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1-1-1996

The Octofoil, January/February 1996

Ninth Infantry Division Association

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412 Gregory Ave.• Weehawken, N.J. 07087 THE NINTH INFANTRY DIVISION ASSOCIATION Volume XLXXI Number 1 Jan-Feb 1996

President's Comer LADIES CORNER "Old Reliables" are coming I am asked frequently why voting on critical Here we go again - anoth­ Association business must wait for an Annual Reunion; er column due, and nothing ,,~ ~/:- why can't we vote by mail which not only would be more to write about. Ladies has timely, but it would be more democratic since more nothing happened in your ~-@~ ....­ members could vote, not just those able to attend the life since December too? / meeting? Have you been like me ­ . ' , This is a good question, well worth pondering. Since wanting to wrap yourself up surely it would involve yet another amendment of the in a warm blanket and hiber­ Bylaws, it would require that due notice be given. We nate until Spring? Especially could do that here and call for a vote on this issue at the with all the snow and ice Concord in June. But that plate is already full. What we cold weather we have had could do then is ask the Bylaws Committee to chew on it this winter. Anyway, I would and give a recommendation to be voted upon by the love to do that but can't; my members at the Association's 1997 Annual Meeting. life is still too busy. I must This brings up another matter. Will we have a '97 retire one of these years! Annual Meeting and where will it be? At New Orleans last Since the last column, I have year the Board of Governors opted to have the '97 affair talked with Marty Gross of at Atlantic City and appointed a member to explore possi­ the New York Chapter, act­ ble locations. Alas, he has reported that after surveying ing as Co-Chairman of the all possibilities, he is unwilling to make a recommenda­ Reunion, about our meeting. tion. All of those facilities wanting us were either inade­ He suggested something; I quate in some important respect, e.g., too far from the called Mary McLaughlin Boardwalk, or too costly. Back to Square One. about it. We decided that we At the Concord the Board will have to decide what to would just have a plain old­ do next. My recommendation would be contingent on fashioned meeting, with our how the vote goes with respect to letting Vietnam vets Pollyana, nominations for become members. If the membership turns down this donations to our Veterans, proposal, then I think we should pick a date and place for and sell chances for our Big the '97 Annual Meeting which would be, in effect, a wake. Raffle later. If you have a At the same time, your Board should decide what to do nomination for a Veterans' with the Association's remaining assets, precisely how to group or Hospital, please "turn out the light" at the '97 Annual Meeting. And, of send the name and details to course, if the '97 Meeting is to be the Grand Finale, that one of the Officers: Pres. might have a bearing on where it should be. Mary McLaughlin, Box 33, On the other hand, if the vote on the Vietnam vets is Red Oak, North Carolina Welcome Old Reliables favorable, there will still be time to settle on another rou­ 27868; Carol Saunders, The Concord Resort Hotel awaits the tine 52nd Annual Reunion and fix responsibility for its Treas. P.O. Box 1584, 9th Infantry Division Association 51st Annual Reunion details. Meanwhile, on the same assumption, if one of the, Greeneville, Tenn. 37744; or Tuesday-Friday June 4-7, 1996 regional chapters, including California, wants to host the Secretary Connie Koneski, affair, let's hear from these folks. 303 Royersford Road, Although our convention is a few months away the Speaking of Grand Finales, I want to call your attention Royersford, Penna. 19486. If Concord has informed us of the hundreds of reservations to "Taps" being sounded in this issue for a most loyal you haven't joined our already coming in. As noted in the reservation form the member and M/47 compadre, Edward S. Little of / Auxiliary, please do, by Concord has agreed to honor some members wishes to Tamaqua, PA. Ed attended every Annual Reunion in my sending $2.00 for the year to only attend the reunion for specific meals instead of the memory. He was a mortarman who joined M as a replace­ our Treasurer, Carol full 4 days. The individual meal rates are: Banquet dinner ment in Schevenhutte. A good man. Saunders to the address list­ only - $37.50. Any other dinner - $30.50. Lunch only Another Finale: on the final day of my rather momen­ ed before, and if you - $23.90. (All rates include tax.) This is a great opportu­ tous '95, I fell down the stairs at home and broke my leg. haven't, or your husband nity for those members who might not be able to attend It's enabled much time for dealing with a burgeoning hasn't sent in your reserva­ otherwise. So, come on 9th men, don't miss meeting your mailbox resulting from my two new writing projects, the tion to the Concorde, please old buddies and friends at the 51st Annual Reunion. Eddy biography and a piece about the 60th RCT at do so today! I could also Contact the Concord Hotel at 1-800-431-3850, or call Maknassy to go into a single-volume reprint of the 9th's stand getting some mail Reunion co-chairmen, Marty Gross 516-791-8870 or Al battle trilogy. There's also mail generated by those out­ from you all, so this column Zenka 718-479-9341 for information. raged by certain critics of my membership proposal. A will have some spice to it. Spring is just around the corner - and cars, busses, couple of these letters, from Dr. George Nicklin, once of Take care and I shall see you trains, planes, and whatnot, will be heading to the Catskill K/47, and Robert W. Gleason, D/47, are published in this in June. Mountains, NY carrying 9th men, ladies, friends and issue of The Octofoil and I call them to your attention as Ellie Taubner guests to their long awaited rousing get-together. Snooze they are unusually thoughtful and cool-headed appraisals 85 Smith Avenue while you can Rip Van Winkle, you're about to have a of the situation. Bergenfield, NJ 07621 rude awakening on June 4, 1996! Continued on page 3 February 18, 1996 The Free Amenities Include: 26 FA * Different all-star variety show nightly * Never a cover MICHAEL BELMONTE (26 FA) NEW 800 NUMBERS FOR or minimum * Late night lounge shows * Discotheque 1161 S. Lombard, VA GRAVE INFORMATION music * Little Club for late dancing * Health and Fitness Oak Park, Illinois 60304 The Department of Vet- Center * Indoor swimming pool * Shopping Arcade * Dear Dave, erans Affairs now has a toll­ Valet car parking * Handball, Paddleball * Shuttle bus to Because of many rumors floating around recently, I free number where you can Apollo Shopping Mall * FREE golf on Challenger Course. would appreciate your opinion as the Judge Advocate on inquire about headstones In Addition: the following questions: for veterans or other ques­ After dinner on Tuesday, June 4, there will be a one­ 1. Can we legally change the bylaws so that in the tions concerning the grave­ hour Welcome Party with beer, soda, pretzels and chips. future we would vote by mail on important questions marker program. An open cash bar will be available. such as admitting the veterans of Vietnam? Do you think This new system will And this is a good idea? greatly enhance the ability We will also have a private complimentary cocktail 2. What about the suggestion that the 1997 convention to get answers to customers party. be that last one we will ever hold, and that our associa­ who need them quickly. By Look for more exciting details to come in the next tion should then "close up the shop." calling 1-800-697-6947 you Octofoil. 3. While we are at it, what is your own feeling about are connected to VA's Your host. the Greater NY ,Chapter changing the bylaws so as to admit Vietnam vets? National Cemetery Systems, TRANSPORTAnON Sincerely yours, Office of Memorial Programs Mike Belmonte, in Washington, DC. This line Public: Member of the Board of Governors operates from 8 a.m. until Shortline Bus Company (212) 736-4700. Ninth Infantry Division Association 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time, Van Service: 800-759-5548. David H. Heller, Judge Advocate, Monday through Friday. Limousine Service: 800-762-6212. 618 Sumac Road, Service representatives can Private: Highland Park, Illinois 60035 now supply immediate infor­ From New York City and Metropolitan Area: (2 hours) (847) 831-4534 mation about the status of George Washington Bridge to New Jersey Palisades February 16, 1996 applications, headstones or ?arkway to New York Thruway North. Dear Mike, marker delivery and general ?roceed on Thruway Exit 16 and proceed on Rt. 17 to Exit Thank you for your letter of February 12, in which you information about the 105B. On Route 42; follow signs to the Concord. ask three questions about some recent proposals to Memorial programs. from Southern New Jersey & Philadelphia: (3 hours change our association. My answers are as follows: from Phila.) New Jersey Turnpike to Exit 11 Garden State 1. Provided that our current bylaws are followed, par­ "~~:>"",,, '" Parkway North to New York State Thruway North. N.Y.S. ticularly Article XV, I know of no reason why the Annual ~ j;,i~, Thruway to Exit 16 Rt. 17W). Proceed on 17 West to Exit Meeting could not vote to conduct futu.re balloting by \).,..• .•. ;n";"':"\,::," 105B (Rt. 42). Follow signs to the Concord , ' -,' '[;~..,,:., mail, assuming of course that proper advance ~otice has . .. ::-...... Continued 'n-ext pagt been given to all members. Continued on page 3 THE 0 C T 0 .FO IL

mE ocrOFOIL Form 2579 should be sent to Tip o/the Hat THE 9th INFANTRY DIVISION AssoelAnON 412 Gregory Avenue, Weehawken, N.J. 07087 Remembering the Memorial Octofoil Associated Editors Fund and their l)uddies who Walter O'Keefe and Daniel Quinn have answered their last roll 51st ANNUAL CONVENTION National Officers Board of Governors call we thank the following PresIdent 1996 members and friends: TUESDAY - FRIDAY - June 4 - 7, 1_ Henry Phillips Edwin Wisniewski 14002 Hemlock Dr. Columbus, MI George Pedrick --:- In memo­ erytbing, And J"h Penn Valley, CA 95946 AI Farrante ry of Edward "Red" Framington, MA Pictroski, Hqs. 39th Inf. 'S f.tJ e7z J; Vincent Guglielmino, 1st V.P. Henry Phillips ~ o~ 114 Charles Street Penn Valley, CA \\ Floral Park, NY 11001 Adolph Wadalavage Francis M. Bozarth. Ozone, Pk., NY 0~ @ Albert Perna Laura Ward -In memory of Philadelphia, PA husband, James Carl Ward, • Pat DeColli, 2nd V.P. 1997 ·1017 Jackson St. Nicholas D'Agostine B Btry, 34th F.A. Phila, PA 18148 Cherry Hill, NJ Michael Belmonte -CONCORD Ward Payne - In memory of Ronald Murphy, 3rd V.P. OakPark,IL Sgt. Paul Brown, Co. F. 39th 44 Strawberry Lane James P. Driscoll RESORT HOTEL Scituate, MA 02066 Holiday, PI. Inf. Herb Olsen KIAMESHA LAKE, NEW YORK 12751 Dave Heller Marson Mills, MA Walter Labaj. Judge Advocate 1998 618 Sumac Rd Ed Hopkins ROOM RESERVATIONS Highland Pk. II 60035 Metchuen, NJ Joseph Kash - In memory Ken Meyer of John Lewis 9th Med Bn. Name. .Spouse Name'-- _ Thomas Boyle, Treasurer Belton, TX 39 Hall Avenue Phil Bermani Aldor Cook - In memory of Unit (Reg. Co. Btry, etc), _ Somerville, MA 02144 Daytona, FL Walter Sammons C Co. 9th Owen Salle StreetJ\ddress __ Daniel Quinn, Secretary Decatur, II Med. Bn. 412 Gregory Avenue AI Zenka Weehawken, NJ 07087 Bellrose, NY Fred Lincoln of 88th Div. ­ City ,State. Zip Phone ___ Floyd Hennessey In memory of John L. Lambertville, MI Babbitt, 26th F.A. Btry. A. Will arrive on Will depart on _ Published five times yearly. May, June, July - Aug. Sept. Oct. - Nov. Date Date Dec. - Jan. Feb. - Mar, April by and for the members of the Ninth Richard McGrath - In mem­ Infantry Division Association. News items, feature stories, pho­ ory of Matt Urban, Mike Please check any special request: Smokin~Non-Smoking _ tographs and art material from members will be appreciated. Every effort will be made to return photographs and art work in good condi­ Kauffman and Lindsey Handicapped__ tion. Nelson. An extract from the certificate of incorporation of the 9th Infantry J\CCOMMODJ\TIONS (please indicate): Division Association read: "This Association is. formed by the officers James Dudderar. ____ECONOMy $256.00 and men of the 9th Infantry Division in order to perpetuate the mem­ ____S.UPERIOR ory of our fallen comrades, to preserve the esprit de corps of the Division, to assist in promoting an everlasting world peace exclusive­ Albert Ferrante - In memo­ Super Deluxe $307.00 ly by means of educational activities and to serve as an information ry of Bill Davidson, B Co. ____TOWERS & EXECUTIVE bureau to former members of the 9th Infantry Division. 15th Engrs. Ultra Deluxe $360.00 Copy must be received on or before the 15th of each month to guarantee publication of the 20th. Rates are per person, for three nights, based on double occu­ Second-Class Postage paid at Union City, N.J. 07087, and additional William Nichols. pancy in each room from after lunch on Tuesday to after lunch offices. on Friday, and include 3 meals daily. POST MASTER: .Send address changes to 412 Gregory Avenue, Frank Kowalik - In memory Single occupancy ... 25% more than Double Occupancy rate. Weeha'1ken, N.J. 07087. of Walter Sammons C Co. Banquet Dinner only ... $37.50 (includes tax) Vol~ine XLXXI Number 1 Jan-Feb 1996 9th Med Bn. J\ny other Dinner.'.. $30.50 (includes tax) Lunch ... $23.90 (includes tax) Palllica.. N.~ 4eZ8a John O'Grady - In memory Daily rate for third or fourth person in same room with two of Art Schneider. adults: ,NIN'fJiI iNFANTRy DIVISION ASSOCtATION: MEMBERSHIP APPUCATION Dr. Olaf Langland. Child 0-2 yrs. of age $18.00 Child 3-12 yrs. of age $38.00 Dan Quinn, National Secretary, 9th Infantry Division Assn. 412 James S. Moore. Child 13-18 yrs. of age $58.00 Gregory Ave., Weehawken, New Jersey 07087 Andrew Kopach - In mem­ J\dult over 18 is 80% of the Double Occupancy rates quoted Enclosed please find dues for: ory of Walter Sammons, C above. Co. 9th Med Bn. Name Serlal No . One Night Stay (subject to availability)... $20.00 above daily rate. Donald Williams - In memo- Street Address...... ry of Frank Lovell, 60th F.A. Names of additional persons and ages: Total of persons _ A Btry. I was a ~ember of: 9th Infantry Division Association 51st Annual 39th Inf Convention Battery Company Regiment 9th Div . ANITA DANIELS RUSSO Tuesday - Friday, June 4 -7, 1996 1037 Sun Valley, Bldg. I wish to sign up for the following: Greenville, Tn. 37745 -Gratuities and taxes are included in your rate. A great big thank you for Regular Member per year $10.000 the Octofoil. I really enjoy A dep<;>sit of $50 per person is required to confirm your keeping in touch with all the reservatIOn by May 1, 1996. Refunds will be made only if Sustaining Member . activities. Perhaps some day the Hote~ reservations department receives, in writing, I will be able to attend one of cancellatIon at least one week prior to arrival date given. Donation Memorial Scholarship Fund O the reunions. Deposits are applicable to given arrival night only. Late THREE-YEAR MEMBER $25.000 I've enclosed a donation day arrivals without notifying reservations department of Ufe Membership $75.000 as I know my Frank would revision in advance will forfeit first night's deposit and Ladies Auxiliary Member $ 2.000 want to do, and as he always accommodations are subject to availability. Decals 5o-each said - please use it where Make checks payable to Concord Resort Hotel and mail Please credit the following chapter: needed most. to Convention Reservations, Kiamesha Lake, New York Best of health and happi­ 12751. Philly-Delaware Valley 0 Greater New York 0 ness to all at 9th Division. The hotel will honor the same daily room rate to our Illinois 0 Washington, D.C. 0 group for anyone wishing to arrive three days before or New England 0 Michigan 0 remain three days after the Reunion, subject to availabili- Florida 0 New Jersey 0 ty. " WHO IS EUGIBLE FOR Texas Gr South West California Chapter "For further refervation information telephone hotel a a VA BURIAL BENERTS Ladies Auxiliary toll-f~ee: 1-800-431-3850. Be sure to state that you are with All veterans with dis­ the 9th Inf. Div. Reunion Group. Ninth Infantry Division Association charges other than dishon­ _ Membersbip Applicatioll orable, their spouses and Continued from Pa~e 1 TRANSPORTATION: 'Jre~urer, Carol Saunders, Ladies Auxiliary dependent children are eli­ From Scranton,. Pa. Route 84 East to Rt. I-"West to'CAH P.O. Bo,. 1584, Greenfield; Tn 37744 gible for burial in a VA 105B. Follow signs to the Concord. Enclosed please find dues for: National Cemetery. The From Connecticut: Route 84 West to Rt. 17 West to Exit 1058. Name . _ National Cemetery System operates 114 cemeteries From Boston and New England States: Mass. Turnpike to Street Address _ within the United States Sturbridge Exit. Route 86 South to Route 84 West. and Puerto Rico. Those eli­ Proceed to New York Exit 4W to Route 17 Quickway West to Exit 1058 (Kiamesha Route 42 North). Turn North on City ~ State _ Zip _ gible for burial are also eli­ gible for a Government pro­ ~oute 42. Follow signs to the Concord. Estimated driVing My spouse (Brother or relative) vided headstone or marker tIme from Boston - 4 1/2 hours; Springfield - 3 hours. and Presidential Memorial AIR:. Stewart Airport located at Newburg, New York. Served with _ Certificate. Veterans and Carners now operating: American, Delta, United Express their dependents may apply and U.S. Air. One year ,$2.00 for all VA benefits by dial­ Car Rental: Major car rental agencies are located at all ing 1-800-827-1000. New York Airports and Stewart Airport. Driving time from Credit Chapter _ Stewart to the Concord is 50 minutes. THE OCTOFOIL

M Co 60th]nf K Company 47th Inf. MP's Can Co. 47th Inf. BOB BOVANIZER Since the last issue I have heard from four K-MEN, ADOLPH WADALAVAGE TOM McGINLEY 14 Sabre Park 94-30 96th Street P.O. Box 583 which is a new international record in K-COMMUNICA­ Niagara Falls, NY 14304 TION. Ozone Park, Port St. Joe, FLA 32456 Someone wrote to you New York 11416-1604 I Hi Dan and Marie, GEORGE BASTEDO sent a clipping from a NY newspa­ about Bob Singleton's death per telling about K getting a unit citation for the ~nd ~tn I hope you can help on Hope you both are feeling in October and it appeared this one, a former M.P. by well these days and are look­ (Elsewhere in this issue you will see another contnbutlon in the most recent Octofoil. K made to the 2nd Btn.) George is getting restless and the name of, Casey Petraitis, ing forward to the June However we are enclosing a former M.P. was an Associa­ Reunion as we are. We are would like to return to the heady power of TOP KICK to a gift to the Memorial Fund in lean mean fighting machine. tion member, passed away a spending our 4th winter memory of Bob from the few years ago (in Florida). down here in the Florida GEORGE NICKLIN called and said I could have left men of M Co of the 60th Inf. INGRAM lost as far as he is concerned. She has contacted me a few panhandle. Fortunately we In August when I wrote I weeks ago, for some reason; got here a couple of months JOE KILLACKY called and wrote. He sent a tour guide of enclosed a poem written by the First Division Museum in the home of Col. Robert R. she must contact, Edward late to experience hurricane John Armitage. Were you (Edwin) Trybala also a for­ Opal which tore up part of McCormick. He says it is first class and out of sight. Just unable to use it? We realize goes to prove we needed a Ninth Man whose grand-pa mer M.P. He used to live in the great beach area nearby, it was very long. We are try­ Philadelphia but is not at the but things are almost back invented a reaper rather than being one. Oh well, Ft. ing to plan on the Concord. Benning is OK as long as you don't eat the. food. address I had. The neighbor­ to normal and we are enjoy­ Bob's health is up and down. hood has changed that is as ing the warm water of the JOE says his golf is improving but CItes heat as an Hard to make plans. We are excuse for not coming to Baton Rouge for·· a demonstra­ far as I got - I'm going to Gulf and the summer like no longer planning Mini write a few Philadelphia lads weather. tion. Reunions for M Co of the "RED" THOMPSON says he's going to make 85 ~ithout - by chance have you got A couple of weeks ago we 60th. Too hard to get the his address. took a trip to Mississippi to a strain. He has visited the College Football Hallot Fame men together. We are all get­ ~o Another M.P. that should on the ND campus and says there is an item or from ting old. visit our daughter Molly and other schools He likes the BULL SESSIONS he boiIght bet­ have his address, Julius her new baby and while ter than the o~e I gave him and recommends it to all liter­ That article in the VFW Polakoff, 8018 Ellen Lane, there we took the opportuni­ ate 9'ers. caused a problem locally Chelthenham, Penn. also has ty to visit the nearby I am not sure that anyone else even receiv~s the K too. We heard from a man in taken off - have you his Vicksburg Battlefield site. To NEWS. Maybe a carrier is making a collection. .. Lockport who knew Bob was address - I'd appreciate my amazement I ran across SHOOTING GALLERY in the 9th, he was too, in having them if you do. a memorial to the 47th Wouldn't you love to be in the army now and have yo'!r Vietnam, and we called him All the best. Infantry Regt. and of course I back when we got the CinC, WILLIE, volunteer you for shooting gallery duty m 39th Inf. I Co. took a picture of it and I am the Balkans - the only thing better would be Octofoil to try to explain. sending you a copy. Also heard from an M Co RALPH E. BURRIS AFGHANISTAN. 167 Christy Drive Apparently our favorite By comparison, we only had to fight th~ Germ~n ~rmy Man in California that Regiment was then part of thought Red Phillips had a Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44223 and the American air force, these guys wIll be gettmg it In checking my member­ the 2nd Division - 3rd from Christians, Moslems, atheists, and agnostics. Even lot of nerve to see the Brigade - 15th Corps. President of the United ship card I find it is time to the ducks in the Gallery have only one side to worry renew my dues for another 3 Still hear very often from about. These people have been killing each other for cen­ States and give him a set of myoId buddy Bill Muldoon his books, called him a draft years, also send me 2 decals. turies, just for the hell of it, providing them with non­ During the last two years I out in Bethpage and he lethal targets won't be any fun at all. dodger. Everyone has an assures me he will be at opinion these days. have met and renewed I can see it now. Unending TV shots, as in the Gulf War friendships with members of Concord in June with many days, of wives, mothers, fathers, children, girl friends, Hope your Holidays are of the old 47th. great. Company I-39th Regiment crying and saying, "Joe was only in the army to make a and attended 2 reunions See you in June God will':' living, not to get shot." with them and their wives. ing I believe it is a tacky proposition to train a person for Seeking We have a great time visiting Tom and Marge McGinley combat and then turn around and make him a target. After reading The Amer­ and remembering some Well, they won't have any 9th people to kick around. ican Legion issue last month experiences of fifty years Co. F.47th C.H. Jordan I noticed an article on the ago. We are looking forward BOB DeSANDY SEEKING 1058 West Lakeview Dr. 39th Infantry, Company F to our next reunion some­ 109 Canterbury Rd. Company K. 60th Infantry, Baton Rouge, LA, 70810 and wrote to them asking time next summer. Southern Pines, NC 28387 9th Division. Service June about obtaining information Thought I would drop you 1942 to Sept. 1945. The Many Thanks a Hne to ret :you know now 47th Inf. L Co. on my husband now de­ grandson of Henry E. ceased Michael Giordano. EVELYN F. GANNON we are coming with 9th Div LaVERNE W. RIDDELL 5106 Indiana St. St. at Ft. Bragg. Moderacki would like to find 601 NW6St. Enclosed is a zerox copy of ­ Charleston, WV 25309-1122 As I mentioned before the individuals with whom he Aledo, IL 61231 his discharged papers. We served. had a fire back then and lost On this Nov. 8, 1945 Post is undergoing a multi­ After 50 years of wonder­ Charles E. Gannon was back million dollar expansion and Please respond to Michael ing why not? I found the 9th many important papers and H. Lamanna, 1119 Farns­ now that time has passed from Europe, and was dis­ face lift. Included in this pro­ Infantry Division has an charged from the Army. He ject is the new Womack worth Ave., North Tona­ association. I read a note in and we're all older, my chil­ wanda, New York 14120 died October 22 at 7:25 a.m. Medical Center. There are the VFW magazine from dren and grandchildren are (716) 692-7873. 1995. I want everyone to also new roads being built. Tony DeRobertis and wrote asking questions and would Dear Daniel, know he was proud to have The Post Council has con­ him to see if he was our run­ like some pictures if possi­ A few weeks ago, a letter I ble. I know this is a needle in been a part of the Service. sidered and approved our ner - Sure enough he was He had cancer of the colon request and will name one of sent to you appeared in your and he wrote giving Willie the hay stack but I'm willing newsletter. Since then I have to search. Is there anything I and was gone in 2-1/2 weeks. these roads 9th Div. or 9th Muldoon's address. Willie There was VFW grave side Inf. Div. Rd/St. They felt and heard from two individuals knows about everyone! can purchase like a division who knew my grandfather, book, dog tags, any medals service and I want to thank I agree this will be much bet­ Some of the men we have everyone for the re-union ter than renaming 9th St. Henry E. Moderacki. You visited with since discharge due as Michael was a prison­ may not recall my letter, but er of war for twenty-six or that we attended at Fort This is now in the hands of are: Dick Stoltz of Dayton, Bragg where he left from to the Post Engineers. you might remember that I John Chilek in Duryea, PA, twenty months? He was cap­ received your name and tured by Rommel and his go overseas to war and was When the road is complet­ John Hill in Medora, Indiana, gone from Jan. 15, 1942 to ed they have requested that address from Bernie Bell. Joe Montez, Whittier, CA, men from what I recall hear­ I met with Bill Dobbins of ing. Nov. 8, 1945. I am his wife we have some 9th Vets in Laurel Smith, Wheatland, since 1942 to 1995. Life won't attendance for picture tak­ Lockport, NY after he WY, Larry Mills in Indiana Perhaps there might be responded to my paragraph some place other to write ever be the same with him ing etc. with whom I have lost con­ gone. Thank you. I always Well old friend the best to in your newsletter. To be tact, and prior to their pass­ and seek anything regarding brief, Bill explained to me his army stay. Any names of read the Octofoil and enjoy you and Marie - Stay well ing on, Frankie Gasper in the articles. talk to you soon. that my grandfather was dis­ Pittsburgh and Roy Schilling men who might be living and charged from Company C in East St. Louis. We also could happen to have a pic­ and served the majority of have spent time with the lov­ ture or two. the war with Company K. It ing family of Galen Kellen­ I thank you for your time. was suggested that I resub­ berger, i~ Sabetha Kansas. AnnaJean 2ito mit my earlier paragraph Galen lost his life in Action 20 Glover Avenue with the necessary change on April 23, 1945 in Dessau Haddon Heights, N.J. to the company in which my Germany. He was a special 08035-1244 grandfather served. buddy to me. P.S. Do you know anything If it is not too much to ask, Looking forward to the about the Wall of Liberty I would like the paragraph Octofoil and seeing every­ National Campaign? I have I've written on the following one at The Concord. written and sent a check page to be included in your total $45.00 to have Michael next newsletter. CAlL Ok WRITE A Giordano's name registered Thank you for your coop­ FRIEND­ but have never heard from eration and your efforts in Patrick Brady, Major General composing the newsletter. ENCOURAGE HIM USA. Bill mentioned that you and TO JOIN THE· your wife handle the produc­ tion of the newsletter. ASSOCIATION , Sincerely, From time to time we have to put articles sent in by Michael H. Lamanna our members on the back burner because of lack of Pollick sends this photo taken in Germany 1945- sPace. As we get older more members are writing sto­ -H CO. MORTARS 47TH REGIMENT - Pictured First 1996 Reumon ries that are longer (always interesting) but space in Row seated: Webster, Hayes, Podlagar, Guyette, and Concord Hotel our 8 page publication is kind of limited. Please try to Becmer. Second row on tire: Pollick, Mercer, New York understand, if your letter does not appear in this issue Schroeder, Pinto, Garcia and Byers. Back row: we,will make sure it does in the following Octofoils. Maranara, Shaw, Johnson and Mitchell. THE OCTOFOIL

-f :::t Have you sent 11 m in your Dues? ,; c t ~ (") -f CHRISTMAS 1995 ~ DUES REMINDER · 0 There will be a change this year. Not only will Roger This issue of the Octofoil has been used for years to I- i (Scotty's brother) and Kathleen and their four s~ns and a i ; remind our members that "dues are due." The caption ·It .,_ " daughter celebrate Christmas together as WIll Helga 0 "Is your Octofoil addressed with tell-tale red ink?" was ;.. :t (lnge's sister) and David with their two sons but ALS? ~ r Scotty and Inge will be blessed with the presence of theIr used for years but now with our new computer mailing arrangements this is not possible. Instead we ask the ~ son Ronald Paul, who is flying in from Santa Barbara, 0 members to check their Octofoil especially where their I ..... Cali'fornia. It will be a blessed Christmas in the WIES­ •t. BADEN Hirst household. We'll do our level best to pre­ name is printed and above their first name you will a".... c: find numbers and they will indicate what year your I E sent Ron a Christmas in all of the German tradition. t;' And, the days since our last Christmas letter. Top.of dues are paid up until. The letter L will indicate Ufe I .- the news is that we were both able to come through wIth member -H will indicate Honorary member and 1994 I the minimal aches and pains one must become accus­ will let you know that your dues are payable now. f fi~gers:' 2 tomed to at our years. Thanks to INGE's 'green If for some reason you find it difficult in paying the S' the garden bloomed like never before. Eight years m reSI­ dues drop us a line and we will keep you on our mem­ dence INGE has established a garden, a rosebed, a yard bership roll, send you the paper and keav the matter I worthy of presentation. And next year, with the ~ confidential. - Weatherman's cooperation, you'll have to come and see it. It will exceed anything we've accomplished in our We remind our members that a limited "'dget keeps homes over the past forty-eight years. us from mailing the Octofoil to those who fall in the Our travels (and yours) have lessened over the years. delinquent class. Send your dues to the~secretary's Thus is the requirement that you write more often or office, 412 Gregory Avenue, Weehawken, N;J. 07087 SEEKING make a visit. In all frankness, for the few, your images are >i My brother, 1st Sgt. becoming very vague. It might even pass from memory 60th Inf. Co. F. & Hdg. Co. 9th Recon t Steven C. Blyshak, was the .shortly - a picture at least (as we do) would refresh our THEODORE PRESTON JOHN BONKO!/SKI first Sgt. of Company G, 47th memory of long-standing friends. We are saddened to let P.O. Box 362 19241 Angela Ct Infantry Regiment, 9th you know that 1995 saw the departure of three 'aged' Walworth, WI 53184 Roseville, MI 48066 Infantry Division. He was friends. We are down in Florida Rose had a very close call with the unit from 1940 until On a personal side: INGE has again with success with the snow birds. Got a the Sunday after Thanks­ he was killed in action on chaired her 10th WIESBADEN regional (ACBL) contract late start this year, arrived giving. We went to see our July 24, 1994. (St. Lo) bridge tournament. The enthusiasm does not diminish the 1st of December and will grandson play in the I am writing in hope of but the numbers do - still in November we had players stay till the end of April. Championship game during learning about the history of ~eliab~e from as distant as the U.S. of A and Syria. Our Can't take the Wisconsin the Thanksgiving Hockey the 9th Infantry Division. It "TOP" director, William (KOJAK) SCHODER made It ~o hIS winters any more, must be Tournament. She missed a has been impossible to 10th appearance. And, might we add, INGE too retneved getting old. So we leave the step and fell head first down locate any veterans of the a bit of 'gold.' If you've never chaired such an undertak- cold weather to hearty souls the stairway, 7 steps. Ended 9th Division from WW II in ing, try it one time. .. . like you and Charlie up in the Emergency Room recent years. Your name was The bonds with Normandy are hrm. We dId mISS gath- Libretto. You certainly had with stitches in the back of given to me from correspon­ ering of RAF's 604 Squardr~n an~ British Ai.rlitters. your share of cold and snow the head, badly bruised dence with the U.S. Army Scotty's latest historical effort IS neanng completIOn. . this year. back, but thank God no bro­ Center of Military History in We've strong reservations about the U.S. presence m After 100,000 miles of trav­ ken bones. It could have Washington, DC. BOSNIA-HERZEGOVNIA. What is the 'birthdate' of our eling in our motor home we been a lot worse. She's I am attempting to learn presence? When will OUR 'national interests' be defined? finally settled for a travel recovering but it'll take a lit­ what medals, unit citation, Is George JOULWAN another EISENHOWER? No, .our trailer which stays in one tle more time. battle stars, etc., Steve entrance into that area is NOT a Christmas present. Smce spot at Harbor Lakes R.V. Our very best wishes to would have been entitled to "f" ~e~.cel when do you need armed men to en orce a . Park Lot 53, 3737 EI Jobean you and all OUi friends. as well as any information of But we'll try to maintain the Christmas spint. We wIll Rd., Port Charlotte, FL. We're hoping to see you all this company and division well ;emember our men and women this Christmas and 33953. The Octofoil is above at the Concord. combat record to have as a in the coming months in Bosnia-Herzegovnia. It is difficult the front window can't be family keepsake. All local to draw a collary between th~t Balkan situation ~nd o~r missed. Always have a can Co. K. L. 60th Inf. library information has been recent completion of celebratmg the end of WW II. Yes, It of beer or a cup of coffee on JOE KAPPAZINI too general. Inquiries in is a European-problem which they did not nor do they hand for visitors. 24001 Sherman St. recent years to the Army have the means to end - NATO, bunch of humbug! Dan here is a check for Oak Park, Mich. 48237 Records Section in St. Louis "In the Mood" - I'm not Co D 47th lof. 60th lof another 3 years of dues. See indicates no records for going to sing the song, so ALFRED 1. KONGSLIE RONALD M. A. Hirst you at the Concord in June. Steve due to fire damage, you can relax. However, my P.O. Box 463 Mathildenstrasse 4 but they did send about 4 Co K 39th Inf. wife and I are situated on Tulelake, CA 96134 0 - 65189 Wiesbaden medals. WILLIAM H. NELSON the Gulf of Mexico - here The last two years I Tel. (0611) 561856 I am enclosing a copy of a 371 Scenic Dr. to visit our oldest son and atte~ded .9 th re~nions f~r 39th 101. E Co. Steubenville, OH 43952 letter taken out of Steve's his family - and, water of diary of the North Africa and the fIrst tIme, pnor to thIS EMIL MEROLLA Hope you and the whole this "size" always stirs mem­ Fra~k Sicily campaign. Ronald Frank and 2307 Oak Park Ave. gang had a great holiday ories of "days of yore" ­ Brusic kept me abreast wIth CI I d OH 44109 season. You have done a Your help in this matter . f b f eve an , which are always warmly would be greatly appreciat­ happenmgs 0 mem ers ? Here is a story for the great job on the Octofoil and cherished. ed. the motor platoon. IrVIn paper. I was a replacement. we all appreciate it. Today I was thinking D~puc corres~onded William Blyshak also After training I joined the 9th All of us from K Co who about buddies of mine, m~ 809 Oxford Drive wIth several tImes. I Div. They put me in with a knew Vincent Marsh were Who fought together to would lIke to hear fr?m young lad named Avriel saddened to hear of his Clearwater, FL 34924 insure peace of mind. 813-447-2187 members of my section JestABer. ...AR man, I was passing. Our sympathy goes L For those scattered P.S. Editors note. I wrote some of whom. we.re eroy. his ammo bearer. On Dec. out to his wife Dorothy. We throughout the world; S~eI~mItz, to Bill Blyshak as I knew his Frank, John Frank 10, 1944, we were on our want her to know she is still Who were being driven Ouczary, WIllIam Steen, to take the city of in the family. brother well. Also sent him Col~, Lawrenc~ ~~fonol. together to join the Nazi the names of several mem­ Wilmer Unfortunately we Now all of us who attend­ fold! Flannery, NIck Forcolll, didn't make it. We both were ed the meeting in Angola, bers among them Gen. But, 'twas a fold enjoining Maness and Capt. Jim other 3rd Squad members wounded. After 6 mos in Ind. on Oct 17 & 18th want tyranny and hate and Lloyd Owens, Lowell R" h ond Va as I was get­ to thank the Illinois and Leopold who were at one tiI~g~hY;iCai' 'Twas why conflict began; time members of Company Fredricks, Marco Cimini, Joe treatment, I Michigan Chapters for invit­ 'fore it got too late! Potosek and Edward heard a voice that sounded ing us, especially Gordon G 47th and also knew Steve. The despotism of the foe The following letter is the Reggens: I am also con- like Jester. And sure enough Anderson for keeping us was to be banished, cerned wIth Ray or Leonard· him What a reunion! informed; Tom and Lorna reply I received from Bill possibl~ t ~::er re~ds The well-trained, well­ Blyshak. Just hope that he Golden, Bob Faux ;f this I hope he Mickelson from Minneapolis; armed foe had to be van­ would know hIS where- .t George and Leola Booth makes contact with the wn es. quished! others. abouts. Keep up the Octofoil. from Jefferson, Iowa; 'Twas a struggle to free Burleigh Brewer and Lois Any D members who plan A roud member. man's mind; protect his Dear Dan, to attend the '96" Conven- p from Dayton; Bill and Alice tion please contact me as I 9th Q.M. rights. After searching for over 5 Doty from Baden, PA., and Thus it was friendly years to find someone who would sincerely like to make ANGELO SINARE myself and wife Vi from contact. I have numerous 716 E. 162 St. nations joined hands ­ served with my brother Steubenville. These people With men, weapons and Steve in the 9th hlfantry pictures of members of 0 Cleveland, OH 44110 really know how to set up a Co. and if I attend the next Enclosed a check for 1996. force nations took a stand. Division, I can't tell you how Hospitality Room. It was War was declared! many much your letter meant to Convention I will bring pic- Not many Q.M. m~mbe~s really great and we all look tures of the old gang. write to the Octof011. I dId battles ensued. me. forward to doing it again. Then, allies joined hands I am most grateful for your Yours very truly. receive 14 cards for Xmas. We all have our plans Excuse my bad writing after and the enemy they pur­ kind words about Steve. made for the reunion in the sued. Steve was a good person ­ 82 years my hand is a little Catskill Mountains and are 1996 Reunion shaky. Say "Hi" to all of the Destructive battles en­ much loved and greatly looking forward to it. I still sued; cities were shattered, missed by his family. Concord Hotel Q.M. members and the rest don't have a commitment New York of the famous 9th Inf. Div. many lives were shorn ­ And now in 1996 we from Slick·Leidendeck to For the tremendous price, Stay healthy. attend the reunion, but will received your letter! Thank 'twas hoped a free world you again for your kindness try again. was reborn! .Dead~lDe for cop}" of the Den Issue of the OctofoU wUI So all stay well and keep and your help. your sight on the Concord. Sincerely, be APRIL 20 th Bill Blyshak