C 0 H PAN YIP 0 0 P S II I~ V. 'I' January, 1993

.VERLE G. KERR - 420 N. 4th St. - Oskaloosa, Iowa 52577 Phone (575) 672-2322 I am ~nclosing a copy of the awards paper for the Presidential Unit Citation awarded the 502nd Parachute Inf. Regt. for their Normandy action dated Nov. 30, 1944. I talked with Frank Walker by phone and he said he had been listed as a glider rider instead of a Paratrooper on his discharge and was looking for help to try and get it str~ightened out on his discharge papers. My health is not too good, I am housebound now, but we have a daughter who came to our need, she takes care of both of us real good. Am enclosing a donation for whatever ne~d there is. Would you please send me a copy of those awards papers mentioned in the Sept. Poopsheet? EDITOR'S NOTE: I am happy to forward these awards papers.

EDWARD C. THOMAS - 2771 N. 1250 ESt. - Oak Harbor, Washington 98277 Phone (206) 679-0509 I am still working for the U.S. government at the Naval Base at Whitby Island and my wife works in the commisary. We recently returned from a 3 year hitch of duty for the government in Alaska. We hope to remain here until I retire, and after that to make our home here. EDITOR'S NOTE: During the 1970's when my son was in Korea, I noticed that he and Ed had the same A.P.O. number. I sent my son Ed's Address and they got together and had a few drinks of whatever they drink over there. My son often asks "what do you hear from Ed Thomas?"

MIKE and MARY CAVANAUGH - 954 Wyoming Ave. - Forty-Fort, Pennsylvania 18704 Phone (717) 287-2983 It was nice talking to you today on the phone. I am sending 2 copies of the 502nd football team picture which you requested. I have the original if you need more. EDITOR'S NOTE: Mike sent me a picture of the 502nd football team a year ago and I displayed the picture at the "Snowbird Reunion" in Orlando last February. I gave the picture to Bob Burns, who was the coach of the team. Lou Merlano of A Company 502, a member of the team asked if I could get him a copy. So I asked Mike if he had any more.

WALTER MURDOCK - 7220 Quartz Hill Rd. - Placerville, California 95667 Phone (916) 626-7073 A very nice lady, Kay and I were married on October 27. And of course there is a new address and phone number as listed above. We want to attend the "Snowbird Reunion" in February in Orlando. However I have lost the latest Poopsheet with all the information about this Reunion. Please send me another with the needed information. Hope to see many of our buddies there.

MRS. ERNEST (DELIAH) HAHN - 4463 Bulltown Rd. - Murrysville, Penn. 15668 (412) 327-4383 My husband Ernest Hahn died November 14, 1992. He was afflicted with emphysema for many years, and the last 3 months he was in a nursing home because I could no longer take care of him. We have 4 children and they all live nearby. About 25 years ago Joe and Lisa Garcia invited us to attend a gathering of Company people in this area to their home and Ernie enjoyed seeing his buddies again. He always enjoyed receiving the Poopsheet, he read every w9~d. The last Poopsheet I read to him because his eyes were too bad, and h~~lnsisted that I read every word. r (2 ) MANUEL GESULGA - 2504 23rd Ave. #A - Oakland, California 94606 I just received the Poopsheet and really enjoyed it. I haven't laughed this hard in a long time. I work 3 days a week in the V.A. Clinic as a volunteer and it gives me much pleasure. Please send me one of those "Correction of Military Records" forms. When I was discharged, the unit that I came back on the ship with is listed on my discharge, and it had nothing to do with the 101st. I was with the "Deuce" since the Frying Pan of 1942 through the end of at Berchtesgaden. I went home by boat-with the 13th Airborne. I was originally with Reg. Hq. S-2 until after the D-Day jump. Returning to Chilton Foliat I was transferred t~Company I under 1st Sgt. Shenk. I knew John Brandt, Bill Steadman and many more ,that after 50 years I can't remember too well. We had many dry runs, then we made the Holland jump. I was shot the next day, (same day Col. Cole was killed) near Best or Zon. I was on the ground with Bill purdy at Eindhoven. I was flown back to Swindon Genera~ Hospital on a British observation plane. After 2-3 months I returned back via the Repo Depot, then the L.C.M. to Mourmelon. After 1 or 2 days there, we took the long truck trip to Bastogne. Longchamp I think was our C.P. I remember the T.D. knocking off the tanks nearby. I was on patrol with Woody Cumming when I was hit again and went back to Swindon General Hospital. That "Snowbird Reunion" in February sounds like a fun gathering. I plan on being there. Enclosing a check to help cover the expenses.

THOMAS and DOROTHY BOYD - 3434 Victoria Ave. - Santa Clara, Calif. 95051 Phone (408) 243-7251 We enjoyed the Reunion in Reno, Nevada so much, and were looking forward to the Colorado Springs Reunion. We made reservations in May but had to cancel. I went into the hospital for some tests, my heart was acting up. They increased my medicine and I feel OK now. We received the September Poopsheet and greatly enjoyed reading it. I liked all the articles in the Poopsheet and will save them for future reading. I would like a copy of the "Awards Papers" and the other General Orders you mentioned in your "Editor's Note" under Frank Walker's letter. Enclosed is a check to help with expenses. We'll see what next year brings at Reunion time.

MRS. EDWARD L. RENO - 42593 Argyle Circle - Canton, Michigan 48187 My husband Edward Reno died September 12, 1992. It was very sudden. He had a heart attack and died in his sleep.

CHARLES and JANE WOMACK - 309 S. Sage St. - Fort Stockton, Texas 79735 Phone (915) 336-2898 We enjoy the Poopsheet very much. Enclosed is a donation for expenses.

GINO and LOUISE SALVATI - 262 Camilla St. - Baden, Pennsylvania 15005 Phone (412) 869-9412 We want to wish all of our friends the best for the holidays and into the New Year. We are both still hanging in there, although both of us are frequently at the doctors office. Gino could be beter if he took his medication regularly. Men are so stubborn. I suppose we have to expect aches and pains at our age. John Sekora and Gino often told me the story about how John helped Gino out of the water at the bridge going into Carentan.

HARRY and JOANIE NIVENS - 1130 Monroe Ave. - St. Cloud, Florida 34769 Phone (407) 957-0098 We hope to see many of our buddies at the "Snowbird Reunion".

I (3 ) RAY and MARILYN OLSON - Rt. 3, Box 173 - Elkins, West Virginia 26241 Phone (304) 636-3316 We have made reservations for the "Snowbird Reunion" in Orlando in February. Hope Company I has a good turnout. Enclosed is a check to help with the Poopsheet.

JAMES K. HOWELL - P.O. Box 528 - Aberdeen, Mississippi 39730 Phone (601) 369-4397 Sorry I missed the Colorado Springs Reunion, but I will be at the "Snowbird Reunion" in Orlando in February.

ALPHONSE and SIS FELDERHOFF - P.O. Box 428 - Muenster, Texas 76252 Phone (817) 759-2841 We are both fine. We are staying busy in the oil drilling business. We are only operating 2 rigs for the last 6 months due to a shortage of labor in the oil fields. We have 8 grandchildren and they are a real joy. I guess I need to make another Reunion one of these years again. I really enjoyed the Reunions that I did attend. I am enclosing a check in support of the Poopsheet.

MRS. JOHN (SHIRLEY) KEITH - 310 Sharrott Hill Loop - Stevensville, Mont. Phone (406) 777-5234 59870 Enclosed is a check to help with the expenses of the Poopsheet. I am still fighting cancer and am getting good reports from medical tests. I am doing very well.

JOE and JUNE HENNESSEY - 32 Avenue B - Beacon Falls, Connecticut 06403 Phone (203) 729-8803 We are planning on attending the "Snowbird Reunion" in February. We have already made our reservations.

MRS. DANIEL (LOUISE) BURTON - 3451 Cerritos Ave. - Long Beach, Calif. 90807 Phone (213) 595-4012 Please accept this check for expenses of the Poopsheet. I do trully enjoy the Poopsheet and to be able to learn about how everyone is doing.

GLENN MOE - 83 S. Martin Rd. - Toppenish, Washington 98948 Phone (509) 865-5709 I hope 1993 will be a great year for all of our buddies.

LOUIS MORONG - 3946 N St. - Omaha, Nebraska 68107 Phone (402) 731-8334 I can remember many Christmases, but none do I remember so well as the one in 1944.

FRANK and BETTY WALKER - 4843 Pine Bluff Dr. - Lake Charles, La. 70605 Phone (318) 477-2597 I am still waiting to find out about those medals. EDITOR'S NOTE: Probably due to the large numbers of requests, and probably a shortage of help in that department, it is not unusual to wait over a year to receive the medals.

BOB and STELLE MOLSBERRY - 21628 Rambling Rd. - Grass Valley, Calif. 95945 Phone (916) 273-1698 Considering our age we are O.K., except for minor aches and'pains. We weren't able to do too much travel this past year. Maybe next year.

'I (4) RALPH and PETRA CASAS - 601 Lance Dr. - Barstow, California 92311 Phone (619) 256-1338 Ralph has had problems with his heart this year, but is doing better. He had an Angio Plasty in January this year, and in October he had another one. Something went wrong and he had problems from the start - he felt weak and lightheaded. On December 1st they did another Angiogram and found that the same artery they had cleared in October was once again blocked 80%, so they did another Angio Plasty. This time he doesn't feel weak or light- headed and is doing better, praise God.

"MINDS ARE LIKE PARACHUTES, THEY FUNCTION ONLY WHEN OPEN"

THE CONCEPTION - BEFORE BIRTH - OF THE PARATROOPER

The growth of the Parachute troop effort in the U.S. Army is most interesting to follow. As an example, such items as to which Service would control the Parachute troops; where they would be located; what would be their mission; their organization and equipment required were among the issues under constant review, discussion and debate. The directive that appears to have started the ball rolling was a Memorandum, dated 1 May 1939, from the G-3, War Department, Subject: "Air Infantry" sent to the Chief of Infantry. This Memo directed that a study be initiated without delay to determine "The Desirability" of organizing, training and conducting tests of a small detachment of Air Infantry with a view of determining whether or not a unit or units of this kind should be included in the Army. Further guidance given was that it was visualized that such units would be transported in airplanes to parachute to the ground and seize small areas such as airfields. The Office of the Chief of Infantry, from the records, appears to have gotten right on with the projedt. On 6 May, 1939, that Office forwarded an interim report back to the G-3, War Department, stating that it appeared the Infantry Regiment was adaptable to Parachute activities without material change in organization. However,' it recommended extensive experiments should be conducted to determine if organization'~as~necessary; what special equipment would be required; tasks or missions Parachute Troops would be required to perform; command and control measures of pro- viding aircraft. The report said that it would not be practical to conduct tests, training and experiments unless the Air Corps planes and personnel were made available to the Infantry Board at Fort Benning. A transport squadron of 9 planes was requested for one month. The Air Corps, upon their receipt of the 6 May 1939 directive, immediately sent it to their Air Corps Board at Maxwell Field. It appears that the Air Corps Board was against the project. They just didn't want ~o get involved and were dead set against furnishing aircraft or purchasing additional planes for that purpose. They indicated they would need all their aircraft due to their expected upcoming expansion. When this report reached the Commandant of the Air Corps Tactical School he did not concur with the recommendation of the Air Corps Board. He stated that there was a real need for such an organization in the Air Corps. He even suggested such names as "Air Grenadiers" or "Air Corps Grenadiers" or "Air Corps Marines" for the Parachute Troops when placed under Air Corps control. There was no indorsement for the Parachute Troops to be under the Infantry. It is interesting to note that the issue of whether organizing Parachute Troops was desirable as indicated in the original memo was no longer an issue. What was now at issue was who would control them and how big the effort would be. The battle had now been joined. At the center of the debate was an Infantry Major in the Office of the Chief of Infantry by the name of William C. Lee. (5 ) WAR DEPARTMENT GENERAL STAFF OPERATIONS AND TRAINING DIVISION, G-3

Washington, D.C.

G-3/40911 May 1, 1939. MEMORANDUM FOR THE CHIEF OF INFANTRY;

Subject: Air Infantry.

1. It is requested that your office make a study for the purpose of determining the desirability of organizing, training, and conducting tests of a small detachment of air infantry with a view to ascertaining whether or not our Army should contain a unit or units of this nature.

2. It is visualized that the role of this type of unit will be, after being transported in airplanes, to parachute to the ground a small detach- ment to seize a small vitally important area, primarily an air field, upon which additional troops will later be landed by transport airplane.

3~ The air infantry unit or units will in all probability be small and lightly equipped. Their training should include a considerable amount of athletic drill, utilization of parachutes, demolitions and exercises in security functions.

4. It is believed desirable that the study referred to be initiated without undue delay.

5. A copy of the above has been sent to the Chief of the Air Corps with the request that his office render necessary assistance in the conduct of the study mentioned. R. W. BECK, JR., Major General, Assistant Chief of Staff A BELATED THANKS FROM ALL OF US WHO REMEMBER

It's got to be almost 49 years now since I've seen Frank Whitton, but I remember him well as a smiling, good-natured, dark-haired young man, a Paratrooper with Company I 502 who, very fortunately, had brought his D.J. music equipment into the Army with him. I wonder if he realized back then just how much of a moral-booster he and his fine music were to so many of us. He played his music and we listened, we remembered our pre-war Qays. Frank could create a mood. If you wanted to hear Bunny Berrigan, ask Frank to play "I Can't Get Started With You." I requested that one often. There was no big band behind him of course; Frank was solo. But you'd hear his music and you could hear the entire arrangement of the big band sound he was playing. Back in 1942-43-44 Frank was a Paratrooper first, a musician only secondly. That didn't stop him; he played his music every chance he got. Frank's favorite; "I Had The Craziest Dream" was entirely appropriate for any hour of the day. It was the Harry James version of it, complete with all the nuances, the sliding into and 'bent notes' of the way James played it on his best selling recording, along with the voice of Helen Forrest, that lovely vocalist with the Harry James band. "Will you listen to that?" one appreciative guy said. "Isn't that great?" To those of us who remember Frank's musi~ they are very fine memor1es to us, all the way from Fort Bragg to England. Anyway, Frank Whitton, even though you have died, thanks from all of us who remember, 50 years later. (6) 1993 SNOWBIRD REUNION INFORMATION

The Sunshine State Chapter of the 101st sponsors this annual mini- reunion which will be held on Friday and Saturday February 5 & 6, 1993 at the International Inn - 6327 International Drive - Orlando, Florida, toll free phone 1-800-999-6327. Some people will arrive as early as Wednesday February 3, to get an early start, and to enjoy the swimming pool in the 80 degree temperature. The cost of the Hotel Rooms are $35.00 per night for single or double or quad-occupancy. Reservations for individual rooms require a one-night deposit or a credit card number and are due at the Hotel by January 2. 1993. After that date, unused rooms are released back to the Hotel and reservations are on a space available basis. You are encouraged ,to make your reservations early (NOW). Registration fee for the entire Reunion, including a continuous Hospitality Room full of food and drink, and a sit-down Saturday evening dinner of prime-rib is $35.00 per person. At our last Snowbird Reunion we surprised the Hotel and frustrated their kitchen with last minute unscheduled arrivals. We seated 294 people in the space limited by law to 250. This next Reunion will have to be first come-first serve .•..•• When 250 reservations are received, the rest will be returned. Let me hasten to say this will only apply to dinner on Saturday Night. Those with late reservations will be welcomed to all the food and drink at the Hospitality Rooms at a reduced registration fee. Please send your registration fee of $35.00 each as soon as possible to - C. D. (Red) Floyd - 8017 Naranjo Dr. W. - Jacksonville, Florida 32217 - phone (904) 733-8439, or if necessary pay him upon arrival in the Hosp- itality Room, but let him know that you are coming, you can always cancel if you find out you can't attend. Give him the info for your name tags, like what Company and Regiment, and they can have them ready for you

HELP NEEDED TO FIND LOST COMPANY I MEN

The last Poopsheet sent to 4 Company I men was returned to me by the Post Office marked: "Moved, left no address, unable to forward, return to sender." Those whose mail was returned along with their last known address are: - William H. Greene - 1473 St. Michael St. - East Point, Georgia 30344. - James Cain - 1669 Riley Ave. - Reno, Nevada 89502 - Joseph Trevino - 5902 Lubbers Way - San Antonio, Texas 78242 - Vincent Wendt - 2312 E. Flower St. - Phoenix, Arizona 85016. If those of you who live near any of these addresses could check them out and let me know, perhaps we could get them back on our mailing list. Possibly some of them are no longer able to care for themselves and were moved to a nursing home or with a relative.

1993 101ST REUNION IN LANSING, MICHIGAN

The 48th annual Reunion of the Association will be held at the Holiday Inn-South/Convention Center in Lansing, Michigan August 19-20-21-, 1993. Details will be in the next Poopsheet, but start making plans now to attend.

"THE 101ST AIRBORNE DIVISION HAS NO HISTORY, BUT IT HAS A RENDEZVOUS WITH DESTINY." Division Commander Brig. Gen. William C. Lee Father of the Airborne, August 194~

JOHN and LYDIA ALTOMARE - 1814 Palo Circle - Baltimore, Maryland 21227 Phone (301) 2~2-9h~9 We really appreciate all the news and informution in the Poopsheet. (7)

THE BEGINNING OF AN UNPARALLED ADVENTURE

The sky train winged it's way across Normandy , and later into Holland. People looked upwards in amazement at the large transport planes. To most of the men in the C-47 planes, this was the beginning of a new adventure; one that is rarely paralleled. No one had to tell,each individual as he stood swaying to the motion of the plane that he was scared. Sweating out a practice jump wasn't anything like this because you didn't have a lump in your throat that seemed to strangle you. As they had done countless times before, each man wondered why he had gotten into this crazy business. And as the muffled roar of the powerful motors beat a crescendo against their eardrums, many silently offered a prayer. Some were hoping that the man behind them would shove him when the time came to exit the airplane. The time had come! Flak was everywhere .••thick enough to walk down! And now as the lead officer looked backward briefly, with tiny beads of sweat glinting on his forehead, the men tensed. It seemed futile at the moment ••••this jump into the red-hot torment that spurted from the ground below. Then the command - GO - GO. Floating down seemed an eternity. Enemy machine gun tracer bullets -seemed to be headed for each one of us. Some troopers started climbing their suspension lines the moment of the opening shock •••and landed with their heads in the silk. To the enemy below, this deluge of parachutists falling towards them must have presented an awesome picture. The drama in the European sky that day will never be forgotten.

WORLD WAR II ADDED NEW WORDS TO WEBSTER'S DICTIONARY

B-GIRL began as "bar girl" in 1938 for a woman employed by a bar to talk and drink with male customers. BLACK MARKET (a translation of the German "Schwarzmarkt") originally meant buying and selling stolen military supplies, such as blankets, food, and truck tires. It soon came to mean the illegal market in scarce items. BLOCKBUSTER was a result of the British air force's increasing the size of it's bombs, bomb loads and the aircraft that carried them. In September 1942, the first 8,OOO-pound bombs to be dropped were dubbed blockbusters because one could destroy an entire city block. COMMANDO entered the English language during the Boer War in South Africa, 1899-1902, Americans first used the word to refer to specially trained British troops who made daring raids on occupied Europe early in World War II. DEAR JOHN was a letter to a soldier from his sweetheart, fiancee, or wife to say she was breaking with him, usually because she had found someone else in his absence. EISENHOWER JACKET was a short fitting jacket reaching to the waist and having a self belt, first worn by Gen. Dwight Eisenhower during the war. GIZMO meant a gadget or a contrivance whose name was unknown. GREMLIN was an imaginary imp causing mechanical problems in an airplane. "Bug" later came to mean defect or cause of trouble. "Bug" remained active in the language, while "gremlin" faded. KILROY WAS HERE was written on fences, buildings, and sidewalks and meant "a U.S. serviceman was here." So many stories circulated as to it's origination that no one could say with certainty how it started. Many of the graffiti writers made a drawing of a wide-eyed, bald-headed face peering over a fence that hid everything below his nose except his fingers shown gripping the top of the fence. MAE WEST was an inflatable life vest worn by air crews and paratroop~ giving the wearer a bulky ches~ resembling this bu~om entertainer. ,- (8) MEMBERS OF THE 101st AIRBORNE DIVISION ...

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS I WANT· YOU. • • ••• GUARANTEED PRICES - Pay 1992 Prices 'TO RETRACE for a 1994 Tour! YOUR STEPS ...•... COMPLETE PROTECTION through a special insurance policy including full refunds IN EUROPE! for covered cancellation plus many travel insurance benefits ••••• Convenient, easy monthly payment plan ••••• Galaxy's 32 years of Veterans Experience IT'S OUR GOLDEN ...... Toll-Free Number (1-800-523-7287) ••••••• YOUR Special Places ...individualized group ANNIVERSARY! travel at its best...we'll route the motorcoach on the basis of YOUR requests! An endless panorama of life - the way it is .•..•..•. Professional, Experienced Tour Managers now - the way it used to be - unfolds as you revisit ••• Participation in 50th Anniversary Events! the places where you served. Visit our 101AB service areas ...Reading, Normandy, Carentan, Bastogne, Eindhoven, Veghel, and more ...participate in memorial services in honor of those buddies who did not make it home ...enjoy receptions with local citizens who have not forgotten that their freedom was restored by your actions. The camaraderie of the war years returns, creating new, happy memoriesto last a lifetime! Families and friends are encouraged to share in this special sentimental GUARANTEED PRICES are available, journey. What better legacy to leave your children and grandchildren than a first-hand knowledge of as well as FREE INSURANCE! It may seem your contribution to history and world peace? "too good to be true," but it's a fact! If you register now and participate in Galaxy's exclusive Time ... , .-.J . Payment Plan or Pay in Full, your 1994 tour price ~. alaxy t:ou,.,s 800-523-7287 P.O. Box 234 215-964-8010 will be guaranteed at present prices! YOU SAVE Wayne, PA 19087-0234 Fax: 215-964-8220 MONEY! Plus, you will be fully protected by a comprehensive and complimentary insurance [ ] Enclosed is my check for $, _ policy, providing complete cancellation and travel representing $250 per person deposit to hold insurance coverage. It's a WIN/WIN situation! reservations for __ persons. I understand I have You won't find better value anywhere! 30 days to cancel without penalty should I not agree to the program as outlined in the full brochure, Experience the extraordinary warmth and which will be included with my confirmation of friendship of a veterans tour. Our custom-designed reservations. ·101AB itinerary will be adjusted to include visits to your special places (important, perhaps, only to [ ] I would like to Pay in Full within 90 days, guaranteeing prices & offering free insurance. you), IF you let us know where they are when you [ ] I would like to participate in the Time Payment register! Don't miss out on this fascinating and Plan with guaranteed prices & free insurance. memorable journey into the past. It will be a once- [ ] I would like to pay only a deposit at this time, in-a-lifetime moment you will never forget, and it but would like to purchase the comprehensive will never happen again! Make the 101st part of insurance as an option at $75 each. history again. Register today!

[ ] I am very interested in the program, but would But this time, like to see the full brochure before signing up. leave your Name: _ boots at home! Address: _

Phone with area code: _ ( 9 ) 101st AIRBORNE DIVISION = Thursday, June 9 - HOUFFAUZE. Full day touring 1994 CONDENSr-:D mNERARY 'lJ former lOlAB battle areas in and around Bastogne, including wreath-laying ceremony at McAuliffe Tuesday, May 31- USA/ALOFl'. Monument and a Reception with local dignitaries.

Wednesday, June 1 - LONDONIREAPlNG. Friday, June 10- HOUFFAUZEIEINDHOVEN. Visit the Ardennes American Military Cemetery this morning, Thursday, June 2 - READING. Full day touring former then continue to Maastricht for lunch and shopping. Lay stationing areas, including Mayoral Reception & dinner flowers in honor of fallen buddies this afternoon at the with local officials. .~ Margraten American Militai y Cemetery.

Friday, June 3 - READING/SOUTHAMPTON. Visit Saturday, June 11 - EINDHOVEN. Full day to tour Airborne Forces Museum in Aldershot, D-Day Museum former lOlAB battle areas in the Eindhoven area, in Portsmouth, and participate in a wreath-laying including Best, Veghel, Son, Sint Oedenrode, & special - ceremony & Mayoral Reception in Southampton. places. Mayoral Reception & Dinner with local friends. Tonight, a 1940's Dug-Out Party! Sunday, June 12 -EINDHOVEN/AMSTERDAM. Motor Saturday, June 4 - SOUTHAMPTONINORMANDY. to Amsterdam for city tour; special Farewell Dinner. Travel to France by English Channel ferry. This afternoon, visit Ste. Mere-Eglise & it's Airborne Museum. Monday, June 13 - AMSTERDAMIUSA.

Sunday, June 5 and Monday, June 6 - D-DAY PLUS 50 GERMANY/AUSTRIA EXTENSION YEARS! Two full days to participate in 50th Anniversary Commemorations, including an Official Reception and Sunday, June 12 - EINDHOVEN/SALZBURG. Luncheon in Carentan and festivities at Utah Beach. We'll lay a wreath at Normandy American Military Monday, June 13 & Tuesday, June 14 - SALZBURG. Cemetery at Omaha Beach as well. These will be full Two days in Salzburg including a city tour, visit to and inspirational days. Heilbrunn Castle, and time to shop and sightsee.

Tuesday, June 7 - NORMANDYIREIMS. Visit Caen's Wednesday, June 15 - SALZBURGIMUNICH. Visit Battle of Normandy Museum, then continue to Reims to Berchtesgaden, including Hitler's Eagle's Nest visit the Surrender Room (where the (circumstances permitting), enroute to Munich. capitulated in 1945). Thursday, June 16 - MUNICH. Tour Bavaria, including Wednesday, June 8 - RElMSIHOUFFAUZE. Visit a Oberammergau, Lindcrhof Castle, Garmisch- French Army Base in Mourmelon this morning, enjoying Partenkirchen. German-style Farewell Dinner. a coffee reception with the Base Commandant. Continue into Belgium & Houffalize this afternoon. Friday, June 17 - MUNICHIUSA.

MAIN TOUR PRICES: May 31 - June 13, 1994 .

EXTENSION PRICES: June 12 -17,1994

I (10 )

...•.•••.•.••...... •....•..•...... •...•••••••••••••..• 101st AIRBORNE DIVISION ASSOCIATION GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY REMEMBER SEPTEMB~R1994 La&Name _

______2. _ First Names 1.

Street Address

City State Zip Code La&Name _ Matthew van Luyt, Secretary of The Dutch Airborne Friends, addresses the 47th Annual Reunion to ask all veterans of to return to The In Sep- ______4. _ First Names 3. tember of 1994. RETURN TO THE NETHERLANDS 1944 Remember September 1994 Street Address Tentative schedule -- September 1994 Thursday 15 Arrival in the Netherlands. Friday 16 Free day. City State Zip Code Saturday 17 Official welcome by the Commissioner of the 101 st Assn. Membership number 1. _ Queen. 2. 3. 4. _ Liberation ceremonies in Veghel Corridor-show and meeting with Dutch friends. Phonenumber _ Sunday 18 Liberation Festival in Eindhoven: 101 st Company and Unit _ arrival of the Flame of Freedom from Years 19 to 19 _ Normandy and Torch Parade. Monday 19 Free day (circle) WWII VIETNAM FT. CAMPBELL IRAQ ASSOCIATE Tuesday 20 Memorial Jump at the historical dropzone in Son. Do you wish private housing in Holland? YES 0 NO 0 Liberation ceremonies in Son, Best and Do you want hotel accommodations in Holland? YES 0 NO D. Sint-Oedenrode Accommodations two in a room? YES 0 NO 0 : Wednesday 21 Free in the morning. In the afternoon and in the • evening: meeting with !3ritish and Dutch Share a room to cut down on expenses? YES 0 NO 0 : comrades-in-arms and with members of the • and Pilots-Escape Society. Interested in an extended tour after official trip? YES 0 NO 0: Thursday 22 Visit to "The Island", the battle areas of the Have you participated in a Market Garden Trip to Holland previously? _ 101 st Airborne Division in October and November 1944. I agree to abide by the payment schedules set by the Trip Memorial Dinner with the veterans of the Chairman and agree to notify him of any changes to the infor- 82nd Airborne Division. mation furnished on this application. Friday 23 Tour to Bastogne. On the way visits to the Name Date _ American military cemeteries in Margraten and Henri-Chapelle (in Belgium). $300.00 total deposit required per applicant or three $100.00 • payments. DEADLINES -- 1st payment March 1, 1993, 2nd Saturday 24 Visits to the Mardasson Memorial, the payment July 1, 1993, 3rd payment January 1, 1994. Historical Center (Museum) and the battle Enclosed with application $ _ areas in and around Bastogne. Sunday 25 Solemn Mass in the st. Peters , MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO ceremonies at McAuliffe Square, OPERATION MARKET GARDEN 1994 Parade and Reception. AND MAIL TO: Monday 26 Free in the morning. In the afternoon and Ray Brock, 9123 Clancey Ave., Downey, CA 90240 in the evening Farewell Party in Eindhoven. Phone (310) 923-3833 Accommodations: the participants of this trip are welcome to stay DEPOSITS MADE ARE REFUNDABLE IF YOUR PLANS CHANGE with Dutch Airborne Friends or in Motel Eindhoven (cost now 90 · guilders for the 2-persons room and 8.50 guilders for breakfast a ·• person) ...... ---_ _--_._-----_ ..__ _-- --'· 1- (11) MILITARY CEMETERIES WHERE OUR BUDDIES LIE

For those of you who are contemplating trips to England or the continent of Europe, and wishing to visit graves of Buddies, George Koskimaki has a complete listing of final resting places of our Buddies who lie in foreign graves. He can make the cemetery trips easier for you. Only 39% of the World War II dead are still over there. Our 101st comrades lie in the following cemeteries: Cambridge (41), Brittany (5), Epinal (30), Ardennes (48), HOlland (302), Henri- Chapelle near Liege (82), Lorraine (28), Luxembourg (221), Normandy (310). The numbers in parenthesis indicates number of 101st graves. For those interested in knowing in which cemetery their Buddies lie contact - George Koskimaki - 1222 Charleston Ct. - Northville, Mich. 48167 - phone (313) 348-1037.

LOSING THE POINT ABOUT WAR

Last year I was sitting in a passenger lounge of an airport, when a group of 30 or more people wearing yellow ribbons, waving flags, and carrying signs proclaiming "Welcome Home, David," swept through the concourse. When David arrived, he was dressed in the desert fatigues that had become the badge of honor of returning veterans of the Persian Gulf War. David was hugged by the women, patted on th~ back by the men, and stared at in awe by the children. ~. It was the type of reception Vietnam veterans complain they never received and explains, for some, their inability to put the war behind them. "G.I.'s of World War II," they lament, "came back as heroes." Perhaps. But, when I came home from World War II, I got off a train at Tiffin, Ohio at 5.30 A.M. and took a taxi to my parents' house. Of course, my family would have met me, but it never occured to me to call them from Indiantown Gap, Penn., where I had been discharged. I didn't expect a reception, and frankly, a contingent of them waving flags and holding up signs that read "Welcome Home Bob," would have embarrassed me. In January 1946, I saw pictures of the 82nd Airborne Division, returning from Europe, parading down Fifth Avenue. As I looked at these pictures of the 82nd marching down 5th Ave., I knew this parade had nothing to do with the war. The soldiers looked the way civilians thought victorious soldiers should lOOk; clean-shaven and refreshed, with neatly pressed uniforms and shiny boots. With bands playing and flags flying, it was a parade of national champions - a baseball team, a football team, or maybe it was Charles Lindbergh returning after his flight across the Atlantic. Whatever it was, and whomever they were, I didn't identify with them. The division had been "sanitized." It was cleaned up. They should have had the parade when Company I 502 had come out of Normandy - or Holland - or Bastogne - just columns of guys straggling down Fifth Ave., shuffling along in a state of shock, with hand grenades I. tucked in the webbing of their harnesses, M-1's slung over their shoulders, I grimy faces, hollow eyes, exhausted physically and emotionally. The way combat soldiers look. Of course, there wouldn't have been as many of us. We left most of the Company behind in field hospitals or lying dead in grotesque forms, looking like statues in a cemetery that had been toppled by vandals. But that kind of parade would have confused the civilians. Without bands playing and flags flying, how could they know we had been victorious? But we who marched would have known that our parade had nothing to do with winning or losing. All it would have said was that we had been there. We had.stayed. We had come back. That would have been victory enough.

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I (12) , LET'S STOP TRASHING COLUMBUS; LOOK AT THE POSIT.IVES

It has been five centuries since Christopher Colu~bus sailed west from Spain, looking for a new land, attempting to conquer a new challenge, seeking to prove a point. Columbus embodied what has become the American spirit long before it's time. He planted the first seeds of a new world, one that would alter history and write it's own chapter. Five hundred years later, people say we should slander Columbus's exploits, verbally belittle the growth of a new nation. Activists are attempting to rewrite history books, to say Columbus's discovery was a tragic event in world history. No doubt, Columbus' discovery led to the changing of North America. The Native Americans suffered terrible abuses at the hands of greedy and heartless settlers. That wretched chapter is a blemish in our history, one in which no American should take pride. There have been many other disgraces, to be sure, such as slavery, racism, and in modern times, the moral disintegration of our country. But what country is without blotches on it's ledgers? Countries are made up of people, and people make mistakes. However, America's legacy is she has been able to overcome those mistakes, hope- fully learned from them, and created a better world. Instead of focusing on the negatives of America, dwell on the positives. Reflect on the way America has altered the course of the world, beginning with freedpm of speech, freedom of the press, and freedom of religion. All were novel ideas several hundred years ago. Medical and technological advances have extended lives throughout the world. People live longer and healthier lives because of American ingenuity and dedication. Everyday conveniences often taken for granted, such as flicking a light switch, picking up the telephone, driving an automobile, were birthed in Columbus' new frontier. Above all, however, America gave the rest of the world a taste of freedom. Blood has been spilled for years in many countries fighting for freedom, fighting fo~ what we Americans know as a,~ay of life. But in mahy countries, freedom of any kind is still a goal, not a reality. More blood is yet to be' spilled. The tumbled and Communism has collapsed in Russia and in nearly two dozen countries recently because of the thirst for freedom. Let's not turn the quincentennial of Columbus' discovery of America into a soap box for activists. It is time to take a stand and be proud of where the country stands today. There are sad chapters in our history, and for that we hang our he~ds. We do have a lonq way to qo, but despite it's ills, it's pitfalls, even with it's Madonnas/ David Dukes, and all it's "isms," America remains the greatest place on earth to live. Why else would so many continue to immiqrate? And yes, we should welcome them with open arms because that is our legacy, those are our roots, we are the meltinq pot. Unlike Columbus 500 years aqo, immigrants saiJ into New York harbor today and see the lady with the flame, Bpeakinq volumes with~thos~ powerful words, "Give me your tired, your poor) your 'huddled masses yearninq to breathe free."

RICHARD STEPHENS - 2030 ESt. - Springfield, Oregon 97477 Phone (503) 747-8749 I had a phone call from Jim Howell encouraging me to attend the "Snowbird Reunion" in February. Because of his urging I will be there. I am also going to call James S. Norris to encourage him to attend. I haven't seen him for a long time. We were close buddies. (13) IN 1947 THEY PUT THE CUSHIONS BACK IN, AND TOOK THE GLORY OUT OF THE C-47

Peace has turned the old workhorse of the Army Air Corps back into flying for money. They've gone and tidied up the C-47, and put her back in commercial harness-just like a doughboy buck sergeant returned to his former job in a shoe store. She no longer wears a painted robe of tattered olive drab, with white stripes on her wings and fuselage. Now her sides are sleek silver, and inside she is cushioned and soft and clean. Each seat has"a separate reacting light, and there is a rack stocked with leather-covered copies of the latest magazin~s. Every few moments a neat smiling, stewardess comes through to ask: "May I bring yoti some coffee?" Outside in the darkness the two sturdy props whirr the ship through the charted air to the certainty of a velvet landing where warmth and light and porters wait. And the sleek soft customers stretch out in comfortable seats, boredly passing the time until journey's end. Where is the old mystery and adventure? They shouldn't have done this to the C-47, the once proud sky queen of the battle zones, the American ambassador with wings. What a gal she was! She carried a thousand things to Army troops allover the world. Plasma and food for "Vjnegar Joe" in Burma and China, Paratroopers to spearhead the Normandy and Holland invasions, gasoline to keep "Old Blood and Guts" roaring across France after the battered Nazi legions. She brought up tank parts and truck tires, sad-eyed battle replacements and visiting dignitaries, mail and Christmas turkeys, bullets and canned beef. And she carried no guns. She brought back tired wounded, who wept in gratitude for the sanctuary of her thin sides and marked her with their blood and mud. She left her wheel marks in fields allover Europe and the world. It was something to ride her in those days. Now she is piloted by trained men dressed pretty as chauffeurs. Back then she was squired by slouchy leather jacketed gypsies who cheerfully overloaded her in a way that would make a safety expert at home squirm in his chair. Paratroopers sat on an aluminum bucket seat until your rump gave out. Your passport was your Parachute. You didn't have to have tickets. When the trip was half over, you bailed out, not knowing what to expect below. It all seemed miserable then, but everybody was in the same fix. And now looking back it was an unforgetable experience. They say the old C-47 soon will give way to faster, more efficient planes. Well, she had a fabulous day. But they never should have brought the old girl back. They took out all the unforgetable memories when, they. put the cushions back in. They should have taken the old girl out when the war was over, and shot her through both engines, and left her there on the never to be forgotten fields of her glory.

BOB and MARIE HARTZELL - 313 Wentz St. - Tiffin, Ohio 44883 Phone (419) 447-0448 I have reservations to attend the "SnoWbird Reunion" in February. I had a bladder infection again in November, which always takes some time to get rid of, but I am in great shape again. If you will notice in our Treasury Report our money pot is practically empty, or it will be when I pay for reproducing this Poopsheet. I am confident that through your generosity it will no longer be empty. Again this year we have received mariy Christmas cards from Company I people. Those who wrote some news in their cards are listed along with the news elsewhere in this Poopsheet. The following Company I people sent cards without news pertaining to Company I: - Ray Depkin (Frank's brother) - Dominic and Maxine Lanzone - John and Connie Farrell - Earl and Virginia Kelly - Jim Gleason - Ed and Kathy Pastorius - Bill and Marjorie Steadman - Domingo Cantu. Ed Mobley and Ivan Hershner's card news in next Poopsheet. (14) A HISTORY OF THE AIRBORNE

It is generally agreed that the late General Billy Mitchell conceived the idea of parachuting troops from aircraft into combat against an enemy. It was shortly after that General Mitchell arranged for the first display of his concept at Kelly Field, San Antonio, Texas. In the demonstration, six u.S. soldiers parachuted from a Martin Bomber, landed, and less than three minutes after exiting the aircraft they assembled their weapons on the field and were ready for action. Unfortunately for the United States, the officials who witnessed this historic event dismissed the whole day as foolishness. Not all of the observers arrived at the same conclusion. Representatives of the Soviet Union and Germany were greatly impressed with the demonstration. Parachuting was introduced in Russia as a national sport. Young and old were encouraged to join the Russian Airborne Corps. In August 1930, at Veronezh, Russia, paratroopers participated for the first time in military manuevers. Their use was so effective that a repeat performance was given in Moscow one month later. German observers also quickly grasped the potential of parachute troops and planners worked feverishly to develop an effective military parachute organization. The effectiveness of the paratroopers startled the world. At the outbreak of World War II, both the Soviet Union and Hitler's Germany parachuted troops in their respective spearhead assaults. Early in 1940, the United States awoke from it's dream of isolation and all branches of the armed forces began an allout preparedness program. Spurred by the successful employment of airborne troops by the Germans in the Low Countries, wheels began turning in developing this new warfare. On 25 June 1940, the commandant of the Infantry School was directed to organize a parachute test platoon of volunteers from the 29th Infantry Regiment, stationed at Fort Benning. Later that year the Commanding General of the 2nd Infantry Division was directed to conduct tests necessary to develop reference data and operational procedures for air transported troops. In July 1940, the task of organizing the test platoon began. First Lieutenant Wi.lliam T. Ryder of the 29th Infantry volunteered and was designated platoon leader. Forty eight men were selected for the platoon from a pool of 200 enlisted volunteers. Selection was based primarily on high standards of health and rugged physical characteristics. The platoon was moved into tents near Lawson Field, now the site of Jump Training Branch, and an abandoned hanger was acquired for use as a training hall and for parachute packing. Lieutenant Colonel William C. Lee, a member of the staff of the Chief of Infantry, was keenly interested in the test platoon. He recommended that the men be moved to Highstown, New Jersey, for a week's training on the parachute drop towers which had been used in the New York World's Fair. At that time the towers were located on the premises of their owner, the Safe Parachute Company, thus, 18 days after it's organization, the test platoon was moved to Highstown and trained for one week on the 250 foot towers. Training on the towers was particularly effective. The similarity of a drop from the tower to that of a drop from an airplane added a touch of realism to the training that was impossible to duplicate otherwise. Additionally, dropping from the towers proved to the troopers that their parachutes would function safely. The Army was so impressed with the towers that it purchased two of them from the Safe Parachute Company and erected them at Fort Benning. Later, two more were added. Three of these towers are still in use at Fort Benning. ,- ~-~~~~--~--.~~~~~~~~~~~~------~

(15) The first jump by members of the platoon from an aircraft in flight was was made from a Douglas B-18 over Lawson Field on 16 August 1940 •.Before the drop, members of the platoon held a lottery to determine which man ·would have the honor to be the first to follow Lieutenant Ryder out of the door. The drawing was won by Private William N. King, who became the first enlisted man to make an official jump as a paratrooper in the United States Army. On 29 August, at Lawson Field, members of the platoon made the first platoon mass jump held in the United States. The first parachute combat unit to be organized was the 501st Parachute Battalion. It was commanded by Major William M. Miley, later Major General and commander of the 17th Airborne Division. Members of the test platoon were the cadre for the Battalion. It is a little known fact that the paratroopers traditional cry "GERONIMO" originated in the 501st. It was first used by a Private Aubrey Ebenhart to prove to a friend that he had full possession of his faculties when he jumped. "GERONIMO" was adopted by the 501st as a battle cry and has been used by paratroopers ever since. The 502nd Parachute Infantry Battalion was activated on 1 July 1941. Men of the 501st were it's cadre. The 502nd was far below authorized strength, and Lieutenant Colonel William C. Lee assumed the task of recruiting 172 prospective troopers from the 9th Infantry Division at Fort Bragg. The response to his·request for volunteers was startling. More .than 400 men, including noncommissioned officers who were willing to "take a bust" answered his call. Airborne experimentation of another type was initiated on to October 1941 when the Army's first Glider Infantry Battalion was acti va t ed , This unit was officially designated the 88th Glider Infantry Battalion and was under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Elbridge G. Chapman, Jr. Lieutenant Colonel Chapman later became a Major General and commanded the 13th Airborne Div. As more Airborne units such as the 507th Infantry were activated, trained their own paratroopers and'deployed ~o' comba~, it b~came apparent £hat a centralized training facility should be formed. As a result, the Parachute School was established at Fort Benning on 15 May 1942. In December of 1943, the all black "555th Parachute Infantry Company" and remembered as the "Triple Nickle," arrived at Fort Benning for Airborne training, marking a milestone for black Americans in combat. The purpose of Airborne training is ,two-fold. First, to qualify vol- unteers in the use of the parachute as a means of combat deployment. Second, through mental and physical conditioning to develop leadership, self confidence, and aggressive spirit. These qualities are in high demand. The Second World War, Korean, and Vietnam combat records of Airborne units is a story of unexcelled valor. From their first major combat jump in North Africa U.S. Paratroopers have fought with a spirit, a determina- tion, and tenacity that has captured and held the imagination and respect of the world.

ADDRESS CORRECTIONS

LOUIS V. METE - 51 Blairsville Dr. - Palm Coast, Florida 32137 WILLIAM H. CHAMBERS - P.O. Box 2142 - Fallon, Nevada 89407 MAURICE H. SCHREPEL - 232 Fairlawn Dr. - Lindale, Texas.75771 EDWARD C. THOMAS - 2771 N. 1250 ESt. - Oak Harbor, Washington 98277 WALTER MURDOCK - 7220 Quartz Hill Rd. - Placerville, California 95667 JAMES S. NORRIS - 4340 Richardson Dr. - Roanoke, Virginia 24019 (16 ) WHY I LIKE THE HOUSE IN WHICH I LIVE

A few years ago I would have been tempted to change the title of this theme to: "Why DO I Like the House in Which I Live?" However, since the war, I have some rather definite reasons for appreciation. Did you ever crouch behind a bo~lder and thank God for the protection it offered against an icy wind? Have you crowded under a tarpaulin with fifteen other guys for protection against a cold rain storm during a slight pause in a 35 mile road march? Have you ever dug a hole under black- out conditions in mud and rocks so you could have a place to sleep the rest of the night in safety; then..qet orders to move on iust as your home was completed? Have you ever taken a bath in a steel helmet in the corner of a dugout? Have you ever carried straw for a half mile to make a mattress for your bed? Have you ever built and moved out of three deluxe style dugout homes in eighteen hours? Have you ever wondered what kind of night you were going to spend just a few yards from the enemy after a downpour of rain had soaked your clothes, bedroll, and the ground all around you? Have you ever awakened in the middle of the night to discover your drainage system was overflowing and your house was developing a startling likeness to a frog pond? Now I live in a very average sort of place, by comparison with the rest of the neighborhood, but it is an undreamed of palace when compared with the many homes I built, or dug, in the past. It has unspeakable luxuries such as a bathtub and hot water, electric light at the flick of a switch, heat controlled by a thermostat, real rugs on the floor, and windows. We have music, news and amusement at the turn of a radio or T.V. dial. We have shade trees in our front yard, and kids in the neighborhood who make living and laughing worthwhile, and a flower garden on the lawn. At our house, I don't have to get up once or twice every night to do guard duty to keep from being surprised by the enemy. I don't have to keep close check on the ammunition supply, or carry a gun all the time. We don't have to take shelter at the sound of an airplane. We don't have to camouflage our house, or wear green or brown clothes, or snowsuits, to try to prevent enemy observation. We can even turn on lights and open the window shades on a dark night without breaking blackout restrictions. We don't even have to put halazone tablets in our drinking water to make sure it's safe. I wouldn't brag on the house we live in because there are a thousand places for improvement, but I'm thinking for a million things we do have. That house is part of a home where the people understand each other. Harmony and happiness are the rule. We have achieved a condition in our house that many who live in mansions do not possess.

COMPANY I TREASURY RF.PORT

Since our last Treasury Report in September we received $180.00 in donations, we received $3.61 interest on our money in the bank, we had a balance of $345.97. Giving us a total of $529.58. Our expenses since our last Treasury Report are $211.60 for reproducing the September Poopsheet, $104.00 postage for this Poopsheet, $25.00 for cost of addressing and mail preparation for this Poopsheet, a total expense of $340.60. Leaving us a balance of $188.98. Yours£3 o--?in the 101st Robert J. Hartzell 313 Wentz St. Tiffin, Ohio 44883 Phone (419) 447-0448