The President's Report Stanley J. Lambert y the time this column ap­ f recent there has been a maintain your membership in the pears in the Fall 2003 0 steady flow of interest in the Association whether or not you B "Trailblazer" our Central upcoming dedication of the WWII are able to attend the functions. Reunion in Cedar Rapids, Iowa Memorial in Washington, DC. Ap­ It's vital to our continuance. will have taken place under the pearing elsewhere in this issue is A blown-up photograph of my able supervision of Past-President hotel reservation information grandfather in his Civil War uni­ John Nothnagle, 570 Signal and courtesy of Floyd Freeman, I/ form looks down on me from my Vice Pres ident-Central Bill Trot­ 275. office wall as I compile this col­ ter, B I 2 75. Dorothy a nd I are Floyd has booked 20 rooms for umn. Undoubtedly he and other looking forward to the event, plus 70th Infantry Division Associa­ Union and Confederate survivors a follow up visit to the Arlington tion's attendees. Our Editor also drew great satisfaction through Heights, Illinois hotel which is the has in this issue a schedule of the their adult and senior years from site of our 2004 National Reunion. May 27-30 events. The actual contact with other veterans. Ex­ John Nothnagle, President-elect dedication will be on Saturday, cept for hjs father-in-law, who was Paul Sumner, E / 276 a nd I, as­ May 29, 2004 at 2:00 p.m. also a member of the 15th Ohio sisted by our spouses, want to re­ Another feature associated Light Artillery, it was unlikely that view our contract with that hotel with this 2004 event is the "Regis­ he or others like him kept contact following our Iowa reunion. The try of Remembrance." A registry with their old unit members. Both hotel has changed hands since I form also appears in this issue. of them, in the early 1870s, be­ signed the contract nearly two John L. Haller, A/276 writes came sod house pioneers to the years ago. that the discovery in the registry prairies of Nebraska. Among of another John L. Haller buried grandfather's papers, diaries, etc. * at the Lorraine American Cem­ was a flyer for an "Encampment" etery has sort of "blown his mind". to be held at the state capitol in John's namesake was a member Lincoln. He would have been of the 4th Infantry (Ivy) Division. about my current age. The America has warmly endorsed My point is - in this third mil­ Trailblazer us as the Greatest Generation. lennia with its e-mail, fast cars Though I am r eluctant to accept and air tr avel, we can enjoy the is published four times a year the label of "h ero," I, along with handshakes, embraces and greet­ by the 70th Infantry Division our own John Haller, urge Asso­ ings of old unit m embers. How Association and friends. Sub­ ciation members to place their little we really have to divide us scription: $16 annually. names in the registry. I plan to and how much we have to cherish! honor several from my squad who All good reasons for attending the Editor were killed in action by registering next reunion. Ed Lane them. P.O. Box 1282 Have a prosperous and joyous Radcliff, KY 40159 * fall and Holiday Season! (270) 352-0753 Turking in the back of many [email protected] l..J Trailblazers' minds is the fu­ Staff Artist ture of our Association. The two Peter Bennet propositions submitted in the 3031 Sir Phillips Dr. Winter 2003 issue by the resolu­ San Antonio, TX 78209 tions committee failed to tally a (210) 828-5477 quorum of mail ballots. Those two r esolutions, along with other reso­ Graphic Designer lutions will appear in future is ­ Martin E. Biemer Items for the next edition sues and will be scheduled for are due in the Editor's mail­ Louisville, KY vote at our 2004 reunion. Plan box by November 15, 2003. Volume 61 Number 4 now to attend the Arlington We will be mailing December FALL 2003 Heights Reunion and cast your 26. vote. I further urge each of you to

2 70th Infantry Division Association TRAILBLAZER A tribute Donald C. Pence, recipient of the Distinguished Service Cross By Bill Schmied nary heroism in connection with B / 275 military operations against an armed enemy, as Company Com­ was heartbroken to find your mander, Company "B'', 275th In­ message announcing Char - fantry, on 6 February 1945, at I lie's death. Charlie and I were Obere Ohligmuhle, France. Cap­ very close friends from the day he tain Pence personally elected to reported for duty to the second lead one platoon from his com­ battalion at Camp Adair, Oregon. pany in an attack across six hun­ I was the Company Com­ dred yards of open field under mander of Company B from Camp continuous automatic weapons Adair through Fort Leonard Wood, and small-arms fire from the front Missouri and overseas to meet our and right flank. When the attack destiny in the frigid, snow-covered faltered under the devastating fire, mountains of the Vosges, Alsace, but I wanted you to know how he remained upright, encouraging France. close I always felt to Charlie, and his men to resume the fight. Dur­ In our very first battle with the how deeply saddened I am at his ing the assault, despite serious German Army in the dense forest death. wounds suffered while destroying northeast of Philippsbourg, my an automatic weapons position company was completely sur - * with hand grenades, he continued he following is the text of the rounded by the enemy, with many to encourage and direct his men. citation for the DSC as an­ wounded and killed. After four T Inspired by Captain Pence's ag­ nounced in General Order number days of relentless enemy pressure, gressive leadership, the platoon 120 dated June 14, 1945. The bitter cold and no food, we surren­ closed with the remaining enemy, award originated at Headquarters, dered. silenced all guns and killed or European Theater of Operations, There was no Company B any­ captured the entire garrison." United States Army. more! But the battalion could not What the citation does not say function with only three compa­ The citation reads: is the Charlie lost a leg as a result nies so a new Company B was "Captain Donald C. Pence of the attack. formed, and Charlie was the com­ (Army Serial No 025971). Infantry. mander. Company B's hard luck United States Army, for extraordi- followed the new company, and Charlie was badly wounded and evacuated. Charlie and I were patients at the McGuire Army Hospital in Richmond, Virginia, and spent a lot of time together during the last six months of 1945. His mother On the cover came to Richmond and lived here Coffin Butte, Camp during that time and became a Adair, Oregon. Scene of good friend of my wife. many battles against an In 1958 Charlie and I were imaginary Jap Task Force. roommates at the 70th Infantry That was before the Divi­ Division Association reunion in St. sion focused its attention Louis, Missouri. We saw each on the ETO. other several times after that and Photo from "Trailblazer" had dinner with him and his wife archives, photographer un­ at Fort Bragg one time. known. I didn't want to write so much,

Fall 2003 3 The town of Behren-les-Forbach as seen from the top of Cassidy Hill. This photo shows the strategic importance of the hill. (Photo by the Editor) Reservoir Cassidy Hill By Ed Lane choice of dates that much easier, I through the area on an intermit­ Editor would go to France July 1 and re­ tent basis. Nothing though could turn July 1 7. damp en the spirit of the occasion his past spring I received The outbound flight went ex­ for the many French citizens and an unexpected telephone tremely smooth and I found myself one American who came to the T call from the Mayor of in France as scheduled on the dedication. Behr en-les-Forbach , M. Michel morning of July 2. Some sight­ OBIEGALA asking me to attend seeing and rest and it was the T he first thing I saw while the dedication ceremony of Reser- Fourth of July ... the "Glorious coming up Cassidy Hill voir Cassidy Hill. Before I Fourth" as one of our founding fa- (Kreutzberg Ridge) was the beauti- had a chance to get over the ful sight of the French Tri- s urprise and h onor of su ch a Color flying beside the Stars call, I was asked to set the and Stripes. Once again our date . .. anytime between French friends paid us July 1 and July 14 would be honor by flying our flag with fine. theirs: a truly inspiring sight I asked that we set the for anyone who ch erishes dedication fo r July 4, Inde- liberty. pendence Day in the United Our friends also brought States. What b etter day to their dis play of American honor the memory of not military vehicles complete only Fred "Casey" Cassidy with their drivers turned out but all those who took part in American uniforms. in the liberation of France. It was a family reunion The Mayor said that would for me in many ways. b e fine. Present were men who h ave I had planned on travel- Adolphe KIEFFER, HM stands beside the American become as brother s to me: ing to France again this year Jeep he restored. Adolphe is the man responsible Adolphe KIEFFER and fam- but the date h a d been rather for the renaming and dedication Reservoir Cassidy ily, Bernard GRUIN, Thierry fluid as various group tour s Hill. (Photo by the Editor) BECKER, Jean-Pierre a nd were planned, modified and finally thers called it and the date set for Claudie CREMAILH (who traveled discarded for lack of participation. the dedication. from their village Pulligny just for The firm date of July 4 requiring The morning dawned cool and the dedication). Thomas KIRSCH my presence in France made the overcast with some rain m oving and family and so many more -

4 70th Infantry Division Association TRAILBLAZER Dedicatory plaque in honor of Fred Cassidy. The plague is Reservoir Cassidy Hill dedicated by the French in honor of affixed to the wall near the entrance of Reservoir Cassidy Capt. Fred J. "Casey" Cassidy1 G/274. Casey fed the defense

Hill. (Photo courtesy Thierry Becker1 AM) of this important position on the night of February 161 1945. (Photo by the Editor) with apologies to any I have left STIRNWEISS and OBIEGALA France are little different than out. helped me present Adolphe those faced in a city of similar size Adolphe KIEFFER of course is KIEFFER with his Honorary Mem­ here in the states. the man responsible for this trib­ ber certificate and pin which has ute (as well as numerous others). been written about elsewhere in word about the reservoir. In Adolphe worked through various this edition. A the French language it is not levels of governmental offices and After the ceremony I had the the large collection of water in a was originally told that the renam- privilege along with M. OBIEGALA, lake-like configuration, nor even a ing could not be done because the KIRSCHes and Adolphe water tank. Rather, a reservoir in French law prohibits the naming KIEFFER to be the guest at a mar­ this case is a building that we of public buildings and such after velous lunch provided by Mon­ would commonly call a pumping one who is living. By that time sieur STIRNWEISS. During lunch station. The plaque shown is af­ though Fred "Casey" Cassidy, G/ I learned from M. OBIEGALA that fixed to the wall by the entrance to 2 7 4 had taken a turn for the the problems a Mayor faces in the building. worse and fatality was expected. After more work by Adolphe, the reservoir was renamed, a fact Casey knew about before he Of haircuts, baths, and a cuckoo clock passed away. ome time back, Don George, by one of our friends if I knew fficiating at the ceremony S K/ 275 shared the following the story of the cuckoo clock. O was Mayor OBIEGALA and with those of us on the 'Blazer After I admitted that I hadn't M. Charles STIRNWEISS who is Net: the foggiest, I was enlightened. President of District de Forbach. "Having been captured at It seems that after things These two gentlemen made fine re­ P'burg and liberated April 29th had settled down after the lib­ marks in memory of Casey and in at Moosburg I was pretty eration of Forbach, a barber tribute to the Americans who shabby. My first haircut was at shop was opened. A GI (be­ fought to help liberate not only Camp Lucky Strike. I was very lieved to be a 70th man) was Behren but also France. clean though. I had one shower getting a hair cut whe n the After the ceremony we retired at Stalag XIII-C just before Eas­ cuckoo clock sounded the hour. to the Mairie (town hall) for a won­ ter (which was April 1 in 1945). The GI was so startled (jumpy derful reception. During the re­ So I was not only shabby, but I from combat of course) that he ception, as a memento of the occa­ was ripe also." riddled the clock with gunfire! sion, I was presented with a beau­ Speaking of haircuts, while Anyone know anything tiful fountain pen and mechanical in France this year I was asked about this? pencil set on behalf of the town of Behren. During this time M.

Fall 2003 5 Operation Tally-Ho Part 1

By Steve Dixon did find a lot of Nazi books and Gus Mccaslin, Jr. B / 274 HM about ten copies of 'Mein Kampf.' added this unique perspective: Besides that we picked up a lot of t issu e I quoted from a letter German army clothes and stuff "I do not know exactly where written by my grandfather like that ...." we were. I don't think we r.:: Kelly Dixon, C/270. In it, lower echelon soldiers were told. he wrote about an operation in Clay Comer, 882 FA had the We were given orders to search which all American soldiers con­ unique position as Assistant S-2 houses and buildings in certain ducted searches over a few days of from which to observe the opera­ designated areas, looking for all German homes and other ar­ tion. He wrote, " . .. we were to weapons, ammunition and explo­ eas. looking for SS and a rms search every house for SA troop­ sives. We got up early that day. caches. I had asked that if any ers. If any Germans were out of "After daylight our squad Trailblazers remembered this inci­ their houses I said 'zu haus' which searched a well kept two story dent to please write. meant for them to get back to house. While other memb ers of their house. Actually, I personally the squad searched downstairs, I Bob Hays, C/274, was the did not find any SA troops." went upstairs. One upstairs room first to res pond via e-mail. He had no furniture. In the center of gave a name to the operation: Ken Pine, 1/ 276 wrote t h at the floor was a large pile of wheat, "Tally-Ho." He also recalled that "During the summer of 1945 we with a center dome. The house while "scrambling up the stairs of were stationed in Atzbach, Ger­ frau assured me the family had no one farm house we surprised a many. On July 21 and 22 our weapons or explosives; but I young couple, naked, in bed to­ company was assigned 20 towns walked into the grain and probed gether. There was a lot of nervous to be searched. We were split up until I was sure nothing was con­ giggling. Clearly they weren 't hid­ into teams of one non-com and cealed beneath. ing a nything. so we smiled, nod­ three men. A page of instructions "The woman smiled and said: ded, winked and continued on our in German was given to each team 'Macht sicher.' way. They were a little surprised to be handed to the civilian whose (and pleased) that we left so house we were searching. Trans­ "From that house we were promptly!" lated it asked all in the house taken to another location, up a come to one room with keys to all gentle slope from the main thor­ John Haller, A/276, in a letter locks. One of us stayed with the oughfare that was being used by to his then girlfriend (now wife), Germans and the other three army trucks to transport suspects Lillian, described his part in the searched the house. for interrogation. operation . "The Seventh Army "To save time, as Sergeant of "I was stationed on a corner, made a security check of all Ger­ the team, I spoke my best German near a nice house with a yard mans and their homes. We were to get people and keys in one fenced by masonry and steel. This looking for any kind of weapons, room. We were looking for weap­ was near some kind of public a ny Nazi propaganda and t hings ons, flags with swastikas, any buildings. I was never informed like that. military items, American material what this was, but I recall a va­ "Saturday morning I got up at (coffee, cigarettes, can goods, cant area and a low overpass near one and began searching houses etc.). During those two days work­ the corner lot. at four. Yesterday we started at ing from 4 a .m. to 10 p.m., my "The blonde house frau as I re­ five in th e morning and finished team searched 60 houses without call was about 40 years old or so last night. I guess my squad and I finding much. Each house and had a son of about 12. I do went through a hundred houses searched was marked; h ow I can't not know if the house had been but didn't find any weapons. We remember." searched prior to our arrival. We

6 70th Infantry Division Association TRAILBLAZER were there to secure he origin of this the area and search T operation is un­ civilians. Not many known. However, in people came our way, the G-2 historical re­ but we could see port of the Sixth large numbers of ci­ Army Group, there vilians in the GI are some interesting trucks on the main similarities. Dating road. back to 1944, a unit "I stopped one was formed and des­ well-dressed man, in ignated as the T­ suit and tie despite Force. That force was the season, who to fmd and distribute looked to be in the any intelligence from upper 70s and asked items of value to all for his identification armies in the ETO. A and searched him. Freedom 1 - Tyranny O. listing of items in­ cluded documents, "He spoke English This i~ what happened when the 10th Infantry Division got done equipment, and per­ well. "Is this neces­ working on Saarbrucken, Germany in 1945. sons. both enemy sary?" he asked. I (Photo courtesy of Herb Holober, AT/275) and others. As the told him if it were not Allies advanced, n ecessary, we would serving the trucks down the hill. these units went into designated not be doing it. "By this time I was inspired to cities searching for items of value. "Soon thereafter, the 12-year­ match wits with a Hitler Jugend. I No doubt the 70th CIC may have old boy emerged from the corner had a loaded M-1 and he didn't. I been involved in some manner in house. He looked well nourished took the broom from him and or - these operations in the 70th area and wore knee pants. He went dered him to sit down and told of operations. with me everywhere I went, listen­ him I was going to have him The operation was in three ing to everything that was said. I loaded in one of those trucks and phases. Each phase had cities tried to get rid of him kindly, but taken to the commandant. which were targets. Strasbourg, he insisted on staying. This was Mannheim, Heidelberg, Karlsruhe, his home. Finally I called him a "He began to cry. He wanted Wurzberg, Stuttgart, Munich and 'Spitzpuppen,' not knowing exactly his 'mutter.' I told him h e couldn't Berchtesgarten were but a few of what it meant, and ushered him h ave his 'mutter.' the cities listed. back inside the iron gate. "He sat there bawling, and his During the course of these op­ "In a short time he was back mother did not come out of the house. erations through the end of the with a broom, one that looked like war many types of intelligence brush tied on the end of a stick. "After a time of penance and were captured. Those included Al­ He said he was going to sweep the seeing he had an attitude change, lied POW files, Nazi party lists, sidewalk for his 'mutter.' I said I had changed my mind. In­ Gestapo organization files, SS and "The sidewalk didn't seem to stead of loading him in a truck, I would give him a pass to show ev­ SA personality files, maps, French need sweeping, but I let him have SS list, Russian SS in Germany ery GI he encountered. at it a while, working feverishly and German Army personnel. but doing nothing worthwhile. "The 'pass' read: 'I am a smart-aleck. I try to outwit Ameri­ Operation Tally-Ho may have Hitler Jugend, I thought. been an extension of this intelli­ can soldiers.' "He swept the concrete once gence operation. Certainly the and then started sweeping again "Eagerly he took the pass and search for SA and SS personnel but more leisurely. I told him to darted to the house and his 'mut­ falls within the category. stop and go inside , but he per­ ter.' Even to this day I have not sisted in staying, listening and ob- set eyes upon him again." (Part II next edition.)

Fall 2003 7 The Editor's

Barracks Bag Ed Lane

any of us lost a buddy in When he was alive I know that ob and wife Bev Hays, C/ 274 late August with the he would have never tolerated me B passed through our part of M passing of Donald C. using the term hero in describing Kentucky on May 27, 2003. The "Charlie" Pence, B / 275. I first met him. Of course most of the good Cracker Barrel Restaurant just off him during the Lexington reunion soldiers I have been privileged to 1-65 in Elizabethtown is a handy in 1980. I immediately hit it off associate with over the years place to meet and the food is good! with him perhaps because I was would never admit THEY were he­ Bob, Bev and I rehashed old by then midway into my Army ca­ roes but rather that they served times from the European tours of reer and he was a former career with heroes; their buddies. None 2001 and 2002 while we talked Army man. Over the years I had can deny though that a man about my then upcoming tour for the privilege of maintaining a cor­ awarded a DSC - a man who 2003. respondence with him covering gave so much in body, mind and The visit was all too short various and sundry subjects as spirit - a man who was to many though. Bob and Bev had been at questions came up and I felt sure the very personification of the son Steve's in Nashville, Tennes­ he would have the answer. "Greatest Generation" - is deserv­ see where the grandkids kept an I never called him Charlie but ing of the appellation "hero." One eye on grandpa and grandma for a rather by his r ank: Major. We of those men was certainly Charlie few days. never talked about the matter of Pence. title but somehow I didn't feel * right calling him by his given * he good ol' summer time and name. Somewhere deep inside me irthday card parties are a lot T early fall are great times for resides the old tradition of calling B of fun. Someone tells a lot of unit reunions and this year is no a highly decorated officer by his the recipient's friends when the exception with at least two on the war time rank out of respect, un­ big day is and all the friends send schedule. Unfortunately we got less told otherwise. a card. That is what happened to word too late to give pre-reunion Talk about respect, how could Tom Higley, C/ 275 from Tucson, buildups and the parties will be you not respect the man? Gradu­ Arizona recently. Seems as if wife over before this gets to you, but ated from West Point in the hurry Lutie let the date slip to a friend of not in enough time for a wrap-up up class of June 1943, by early Tom's and things went wild from write-up. The organizers promise 1945 he was wounded almost to there. a wrap-up story though. the death and decorated with the Tom reports 33 cards received, Byron McNeely, I / 274 is nation's second highest award for much to his total delight. Some healthy once again as reported valor, the Distinguished Service cards came from friends who elsewhere in this edition. My fel­ Cross - one of only 13 garnered hadn't written in some time. low Kentuckian is feeling well by the Division during WWII. As a Retired "Trailblazer" Editor Ed enough that he scheduled a com­ r esult of his wounds in 1946 he Arnold, HQ /70 was also the re­ pany reunion in Appleton, Wiscon­ was disability r etired from the US cipient of a birthday card party. sin September 9 - 12. Army. Seems as if some well informed At that point many men would A great time also promised to admirer of Ed's sent out a broad­ sit down and collect disability. the stalwarts of I/ 276 at Roaring side over the Internet and ... well Many more (particularly since River State Park, Missouri; Octo­ the rest is history. Vietnam) would sit home and bit­ ber 6 through 1 O. Our good Ed appreciated the deluge of terly complain about how terrible buddy J. W. Westmoreland, Jr. in mail also. No word on number of life had been to them, but I never charge of planning that fandango. cards but reliable sources have heard that out of Charlie. What I told this Editor that a mail carrier did learn and admired about the in Ed's home town of Roanoke, * man was the fact that he picked everal times recently the pages Virginia recently qualified for a himself up after being horribly of "Trailblazer" have men­ disability pension. S wounded and started a new career tioned items that appeared on of service to country by serving in what is called the Internet. The the Central Intelligence Agency. * Internet is the electronic network

8 70th Infantry Division Association TRAILBLAZER whereby computers "talk" to each ness proposition to heavily restrict were voted honorary membership other. Messages and images are computer addresses in the maga­ in the Association. No Association sent via electronic signal from one zine. Stories refer computer users funds were expended in the prepa­ computer to another over the to the correct individual from ration of their certificates or in the Internet. whom to get access information, purchase of their lapel pins. The Generally in "Trailblazer" you while non-computerized members certificates and pins were pre­ will see only three "addresses" aren't bothered with a lot of com­ pared and purchased privately. that go with a particular computer puter information. Also. no individual takes credit for operation. The Editor's e-mail ad­ the initiative, it was a group effort I take stories via e-mail and off dress appears on the masthead. on behalf of the Association. the Internet but I also want to The Web Site address appears stress that I take plenty of stories with Steve Dixon's Komputer over the telephone and by regular * Korner column. Jim Hanson has ailing dates for publication surface mail. When I u se state­ his 'Blazer Net address listed at year 2004 are December ments collected via computer they M the bottom of the Special Appoint­ 26, 2003; April 1; July 1; and Oc­ are identified in the story as being ments box which traditionally ap­ tober 1, 2004. collected via that method. pears on the inside back cover. The deadlines for materials to Computer addresses have the Editor's mailbox are November been kept to a minimum on pur­ * 15, 2003; February 16; May 15; lsewhere we told you that pose. I have seen several other and August 16, 2004. four of our French friends veterans magazines and newslet­ E ters that are cluttered with com­ puter addresses. The sheer vol­ ume can quickly become overpow­ Bennet serves 70th in new war ering, mistakes in reporting the eter "Tex" Bennet, HQ 2nd ers have the coins specially struck addresses are easy to make (just Bn/276 and "Trailblazer" with their design or logo and then ask anyone with a computer), and P Staff Artist had his work pub­ award them as spot incentives to they are just plain annoying to lished in "Thr ee soldiers found to those without computers. Star Final", the be doing out­ Our members' dues are, by de­ unofficial publi­ standing work. sign, intended to meet production cation of the The drawing costs for "Trailblazer", the only of­ 70th Regional (shown h e r e ) ficial news media of the Associa­ Readiness Com­ was used on the tion. The magazine is produced mand, US Army back cover of the with Association funds; all who Reserve. April/May 2003 pay dues receive the magazine. The com- edition as part of The web site is free to anyone mand notified a tribute to Spe­ with access to the Internet. Tex that a re­ cialist Brandon Jim Hanson does a fantastic viewer in the Tobler, a mem­ job with 'Blazer Net. On August 1, Pen tagon who ber of a 70th 2003 he listed 321 members, of monitors such RRC unit who those only about 238 pay dues in publications was killed in some form to the Association. rated his draw­ Iraq on March Jim's net is also a free service to ing as "out­ 22, 2003. anyone who has access to a com­ standing." The That same puter. Commanding drawing previ­ The last mailing label disc I re­ Gen eral of the ously a ppeared ceived (June 23, 2003) listed RRC even for - in the Summer Regular Members (WWII Vets) warded a coin in 2003 "Trail­ 1,397; Associate Members 222; r ecognition of blazer" in con­ Auxiliary Members 208; free list the achievement. nection with the 18; and Foreign 24. That means For those same story. that 1,869 mailing addresses re­ who may not A "Trail- ceived the Summer 2003 "Trail­ know, a "com- blazer" veteran blazer." Those 1,869 mailings mander's coin" is a popular from WWII thus has served the were funded by dues. method of expression of apprecia­ modern-day 70th. Congratula­ It is therefore a simple busi- tion in today's Army. Command- tions Tex.

Fall 2003 9 Rogers also honored by West Point

n the Summer 2003 issue we School, Gen er al Rogers was as­ effectiveness of the Army during told you (pages 24 and 25) signed to Korea where h e assumed its critical transition to an all-vol­ I that George S. Blanchard, Cl command of the 3rd Battalion, 9th unteer force. 274 h ad been honored by the Infantr y, then engaged in sus­ Follow ing Pentagon assign­ United States Military Academy at tained comb at. ment as Chief of Legislative Liai­ West Point with the Distinguished F ollow ing his promotion to son and Deputy Chief of Staff for Graduate Awa rd. During the re­ Brigadier General, Gen eral Rogers Personnel, General Rogers as­ search for that article we also dis­ was ordered to Vietnam as Assis- sumed command of the United covered th at another 70th Divi­ S tates Army Forces Command, sion solider, Bernard W. Rogers, where h e stressed unit readiness, HQ 1s t Bn/275 was similarly modernization, sustainability and honored in 1995. enhancement of the quality of life of the individual soldier and h is How m any other WWII divi­ family. sions h ave two r ecipien ts of this In 1976 General Rogers was prestigious award r emains a valid **** tant Division Commander of the appointed Chief of Staff of the question . Anyone with knowledge 1st Infantry Division. In succes­ United States Army. For the n ext is asked to contact the Editor. s ive combat action s , he distin­ four years he continued his focus The citation accompanying the guish ed himself, winning the Dis­ on combat r eadiness, and Army award reads as follows: tinguished Service Cross, the Sil­ family quality of life. Under his ver Star, the Distinguished Flying leadership, the Army's capability en eral Rogers' illustrious ca­ Cross, the Bronze Star of Valor, to r einforce NATO was markedly G reer of dis tinguish ed achieve­ and the Air Medal With Valor De­ improved and became the corner - ment began with his appointment vice. stone of a credible deterrence of to West Point in 1940. As a cadet In 1967 h e r eturned to West war b etween the Western Alliance h e quic kly rose to prominence, Point to command the Corps of and the Soviet Union. leading the Corps as the Firs t Cadets . As Commandant, h e re ­ In June 1979 th e Allied na­ Captain. Upon graduation in June formed the cadet disciplinary sys­ tions of NATO selected General 1943, he was commissioned in the tem, to ensure that t he cadet Rogers as Supreme Allied Com­ Infantry a nd joined the 70th In­ model of leadership reflected those mander , Europe. In his eight fantry Division. In June 1944 he proven principles and techniques years of leadership in Europe, was r eassigned to West Point, r e quire d to successfully lead NATO b ecame stronger than at where, in recognition of his aca­ American soldiers. As with every any time in its history and as a demic achievement as a cadet, h e command assignment throughout peaceful alliance of stren gth, as­ was detailed to the faculty as an his career, Gen eral Rogers left the sured t h e victory of the West in instructor in the Department of indelible imprint of his dynamic the Cold War. Economics, Government and His­ lead er s hip and abiding concern At that conclusion of his ser­ tory. for t h e welfare of the men he com­ vice with NATO, General Rogers As a junior officer, General manded. received the high est praise and Rogers was soon recognized as an In 1969 General Rogers was h onors from the member nations individual of extr aordinary talent ch osen to command the 5th Infan­ of the Alliance. His own nation and intellectual capacity. From try Division , Mechanized, at Fort added its r ecognition , awarding 1945 to 194 7 , he served in sensi­ Carson. Assuming command of a him the Defense, Army, Navy and tive assignments as Aide and Ex­ unit of flagging spirit a nd low Air Force Distinguished Service ecutive Officer to the Superinten­ combat effectiveness, he designed Medals. dent, to t h e US High Commis ­ and implemented innovative pro­ General Rogers' lifetime of out­ s ioner for Austria, and to the grams to r estore the morale and standing service to the nation has Commander, Sixth Army. In 194 7 unit readiness of his division. been character ized by matchless he was selected in national com­ These initiatives proved so suc­ leaders hip at every level of com­ petition to attend Oxford Univer­ cessful, that the Army's leadership mand in the United States Army sity as one of the nation's first adopted them as the model and and culminated With his appoint­ post-wa r Rhodes Scholars. Fol­ framework for the Volunteer Army ment as Supreme Allied Com­ lowing gr adu a tion from Oxford Program, instituted Army-Wide to mander, Europe. and attenda n ce at the Infantry maintain and improve the mission Soldier -Scholar -Statesman,

10 70th Infantry Division Association TRAILBLAZER keenly perceptive and extraordi­ narily skilled in national and in­ ternational political-military af­ New words ••• fairs, General Rogers' contribu­ im Hanson, L/274 recently do not apply. Just one of those tions in the service of his country answered an interesting ques­ and to the NATO Alliance are un­ J exceptions one must memorize. tion on the Internet. "I have re­ In fact, journalists probably paralleled and are among those ceived questions from some of our changed the way history would be that future generations will count members concerning the use by recorded during Vietnam. Origi­ as key to the winning of the Cold the press, military briefers and War. nally Vietnam was spelled Viet others of the words Iraq and Iraqi. His uncommon devotion to his Nam. When the fighting started Some asked about misspellings, over there, Associated Press (AP) country and its Army epitomizes some asked if there were two ways wire service decreed in their "Style the finest qualities of the Ameri­ to spell the word. It can be a bit Book" (the rule book for the AP can soldier and clearly reflects the confusing. Iraq is the name of the and generally the guide for most principles and ideals embodied in country, an Iraqi lives in Iraq, our the motto of West Point. Accord­ newspapers) that the country aircraft are bombing Iraqi bridges, ingly, the Association of Gradu­ would be spelled: "Vietnam". etc. Hope this helps." ates takes great pride in present­ There was a practical reason for doing that. It saved the move­ ing the 1995 Distinguished Keeping in mind the general ment of fingers in having to hit the Graduate Award to Bernard W. rules of English where a "q" is space bar on a teletype machine Rogers, Class of June 1943. generally followed by a "u" does no and also the added movements on good in this case obviously. Since (The official web site for The a standard typewriter of placing the name of the country is dic­ Associations of Graduates, USMA the left little finger on the shift key tated by the rules of a foreign lan­ provided information used in this while moving the right index finger guage, English rules of grammar article.) to hit the "n" key. Also, at that time (before com­ puters were the standard) AP An e:mbarrassing nionient teletype machine were fed with a box containing about a mile of By Bob Cole Captain had to step over me to get "tractor feed" paper (now of course B/274 to his office! single sheets of paper come out of The embarrassing moment a computer's printer since AP is t must have been around the came when I entered his office to by and large a computer feed). I middle of May 1944. We had report to him. I felt sure that I The teletypes ran 24 hours a day completed our basic training (six was in for the chewing out of all in most stations or news rooms. weeks?) and had been times! However, he By saving the space between the assigned to regular never mentioned words, paper was saved (since a companies. My group what had happened huge amount of news covered drew B Company, and the interview Vietnam). 274th Regiment. zzZZz went well. Just now when I hit the spell It was a Saturday That man was Cap- check it questioned "Viet" and morning when we ar- tain George Palmer, "Nam" but not "Vietnam". rived at our destination to meet an officer and gentleman for sure. Also, in newspapers, AP style our leaders. The CO was not there He was a tall, lanky fellow and (also generally used in "Trail­ so we threw our A & B bags on the young; about 21 or 22. He was blazer") dictates military ranks grass in front of the orderly room. one very tough chap though. I re­ such as PFC to b e styled Pfc. I placed mine on the boardwalk member on one of our nine mile Many years ago the US Army went leading from the street to the or­ runs seeing him carrying two full to generally three initials (all capi­ derly room. I laid down with my field packs of guys who were fall­ talized) to abbreviate ranks. AP head on one of the B bags and ing behind while we were running did not. Thus Pvt. (PVT), Cpl. was soon fast asleep. up one of those mountain roads in (CPL), Sgt. (SGT) and so on. The next thing I knew the Sup­ Oregon. There are other confusing ply Sergeant was shaking me vio­ I believe Capt. Palmer left the words to be memorized during this lently. It seems the CO had ar­ company before we shipped out to latest upheaval such as Al Qaeda rived, attention was called, and I Leonard Wood. Does anyone know or Al-qaeda. But that's a story for kept right on sleeping and the if he survived the war? another time.

Fall 2003 11 Visit to France, 2003 By Ed Lane Also during the trip I had the op­ Achille METZINER, who is their Editor portunity to celebrate the French President, is justly proud of his fa­ national holiday on July 14. cility. h e full r eport of the trip to I had a tour of the building And what trip to France would France will have to wait where wine is made by the mem­ be complete without a t rip to T until the winter edition. So bers of the Tree and Fruit District Paris. I made that trip and made much went on and there were so Association of Spicheren. M. som e rather startling discoveries. many things to see that there just isn't room this time. The trip was different this time in that it was not the official trip u sually taken by our group of vet­ erans, their family and friends. Thence the places that were vis­ ited were in many instances the familia r places, Spicheren Heights, the Lorraine American Cemetery (St. Avold), Wingen-sur­ Moder, Philippsbourg etc. Other places of historic importance to "our part of Fra nce" as we Francophiles are given to calling it were also visited. Places such as former fortifications of the Maginot Line, Verdun, and a mu­ Thomas KIRSCH, AM appears to be very proud of the implement to his leh side. seum in Freyming-Merlebach that What is it? Let the Editor know if you think you have an answer. Answer in Winter 2004 " Trailblazer." (Photo by the Editor} so far h ad escaped discovery by the Americans of the 70th Infantry Division Association. Battlefield tour being planned That museum is run by a Frenchm a n who is obviou s ly a h at's right, hopefully with war tour will be a visit to th e Lorraine friend of the Americans , M. Edwin T jitters calming somewhat we American Cemetery (St. Avold) NEIS. We will introduce you to M. want to offer our members the op­ where this year French school NEIS in the n ext edition. portunity to tour the European children placed 10,000 roses on Likewise, I learned more about battlefields with Stephen Ambrose the graves of fallen Americans in the former camp that was located Historical Tours. commemoration of the American near the autobahn in Saarbrucken Set for May 11 through 23, Independence Day. There will be a close by the old border ch eck 2004, th e itinerary starts with a short memorial service at the cem­ point with France. I attended a flight to London, England and a etery and ample time to visit the lecture about the camp at Saar­ few days there touring WWII sites. graves of buddies. land University in Saarbrucken. Then on to the invasion beaches of We want to ensure everyone Later I had the honor of talking Normandy for a few days. After an gets to see sites important to them with M. E mil MULLER of Spich­ overnight stop in Paris we go into and that we have the time to see eren. M. MULLER witnessed first "our" part of France, Alsace­ what we want. So, if you have a hand the activities of the camp Lorraine and a tour of Trailblazer particular place you want to see and as s u ch is an important wit­ battle sites. on the 70th's battlefields, make ness to history and must be re­ sure you let us know when you re­ corded. After th e Editor's experiences serve your place. I also want to tell you about in France these past three years Those interested need to call the fabulous 4th of July celebra­ there is no doubt that the people Stephen Ambrose Historical Tours tion I attended. The party was in Alsace-Lorraine love the libera­ as soon as possible. thrown in honor of our fourth by tors and welcome them and their Call (504) 821-9283 or toll free M. Steve NEWTON, Englis h born families with open arms. at (888) 903-3329 and ask for but now a resident of Spich eren. An emotion al high point of the Andy Ambrose.

12 70th Infantry Division Association TRAILBLAZER ---Nos Amis Fran~ais ---

Edouard LANE ship to the members of the Asso­ the division shoulder patch and Redacteur ciation. M. MALLICK has wel­ countersigned by President Stan comed the r eturning liberators Lambert and Secretary Lou Hoger, out d 'abord, grace a tous and treated them with the utmost each recipient r eceived a division nos amis en France qui m'a respect and hospitality. M. MAL­ patch lapel pin. T fait la bienvenue de sensa­ LICK's hospitality and generosity tion dans leur beau pays. have reflected most favorably on Foreign Legionnaire J'attends avec interet deja ma himself and France. Many mem­ I\s you know, many of our prochaine visite. Je considere la bers of the Association are proud .l"'"1. French friends are re-enac­ France ma residence secondaire, to call M. MALLICK 'ami."' tors who portray American Gis merci tellement. Christophe's "special recogni­ (complete with p eriod uniforms Just thanking our friends for tion is granted in consideration of and equipment) liberating their the terrific trip I had to their beau - M. ULTSCH's many years of dedi­ part of France. I now portray an tiful country. You can read about cated friendship to the members Adjutant Chef (Senior Warrant Of­ that of course elsewhere in this is­ of the Association and his unceas­ ficer) of la Legion Entrangere (the sue. ing efforts in perpetuating the French Foreign Legion) attached memory of those Americans who as Intelligence Liaison Officer with Four friends declared gave their lives in the liberation of the 5th Rangers (Reenacted). honorary members France during World War II. M. The development of my char­ UL TSCH's museum in Grosblie­ acter has been helped immeasur - very special tribute was paid derstroff honors those who helped ably by our friends. Rene A to our French friends when liberate France and has done MULLER, Sebastien KLASS, four of their citizens were declared much to foster bonds of friendship Thierry BECKER, Dominique Honorary Members of the 70th In­ between citizens of France and the BRION, Thomas KIRSCH and all fantry Division Association with United States." the members of Amis de la 70th all rights and privileges appertain­ Division des Vosges du Nord Linda's r ecognition came as ing thereto. (Friends of the 70t Division North the result of her "many years of On June 10, 2003 under the of the Vosges) and the Lorraine dedicated friendship to the mem­ provisions of Article II, 70th Infan­ Auto Club helped me procure uni­ bers of the Association and her try Division Association Constitu­ forms and equipment in addition unceasing efforts in perpetuating tion, Messieurs Adolphe KIEF­ to introducing m e to former Le­ the memory of those Americans FER, Robert MALLICK, Chris­ gionnaires of la Legion. who gave their lives in the libera­ tophe ULTSCH and Madame I have b een invited to camp tion of Fran ce during World War Linda BERGMANN were voted the with and stand with our friends as II. Mme. BERGMANN's museum honor in recognition of their un­ they portray Gis next year in in Wingen-sur-Moder honors usually valuable service in fur­ Normandy at the 60th anniversary those who helped liberate France. thering the aims of the Associa­ observance of the "D-Day" inva­ Her friendship and hospitality has tion. sion of June 6, 1944. I am hon­ done much to foster bonds of ored and humbled by that invita­ Adolphe was recognized for his friendship between citizens of tion and h ave gratefully accepted. "many years of dedicated friend­ France and the United States." ship to the members of the Asso­ I had the honor, on behalf of ciation and his unceasing efforts More trips planned the Executive Committee, of pre­ in perpetuating the m emory of We have more trips to France senting the certificates to Adolphe those Americans who gave their planned as you will read else­ and Linda. I didn't get the chance lives in the liberation of France where in this edition. I urge any of to visit with Christophe or Robert during World War II. Numerous you who are able to return to take this year but Thomas KIRSCH, monuments have been established one of the trips. The reception you AM rendered a valuable service to directly as a result of M. get will be h eartwarming. Our us by delivering the certificates to KIEFFER's work." friends welcome their American those two gentlemen. ami any time we can come. Robert was recognized for his In addition to a framed certifi­ "many years of dedicated friend- cate bea ring a representation of A bientOt.

Fall 2003 13 Editor's Bookcase

Life and times ••• material sent if this video would "Trailblazer" does not endorse be of inter est to any of our mem­ Review By any book reviewed. Opinions bers. Many in our Association Bob Hays, C/274 are those of the reviewers were approached to join "Veterans only. of the Battle of the Bulge" (VBOB) "Biography of a Battalion, The who sponsored the production; Life and Times of an Infan­ but were later informed that they try Battalion in Europe in World This book conveys the trials were only associate members of War II" was originally published by and daily experiences of a typical that group for reasons that remain Courier Press in 1950. It was combat Infantry unit. It is so totally unclear. written by James A. Huston, As­ packed with details, facts and ref­ Caveat emptor! If you are in­ sistant Professor of History, erences that it is a bit of a slow terested in this video you defi­ Purdue University. read; but there is a wealth of ma­ nitely should ask more questions. Born in 1918, J. A. Huston terial here! One criticism I have is You can call (573) 339 - 0933 and was an officer in the Third Battal­ the lack of adequate maps. There talk to the producers. ion, 134th Regiment, 35th Infan­ are too few maps. Of the maps try (Santa Fe) Division. He joined that are shown all lack a scale * the 134th, Nebraska's National and some are poor in quality. Second edition of Guard Regiment, in the states, There are also some curiosities .1.1with Fire & Zeal" close and went with his battalion from in the book. In my outfit we were the states, to England, to Nor­ given the day's "password" and Andy McMahon, E / 276 has mandy (9 July 1944) and went on "countersign." In this book the .l""1. been in touch with Patti to participate in the battles of the author mentions the "password" Bonn at Aegis Consulting and re­ hedgerows, St. Lo, Flavigny, lib­ and "reply" for several missions_ ports that the new, second edition eration of Nancy, etc. Later Hmm!! Altogether a worthwhile, if of the 276 history is in produc­ Morhange, crossing the Saar near slow, read. Much more fun if you tion. The Banns have b een busy Sarreguemines, Habkirchen, turn­ supply your own map(s). on multiple projects, but will be ing north towards Bastogne near The paperback, with a new back at work on completing this Lutrebois, the Roer to the Rhine, forward by James W. Huston (the new edition which will have an Recklinghausen, and finally a author's son) is published by added 16 pages of pictures and dash to the Elbe River north of Stackpole Books, 2003, 306 some text additions_ Magdeburg (northeast of Hanover, pages, ISBN 0-8117-2694-0. When a completion date is re­ Germany). In fact, Huston was ceived, we will be notified. In the the only officer of his battalion * meantime, thanks for your pa­ that landed at Normandy and tience. fought all the way to the Elbe .1.1Bulge" video available River (50 miles from Berlin) who * new video covering both the wasn't killed, wounded or sent 70th Infantry Division home. A battle front and the home Huston had submitted a copy front during the "Battle of the General Orders available of the manuscript to Harry S Bulge" is available. According to n paperback and privately pub­ Truman, the then sitting President publicity sent by the producers, I lished by author Brandon T. of the United States for his review the two 30- minute video seg­ Wiegand, "Index to the General (the 35th Division was Harry's old ments " ... tells the story of those Orders, 70th Infantry Division" is outfit in WWI). The book shows a who served both at home and the fifteenth in a series of indexes copy of the handwritten letter to abroad during this time." of all the Divisions, Corps and Mr. Huston, from President Tru­ The publicity tells us that it "is Armies of the US Army in WWIL man, on White House stationary, meant to be an educational video Other volumes will be published dated July 7, 1951 , sending his a school child from the 5th grade as they are completed. regards and expressing his ap­ and up should see." This book is of particular in- proval and appreciation. It is unclear from the publicity terest to all members of the Asso-

14 70th Infantry Division Association TRAILBLAZER ciation in that to the best of our not a separate listing since all tions a ccompanied by supporting knowledge, for the first time, we names are listed alphabetically in­ documentation. have a list of recipients cited in cluding both the b attle deaths and Of the 20 books purchased by the General Orders of the 70th In­ the medals awarded. the Association, 16 remained in fantry Division. It includes the Every effort has been taken to mid August 2003. The cost is $10 n a me, rank, assignment, award minimize errors and misspelled plus $3 shipping. Readers can or­ and general order number. n a mes. The error m ay have oc­ d er from Dic k Brown, D / 275; So there is no misunderstand­ curred in the source document. 12215 SE Highway 42, Weirsdale, ing, this work includes all decora­ Also, it is entirely possible that er­ FL 32195. tions cited in the known general rors occurred during transcription This item was compiled using orders of the 70th Division but of names and units. Additionally, material contributed by Steve might not be the final word on ev­ some of the origina l documents Dixon, HM; Brandon T. Wiegand, ery decoration awarded. Please were of poor print quality making author; Stan Lambert, I I 275 and note that some d ecorations to them difficult to r ead. The author Dick Brown, D I 275. m embers of the 70th Division may welcomes any corrections or addi- h ave b een cited in General Orders of other commands. Some awards of the Purple Heart are missing as Purple Hearts were cited in the Separate resting places General Orders of the hospitals to which men were evacua ted. for different races? This index a lso does not at- tempt to list all of the awards of By Ed Lane also asked if Negroes and Cauca­ the Bronze Star Medal that were Editor sians are buried together today in r etroactively awarded under our cemeteries in Europe? It took ch a nge 13 to Army Regulation ern Staley, Medic/ 274 re­ the ABMC just nine minutes to re­ 600-45, dated 4 November 1947. V cently sent m e the following spond (printed as received): Likewise, most awards of the CIB e-mail: "Interments of America n War and CMB were m ade in Special "I h ave a question for you , Dead were made at the overseas Orders of the respective Infantry hope you have answers. In De­ American military cem eteries re­ Regiments. There h as also b een cember 1945 when I was in Regi­ gardless of r ace, cr eed or ethnic n o attempt to list the unit awards, mental Headquarters Medical De­ background or rank. awards of specific b attle stars, or tachment, 7th Regiment, 3rd In­ "I have never h eard of any in­ Good Conduct Medals. fantry Division, we had a black cidents such as you have d e ­ Most general order s cited in truck driver who was killed fn a scrib ed. The initial interment of this wor k give compan y assign­ traffic accident brought to the aid American War Dead was done by ments, but a few do not. In some station. Our company clerk called the American Graves Registration cases the letter of the company our Graves Registr a tion to pick Service, Quartermaster General of was unreadable in the original him up and was told they the War Department. The estab­ document. Specifically, there is ' ... didn't do black soldiers.' It lished of the temporary American one recipient listed whose citation took two days a nd m a ny phone military cemeteries followed the calls to find a unit that handled did not give a unit but just a flow of battle. Final recoveries, branch of service, which was used blacks. We ha d no place to keep identification and p ermanent in­ him so we left him in a truck out in lieu of his unit. terments were also carried out by in the freezing weather. That Prior to the whole 70th Divi­ the American Graves Registration worked real well. sion being committed to combat, Service regardless of race or creed "Task Force Herren " was made up "What I was wondering is if Opera tions (ABMC)." of elem ents of the 70th Division. blacks were buried with whites or TF Herren issued gen era l orders did they h ave a sep a r a te cem­ Any similar incidents known to and those orders are included in etery?" our members? this work under a special source code. I sent an e-mail to the Ameri­ This index a lso includes the can Battle Monuments Commis­ names from the Adjutant Gen­ sion asking if Negro troops were eral's Battle Death Report of the buried with Caucasia ns during 70th Infantry Division. That list­ that time period or did they h ave a ing is inherent to the index and separate. segregated cem etery? I

Fall 2003 15 cu t through the dust better than water alone." Water discipline Karl Landstrom, HQ 3rd Bn/ 274 showed that the skills of lead­ got. We were further instructed By Ed Lane ership are never forgotten when he that in 'Nam, buddies would share Editor r eplied , "The 70th Infantry Divi­ one canteen and drink the entire had read an article in the Sep­ sion's SOP (standing operating contents at once, thereby prevent­ procedure) at Camp Adair con­ tember issue of "WWII His­ ing the slosh of water in a partially cerning use of canteen water dur­ I tory" relating one man's expe­ filled canteen while on patrol in rience with the 101 st Airborne ing the longer Infantry training the jungle. during WWIL An early passage marches (25-miles-in-8-hours) Today, we see our soldiers dealt with training at Fort Bragg was as follows: drinking water from their can­ and stated "They also endured 25- teens at every opportunity, even (1) salt tablet(s) taken with wa­ mile forced marches without can­ during the middle of a chapel ser­ ter before marching; teens, running the last mile back vice. Of course with the current (2) washing out mouths with to camp in cadence." commitment to desert areas that canteen water without swallowing The question immediately training makes some sense. permitted during march; and came to mind as to what water A message over the Internet discipline training did men of the (3) no water consumed during got the following replies. 70th go through. march. My own experience in basic, Norm Fellman, B / 275 wrote: My policy as a battalion com­ during Vietnam, was that we were "I h ate to admit it but I don't re­ mander was to enforce this SOP clea rly instructed a nd even ha­ m ember anything having to do strictly." rassed at times about water disci­ with canteens and or water train­ pline. Harass in this sense mean- ing. I do remember at Ft. Leonard Where Was CP-2? ing good reinforcement training Wood I used to fill my canteen from the Drill S ergeants if we for- with unsweetened tea. S eem ed to By Bob Hays C/274

Trailblazers, you stum­ 70th RSC no"' 70th RRC OK' bled off the boat with all that heavy equipment, took the n July 16, 2003 the 70th Re­ exclusively on readiness for sol­ soul shattering truck ride through 0 gional Support Command diers and units. This transition of the narrow streets of Marseilles at (RSC), US Army Reserve in Seattle functions to a separate organiza­ top speed, and wound up a t a became the 70th Regional Readi­ tion is scheduled to take three God-forsaken, barren and frigid n ess Command (RRC). Nine other years, but may be completed hill the Army called CP-2 (was regional support commands also much more quickly." there a CP-1 or CP-3?) and were ch a nged their d esignations on The release continues, "This is told to pitch your pup tent. that date. an unpreceden ted tim e for t h e The question is, lacking GPS Army as it transitions its core pro­ back then, just where in the heck A news release provided "Trail­ cesses and force designs during a were you? blazer" stated that, "The US Army time of war on multiple fronts. According to au th or Richard Reserve Command will transition The challenges are many, but our Engler, in his book "The Final Cri­ b ase operations, facilities and mission remains the same - to sis, Combat in Northern Alsace, land management r esponsibilities provide trained and ready units January 1945", published in previously carried by the regional and individuals to mobilize and 1999, (page 70). CP-2 was near support commands to the Assis­ r apidly deploy in support of the the little town of Calas, France. tant Chief of Staff for Installation National Military Strategy. The If you should ever get back in Management (ARIM) and place s peed of transformation and the the area, you might check out the computer network infrastructure flexibility of our overall business little town of Calas. If you go, stop under the Army's Network Enter­ process to adapt quickly will re­ in the cafe, order a glass of your prise Technology Command quire pro-active leadership fo­ favorite, and tip a heartfelt, sol­ (NETCOM). The 70th Regional cused on gaming timely results." emn and meaningful toast to all of Readiness Command will no Our famous Axe Head shoul­ us, the survivors; and to those of longer provide facility support-re­ der p atch identities the "new" us who lie there still, in row upon lated functions and will now focus command. row.

16 70th Infantry Division Association TRAILBLAZER and conntersigns

While exchanging e-mails with *****'* sake man, Let Us (1) Our outpost at the bridge the Editor regarding his contribu­ Through!!!" This u sually worked. was 30 Km in front of the Ameri­ tion to the Editor's Bookcase in this In early J anu ary four of us can line! We has assumed we issue, Bob Hays, C /274 was told were assigned to guard an intact were just beyond visual contact! that today's soldiers are taught a bridge across a stream , as the (2) The trees on both s ides of "Parole Word" in addition to the main body of troops withdrew to the road had been notched with "password" and "countersign". straighten out the line for better an explosive charge placed. If The parole word is a word used in defensive positions. There were large numbers of German troops a unit as an "insurance" code to explosive charges under the had been spotted approaching, the verify the validity of a soldier's bridge. Our orders were to "blow it engineers had orders to blow the knowledge of the password and if any armor approached." trees to block the road and leave countersign. A group of three medium us to our fate. And ... Bob's memories (in his own tanks, with American s ilhouette (3) the tanks were indeed ours, words) mightjar others: and white star approach ed. They stopped and a Captain came for - and everyone was happy that we let them pass. By Bob Hays ward on foot. He didn't have a C/274 clue what the password was. Said Just another day in the life of they had been looking frantically an Infantryman. ever heard of a Parole for a way across the river to rejoin Word. American Gls a nd their unit and were nearly out of What's that smell? N even tanks would, during gas. When we told him our orders, the confusion of the German win­ I swear he started to cry! By Doug Duke ter offensive (between 16 Decem- After questioning them further HQ 1st Bn/ 276 we were convinced they were au­ ber 1944 and 1 January 1945) oc­ As I was out cutting the grass casionally appear; and when chal­ thentic. We couldn't reach anyone on our power phone. What to do? this morning, I got this scent of lenged for the password would re­ "new mown hay," and it jogged my ply, "Password?!. I don't know the We disobeyed our explicit orders and let them over the bridge. memory (but not all the way). Can * * * * * * * password, not sure anyone remember which gas it even of where the h ell I am, but When a Jeep came to pick us up, with orders to abandon the was th ey said smelled like "New we've been cut off from our units Mown Hay"? and been trying to get back to the bridge outpost and r eturn us to line (MLD) for three days. For our unit (and the MLD) we learned If you can remember please several interesting things: contact our Editor.

Fall 2003 17 By Ed Lane were in a super rush, as I remem­ Editor ber." "We were on the range, qualify­ hile reading "The Trail­ ing with our M 1s when we were blazers" by Ed Arnold I visited by some brass," Norm happened on an item W Fellman, B /275 recalled. "They (page 25) showing a picture of US observed for a while and left. I Army Chief of Staff, then-General was later told that one of the George C. Marshall visiting Camp 'brass' was General Marshall. He Adair. Ed's excellent caption read never h a d the honor I pleasure of "General George Marshall, Army meeting me!" Chief of Staff, made a surprise visit, shrouded in silence, to the or Karl S . Landstrom, HQ 3rd 70th in the spring of 1944. It was Bn/ 274 this particular light­ part of a pre-invasion, nationwide F ning struck twice. "I have met inspection trip by the top military Generals Marshall and Eisen­ man in the nation. Accompanied hower. As a First Lieutenant and by Gen. Dahlquist, right, he ob­ later Captain, Infantry Reserve, I served training activities from in­ served in 1936-37 under the di­ dividuals on the rifle range to bat­ rect command of George C. talion firing problems. He praised Marshall, then a Brigadier Gen­ the Division's preparation. 'We eral, Commander of troops at need infantrymen who will not be­ Vancouver Barracks, Washington come humble, irritated, despon­ and district commander of CCC dent or reluctant to fight at the camps in the Pacific Northwest. end of intense physical difficulty. That takes a man."' "As a camp commander, I at­ That led me to ask if any of tended a commanders' call he con­ our members had met that great ducted at his headquarters in gentleman at the time. I was also 1936, but I did not meet him per­ curiou s if anyone had met any sonally. I h a d observed him walk­ other "notables" during the war ing on a street at the barracks, such as GA Eisenhower; Gen. noting his excellent military bear­ George S. Patton, Jr.; or the 7th ing, and his 'spit and polish' ap­ Army Commander, Gen. Alexander pearance in the Infantry officers Patch. The stories were immediate uniform of the time: campaign and interesting. hat with chin strap, OD shirt, 'pink' pants, and cordovan boots any probably remember with spurs. In 1936 I received an 1- MET M such events where almost efficiency r eport signed by him: mythical characters are present quality of service 'satisfactory,' de­ much as Dean Mayer, A/ 276 re­ scriptive adjective 'stubborn.' Bridge and Moro, Oregon, were in­ membered: "I recall a bibliographic writing cluded on his schedule. "Can't h elp much, but I do re­ saying how much General "I introduced myself and chat­ member the visit and met one of Marshall enjoyed visiting the CCC ted briefly with General Eisen­ the Generals; maybe Patch? They camps under his command, but hower in the spring of 1952 while neither of my camps, at McKenzie he and Mrs. Eisenhower were

18 70th Infantry Division Association TRAILBLAZER was told that the Eisenhowers E. Meyers, C /882 FA was were waiting to greet their son, H • Executive Officer of the who was due to arrive for a stop­ unit and remembers well the Visit over in Denver on his way to Ko­ of General Marshall. "He Visited rea. I noted that 'Ike' was not as our gun battery in position in the tall a man as I had anticipated, woods when we were training at but I did get a glimpse of his fa­ Camp Adair. He talked to Sgt. mous grin." Henry who was on the first gun. He asked several questions such im Hanson, L/274 also caught as how was his training and how J sight of Ike, but under differ­ was the morale of his gun crew. I ent circumstances. "In 1947 I was have been to the Washington & a student at the Army ROTC Lee Museum and registered my Summer Camp at Ft. Riley, Kan­ memories." sas. In our group from Ripon Col­ lege (Wisconsin) with me was a ohn Skeen, I/ 275 was also in school friend, probably the most J a leadership position when unmilitary man the Army ever en­ General Marshall Visited. That up countered. One hot Saturday af­ close and personal contact stuck ternoon we decided to go into the with him too. "It just so happened nearby town, Manhattan, where I was the non-com in charge of the the pool allowed anyone in uni­ firing range the day of his visit. form to swim free of charge. He walked up to me along with all "We walked out to the highway the other brass and asked how the outside the main gate to hitchhike firing was going. I told him I to Manhattan. After being passed thought the men were doing well. many times, I noticed an O.D. se­ I don't recall who the other officer dan approaching us, a big one, was that asked if I would choose a with a red shield on the bumper. soldier to demonstrate to them As I strained to see how many how effective he might be (we were stars were on it, I realized that it firing on targets at 200 yards), was a circle of five stars and then from the kneeling position. I don't remembered that General Eisen­ recall the soldier's score but I do hower was scheduled to attend a know there were no ' Maggie's meeting on the post that day. Drawers.' I also recall his parting "As I snapped to attention, I remark, saying 'Sergeant, keep up realized that my friend still had the good work.' High praise from his thumb stuck up in the air. an old soldier such as Marshall. Fortunately he was on my left, so "Later that evening he spoke at with my left arm I batted his arm a meeting for non-commissioned down, told him to salute, and with officers. I remembering him say­ stranding in front of the Denver my right saluted as smartly as ing that the success of any opera­ airport among an admiring crowd, possible under the circumstances. tion would depend a great deal on some of whom, including myself, As the sedan passed by I caught a us as we knew the capability of were asking him to autograph his glimpse of Ike laughing and point­ each man, for we had closer con­ photo, printed on the cover page ing at me and, then returning the tact with them than anyone else. of that week's 'LIFE' magazine. I salute." He said that it had been proven

Fall 2003 19 over and over that a good platoon "Th e visit by General Patton is turned his salute and suggested to sergeant was worth his weight in quite a story, but his language Frank that he have a drink and gold. So, you see I do have memo­ wouldn't begin to pass muster in asked his name . With a broad ries of meeting the General and 'Trailblazer!"' smile, General Mars hall wished h earing him speak. I would think him 'good luck' and suggested that there would be others that might rank Yarosh, C / 274 described he keep the battalion moving up." remember him s p eaking that F his meetings with two famous Fra nk was captured in a evening." officers during WWII in his book Maginot Line pillbox along with "World War 2 Is Not Over". Frank thr ee other Gis on J anuary 21, ill Bassak, E/274 told us: "I has kindly granted his permission 1945. "Early in the morning of B remember his being there for us to reproduce those memo­ April 16, 1945, in Stalag llB near when we were having a small field ries here. Fa llingbostal in Northern Ger ­ problem. I was running and en­ Frank met the top man of the many he was liberated by British countered some barbe d wire, US military while leading th e 1st Desert Rats' tanks. A British of­ which tripped me and I took a Bn and Company C as a scout on ficer and his aide visited Frank's h eader right in fron t of him, not a training maneuver on a hot day barracks. The officer interviewed more than twenty feet away! in Oregon, "he noticed an officer Frank by asking him about a Pretty e mbarrassing . He was with binoculars on top of the steep dozen questions. As the officer s quatting down near some trees, hill watching him. As Frank got was leaving, Frank quickly tagged with a n intense look on his face, closer to him he quickly presented the departing note-ta king aide and watching as the men charged arms to the elderly officer and si­ asked , 'Who is this guy?' The across the field." multaneously recogn ized General aide, with a smile, s tated , 'Field George Marshall. The General re- Marshal Montgomery."' ob Hays, C/274 met several B Generals as he reports. "After the 70th broke up, late August 1945, those of us with insufficient Weapons turn-in points to head home were reas­ sign e d to diverse n ew assign­ ne of the first things soldiers ments. After guarding a few POW "I got to thinking. Exactly learn upon entry into the US when did we turn in our small camps, I was transferred to the r e­ 0 Army is that will not drop, aban­ arms??? I would h ave gu essed sort town of Bad Homburg, about don or turn in their weapon to an that I turned in my good ol' M-1 10 km northwest of Frankfurt/ unauthorized person. Soldiers in along with all other issu ed equip­ Main. Mission: part of the unit battle zones sleep with their weap­ ment a t Ft. Dix, New Jersey where that was personal bodyguard to ons and keep them dry and clean I was discharged. But, I have no Gen. Eisenhower. So we saw him even if the soldiers are soaked and crisp memory of exactly when our on a daily basis. filthy . small arms weapons were surren ­ "While he lived on Bad Hom­ dered. Any better m em ories out burg, he shuttled in to Frankfurt, In light of the aforementioned there from our fellow Trailblaz­ where SHAEF HQ h ad taken over common exp erience, Bob Hays, ers?" th e IG Farben Headquarters build­ C/274 asked a rather interesting ing. When he went to Berlin to question recently. Old soldier Jim Hanson, L / meet with Ma rshal Zurkov, we 274 immediately had a reply: "In reading 'Biograph y of a were there, and with two cows on Battalion, The Life and Times of "My recollection is that when the train to ensure fresh milk! an Infantry Battalion in Europe in we convoyed to Bad Hersfeld from "His security was very elabo­ World War II,' a military history of the 274th in Biebrich to join the rate. And it was con stantly being th e Third Battalion, 134th Regi­ 7th Infantry, 3d Infantry Division tested. ment, of the 35th Infantry Divi­ in September 1944, we took our "General Patton did come up sion, the a uthor, J a m es A. weapon(s) with us. That included to inspect Ike's house wh en Gen­ Huston, makes the comment that our issue weapon and any combat eral Eisenhower was in the States in t he summer of 1945 they had trophy weapons we had. We welcomed by great victory pa­ orders that required them to con­ turned them in at our new com­ rades. (He caught pneumonia in tinu e to range fire their weapons pany. I have no recollection of fir­ Boston and didn't return to Eu­ even though all their weapons had ing the weapon again." rope as planned). When Ike didn't been turned in, in preparation of return General McNarney took being shipped to the states (page over and then we guarded him. 274).

20 70th Infantry Division Association TRAILBLAZER Lodging available for WW II Memorial dedication he long awaited WWil Memo­ T rial will be d edicated in events taking place over the Me­ morial Day weekend from May 2 7 t h rough May 30, 2004 in the Washington, DC area. Updates for the schedule of events are avail­ able by calling (800) 639 - 4992.

Floyd Freeman, I/275 has blocked off 20 rooms at the Holi­ day Inn, Silver Spring, Maryland for the event. Our members can get a room for just $99 plus 12% tax per night. The special rate is also in effect 2 days b efor e and 2 days after the period stated above. Call (800) 465 - 4329 for r es­ ervations. Rooms are being h eld under 70th Infantry Division. Atlantic arch, World War II Memorial. (from WWII Memorial web site)

WWII Registry of Remembrances A ccording to information sup­ brances will be accessible on site to get on a computer and go on ­ .L"1. plied by the National WWII at the National World War II Me­ line to view the registry. Memorial Processing Center: morial in Washington, DC. You Some fees are conn ected to "Anyone who h elped win the m ay register a name via the certain items added to the Regis­ war, either a veteran or an Ameri­ Internet or by mail. Registration is try such as a photo. For complete can on the home fron t, is eligible free." information call (800) 639 - 4992. for the Registry of Remembrances. The following may be used to You may enter your own name, or Please note that this registry is r egister by mail. the name of someone you wish to a computer-type registry and will Contact "Trailblazer" Editor honor for their service during the be available for view via the for information regarding Inter­ war. The Registry of Rem em- Internet. In other words you h ave net registration.

Title/ Rank: *Honor ee Name: *Honoree Status: (ch eck one) WWII Veter an Killed in WWII Civilian on the Home Front *Hometown: Branch of Service: (check one) __ Army __ Marine Corps __ Navy Air Force Coast Guard Merchant Marine Honoree's Wartime Activity: ______Your relationship to Honoree: *Your Name: *Your Address: *City: *State: *Zip Code: * Denotes r equired fields. Mail completed form to: WWII Memorial Processing Center, P. 0 . Box 305, Calverton, NY 11933.

Fall 2003 21 p X ca11 our members probably d o not know the Association We b Site; but that w e have a number of 70th In­ again, many of our members do not While working on the "The fantry Divis ion Ass ociation items have access to a computer. Keep Editor's Barracks Bag" for this is- available for sale through our PX. this ha ndy, photocopy it a nd order sue, it occurred to me that most of The form printed below appears on some neat s tuff.

Ship to:

Name: ------~ Address: ------City, State, Zip: ------

Item Cost/Item Quantity Total Belt Buckle - Combat Infantry Badge $17.00 Miniature Combat Inf. Badge $5.25 Writing Pens - 70th Logo $6.25 License Plate Frame $2.00 Inside Window Decal $1.00 70th Inf. Shoulder Patch $2.25 1" High Lapel Pin - (Div. Patch) $2.25 Red Bolo Tie $5.00 Package of 3 Golf Balls w/logo $7.00 Blue Cap with Blue Braid $10.00 12 oz. Cargo Cup with Logo $5.00 Blue T-shirts w/logo (circle size: ML XL) $13.00 Blue Sweat shirt w/logo (circle size: M L XL) $19.00 Blue Polo Shirt w/logo (circle size: M L XL) $20.00 White T-Shirt logo: "My grandfather helped liberate Europe" $10.00 3 Sheets of 70th Inf Div stamps $1.00 Picture of Fort Benning Monument 8x1O $2.50 Picture of Fort Benning Monument xerox 8x10 $1.00 70th Div. Bumper Stickers $1.00 History of 70th Inf Div Association $3.00 Plastic Pocket Coin pu rse $1.00 Sub-Total= Shipping = Total=

Shipping and Handling (USA): Shipping Charges for Send Order and Payment to: Up to $10.00 ...... add $3.00 items to be sent out­ (Checks to be made payable to : 70th Inf. Div. Assoc.) $10.01 to $25.00 .... add $5.00 side the USA are due $25.01 to $40.00 ... .add $7.00 before items are sent Dick Brown and Sons Over $40.00 ...... add $9.00 and payable in US 12215 SE Highway 42 Currency. Weirsdale, Fl. 32195

22 70th Infantry Division Association TRAILBLAZER LIBERATION Part 1

After four and a half months the water line was laid, there was weaker than others, many had to being held POW, Stan Lambert, I I the faintest touch of nostalgia for stop frequently because of dysen­ 275 left the POW compound what might have been. This was a tery, and all would search like (Stalag). This is his story of libera­ country of neat fields and clean hungry cattle along the roadside tion, in his own words. forests, flanked by compact vil­ for a stray stalk of rhubarb. lages set in the breaks above the Neither the harried guards nor By Stan Lambert Elbe River. German farmers could keep the I/ 275 The Elbe at this spot was a broken lines of prisoners from magnificent stream, cut deeply spreading into freshly planted po­ onday, May 7, 1945 into the face of the earth so as to tato fields near the road and un­ dawned radiantly clear. leave no messy floodplain. No in­ earthing the yet unsprouted tu­ M After several hours of dustrial clutter lined its banks in bers. The potatoes wer e whole, bustling and confusion, the small ones planted in wh at winter occupants of appeared to be listed fields, Lilienstein Lager were going but instead of planting in out of its gates for the last the furrows as American time. Everyone picked up farmers planted their corn, his valuables and belong­ the Germans planted their ings before leaving his hut. p otatoes in the ridges. For most of us this included Wor king t h e ridges much only the clothing we wore. like a gopher, we could Typically this was under - make a fair collection before wear, a wool O.D. uniform, the guards or an irate Ger­ herringbone twill denims, a man farmer, waving a field jacket and an overcoat. smoking pistol over his Footwear was combat boots, head, could chase us out. although a few were lucky The first night out of enough to have been issued camp we spent in and shoe packs before capture. around a large barn north Many hung onto this of a village. There was a heavy load of clothing for at considerable delay before least two days because of Artwork by Peter HTexH Bennet our departure the next night chill in the open and morning. We spent the time the lack of warmth on our bony that immediate area. No area on roasting potatoes or hunting for frames. Loss of weight was easily God's earth, least of all this one, mor e. I was fortunate enough to evident in the drawn face, bulging was meant for the forced labor of find and roast a morsel, the like of eyes and loose clothing. emaciated prisoners. It has since which I had never eaten before nor Hollywood's films have never ad­ been easy to understand why since. It was a large snail. The equately portrayed this appear­ Dresden, only twenty-five miles flesh inside the shell was deli­ ance in the prison movies. My loss from Lilienstein, had for centuries cious. of weight from I 70 pounds to ap­ been a center for cultural art, es­ When we finally moved out, we proximately 120 pounds was typi­ pecially music. stopped briefly at the edge of the cal of Lilienstein Lager's village and received a very small "Kriegsgefangeners." y midday we were several ration of bread which the guards I had no regrets at leaving the B miles from camp. The guards had evidently arranged for us. prison camp. In fact there was tried to keep us in a relatively Had they realized the proxim­ much hopeful anticipation of compact formation, but the strag­ ity of the Russian forces, the reaching Uncle Sam's Army and gling line of some nine hundred guards would surely have man­ its limitless supply of food. But Americans and two hundred Brit­ aged an earlier departure. ish became hopelessly strung out looking out through the trees to To be continued .. .. the now beautiful open field where and disorganized. Some were

Fall 2003 23 Miller nvins still together

We've often reported on broth­ city of Rome. Meanwhile, Charles Victory Medal, Combat Infantry ers in the Division; now a family escorted three news photogra­ Badge, Rifle Qualification Badge member updates us on one set. phers across the mountains to and Drivers Badge. Diane Miller (daughter of Dean Berchtesgaden (Hitler's famous After the war the brothers Miller and niece of brother hideout) to do a story there. made their homes on part of the Charles, both H / 274) provides the The brothers embarked from le original family farm. They were update on a set of twins. Havre, France to r eturn to the employed by Evans Pipe Co., US United States on the SS Sea Stur­ Concrete, and retired from By Diana Miller geon. The ship hit an iceberg, but Reymond Machine in 1987. Dean five days later on March 21, 1946, and the former Roberta Farlow (of win brothers Dean B. and limped into harbor in New Jersey. Uhrichsville, Ohio) have a son, a T Charles E. Miller, 8 1, both of The Millers were discharged daughter and three grandchil­ Bowerston (Ohio) area were in­ from the Army at Camp Atterbury, dren. Charles and the former ducted into the Army on March 3, Indiana on March 26. Both had Anna Roznek have a son, one 1943 at Fort Hayes, Ohio. After received the Bronze Star Medal, grandson, and one great-grand­ completing basic training at Fort Good Conduct Medal, American son. Riley, Kansas and while awaiting Campaign Medal, European-Afri­ (Editor's note: For more on further orders, the men worked as can-Middle East Campaign Medal brothers in the ?0th see Summer groundskeepers for an officer: the (with four campaign stars), Army 1987, Spring 1999, Winter 1999 now-famous designer Oleg Cassini of Occupation Medal, World War II and Winter 2002.) and his wife, actress Gene Tierney. The Millers went on to Camp L/276 update Hood, Texas then to Fort Leonard By Joanne Shaffer only days after he and his wife, Wood, Missouri where they joined AuxMem Zula celebrated their 64th wed­ the 70th Infantry (Trailblazers) Di­ ding anniversary. He was also in vision. On December 1, 1944 the n recent months L / 276 has mortars. Both Arthur and Zula brothers embarked from Camp been hit hard with deaths, we had attended several of the re­ Miles Standish at Boston, Massa­ I lost three men and another three unions. chusetts aboard the SS Mariposa, lost wives. Some have a lready landing at Marseilles, France on R. R. "Bob" Braun of Racine, b een mentioned in these pages, December 10. Before then, Wisconsin passed away on Janu­ but I wanted to let everyone know Marseilles had been the landing ary 13. h e was a rifleman and had the loss we as members of the L / point for their father in WWI. received two Purple Hearts. He 276 family have felt. As part of Task Force Herren, and wife Doris had attended many Dean and Charles were in the It began with the death of of the reunions. 274th Infantry Regiment/70th In­ Virgil Saville of Martinsburg, Billye Burtner (wife of Gene) fantry Division which in turn was West Virginia on November 2, died April 15 in Keller, Texas. Her assigned to 7th Army commanded 2002. He was in mortars. He had death came only days before the by General Alexander M. Patch. attended most of the Association southern States Reunion in Fort Beginning December 26, the twins reunions since 1982 and most of Worth which Gene and A. R. were in combat for 83 consecutive L/ 276 reunions as well. His de­ "Preach" Horton had arranged. days assigned as heavy weapons clining health kept him from at­ Billye had attended most of the re­ ammunition bearers for their bat­ tending either in the last few years unions a nd she and Gene had talion. though. gone on several of the trips back After the war, serving on occu­ Wadie Sturgill (wife of Frank­ to Germany and France. pation duty, the brothers served lin) died January 1 , 2003 in in Salzburg and Vienna, Austria (Joanne is the widow of Luther Chilhowie, Virginia. Bonnie Smith helping repatriate displaced per­ Shaffer, L /276. Her message to us (wife of Phil "Smitty") passed sons. Dean was escort to the com­ is a peifect example of the mission away January 8 this year in Madi­ manding general and later took an of "Trailblazer": to keep the mem­ son, Wisconsin. officer to Florence, Italy to be mar­ bership iriformed. Thanks Joanne.) ried. During this time he was able Arthur Plunk of Mountain to spend several days touring the Grove, Missouri died January 30

24 10th Infantry Division Association TRAILBLAZER A Wedding!!!!! Floyd has a trip

hat a pleasure to announce loyd Freeman, I/275 can't W a wedding in these pages! F get enough of travel even in Daphne Pinion, AM married Mr. "retirement." Floyd has arranged Kenneth Boyd Melvin, III on June a trip to Europe, called the "Hol­ 9, 2003. The couple was wed deep land to Hungary River Cruise" in the h eart of Dixie at Orange from April 2 7 through May 13, Beach, Alabama. 2004. Now comes the fun s tuff. Ac­ After an overnight flight to cording to Daphne, "The wedding Amsterdam you'll transfer to MS party, all barefooted, consisted of River Odyssey . You will cruise the our children, Cameron, 11; Bailey , Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers 7; Sarah Jane, 7; and Hannah, 23 from Cologne through Ruders­ months. We exchanged our vows heim/ Loblenz, Frankfurt/Mainz, as we faced the Gulf of Mexico Wertheim, Wurzburg, Bamberg, while the sun was setting. It was Nuremburg, Regensburg, Passau, absolutely beautiful!" Germany; Durnstein, and Vienna, Daphne continued, "Ken and I Austria and then wind up cruising are grammar school sweethearts; the Danube to Budapest, Hun­ h e was the first b oy I ever kissed. gary. He is a carpenter by trade. H e Total cost including all shore owns his own construction com­ Herb Ho/ober, Communications Ser­ excursions is $3,299 plus a port pany that specializes in larger geant, AT/275 at Reifenberg, Germany, tax of$240. custom homes. He is a wonderful July 10, 1945. man and an excellent father!" (Photo courtesy of Herb Holober) A pre-cruise option for the 70th Infantry Division Association Daphne of course is t he is available if Floyd can get 25 daughter of Herman and Beverly to "AJ" has been well documented participants. If enough book costs Pinion, AM and cousin of Karen in these pages and is the subject will then be figured. That option Gardiner, AM. Beverly is the of a book currently being written would include departing for younger sister of A. J. Hollings­ by Karen and Daphne. Amsterdam on April 21 with a wort h, C / 274 who was KIA at Congratulations to the happy stop over in Amsterdam. Then Philippsbourg on January 4 , couple and welcome to the 70th charter bus to Saarbrucken and 1945. The story of the family's Infantry Division Association fam­ from there visit the battle sights, ily Ken. ques t to find out what happened monuments and the St. Avold Military Cemetery. On April 28 the charter bus returns to Amsterdam to board the MS River IN MEMORIAM Odyssey for the cruise. 11 11 Final payments must be made by February 21, 2004. In compliance with action taken contribution is being made. by the Executive Committee meet­ For total costs, method of pay­ ing in Denver in 1999, the 70th In- * ment and arrangements for flights fantry Division Association has es­ Mrs. Richard E . Davis has from city of residence, contact tablished a Memorial Fund to given $16 in memory of her hus­ Floyd at Freeman Travel Tours, honor a comrade in arms, unit of band Richard E. Davis, SV / 274. 16813 Jeanette Ave., Cerritos, CA the 70th or a deceased member of 90703 or call him at (562) 926 - the Association. In this column w e ~ 6828 for details. will list the donor and the honoree. " ... Wefew, we happyfew, we NOTE: MS River Odyssey is Please make out y our checks band of brothers; not wheelchair accessible. Ship's "For he today that sheds his to: Memorial Fund, 70th Infantry country of registry is Switzerland. Div ision Associati on and send blood with me them to Don Lindgren, Treasurer. "Shall be my brother . . . . " Please note in whose name the

Fall 2003 25 Reunions ______Michiganders get together By Jim Skalitzky A/ 276

n May 13, 2004 the Michigan 0 group held their annual get together at Coyles in Houghton Lake, Michigan. Guy Barber, CN/ 276 had two of his sons with him. Charles and Lou Langridge, G/ 274 had their son Ken with them. Ken took some good pictures of our group last year and repeated the perfor­ mance this year. Dean Mayer, A/ 276 says he is only a mile over the border from Michigan (in Fremont, Indiana) so Michigonders obviously have a good time when the get together. Front row (left to we were glad to have him also. right): Harry William, L/275; Lee Bakker, H/275; Gene Mead, E/276; Glenn Harry and Rita Williams, L/ TenBrink, F/276, and Guy Sarber, CN/276. Second row {left to right): John Corso, 275 were n ew to the group this B/884 FA; Charles Langridge, G/274; Clarence Fosbender, F/276; Jack Schrot, AT/ year. 275, and Dick Salisbury, 1/274. Third row (left to right): Ken Barnes, D/275; Dean We had a wonderful group of Mayer, A/276, and Walter Drenth, D/274. Back row (left to right): Jim Skalitzky, A/276; Gary Veldman, HQ/1st Bn/274; Marcus Demsich, G/275; Art Szymanski, 39 people. We are hoping to make HQ/3rd Bn/274; Ed Sreuker, K/276, and Harold Geers, A/274. that 40 next year. (Photo courtesy Bonnie Skolitzky) C/275 reunites in Indiana, PA By A. W. Rorabaugh We were also privileged to have ited Niagara Falls, Canada. That's C / 275 Dick and Dorothy Lykke of I/ 275 a trip Dick will long remember as join us from Minnesota. Dick and he wound up in the hospital. No ay 13, 2003 marked the an­ Dorothy spent a week with Joan complications though and every­ M nual Pennsylvania reunion and me, during which time we vis- thing is back to normal. of C/ 275. This year the outfit met at the Holiday Inn in Indiana, Pennsylvania for their annual buf­ Western States schedules spring reunion f et luncheon and get together. By Dale Bowlin 15 to Sunday, the 18th. The Quay Honorary First Sergeant Joan C/883 FA has offered a double room rate of Rorabaugh arranged the gather­ $55, exceptionally attractive for a ing. ancouver, Washington, just three-star facility. The many at­ Participants included Ed and across the Columbia River tractions in the area include the Nancy Neill, Pete and Helen Wy­ V from Portland, Oregon will be the scenic Columbia River Gorge and socki, Harold and Phyllis Neff site of the 16th annual Western the National Historic site that in­ and Bill and Joan Rorabaugh. States Regional Reunion next cludes the restored Fort Bill Mitchell passed away ear­ April. For those who attended our Vancouver, Officers Row and the lier this year. He and Pat were reunion in April 1990, you will re­ historic Vancouver Barracks. With sorely missed at the gathering. member the fme accommodations the rich military history of After our meeting. we visited at the Red Lion Hotel at the north Vancouver there will be many op­ the Jimmy Stewart Museum end of the I-5 bridge that connects portunities to b e reminded of our which has a great documentary on Portland and Vancouver. WWII experien ces. The Mt. St. his life and career. The dates are Thursday, April Helens Volcano Visitor's Center is

26 70th Infantry Division Association TRAILBLAZER a one hour drive north and the or after the reunion. Hotel reser­ Quay (360) 694-8341. Specify the spectacular Oregon Coast is two vation and reunion registration 70th Infantry Division Association hours to the west. forms will appear in the winter is­ Western States Reunion to receive You are encouraged to make sue of "Trailblazer." However, you our special r ate. The Red Lion your plans now to attend the four­ "plan-aheaders" can get your hotel also has a web site with many in­ day reunion combining it with r eservations now by calling the teresting links. Contact me via e­ some exciting sightseeing before Red Lion Hotel Vancouver at the mail for that "address."

Mail Call Thanks from Paris these stories. I thank you for this Had the p leasur e of visiting website. the area in June 2000, met the Web master S teve Dixon for­ I am so proud of all of you, warded thejollowing: owner of the hotel and some of his and this is the first time I can tell friends. I never though t I would Hello! this to you, and thank you forever. be interested in seeing the area I am very happy to discover You are, in many French fami­ again b ecau se of th e memories, your website! lies of Alsace, heroes, and we will lost some friends there, but I en­ YOU GAVE FREEDOM TO MY never forget you! joyed the visit very m u ch. FAMILY! I really don't know what can I Cliff Brown I'm 40. My grandfather and do to thank you. F / 274 my father where talking so many Please forgive my very bad En­ times to me of those days! I r e­ glish. member my grandfather's tear s Underpass: second worst Nicolas Trautmann when he was remembering of all Received the Summer issue Paris, France those US soldiers, often ver y July 14th in Edmond, OK. young, who where hardly and Really enjoyed Diane Kessler's bravely fighting around of Revealing visit article on the visit to Wingen. My Rothbach, Niederbronn or Matt­ Received my "Trailblazer" to­ time ther e in 1945 was not very stal (Alsace). And, a few moments day, Monday, July 14. much fu n; I was wounded just on after fightin g hard, how much Have already looked at every "the German side of the infamous they were good with people, help­ page, will go back and devour the underpass." On the night of ing the population, smiling and entire contents as soon as I find a January 4 my participa tion in the friendly with the children, giving few extra minutes. war came to an abrupt halt. their own food, chocolate or ciga­ I have enjoyed your reports Actually, the underpass was rettes and leavin g for fighting from Europ e, especially the one the second most hazardous battle again! from the Spicheren area. I was in. The previous night B / I remember the story of that I was wounded on Spicheren 276 was involved up in the hills in US soldier who, under t h e Ger­ Heights on February 22, 1945. We that effort to "slow down t he Ger­ man fire, carry in his arms a had just advanced from town over man advance." young man to bring him safe in a the open terrain to the wooded Frank Simonton house, and after came back to his area near wh er e the hotel is lo­ B/ 276 position, always under frre! cated. Tree burst from an 88 got There are so many stories they me. told me about you all. But all say the same story: how those sol­ diers, coming from a far country, Std ca{t ____ where brave and friendly. All my childhood I heard the Byron McNeely, I/274 had has been in rhythm and has re­ stor y of the days you came in quite a bout getting his h eartbeat gained much of his strength and Alsace. Small stories, tragic sto­ r egulated as readers might recall. energy. ries, stories of emotion and happi­ In his latest "I/274 Infantry News" Byron r epor ts that his wife, ness. For the first time, I can put Byron reports that since receiving Gwen is fine after laproscopic gall some names, some pictures, on the heart ablation on March 7 he bladder s urgery on April 18. She

Fall 2003 27 was in th e hospital at 11 a.m. and time according to Army. John "His health has declined rather h ome by 6 p.m. Holihan celebr ated our nation's dra matically in recent months." birthday with more than the u sual Paul would like to receive cards * bang. John h ad been munching from you or if you are on com - On June 23, Vi Arnold, wife of antacid pills for heartburn, but a puter, feel free to send him an e­ Editor Emeritus Ed Arnold, HQ I visit with his doc led to an emer­ mail. 70; underwent emergency gall gency trip to the hospital and According to Joanne, "Paul bla dder sur gery. Vi is up and double by-pass surgery. John re­ h as lost almost all mobility, to the around now and both the Arnold's ports a good r ecovery is taking point that he needs to be assisted appreciate your warm wishes. place though. to get up from his bed to use his Jim Lassiter has completed walker. The walker, in t urn, merely helps him get to the bed­ In the last issue* we told you of ra diation treatments for prostate side commode. Essentially, h e no late breaking news that Reiko Sole cancer and is feeling pretty good. longer leaves his room most of th e (wife of Bill, K/275) had been seri­ The next project is getting his dia­ time. Mind still great, although a ously injured at her home. betes under control. little slower to expr ess t h e By mid August Bill was able to Joe Priest had prostate prob­ thoughts, due to some s p eaking r eport that "Reiko is progr essing lem s bu t after 40 or so weeks of difficulties. His eyesight is nearly well - but not as well as she treatment he reports that he all gone, a major blow for a man would like . Sh e h ates the body seems to be fully recovered. who r ead with photographic re­ a nd n eck braces a nd wanted John Warhola had cataract call. It is a depressing condition. (hoped) to get rid of them at our sur gery r ecently according to I'm sure others have had similar last visit. Everybody told her that Army, now some follow-up work or worse problems over the years. six months is normal and three on his eyelids is necessary. "The Association was and is an months is unusual so naturally extremely important part of his after one month the answer is no. Ed Wring suffered a heart at­ life, a link to the most formative She has problems with her hands tack earlier this year, which h e's part of his early adult years. It a nd arms but the occupational fighting with medication and would be wonderful to be in touch therapist says she is doing quite physical therapy. He is driving well." again though. with several of you again, and of course, we thank those who h ave * * b een there over the years. F. Gerrit Veldman, HQ 1st At the end of Augu st we got an "We especially grieve over the Bn / 274 reported in on August 12 . update on Lloyd Lewis, A/ 275 death of Charlie Pence, although it He said h e h ad "ju s t returned from his daughter, Sheryl (Lewis) seems that may have been a re­ h om e from the hospital after hav­ Colson: lease from a most difficult situa­ ing a heart attack. I was fortu­ "Dad is doing a little better, fi­ tion. What silly stories they used nate. Only the bottom of the h eart n ally corning out of the effects of to tell on each other from the re­ was affected. Th e angioplasty was the last rou nd of ch emo. Ha ir unions! I was stunned to realize performed a nd there wer e two starting to grow again and he is a that a lthough Paul and Ch arlie blockages. They were cleaned out little stronger than he has been all ha d fought almost side by side as and stints put in place. This oc­ summer . . . . He is really looking young m en, and subse quen tly curred on Saturday and I came forward to th e mini reunion Sep­ worked in the same organization, home Monday afternoon." tember 4 through 7 in Cedar Rap­ they did not actually meet until the Philadelphia reunion 19 years You can write t his lucky guy ids." ago." at: 2575 Friendship Lane, Mus ­ Any of you who have b een kegon , MI 49442. through chemo know what Lloyd If you want to call and talk, has been going through. If you dial (703 ) 533 - 0876. Address * want to drop him a line send it to your mail to Paul at: 3243 Valley From Army Leggett, GI 2 7 4 via him at: 27288 Newton Rd., Sar­ Ln, Falls Church, VA 22044. his "George Company Journal" coxie, MO 64862. Joanne tells us that if anyone is in comes word that Dean Banker is the area, please feel most welcome making a good recove ry from * to visit. open-heart su rgery on May 23rd. Paul Gartenmann, B/275 re­ Quite a turn out for sick slips mains on the sick list. According at the G/274 orderly room this to a recent upda te by wife Joanne,

28 70th Infantry Division Association TRAILBLAZER Lost Buddies ______

tephen A. O'Conner is looking Bruce M. Campbell, J r. (a S for infor mation concerning his Petty Officer in the Royal Austra­ grandfather, John Wilford Black, lian Navy) is actively involved in G/ 275. John served as a Ffc. with searching for information con­ the outfit beginning April 24, cerning h is late father, Bruce 1944. He was discharged on May Campbell who served as a Cap­ 16, 1946. tain in Recon Troop while with the John passed away this sum­ Division in combat. You may re­ mer and now Stephen is building member Bru ce's request first a shadow box commemorating sig­ came to us in the Spring 1999 nifi.cant events of his grandfather's (pages 22 and 23) issue. time in the military. Like many on A letter to the National Per­ similar missions Stephen does not sonal Records Center got a report have any of granddad's military of Separation. Of course the cen­ documents except for his Honor­ ter responded with a form letter able Discharge Certificate. He has stating that all other documents been told, like so many others, pertaining to the senior Campbell that the records were "destroyed" were lost in the infamous fire in in the great fire of 1973. the 1970s. We have reported Your memor ies of the man many times in t hese pages what might be refreshed by the picture. an outright lie that excuse is, but If anyone knows anything about that does not help our Australian John please contact Stephen at: friend. 341 Malden Lane, Newport News, Does anyone remember this soldier, Bruce senior might have come VA 23602 or call him at (757) John Wilford Black, G/ 275 - shown to the Division as a replacement 874-8712. here w ith his wife Elsie Jordan Black. as his report of separation shows See item at le~ for details. he has a campaign credit for * (Photo courtesy Stephen A. O'Conner} Northern France, something that Fielding Greaves, A/ 884 FA units of the division did n ot get. served as Battery Executive Of­ patch. In r eviewing photos that The record shows he was wounded ficer and Air Observer. He recently John took, Joe was able to estab­ in action on February 18, 1945 at found and joined the Association. lish that John was in the "Woolfedin," Alsace-Lorraine (with Fielding enjoyed going through the Philippsbourg, Saarbrucken and a poor photo copy the spelling of roster looking for old friends. He eventually Heidelburg between the town is unsure) and again at would be interested in hearing if January and June 1945. Forbach on March 24, 1945. anyone remembers his old buddy It is also known that John One thing that might jar Lieutenant Joseph L. Fontilla, Cl served in a medical detachment, memories is the fact that Bruce, 884 FA wh o was also an Air Ob­ possibly with the 275th Regiment Sr. was 6 feet 2 inches tall, server. (this is a gu ess based on photo­ weighed 200 pou nds and spoke Fielding can be reached at: P. graphic evidence). Joe has nu­ with an Australian accent. Now 0. Box 150368, San Raphael, CA merous photos that John took most of us "Yanks" would take an 94915 or you can call him at (415) during the above time frame and accent such as that to be British. 456 - 4198. has seen some of the same loca­ Six-two and 200 pounds was a tions (aid stations and scenery) pretty big man back then th ough * depicted in other photos on our regardless of accent. Joe Boehr is trying to obtain web site. John's photos show 1st You can contact Petty Officer information about his father, Staff and 3rd battalion aid stations Bruce M . Campbell, J r. , at: Sergeant John H . Boehr. John throughout the area. ANZAC - CSTT, HMAS WATSON, passed away in 1993 and did not You can contact Joe at: 7029 Watsons Bay, NSW 2030. Call him talk much about the war when Lake Bluff Court, Knoxville, TN or at: (02) 9337-0652. Joe was growing up. you can call him at (865) 577 - Joe knows that John had a 3130. * "Trailblazer" patch on his uniform James Vaught, HQ / Divar ty along with an a r mored division * would like to hear from any of his

Fall 2003 29 buddies from the 70th Infantry Di­ vision Baseball/ Softball teams. 275th Infantry Regiment James played on the teams after war. Seems as if the teams trav­ eled all over Germany via deuce­ history update and-a-half playing other division's By Tim Desiderio I'm making every effort to gather teams. AM this information, but there are a You can write Jim at: 27 couple problems most of you are North Taft Ave., Evansville, IN he manuscript is coming aware of. First, many (too many) 47711 or you can call him at (812) T along. men who were wounded were 476 - 4328. evacuated and didn't return to the Written Material: I've been in division, so there's no record in touch with many, but not all, of * the 70th Infantry Division files for Ken Gleeson is trying to obtain those who responded to the survey those men awarded a Purple information about his grand­ that was in "Trailblazer" earlier Heart. Any number of supporting father's military service and possi­ this year. For those I haven't yet hospitals, in Europe and the bly locate a ny surviving veterans contacted, who indicated they had United States made the award (or who may remember him. Ernest written something I should con­ should have). Earl Watkins , originally from sider, it would be a great help if Dalton, Georgia was a Sergeant in you could mail a copy to me. And, If you r eceived a Purple Heart the 276th Infantry. if you didn't have an opportunity under those circumstances, I Any information would be to return a survey, but have some­ would appreciate receiving a copy greatly appreciated. Grandson thing you'd like me to see, now of the order. In addition, many Ken is interested in joining the As­ would be a good time to send it men were transferred to other sociation and would like to attend along. units during the summer of 1945. the next reunion in 2004. If you received an award of the Photographs: I'm still looking You can contact Ken at: 8051 Purple Heart or higher by another for quality photographs (surviving W. River Dr., Russell Township, division, for service performed in negatives are even better). Action OH 44072 or you can call him at the 70th Infantry Division, please shots of soldiers doing something (440) 338 - 6573. provide a copy of the order. By far, - training, marching, etc., will be the majority of men went to the 3d a good fit. Also, early photographs Infantry Division and I've been * (probably taken during occupa­ Gavin Wells is looking for in- through their General Order file at tion, or soon thereafter) of battle­ formation concerning his grandfa­ the Archives. But, this file, in par­ field locations, towns, buildings, ther, Robert C. Wells. It is be­ ticular, is not only huge, it's in bunkers, etc., are desirable. lieved that Robert was a 2nd Lieu­ very rough shape. I'm going to go tenant and was with the Division Awards: There will be an through it again, but many GOs when it was activated at Camp awards annex or appendix listing, are missing. So, any back-up Adair. During his service Robert by award, organized by units for would help to ensure we have as received a Silver Star and a pro­ awards through the Purple Heart. complete a listing as possible. motion to 1st Lieutenant but it is Many of you know Roy Veary, uncerta in with what outfit he C/275 who was captured at served after Camp Adair. Philippsbourg. You can contact Gavin at: 775 Lost ring found After Roy left the Army he be­ NW Conifer Blvd., Corvallis, OR came a professional illustrator un­ 97330. A few years ago a man found a 70th Infantry Divi­ til his retirement. Several months sion ring. He is anxious to ago Roy got in touch with me and * offered his services doing illustra­ Kenneth A. Corr would like to get it back to its rightful tions, maps, etc. He's doing mar­ hear from anyone who r emembers owner. The ring is inscribed velous work, and I'm sure you'll be his father, William R. Corr, Jr., "RCS 37264112" which is delighted with the results of the CN/274. probably the initials and ASN major contribution he's making. William was a TI 5 with battle of the owner. If the ring be­ credits for the Rhineland and Cen- longs to you contact George Thanks to all of you who've tral Europe. E. Jonsson, 11822 La mp­ been in touch and submitted m a­ You can contact Kenneth at: lighter St., Garden Grove, CA terial and photographs. 1747 Overton Park Ave., Mem­ 92845. phis , TN 38112.

30 70th Infantry Division Association TRAILBLAZER ~ettelt ta tk e&ttPt ______UT he Old Footlocker," sum- his discretion. And his discretion­ The statemen t th at the worst mer 2003 (pages 4-6) con­ a r y decisions were ob viously of the problems was censorship tains some major errors which pretty good because General Ernst was made. As I have explained re­ shouldn't be ignored. Taking won the "Best Army Post" award peatedly in the past, there are two those that caught my eye in their during his assignment as com­ simple rules, civility and no parti­ order of appearance, the first mander. You will remember in the san politics. When one message reads: " ... a thousand Gis could 40s the shouting from the ranks, from the then-editor failed to meet have stopped all the rioting if the "Get the tr oops out of the hot that standard, it was not posted shoot-to-kill order had been given. sun!" and h e was informed of the reason And don't tell me that of the mil­ The band was most definitely at the time. There have to be lions of troops that Franks com­ present and played, among other minimal standards, and the vast manded he couldn't have found a things, "Oh, Susannah!" in their majority of our site users seem to thousand for MP.du ty ...." effort to honor and please t h e agree about that simple fact. Un­ The fact is, a highly specialized 70th. The Secretary of the Army fortunately, under the new system infantryman cannot be con verted made the decision to send General th e offense is posted before any­ to an equally highly trained mili­ Franks to us from Third Army thing can be done about it. I'm al­ tary policeman with the wave of a headquarters at Ft. Stewart as our ways watching for a better way to wand. Each soldier had to be fo­ guest speaker in still another ef­ handle this problem, and if any of cused on the mission at hand ac­ fo rt to honor our division. Person­ you come across one before we do, cording to his specialty. General ally, I will always be grateful to I'd cer tainly appreciate hearing Franks had 220,000 troops, not him for doing that fo r u s . about it. millions. But most importantly, The comments regarding the Meanwhile, I realize it is the we were in Iraq to overturn the new Yahoo site also require expla­ dog days of summer and people do government with as few civilian nation. While none of us is en­ get testy, but there is also a re­ casualties as was possible. We tirely happy with this site, it was sponsibility here to keep the facts train very hard and develop tech­ n ecessary to go there to continue straight. nologies with primary aim to avoid the Blazer net because of the new Jim Hanson civilian casualties. Had we n ot restrictions on mass mailings. L/ 274 done that we would have risked a far wider war with other Islamic countries. Komputer http:/ / trailblazersww2.org The next would be "I have - never forgotten the discourtesy he Korner By Steve Dixon, Webmaster showed the 70th when we dedi- cated our monument at F ort ell, summer has passed and 274th: A, B (in progress), I and Benning. He wouldn't let the post it see ms ever yone has K band play at the ceremony - it W taken some time off. . . including was too hot! He wouldn't give us a No suppor t tr oop histories those who visit the site. Numbers color guard and he wouldn't let u s h ave been posted at this date. I are down from May through July. u se our own men for that duty!" will start on those after comple­ Firstly, General Franks was H ere are the visitor totals for tion of the Infantry Companies. n ever the commander of For t the following months: I have also been busy getting Benning; he was serving as Com­ all the pictures categorized and May 12,289 mander of Third U.S. Army at the easier to view. I have m ore than time . It was Major General Ernst, June 10,041 300 photos that need to be done. Ft. Benning post commander, July 9,644 So far I am at page 21 and count­ whose policy it was to protect his ing and that doesn't include the Work continues unabated in support troops, especially arty! troops and post guests from expo­ posting company h istories. To sure to intense heat during cer­ date the following companies have I want to thank those who an­ emonies. All this was explained at been posted: swered my request about the the time. (As you remember it was house to house searches in July a very hot day and we were all 276th: A (two versions), G 1945. Those commen ts appear in asked to wear light clothing and 275th: Reg Hqs, AT, A, C, D, F, this issue. use sun screen.) This is a right G Until next tim e! the post commander has to use at

Fall 2003 31 Call(ed) to quarters

onald C. "Charlie" Pence, his second retirement in Decem­ J\rmy Leggett, GI 274 reports D B /275 passed away August ber 1973. .t'"1. the passing of company mate 27, 2003 at the age of 82. Though Active in the Association, James Matthews on August 5. Charlie h a d suffered in the past Charlie was always willing to an­ 2003. James battled diabetes and few years from Lewy's Bodies Dis­ swer any questions concerning the an ulcerated stomach. In the end ease (which is a combination of history of the division. In 1981, pneumonia set in. Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Dis­ with Eugene J. Petersen, SV / 275 James and widow Mildred eases) death resulted from a fall at h e co-authored a history of the were active participants in both G his home. 275th, "Ordeal in the Vosges." Company and 70th Infantry Divi­ He was born August 20, 1921 Typically, that book was humbly sion Association activities as long at Fort Sam Houston, Texas where dedicated to the men of the regi­ as his health permitted. Mildred his father was assigned to the 9th ment who died serving their coun­ said that James continued to hope Infantry. He grew up on Army try. In 1982 h e was named to the h e could make the G / 2 74 Bran­ posts across the US and one in first group to receive the "Out­ son reunion in October, although Tientsin, China. After graduating standing Trailblazer Award". The it would n ever have been possible. from high school and spending exact da te of appointment is un­ Army tells us that James will one year in civilian college, Charlie known, but in the April 1983 edi­ be missed . He cites James as "a entered the United States Military tion of "Trailblazer" his name ap­ good soldier who won a Silver Star Academy at West Point in July pears as an Association Historian. in WWII." 1940. Due to war time accelera­ At the Cincinnati Reunion in 2000 Mildred 's new address is: 7 tions h e was graduated with the Charlie was elevated to the posi­ De la ware St., Wheeling. WV class of June, 1943. tion of "Historia n Emeritus" in 26003. In September of tha t year h e r ecognition of his many years of joined the division at Camp Adair dedicated service to the Associa­ * after attending the Infantry school tion. rom Henry Clarke, AT/ 274 a t Fort Benning. He was assigned Active and loyal to the last, in F comes word of the death of as a rifle platoon leader in E/275. January Charlie h a d spent several his squad leader , Clayton D. Upon his arrival in France he was days with Tim Desiderio, AM as­ "Joe" Perino on March 8, 2003. Adjutant of the 275th. In late sisting Tim in the r esearch for the Joe was 93 when h e passed away January 1945 he was assigned to forthcoming history of the 275th. at his home in Peoria, Illinois . command the new B/275. That Married to Mary Sue Wilson in Henry paid tribute to Joe by unit was reconstituted a t that March 1946 he was the father of saying he "was a good solider and time after its near annihilation in four daughters. He was preceded a good 'non com', a friend of every­ the Vosges fighting. in death by his beloved Mary Sue. one in the company. Joe was like In early February h e was al­ Char lie is survived b y his a father to most of u s younger sol­ most mortally wounded on a com­ d a ughters, eight grandchildren, diers ... a real nice person." b at patrol near Grosblieder stroff. eight great-grandchildren and ev­ Henry went on to explain that Joe For the action in which h e was ery American who genuinely ad­ was a m ember of the Association wounded, Charlie r eceived the mires a h er o. for about 20 years but could n ever Distinguished Service Cross, the Charlie lies beside his beloved a ttend a national reunion because n ations second highest award for wife at Memorial Park Cemetery, of his health. valor. After extensive medial treat­ Skokie, lliinois. Joe came to the Division at ac­ m ent for wounds (including the You m ay contact the family tivation at Camp Adair. During loss of a leg) he was m edically re­ through da u ghter Sharon Honer t h e war h e was the squad leader tired from the United States Army at: 3516 Bartley Hollem a n Rd .. of 3rd s quad, 4th Platoon (mine in January 1946 in the rank of New Hill, NC 27562. platoon) of AT/274. Major. Joe was born July 25, 1910 in (This obituary drew h eavily Not content in that retirement, Toluca, lliinois. On July 28, 1940 from "Th e Trailblazers" by Ed Charlie joined th e Central Intelli­ h e married Orletha Folkers who Arnold, © 1984.) gence Agency and served honor - survives. ably with that organization until * He was employed for a number

32 70th Infantry Division Association TRAILBLAZER of years at Kent Lumber and Coal Serving with the Division dur­ Burial took place in St. in Benson and later as a custo­ ing the war , F rank received a Stephen's Cemetery in Delmar, dian at Roanoke-Benson District b attlefield commission as a Sec­ Delaware. 6. He was an active m ember of his ond Lieutenant. You may write Jane and the church and also a member of After the war he was the owner family at: Rt 2, Box 270, Delmar, Benson American Legion Post 454. of Bonsall Vending Company in DE 19940. Surviving with h is widow are his hometown of Delmar, Dela­ one daughter, one s ister, three ware. He was also a cattle farmer. grandchildren, and two grea t­ A dedicated supporter of his grandchildren. church, Frank also served as They also Interment with military honors Mayor of Delmar for 6 years. He served ... took place in Clayton Township was also a member of the Kiwanis Cemetery, Benson, Illinois. Club, a bank direct or, s erved on You can drop Orletha a line at: t h e Sussex County (Delaware) om Axelrod, K/ 274 sent us 801 Armstrong Ave., Peoria, IL Ditch Commission and the T the following: 61606. Nanticoke Memorial Hospital "Beverly Haroldson, wife of Board of Directors , and was a Milton Haroldson, K/274 and a * charger member of VFW Post 8276 ver y active member of same, rom Steve Dixon, HM comes in Delmar. passed away suddenly July 15, word of the death of Fra nk He was proceeded in death by F 2003 at her home. She shall be D. Bonsall, Jr. H / 274. Frank died his first wife Doris Lee. sorely missed! Cards may be sent of natural cau ses on March 5 , Frank is survived by his widow to Milton at: 2003 at the Peninsula Regional Jane, four daughters, two step­ Medical Center in Salisbury, daughters, two stepsons, thirteen "2387 N. 103rd St. Maryland at the age of 82. grandchildren, five great-grand­ "Wauwatosa, WI 53226." Frank was born in Chester , c hildren and m a n y nieces and Pennsylvania. nephews.

* TAPS * BONSALL, Frank D. DUROCHER, Hector J. JONES, Norman D. PERINO, Clayton "Joe" Rt. 2, Box 270 15745 SW Alderbrook Cir. 2092 Bonnie Ln. 801 Armstrong Ave. Delmar, DE 19940 Tigard, OR 97224 Springfield, OR 97477 Peoria, IL 61606 H/ 274 - Died: 3/ 5/ 03 E/ 275 - Died: 6/ 26/ 03 HQ 1st Bn/ 275 - Died: 1/ AT/2 74 - Died: 3/ 8/ 03 23/ 03 CORRELL, Frank L. EDWARDS, Milton J. PLUNK, Arthur S. 9444 214th St. 11 Lee Lane LePara, Albert 2006 Wall Rd . Queens Vi llage, NY 11428 Weldon, NC 27890 3011 Glenbrook St. Mountain Grove, MO H/ 275 - Died: 2003 CN/275 - Died: ?? Carlsbad, CA 92008 65711 K/ 274 - Died: 8/ 19/ 03 L/ 276 - Died: 1/ 30/ 03 CUNNINGHAM, William ENGLERT, William M. B. 2911 SE Village Lp #304 KOPIJA, Ted J. ROLFS, Thomas J. 418 E. Mulberry Vancouver, WA 98683 2125 E. El lis Dr. 5203 Uncle Dick's Road San Antonio, TX 78212 D/ 370 Medics - Died: 8/ Tempe, AZ 85282 West Bend, WI 53095 B/370 Medics - Died: 8/ 11 / 03 70th QM - Died: June L/ 274 - Died: 6/13/03 16/ 02 2002 GROVER, Norman J. Rice, Melvin DAVIS, Richard E. 1212 Wellington Cir. MATTHEWS, James 882 FA - Died: March 815 W Bridge St. Tri 51 Rolla, MO 65401 7 Delawa re St. 1955 Yerington, v 89447 lf274 - Died: 2002 Wheeling, WV 26003 SV/ 274 - Died: 5/ 5/ 03 C/ 274 - Died: 8/ 5/ 03 TREJOS, Ciprian HIGGINS, John C., Jr. Ben Bolt, TX DAVIS, Robert E. 91 Green Hill Parkway PENCE, Donald C. B/884 FA - Died: 7/ 12/ 02 430 S. 500 West Wo rchester, MA 01605 "Charlie" Salt Lake City, UT 84101 C/ 275 - Died: 5/ 19/ 03 3516 Bartley Holl eman Rd. Watkins, Ernest D/ 274 - Died: ?? New Hill, NC 27562 Melbourne, FL B/ 275 - Died: 8/ 27/ 03 AT/ 276 - Died: 1/ 5/03

Fall 2003 33 Me1nbership Updates

New members Hernandez, Alexander CRAVENS, E. Clifton PANTER, Clayton 0. 201 Lazy Spring Dr. 1145 N. Main St. 19672 NStar Ridge Dr. BISGMRD, George Red Oaks, TX 75154 Arab, AL 35016 Sun City West, AZ 85375 1436 Kit Carson (Relative of Frank Ellis - (256) 586 - 5737 (520) 546 - 9121 Casper, WY 82604 Med/274) G/274 - Fleetah CROUSE, Charles PIEDLE, Karl NEWTON, Steve Room 214 811 Village Dr. FARMER, Charles 11 Rue des Pres P. 0. Box 319 - McArthur Pittsburgh, PA 15237 266 Blue Lakes N #607 57350 Spicheren Hall (412) 931 - 1508 Twin Fal ls, ID 83301 France Hollidayburg, PA 16648 370th Med Bn SAWYER, Frank H. (208) 731 - 8014 CURRAN, John C. 16200 NW Fescue Ct. Life members 310 Second Ave. NE Apt. Portland, OR 97229 GREAVES, Fielding L. FINK, lester H. 319 P. 0. Box 150368 Austin, MN 55912 SODEN, Robert E. 276 San Rafael, CA 94915 lf 922 W Adams St. A/ 884 FA HESS, Walter DIENER, William C. Pittsfield, IL 62363 5 B Rosilia Lane (415) 456 - 4198 - Jean C/ 274 Fishkill, NY 12524 STERN, Otto HOLLINGSWORTH, ISMK, Kenneth G. 7250 Arthur Blvd. #245 James D. HQ/883 FA FOSTER, Eldon T. M errillville, IN 46410 6906 NW 2nd Ave. 3396 E Mainsail Blvd. (219) 756 - 0414 Vancouver WA 98665 SEVERSON, Oral R. Tucson, AZ 85739 HQ/882 FA C/884 FA SUPERNAW, Ruel B. (360) 695 - 2340 - Theo GAUCH, Norman E. 665 Heather Ln. WREN, Troy L. 1157 Johnsarbor Dr. West Marysville, Ml 48040 K/275 Rochester, NY 14620 New associate VERBAN, Steve HOSKIN, Donald L. members Roster changes 2113 Marshall Rd. 171 Third Ave. Apt. 701 Manca, PA 15061 Brownson, lee Salt Lake City, UT 84103 BAGE, Earl A. WARGO, Everett 6702 E Clinton St. 368 Carland Ct. HUBBARD, Thomas P. 163 Dublin Hill Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85254 Lehigh Acres, FL 33972 (Relative of Frank Ellis - 22333 Maidenhair St. Southbury, CT 06488 Med/274) Moreno, CA 92553 BREZACEK, Milan F. WATERHOUSE, 8551 Huebner Rd. #132 (909) 656 - 3224 Raymond H. Ellis, Kevin San Antonio, TX 78240 KARPEN, Seymour 1110 Palicio Dr. 12471 E 114th Ave. (210) 690 - 9332 Henderson, CO 80640 P. 0. Box 386 Redding, CA 96003 (Relative of Frank Ellis - CAMPBELL, Lowell, M. Otis, MA 01253 Med/274) Phone number 6686 S. Lincoln St. LASH IN, Abraham I. Centennial, CO 80121 105 N. Conejo School Rd. changes Gleeson, Ken (303) 798 - 8767 #102 8051 W. River Dr. MACK, F. Kenneth Thousand Oaks, CA 91362 Russell OH 44072 CARLE, Robert C. (515) 465 - 5342 ( 440) 338 - 6573 19331 Old Hwy 89 SW MEDICUS, Oliver C. MARKOVllZ, Robert S. (Grandson of Ernest Rochester, WA 98579 % Carrison Watkins - 276) (574) 772 - 7573 COLE, Wilson P. 12911 Jerome Ave. Orofino, ID 83544 3250 Blue Oaks Dr. #101 Auburn, CA 95602 MONTAG, Richard E. (530) 823 - 1672 909 Michelle Rd. Colo, IA 50056

34 70th Infantry Division Association TRAILBLAZER The Treasurer's Report Don Lindgren

70th Infantry Division Association 2nd Quarter Financial Report -APR 1- JUN 30, 2003 (No Cents) Executive Committee OPENING BALANCE - A PR 1, 2003 $61,551 President: Vice President-Central: Stanley J. Lambert William A. Trotter RECEI PTS HC 62, Box 27 P. 0 . Box 97 DUES Ewi ng, NE 68735 Ainsworth, IA 52201 ASSOCIATES $ 1,041 LIFE $400 (402) 482-5427 (319) 657- 2591 REGULAR $ 2,960 President-Elect: Vice President-West: TOTAL DUES $ 4,401 Paul Sumner John M. Hildebrand 1 1 23 Seneca Ave. DO ATIO S 1207 W. Porter Ave. MEMORIAL FU D $ 41 Oakland, J 07436 Fullerton, CA 92633 TRAILBLAZER $ 103 (201) 337- 0616 (714) 871-7964 TOTAL DONATIONS $ 144

Past-President: Secretary: OTHER INCOME John T. Nothnagle Louis A. Hoger BOOK SALES $ 154 1016 Marcy St. 5825 Horton St. 275th REC HIST $ 175 Iowa City, IA 52240 Mission, KS 66202 INTEREST $ 15 (319) 338- 3757 (913) 722- 2024 SOUVENIR SALES $ 479 TOTAL OTHER INCOME s 822 Vice President-North: Treasurer: Robert C. Hays Donald H. Lindgren TOTA L RECEIPTS $ 5,367 121 Hatherly Rd. 9001 Beacon Ave. EXPENSES Syracuse, I Y 13224 Vancouver, WA 98664 275th REC HIST $ (175) Vice President-South: (360) 693- 8787 GRATUITIES $ (600) Eugene P. Burtner Editor '1"railblazer' OFFICE SUPPLIES $ (23) HC 7 1Box24 Ed lane POSTAGE $ (79) SOUVEN IR COSTS $ (118) Taos, NM 87571 P. 0. Box 1282 WEB PACE $ (60) (505) 758-2561 Radcliff, KY 40159 TOTAL GENERAL EXPENSE $ (1,055) (270) 352- 0753 TRAILBLAZER EXPENSES: DESIGNER $ ~1,995~ Special Appointments EDITOR $ 1,200 MAILING s (133) Chaplain: Historians: POSTAGE $ (527) The Rev. Dr. Eugene J. Dr. Eugene J. Petersen PRI Tl C s (2,815) Petersen 46105 Tahkodah Lake Rd. SUPPLI ES s (3) 46105 Tahkodah Lake Rd. Cable, W I 54821 TOTAL TB EXPENSES $ (6,673) Cable, W I 54821 (715) 798-3397 TOTAL EXPENSES $ (7,728) (715) 798- 3397 John M. Hildebrand Assistant Chaplain: 1207 W. Porter Ave. TOTAL ASSOCIATION FUNDS - 6/ 30/03 ***$ 59,190 The Rev. Dr. Jim Fullerton, Ca 92633 Lowther (714) 871 - 7964 SPECIAL FUNDS 5337 Weddington Court Todd Anton COMBAT MEDIC FUND CASH $ 3,275 Ft. Worth, TX 76133 12714 Silver Spur Way (1) I CLUDES 400 SH OF RITE-AID STOCK (817) 294- 2645 Victorville CA 92392 OT SHOWN IN BALABOYE S 1,788 TOTAL VALUE OF FUND 6/ 30/03 $ 5,063 Historian Emeritus: (760) 956- 1089 BAL OF MEMORIAL FUND $ 4,377 Donald C. Pence Web master: TOTAL OF DESIGNATED FUNDS s 7,652 3516 Ba rtley Holleman Rd. Steve Dixon FINAL TOTAL OF ASSOC. FUNDS 51,538 New Hi ll, NC 27562 404 Calgary Dr. s (910) 303-2933 Peachtree City, CA 30269 LOCATION OF FUNDS (770) 486-1846 BA K OF AMERICA - CHECKING $ 7,287 BA K OF AMERICA - SAYINGS $ 8,424 Emial Coordinator - WEST COAST BANK CD $ 43,479 'Blazer Net: James M. Hanson TOTAL OF FUNDS ***$ 59,190 [email protected]

Fall 2003 35 NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION l=J!!f43;11 U.S. POSTAGE PERMIT-148 70th Infantry Division Association ELIZABETHTOWN, Louis Hoger KY 5825 Horton Street Mission, KS 66202 ll111l1 II ,111 Il1l l111111 II •• II, 11I1I1 l1l1ll1111l1l111 II, .1.1, I Address Service Requested MORRIS, MONICA J X 12/03 907 TRAVIS ST APT 203 WICHITA FALLS TX 76301-3250

Lorraine American Military Cemetery, July 3, 2003. French school children have iust finished decorating 10,489 ROSES IN graves with fresh roses in honor of the American Independence Day. (Photo by the Editor) REMEMBRANCE