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11-1-1985

The Octofoil, November/December 1985

Ninth Infantry Division Association

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Nashville country a lesson in history Division History Placed in Library Worcester Memorial Those who tire easily of Con­ The Tennessee State Capitol way Twitty. Waylon and Willie. at 505 Deaderick St. was com­ On November 10. 1985 the and I Saw the Light can find pleted in 1859 and is an ex­ troops again were called by Fr. happiness in Nashville sans cellent example of statehouse Connors to assemble 'at Im­ country music. provided they architecture. Tours are free. maculate Conception Church on have a healthy interest in the ci­ Forget conventional Gold Star Boulevard, Wor­ ty's other drawing card ­ transportation and take a tour cester. The aged, yes we are all history. on one of the city's several getting along in years. some Long before the first yodel ri verboats plying the with handicaps and the healthy warbled and the first steel Cumberland River. answered the call. For the 41st guitar twanged in a Music City The Belle Carol Riverboat time more than 500 wearers of recording studio. Nashville Co. operates the 400-passenger the OCTOFOIL attended our already carried the title. "the Music City Queen and the Memorial Mass for our deceas­ Athens of the South," because 250-passenger Captain Ann ed members who did not return of its rich culture and stylish ar­ sightseeing vessels from the plus for the many who chitecture. Riverfront Park dock near Fort answered the call and are now Much of the city's Nashborough. But the newest departed from this land. antebellum splendor is kid on the dock is the General This Memorial Mass as well preserved, but the most obvious Jackson paddlewheel showboat as those for the past 40 years is reminder of the Athens con­ puffing in from Opryland. close to the top of priorities for nection is a modern-day Opryland itself is another ex­ Fr. Connors. He always called wonder. the Parthenon in ample of the ubiquitous theme us "His Family". From the Centennial Park near Vander­ first Mass at St. Peter's to the On November 22, 19R5 a copy of the',,;ivision's Historv "R Stars to park. this time set on 120 acres Victory" was presented to the University of Hofs'tra of Lon~ bilt University. The Parthenon. and revolving around a Music first dinner at the old Bancroft billed as the world's only repro­ it soon became apparent that if Island, New York. Shown at the presentation are l-r: Vince City theme. Guglielmino 1st Vice-President. Charles R. Andrews acceptin~ duction of the Greek monu­ But the rides. restaurants. this devotion were to continue ment. is impressive, all right. Fr. Connors would need help. In the book for the University and the President of the Association games and shops take a back Norman Caswell who presented the book. though a bit incongruous with seat to the dozen or so lavish the early days Sylvester (Red) the rest of Nashville. stage productions that set this Byrne was on call whenever The New York Chapter can The security in the building is But to go back to the city's park apart from. say. work had to be done. finally report that our Division_ unbelievable. As former G.I. 's real beginning. Fort Disneyland or Astroworld. His most faithful helper for history "Eight Stars to we were astounded. Nashborough at Riverfront Also. no other park in the many years has been Francis Victory" was officially placed As usual any time the 9th Park is a logical starting point. world can claim to have the Maher. 14 Davenport St., Wor­ in the Library in Hofstra Division Association makes This reproduction of the King of Country Music. Roy cester. Fran or Franny as most University, Hempstead, N.Y. plans for any kind of a gather­ original stockade built to shield Acuff. as an actual resident. or men call him learned his les­ on Friday November 22, 1985 ­ ing the weather does NOT Nashville's first settlers in 1780 the Grand OleOpry as a sup­ sons very well. Fran was very dedicated to the 4581 we lost cooperate, and this day was no features exhibits of pioneer plementary attraction. An ad­ helpful to Fr. Connors in mak­ during World War II. exception. ··It was a mean, relics. Admission is 25 cents mission price of $13.50 ing arrangements with the The book is placed on the dreary day. heavy rain all day and it is closed Sundays and generously allows three days of Pastor of Immaculate Concep­ ninth floor in the New York but we must say nineteen of our Mondays. entertainment during peak tion Church for the use of his State Histoncal Collection. The men did attend the brief cere­ The Hermitage. home of An­ summer seasons (two days in Church on November 10th. We library has over one million mony. drew Jackson. is a National spring and fall). Entrance is on are very grateful to the Pastor books and is the sixth largest in We had the privilege of seeing Historic Landmark with Music Valley Drive. and Parishoners at Immacu­ the country. where these so called historical elaborate gardens and is one of late for their many kindnesses Norman Caswell, the As­ books are kept and it is wonder­ Nashville's top tourist attrac­ during the past 41 years. A visit sociation President, presented ful the tender loving care they tions. Admission is $3.75 for had to be made to the Wor­ the division history to Mr. receive. It is a library within a adults. and its Rachel's Lane cester Police Department to ob­ Charles R. Andrews, Dean of library. location can be reached via Old tain permission to use the Library in behalf of Hofstra Truly we are honored by hav­ Hickory Boulevard. Honor Guard during our Me­ University. ing Hofstra University accept morial service. Floral arrange­ On the inside front cover is a our division history and have it 1 ments had to be made for both dedication: "To the Gallant placed in the Historical Collec­ 1986 Nashville Reunion Program inside and outside the Church. Men of the 9th Infantry Divi­ tion where so few are accepted. Ninth Infantry Division Association Musical arrangements and per­ sion" mits had to be obtained so that ADOLPH WADALAVAGE THURSDAY. JUNE 26th our parade from the fire station 94-30 96th St. REGISTRATION 10:00 A.M. - ALL DAY to the Church could proceed as Ozone Park. N.Y !l416 GOLF OUTING 12:00 NOON planned. Fran was also the man BOARD OF GOVERNORS MEETING 4:00 P.M. who saw that you had a roof Sick Call OPENING NIGHT RECEPTION R:OO P.M. -11 :~O P.M. over your head upon your ar­ rival in Worcester. Planning As reported in the last issue We were privileged to make FRIDAY. JUNE 27th the Saturday night Buffet. the of the Getofoil Father Connors the trip to Europe in 1970 with REGISTRATION 10:00 A.M. - ALL DAY Sunday dinner and the mailing remains on Sick Call and we Father Connors and 165 BUSINESS AND COMMITTEE MEETINGS 10:00 A.M. of over 500 letters were a few of feel certain some letters and members of the association and GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING 11 :00 A.M. the details necessary to make a cards would cheer him up a bit. their families. Old Jack Scully LADIES MEETING AND SOCIAL...... 11: 00 A.M. success of this undertaking. Although he was not one of the and Nick Palega (both gone BOARD OF GOVERNORS MEETING ~:OO P.M. Thank you Fran. for a job well Chaplains of the 47th we now) myself and Father Con­ GRANDOLEOPRYTHEATER 9:~OP.M. done. Herb Olsen, Tom Boyle. remember him back in 1943 nors rode in the same bus Fred Demore and Ronnie Mur­ when we were heading into EI together for most of the trip. SATURDAY. JUNE 2Rth phy ably assisted Fran with Guettar and he assisted Father that is on the Continent, and we REGISTRATION 10:00 A.M. - ALL DAY many of his problems. Butcher, then the Chaplain of shared many a laugh together. Yes fond, fond memories. MEMORIAL MASS 8:30 A.M. - 9: 1;) A.M. The Roving Reporter the 47th. Father Connors heard The good Father is in and out MEMORIAL CEREMONY 10:00 A.M. Joseph A. McKenzie as many "Confessions" as of the hospital but his mail can AFTERNOON VARIETy 12:00 NOON 95 Washington Ave. possible and told the remaining be sent to: Father Edward Con­ EVENING MASS 4::l0 P.M. Waltham, Ma. 02154 men he would give "general ab­ BANQUET 6:30P.M. solution." Many men of the 47th nors. 87-5 Park Avenue. went off to meet their God Worcester. Mass. 01605. shortly after this and I have We understand that General never forgotten this incident. Donald Clayman is coming Through the association we REQUEST FOR SPACE IN REUNION SOUVENIR The Editors of the Oc­ along nicely and expects to visit PROGRAM BOOK have become very "close" to Red Phillips in California. tofoil are grateful to all Father Connors and after hear­ those who sent the Jake Laskau who also was Full Page $50.00 Half Page $30.00 ing about his Memorial Mass in reported on Sick Call in the last beautiful· Christmas Quarter Page $20.00 Eighth Page $10.00 Worcester (he started in 1945) issue of the Octofoil is up and Booster Ads $2.00 name and unit cards and wishes for the we began to make this a bout and he made the Please make checks payable to 9th Infantrv Division Associa­ New Year. We would Pilgrimage about 35 years ago. Pilgrimage to Worcester for the tion (9th Inf. Div. Asso. is acceptable) and se'ud together with Ad like to wish all the Men of all faiths coming Memorial Services this past copy to. The Reunion publicity and Program Book Chairman: members and their together to pray for "our November. Elmer Wagner families a Merry Christ­ dead." yes it was Father Con­ 2R33 Hotchkiss Rd. mas and a Happy New nors that brought us all June 26-28 Bay City, MI 48706 Year and to our Jewish together. Booster and ad deadline is May 6. 19R6. members and families a Reunion in Nashville Happy Hannukah. 1986 THIOCTO'OIL

THE OCTOFOIL Form 2579 should be -sent to Send Reservations for Rooms Directly to Hotel 412 Gregory Avenue, Weehawken, N.J. 07087 Oetofoil Associated Editors Radisson @ Plaza Hotel Nashville DON'T FORGET - Walter 0'Keeffe and Daniel Quinn " - Board of Governors' Two Commerce Place MAKE CHECK OR MONEY ORDER National Officers 1986 Nashville, Tennessee 37239 PAYABLE TO RADISSON PLAZA HOTEL President Larry Ghere NASHVILLE Norman Caswell Tulsa,Okla DO NOT SEND CURRENCY. 1946 E 27th Street Robert Paooas 9th Infantry Division Association Brooklyn, N.Y. 11229 New Port Rirhey, FI. 1986 Annual Convention DATES June 26-28, 1986 Raloh Carri ALL REQUESTS FOR THE ABOVE GROUP MUST BE RECEIVED BY MAY 28, 1986 Vincent Guglielmino, 1st V.P. Cheverly Manor, Md. 114 Charles Street Elmer Wagner Please reserve accommodations for Print or Type Floral Park, N.Y. 11001 Bay City, Mirh NAME COMpANY _ Harry Wax Dave Heller 2nd VP Brooklyn, N.Y. LAST FIRST 618 Sumac 1987 ADDRESS Highland Park, ILL. 60635 Norma., Caswell Ronald MurphY,3rd V.P. Brooklyn, N.Y. CITY -'-- ,STATE~ ,ZIP CODE"- _ 44 Strawberry Lane Gil Pernokas Scituate, Ma 02066 Woburn, Ma. SHARING ROOM WITH NO. OF PERSONS _ Richard Starr NO. OF ROOMS _ Philadelohia, pa Harrison Daysh SIGNATURE Judge Advocate Robert DeSandY PHONE NUMBER 4303 Carriage Court St. Clair Shores, Mi Kinsington, Md 20795 Louis Connors CHECK IN TIME 3:00 PM Churchton, Md" CHECK OUT TIME 1:00 PM Thomas Boyle Treasurer 1988 MONTH DAY YEAR ARRIVAL TIME MONTH DAY YEAR 39 Hall Avenue Fran Maher ARRIVAL DATE DEPARTURE DATE Sommerville, Mass 02144 Worcester, Ma Pat DeColli ACCOMMODATIONS WILL NOT BE CONFIRMED WITHOUT A CHECK FOR THE 1st NIGHT'S DEPOSIT OR USE YOUR AMEX OR Daniel Quinn Secretary Philadelphia, Pa DINERS CLUB CREDIT CARD # TO GUARANTEE YOUR RESERVATION. YOU WILL BE CHARGED FOR THE 1st NIGHT IF RESER­ 412 Gregory Avenue Carlos Esteva VATIONS ARE NOT CANCELLED 48 HOURS PRIOR TO ARRIVAl. Weehawken, N.J. 07087 Arecibo, P.R. Lewis Gray CREDIT CARDI DAMEX ["JOINERs CLUB DVISA DMASTERCARD EXPIRATION DATE _ Fontana, Wisc (PLEASE CHECK ONE) Honorary Member Emeritus Father Edward Connors PLEASE CHECK PREFERRED ACCOMMODATIONS The official publication of the Ninth Infantry Division Assoriatio~. Single Occupancy $55.00 One Bedroom Suite $250.00 Single copy price is 25 cents per issue or by mail $1.50 per year oayable In Double Occupancy $55.00 Two Bedroom Suite $325.00 advance when dues are paid. Dues are $5.00 per year with $1.50 of the $5.00 Additional Person $15.00 Club Suite $110.00-$130.00 earmarked for the issues of The Octofoil. Members should notify the Na­ ~ny tional Secretary, Daniel Quinn, 41"2 Gregory Ave. Weehawken, N.J. of ARRIVING BY AIRlINES FLIGHT # AUTO E.T .A. __ change in address. Pyblished five times- yearly, May, June, July, - Aug. Seat. _Or t ­ Nov.-Dec., Jan-Feb., Mar-April by and for the members of the Nmth In­ fantry Division Association. News items, feature stories, ohotogranh)' and IF RATE REQUESTED IS NOT AVAILABLE, NEAREST AVAILABLE RATE WILL BE ASSIGNED. THERE IS AN ADDITIONAL $15.00 CHARGE FOR THE art material from members will be appreciated. Every effort will be THIRD OR FOURTH OCCUPANT IN EACH ROOM. RATES ARE SUBJECT TO APPLICABLE TAXES. NO CHARGE FOR CHILDREN UNDER 18 OCCUpy­ made to return -photographs and art work in good condition. .. ING THE SAME ROOM AS PARENTS. An extract from the certificate of incorporation of the 9th Infantry DIVI­ sion Association reads: "This Association is formed by the offirers and 17()'221 men of the 9th Infantry Division" in order to perpetuate the memory of our fallen comrades, to preserve the espirit de corps of the division, to assist These rates will apply four days before and four days after the convention. in promoting an everlasting world peace exclusively of means of edura­ tional activities and to serve as an information bureau to former members of the 9th Infantry Division." Copy must be received on or before the 15th of each month to guarantee pUblication on the 20th. " Advance Registration for Reunion Second-Class Postage paid at Union City, N.J. Authorized as of Ortober 1, 1967. Publication No. 402s2G - 3rd Bn 60th Inf. June 26, 27, 28, 1986 Reunion The Ninth Infantry Division Nashville, TN. Volume XXXV Number 5 Nov Dec 1985 Heads for Sinai Duty Pre-Registration will be used for the 41st Annual Reunion and it When was the last time YOU wrote a letter to our Mail Call is requested that everyone use this procedure whi('h should Column? Just a postal ca;d would denote your interest and let The Army said it has selected make it much easier for you and the registration committee. some. buddy know where you are. You like to read what other a battalion from the 9th lnf. Your check or money order should be sent as earl~' as possible to members send in ... why not do your own part. and write a few Div. at Fort Lewis, Wash., to Secretary Daniel Quinn, 412 Gregory Avenue, Weehawken, ~.J. lines now and then for their enjoyment. take up the American position 070R7. with the international peace­ Make payable to: 9th Infantry Division Reunion. THE MEMORIAL FUND OF keeping force stationed on Strip tickets will be $46.00 per person includes: Registration, THE 9TH IN FANTRY DIVISION ASSOCIATION Egypt's Sinai Peninsula. Thursday night Welcoming party, Friday night at the Grand Ole Scholarship Information The 3rd Bn, 60th lnf. of the 9th Opry (and transportation) and Saturdav evening Banquet. lnf. Div. will replace a battalion The Memorial Fund of the Ninth Infantry Division Association of 800 men from the 10Ist Air­ Name was established by the members of the association to commemorate borne Div. next month, the Ar­ the memory of their comrades who paid the supreme sacrifice in my said. The latter has been on Unit battle. As a part of this fund the association established a scholarship program. Scholarships are awarded each year to relatives of men who duty in the Sinai since July and served in The Ninth Infantry Division. Each scholarship is for one will return to its home base at Address year. Fort Campbell, Ky. ELIGIBILITY FOR SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION It will be the first time a unit Guests A person who wishes to apply for a scholarship must be related to from other than the 101st or the a man who served with The Ninth Infantry Division. Children of 82nd Airborne Divs. will handle Deadline for Advance Registration will be June Ifl, l!tXfi. former members of the division will be given first consideration, but the peacekeeping job. Refunds will be made to those who are unahie to attend the reu­ children of men killed in combat given flISt preference. Applicants "By adding the 9th, we nion and the cut off date for refunds will be June 15, l!tXfi. who are not children of former members of the division wiD not be broaden the base of units avail­ considered unless no child of a former member qualifies. able to participate in this mis­ APPLICAnON PROCEDURE sion," the Army said. The following procedures must be followed by those wishing to While in the Sinai, the 3rd Bn apply for the scholarships: "will conduct routine patrols 1. Send a letter of application, written in expository form, to the and man observation points and chairman of the scholarship committee stating the following: name, address, age, and sex of the applicant; name, address, and checkpoints along with forces occupation of the applicant's parents or guardians; the name and from other nations," the Army address of the secondary school the applicant is attending or has said. attended and graduated; the name and address of the college the The multinational peacekeep­ John B. Knight Company M 47th sends in Fayet­ applicant expects to attend; the vocational goal of the applicant; ing force includes troops from teville, N.C. in May 1942. Tony Russo is on his left. Do you think and the name of and degree of relationship to a former member of the United States, Fiji, Colom­ they were heading for the "Town Pump?" the division. The unit and dates of service in the division of the bia, Australia, New Zealand, NINTH INFANTRY DIVISION ASSOCIATION former member must be included. the Netherlands, Italy, MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION 2. A transcript of the applicant's high school record must be included Uruguay, France and Britain. with the letter of application. The transcript must include at least the ftrst seven semesters of the applicant's record. They are under the command of Dan Quinn, Notional Secretory, 9th Infantry Divisiolil Assn. 3. The applicant must have a cOlmselor or principal of the high officers from Norway. 412 Gregory Ave., Weehawken, New Jersey C1l0lrl school, he or she is attending write a letter of recommendation to The Army said the 3rd Bn the chairman of the scholarship committee. received "extensive training" Enclosed please find dues for: 4. The applicant must take the PSAT which is given every October. in regional customs, desert sur­ The applicant must see that tlle results of the PSAT are sent to the vival and proper emergency Name Serial No . chairman of the scholarship committee. These results may be responses in preparation for the Street Address _. included with the high school transcript or sent to the chairman deployment. City Zone State . from the College Entrance Examination Board. The SAT of the The 9th Inf. Div. is known for CEEB may be submitted in lieu of the PSAT. I was a member of: 5. THE APPLICATION MUST BE SEl\'T TO THE CHAIRMA..~ OF its testing and use of unusual THE SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE BY MARCH 15. Applications high-technology equipment. Battery ; Company , Regiment ; 9th Div received after March 15 will not be considered. including such things as I wish to sign up for the following: 6. All applicants must accept the decision of the Scholarship militarized version of a dune Regular Member, per year .. _...... $5.00 0 Committee as final. buggy. The Army sa id, Donation Memorial Scholarship Fund ...... 0 7. Infonnation to determine financial need will be requested by the however, the battalion would THREE-YEAR MEMBER .., .$13.00 0 Scholarship Committee after the applications have been con­ not take any of its special equip­ Life Membenbip $50.00 0 sidered. ment with it. 8. Recipients of the scholarships may apply for renewal of the ..*::;adies' Auxiliary. Member ' $ 2.00 0 schoiarship each year. A copy of the student's college grades, a Please credit the following chapter: financial statement, and a letter r~qY~sting renewal of the Philly-Delaware'Valley 0 Great:er N~ York o scholarship should be sent to the chairman by March 15. Illinois 0 Washington, D.C. o 9. All applications must be sent to: JohnJ. ClOUse!"1 S,cholarship New E~ 0 Michigan o Ass~ciation, By the time you've learned Chairman, Ninth Infantry Division Rt. 4 Box 50A how to make the most out of Ohio 0 Fayetteville- Crystal River, FI. 32629: life. most of it's gone. Florida 0 Fort Bragg, N.C. TH·.OCTO.OIL

(Please contact AdJoph Jack Finnegan and I attended 26th FIELD TO "B" (47th) Michigan Doings Wadalavage of the ~!' Chapter the Memorial Mass in ARTILLERY BATTALION OR NOT TO "BE" if additional information is Worcester together. We had a "Hdqtrs" - "A" - "E" ­ This is the time of the year Greetings again to all our necessary. ) pleasant visit there with Googy. "e" - "Service" when joy should prevail. How­ "BECO" buddies and friends. To all those BEeO buddies Danny, and Bob DeSandy. The ever, we must mention the Since our last column. we've and other 9th Div. Assoc, Com­ service was a highly emotional ::-;ervlce Hatterv had someone death of Tony Repetti and Er­ had some hectic times with il­ new and someon~ old attending. rades \vho wrote us pertaining one. reaching a peak when the vin "Pop" Zucker. Two F Co. lness. We had to cancel our trip to the "Vorcester Memorial good father came out of the Alexander Henry Wilcopolski of 47th Infantry men who \vilJ to Worcester. Mass. where Ann Chicago atten'ded his first Mass and Services: \ve wish to hospital to be with the troops alwavs be fondly remembered and I were to attend our 9th thank the following on behalf of and addressed his "family" Memorial Mass. Fred Keyes bv those who k~ev,: them way Division's Annual Memorial returned home after 25 years. Ann and myself: Dennis and from the altar. b~ck then. Mav their souls find 1\Iass and Ecumenical Services Thora Canedy, John and Fred was born and grevv' up in I have been in close touch rest and their families know the at The Immaculate Conception Catherine Compagnone. Nor­ with Lou Slatnick. Jack Fin­ Boston. Minnesota was his Deace that passes all Church. for our departed com­ man and Alice Caswell. George home for all of those 25 years, ~nderstanding, negan. and Dan Quinn this past rades and buddies of our belm'­ Apar. Olga Palega. and Adolph year and a half. I've also seen Fred retired. packed all his Life goes on and those living ed 9th Inf Division. Ann \Vadalavage. belongings. and returned East Al Munatore. Frank Gonzol. must that which is their allotted became ill with a Strep Throat We sincerely wish all our bud­ Gilsen~n., to stav. Bill Bongiorno is still Smig, Yennie. and work in this world. and an infection which dies and friends had a wonder­ Slats. Jack. and I are going to trving' to convince himself that The Michigan Chapter. along necessitated our having to ful Christmas holiday. Mayall Florida is the place. Harry Fry send out notices of a once-a­ with others. joined with the Il­ cancel all our reservations. just of you have a great New Year in month meeting place for lunch. is enioving retired life. His linois Chapter at Angola. Ind. prior to leaving for Worcester. I 'D~rothy 1986: Don't forget the 1986 Reu­ We'll be sending these notices wife. had a dinner of for the Annual Out State Meet­ am happy to report that Ann nion in Nashville. Tenn. on June broiled swordfish for the first to "F" Company when in the ing in October. While there we has made a good recovery and 26-28. This promises to be a area so that they can attend if time ever. Now she wants elected officers for 1986. That she is now feeling well and in great one so make your reser­ Harrv to make more trips to they're so inclined. We won't be was the extent of our business good spirits. In the meantime vations early. Details are in the ma'king advance registrations. New' England from Munhall. the rest of the time enjoying the we learned of our buddy Art Octofoil. Until next time: our Penn. so that she can partake of it will be Dutch treat, and we'll fellowship of seventy four Stenzel's illness. As Art tells it sincerest wishes to all our schedule so as to miss the such a delicious meal more members and guests. Our to us in his recent letter "like a "BEeO" buddies and their often. busiest part of the lunch hour. I thanks to Mike and Ann Bel­ bolt out of the blue" he had a famiiies. think an on-going event such as During the past summer John monte and their helpers for a stroke, Art says "thanks to a PATJ. MORANO and Dorothv flew to Europe on this should attract any number job well done. wonderful team of doctors. 2208 Lincoln Way East of men from the NY-NJ area. the Concorcte. wonderful flight. At our Annual Christmas nurses, and the thoroughness of Chambersburg, Pa. 17201 On the return home they rode We are considering meeting in Party/Meeting those elected to a wonderful hospital", he has and Hurricane Gloria for three days different parts of the state to office were installed. The the privilege of writing to all of Art J. Stenzel on the Queen Mary. Last sum­ accommodate everyone, but if Michigan Chapter officers for us. Art is feeling much better 8705 Village Mill Row we locate a restaurant that pro­ mer Joe and Jeanette Albanese 1986 are: Leonard DeBell Presi­ now. his doctor has put him on a Bayonet Point. Florida 33567 traveled to Atlantic City to at­ vides us with exceptional ser­ dent, Percy Hough 1st V.P .. 1500 calories a day diet. Art vice and facilities, we may tend the wedding of a relative. Jim Bruner 2nd V.P., Rodger happily states that his doctor Before returning to White River F Company 47th Inf. make it our permanent meeting E. Alsgaard Secy., Elmer has given him a clean bill of place. Also, if any of you out­ Junction they had to find out for Wagner Treas.. Donald Lewis health and also has been able to themselves why so many peo­ The year 1985 had indeed landers happen to be in the area Adjutant, Everett Tapp shed some 20 pounds. Art is tak­ been a sad one for the families ple had to go to Atantic City. at the time, you can join us. Chaplain and Bille Martin ing it easy down at Bayonet and friends of a couple of "F" Joe fell for the one arm bandits I want to report that both Historian. Point where he resides with his Company, 47th stalwarts. In and had success. $300.00 worth. Frank Gilsenan and Frank While at Angola there was lovely wife Grace. "BECO bud­ last month's OCTOFOIL I re­ John Quinn. like myself. is in Gonzol are coming along nicely some talk of holding an out dies and friends: how about ported the death of our Anthony since their recent illnesses. fairlv good condition but would state in Wisconsin. Maybe the dropping a line to Art to wish not be classified 1A by our draft· Repetti. What a giant of a man. Gilsenan will probably be lun­ Illinois Chapter could work him continued good health. His in the truest sense of the word board. Pergi has retired twice. ching with us this month. Gon­ with those interested and host address is shown at the bottom MAN! Now it is my sad duty to Without anv hobbies to keep zol returned from his annua1 an out state in Wisconsin in of this column. inform our readers of the pass­ six-week winter residence in him busv o~ the urge to hit the 1987. The Michigan Chapter has We wish to thank our BECO open ro~d he is again thinking ing of our highly respected and Florida. He sounded hale and made reservations with Holi­ buddy Dennis Canedy in well loved Irving "Pop" hearty when I talked with him of returning to work. Elmer day Inn to meet in Angola. In. in supplying us information on Roscoe is having a reaction to Zucker. Pop died, almost to the just before Christmas. I also 1986. what transpired in Worcester day, one month after Tony. Lou spoke with a number of ot.her hip operation he had a few I have been in corres­ during the Memorial Mass and vears ago. It is not too pleasant. Slatnick. Milton Zucker, and I "F" Company people this pondence with Sam Moscatelli Services. and also reporting to were honored by being asked to winter: Frank Smith, Dan Had a phone call from the son of of Chisholm, Mn. He is quite in­ us on the illness of our dear Trulv G. Hammock. 8406 Cop­ serve as pallbearers for Pop. At Quinn (J included Dan with us terested in having a meeting or Father Connors. It saddens our the time I couldn't help but because of his service with us perp'enny Terrace, Chester­ even a National Reunion in hearts in addition to all 9th Div. field, Virginia. The old boy is think how many times Pop had as both company medic and Minneapolis or St. Paul, Mn. He comrades who were not able to carried me (figuratively) and battalion medic), Otto Geyer, over the 70 mark and is very reports ample hotel space be present in Worcester this happy with his wood working the rest of us when the going got Felton Jones, George King, a vailable and much to do in the year, since it now appears that tough. Frank Smith, our old Smig Tokarchek, and Earl ShOD. area. He has been in touch with Father Connors will no longer Remember in your prayers: company commander, said it Wilkey. Many of you sent me Laurence Melanson in an at­ be able to host this Annual nicely in a letter to me, "Pop. in Christmas greetings, for which Keson Nosek: Keson died tempt to find men from that Pilgrimage. To all of us who August 28. 1985. Paul Griffin: his quiet way, gave stability to I express my thanks. Everyone a rea who would be willing to gathered with Father Connors the company. I can remember a seems to be well enough, or Paul died September 22. 1985. help in getting a meeting in that for most of the 41 Memorial I am sure that I missed some number of times when just ably handling what infirmities area. Masses and Services we shall Pop's presence was enough to are plaguing them. My own men from other batteries. It Sam also reported on visiting not forget his warm hearted­ was not intentional. Charge it defuse what could have become health has been pretty good. If I Joe Podany in Minneapolis say­ ness, dedication. and prayers an explosive situation." It was could lose about fifty pounds off to the lack of journalism ing "He's not in the best of for all of us. which made us look classes in my younger days. Frank Smith who had the good (or grow to about 8 ft. 6 in. to shape." He also wrote of one on the bright side of life. sense and perception to make those charts match up Here are some ex-26ers seen Alex Prosnik who is in Wesley Father. as you requested: we at the Mass or the dinner: Jim recognize both Tony and Pop right) I'd probably reenlist. Residence, 5601 Grand Ave. W. a re saying those prayers for for the men they were, and to Lucy and I spent most of the Hennelly, Gerard Leone, Don­ Duluth, Mn. 55807. Wesley you. God Bless You! May good ald Rollar, John T. McColgan. promote them to the positions holiday season at our beach Residence is a nursing home. I health and continued Blessings of responsibility where they house. We love it here on Long Tom Boyle, Connie Matulis. expect that a card to Alex be yours for many years to Mike Scirappa, Everett were able to make the roughest Beach Island, and we would would be most welcome by him. come. We are most fortunate of lives just a bit more love to sell our Metuchen home Linscott and Ed Nelson. John So now I will close hoping for that Father Connors "good Babbitt still has to make bearable. and settle here permanently. the best of health to all in 1986. right hand man" Father Jerry In addition to the above nam­ but the salaries Lucy has been regular visits to a V A Hospital. For those ill and infirmed may Rowan will assist in leading our Gill Pernokas still has much ed trio, in attendance at Pop's offered in the area are the Great Physician rest His Annual Pilgrimages in the funeral were Ken Yennie. ridiculous - especially if she trouble with his legs and feet. healing hands on your body. future. Let's all make an effort Robert O'Callaghan, must be 25 George Gaynor, and Dan wants to continue supporting Rodger E. Alsgaard Sec'y. to help Father Jerry Rowan Quinn. Afterwards, Pop's love­ me in the manner to which I vears since he was last seen in Michigan Chapter undertake these services on Worcester. Bob Warner, still as ly daughter told me how often have grown accustomed. She Ninth Infantry behalf of Father Connors. Pop had spoken of us and how insists on continuing to work ­ dapper as ever. Dan Mazeika. Division Association Letters in the mail: Dennis always ready to take on any excited he had been when he at­ I suspect she fears becoming 2834 Wynes St. Canedy tells us that his wife tended our last two reunions at pregnant if she stays home with senior golfer. Milton Parrott is Saginaw, Mi. 48602 Thora's operation was most enjoying life in the village of Lake Placid and Orlando. Pop me all day! successful and she is doing fine. was proud of his role in the Lucy and I wish you all a Centerville on Cape Cod. A Christmas note from BECO Henry Cappella must be Ninth Infantry Division, and he healthy and happy 1986. ON TO buddy George Grieve. He said had the warmest of feelings for NASHVILLE! ! ! under doctor's care. He was he was in the Butler, Pa. VA missed at Worcester. his "F" company comrades till Liberal: someone who would be hospital but hopes to be home the end. He will be missed by ED "HOPPY" HOPKINS 110 Hollywood Avenue Joe McKenzie conservative if only he could af­ by Christmas. Christmas cards all. ford it. also from BECO buddies "Big I also want to report on an Metuchen, N.J. 08840 ED" Sarnocinski and Joe Har­ obituary that I spied in the villa. They hope to see us in Newark Star Ledger this fall, Nashville at the '86 Renunion that of our Mike Parachuk. June 26-28. Though he hasn't participated June 26-28 The New York Chapter of our in anv of the Association's ac­ Reunion in Nashville 9th Div. Assoc. is to be com­ tivities since the war, he will be mended for having the Division remembered by all who served Some people never repeat History "Eight Stars to Vic­ with him. gossip ... you have to listen tory" placed in the Library of When I called Smig to tell him carefully the first time. Hofstra University. We are of Pop's death, he said, "Gee. reminded bv the N.Y. Chapter first Chuck Koskie and no\\' that the historY \vas placed at It's no use telling people YO~E' T0nv and Pop: it seems that the troubles - half of them ha\'e Hofstra on b'ehalf of every goo,; ones are going first.·· I, former 9th man (WW II), \Vhen troubles worse than yours and \\7 as in complete agreement the other half are glad you're visiting the library the history with him when I replied. ·'Yes. This photo is dated 12/26/44 - the area Sourbrodt. Belgium shows may be found in the l\.Y. State finally getting what's coming to I guess .~~~.t's true: r g,~ess you Pvt. Frank :\larrotta and Pd. Peter Krencik of .\ Bt.\, 26th F.\ His'torical Section - 9th floor. you looking om of their foxhoit<. and r WHl Jlve forever. THE. ~ C TO F 0 I L

Minutes of the 153rd wdcoming party. Fran Maher Meeting will handle the Friday night ­ TlteDumon Tip of the Hat Taps Sounded Board of Governors Ole Opry Show. Upon a motion duly made by Carlos Eesteva Foctor The 153rd meeting of the Na­ Remembering the Memorial tional Board of Governors of and seconded by Pat DiColli it The following story was writ­ Fund and their departed loved was voted to: accept the reu­ No man is an island, entire of the Ninth Infantry Division ten by a 15 year old girl who , ones and comrades we thank itself: every man is a piece of Association was held on nion committee's report. visited remains of the Remagen the following members and Pat DiColli of the Philly-Dela­ the continent, a part of the November 9, 1985 at 4: 15 P.M. Bridge in September 1983. Her friends. main: if a clod be washed away in the Hotel Sheraton-Lincoln, ware Valley Chapter briefed name is Marlene Otto, 11533 the board members as what to Robert Waldvogel by the sea. Europe is the less, Worcester, Massachusetts. Wisconsin Avenue, North, as well as ifa promontory were.. expect in 1987 when their Champlin, Minnesota 55316. Joseph Donovan Attending were Norman Cas­ James M. Droney as well as if a manor of thy chapter will host the reunion at Adolph Wadalavage was given well, Carlos Esteva, Dave John K. Moore friends or of thine own were: Camp Hill, Pennsylvania. the article by a member of the Heller, Pat DiColli, Elmer Boardman Lockwood any man's death diminishes Fran Maher of the Futurt:: 9th Armored Division when Wagner, Gil Pernokas, Lew Andrew Kopach me. because I am involved in Reunion sites committee dis­ they re-visited Remagen this Gray, Robert DiSandy, Francis Anne & Jerry Shapiro mankind: and therefore never cussed some possibilities for past winter. Maher, Lou Connors and Ralph A.J. Seasock send to know for whom the bell future years. September 30, 1984 Carci. Also in attendance were Edwin Brewer tolls: it tolls for thee. After a discussion and upon a Two hours til New York Past Presidents Emil Langer. John Thornton by John Donne B ill Bongiorno, Len motion by Carlos Esteva and The Human Factor seconded by Gil Pernokas it Ira Rosenfeld Tomassone, Herb Olsen, Ron I realize there is nothing I Tom Orband was voted by the Members: to could write that would bring William Miller Murphy and Walter 0'Keeffe. Charles Titus (In memory of Cannon Co 39th Inf donate the sum of $1000.00 to back the past two weeks of my Also Pete Radichio, Henry San­ Sgt. Wagner, 3rd Bn 47th) help defray the expenses of the life. It was at times a fantasy; a tos, Fred D'Amore, Adolph A.T. Forrest (In memory of Irving "Pop" Zu.cker Worcester Memorial. land of flying buttresses and Wadalavage, Frank Buzanoski. Walter Mills & Thomas Bray. 47th Inf F Co The proposal to change the foreign tongues, of marches President Caswell called the 15th Engrs) By-laws of the association per­ and cries for freedom; of meeting to order and asked the Mrs. Steve Bobinski (In Keson Nosek taining to the use of the bridges burnt, blown, built, members to rise and salute the memory of Ralph Penna & 26th FA Servo Btry Memorial Fund was with- repaired; of multiple blocked Flag and to remain standing for . drawn. . Robt. Gibson) corridors manned by God . a moment of silent prayer. Ernest Chandler Jacob Lessoff A discussion on the funds of driven human souls carrying Secretary Dan Quinn read the James W. Brown 47th Inf C Co minutes of the 152nd meeting the association was held and supplies on their backs and that took place in Orlando, upon a motion duly made by freedom in their hearts. It was Lew Gray and seconded by Amerigo "Snuffy" DeJulius Florida on June 7, 1985 and a sharing with total strangers Div. Arty. Hqs. upon a motion made by Fran Robert DeSandy it was voted the stories and memories that to: Reinvest the Capital Fund bound us together. Strangers, Maher and seconded by Lew STANDS CORRECTED Luke Savage Gray it was voted to: Accept from a regular savings account we stood together, Some cried into a Money Market Fund with The Editor 47th Inf B Co the reading of the minutes and for those who did not come AUSA News have the secretary place copy a greater rate of interest. The back, some cried thanking God Marker Fund account will be P.O. Box 1560 Michael Baldi of same on file. for those who did. And so a bond Arlington, VA 22210 39th Inf Tom Boyle was called upon held for discussion at the June of compassion and caring. We meeting to be hp.ld in Nashville. Dear Sir: for his report and Tom gave the who were once strangers While I am not a member of George Dohmann After a discussion on the became friends and our friends members a report of the spend­ the Association of the United I Co 47th & 9th Med D Co ing and income for the previous possibility of having the became our family. association make up a States Army your publication quarter. Upon a motion made For some it was a reliving of reaches me from time to time Carl McNees Memorial Card for use at the 40 years ago. An event in by Fran Maher and seconded through the thoughtfulness of a 9th MP by Lou Connors it was voted to: demise of our members it was history they've woke with and made into a motion by Carlos friend who is and I do find the Accept the report of the went to sleep with. They've liv­ occasional article of interest. Lloyd Vest Treasurer. Esteva and seconded by Lou ed it. They were there. They Connors to have the association In the present case the item . 60th Inf D Co Henry Santos reported on the took the memory home and recounting your Award for Florida reunion committee that board members study this pro­ kept it burning for 40 years, so posal and have a report at the Distinguished Service to J. Paul Morrissette was held in Orlando on June 6-8. much a part of their lives it Willis Cantey caught my eye 60th Inf 1985 and turned over to the next meeting. was. Now, some can go on to the Upon a motion duly made by and with it the comment on his President a check for $5474.00. next chapter in their lives. The service with the 30th Division Frank Chatto the profits realized from the Fran Maher and Seconded by book will always remain, but Bob DeSandy, it was voted to and of his being the youngest C Co 47th Inf reunion. President Caswell they can begin a new verse, a Batallion Commander in the thanked Santos and the com­ adjourn at 5:18 P.M. new page, a new song. Steve Lelak Respectfully submitted. Army. Not to detract in any mittee for a wonderful reunion I gasped for breath as I stood way from his outstanding 47th Tnf Co B and upon a motion made by Daniel Quinn in the stadium. I could feel the National Secretary record I would like to submit Elmer Wagner and seconded by power and hear the voice of the the names of four of our Bat­ Betty Zweil Bob De Sandy it was voted to: Mini Rt~.lion 60th Inr. Co. M man responsible for so many talion Commanders who Wife of William of Cannon 47th Accept the report of the reunion First, I would like to say, "It deaths. I wanted to scream, to achieved that command, rank committee. Upon a motion is certainly commendable the cry, to vomit. I wanted to listen, and distinction while serving in May they rest in peace. To their made by Elmer Wagner and way you and the Octofoil staff to learn, to share and I wanted the 47th Infantry Regiment of loved ones we extend our seconded by Lou Connors it was work with this so diligently." to leave. the 9th Infantry Division. Time deepest sympathy. voted to give a stipend of $100.00 We always enjoy it so much. I stood on the remains of a has shaded my memory as to to the Florida Chapter for Secondly I would like to say, bridge built for war and the precise age for each one as 39th Inf. a job well done. we are having an "M" Com­ destroyed by war. I heard the they became e.O's but they MRS. MARGARET BALDI Robert DeSandy Co- pany 60th Infantry reunion civil defense sirens blare and were 24, 26, 26 & 27 and perhaps 227 Sherman Ave. chairman of the 1986 reunion to here, in the Shoals area June felt my flesh crawl with a fear I a more accurate assignment Roselle Park, N.J. be held in Nashville, Tenn., was 23-25. The Shoals area is can only imagine for 40 years can come from Daniel Quinn. This is to inform you that my asked to give his report and Bob Tuscumbia, Muscle Shoals, ago. And I heard and saw the Secretary of the Ninth Infantry husband, Michael Baldi Hdq reported that he and Emil Sheffield, and Florence. You jet stream across the sky, as if Division Association. At any Co. 39th Inf. passed away on Langer had journeyed to Nash­ really don't know when you are another reminder; while those rate thE!y were Lt. Col. James March 6, 1985. He died of a ville to tie up any loose ends for in one or the other; so to be who lived it told their stories. I D. Allgood, 1st Bn: Lt. Col. heart attack. He was the drum­ the reunion. DeSandy stressed more specific our get together watched those men wipe tear Lewis E. Maness, 2nd Bn: Lt. mer in the band that Benny the importance of pre-regis­ will be at the Holiday Inn, in stained faces with their Col. Ray Inzer 2nd Bn; and Lt. Nardone and Charles Double tration and that the format for Sheffield, AL. The exact place weathered, gentle hands. And Col William Tanner: 3rd BN. have been trying to locate. I'm the three day reunion will be we had it two years ago. now I could feel. Now I under­ The 9th Division was a part of just starting to get back on my changed somewhat, for on Fri­ Already we have 25 registered stand what all the history books VII Corps from D+4 through feet. day evening instead of the usual with 23 wives. We have all in the world will never be able Normandy and fought along dance the members will take in ground floor rooms, pool side, to tell. THE HUMAN FACTOR. side the 30th on several occa­ 60 InI. Co. M a show at the Grand Ole Opry. also facing this beautiful court A moment in infamy. A mo­ sions we also acquired Brig­ MRS. PAUL MORRISSETTE Tickets for the show had to be yard; the hospitality room is ment that will extend from the Gen Hammond D. Birks, 116 Liberty St. purchased well in advance in out of this world. You might say alpha to omega. A moment that formerly C.O. 120th Infantry as Pawtucket, R.I. 02861 order to guarantee seats for or think I am acting premature­ opened my whole being, our Ass't-Div. Commander for My husband Paul passed some 600 of our members and ly but I learned in law school thoughts, feelings, intellect, a spell although I do not recall away on November 2, 1985. He friends. Bob and Emil were and as an attorney with the In­ heart; to the Human Factor of when he left. Perhaps all of this was highly honored to have well pleased with the hotel and ternal Revenue that pro­ World War. I was there. will elicit some replies for the served in the 9th Division and the city itself and assured the crastination only invites defeat edification of your readers. has spent most of his time since members that a great reunion or severe disappointment, con­ II y. are planaial on moviDI Very truly yours. then with the VFW. Among will be held in Nashville. Presi­ sequently I am plapning on all pleaH notify the secretary ., Boardman F. Lockwood many offices he held in his own dent Caswell thanked Bob and of us having a wonderful time. lour new a4Wrna. It ",m sav~ Ex-47th Infantry post he was currently the Emil for their report. Quartermaster of the State of and remember we are only 126 poMace alld keep y. on lb.. 242 Trumbull Street President Caswell asked R.I. VFW. miles from Nashville where the OdoIoiI maiIiDl list. Hartford, Conn. 06103 these members to serve on the National Convention is June various committees as the Na­ 26-28. 47th Inf. Co. B tional Association will hold this As host for this get together I MRS. WANDA LELAK reunion. Elmer Wagner will have asked W.C. Hornadyand 802 E. Flag PI. handle the Journal Committee, H.F. Stansell to serve as coor­ Poinciana, Fl. 32758 Tom Boyle will take care of the dinators, Sect. & Treas. or what It is a very sad occasion for registration at the Hotel with ever:; to take up the money, me to tell you that "Ole Sarge the secretary Dan Quinn taking buy the beer and booze, pay for Lelak" passed away Nov. 2. His pre-registrations, the Memorial the banquet and what have you, heart couldn't take it anymore. Service Committee will consist and I certainly appreciate them He died suddenly and went the of the following: John Clouser, botA graciously accepting; so way he said he wanted to and Lou Connors, Vincent get in touch with either three of that's dancing! We were at a Guglielmino and Fran Maher. us for questions or reserva­ Polka Festival and were having Emil Langer will take charge of tions. Regards to the entire Came upon this photo of the 39th Infantry band dated 11/1/44 a wonderful time. Mter the last the banquet on Saturday night division. taken in the Huertgen Forest Germany, when the regiment was dance he sat down and in 10 a nd the Thursday night CURTIS BUCHANAN given the chance to take a shower, ~rink some beer and listen to minutes he was gone. I'm glad 2914 Alexander St. the music. Bennie Nardone was the leader, shown on the right he didn't suffer. Florence, AI. 35630 with him trumpet but we did spot an old friend Herminio Suarez (playing sax), front row fourth from left. TH.OCTOFOIL

: . ordered to form a unit dressed In his new book. Cha~les B. The Battle That Sealed Germany's Fate in captured British and , MacDona Id asserts tha t American uniforms. After the ULTRA ,United States code- breakthrough. these men were . name for decrypted German Forty years later, the Battle of the Bulge Remembered to rush forward and seize the messages) information Meuse bridges at Engis. Amav reaching higher headquarters and Huy. ' manders and thousands of bat­ "Don't worrv. Trov." disclosed that the Sixth Panzer With acknowledgement of talion and company officers. Bradley said. "they won't c~me For this, Skorzeny needed Army. which was to playa ma­ Drew Middleton here's a story Above all. it was a soldiers' through here." To which men fluent in American­ jor role in the battle, had been that appeared in the Sunday fight. Although some of thE! in- . Middleton. no relation to this English and English-English. designated ·as a strategic section of .the New York Times experienced' G.I.'s b'ehaved correspondent replied, "Maybe He found only 10 of the former reserve for Hitler's head­ December. 1984. Drew Middle­ badly during the early stages of not. Brad. but they've come and told the remainder that quarters. ULTRA picked up ton covered the Battle of the the battle. the ultimate triumph through this area several times when they joined the retreating messages concerning the move­ Bulge for the New York Times. lay with the American soldiers. hefore." Americans they should pretend ment of almost 400 troop-and­ He was the newspaper's who displayed bravery. to be too shaken to speak. supply trains to the west. and it military-affairs correspondent resiliency and a stubbornness Hitler's projects . Although the Skorzeny mis­ reported regularly on requests SIOn succeeded in throwing a to the Luftwaffe for recon­ for many years and is now a that amazed their enemies and Like many of Hitler's proj­ heartened their commanders scare into the top brass. it ac­ naissance flights over the area columnist for The Times's news ects. the Ardennes' offensive complished little on the battle­ of the offensive. In addition. syndicate. and allies. was grandiose in its objectives. Shortly before dawn on Dec. But before the campaign was field. Lieut. Gunther Schulz. another intelligence process in­ The Nazi dictator saw the 18. 1944, the G.!. 's of an over. military reputations on one of Skorzeny's team leaders tercepted a message to Tokvo seizure of Antwerp. which could American intelligence and hoth sides had been marred: who was captured in the early from Baron Hiroshi Oshima. logistically support at least 50 stages of the mission, told Japan's Ambassador in Berlin. reconnaissance platoon of the The German record was sullied Allied divisions in a drive'into hy massacres of prisoners of American interrogators that about a talk with Nazi leader 394th Infantry Regiment at Germany. as the primary ob­ Lanzerath saw the sky to the war and civilians and Anglo­ the operation's principal goal that revealed that Hitler had iective. But he also believed east lighted by the flashes of American military cooperation was to penetrate the Supreme mentioned an offensive "after that by driving between the more than 100 guns. Silhouetted at the highest level was im­ Headquarters of the Allied Ex­ the beginning of November." American 12th Army Group paired by squabbling. peditionary Forces in Ver­ The Allies. MacDonald against the flashes were scores north of Spa and the British 21st , The furious initial success of sailles, just outside Paris. and claims. knew sQ?aething was of German tanks and artillerv Army Group in northern Bel­ which, as dawn broke, rumbled the Germans shattered conven­ assassinate General Eisen­ brewing on the other side of the gium. and the Netherlands he through the snow toward the tional military wisdom in Lon­ hower and other senior Allied line. but they failed to interpret would place the British in an in­ Americans' positions. don and Paris that the war was officers. the information correctly. In tolerble military situation. With almost over. At the time. the Skorzeny and 50 men. so ran the heady Allied atmosphere of their backs against the sea and Start of German offense 21st Army Group. an Allied Schulz's account. were to meet late 1944, a German offensive no access to a major supply fighting force, was making slow at the Cafe de la Paix on the involving half a million troops The movement. 40 years ago. port. they would be forced to but steady progress in the north Place de 1'Opera in Paris. hard­ was unthinkable. was the start of the German of­ .withdraw across the North Sea ly a safe rendezvous. and then fensive on an 8o-mile front after the debacle at Arnhem The Germans. who had been . The American First Armv: to Britain. proceed to Versailles. The deceived in the Normandv through the Ardennes region of Hitler's belief in himself as a under Lieut. Gen. Courtney Allies took the necessan operation by fake Allied Belgium that has come to be H. military genius had not been Hodges. had taken Aachen and security precautions and wireless messages. tried the called the Battle of the Bulge. dimmed by his defeat in Nor­ was pushing east. Lieut. Gen. nothing happened. same trick against the after the triangular wedge in mandy. the liberation of Paris George S. Patton Jr.'s Third The Skorzeny mission had lit­ Americans. establishing a fic, which it was fought. This was or the Allied advance across Army was driving toward the tle luck in the field. Two teams titious 25th Army in the Cologne Hitler's last great throw of the France and into Belgium. All Saar. American and British air reached the Meuse and then' area. The interecepted false ctice. As Field Marshal Gerd could be restored by one bold forces had established returned to Germany. A third messages may have diverted von Rundstedt, the German stroke. and he devoted his superiority along the entire approached the river on Christ­ Allied attention from the real commander in the field. wrote demoniac energy to the mas Eve and was wiped out. A buildup in the Ardennes. in an order of the day: "WE Western Front. preparation of that stroke. German armor and infantrv fourth was intercepted bv the GAMBLE ·EVERYTHING." Through the late summer. pouring out of the wooded hill~ military police at a bridge be­ Secrecy and surprise Inspired and largely planned Hitler busied himself with plans tween Huy and Namur and ar­ by the Nazi dictator, executed on Dec. 16 smashed the comfor­ for the offensive. The attempt­ Secrecy and surprise were table confidence with which the rested. Skorzeny himself was not the only significant hy his best generals employing ed assassination on him in July not captured, but none of his elite panzer ,armored) divi­ Allies viewed their militarv elements. Many of the German evide~t by some of his own officers had units ever reached Paris. s ions. the offensive came situation. Today it is enhanced an already obsessive armored units had fought in the Germans had every reason Although the threat was not Russia. where. as the tide turn­ perilously close to its objective • secrecy. He confided his think­ realized. it provoked a bad case of splitting the Anglo-American to be confident. ings only to Gen. Alfred JodI. ed their operations were large­ The area of the front that' of spy fever in Allied rear front and seizing Antwerp. the chief of operations at his head­ areas. . ly defensive. They had to be Allies' largest supply port. Hitler chose to attack ran quarters. Not until Sept. 25 did reindoctrinated in offensive After 43 days of savage snakelike through German-held Hitler finally reveal the plan to Surprise is the key to militarv tactics and trained for night territory from Roermond in the fighting. the Germans were others on his operations staff. success. The Germans used it operations over hills and north toward Luxembourg in defeated. broken. The The offensive. he said. would masterfully. Not only were thev through forests. the south. By Dec. 15. the Vehrmacht in the Western lake place between Monschau. able to concentrate a force ~f It is a tribute to the German Americans had established theater of war was finished as a a German town southeast of more than 23 divisions close to soldier and his officers that themselves in a semicircle coherent combat force. After Aachen. and Echternach. on the American front but thev after more than five years of along the Roer River, east of the Bulge. every road the Ger­ the Sure River in Luxembourg. also managed to assemble th~ war they were able to absorb Aachen. To the south. the Ger­ mans took led inexorably to the Hitler knew that only four necessary stocks of ammuni­ the lessons and launch an offen­ man line swung slightly west schoolhouse at Rheims and un­ American infantrv divisions tion and fuel without detection. sive notable for its drive and through the hotlv conteSted conditional surrender. and one armored 'division oc­ Stringent measures were perseverance in the face of Hurtgen Forest. th'en ran south A great deal more is known cupied the area. and he guess­ taken to preserve their opera­ what, in the end. were over­ and southwest paralleling the about the battle today than in ed. correctly. that the wooded tional secrecv. Within armv whelming odds on the ground West Wall. the main German its immediate aftermath. Sur­ area to the east would cover the staffs. for ex'ample. only th~ and in the air. fortified line. until it reached viving German generals who concentration of German forces commanding general. the chief Army Group B. under Field the Moselle River. were involved in the battle at for the attack. of staff. the operations officer Marshal von Rundstedt. was Yet the Allies were surprised division level or higher wrote A German breakthrough. and one other staf officer were designated as the attacking a nd came close to being detdiied accounts for their ar­ Hitler told his staff officers. told all the details. force. On Dec. 11, its com­ defeated. How could thev have my's voluminous records. whch would open a drive to the north­ Terrain and weather aided manders were disarmed and let themselves beco~e so subsequently came into Allied west. crossing the Meuse River their efforts. The three German then taken by circuitous routes vulnerable? hands. Other Allied and Ger­ between Liege and Namur and a rmies moving into jump-off to Hitler's command post. There was an admitted ele­ man studies based on Nazi smashing ahead toward Ant­ positions were shielded by the Adlerhorst ,Eagle's Nest). documents have also provided ment of risk in the Allied posi­ coniferous trees of the Arden­ from where thelJazi dictator tions. From First Army Head­ werp. new insights. JodI and the military plan­ nes that keep their cover in had directed. or said he had quarters at Spa. a mineral On the American side. the ners made some alterations in winter. Fog and mist shrouded directed. the triumphs of 1940. resort town in Belgium. south of Battle of the Bulge produced a Hitler's proposal. The thrust the area. All ied photo­ Until the day he died. Hitler Luxembourg. where Lieut. spate of books. One of the first. out of the Ardennes south of ff'('onnaissance missions flying believed that the successful in­ Gen. Omar N. Bradley directed published 15 years ago. was Aachen. they decided. was to be over the area simply could not vasions of Denmark and Nor­ the American 12th Army "The Bitter Woods," by John the major drive. carried out bv spot the Germans. way and the defeat of the S.D. Eisenhower. a young of­ Group, lay a ribbon of country­ Arm~. At times. attentive American French Army in 1940 were due side that was only lightly heid the Sixth S.S. Panzer ficer during the war who later with the new 15th Army on its sentries reported hearing the to his strategic direction. Set­ became United States Am­ by the Americans. It was a vir­ sound of tanks and trucks backs. such as the evacuation tual invitation to German at­ right flank. The Fifth Panzer hassador to Belgium: his Army would be on the left. across the lines. But investiga­ of the British Expeditionary tack. father. General of the Army The generals who would ex­ tion met only the stillness of the Force from Dunkirk. were Dwight D. Eisenhower. was When questioned bv this cor­ forest. German unit com­ blamed on the stupidity or ir­ respondent at the time about ecute the overall plan thought it Allied Supreme Commander. too ambitious. Hitler had an­ manders may not have known resolution of commanders on One of the most recent is "A the thinness of the American the details of the closely held the spot. cteployment. Bradley said. "It's ticipated their opposition. but Time for Trumpets: Tbe Untold held firm. JodI conveyed his plan but they were experienced After a long political har­ Story of the Battle of the a calculated risk: you have to solid~rs. as were their men. No rangue, Hitler confidently told take them in war." One of his master's feelings when he told Bulge." by Charles B. Mac­ the generals: "In our present one commented when wood the generals that all the staff officers added. "After all. Donald. a veteran of the battle situation. however. we must not fires were forbidden and char­ necessary weapons. tanks. and a former deputy chief these aren't the Germans of coal was distributed to avoid heavy artillery and other field 1940." who in a drive through shrink from staking everything historian to the United States on one card." smoke from unit fires. guns were in place. Newly ac­ Army. But there are lingering the Ardennes had smashed a For 40 years. the conven­ tivated Volksgrenadier divi­ questions. Of these. the most French army and in six weeks Joker in the deck tional wisdom has been that the sions of old men and boys were important is the simplest: What had forced the British evacua­ Allies had no warning of the said to be high in morale and would have happened if the tion from Dunkirk and the sur­ There was a joker in the deCK. German attack. largely weaponry. And the com­ Germans had only a few more render of France. Hitler summoned one of his because they had received little manders were told they could divisions. another 200 aircraft? Bradley toured the vul­ favorites. S.S. Major Otto or no information through rely on air support by 1,000 air­ nerable American sector with Skorzeny. who had led a daring ULTRA, which intercepted craft drawn from Reichsmar­ ,Battle won by resourcefulness Maj. Gen. Troy H. Middleton. and successful raid to liberate German high-command radio shal Hermann Goering's whose VIII Corps held 80 or so Benito Mussolini, the fallen depleted Luftwaffe, though The Battle of the Bulge was signals and sent the decoded miles of line with three divi­ Italian dictator who had been they received only 800. Brim­ won not so much by the high messages to senior Allied com­ sions. imprisoned on a mountain npak ming with confidence, Hitler command as bv resourceful manders. by the government that I' had divisional and regimental com- deposed him. Skorzeny was continued on page 6 TNIOCTO.OIL

frontline, were to advance The Americans abandoned Tanks, guns and trucks jam­ through the countryside east of their vehicles. threw away their med on the narrow roads were that road. arms and hid in ditches or hammered. Railroad yards at The Fourth Armored Divi­ sought the shelter of a nearby Bingen, Coblenz and Gerolstein forest. Those who were not able sion. which had played a star­ ring role in Patton's advance that had nourished the offen­ to escape were rounded up by sive were smashed by heavy across France. ran into con­ the Germans and put under bombers. German tanks and in­ siderable trouble on the drive to light guard. while Peiper. i~­ fantrv could not move in the Bastogne. in the southeastern patient at the delay. started hIS field ~ithout inviting swarms of section of the Ardennes. The main force on the way to Allied planes. tanks ran into stubborn t,.. :' ... , ',' Ligneuville. Manteuffel made one last resistance by German " .'+ '1 "': '0'>' It was this that prompted the desperate attempt to reach the "';1 paratroopers backed by an­ Meuse River. A force bypassed titank batteries. Infantry from Bastogne and reached Celles . the 80th Division was brought in four miles from the river. to support the attack. There the spearhead was in­ L,,~ ,.~,~~.,J.~;~.gfr~i}~J;~~VA;~~t1 It was not until late on Dec, 26 tercepted and destroyed by the " •. that the Fourth Armored Divi­ American Second Armored ­ Dated 1/12/44 troops of the 60th lnf tr)m~ out t s durin the:< United States Army hIstory sion ended the siege of "Hell on \\-'heels" - Division. capes as they are being trained as SkI troop g estimates that by Dec.. 20. Bastogne. Again. Patton and At almost the same time, Pat­ his staff gave the orders. but it "breakthrough." Peiper's command had ton drove into the German's was the soldiers and field com­ . murdered approximately 300 southern flank. assured his generals that Group. had written Eisenhower American prisoners of war and manders who won the battle. A triangular bulge 60 miles everything not absolutely requesting leave i~. E~gland 100 Belgian civilians along its Bastogne. although better deep and 60 miles wide at its essential for defense had been over Christmas to VISIt hIS son. line of march. known to the public, was not the base. which gave its name to withdrawn from t~e Eastern The G-2 intelligence unit officer The impact of the massacres only fortress in the path of the the battle. had been dnven into Front for the offenSIve, The at- of the American First Army. the Americans was Germans. St. Vith was another. the American lines. Now. tack would begi~ on Dec, 16. Col. Benjamin A. \Monk) ~~mulative and severe. Units The American defenders had thanks to the stubborn bravery On the appomted day, the Dickson. was scheduled for a going into the line heard of been reinforced by the Seventh of the American troops, the in­ Germans burst across the front long-overdue leave in Paris. them, Pilots being briefed for Armored Division. Together cessant and deadly activity of behind a torrent of shells. The The view that the Germans operations were told. German they fought as bitter and costly the Allied air forces and the Americans, a~customed to were incapable of launching soldiers. especially those wear- a battle as the war knew. general exhaustion of German fighting with aIr su?port. had more than minor locaI ing the distinctive S.S. insignia, Manteuffel surrounded most of troops, the enemy's forward none on this. occaSIOn. Some counteroffensives pervaded the found surrender a risky the town but he could not take it movement had stopped. units had arrI~ed. so rece~tly Allied command and seeped business. Not that many of despite a week of armored and that not all theIr weapons \\ere down to lower echelons. Conse- them ever surrendered; the infantry attacks. Forward movement stopped ready. The weight and ~~ce of quently. when the Germans men of the S.S. generally died the advance out of the mIsts un- struck their first blows on Dec. f' ht' g A void being surrounded . Ig m . The British 21st Army Group nerved many AmerIcans. 16. the almost unanimous inter- . f To avoid being surrounded, joined the battle on Jan. 4. At­ "The American publlC. .. pretation was that these were Nmth held ast the Americans staged a tacking the northern flank of Carlo D'Este wrote in "Deci- local counterattacks. This opi- The massacres were episodes strategic withdrawal on Dec. the bulge, it cut the distance to sion in Normandy," has never nion prevailed for fully 48 in a developing battle that con- 21, heading northwest along the Bradley's forces by eight miles been told "the real truth about hours, by which time the tinued to go badly for the only available road. Manteuffel after a week's fighting. The the behavior of certain units strength of the German offen- Americans. The only favorable turned his attention to British attack was successful, if during the early stages of the sive was evident to embattled developments were on the Bastogne, held by the Tenth Ar­ tardy in starting. It did not sup­ Ardennes counteroffensive in G.I.'s all along the front. Ger- breakthrough's northern mored Division. port Montgomery's later self­ December 1944, when hundreds man gains were not that im- shoulder, where the First and There he encountered not on­ .congratulatory comments on of American troops fled to the pressive initially; two or three Ninth Infantry Divisions, two of ly the 10th but also the lOlst Air­ the key role he had played in safety of the rear in sheer miles at best. But the Germans the Army's most experienced. borne Division, the "Screaming the battle, comments that panic." kept ferrying tanks across the held fast agai~st the. Ge~ma~s Eagles," which had been rush­ would bring his relations with Maj. Donald P. ·Boyer, opera- region's rivers and we~e mov- in stubborn, bItter flghtmg m ed to Bastogne from rest billets Eisenhower to a crisis. tions officer of the 28th Ar- ing their artillery and mfantry snow and mud. But a third divi- in France. The lOlst, like all The honors of the final days of mored Infantry Battalion at the forward, a promise of greater sion, the 99th, lost 2,000 men in airborne units, was accustomed the battle lay with the Poteau crossroads on Dec. 17. blows to come. the fighting. to being surrounded and American and British air described the retreat toward St. As the attack gathered More were lost to fighting its way out. Its leader, forces. The Royal Air Force Vith to his superiors thusly: "It power. some American units Manteuffel's Fifth Panzer Ar- Brig. Gen. Anthony C. provided close support for wasn't orderly; it wasn't folded, but the majority stood my, which had torn a hole from McAuliffe, took over command. ground operations, attacked military; it wasn't a pr~tty firm and fought. The 90th Infan- 10 to 12 miles wide in the As the G.!. 's put it, there was German airfields and flew arm­ sight - we were see~ng try Division, was driven back American line. Outgunn.ed by "no dog" in the Germans, ed reconnaissance. The Ger­ American soldiers runmng but rallied and fought the Panthers and TIgers. meaning they were courageous mans were stuck, reduced to away." desperately to block the Sixth American formations w~r~ and would not surrender. They movement by night as daytime Near-panics S.S. Panzer Army, commanded swept aside. Three Pan~er dIVI- attacked again and again. But actions brought instant attack. ' by Lieut. Gen. Josef ,Sepp) sions followed by two mfantry despite capturing large The German generals in the These and other near-panics Dietrich, when it tried to break divisions were on the move. By amounts of gasoline on their field pleaded with Hitler for among American troops can be through Elsenborn Ridge and dawn on Dec. 18, only Bastogne way west, they were running limfted withdrawals. On Jan. 8, attributed to a number of get astride the main road to stood between Manteuffel and short of fuel. And they were he agreed. The 47th Panzer causes. Liege. the crossings of the Meuse. learning that the Americans Corps, which had made the The first is that although When Dietrich, an S.S. bully In retrospect, the reaction at were quick to improvise defen­ deepest penetration, was pulled replacements had been made in boy of the type Hitler'admired. Supreme Headquarters, Allied sive positions and were stub­ back, suffering seriously as it the original Normandy units failed to break the line, the Expeditionary Force was slow. born in holding them. Both retreated. The Sixth S.S. whose losses had been high, the leadership of the offensive was Not until the evening of Dec. 18 sides suffered from the damp, Panzer'Army was placed in' broad front strategy turned over to Lieut. Gen. did Eisenhower and his staff biting cold and snow that reserve. On Jan. 13, Hitler Eisenhower and his staff had Hasso von Manteuffel, a see the German operation as a hampered movpmpnt. ordered a general retreat. By evolved for the invasion of Ger­ descendant of a famous family major offensive. The following Go to hell Jan. 21, the Germans were back many called for additional of Prussian generals. His Fifth morning, Eisenhower called a on the line from which they had' On Dec. 22, Gen. Heinrich fresh divisions. Most of those Panzer Army had earlier meeting of his staff and senior begun the offensive. On Jan. called up to the front, had seen ,Smilo) von Luttwitz catled on 28th, 1945, the Battle of the smashed through the United commanders at Verdun. There the garrison to surrender. no action. States 100th Infantry Division he made the moves that sealed Bulge was officially over, with Now they were hit in their McAuliffe replied, "Nuts," the enemy pushed back into and, the 14th Cavalry group the fate of the Nazi operation. which the German staff officer first combat by highly trained. defending St. Vith. On the Turning to Patton. Germany. did not understand. When it was dedicated German troops. The Schnee Eifel, a rugged range of Eisenhower asked him how The scars it left were result bore out an old British translated into "Go to Hell," psychological as well as mountains amid fields and long it would take to mount a Luttwitz got the message. military axiom: "You don't streams, Manteuffel's troops counterattack from the south physical. The American Army know war until you have fought Eisenhower, meanwhile, had that moved on into Germany forced two regiments of 7,000 with at least six divisions. Pat- . made one of the most con­ the Germans." Most of the men to surrender on Dec. 19 in ton's answer was typical: "As was more prudent as well as fresh American units had been troversial command changes of battlewise. Maj. Gen. Manton what is considered the most soon as you're through with the war. He placed the sent to what their leaders serious tactical defeat suffered me." Patton added that he S. Eddy, who commanded the regarded as a relatively quiet American First and Ninth Ar­ XII Corps said, "One lesson, by Americans in 1944-1945. . could get three divisions on the m ies, north of the sector of the front where, it was Meanwhile, the AmerIcan road by the 21st. Eisenhower never underestimate your hoped, the uninitiated could breakthrough, under the com­ enemy, 'specially if you're positin had deteriorted said he would settle for the 22d mand of Britain's Field Mar­ learn their trade in small elsewhere. The First S.S. or 23d. fighting the Krauts." operations. In the words of a shal Montgomery but left Pat­ The butcher's bill was high. Panzer Division, with Lieut. What followed was one of Pat- ton's Third Army, driving north pre-World War I German Col. Joachim Peiper's battle ton's great military feats, one The Germans suffered 100,000 general, "They had to be to relieve Bastogne, under killed, wounded and captured; group in the lead, drove hard to more important to the Allied Bradley. About 60,000 fresh shooted over a little." outflank Liege from the south cause than some of his widely the Allies 81,000, 77,000 of them When the test came, it was American troops were moved Americans. This is the heaviest and seize the crossings of the publicized advances across into the Ardennes on Dec. 19 not by infantry patrols, but by a Meuse at Huy. German Pan- France. Having previously battle toll in American history. savage onslaught of half a and another 180,000 were sent in Hitler's great gamble had ther and Tiger tanks, bigger issued orders in anticipation of during the next eight days. million men armed with the and better-armed than Eisenhower's decision, Patton failed. best tanks in the world and From the outset, cloudy anything in the American ar- turned the Fourth Armored and skies, snow and rain had commanded by experienced mory, knifed through into the the 80th Infantry Divisions favored Hitler. The depleted and able officers. area held by the Seventh Ar- north. The 28th was put on Luftwaffe had made a few suc­ Given the situation along the mored Division. alert. front in December 1944, the cessful attacks, but the vastly Peiper was brave. The Fourth Armored Division superior Allied air forces had American dispositions. in resourceful and lucky. Had he of Patton's Third Army had been tied to their bases by bad retrospect. do not appear arrived earlier, he would have been selected to move along the weather. Now the weather foolhardy. Field formations encountered a combat com- highway from ArIon to changed and on Dec. 23, Allied and the high comma'nd saw lit­ mand of the armored division. Bastogne and relieve the fighters and fighter bombers in tle prospect of significant Ger­ As it was. he met only a field- beseiged lO1st Airborne. His France and Belgium rose from man operations for the rest of artillerv observation battalion 28th and 80th Infantry Divi- their bases and swept down on the year Field Marshall Sir that came under punishing fire sions. both experienced and Bernqrd L. Montgomery. com­ the German formations. from German tanks and gUDS, rested after periods out of the manding the BrItish 21st Army THE OCTOFOIL

Christmasses long remembered 60th InC F Co 60th FA B Btry Christmas of 1941 JOHN MILLER CLAIR McKEE As Commander of Nutley 1511 Cochise Dr. 2474 C 139 Cannon Co 47th Inf. 1942 - Landed 'in Casa Blanca Amvets Post 30, I had the Arlington, Tx. 76012 McComb, Ohio 45858 C Co. 39th Inf. on Christmas Eve on my way to privilege of conducting' Pearl Dear Friends of the 9th Inf Div. I'm late again with my dues FRANK J. LORITO join Cannon Co. 47th Inf. Walk­ Harbor Remembrance Day It looks like the Millers are so here's 3 more years so I R.D. 4 Box 1499 ed about five miles before put­ ceremonies at our Post Head­ really enjoying retirement. won't be late for a long time Travel has been uppermost on Honesdale, Pa. 18431 ting up pup tents in the dark. quarters in conjunction with the now. Retired 2112 years but Like most of the old 9th men, Woke 'up Christmas morning, Nutley Veterans Council. the schedule this year. either I'm getting busier or get­ I always look forward to receiv­ stuck my head out of the tent Some 75 veterans attended Starting the year off we flew ting slower, I don't know but ing and reading the Octofoil and the first thing I saw was a and our town Mayor Harry W. to St. Croix in the Virgin Islands feeling fine and hope you folks hoping to see a familiar name. couple of natives and their Chenoweth and Assemblyman in February. Even though are too. Merry Christmas and Now we've gotten to that point donkeys. For a moment I John Kelly. Both spoke and weather here was not too cold, Happy New Year to all. in life when we read a letter thought I was in the Holy Land agreed that all we hear about is it was a pleasant change to be from someone we know, it may for the birth of Christ. the atomic bomb we dropped in at the beach. Next, Jean took a (iOth Inf D Co not be good news. It was with 1943 - Spent Christmas Day Japan, but not to forget they cruise in the Orient to accom­ JAMES T. CANADA great sorrow in reading Buddy lying on a cot in an old wooden dropped the first bombs at pany a friend whose husband PO Box 434 Bascone's letter I learned of barrack at the Northington Pearl Harbor on us. could not go. They flew to Hong Shannon, Ga. 30172 Chet . Zajkowski's death. How Grange, England with 102 Being the host Post, we all Kong and then visited mainland I don't know what has hap­ well I remember Chet. In my fever. gathered inside for some hot China before boarding their pened to all the old D Co men. I estimation he was probably the 1944 - Christmas Day was on coffee and buns. Before long, ship that went to Manila, Bali, hear from Paul Pelish once in a best artillery man we had in my way back to France on an most of us started to reminisce Jakarta and Singapore. Quite while and talk to Jack Clark at the company. He was one of the old British tub after having a bout where we were the day of an excursion but so good to get the flea market. I didn't go to men sent over from the ar­ spent six months in the December 7, 1941. I then told home. It always makes one ap­ the reunion in Orlando but hope tillery when they formed the hospital. my story that I was in Charge of preciate all that we take for to make Nashville. I've been Cannon Company. I had Buddy It's those four Christmas ex­ Quarters Sergeant at the 47th granted. retired for over 9 years and still Bascone and Chet to thank for periences that make me ap­ Infantry Dispensary when news Our next trip was to drive haven't caught up with my learning enough to become a preciate the fact that I am still of Pearl Harbor came over the east with the object of the 9th work around home yet. Hope to gunner on that old 105 Howitzer around to spend this Christmas radio. In a matter of a few Division Convention in Orlando, see some letters from guys in just before the invasion. By the with my loved ones. hours, the 9th Division was Florida. A leisurely auto trip my outfit. way, Bud, is it right you add, Attention Charlie Bilello: I'm alerted and dispersed all took us through the Carolinas left you subtract, or vice versa? sorry I'm talking about the around the Fort Bragg area down to Florida visiting friends :~9th Inf G Co I really don't remember. yesterdays again. After alL guarding railroad bridges and along the way. It's such a lovely WILLARD C. HAYES At this time I want to wish how can we appreciate what we road bridges leading to the way to see the country. We 3441 Lynn Dr. Happy Holidays to old friends have today and hope to have camp. headed back to Texas for the Franklin, Ohio 45005 of the 9th Div. My wife. tomorrow if we didn't go I was sent out with the 1st summer to care for yard, etc. I visited the ILL-MICH reu­ Florence, and I are looking for­ through yesterday. Honestly, I Batallion of the 47th Infantry in and hot weather is not Jean's nion for the first time this year. ward to spending Christmas wouldn't want to go through charge of medics for about four preferred time to travel. Never knew anyone but every­ with our two boys, their wives those times again but I wouldn't weeks. During this time, the After John W. finished some one was just like an old com­ and our one and only grandson, give up the experience for holidays arrived. It was consulting work, we took off rade. Enjoyed the banquet. See out in Southampton, L. I. Come anything. During those yester­ Christmas Eve and some of us again for the west to see the you in Nashville. to think of it, it will be a far cry days I had the good fortune of were playing cards under a sights in Arizona, Las Vegas from those four Christmases I meeting you and so many more flickering Colp-man lantern and and New Mexico. The scenery . 47th Inf. I Co. & Hq Co. I & R spent in the Army. great guys. I'm not surprised to a hot wood tent stove. The was breathtaking and it's hard LAWRENCE MARTIN 1941- I was a member of C Co. see that you are into volunteer Sergeant in Charge of the bat­ to say one could find more 1418 Blair Loop Rd. 39th Inf. at which time we were work, Charlie, even in the old talion said that in another hour beautiful anywhere in the Danville, Va. 24541 pulled back to Ft. Bragg after days you were always ready to our folks back home would be world. Wishing you and all 9th men doing guard duty at Wilm­ go out of your way to help a guy celebrating Christmas Eve The finish of our year's travel and families the best of Holiday ington, N.C. shipyards. We out. waiting for Santa but that was the opportunity to fly to Seasons. May God bless you for were given 1 week furlough in­ Especially at·this time of the somehow he still had a Kiawah Island, S.C. with our the New Year. I enjoy the Oc­ stead of the 2 we were supposed year we should remember in little belief in Santa. son and his wife who were at­ tofoil very much. Still wonder to get, before the Pearl Harbor our prayers the 4581 buddies we One of the fellows who tending a convention. The the whereabouts of so many bombing. Needless to say this left behind. I'm wondering if had just come in from weather coopera ted and I've lost contact with over the w?<:. not a Happy Christmas. anyone ever noticed that in guard duty at the bridge Charleston is such a beautiful, years. Does anyone know about those four digits, the first two at Muddy Creek said that historical city. Charles Kull, Earnie add up to 9 and the last two add it was so dark out that We've so much to be thankful Templeton or Joe Bennett? I to 9. Ironic, isn't it? nigh t . that even Santa for this year with good health was up to visit Bob Kinkopf this with Rudolf wouldn't be the top of the list. We're so hap­ past May. We fought the war all . a ble to find our tent. He no py to have Keith and Rhonda over again. He has manv pic­ sooner got through talking living here in Arlington not far tures of the 9th made in Ger­ when someone was trying to get away so we do see them often. many. Bob's address is 10640 in our tent. When the Sergeant This time of year deer hunting Fairmont Rd., Newburg. Ohio opened the tent flap, in came a was on the minds of the men of 44065. Drop him a line. I visHed local farmer and his young son the family with the usual good Spencer Norwood twice in carrying two large bags of results. They were invited to Sarasota but now he has moved Christmas goodies and drinks. the Bryson Ranch and they to Bradenton, Fl. Planned to When the guard came back were the good shooters and got visit Pete Smalley and Chris from escorting the farmer back two bucks the first day. John W. Patterer but both have passed to the road, he said "From now especially enjoys visiting with away of late. I'll never forget on I agree with the Sergeant. Walter and swapping war the keg of beer we picked up in there is a real Santa." stories. Walter member of COF Aachen while we were in Vicht. If some of you fellows 60th Inf. Germany. Bob Kinkopf. remember this episode that We hope this finds you all Spencer Norwood and I killed Christmas, I would like to hear happy and in good health. deer up in the hills above Vicht. from you as I will never forget We're looking forward to hear­ We had venison on the O.P. it. Regards to all. ing the news of your families. near Gressenich, thanks to the You're cordially invited.to visit good cooks back in Vicht. We 47th Medics and us should you be passing even had a steak or two on that 9th Medical Bn. through Texas. Merry a.p. Plenty of beef running Frank. Lorito, Cannon Company 47th Inf, sends this picturE' ANDY ANDRIOLA Christmas and a Happy loose and an apple orchard if En~land standin~ ri~ht: taken 10 before the invasion - left to 33 Clover St. Healthy New Year. you picked them between shell ,Ch~t Za~k.owski, Ernie Cadell (KIA) Bill Coen, next man Nutley, NJ 07110 fire. If any 9th men come this un1Odent,fted, John Loden (KIA). Kneelin~: Buddv BasconE' and 47th Inf. C Co. way, stop and call 792-7501 and Duffy Lon~well. . New Yorkers GEROGE GAJDOS I'll make them welcome. I see Election of Officers for the 435 Daniel Dr. Carl Taylor and Wesley Roach coming year was held in No­ Aliquippa, Pa. 15001 now and then as they live near vember by the New York Chap­ Sending dues for the next 3 me. ter members with the following years. I enjoy the Octofoil very members elected to office: much and look forward to :l9th Inf President Mathew McCor­ receiving it. I haven't been able EUGENE PRIMERANO mack, 1st V.P. George Apar, to attend any of the reunions 140 Webster Rd. 2nd V.P. James Mullens, but it's beginning to look like Scarsdale, N. Y. 10583 Secretary Art Schmidt, Treas­ I'll make Nashville. Hoping to Just a note to let you know urer Irv Feinberg, Sgt. at Arms see some of myoId buddies that I am sending my check Al Orletti. Board of G.overnors there. Happy Holidays to one renewing my membership for representing the 47th Inf., Nor­ and all. another 3 years. As YOU mav spe~t man Caswell, 39th Inf., Her­ 9th Signal know I 1941 and 1942 with mino Suarez, 60th Inf. Charles JAMES.W. BROWN the 39th HQ, then sent to Fort Libretto. Arty Jim Hourtunian. Box 204 Monmouth from whence I was Specia I Troops Adolph Roseboro. N.C. 28382 made a 2nd Lt. and spent the Wadalavage. I noticed it is time to renew next 26 years in the active and Installation will take place at my membership card again so I reserve Signal Corps. The 9th the January 3, 1986 meeting to am enclosing a check for 1 ahvay's had a special place in be held in the Armorv on 25th year. I enjoy reading the Oc­ my heart. it \\'as the beginning of Street and Lexington' Avenue. tofoil paper \'HV much. Also my armv career. :\1v best to :\ew York City. something encl~sed for the a 11. and Biess you fOl: all the .vo~ :\If'mbf'rs of thE' 'f'W York Chaptf'r at thf' prf'sf'ntation of thf' :\Iemorial fund. hard work do for the Division's histor~' "S Stars to Victorv" to thf' libran of Hofstra Association. l'niYf'rsity on Long Island, '.Y. . . THE OCTOFOIL JOHN J. eLOUSER p~O; BOX 'Ige­ 60tH Inf Co D ':t.-TuORE, M' JOHN E. THORNTON PO Box 3782 Mdse, Mart Sta. Chicago, II. 60654 I am doing fairly good for an J 'J}'~n 01 0 :J~j ~~; r ole GOAT of 77, slowing down 1" ~~2rt~'. (JirG~~~?' ?~~~~ 47th Inf M Co 9th Med Bn C Co here and there a little. Do some 1,Or}r:; Jo. 402820 412 r'r.-.;rc't·-'Ji'~_} ~\..).~ ""'.l'y'.~ ~, (1'1·,.~. J:) ....' •.; JOHN KNIGHT ANDY KOPACH part time on the elevators at the tJ 1;- r:..:..... \.__ ...... • , ,., r-..,..,. 65 Yorktown Rd 2010 Hackett Ave. Mart & Opera House when Seco.....o-...... oetd at u,,_ Clry.!If. J Aurtoor.,••o' Octoo. 1. lMl Mountaintop, Pa. 18707 Easton, Pa. 18042 needed. It gives me something . The letter is addressed to I couldn't make the Orlando to do and the extra $ comes in doc~oring those who haven't heard of the reunion, have been handy. Sure hope the coming msterpiece written by Lt. Red for a heart problem. Hopmg to year will bring improved work­ Phillips entitled "Heavy make the Nashville reunion and ing conditions and World Peace 47th Inf. Co. E 39th Inf. A Co. . Weapons" and were they to see the fellows from C Co 9th everywhere, we sure can stand JOHN P. HYNES WILLIAM MORRISON heavy, the tripod weighed 51 Med Bn. both. All the hijacking on Lot 46 on 15th St. SMHP 104 Grapefruit Dr. Ibs. This book is an actual blow Sarasota, Fl. 34278 Jasmine Lakes o~r planes and boats. one is not safe by blow description of war, 60th Inf F Co anyplace anymore. Must sign Just a note with my dues to Port Richey, Fl. 33568 from the time we hIt the ROBERT WALDVOGEL off for now, so keep up your let you know I am well and a lot Just to let you know I am still beaches at Safi to its con­ 2026 Chapin St. good work, take care of your­ of my good health being my a live and enjoying the clusion. Reading this book is So. Bend, Ind. 46613 self and do have a real niceholi­ leaving the Bronx. I miss New salubrious weather here in reliving the past. What a The Weehawken address sure day season and this goes for all York but it is not the same as Florida! I am now 75 years of memory Red has, 43 years brings back memories of my the 9th Div members, lets all years ago. I am happy with the age and still moving around. later. For those of us who did short stay at Camp Shanks on count our Blessings. warm climate and no fret when Had I know I would have lived not finish the krieg with M Co. our way to join the 9th. Many Labor Day came up in New this long I most certainly would through no fault of our own, are 4AM train rides back to Shanks York it was then down here for have taken better care of 60th Inf K Co brought up to date of the hap­ the ~inter. I keep busy at 2 to get 1 or 2 hrs. sleep only to RUSSELL J. WOOMER myself in my younger days. On­ penings. Many of the men we return to N.Y. the next night. candlelight dining sites for PO Box 6 ly kidding! I play golf 3 or 4 soldiered with were K.LA. I seniors. It is just enough. Luckily this was for only 2 Watertown, Ohio 45787 days a week even tho' I had a wish to thank our former com­ weeks. We caught up with our Just a line to express my ap­ hip replacement 2 years ago. pany commander publicly for sleep on the S.S. LaJune on our preciation for the Octofoil you 60th Inf. F Co. Drives get shorter each year his wonderful history of M Co. way to England. Enclosed are sent me. I would like to hear CHARLES FUSNER and handicap is now up to 14 but His address is 14002 Hemlock my dues for another 3 years and from some of the guys from K 6700 Marcos Ave. it is still a great feeling to be out Dr.. Penn Valley, Cal. 95946. a little for the Memorial Fund. I Co that I served with 1944-1945 Orlando, Fl. 32809 there with the boys! I read the would like to hear from anyone· especially Capt. Barbemell. He I joined the association at the Octofoil from front to back but Orlando reunion and enjoyed 47th Inf Cannon Co with the 4th platoon during the helped me during that time of seldom see names I recognize. WILLIAM COEN time from ST. LO to the Meuse talking with Alan Johnson who my life. Just by chance if any of the 3322 SE 24th St river crossing. was my company CO at the following sh