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1-1-2001

The Octofoil, January/February 2001

Ninth Infantry Division Association

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! .( 412 GftIorY Aft., WeeIIawkea, N,J.I7.T THE IINTH INfANTRY ....AlllClATI!1V~~~:~';N '~> ~gQl ; ,;,~::":,:"",:,------"",----,-,,;,------,--.....----,, .. Military Historian to Speak at .6J~,QQqet ..- A- LTC Peter Mansoor, author of the award win~ing book, SEEKING -The GI Offensive in Europe: The Triumph ofAmerican I am a former parishioner. Infantry Divisions, 1941-45, has accepted an invitation to of the late Father Edward T. ~peak at the 56th Annual Reunion of the Ninth Infantry ..t_1 ,..'.,.,.'..'.'... .,;., Ii Connors (Captain, retire~). J. ivision in Houston. Mansoor's recent book, which > .. ' ...... •...... •...... •.·.·iIIii!"· Father Connors served III indudes the Ninth Division's role in the European War n ..... ~,·":·:'~h_.,:,,~ th~ 9th Infantry Di~ision some detail, recently won the Army Histor.ical ~.~ 1IIII!~;<:,::':;.jI\1~:A-rtlliery (Headquarters)..dur­ Foundation's Distinguished Writing award and was cho­ _~~~i_IIllgthe Second World War sen ~o receive the Society for Military History's 2000 i.,:~., ~ Distinguished Book Award. LTC Mansoor's interest in the - ""',._..:.;.f:'.::,..",!.,'.:.'.:.'.•::.•....•....'...••.'.•..••..../ .•",•.••'.:.: >' ••.:..•..•''.'..•...... •...'.: '...••...••...•..••.'•.,'.. from December of 1942 to, ,n lliiTb._1 January of 1946. I am cur- Ninth Division goes much further back than his recent -:~r4.-~ ~~~~~~~~d~~~i~i1ea ~;~~~le~ Book In fact, Mansoor had earlier used the Ninth Division : __ as the subject of one of his university thesis. Connors in the military. : LTC Mansoor is currently the Commander of the 1st I I am attempting to contact' Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division ! those veterans who served. (Mechanized) at Fort Hood, Texas. He is a 1982 graduate with Father Connors and, of the United States Military Academy at West Point, New remember him. I would like York. An armor officer, he has served in cavalry units to place a notice in your' .both the United States and overseas. Upon completion of periodical, Geloroi!, to that graduate school, LTC Mansoor taught military history at HQS. C.P. TEXAS effect. Would you please let. West Point - for two years prior to attending the The 9th Infantry Division Association me know how I can go about Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth. 56th Annual Reunion Will be in Houston, Texas placing a notice? I would He posted back to the 11 th Armored Cavalry Regiment, When: May 17 - May 20, ~200 1 welcome any advice that this time stationed at the National Training Center at Fort Early Birds may check in May 16th you may have. Irwj!", , California, where he trained Army units for two at same 10lV daily rate Thank you in advance for years as the operations officer for the Opposing Force. Where: Houston's Premier Suburban Hotel your help. Prior to assuming his current duties, LTC Mansoor , ~ ~: . , Sincerely, served for two years on the Joint Staff in Washington, DC, Eirinn J. Buckley as the Special Assistant to the Director for Strategic Plans GROUND TRANSPORTATION TO THE and Policy. ADAM'S MARK HOTEL Besides being a military officer, LTC Mansoor holds a Herb Stern has researched th f II . masters degree and doctorate in history from the Ohio ing at the Bush International an~ HOObObWyIllA~ for those arriv- State University. His Military schools include the C h USA A' Irports: Command and General Staff College, Combined Arms and triP~~c$37/ - Irport Shuttle Service: Coach USA Round person and one way' $24/ 3rd BN 39th Inf Services Staff School, Armor Officer Advanced Course, Airports. Booths are located in t~= b person.from both CHARLES WARNER f\,rmor Officer Basic Course, the Infantry Mortar Platoon Yellow cab' $47 50 f aggage claIm areas. .. or one person (up t . . Officers Course, and Airborne School. LTC Mansoor cab for same $47 50 Ttl) f 0 SIX III same holds numerous military awards and decorations for his Airport. From Hobby: a rohm Bush Intercontinental I hear you had a opera­ long service. er " Irport t e rate is $40.50 for one p S(;>ll (up to SIX III same cab for same $40.50 Ttl) tion, hope your doing better Herb Stern of the Texas Chapter read LTC Mansoor's to U~lt~d Cab: $46.50 from Bush International A~rpao~t (up than I am. The shingles are recent book and decided immediately that this man's SIX III same cab for same $46 50 T worse with pain. Had to get. wide familiarity with the Ninth Division's record in Airport the rate is $45 50 (up to '. . otal). From Hobby , rid of my car, because of Europe would make him an ideal speaker for the annual $45.50 Total). . SIX III same cab for same diZZy spells. I see the old meeting. Stern contacted Mansoor at Fort Hood and For those driving or renting cars h . gang is disappearing. Don't fOJjnd him eager to meet the old veterans of the Ninth. charge at the Adam's Mark Hotel. , t ere IS No parking ,know how long I can last. L!'C Mansoor and his family will attend several days of. Give my regards to all the the Houston reunion and they are anxious to visit with as fellows. many Ninth Division Vf>terans as possible. DIRECTIONS TO THE ADAM'S MARK HOTEL HOUSTON, TEXAS NASA Tour Planned For 2001 Reunion FROM BUSH INTERCONTINENTAL AIRPORT: From any terminal, follow the Interstate 45 signs out of The 80th Division Special Bus Tour of Space Facility Planned the airport onto John F. Kennedy Boulevard (JFK). Follow Veteran's Association WW I For May 18, 2001 JFK SOUTH to the Beltway 8 WEST exit. Turn right onto ,& WW II will hold their Buses Will Leave Adams Mark Hotel at 1 P.M. Beltway 8, and follow the Beltway through 3 toll booths 82nd Annual Reunion & Herb Stern has been working with NASA for several ($1.00 each)* to the Westheimer exit. Turn left under the Convention - August 22 to months and has arranged for a special bus tour to the freeway, travel 3 traffic lights to Briarpark, and turn right. 25, 200I at the Holiday Inn Space Center on the afternoon of Friday,. May 18, 2001. Go 1/2 block and the Hotel is on the right. - Hampton, Virginia. Because of special arrangements made WIth both NASA FROM WILUAM P. HOBBY AIRPORT Contact: Clarence H. and bus operators, cost of the entire tour including trans­ i~ From the terminal, continue straight out and take a left Brockman, Chairperson, portation will be only $15 per person. Th.is. a great bar­ on Airport Blvd. Take a left on Telephone Road. Travel 334 Fannie Street gain and will give members of the 9th DIVISIOn a chance approximately 3 miles to Beltway 8 and travel West on McDonald, PA 15057-1273: to see the latest operations at the Space Center. There the Beltway. Travel through two toll islands $1.00 each)* Phone 1 (724) 926-2044. will be no conflicting meetings to compete with the tour and exit Westheimer. Turn right on Westheimer. Your and the buses will return to the hotel at 5:30 P.M., so sign second light will be Briarpark Drive. Turn right on up and come along. ., Briarpark and the hotel will be on your right. Only 225 seats are available for thIS speCIal even.t so sign up early. Reservations for the tour must be receIved FROM 1-10 WEST (FROM THE DIRECTION OF SAN 60th Inf. K Co. beforeApril 1. 2001 to QUflrantf>e:\ Sf>:\t on thp hne;: ANTONIO): JAMES D. BROWN Exit Beltway 8 South. Travel through one toll island Reservation Form ($1.00 each)* and exit Westheimer Turn left under the NASA Bus Tour freeway, travel 3 traffic lights to Briarpark, and turn right. Enclosed is my check for 3 Go 1/2 block and the Hotel is on the right. years dues. I was with Co. K .' Please reserve __ seats @ $15 each for the NASA Bus FROM 1-10 EAST (FROM THE DIRECTION OF BEAU­ 9th Bat 60th Reg. from Tour leaving the Adam's Mark Hotel at 1 P.M. on Friday, MONT AND NEW ORLEANS): March 1945 until end of war. May 18, 2001. I am enclosing a check !or $ as Follow 1-10 to the West through downtown Houston until Our Co. K. picture was in the payment in full for the seats. (ReservatIOns may be can­ you reach Beltway 8 on the west side of Houston. Take Octofoil Nov. and Dec. 1990. celled and money refunded at any time before May 1, 'Beltway 8 south through one toll island ($1.00 each)* and I didn't know there was such 2001). Make your check payable to Ninth Infantry exit Westheimer Turn left under the freeway, travel 3 traf­ a paper until about 2 months Division 'Association and mark NASA Bus Tour on your fic lights to Briarpark, and turn right. Go 1/2 block and ago. Bog Cardinell in Fla. check. the Hotel is on the right. sent me some Octofoil Name: _ FROM 1-45 NORTH (FROM THE DIRECTION OF DAL­ papers and I sure have LAS): enjoyed reading them. P.S. \ Address:: _ Turn right onto Beltway 8, and follow the Beltway Does anyone have inform~- ; through 3 toll booths* to the Westheimer exit. Turn left tion on the names of the offI­ Telephone:. _ under the freeway, travel 3 traffic lights 0 Briarpark, and cers at the end of war for Co. turn right. Go 1/2 block and the Hotel is on the right. K? Send all reservations to: ALL OrnER DIRECTIONS: lJeadIine for nes&' Richard G. Granbery Intersect Beltway 8 and follow it to Westheimer.·Then fol-' low directions as above. *Beltway 8 is also called Sam Houston Tollway. In many' cases the Beltway can be traversed on feeder roads with~ , out entering the toll way. However there are many inter­ sections to cross and the traffic is much slowPT ""IOCTO'OIL

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THE OCTOFOIL 190/""B_ 56th Annual Reunion Form 2579 should be sent to: Ninth Infantry Division Association 412 Gregory Avenue, Weehawken, N.J. 07087 a-aemberiIII ~I Octofoil Associated Editors . had aad badIIea ~ Adam's Mark Hotel, Houston Texas .'.', .. ~,,,, roll Walter O'Keefe and Daniel Quinn ~ May 17-20, 2001 National Officers Board of Governors ha President - _. 'taI- ·· ..· ... Jack Blann Marty Gross • 'Iff :: Hotel Reservation Fonn Howard Gaertner Please Reserve the Following Accommodations: WaUwatQsa. WI Tom Hatton, 1st V.P. Charles Van~ Sabatino Agostinelli - In Jacbonville. FIa. memory of John Ormsby II, ___$75 per room, per night Single Occupancy EI...W~' Hdqs. Co. 9th Med. Bn. ,Bay Cl\y\MI ___$75.00 per room, per night Double Occupancy., Pat DeColli, 2nd V.P. Frank HahleS These rates will apply for the day before and the day T,"",ton.' NJ Edward Rickert - In memory Ernest Botella of John Maule, A Co. IS' after the reunion dates. State and local taxes (l7%} San Antonio. TX Engrs. will be added to these rates. Joe Killen, 3rd V.P. 2002 Joseph Killen Adolph Wadal~vage - In , Please State Your Preference for Rooms: Valley Stream, NY Smokin~ No Smokin~ William Doty, memory of Ken l\1eyers. Dave Heller Baden,PA Judge Advocate Billie Martin Aldor Cook - In memory of (I) (We) Will arrive on and depart on _ Beverly Hills, MI Charles Denton, C Co. 9th / Lenny Tomassone Name:: _ Pennsauken,NJ Med. Bn. Thomas Boyle, Treasurer 2003 Address: _ Herb Olson Samuel Robinson - In memo­ Marston Mills, MA ry of Fr. Ed Connors. City: State. Zip _ Dave Heller Daniel Quinn, Secretary Highland Park, ILL 60035 Day Telephone () Today's Date, _ Jack Blann Andrew Kopach - In memory Houston, T~ of Charles Denton, C Co. 9th Adeposit for one night's rate or a credit card guaran­ AI Perna Med. Bn. Philadelphia, Pa tee is required for each room. Please make checks H.F. Stansell payable to the Adam's Mark Ho~el, Housto~. For th~se Ormond Beach, Fla. Metro Kowalchik paying by credit card, please fIll out the mformatlOn below: Published five times yearly. May, June, July - Aug., Sept., Oct., ­ Willard C. Hayes Nov., Dec., - Jan., Feb., - Mar., April by and for the members of the I Ninth Infantry Division Association. News items, feature stories, I Credit Card Type: _ photographs and art material from members will be appreciated. Albin Robb - In memory 01 I Every effort will be made to return photographs and art work in The Mortar PIt. Co. D 60 Inf. Credit Card Number:. _ good condition. An extract from the certificate of incorporation of the 9th Exp. Date: Signature: _ Infantry Division Association read: "This Association is formed by , Salvatore Albanese the officers and men of the 9th Infantry Division in order to perpet­ A block of guest Rooms is being held at the Group uate the memory of our fallen comrades, to preserve the esprit de Alex Balough - In memory of I Rate shown above until April 17, 2001. Please make corps of the Division, to assist in promoting an everlastin~'~orld Charles Denton, C Co. 9th peace exclusively by means of educational activities and to serve as reservations early to insure group rates and availabili­ an information bureau to former members of the 9th Infantry Med Bn. ty. Division. Copy must be received on or bef<1re the 15th of each month to Grady Holman - In memory Call Your Reservation to guarantee publication of the 20th. of Thomas Lorello, B Co. 60 Second-~ass Postage paid at Union City, N.J. 07087, and addi- 800-436-ADAM (toll free) -!ipnaioffices. .' , . Inf. 713-978-7400 ,;.iQJtMASn:tt;,~"""'~1o·. or mail to: Ernie Micka - In memory of . . Ed Kuklewicz, Frank Rankin, Adam's Mark Hotel James Mullen, John Gee and Vo~e -~~~'1 -. Jan-Feb 200.' 2900 Briarpark Drive Jordan Bierman, all of B Co. Houston, TX 77042 ; rhe Octofoil' , PUbiicati~~ #402~20 15 Engr. Attn: Reservation Dept.

Clarence Ray - In memory of Adam's Mark Internet Address is www.adamsmark.com . fotmtM'AlfTRt, DMUoN~", ;; his wife Pearl Ray. ~.~noN'· , Herbert U. Stern ·""~,N88oIaal~Secre...,\ 9th iaI...,DMIIoa~. 4'J~' Gregory A"e., WeeJiawkeb, N~Jenej 07187 . /, Jack Lannon - In memory of Travel Discounts To Houston, Texas Chester Braune, 47 Inf. & (9th Infantry Division Association Reunion in 2001) EnClosed ,lease find dues for: 60th Inf. Did you know that attending the 2001 - 9th Infantry \ Name•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••.5erlal No••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••.,. Frank Kowalik - In memory Division Association Reunion, May 17 - May 20, 2001 of Charles Denton, 9th Med. qualifies you to receive Travel Discounts on the Airlines? Street Address : Bn. Co. C.

I was a member of: Lucien Lucas - In memory of 9th Infantry Division Association Members and their wife, Virginia. families qualify for special savings with Major Battery Company Regiment..•••.....•.8th Dlv . Airlines. To take advantage of these discounts, simply Gerry Bryant - In memory of make your reservations with I wish to sign up for the following: Ken Meyers, 9th MP, and 47 Inf. Bette Prochaska Regular Member per year•..••••••.•.•.•••••.••.•••••• ~ $lO.OOQ (Jack Blann's daughter) William J. Palmer Carlson Wagonlit Travel Sustaining Member...... •...... •..••••...... ~ .... Houston, Texas Toll Free: 18882948371 Donation Memorial: •...... •...•.•.....•.•..•••.•...... •.:) TlfRE&YEAR MEMBER.••••••••••.••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••$25.000 • When' calling, be sure to identify yourself as a 9th Life Membel1llllp••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••.•••••• ~ ••••••••••••••••$75.~ Division Member Ladles AuxlUary Member ~ $3IHKl • Best discounts can be had by reserving at least 90 1lecal .5O-eacb days before travel date • Bette' will provide air-travelers with Coach USA Pbllly-Delaware Valley Q Greater New York Q Discount Coupons for Airport to Hotel transporta­ tion illinois Q WashlngtoD, D.C. Q ~ New England QMlcblgan Cl • If you desire you ,extend your trip before and after the reunion. Florida QNewJeney .l. Texas C~South West •

Houston also has train-bus service connecting with the Amtrak Connections to Houston Texas Eagle Daily at Longview, Texas. This route services Chicago and the Midwest and arrives in Houston daily at Amtrak currently has direct service to Houston from Los 4:30 PM. Departure time from Houston is 2:45 PM daily. Angeles in the west and Jacksonville in the East on the Sunset Limited. The service from Los Angeles arrives in Amtrak has advised that they are rerouting many of their Houston on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 10:10 trains beginning in the Fall of 2000 or the Spring of 2001. AM. The service from Jacksonville, Florida arrives in The proposed rerouting would take the Sunset limited Houston at 9:38 PM Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. from Houston to Fort Worth and then west to EI Paso. Departures from Houston are about 20 minutes after the There would probably be many other changes, so to be arrival time. sure of the routing, contact your nearest Amtrak station.

The Jacksonville train has connections to New York and The Amtrak station in Houston is downtown and taxis Pennsylvania Station and also services New Orleans and meet all the trains. The distance to the Adam's Mark Orlando. Hotel is about 12 miles. i ) Till OCTO '0' L - \ TAPS SOUNDED ,

TRIBUTE Dear Sirs, I just received the Octofoi/. I would like to notify you that my father passed away on September 13, 2000. He was very proud of his mili­ tary service in the Ninth and when he got relaxed he would tell stories about his time in WWII. He started in the Army Corp of Engineers at Fort Bragg and fought in North Africa and in Sicily. He CSM Kenneth L. was lucky to become a typist and was promoted to staff (Hawk), is shown shortly before answering "Moose" 39 Inf. B Co. -bis last roll all sergeant and landed in ALBERT BACCILE C• Normandy with a typewriter on his back. He ran a field headquarters for a Captain MEYER ,(Ret) TRIBUTE Egan. He was in the Arden Dear Friends and Buddies: and in Germany. He I have just returned from a very sad trip to Fairport, marched in front of 1921 - 2001 NY. In the early morning of August 18th, Joseph Gravino Churchill, Roosevelt, Mont­ called and informed me of the death of our "B" Co's 39th.' gomery, and Eisenhower at compatriot Albert "Hawk" DiRisio. The "Hawk", as we Casablanca. He received the Call out oaraaae. knew him, was without a doubt the most engaging and Bronze Star and a letter from ..the yean10 by­ Reae.ber __ likeable character "B" Co. ever had. A man of many tal­ General Eddy. ents, we were often regaled by his good humor and comi­ He didn't say much about aacl we wID never die. cal impersonations throughout his Army service. the friends he had lost but With deep re.one we'__ He continued in this vein also after returning to talked more about his expe­ DOUDce the paul..·., the. Fairport, where he operated a restaurant for over 50 rience with his comrades. &IeDcIa ....~. years. The affable nature of the "Hawk" eventually soon .Stories like the hillbilly from May they..Iape.ee. permeated the entire area. He was always available for Tennessee who could spot a To their love•. 'oaes we anything worthwhile that was of benefit for the communi­ sniper in the trees, who edeDd~d~ ••4. '!hJ'. ty. became the general's body­ Many of you will remember Ken Meyer who presided at Over the many years our relationship remained strong guard. He talked about how the Memorial Service when the National Convention was and I was saddened, no little, by the gradual decline of the locals in North Africa held in San Antonio. his health. He was most proud of having served in the 9th were stealing from the GI's It is with deep regret to advise the Association of Ken's Division, and relished relating the numerous anecdotes . and how it was so cold in demise 17 January 2001. that happened during his Army days. the Arden and how in the Command Sergeant Major (Ret), Kenneth L. Meyer, The "Hawk" organized the first "B" Co. 39th reunion, winter the supply people served with the 47th Regiment in World War II and subse­ which continued for 45 years. In the last few years he was screwed up and sent lemon­ quently in Vietnam. Ken was accorded full military hon­ forced to curtail practically all of those activities he so ade and cotton socks ors at his funeral in Belton, Texas on 20 January 2001. dearly loved. instead of woolen socks and Troops from Fort Hood provided the firing unit and As a man of laughter and song, he brought much joy to coffee. He talked about the bugler. Ken had long enjoyed the Tattoo held annually at thousands of people. What better way to dedicate your German girl who baked the Edinburgh Castle in Scotland where military and civilian life than to this? guys a blueberry pie that no units from many nations participated. At Ken's request, a Joe and I served as pallbearers, and the Fairport VFW one would eat and how they Bagpiper played In the Garden and Amazing Grace at the . provided the Honor Guard, which was capped off by a 21­ carried a wounded GI back service. gun salute after church services. from enemy lines. he was In Ken's service with the 4th, 9th, and 40th Infantry A man of pride and integrity who doted on this multi­ able through his stories and Divisions in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam, he was tude of friends was the "Hawk." his experiences to instill in awarded two Purple Hearts, three Combat Infantryman's "Rest in Peace" my buddy, you have served your coun· me a great respect for all the Badges, four Bronze Stars (two for Valor), twelve cam­ try well. people who fought and died paign awards, three Air Medals, awards from France, EDWARD S. STOKAN in the war. We all owe a lot Belgium, Korea, Vietnam and Yugoslavia. TAPS SOUNDED to you in helping to save What many of us did not know that prior to the Rhine John Maule future generations from the crossing, Ken was pulled from the M.P. detachment and FAMILY TRIBUTE A Co. J5 Engrs. tyranny that you all were sent on a mission to Yugoslavia to train their Partisans in With sadness, I want to fighting against. I will pass guerrilla warfare. To get there, he related he made his advise you of the passing of George Poole on the legacy of that war to first, and last parachute jump. our father, Edward M. A T47Inf my dad's granddaughter so Ken's service to the Chapter, Association, and as Stokan, this past November hopefully it will never hap­ Honorary Command Sergeant Major of the 47th Regiment 28. For many years, he Kenneth Meyers pen again and she can Association, reflect his life long commitment to his com­ received mailings of the 9th MP Plat & 47th Inf appreciate the cost of the rades-in-arms. Oetofoil at his home at 4747 freedoms that we enjoy and Ken's family requested in lieu of flowers, a donation Plummer Street, Pittsburgh, Thomas Lorello take for granted which you may be made to: The National Infantryman's Association PA 15201-2936. B Co. 60Inf all paid a price for. May you and Museum at P.O. Box 52087, Fort Benning, Georgia, Our Dad served as a staff all continue to pass the per­ 31995-2087. sergeant with the 60th Edward Stokan sonal stories on to your Representing the Texas and Greater Southwest Chapter Infantry, K Company and KCo.60Inf sons, daughters, grandsons at the funeral were M/M Ernest Botella, John Miller, M/M carried a mortar with that and granddaughters, nieces Willard Norris, and Gordon Schneider. outfit beginning with the William Watts and nephews. I know some­ Gordon A. Schneider North Africa campaign in where they will appreciate it November 1942. He was ulti­ Robert Hurst as I have from my father. mately wounded in the Sincerely Battle of the Huertgen Forest Chester Braune, Jr. Richard Bierman, in the fall of 1944. 47th and 60th Inf son of Staff Sgt. Jordan Bierman GEORGE WILLIAM POOLE, I CAlL,. WBllEA Back home, he worked as JR. DEAD AT 76. : . a carpenter all his life and, Charles Denton B Co. 15th Engr George served with the MII1iD. with our mother, raised nine 9th Med. Bn. Co. C May he and all his com­ Anti Tank Company of the ENCOlJaGB IBJI children. He was the best rades who have passed on 47th Infantry during WWII·m JnlAFJJIB father any son or daughter Edgar Zen 0 rest in peace. He was born on April 24, .. ,~., 39th Inf G Co. '~ could ever have. We miss 1924 and died on November. him dearly. . 26, 2000. Rev. Rob Jaskot Like so many veterans, John Santucci officiated the funeral ser" our Dad was very proud of 39th Inf K Co. We had a smaii service, vices held at Stauffer his service in the military including a Masonic ceremo­ Funeral Chapel in Frederick, and of those with whom he Pearl Ray ny, in our hometow.n of " Md. served. He enjoyed the Wife ofClarence Ray, L Co. 'Sioux City, Iowa. My SIster, He was laid to rest at Oetofoil very much and 47th Inf .. Chriss Winston, wrote and Mount Oliver Cemetery in ~~~ '~'d" always looked forward to its , delivered a wonderful eulo­ Frederick, .Ma~yland. Any t~~"·:.. arrival. Albert Baecile ~ ":{'. .~" that spoke of ,how proud member WIshIng to send , ... If you would, please Co. B 39th Inf \gy condolences may do so by r •- ~P . ra of him a.nn l)p of us remove him from your mail­ I'm very sorry that I .wX~ln,-please to.rgI~e my. writing to his wife, Gladys ! \',. ing list, but know that the haven't written to you soon- fT~e~ds,. Poole at 8855 Hawbottom ' .tardiness, but as hIS Getofoi! meant a great deal er but I wanted to let you l,thought you would hk~ .tp . Rd., Middletown, MD 21769. kdow that my father, Robert -: to a grateful old soldier in know. - . Pittsburgh. Hurst, 1st Lt. A Co. 15th Eng. Sincerely, ' Thanks and God bless. 'passed away on October 25. Jane E..Hurst · T M1,- O'C TO' 0 I L & it) 4 class starfed. Shortly after " Continued from last issue Pearl Harbor, Eddy was pro­ Red Phillips moted to brigadier general and assigned to the 9th - Infantry Division at Fort Bragg. On arrival he learned First serial rights of his selection to take com­ mand of the division in a (e) 1998 Henry G. Phillips few months. He was to pre-if pare the men for an'f, DIFFERENT AS CGs, BUT BOTH amphibious assault some­ where overseas. TOP PERFORMERS: The 9th's infantry regi­ 9th Inf. Div. Won Fame in ETO under ments, as combat teams, Eddy and Craig participated in the North African invasion, spread from Algeria to southern BY RED PHILLIPS Morocco. It was a great dis- appointment for General Eddy to remain behind General eddy' When lJ.S. Army units of Craig graduated from while most of his troops tiene.ral Eddy was.a larg~~_~-'-t-he circumstances. His unit World War II meet for West Point and was commis- assaulted African beaches. gregarIous and perIpatetIc had entered a field where reunions, the veterans fre­ sioned in the cavalry in AgaI'n I'n the SicI'II'an and man who ran hIS staff and access was restrI'cted to a quently engage in the 1913. After a year, he'dNormandy invasions, the s~bordinate co~man ers gap blocked by a gate. After ancient argument about switched to the coast 9th Division remained in Wlt~ a loose ~em. ~e was they entered, the enemy commanders and their units artillery and later to field reserve while pieces were dedIcated to hIS men s well- brought. machine guns to -:- did the leader make the artillery before heading for cOmmitted under other be.in~ and imbu~d with the bear Qn the gate and began unit's reputation or was it France, where he attended commanders. Although prmclple of leadmg from the to mortar. This prevented the other way around? the theater staff college and Eddy realized it should be front in order to inspire much movement. During its eight ETa cam­ then served at different considered an honor to be t~e~, and to know the s~t~~- "After a warning from my paigns, the 9th Infantry headquarters. By the held back for the offensive's t~on s dangers and posslbIlI- guide, fgotover the gate by Armistice he was a lieu- l' h' b' ties. He roamed some part vaultI·ng. The' German Division was led by two tenant colonel. c Imax, IS com atlve' commanders who were instincts were frustrated He of the front .everyday. Woe machine guns fired but were completely different in lead­ The two officers reverted ached to be up front. . to the machme g~nn.er who too late. Now, with Eddy in to their permanent rank in D' h' h.ad n~t cleared hIS fIelds of tow, after explaI'nI'ng the ership style, Manton S. Eddy 1920, Eddy as a captain and urmg IS years as a tac- and Louis A. Craig. If there tics instructor at Fort fIre, or to the company com- need, I repeated my vault. is truth in the contention Craig as a major. Craig was Leavenworth, Eddy became mander ~ho ~~d not out- Then, crouchi"ng by the that the man makes the unit, assigned to field artillery expert in applying fire with posted hIS ~,O~ItIon. proper,~ hedge inside the f~eld, when one would suppose that the units in the U.S. between the the movement of combat ly. ~ener~l LIghtnmg Joe the shooting paused I whis­ 9th's experience would bear wars. He also spent five units to dominate a battle- Collms, hIS corps comman- tled for,the general to come it out. Was that the case? years as PMS&T at Harvard f Id Ul' t I th der, always ,accepte.d .com- ahead. There was a loud University and, for a like Ie . tIma e y, e cam- 1 1 Edd d f Aside from their profes­ paigns in Northern Tunisia p ete ~ . y s ~scrIptIon 0 thump when he lit stretched sion and birth year of 1892, . period, was inspector gener- and Sicily provided him the a p~SItIon or sItuatIOn, for out on top of the gate. With . al with two different corps . d' 1 Collms knew that Eddy had legs hangI'ng down on eI'ther Eddy and Craig had little in area commands. He graduat- opportunIty to ISp ay not h d d common. Eddy, by speech only his tactical skill but been on t e groun an was side he was unable to reach and openness reflected his ed from the two-year course also the hardiness and disci- reporting from first-hand the ground. I crawled back, at the Command and 1 f h' .. know.ledge. Th.is frequen.tly grabbed the near leg and birthplace, Chicago. Craig, General Staff School in 1931 pine 0 IS umts m carrying k born at West Point, New out the wI'de envelopment entaIled .conslderable rIS pulled hl'm down J'ust as the and from the Amy War d York, where his father was maneuver. The victory at and General Br~d~ey a~ar - enemy began firing again. an instructor, was raised by College eight years later. Bizerte was particularly ed E~dy the DIStIngUls~ed ."General Eddy wasn't hit his mother and spoke quiet­ Craig became a brigadier reward'mg commg.on t h e ServIce Cross for fronthne and on regaI'nI'ng compo- ly with the Missouri accents general in February, 1942, heels of desultory and ~er~ism in the Cherbourg sur~, he ackno~ledged we and taciturnity of her fore­ and a major general a year inconclusive II Corps fight.. fIghtmg. were right about being later when he took com- bears. But the backgrounds mand of the 97th Infantry ing at Kasserine and in In Normandy, .War . 'heavily engaged.' We got and antecedents of the two Southern Tunisia. Corre~pondent·Erni~ Pyle.. out of there by another men, having had much to do Division at Camp Swift, While the 39th RCT and called Eddy "one ofth~ route." with their becoming general Texas. Later he was desig- the division's medium favorite generals among war The late Colonel (Ret.) officers, were less signifi­ nated commanding general artillery battalion took part correspondents because he Frank R. Veale, who, served of XXIII Corps and, in the .. . f S"l th t was absolutely honest with. as Eddv., ) .... GI.in t~ 9th and cant in their command of spring of 1944, was assigned m mvaSIOn 0 ICI y, e res J.io. . the 9th. For example, while of the division arrived in us, because he was sort of XII Corps, recall~: ' General Eddy's formal edu­ to the ETa as a supernumer- August. Relieving the 1st old shoe and easy t,o talk "Sparking

RED PHILIPS cC.: BROTHER SEBASTIAN Name of Member _ (Jack Maher) MT. SAVIOR MONASTERY ROSS MANLEY (Name You Liked to Be called by) _ Address, ---;:;-:'_-:-- _ NAVY NEWS Street OFF HMS NELSON QUEEN ST NAVY NEWS City State Zip OFF HMS NELSON QUEEN ST Phone Number _ Re: HMS SPEY AND 2nd BN, 39TH INF (USA) Nov 7 8 1942 .,, Company Battalion _ Gentlemen: CAPTAIN HUMPHRY A few years ago JACK MAHER (Brother Sebastian) Regiment, Unit _ wrote to you about the spectacular service rendered by BOYS-SMITH, who has died the officers and crew of the HMS SPEY to our above aged 94, was one of the most Wife/Guest Name. _ decorated and successful infantry uni.t in the Mediterranean when we were about to M~rchant Navy officers serv­ Tickets_~_@$125= land at AlgIers. You published his request to hear from No. Strip _ ing in the RNR during the any members of the crew. He heard from Captain H.G. Second World War. Amount Enclosed _ BOYS-S!"1ITH RNR and other officers and crew members. At Jack s request I wrote to the Ninth Inf. Div. newspaper His first wartime com­ about the many letters received. I am enclosing a copy of mand, late in 1939, was the The Ladies Luncheon Tickets report of.the matter in our Nov.-Dec. 2000 paper. I am trawler Tourmaline, escort­ (A delicious full Luncheon at the Adam's Mark­ also sendmg a copy of the letter and the report to those ing convoys between Men are Welcome Too) members of the crew who responded to Jack:.: Aberdeen and Newcastle. On February 24, Tourmaline was Please also send me the following Luncheon Tickets: Very truly yours, going down the Firth of WILLIAM H. MALONEY, JR. Forth when an oncoming __Tickets @ $18jTicket=------cc: steamer, Royal Archer, blew H.G. BOYS-SMITH, RNR up on a mine. Tourmaline Amount enclosed for Ladies Luncheon'------"Dibbens" Semley picked up the entire crew Shaftesbury - and took them to Leith. th;~ ~ls'-'~" sL~~k"E;entual1y Dorset, England SP 7 9 BW In April 1940, Boys-Smith in 3,000 yards, and then S.H. HIX was appointed in command swung round to open fire.;' Spey had 800 troops on of the Flower Class corvette The submarine, which was board, whom she disem­ Anemone, building at Blyth. faster and more heavily barked in Algiers on ALEC WINGRAVE In May, while waiting for her armed than Anemone, then November 9. 58 Tintern Road to become operational, he rashly dived, and Anemone Boys-Smith was a~ar~ed Carshalton, Surrey SM5 IQ was given command of the sank it with a series of accu-, the DSC and a US CItatIOn LEN FORD Dutch schuyt (a small coast­ rate depth-charge attacks.:for Meritorious Service. er) Twente, for the Dunkirk When Anemone duly met the Serving with the 1st evacuation.- He and his crew convoy, the convoy com- Support Group, Spey took y Belfast BT 36 YJW of five made six trips across modore signalled: "Are you' part in several c?nvo Northern Ireland the Channel and took off the only escort?" Boys-Smith actions early in 1943, mc1ud­ MR. T.H. AMBROSE more than 1,100 soldiers. replied: "Yes." ing the climactic 10-day bat- T. Wye Close On May 29, Boys-Smith He was awarded a Bar to'tle around the outward­ Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire steered Twente alongside his DSO, and his sinking of bound convoy ONS 5 in May. HP 21 9NH, England the paddle steamer Gracie Nani was celebrated by a There were as many U-boats CYRIL TEBBS Fields, which had been large two-page drawing by as ships in the con,:oy, And . bombed with 750 troops on CE Turner in the Illustrated three and a half tImes as Manfield, Notts NG 19 7ND UK board and was still under London News. many U-boats as there were KEN BATCHELER way but out of control. Boys­ In February 1942, Boys- escorts. Smith jammed Twente's Smith took command of the Twelve merchant ships, Cambridge CB3 9LN UK bows against Gracie Fields River Class frigate Spey, were lost, but six U-boats DENIS REYNOLDS and kept her there while sol­ based in Londonderry. On were sunk and two morp. ]()st ey diers - some of them badly July 11, Spey was north-west • Bar Hill injured, scrambled across. of Madeira, escorting con- He left the Navy in Cambridge CB3 8ST England For his service at Dunkirk, voy OS 33, outward bound November 1945 and rejoined ROBERT CARPENTER Boys-Smith was awarded the to Freetown, Sierra Leone, the Colonial Marine Service. DSO. He then commissioned when it was attacked by From 1946 to 1950 he was Winshill, Burton on Trent Anemone for Western U136. In a combined Allied Marine Superintendent of Staffs. DE15 OLR England Approaches Command, effort, Spey, the sloop the Western Pacific: High based first in Liverpool and Pelican and the Free French Commission, organising SYDNEY JOHN HELLYER k h marine transport in the 43 Oliver Whitby Rd then in Londonderry. destroyer Leopard san t e British South Sea Islands. He Chichester, Sussex POI93U, England Early in January 1943, U-boat. Boys-Smith was men- then served until 1968 as Anemone's escort group was tioned in despatches. on its way to meet convoy .. Recruitment Officer in the England In November f942, Spey Central Staff Dept. of HX 99, homeward bound took part in the Torch land- Courtaulds Ltd. GIs in Britain 1942-45 from Halifax, when Boys- I am currently researching a book about the Anglo­ ings in North Africa. On Boys-Smith retired from American experience in this country during the Second Smith had a disagreement November 7, Spey stood by the RNR in 1952 and was World War - notably 1942-45. with the escort group co~­ the American troopship .awarded the Reserve I note the 9th Infantry Division served time in this coun­ mander over the group s Thomas Stone, which was Decoration. He was a try prior to D Day. position. Convinced he was torpedoed some 150 miles Younger Brother of Trinity I would therefore be delighted to hear from any mem­ right, Boys-Smith struck out from Algiers. The US battal- House and a member of the bers society who have memories - good or bad - of their on his own. ion commander decided to Hon Company of Master stay in the UK. At dawn on January 7, embark his troops in their Mariners. Contributions used will be acknowledged in the book, Anemone's lookouts saw landing craft, to make their He married, in 1935, but confidentiality will be respected as I do not intend to smoke haze astern. It wa~ own way to their destina- Marjorie Vicars-Miles, whom ascribe information to any persons in the text. the Italian submarine Nam, . tion. he had known since child- Yours sincerely overhauling Anemone in the But the landing craft, not hood. She died in 1981. Helen Millgate belief that she was a convoy designed for ocean pas- straggler. Boys-Smith all~w­ .sages, broke down or sank. on the enemy to come wlth- .'nPlJ tnn1r turn in tow, but THE OCTOFOfL '- 5 t

Med Det 39th Inf. WILLIAM J. BUTLER 60th Inf. F Co. DONALD CRASS

These past two years have I see that my dues are witnessed a decline in my going to expire this year, so I 34th FA Bn. 47 Inf. Hqs 1st Bn strength and agility. I am sending a check for 3 JACK LANNON RALPH S. YEAKEL slipped on the ice on my dri­ more years of membership. veway on January 5th and Also would like you to severely fractured my left print the following informa­ Enclosed is a check for my shoulder. In July, I finally tion for our 9th Div. people. Chester Braune Jr., his yearly dues. As a past mem­ r~alized that I could no France issues a certificate wife Gloria, my wife Ruth ber of Hq. Co. 1st Bn. 47th longer manage my house or to honor WWII veterans for and I (Jack Lannon) met in InL I was wondering if any~ continue to live there with­ their participation in the lib­ the cocktail lounge at the one in the 47th Inl. could out being able to drive the eration of France. hotel in Wisconsin during help me. car. I could not have found The certificate is meant to the reunion held there many In our march from Safi to this place nor have packed express the gratitude of the years ago. It became a Port Lyautey we spent the and moved here without the French people to the sol­ "crazy glue" relationship weekend of December 13, help of my family and of diers who participated in with each of us looking for­ 1942 in Casablanca. Our those dear friends who are the Normandy landing and ward to the Ilext reunion so Regiment held a parade on of the generation behind me. liberation of France on we could spend time togeth­ Sunday and Sgt. Gardler car­ They all recognized my French territory and in er again. ried the colors and Cpl. physical shortcomings French territorial waters and Chester died of cancer Ryan and myself were color before I did, and helped me airspace between June 6, this past January 23rd, 2001 guards. Our picture made move here in mid August. 1944 and May 8th 1945. The in Birmingham, Alabama at the front page of the My new address and phone certificate will not be issued the age of 80. We shall sure­ Casablanca Newspaper. number is on the letterhead. posthumously. ly miss him at the reunions. It was a nice picture of the This building, named Contact your county ser­ 47th Inf. He entered the ninth as a colors passing by. If anyone Wyndham, is described as a vice officer for further infor­ JOSEPH SCAARILLIL First Lieutenant in the 47th knows how I can get a copy retirement apartment build­ mation requirements and CHRISTMAS AND Infantry Regiment, was also of it, please let me know. ing with about 90 apart­ the application. You will NEW YEARS 2000 an aide to General Stroh at Thank you. ments and provides. a daily need your discharge papers. to you and yours from our 9th Division Headquarters dinner, a linens service [bed­ 1should say a copy of it as it Scottsdale hideaway and at his request was trans­ 15 Engrs. B Co. ding and towels], and a won't be returned. Hi folks: ferred to the 60th Infantry ERNEST MICKA scheduled biweekly cleaning In the last issue of the Here again are Joe and Regiment as a Company of the apartment. Transpor­ Getofoi! listed as seeking I Ethel saying A very Merry Commander. tation for excursions, shop­ sent a letter to Mac Hill of 78 Christmas to all our old Following his discharge he Enclosed please find ping malls, and for medical Chester Road, Raymond, friends, and relatives. Our remained in the reserves, check for the Memorial Fund and dental appointments is N.H. 03077-2016. His brother fond memories of the past finally retired as Lieutenant in memory of the following available. My apartment has was killed on Feb. 9, 1945. and our experiences togeth­ Colonel in the 87th Army men of "B" Co., 15th Engrs: a living-dining area, a kitch­ He was in Co. F 60th Inl. er at work growing with all Maneuver Area Command, Edward Kuklewicz, Frank enette, a small office, a bed­ when we took the Schwarn­ our children, grandchildren Birmingham, Alabama. Rankin, James Mullen, John room, a bathroom, and manuel Dam. I couldn't and new Arizona friends in He is survived by his wife Gee, Jordan Bierman. ample closet space. I contin­ remember names after 56 school activities, and so Gloria Braune, 365 Amherst It's hard to believe that it's ue with a schedule of shoul­ years but I maybe knew him. much more too numerous to Drive, Birmingham, Alabama time to make plans for der stretching exercises In those days we were mention. Granddaughter, 35242. attending another reunion. twice a day, and also walk receiving new replacements Cara, is now experiencing The enclosed check is for Last year's was great and two miles daily in the halls quite regular, one didn't her first semester at a one year membership for from what I hear "our gang" of the building. A survey really get to know everyone, Chestnut Hill college, on the me, The remainder is to the from "8" Co. should be well taken October 1999 reported some were only there a few outskirts of Philadelphia, memorial fund in honor oi in attendance one more 9 residents in their 70's, 53 days, some only a few hours. Pennsylvania with new chal­ Chester Braune, a true time. The following are all in their 80's, and 27 in their One thing I will never forget lenges in life in her search friend! sadly missed. planning to some degree to 90's. Their median age was is the hell we caught up for, in whatever the future make it: Ferrante, Shea, 86, and there were 61 there not being able to dig a has in store for her. Cara's 60th Inf. K Co. Micka, Otts, Moore, MandIe, women and 18 men. Living fox hole and without any father, Dennis experiences WILLIAM DOBBINS Merrill. (That's the making alone in isolation can be protection whatsoever. I led him to working for large of a good squad)!! And of deadly, and here I can find know the only protection I major banks and law firms. course it would be very nice conversation starting with had came from God. He is now employed at HFA Thank you for your many to see a few others make it. the morning coffee. Dan I would like to see in in Philadelphia, has finished years of hard work in pub­ We've already made our Elaine is a full time evan­ large letters on each page. his fourth year at Widener lishing the Gefofoi!. hotel reservations and have gelist now and as a result is Please help keep the news School of Law in Wilming­ It's always interesting to our plane tickets and getting out of town most of the year. coming to your Gefofoil. ton, Delaware and is prepar­ keep up with what's going anxious to see everyone Her three boys are in college I know there are people ing for his Law Boards exam­ on and any news of my Army again. Stay well till then. and the oldest girl, Rachel, out there that have stories ination that leads to his buddies. will graduate from high to tell, either funny or seri­ licensing as a lawyer in New I won't be able to attend C.O. of Co. B. 60th Inf. school in June. Her sister, ous ones. Something to Jersey. He will probably affil­ . the reunion but wish good GRADY HOLMAN JR. (Capt.) Elizabeth, is in 11 th grade. make reading it more inter­ iate himself with a law firm luck to all. Barbara, in Midland, is esting. that specializes in property 60 Inf. K Co. recovering from shoulder Thanks Dan for doing a development real estate JAMES HART Tom Lorello is no longer surgery this past summer Super Job. matters as a result of his 7 with us! and has been unable to play studies and experience in Dottie called and said Tom tennis for a year and a half. 47 Inf. L Co. the real estate industry in Another year has zipped died while having a hip Her oldest boy, Jason, CLARENCE RA'{ search for advancement in by, seems each year they go replacement. entered Albion College this the law practice of his faster. On the 12th of December fall. Brother Michael is in choosing. Last but not least, 1944, for its actions, Co. B. Last year I forgot to send 10th grade. A short item for the are my Arizona family, in my dues until about May. was given the presidential Best Wishes and Happy Gefofoi!. Debbie, her husband Tim, unit citation giving it a The good old Getofoi! made Holidays. My wife Pearl V. Ray eleven year old, T.1., and six me remember. This year I recorded place in 9th Div. passed away Jan. 22, 2001. year old Addy. Tim has writ­ looked at my membership history - Tom "Brooklyn" She had been in the ten a new play called "The card, took it with us to was very proud of Co. Band Alzheimers Section of St. 84 FA Bn B Btry Pastors Life." Florida, and now I am on Co. B. was proud of him - so Andrews Village, a nursing SAMUEL ROBINSON We spend about eight time. to the members of Co. B home, here in Indiana, Pa., months a year in our As always I send my heart 60th InL 9th Div. when you for just one week. She died Swampscott, MA 01907 Scottsdale, Arizona condo­ felt thanks for the wonderful pin on that distinguished very peacefully. She will be Hello again!! Writing was minium to escape winters in job you two have done over unit badge think about men my "forte" but it's dwindling. missed by many, many peo­ New Jersey and we really all the years. I am sure we like "Brooklyn" who put it ple. A donation to the Just learned from Mrs. John love it. We are enjoying our would not have survived there - as far as I know, there Vandermeiden that John memorial fund in her memo­ retirement. Regards to all without you and the other are only three of us still liv­ passed away Aug. 15, 2000 ry. who will listen and Buenos guys that have worked so ing that were in Co. B on 12 Noches Amigos! Just keep hard. Dec. 44. after a long bout with ALS. (Lou Gehrigs Disease). He's AT 47 Inf. up with my high school One of my kids gave me Robert H. Fisher had it for many years. A CHARLES BODNAR Spanish. Andy Rooney's book My great guy. He was a F.O. for Love, War. I am just getting into it; our Battery. Send cards to Joe and Ethel Scaarillil and seems it will be pretty John Celler Mrs. V at 1105 Milpoint Just a fast note and check (commonly known as good. Unlike a lot of other Drive, Spring Lake, MI 49456. to make sure I receive the Poppy Joe and writers he has "been there next Gefofoi/. J hope to 'Nrite Grandma Ethel) and done that." Grady Holman Jr. Sorry lean't make the Worcester reunion. I have a longer letter for the My hope and prayer is missed the last two. All my Getofoil maybe some of that you and the Division best to the gang!! thos'e gold brick writers Association will have anoth­ from my company will also er great year. Thanks again. answer. "Happy New Year."