v alu es of freedom , peace, and human d ig n ity in the office, in the factory willing to were reaffirmed. The placement of this give their lives for what they believed to monument to an unknown GI stands as a f it be r i g h t . " ting tribute to the courage and dedication of those from both our countries who died Mr. Boden went on to say "But most of all to restore liberty. This monument will I see a challenge. 1 see a challenge to serve as a solemn reminder of the joyous people who want freedom and peace, a chal day when at last Luxembourg was released lenge to strengthen those who are free to from the grip of oppression. I wish to ex stand up and fight, a challenge to aid press my sincere appreciation for this those who want to shake off the yoke and so symbol of enduring friendship between our indicate by their actions. Those of us in two countries which was strengthened during the free world — we here today — must that heroic struggle." stand ready and willing to do all we can for the cause of peace." More than 100 members of VBOB, other vet erans, relatives and friends joined thous He concluded by sa y in g "And so , l e t us ands of Luxembourgers as a USAF Band and a pledge today to support the cause of free local band played martial music and a local dom and the cause of peace with our hearts choral group sang. The US Marine Corps and minds, by our actions, and, if neces provided a color guard and a Luxembourg sary, our lives." military detachment served as an honor guard, U.S. Ambassador to Luxembourg, John E. §§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§ Dolibois, read to those present at the cer emony the following letter from Ronald Reagan, President of the United States. DEDICATION OF THE STATUE AT CLERVAUX TO THE VETERANS OF THE BATTLE OF THE BULGE IN LOVING MEMORY BY CEBA Inspiring in its grandeur Here at Clervaux today. This statue to the Bulge GI's We proudly now display. They came from every walk of life, From f a r a c ro ss th e sea, And spent themselves unselfishly To set our country free. This is the climax of a dream Today here at this site. By CEBA and its members Who had this goal in sight. Through years of dedication That tried both mind and will. The fruits of toil and efforts Now CEBA does f u l f i l l . With heartfelt thanks and gratitude That will forever live, ED THOMAS, NATIONAL COMMANDER OF THE 80TH It is the least that we can do DIVISION VETERANS ASSOCIATION VISITED For all that they did give. McAULIFFE SQUARE IN BASTOGNE WHILE AT We dedicate this monument CLERVAUX. LUXEMBOURG______With honor, love and pride. "I am proud to extend my warm greetings on To a l l G I's who in the Bulge behalf of all Americans to members of the S urvived and th o se who d ied . Cercle d'etudes sur la Bataille des Arden ...Harold F. Mohn nes, to the people of Clervaux, and to the ooooooooooooooooooooooo GENERAL BRUCE C. CLARKE GIVES THE BIG PICTURE OF THE BULGE On Saturday morning at the VBOB convention, General Bruce C, Clarice, Retirea, spoke of the big picture of the Ardennes counter-offensive of December, 19A4. He was a Brigadier General in command of CCB, 7th Armored Division, which took over at St. Vith at 1A30 on 17 December from Major General Alan Jones, the commander of the 106th Infantry Division. General Clarke pointed out these things from his 40 years' study of the "Bulge" -- >>>"Whv the Allied Advance was Halted in September 1944 — The allied advance across France had run out of gasoline for its tanks and mechanized forces after the Third Army had broken the line of the Moselle River and had captured Nancy. Unfortunately, this situation caused a halt in the advance toward Germany until about the middle of November o f 1944. >>>"H itler Plans for a Counter-Offensive to Trv to Get an Armistice to Prevent the Splitting of Germany Into Two Segments -- H itler issued this directive to his generals about 15 September: The Counter-Offensive must be a surprise, it was to go through the Ardennes rapidly, it was to begin just before Christmas, it was to take advantage of bad weather to hinder the allied aircraft from counter-attacking his forces, and was to cross the Salm River quickly and turn north behind the British Army. The delay in the allied advance in September and October 1944, and part of November, enabled about 20 German divisions to be assembled under Manteuffel and Dietrick in the general vicinity of Prum by 16 December when it launched its surprise attack. The main effort, under Field Marshal Manteuffel, struck the 106th Infantry Division, the 14th Armored Cavalry Group and a part of the 28th Infantry Division. Dietrick hit the American units to the north of Manteuffel.
>>>"The Germans Were Afraid of Patton -- Manteuffel sent von Luttwitz with a rather weak force to attack on his left flank as far as the Meuse hiver. This was to protect him from Patton's Third Army as he turned to the right across the Salm River. This force unexpectedly encountered U.S. troops before Bastogne. Although Bastogne was sur rounded, it was relieved by the Third Army on 26 December. >>>"M anteuffel's Plans for the Attack — Assemble some 20 divisions and supplies in the wooded area near Prum over a period of eight weeks. Movement only night and before dawn. Strict radio silence. Strict noise control. Men restricted to wooded areas. Do not visit local people. No wood fires at any time. No lights. Daylight charcoal fires only for cooking. Plans given to lower levels at the last minute. "TACTICS" "Before the attack he visited the area of the attack dressed as a colonel from a higher headquarters. He wanted to find out the habits of American troops and patrols on their front and he wanted to locate the boundaries between regiments and battalions of the American units. Based upon what he found, he called off the planned IJ-hour artillery preparation on the American positions, attacked in platoon columns - down the boundaries between battalions and regiments - not against their fronts. He pointed out that the weakest part of any defense was the boundaries between units. He directed that all telephone wires be cut, and after penetrating three or four kilom.eters, he had his at tacking columns close behindthe by-passed American units. He took 8,500 American pris o n e r s . "The 7th Armored Division, and CCB, 9th Armored Division, assembled rapidly in the St. Vith-Vielsalm ar-eas. There they ground Manteuffel's main effort to a halt by Christmas, 1944. On Christmas Eve, Manteuffel called H itler's headquarters to report that the delay had made the plan impossible, and that the German troops should be withdrawn to the starting line to save casualties. Hitler did not approve. "During January and early February, 1945, the reinforced American troops drove the Ger mans back to their starting line. Thus, the Army's greatest battle, which caused some 78,000 casualties, ended. >>>"m e s e u u e si:io n s Need Anawci a - - Why d id th e a l l i e d army ru n ou t o f ga=;ni-in(= in .^;pn- tember? Why did the allies, with considerable information, not officially detect the German build-up for the attack? Why did General Eisenhower replace General Bradley with Field Marshal Montgomery in command of the U.S. First and Ninth Armies on 20 December? And if we had been able to push forward in September, would we have overrun Germany be fore the Russians got there, thereby preventing the splitting of Germany? Would this have made unnecessary the stationing of American troops in Germany since WWII?" We are grateful that our colleague. General Bruce G. Clarke shared his overview of the cause and effect of this great battle. His own personal exploits at St. Vith, as com mander of GGB, 7th Armored Division, played a major role in upsetting the German master plan. Well done. Sir! ... Ed.
Bfiuce. C. Cta^ik^ (Ret) a^o.AQ.nting an autog^aphe.d copy hi^ book "Cla^kt o{j St. V itk," to VEOB P^^^ido.nt Clyde. Bode.n io^ ouK Military LlbKan.y. GO-n. ClaKkd, then a EfLlgadizfi command&d CCB, 7th A^mo'ted V-iv. at St. Vith and playzd a majOfL fiold in upsetting the German P-ian. Any wishing to puAcha^e thiA book may do 4o by sending $10 to Villon! Liede^bach, Inc., 4953 Stonington Road, Win.6ton-Sale.m, NC 21103.
SECRETARY OF ARMY ADDRESSES VBOB An analogy between the recent Grenada in The highlight of the Saturday evening fes vasion, later called a rescue mission, and tiv ities of the Annual Membership Meeting the Battle of the Bulge, was drawn. The was the eloquent and informative speech by swift call to duty against unknown ele our guest speaker, the Honorable John 0. ments and great odds to secure the desig Marsh, J r . , S e c re ta ry of the Army. His nated military objectives, hold the message was one of unity and confidence in ground, and eventually move forward. today's Army as well as the men and units that comprise it. He indicated we are The Battle of the Bulge lasted for 40 days prepared and ready on all fronts and av and was the greatest land battle ever enues of possible enemy attack. Troop fo u g h t by th e U.S. Army. The Grenada a c morale is at a high level and the equip tion was over in less than 10 days. This ment mobile and sophisticated. shows the effectiveness of today's modern Army spearheaded by airborne units (Ran gers) for the element of surprise. Once they landed on the ground they became com bat Infantry to complete the overall bat tle plan. In both cases the U.S. Army was victorious in attaining its objectives, but each under different circumstances, varying elements, casualties, and the scale of war of that particular era. Americans can be justly proud of the U.S. Army's combat actions - past and present. We are collectively thankful and apprec iative that the Secretary and his wife Joined us on that wonderful evening in Dec ember. . . . P. G. Dounis iSecv. Marsh & Dr. Fritz Kraemer, 84 th Inf I PAGE 8A WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14,1983 Battle of the Bulge: Fighting, frostbite - and ferocious valor cer and ordered him to rally his men By Jack Kneece and return to the front. VWkSHfNQTON TtMES STAFF Bill Simpkins, 61, now of Baltimore, The daytime temperature averaged was a member of the 510th Fighter 15 degrees and it dropped to zero every Squadron, a captain flying P-47s from a night. Snowstorms were routine. field about 10 miles away, when his men American riflemen kept one pair of began daily attack missions in support socks in their helmets, one under their of Gen. George S. Patton Jr., whose 3rd jackets and wore one pair Army raced to relieve the surrounded Daily combat and frostbite were troops at Bastogne. companions for 40 days and nights. Fro “We carried two 500-pound bombs zen GI corpses were leaned against and 3,360 rounds of .50-caliber ammuni fences. Fingers froze to triggers of Ml tion, eight machineguns, two wing rifles. tanks and a m am belly tank,” he said. On It was a miserable, snowy hell, yet one of his missions, a German tank part ot what Wmston Churchill called rolled into a ditch tu get an angle and “the Greatest American victory” of fired, hitting his belly tank. Mirac W orld War II ulously, the tough P-47 was still flyable It was the Battle of the Bulge. and he returned "with a ringing in my And it was in this kind of weather ears that lasted for days.” when Pfc. Bob VanHouten, now 60, and Col. Eugene Drouillard, now 70, of a Fairfax resident, said he peeked over Mcl^ean, was commander of a rifle com the lip of a fragmented concrete bunker pany known as the “diaper division” on Dec. 16, 1944, his breath frosting in hpraiise most of its trooDS were in their the air, and saw the begmnmg ot the teens. He lost more than 30 of his com battle. mand in a few minutes as the battle “I’d never seen so many Germans in began. my life. There must have been 10,000 of "It w as so cold that w e w ould take our them coming across that field,” said Mr corpses and lean them against fence VanHouten, one of a group of Bulge posts so they could be found,” Gen. veterans who reminisced about the bat Clarke said tle yesterday durmg a meeting at The Col. Drouillard said his green troops Washington Times. “quickly gained an insight into what The last major German counterat was ahead when they saw truckloads of tack was so advanced and so close that dead GIs, frozen in every grotesque iiic only thing Mr. VanHouten could do position imaginaDle. He said his men as a forward artillery observer — under erig L^aoe w a»m ngton i m n soon were subsisting on one meal a day. radioed o rd ers — w as “g et out o f there." Washington-area veterans of the Battle of the Bulge gather for a reunion. They are, "There’s not enough artillery any Former Rep. Joel Broyhill. 64, was a from left, standing: Peter G. Dounis, Dorothy Davis. Harold Leinbaugh, Robert J where to stop this.” he radioed the artil young artillery officer who was cap VanHouten, Jam es H. Leach, V^iiiiam A. Simpkins. Joe Langbart. Eugene G. lery. tured, but not before ordering his Drouillard; seated: Clyde D Boden. Gen. Bruce 0. Clarke and William R. Hemphill. Some 200.000 German troops in white 105mmhowitzers spiked by shortening Inset Is Gen. Clarke. Below are members of Second Platoon Headquarters. 557th aiiuw suits, including crack Panzer divi the fuses and ramming rockets in the AAA Battalion. 84th Infantry Division, on a tank after the battle ended m early 1945. sions spearheaded bv Tiger tanks, muzzles, detonating them wiih lung lan Mr Boden Is seated second trorr* lert swept toward Bastogne. until then only yards a small town in Belgium, creating the ‘The Germans moved us in boxcars Leach recalled. “That’s the kind of man “ I realized back then that death is not p eiieli iiiiott di'iu ‘bulge in allied lines and fed what we called sawdust he w as.” important. We’re all going to die some that gave the battle its name. bread. We were cold, hungry and were Harold “Bud" Leinbaugh, ou, of Fair time. li s iiuw yuu uvc that’s important,” Dorothy Davis, 57, now living in attacked several times by the RAF fax, commander of a rifle company, said Mr Hemphill said. Rockville, was a young Army nurse (Royal Air Force) and our own pilots his men looked on in disbelief as a col Joe Langbart, 61, Alexandria, of the umn of Panther tanks approached. He 99th Division, said he and his men were said they had nothing that could stop basically civilians in uniform, most of them. He said the bazookas had frozen them former college students suddenly up and were useless. When it was over, in combat, carrying out what he called “They wanted to fight to the last man. I was he was the only officer left ahve in his part of “the savage instinct of man. We proud of them. I’m still proud of them, and I'm unit. had a job to do. We did a s b est w e could ” Field Marshal Gerhard Von Tebbe Clyde Boden. 62. now of Arlington, of not sentimental.” later told (ieneral Firuce C. Clarke. the 84th Division, said one of his stran that he learned the hard way that gest memories is playing poker three reports about poor fighting ability of nights in a row before the battle, then American troops were absolutely false. watching as his b uddies then. Soon, some of the 80,000 allied who didn't know we were there,” Mr poKer were casualties began pouring through her Broyhill said. Marshal Von Tebbe said determined killed in the pitched battle hours after unit, the 57th Army Field Hospital. He said he later escaped by hiding in pockets of Americans fought fiercely the attack. She found herself trapped in the llie straw of a barn. and ^tailed the attack rather than seek Peter Dounis, 58, of Silver Spring, bulge along with elements of the Allied "We were always cold and wet." Col. safety. was an 18-year-old private who recalled troops caught in the Colmar Pocket Drouillard said, “despite rotating our And it was then that Gen. McAuliffe with great fondness the selfless medics In th e ea rly part o f the b attle, sh e and socks” The cold caused many casual received the German demand to surren of the battle. the small corps of doctors and nurses ties. der He replied with Ihe one word that “They were not issued weapons since trapped along with Gen. Anthony As Gen. Patton fought toward Bas became part of the lore of the Bulge: they were classified noncombatants M cAuliffe’s troops treated 958 patients, togne, former Col. James "Jimmie” " N u ts” under Army regulations, but after operating on 516 of them; 107 died. Leach. 61. a resident of Arlington, a Mr. B royhill said h is m en refu sed to being fired upon at Grand Halleux, Bel (;eneral Bruce C. Clarke, 82. who tank officer with Gen. Patton's famed retreat. gium, they quickly acquired and car h\es in McLean, was the armor com 4th Armored Division, said his men ran "They wanted to fight to the last man. ried 45-caliber pistols.” mander at St. Vith credited with blun into a stubborn anti-tank gun I was proud of them. I’m still proud of They were “incredible human beings ting the Germans’ last-gasp attack. As emplacement. them,” Mr. Broyhill said, “and I’m not with little regard for their own he raced to the front, he said, he sought H e recalled that several tim es Lt. Col. sentimental.” safety.” a way to prevent "the confusion from Creighton Abrams, later to command William R Hemphill. 69. now living All agreed with Mr Boden that, when t>ecoming aisorgani^cii." Ain?riC2” in \7««>fnnm in t-K<» irH Armnrpd Divi thev were combat trooos 39 vears ago. He found much of the artillery his men to take out the emplacement. sion, said his mother sent him a down "patriotism, heroism, loyalty and brav retreating in disarray. He pulled his .45- "Finally, in his command tank, he got in jacket that kept him warm in the most ery w ere taken for granted every day." caliber automatic on one artillery offi position and took it out himself,” Col. bitter cold of the battle. 6 ORAL HISTOR'/ PROJECT >>>>>>>>>>> MAULDIN CARTOONS One 0 ^ the highlights at the T9S3 Go.ne’ial John D. Kearney tells us of a "great book" Membership Meeting was the taping oi ofial of B ill Mauldin ' s ..cartoons. The 300-page histories. While the participants were paperback, entitled "Bill Mauldin's Army," asked to brie{iiy te ll about a vivid memory if not available at a local bookstore, may ol the Battle o\ the Bulge in iive to ten be obtained for $14.70 from Presidio Press, 31 Pamaron Way, Novato, CA 9^947. ...E d .
minutes, moderators J-cm Leach and Joe Lang- bart allowed much longer recitations to capture poignant World War II experiences. Many who came only to observe became par ticipants; indeed, the popularity oi these oral histories required use oi more time than allotted. Undoubtedly, this may well be repeated at future general membership meetings. The project demonstrated that an oral recita t ion adds a dimension over written memoirs. Jt is suggested that each member submitting information and data to our historical col “Xonsense. S-2 reported that machine gun silenced hours ago. lection supplement i t orally. Stop wiggling your fingers at me." Anyone contributing to \/BOB's historical — ...... = ----- project should execute a form like the one THANKS. WILL -- WELCOME, ANVV enclosed with this edition. Should anyone Will Cavanagh, our long-time British desire further information, please write to charter member now living with his family either Jim or Joe at our [/BOB address. in Malmedy, has recruited a new member -- t + + + + ^-f + + + + + + + + + + + f + + + + a friend of his, Andre "Andy" Meurisse. Andy does a ll he can to assist U.S. veter LIFE MEMBERS JN [/BOB ans revisiting the Ardennes and w ill be a Life Memberships were offered at the valuable asset to [/BOB. We look forward 1983 General Membership Meeting. Ten of to seeing him whenever we v is it Europe. those present purchased Life Memberships Born in Bastogne and living today in and w ill be issued a special embossed Bullingen, Belgium, Andy was wounded by plastic card as soon as the cards can be shrapnel in the right shoulder during the procured. The-card w ill include the mem Battle of the Bulge. He was evacuated by ber's name and lifetim e membership number. U.S. military ambulance to Sedan, France, To convert to Life Member status, send where the shrapnel was extracted by an Am your check for $50 if you are 10 or older, erican Army surgeon. He was eight years $75 if you are 50 thru 69, and $100 if old. younger than 50. If you have paid your Andy is a life member, ^453-A, of the 1984 dues, you may apply that payment to 101st Airborne Viv. Assn. and an associate reduce the Lifetime Member fee. member, (*1006, of the 2nd Inf. Viv. Assn. Welcome to [/BOB, Andy! §§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§ Tbttv SnMh Was/>ngton Times Hy the battle’s official end 42 days the south, the 7th Army clashed with later (Jan 28), one million Allied and elements of the U.S. 4th, 9th Armored Bulge battle Axis troops had been engaged, and 28th Divisions. Anierican casualties stood at 106,28V, The heaviest Allied coiiibat occurred including 19,246 killed in action, 23,554 from Dec 27-30, along the corridor into veterans will captured (of whom 187 died in captiv- Bastogne, a key bridgehead held by ily) iind 62,489 wounded CJerman casu Gen Anthony McAuiiffes lOlsi Air alties lopped lOO.tHKJ, according to borne Division against a four-day Ger hold reunion generally accepted figures. man siege. On Dec 29, Gen. George Adolf Hitler launched the Ardennes Patton s 3rd Army, racing up from ihe counter-offensive to reverse the tide of Saar, broke into Bastogne, lifting the in Arlington Allied successes m the European the- siege. iitcr His objective was to capture the Military historians note that while Belgian port of Antwerp, splitting the the abortive German offensive inflicted f-iy L'lleen :3cully Allied from ;iiid severing Allied supply AA .IIINL.ION IlMtb blAtf heavy damage on the Allies, and hues. delayed their operations in the West by SeviTiil hundred World War II veter Hiller's preparations were under about SIX weeks, it consumed German wiil ^aiher m Arlington this week to taken in strictest secrecy, concealed in reserves that Hitler might otherwise mark the J9th anniversary of the Battle large part by operation “Watch on the have used to reinforce his eastern offen of the Bulge - a battle in which out Rhine,” — an elaborate deception that sive against Russia. numbered and outflanked American lulled Allied intelligence into overlook troops stood fast agamst Nazi Ger ing or misunderstanding the German The Veterans of the Battle of the many's last, desperate offensive in buildup opposite the Ardennes Allied Bulge who gather tomorrow to begin Western F,urope. intelligence believed that Germany their three-day convention will "pay tri The Hattie of the Bulge is so named lacked the fuel for an offensive, and bute to the legacy of heroism and cour because advancing German forces would not undertake such a risky ven age left by those who fell, and managed only to bend the Allies’ front ture. maintained by those who survive.” line back in a wedge-shaped bulge. The German advance against the VBOB President Clyde Boden said yes This pivotal World War II battle unsuspecting Allied forces proceeded terday began in the pre dawn hours of Dec 16, as follows: In the north, the 6th Panzer 194-1. when more than 250.000 German Army struck the U.S. 99th Division and soldiers attacked the 83,000 American threatened to cut off the U S. 2nd Divi ir
BULGE VETERANS INTERVIEWED BY THE WASHINGTON TIMES REPORTERS
A three-hour interview of veterans of the Bulge was conducted in the offices of THE WASHINGTON TIMES on 13 December by Jack Kneece and Eileen Scully of the news paper's staff. The resu lt was a fu ll page the follow ing day devoted to the Battle of the Bulge consisting of two articles based on the facts of the battle, comments of those present about their recollections, the up After his meaningful comments, General coming General Membership Meeting, a map, Vessey, the senior military advisor to a picture of those present, and a 1945 President Reagan, field ed a wide range of photo of members of HQ 2nd Platoon, A Bat questions concerned primarily with global tery, 557th AAA AW Bn., 8Ath Inf. Div. strategy and our m ilitary posture. After the interviews, those present were General Vessey chatted and posed for introduced to and chatted with Executive photographs with members before departing. Editor Smith Hempstone and Asst. General Manager Phil Evans. Veterans featured were Clyde Boden, BAth WILL CAVANAGH Inf. Div; Joel Broyhill, 106th Inf. Div; ASSISTS M; MONUMENT DEDICATION General Bruce Clarke, 7th Armored Div; The international VBOB flavor was reflected Dorothy David, 57th Fid. Hosp; Pete Dounis, at Clervaux, Luxembourg, on 11 September 75th Inf. Div; Gene Drouillard, 75th Inf. 1983 when the monument to the Americal Sol Div; Bill Hemphill, 3rd Armored Div; Joe dier in the Battle of the Bulge was dedi Langbart, 99th Inf. Div; Jimmie Leach, 4th cated. Will Cavanagh, a native of England Armored Div; Bud Leinbaugh, 84th Inf. Div; now liv in g in Malmedy, purchased and d el B ill Simpkins, 9th AF; and Bob VanHouten, ivered the VBOB wreath for the ceremonies 16th FA Obs. Bn. accompanied by his wife, son and daughter. §§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§ The colorful arrangement included a banner GEORGIA VBOB44 on which was "In Remembrance. VBOB." A long-time VBOB member. Will has collected Ken Danielson, President of the Seventh many documents and items pertaining to the Armored Division Association, has a Georgia Battle of the Bulge which he plans to pre prestige tag for his truck — "VBOB 44." sent to VBOB when our museum is established. ######################## CROIX DE GUERRE AND THE 70ATH TD BN "JJ" LESCEUX OF MARCHE, BELGIUM, The January/February issue of The Purple A WELCONE VISITOR AT DECErffiER MEETING Heart Magazine for 1982 carried a story on One of those who dropped by say "hello" page 16 of the belated correction of rec to Bulge veterans at the 1983 VBOB General ords so that members of the 704th Tank Membership Meeting was Jean-Jacques Les- Destroyer Battalion could receive their ceux, complete with an 84th Inf. Div. patch "due." Specifically, the article had to on a large brown envelope that contained do with the awarding of the French Croix photos, a r tic le s , and other mementos of the de Guerre to the 70Ath--a matter of an Battle of the Bulge. award earned but not recorded. m s sm m m That honor is now recorded in Array Reg u la tio n s under General Order Number 2 of the United States Array dated 1982. The 704th is specifically raentioned under Section XI-Foreign Decorations. According to a raerao signed by Mary C. W illis, LTC, GS, Director, Personnel Ser vices Directorate, former members of the 704th who participated in the battles for which th is award was authorized can have their records updated. Her instructions are as follows. In order for the members of the 704th Tank Destroyer Battalion Association to have their individual separation docu ments updated, they must submit a re As a 12-year-old, "JJ" carried artillery quest stating the action they desire ammunition in the wintry weather on his this Center to take and include with sled to the gun positions of the 84th Rail- the request a copy of th eir separation splitters in the vicinity of Marche during document, WD AGO Form 53-55, and veri the Bulge. fication of their entitlement to the award in the form of a copy of the c i "JJ" chatted and reminisced at length tation. The request with their written with many of the Railsplitters and other signature should be mailed to US Array Bulge veterans and, after well-received Reserve Components Personnel and Admin reraarks and a question-and-answer session istration Center, Attention: AGUZ-PSE- by JCS Chairman, General John W. Vessey, VS, 9700 Page Boulevard, S t. Louis, Jr., addressed the group. Missouri 63132. Now successful in handling investments, Additional information-and clarification as Jean-Jacques lives with his wife, Julia, to dates and battles-may be secured by and daughters, Claudia and Alicia, at 823 writing Walter C. Righton, Secretary, 704th Walker Road, Great F a lls, VA 22066, and Tank Destroyed Battalion Association, 29 can be reached on (703) 759-2324. West Wilkins Lane, P la in field , IL 60544. [[[[[[[[[[[§]]]]]]]]]]] MILITARY ORDER OF THE PURPLE HEART § ^ i § This is a Congressionally chartered organ Though we read about CEBA, little has been ization composed of veterans who were heard from Pete Dounis tells us awarded the Purple Heart medal. Although that this organization, the Circle for Re they are the combat-wounded, they do ser search and Information of the Battle of vice and welfare work for all veterans. the Ardennes has a point of contact for Any e lig ib le man or woman who is in ter further details. Those interested may ested in membership should w rite to the w rite Mr. & Mrs. Raphael d ’Amico-Gerard, M.O.P.H. at 5413-B Backlick Road, Spring- 41 Hue du Hona-h'oint, ^jiu ac. wicoias, 991 or r-al 1 Liege, Belgium. 10 WORLD WAR I I ON FILM WE MET THE AUTHORS Need program suggestions for your unit rive auLnur'a anu nxsuurxciiia aaL i m et;tiijgsv’BOB has learned that there arc more than 100 participants in a military 82 films and video-cassettes on WWII av event which began 39 years ago. The auth ailable to rent or buy. Some of these ors, participants themselves, were John D. films are documentaries made during the Campbell (84th Inf. Div.), Roy Gordon (9th war by our best film-makers — Frank Capra, Inf. Div.), Charles B. MacDonald (2nd Inf. John Huston, John Ford, and William Wyler. Div.), David E. Pergrin {30th Inf. Div.), Some of the specific action units for which and Robert F. Phillips (28th Inf. Div.). films have been made are "American F irst Army" (the advance from Aachen to the Roer Each author in turn presented a brief River), "The Fighting First" (combat op summary of his own work, both completed and erations of the 1st Inf. Div.), and "The planned, a fte r which the meeting was Battle of St. Vith," Part I (the beginning opened for questions. Questions were of the Battle of the Bulge). For more in either directed to a particular author or formation regarding the films, and for a the moderator, Edwin M. Thierry (8Ath Inf. catalog listing prices, how to order, etc., Div.) asked for a volunteer. One of the write to: National Audio Visual Center, best discussions developed when the authors v/ere asked to describe their prin Information Services Section, Washington, ciple source of information and how it was D.C. 20409. verified. Most felt that the Battle of the Bulge probably shortened the war, but ARMORED FORCES MONUMENT there were dissenters even on this point. WWII Armored Forces may soon see a monu Af'tsr* 3,n houp this pspt of* the GsnBPsl ment in their behalf in the Nation's Capi Membership Meeting ended with everyone tal thanks to the efforts of James H. feeling better informed and grateful for Leach, Colonel, USA Ret. If your Armored the opportunity to be able to meet this Forces association has no data on this fine panel of authors. project, you may wish to write to Colonel Leach at 6134 18th Rd., North, Arlington, VA 22205. ...Ed.
UNIT HISTORY Warren Jensen (XIX Corps), Portola Valley, CA, tells us that copies of histories of units, from stateside inception through return tn CONUS are available, Wrihe Nat ional Archives & Records Service, General Services Administration, Washington, D.C. 20408, giving as much of the unit descrip tion as possible. Archives will advise the cost of copies requested; order can then be placed. Front row: Dave Pergrin, 291st Combat Engr; John Campbell, 84th Inf; Roy Gordon, 9th Inf. Second row: Ed Thierry, 84th In f ; Charles MacDonald, 2nd Inf, and Rob AT THE TOMB OF IJ^E UNKNOWN SOLDIER ert Phillips, 28th Inf. One of the highlights of our General Mem bership Meeting was the placing of a wreath “This is undoubtedly the greatest American at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with a battle of the war and will. 1 believe, be ceremony rendering honor to a ll of our Nat ion's honored dead. regarded as an ever-famous American victory.” Our members and guests travelled by char Sir Winston Churchill tered buses from the hotel to the cemetery. addressing the House of Commons They arrived in time to spend 30 minutes following the Battle of the Bulge v isitin g the Trophy Room where plaques I pi V - L .w ^ ZGoicrj3 j mi-ii I
11 tary and civilian, honoring our Nation's VB^^0^^ER^_^^^^ heroes were on display. Our group had a chance to see the Changing of the Guard at President...... Clyde D. Boden the Tomb at noon. At the completion of Executive Vice President..Wm. T. Greenville this ceremony, we all gathered in the Vice President for Regional Trophy Room with bowed heads as our Chap Coordination...... Wm. A. Simpkins lain, George W. Hall, Jr., led us in a mem Vice President for Military orial prayer. Then VBOB President Clyde Affairs...... Eugene G. Drouillard Boden assisted by V-Pres. Gene Drouillard Vice President for presented and placed a large wreath at the Membership...... Robert J. VanHouten Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The wreath Treasurer...... Wm. R. Hemphill was made of white mums and red and blue Recording Secretary...... Quinty C. DeAngelis carnations plus a red, white and blue rib Corresponding Secretary Thomas D. Gillis bon with the letters "VBOB" in gold and General Counsel...... Joseph Langbart draped diagonally across the wreath. The Chaplain...... George W. Hall, Jr. ceremony ended with an excellent rendition Editor...... R. L. Lemmon of "Taps" by Sp6 Johnny Seay, the U.S. Army Historian...... David E. Ruby Band (Pershing's Own). Archivist...... Frances W. Doherty Librarian...... Frances W. Doherty The simplicity and dignity of this brief Public Relations O fficer...... Roy Gordon ceremony made many of us stop and think — Surgeon...... Morris Ackerman to think of our fallen comrades who were Liaison for Inter not here today to join us as we paid homage governmental A ffairs.. . .Malcolm R. Wilkey to our fallen ones. Many of us left with a Liaison for Inter twinge in our hearts and a lump in our national Affairs...... Charles deM. Barnes throats as we journeyed back to the hotel. Liaison for ^ _____ . ..G. Drouillard Military Units...... Neil B. Thompson Chairman, Audit Committee.. . .Earl L. Meyers 1984 GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING Chairman, Emblem Committee.. , .Demetri Paris November 1984 Chairman, General Membership Meeting Cominittee...... E. L. Loiacono Friday, 9 November; Chairman, Nominating 1400-1800 - Registration Committee...... Peter G. Dounis 1700-2000 - Cocktails with friends Saturday, 10 November; The Executive Council is composed of the 0830-1000 - Call to Order, Salute, Invo incumbents of the firs t eight positions; cation, Welcome, Introductions, Reports the president is the chairman. The Advis 1000-1200 - Harold Fischgrund's Panel ory Board is composed of the incumbents of 1330-1500 - Constitutional Changes; El the last fifteen positions; the general ection/Installation of Officers counsel is the chairman 2000 - U.S. Army Band Concert at §§§§§§§§§§§§ Constitution Hall - Bus Transportation Furnished - Premier Presentation of and veterans to the 1984 Meeting with an Musical Composition Dedicated to the ambassador as our dinner speaker, Battle of the Bulge . . . Wm. T. Greenville, Chairman, Program Committee, VBOB Sunday. 11 November; 00000000000000000000000 1000-1130 - Depart by bus from hotel for Arlington National Cemetery. Wreath- laying Ceremonies by President and Var ious Veterans' Organizations including Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge 1830-1945 - Cocktails 1945-2100 - Banquet 2100 - Guest Speaker 2130-0030 - Dancing and Farewell by VBOB President. CORNERSTONE OF THE MEETING -- To invite all participating countries, their Governments 12 Members _Spe^ak_Out Jack Gerrard and l, botn wounded veLerana I t 's amazing how, afte r AO of the 2nd Armored Division, having served years, the peoples of Europe continue to with the unit in North Africa, Sicily, Eng toast the Americans for their liberation. land, France, Belgium, Holland and Germany, In a real sense I believe it was the have retraced our steps to Europe on sev civilians who made the greatest sacrifice eral occasions. On this trip we flew to and were the real heroes. I think it was Rome and rented a car for the sole purpose put quite aptly by "Kipp" at the banquet of visiting the grave of Gerald Gerrard at in Clervaux that so much has been said and the American Cemetary at Nettuno. Jack's done by these people for us, yet so little brother was killed while fighting with the recognition has been given by us for so 3Ath Infantry Division. We knew of the much a greater part played by them for the ceremony at Clervaux, but did not believe final victory. we could fit it into our 22-day schedule. ...Don Evans, 2nd Armored Div. Assn. However, we spent less time in Italy than we had planned and decided to drive to Along with his 1984 dues, Joe Selinko, Sr., Clervaux, not so much for the ceremony, but Pottsville, PA says he thinks we've come a to see our good friend, Col. Charles B. Mac long way since that bitter Battle of the Donald, whom we knew would be there. The Bulge and thinks the VBOB sta ff has done a town was no stranger to us, having been wonderful job. He says, "Keep the good thece twice before. On arrival we were work going" and that he enjoys reading THE quite surprised to find so many Americans BULGE BUGLE as do his friends of the Bulge and to learn that the dedication was to be and concludes with a "Well Done." ... Ed. quite a gala affair. We were fortunate to ++++++++++ get a room in the Grand Central Hotel. We were so impressed that we stayed t^ro I have been asked by the town of Marche nights instead of one. en Fam.enne, Belgium, as well as the Tourist Federation of the Province of Luxembourg, We enjoyed an evening of fellowship in Belgium, to write to you. As you know, the company of Clyde Boden and "Kipp" De 198A marks the AOth anniversary of the Bat Angelis. This was the first time we met tle of the Bulge and it is foreseen that Clyde and afte r talking with him, realized many ac tiv itie s commemorating this histor that the right man was at the head of VBOB- ic event will take place. The town of a terrific fellow and quite the gentleman. Marche, as well as the Tourist Federation, And of course "Kipp" kept us spellbound would appreciate any information on plans with his experiences in his unit which that your organization or any of your- mem dealt in deceit and deception as far as the bers may have to return to Belgium or Germans were concerned. otherwise mark this event. The Tourist That evening alone made the trip to Cler Federation is particularly interested to vaux worthwhile. We also had the privilege contact any individuals planning to travel of meeting once again our friend from the to Belgium. Please send any information 28th Inf. Division, Bob Pocklington. Bob you may have to the addresses below or, if was his usual affable self. We met so many you prefer, send them to me and I will for fine people that it would be impossible to ward them to Belgium. mention them a ll. However, there is one Write to Monsieur C. Dourt, Echevin de more whom I must say was quite interesting Culture et Sport, 5A00 Marche and that was Mr. Jack Fierya, a former en Famenne, Belgium, Europe Dutch resistance leader from Amsterdam. He or to Federation Touristique du Lux was introduced to us by John Hoerberr (sic) embourg Beige, Quai de 1 'Ourthe of the 9Ath Division. Mr. Fierya invited 9, 6980 La Roche, Belgium, Eur us to attend an affair at the AFCENT Off ope. icers' Club in the Maastricht area. AFCENT . . . Douglas S. Aykroyd, Major, Armor, is a part of NATO. The Maastricht area was U.S. Army, 712 Quarter Path Lane, 2nd AD territory during the war. We were Colonial Heights, VA 23834 000000000000000000000000 wined and dined quite royally by the Dutch at this affair. So our unintended stop at Clervaux proved to be a very hign point of 13 AND MORE MEMBERS SPEAK OUT ----- niLL u m i u s m m to omLANosmLp J. D. Ackerman, Colorado Springs, former The. ioZtoiAjing ^'com a 6to^y by BUi Ran member of the 117th Inf. Bn., wonders why dall. we have failed to mention the 30th Inf. D iv. in THE BULGE BUGLE. A poignant ver Vun.ing W jJ II I u)a^ a rmmbe.^ the 106th sio n o f the Malmedy Massacre fo llo w s . Mr. In{i. Viv. iKom i.ti> inception at Ft.Jackson, Ackerman w r ite s , "We were bivouacked to S.C. I wa6 a^'iigmd to and served with the the North and one day receiv ed orders to 106th Ren. T^oop dating my militan.y cafLeeK proceed to Malmedy which we d id . S ta r t until I ooa-6 captured and became a POW at ing at 5 p.m. the Division travelled all the Battle o^ the Bulge in 1944. night, arriving in Stavelot, the city next We have thn.ee daughter's, one 0(5 whom i-i to Malmedy. We went in to a ctio n and took married to a Major in the Army .stationed in the city that morning, then captured Mal Oberur^el at Camp King, a ^ew mcie^ outside medy n ex t. 0(5 Frankfurt. They would return to the U.S. "The city appeared at first to be in our la^t September and begged o4 to vi^it them. hands—GI's driving around in our vehicles We decided that i t would be now or neve'i, when we discovered they couldn't speak or 40 with three weelz^' vacation, ofti we went. understand E n g lish . They were Germans who One 0 ^ the stipulations I requested on this had captured our GI's, killed them,strip v is it was that we would go to Groslangen- ping them and d ressin g in the U.S. u n i ield where my outfit iought and where I was form s. We d etected them by e s ta b lis h in g captured. Through a German lady who worked road blocks and asking questions like in the same o^^ice with my daughter, the 'What i s the c a p ito l o f C olorado' and 'How town was located and she wrote to the Bur- much i s two b it s ? ' The German SS troops germeister telling him her {^ather was there went through every house in Stavelot, k il during the Battle 0($ the Bulge, would like lin g every person, young and o ld , men and to come hack, and asked ii he would give women. They herded about 100 c iv ilia n s some directions. In return, the Burger- into a barn and then raked it with mach- meister wrote her a personal handwritten inegun fire. letter saying he was happy I wanted to come "When we drove the Germans out o f Malmedy, back. We should come directly to his home they had nearly a hundred of our prisoners and he would have a guide and inte.rpreter whom they found to be a burden and had at our disposal ^or the length o{, our stay. them herded in to the f i e ld and machine- This, then, leads up to our v isit. gunned them. I discovered those dead sol Early on May 26 my wi{,e, daughter, my son- d ie r s and reported to my C.O. That was in-law, and I set out ^rom Fiank^urt ior la b e lle d as the Malmedy M assacre. Sroslangen^eld to make one oi my greatest "My regiment captured 54 German tanks in dreams come true. The weather was cloudy taking that area. Our casualties were and we encountered sho'wers on the imy, but heavy. The 1 s t D iv isio n had lo s t two- the iarthei Noith we traveled the weather thirds of their men and the 104th that improved. I recall passing by Limburg, the many, a ls o . Our a ir fo r c e co u ld n 't se e iir s t place I was interrogated as a POW. through the fog and bombed our own troops It is now a fairly large city. We continued four different times. They stampeded the Morth and crossed the border into Belgium c iv ilia n s out o f Malmedy — 4,000 o f as I wanted to go {^irst to St. Vith. We them — and many o f them were k ille d . arrived there, now a beautiiul town, and ^ound the memorial to those members oi the "Our A ssista n t D iv isio n Commander, Gen. 106th Viv. who gave their lives in the Bat Harrison, led the unit which captured 54 tle oi the Bulge. A^ter some picture-tak- German tanks. They were heading for the ing we had dinneA in a local restaurant in coast, but were running out of gas. Our St. Vith and headed ior Groslangen^eld, a gas storage with millions of barrels was hal^-hour drive back across the German bor positioned near Liege. We set them afire, der. 75,000 gallons, to avoid their capture. Groslangen^eld is really a hanntet 450 "I think our troops and others were South people whose main occupation is {,arming. o f us in and near S t. V ith ." We (finally located the Burgermeister's house; he Hkzs waiting ^or us. His wi^e had 14 p^zpa'Xe.d a 'JZMj ^amptaou^ liiyich. Fo-^£owt xnd thzfLZ. Aitz-x somz discussion we wex.e a l tha int'tfLp-Mitp^^, ^et out to iind tho. bunke.^ lowed to go on the pfiope>ity to t^iy to ^lyid that I had 6ee,n in back in Ve.cemb^^, 1944. the bunkz^. 7 was vexy disappointed unt<.l the {^axmex pointed out a tall steel towe-x Mu piatoon wai in a bunfee't on thd Wtntz^i - to ou^ flight, used to suppoAt h-igh voltage ipe.lt Road ove-^looking tho. SP-ig^^^ed LinP. zlzctfiic lines and was on thz spot whe'ie a and {fO'iQ.iti, to tht Ea^t. Fou^i o{, mij A^imy bunkz^i once ha.d been, Sitill, -it d-id not buddies -6znt me 6ke.tche.^ o^ thi^ location seem to bz the spot because whence we we^e, (i'LOm th2.-LK memo-t'Cei. 'Jiith tki-i ■tn{iO’iimation the.fie we.^e no faxm build-ings located so and wj O'm ^'iQ.coltact'Con vz 6Q.t out. What close. Tkzn came the explanation that ims a ihock! 7 czfitaA^nl^ kn 15 ★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★ 3rd Annual General Meeting ★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★ ★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★ Arlington Cemetery Ceremony ★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★A The items below are available through VBOB. Fill in order blank below and allow six (6) weeks for delivery. Send forms to VBOB Headquarters., along with check or money order pay able to VBOB. (1) With the exception of the coffee mug, all items are in full VBOB colors: blue, red, yellow, green and black. (2) Metal engraver plates accompany plaques A1 and A2. We suggest you have your name and unit engraved on the plate. This service is priced at 5? per letter. PLEASE PRINT ALL INFORMATION CLEARLY ITEM PRICE QUANTITY TOTAL A1 Plaque 5" X 6" $ 12.00 A2 ' 5" X 7" $15.00 A3 " 5" Diam $ 10.00 B1 Patch (small ) 2-3/4" Diam $2.50 B2 " (large) 4-3/4" Diam $6.00 C. Desk Pen Set $20.00 D. Lapel Pin $7.00 E. Coffee Mug $4.50 F. Tie, Brown w/white VBOB $ 10.00 G. Scarves (not avail able) VBOB Decals 4" Diam 3 /$ l.00 $ 1 .00 Engrdving: P5(/; leLLer Please engrave following on plate: Name (abbreviate where possible) Unit TOTAL PURCHASE $ NAME !first) T asty address ,no. street (state) >zip, VETERANS OF THE BATTLE OF THE BULGE P.O. Box 11129, Arlington, VA 22210-2129 VBOB HISTORY DONATION Name: Last; [First: (Middle; Area Code (Street) (Apartment) (City) (State) (ZIP) During the Ardennes Campaign (December 16, 19^^ - January 25, 19^5): My unit was: ______(Company, Battery, (Regiment, Battalion, Combat or comparable unit] Command, or comparable) (Division, Corps, or Army] I was a ______on duty as___ [Rank/Grade) (MOS, e.g., rifleman, cannoneer, etc. The attached (written) (oral) account is hereby granted, donated, and devised to the VETERANS OF THE BATTLE OF THE BULGE. Any account not contemporaneous with the event is true to the best of my recollection. I understand that this is part of the VBOB'S project to preserve historical data about the Ardennes Campaign (Battle of the Bulge). I acknowledge the VBOB's right(s) to make this available for historical research and to retransfer to insure proper preservation and subsequent use by a museum, library, or depository (see VBOB Bylaws, Article IX B). Signed: [Date] Witness: COMMENTS? NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE VETERANS PAID ARLINGTON, VA. of the PERMIT NO. 468 BATTLE ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED OF THE FORWARDING and RETURN BULGE POSTAGE GUARANTEED P.O. Box 11129 Arlington, Virginia 22210-2129 General Membership Meeting Nevember 9th, lOth, 11th, 1984 Washington, D.C. Now available, "The U.S. Army in ETO Ardennes Battle of the Bulge" by Hugh M. Cole. G.P.O. stock #008-029-00059-5. SPECIAL Send check or money order for $21.00 to Supertendent of Docu NOTICE ments. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402 or call code (202) 783-3238. Visa or Master Charge accepted on phone orders. Information courtesy, David Schneck, 290th Inf. 75th Division. Application for Membership VETERANS OF THE BATTLE OF THE BULGE P.O. Box 11129, Arlington, Virginia 22210-2129 Annual Dues $10 DONATIONS ARE WELCOME Name _Birthdale_ Address _Phone (_ C ity ______^Stete _Zip_ ■N,- Unit(s) to which assigned during period DecembelSl'. 1944-January 2 5 , 1 9 4 ^ (Div, Regt, 5n, Co) Campaign Ribbons and Battle stars awarded W ounded. Captured _ Make check or money order payable to VBOB and mail with this applicauon to ab e address