JUST CZECHIN' IN .... So starts the caption on the Associated Press photograph sent by radio from Saudi Arabia February 3. It continues: Members of Czechoslovakia's small contingent to the allied war effort in the Gulf show a combat knife to American Gls of the 70th Infantry Division at Hafr AI-Batin, a town near the Iraqi border. The Czech soldiers, non-combatants, will help decontaminate troops in the event of a poison gas attack. (Photo used by courtesy of Associated Press) Spring, 1991 Gibbs resigns The President's Report presidency because of health

Dear Fellow Trailblazer: But I also leave with much satisfaction. I have While this is supposed to be a regular President's worked hard and arrangements for the 1992 Reunion Report on the affairs of our Association, I hope you are complete except for a few details. Alex will have will accept it as a personal letter to a friend I cherish no trouble with them, I'm sure. very much. It hasn't been an easy letter to write, nor It's going to be a great Reunion. Louisville is a was it an easy decision that prompts it. picturesque, hospitable city. The Galt House, right on Effective March 1, 1991, I have resigned as the banks of the busy Ohio River, is a well-known, president of the 70th Division Association. Alex comfortable hotel with unusually attractive rooms, at Johnson, who has been President-Elect, has taken very favorable rates, and its staff is wonderfully over my duties. I ask your support for him. friendly. (Incidentally, the Galt House has been host Forty-five years after our great battles in the to many veterans' gatherings and they all report it a Vosges and the Saarland, I have fought a battle of my superior facility.) own, a battle for my life that I have won. But I still Beverly and I intend, God willing, to be with you have a way to go and my health keeps me from doing all in Louisville. Until then, I thank you for the honor the good job I have always sought to do. I want a of being your President and for the help and support smooth transition so that an unexpected emergency you have given me. doesn't load down the many people working on the Fraternally Louisville Reunion. I leave with regrets. I had looked forward to serving a two-year term with a fine group of officers, dedicated to a fine group of veterans. Neal Gibbs

wife and I as often the first recipients of such sad items. I know all we members Seems Like Old Times wish Alex well and extend our cooperation Edmund C. Arnold in every possible way. I first met Neal and Beverly in '77 when President Neal Gibbs' resignation sur­ The Association can congratulate itself they came to Germany to spend some time prises and grieves me as I know it does on the wisdom of creating the post of presi­ with the Back-to-Europe tour. They were everyone. We who work closely with him dent-elect. Alex has been working very living in Russia at the time and had fasci­ knew he had been sick but the latest prog­ closely with Neal, preparing to take over in nating stories to tell about our Cold War nosis was favorable. two years. But he is well prepared to step in adversary of that time. But Neal isn't satisifed unless he's doing a bit early. I have worked closely with Alex Bev has worked diligently with Neal in 110 percent on a job and that he couldn't over the years, on the Memorial Service at setting up our Louisville meeting. When guarantee. Typically, though, he finished our Reunions, which he planned and con­ we enjoy the event next year, we' ll owe her all the nitty-gritty of the Louisville Reunion ducted with grace and efficiency, and also a big debt of gratitude. before he turned the CP over to Alex in handling Tap duties, his as chaplain, I know you join me in admiration of Johnson. sending condolences to survivors, and my (Continued on Page 10)

T~AIL: BLAZER Volume 49 Number 2 Spring '91 President Secretary-Treasurer Chaplain Neal Gibbs Louis Hoger Rev. Don Docken is published four times a year by the 70th Infantry Division 11910 Moonlight Rd. 5825 Horton St. 170 No. Ruth St. Association for its members and friends. Subscription: $12 Olathe, Kans. 66061 Mission, Kans. 66202 Apartment 1005 annually. St. Paul, Minn. 55119 Vice President-East President-Elect Editor Historians * * William Kiefriter Alex Johnson Asst. Chaplain Edmund C. Arnold Donald C. Pence 50 Woodhill Dr. 833 No. Carlyle Ln. Rev. Harry Durkee 3208 Hawthorne Ave. Carolina Trace Willow Grove, Po. 19090 Arlington His., Ill. 60004 7739 Via Napoli Richmond, Virginia 23222 285 Fairway Lone Burbank, Col. 91504 Sanford, North Carolina 21730 Associate Editor Vice President-West* Asst. Sec.-Trees*. Chester F. Gorstki Dr. Eugene Petersen Paul Thirion Colvin Jones 2946 No. Harding 1850 Randy St. 6669 Nicolet! Ave. 227 NE 105th Ave. Chicago, Illinois 60618 Son Leandro, California 94579 Riverside, Col. 92504 Portland, Ore. 97220

2 70th Division Assn. TRAILBLAZER To active duty 70th Division units serving at Benning

Newspapers across the nation ran a colored picture- on Grissom AFB, In: 3/423rd Battalion of Muncie, In; 70th our cover in black and white-of three modem Trailblazers Division Training Support Brigade of Fraser, Mi; and the in the Saudi desert. Veterans recognized the shape of the axe­ 5089th United States Army Reception Station of Saginaw, head shoulder patch-but what had happened to the brilliant Mi. red, white and green colors? These units were notified by Headquarters, 70th Division They have simply adopted desert camouflage, just as the (Training), based in Livonia, Mi with Major General James field uniforms have changed from the olive drab of 1944 to H. Mukoyama, Jr., commanding, as directed by the Fourth the sandy patterns of 1991. The present-day soldiers are United States Army, Ft. Sheridan, Il. wearing a "subdued patch"; the familiar white axehead and Mobilization in-processing for those unit members will Mount Hood and the green Oregon forests are now in black commence at 9:00am, January 22, 1991 at their respective against an olive drab background. US Army Reserve Centers. The familiar, colorful patch continues to be worn on Class Over 1400 United States Army Reservists of the 70th A uniforms and on those not in active combat. Division (Training) will become part of the active army to The three 'Blazers shown on the cover are among volun­ serve as drill sergeants, instructors and support personnel at teers who were with Division units at Fort Benning, Georgia. the United States Army Infantry Training Center & School, They were allowed to wear their unit insignia in Saudi. Ft. Benning, Ga. The "new" 70th was eminently prepared to perform its At the present time, the 70th Division has no further wartime duties when the balloon went up. Movements to Fort information on the call-up status in other commands or in any Benning went smoothly and efficiently. The call-up of Trail­ future activations. blazer units was announced in this press release from the Robert Keeton, K/276, was among the members who sent headquarters in Livonia, Michigan: us clippings about the call-up. He saw it in the "Cincinnati In accordance with the directives of the Secretary of Enquirer". Defense, the Secretary of the Army has ordered the following Peter Bennett, HQ 2nd Bn/276, sent a clipping of our units to active duty, in support of operation Desert Shield/ cover photo from the "San Antonio Express". Everett Sher­ Storm: man, HQ/883, saw it in the "Minneapolis Star Tribune". He 3rd brigade, 70th Division, Headquarters & Headquarters says when he noticed the 70th patch, although muted, "it's Detachment of Ft. Wayne, In: 2/333rd Battalion of Pontiac, nice to see that the Army calls on the best again in times of Mi: l/423rd Battalion of Ft. Wayne, In: 2/423rd Battalion of trouble".

Mini-reunions set for West, Love and Casey's gang

Seventieth veterans living in Western states you. His address: 50 Woodhill Drive, Wil­ are invited to a mini-reunion planned for low Grove, PA 19090. Phone: (215) New book cost the third or fourth week of April in Scotts­ 657-0212. Because of the raise in postage dale, Arizona. While planned especially for ''I'm busy trying to set up a G Company, rates, it is necessary to add mailing 'Blazers in Washington, Oregon, Califor­ 27 4 reunion in May," writes Fred "Casey" costs to the price ot "The Trailblaz­ nia, Idaho, Nevada and Arizona, the soiree Cassidy. "We also plan a tour of the ETO ers", the Division history book. The will welcome you no matter where you battlefields in September." Casey's address cost remains at $25 with the addi­ hang your hat. is 307 Forest Drive, Heritage Lake, tion of $2.50 for postage and If you plan to attend, please let George Gettysburg, PA 17325. handling. It is still a big bargain as Marshall, 1/275, know as soon as possible? The '91 Fall Tour to Europe that Floyd a trip to your friendly neighbor­ Make that "right now". He and the commit­ Freeman will conduct has been sold out. hood bookstore will demonstrate. tee need to know how many to plan for. So he has arranged a 21-day tour this Spring, Books may be ordered from ei­ His address: 8214 E. Highland Ave., April30-May 20.1t includes a 5-day cruise ther Lou Hoger or Cal Jones (whose Scottsdale, AZ 85251. His phone: (602) on the Rhine and will visit Copenhagen, addresses are at the foot of page 2). 945-5288. Amsterdam, the Black Forest, Saarbrucken, We remind you that the book will If anyone east of the Miss'ip would like Bayreuth and the newly-united Berlin. For not be reprinted, so act now if you to put on a regional mini, please contact details call collect to (213) 567-0561 or want an extra copy for grandchil­ William Kiefriter, Association vice­ write to Freeman Travel Service, 8959 dren or your local library or museum. president/East. He'll be happy to work with California Ave., South Gate, CA 90280. Spring, 1991 3 squad was sent across the river. We heard an explosion! A Medic leaves 'comforts' soldier named Rickman in that squad had stepped on a land mine. It blew his foot off. I treated the wound with morphine and sulfa and by the time I got the leg bandaged, litter bearers for volunteer Infantry were there and carried him away." The 25th General Hospital in Liege, Belgium, was a rela­ Doc had landed on the beach at Normandy several days tively safe place during the Battle of the Bulge; its staffers ate after D-Day and that was the low spot in hi s service. But he warm meals and slept in warm beds. Yet when the call came made such good friends in Charlie Company that he calls out for volunteers to join the Infantry, Robert "Doc" Reed, joining it the happiest experience of his military life. C/276, did just that. As a civilian, Doc was a laboratory technician and bridge After going through a number of reple-depples, Doc joined builder, then became a teacher. He married Erma Seidel and the 70th at Forbach in February, 1945. That set the stage for they live in Shoemakersville, Pennsylvania. They have a son his most memorable military experience. and three grandchildren. "Lt. Schram's Platoon was chosen to spearhead Charlie He credits Joe Birmer and Frank Gulley of his old outfit Company's crossing of the Saar River. An advance scouting with bringing him to the Association.

Tele~hone Expense ...... 52 Treasurer's Report Trai blazer Printing ...... 9,261 Souvenir Items Purchased for Resale ...... 2,328 Treasurer & Asst. Treas . Fidelity Bond ...... 232 1/1/90 Thru 12/31/90 Division Association Dues ...... 175 Flowers - Om holt Funeral ...... 53 Balance 1I 1 190: Annual Gratuity- Sec.·Treas...... 200 Mission Bank, Mission Kans. -Checking ...... $ 412 Annual Gratuity - Trail blazer Editor ...... 200 Mission Bank - Money Market Account ...... 11 ,800 life Member Cards ...... 797 Mission Bank- Certificates of Deposit ...... 20,672 Reunion Expense- Riviera Hotel...... 85,846 Citizens S. & l. Eureka, Ill. Cert. of Deposit ...... 3,564 Other Reunion Expenses•• ...... 10,957 Total Bank Balance ...... 36,448 Total Disbursements ...... 112,848

RECE IPTS : BALANCE 12131 I 90: Dues - Regular ...... $1 2, 930 Mission Bank- Checking Account ...... 716 Dues - life ...... 9,055 Mission Bank - Money Market Account ...... 22,605 Dues- Associate ...... 466 $22,451 Mission Bank- Cert. of Dep. 8.2% Mat. History Book Sales ...... ~..... 2,900 6126191 ...... 11 ,385 Souvenir & Other Sales ...... 703 Mission Bank- Cert. of Dep. 8.0% Interest on Deposits ...... 4,716 Mat. 2112191 ...... 10,610 Reunion Receipts (Net)** ...... 114,551 Mission Bank- Cert. of Dep. 8.25% Miscellaneous Income ...... 165 Mat. 1116192 ...... 10,206 Total Receipts ...... 145,486 Mission Bank- Cert. of Dep. 8.0% Mat. 515193 ...... 10,000 DISBURSEMENTS: Citizens S. & l. Eureka, Ill. CID ...... 3,564 Postage, Shipping & Mail Permits...... 1,703 Total Balance ...... $69,086 Office Supplies & Expenses ...... 336 **Itemized in a separate statement. Louis Hoger Division Assn Meeting (Gibbs) ...... 547 Printing Expense ...... 161 Secretary-Treasurer

70TH DIVISION ASSOCIATION 1990 LAS VEGAS REUNION 9/16 THRU 9/20/90 RECEIPTS : Registration Fees ...... $112,006 Other Disbursements: less Refunds ...... 4,308 Reunion Printing ...... 534 Net Regis. Fees ...... ~ .. $107,698 Cost of Merch. Sold at Reunion...... 3,081 Souvenir & Raffle Ticket Sales ...... 6,853 Raffle Prize ...... 191 Total Receipts ...... $114,551 Reunion Ribbons & lapel Pins ...... 896 Activity Planners & litter Bags ...... 905 DISBURSEMENTS: Reunion liability Insurance ...... 1, 371 To Riviera Hotel : Security Guard...... 378 For Stage Show "Splash" ...... 31 ,842 Presentation Gifts ...... 528 Flowers...... 74 Flowers (Memorial Service) ...... 270 Projectors, Screens & PA Systems .. 630 Musicians ...... 1,950 Wine & Cheese Party ladies Purses ...... 815 (Gratuity Only) ...... 2,890 Reunion Photos ...... 560 Bartender Services ...... 450 Pre-Reunion Site Search ...... 586 German Tour Dinner ...... 2,941 Miscellaneous Expense ...... 272 Hospitality Room Beverages (3 days) 9,884 Total Other Disbursements ...... ~... 12,537 Men's luncheon ...... 5,430 Total Disbursements ...... 98,383 ladies luncheon ...... 4,514 Excess of Receipts over Disbursements (Surplus) ...... $16,168 Banquet & Dance ( 1, 093) ...... 32,265 less Management Comp. Services . (5,075) Calvin Jones Total to Riviera ...... ~ ... 85,846 Assistant Sec.-Treas . 4 70th Division Assn. TRAILBLAZER President names 70th man to Commission President Bush has appointed Cy Laughter, K/276, to the American Battle Monument Commission. This is a nine-person body that oversees U.S. monuments and cemeteries. Gen. PX Kelly, former commandant of the Marine Corps, is the new chairman of the commission. Cy and his family have been longtime friends of the Bush family and sat in the Presidential box at one of the gala Inaugural balls in Washington two years ago. Cy was a light machine gunner and was wounded so badly at Philippsbourg on January 11, 1945, that he never returned to combat duty. Cy's Commission overse.es 22 cemeteries in foreign coun­ tries. One is in Manila, one in North Africa. The others are in Europe. The list echoes American military history there. Names like Aanders Field, Somme and Meuse-Argonne bring back memories of historic battles of the First World War. From World War II days are Brittany, Normandy and Ardennes and the ones where Trailblazers lie buried, Epinal and St. A void. There are also scores of monuments. Tourists to Europe who might like to visit the graves of dead comrades would be wise to write to the Commission at Washington, D.C. 20314-0300, BUSH'S BUDDIES .. . . and ask for a booklet that describes the cemeteries and gives Forni ly friends gather in front of the White House Christmas detailed directions on how to get there. Even if you aren't going tree as President and Mrs. Bush entertain Trail blazer Cy to the ETO, it makes interesting reading. Laughter, K/276, and his wife Audrey. Trailblazers served gallantly in other wars, too

From Private, in 1943, to Colonel in 1976 sums up the Lunsford, K/274. career of Aaron Adkinson, A/274. As an enlisted man he Just as vivid but much unhappier: "In Korea, from Aug. 29, served in the Cavalry, Army Air Corps and Infantry, joining 1950, to Sept. 11 , we were cut off from our main body and the 70th in January, 1944. He received a battlefield commis­ were behind enemy lines- when there were any lines!" sion in the Vosges in January, '45, and was a platoon leaderto He served in the 1st Division, then lst Armored and 1st the end of the war. Cavalry, coming to Camp Adair and the 70th in September, He served as a training officer in the States and went to '43. He won the Purple Heart with two clusters, the Silver and Korea where he commanded a company and then a battalion. Bronze Stars, CIB, all the Trailblazers' campaign ribbons plus Back in the states he attended the Advance Class at Fort that of the Korean conflict. He was discharged in April of' 51. Benning, Georgia, and remained there on the faculty. He He married Wilma Lea, whom he calls "Webb" and they attended several service schools and was Chief of Exercises have three children and two grandkids. He's a life member of and Maneuvers in the Central Army group in Europe. the DAV and past master of his Masonic lodge. He learned of Later, at Fort Lewis, Washington, he commanded a battal­ the Association through the "Word War II" magazine ad. ion of the 4th Infantry Division. He served in VietNam. He was on the faculty of the Army War College and became Senior Army Advisor to the California National Guard. After retiring in '76, he and his wife Angela have lived in Carmichael, California. They have one daughter. Boys' dream comes true He has won a Silver Star with two Oak Leaf Clusters, George Alton, HQ/274, became what Legion of Merit, Air Medal, Commendation Medal and two many of us dreamed about as boys: loco­ clusters, Purple Heart and Combat Infantryman's Badge. motive engineer. He was also an interurban motorman. In a distinguished military* career that saw service in two He came to the 70th from the Air Force wars, wading ashore on D-Day at Omaha Beach and there, in the summer of '43 at Camp Adair. He knee-deep in water, shaking hands with Gen. Omar Bradley, married Edith King and they are parents to stands out as the most memorable episode for Loney "Ray" two and grandparents to two. Spring, 1991 5 An episode in Trail blazer history that is the side of the ship somewhere be­ often overlooked is the trans-Atlantic low. As the ship would rise and fall crossing and the short stay at CP-2, in the ocean swells, of course the T'h e overlooking Marseilles. George Marshall downward movement would pick fills in that blank for us with the following up a lot of cold air in the exit pipe recollections that he has bolstered with • and the cold air would come rushing .Lnoss1ng I __en-trie-sI, 275thin-the-Da-ily-Repo-rt-sof-his-Co-mpo-ny Regiment. up the flush pipe and blow a draft C out of each of the stools. This was sure to put a damper on the proper completion of whatever was taking place there at the time. This was probably just as well, since there was always someone in dire need of Dec. 6, 1944 ... Dec. 8-11, 1944 ... your stool waiting in line. Went by train to the pier in Bos­ For the rest of the crossing the seas Dec. 12, 1944 ... ton. Boarded the ship as each of us were almost like glass. We had got­ Another bright morning with calm were checked off of a roster sheet. ten our sea legs and were enjoying seas. We have been entertained by M.P.s everywhere. Guess they wanted beautiful balmy blue sky weather. dolphins and flying fish just about to be sure that they didn't leave any There were plenty of PX supplies every day so far. But today we have of us behind. Left the United States at aboard ship, and the lines to buy something new to watch. Believe it 4 p.m. aboard the ship West Point. It smokes and candy were kept hum­ or not we have a Navy Consolidated had been the USS America, largest ming. We all roamed the decks just B-24 bomber checking our progress American passenger liner to that time, being curious about everything. regularly. After more than five days and had been converted to a troop There were a bunch of nurses on of being out here by ourselves in all ship. All things considered, it was a the quarter deck that added a little this water, that plane sure was a very fine ship. We even had a Ma­ interest to our daily deck tours. Un­ welcome sight. But where on earth rine band to play popular music for fortunately, the ladders to that deck did she come from with nothing out us on the after-deck. were guarded by marines, and only here but more and more water? Our In view of what was ahead of us, officers were allowed up there. I answer soon showed itself as we it was great for keeping morale up. never did figure out why they as­ came in sight of the Azores, that We had no other ships with us as we sumed that officers were more hon­ small group of islands about half­ crossed. The Axis submarine poten­ orable than us enlisted men. Maybe way to our destination. They also tial had by this time been pushed they figured the nurses were "fair gave us a clue as to where we were back into the North Sea and the game" for officers only. going: the Mediterranean. North Atlantic. Even so, we crossed Anyway when we tired of walking Dec. 13, 1944 ... at our top speed of about 29 knots to the decks, we just flopped in our Today we had more of the same. limit the opportunity for Jerry to get a bunks to catch a few winks. Our By nightfall we picked up a destroyer line on us by a chance meeting. bunks for enlisted men, at least in escort. This reminds us that we must Our first night at sea was quite my compartment on "D" deck, were be getting closer to our destination. rough with huge swells. Many of us arranged four high as canvas ham­ The threat to our safety is increasing. were seasick and hanging on the rail mocks on pipe racks. Like as not, if We are getting closer to the war. The trying to get as much fresh air as we did get to sleep, we'd be rousted band still plays on the afterdeck, but possible. In this position I was still out for a boat drill, or abandon-ship the time for fun and games is draw­ fascinated by the fluorescent waves. drill. We had to wear a life jacket ing to a close. Dec. 7, 1944 ... any time we were away from our Dec. 14, 1944 ... The seas are starting to smooth out bunk. We passed the Rock of Gibraltar but some of us are still recovering Then there was the community today. Looks just like the Prudential from seasickness. Meals were served "head", or toilet facility. This was up Insurance ads, though the word goes below decks where there was very in the bow of the ship, and had a around that instead of being such a little ventilation. Many of the guys row of stools all connected to a solid rock as the ad says, it is really who couldn't take the kitchen smells common open flush pipe that exited all honeycombed with a very porous in their weakened condition opted to structure inhabited by Barbary apes. skip a meal or two until they got Diary documents Actually, the "rock" has been rein­ their stomachs under control. We forced with a lot of concrete and heard later that one of the G.l.s got 'Atlantic cruise' made into a rather formidable for­ sick before the ship ever left the as Task Force tress by the British, so maybe the dock, and was sick for all 10 days of travels to ETO term "rock" is not too far off base our crossing. after all. Anyway the sight of real dry

6 70th Division Assn. TRAILBLAZER 20 miles through town to a high turned out to be a trip to Marseilles plateau area and C-P 2. to visit the bars. I remember thinking how strange Dec. 19, 1944 ... it was to see only plastered houses, We have a pass for a day in all painted in pastel colors of blue, Marseilles. We are warned that the green, yellow, pink and purple. city has 14,000 registered "ladies of Where I came from in Ohio, all the ill repute". That's just the ones they houses had wood siding and were have in their records. So beware! Just painted either white, cream, or ivory to walk the streets of this town, is to with bright colored roofs. The houses fill one with revulsion. The filth and I knew about had only false shutters corruption seem to be everywhere. for decoration only. These houses in Every doorway has its sleazy charac­ France all had their window shutters ter trying to sell me obscene post­ closed and locked. Just another cards. I only hope that this is just a spooky reminder that we were in a symptom of the war-torn world that foreign land, and that we were being these people have been forced to drawn ever closer into the shooting endure for so long that they have war that we had all trained for. forgotten society's rules of decency. Still we had not yet had cause to Maybe it is now their only means of feel real fear. Our immediate prob­ survival, waiting only for the return lems of pitching tents and bedding of a normal economy. down on top of the plateau in the There were French sailors with "Just gimme some aspirin - mud and rain was far more real than their white flat-top caps with red I already got a Purple Heart." the shooting war. A really miserable pom-pom in the middle of the top. land is heartening, except for the fact mess. We also saw Senegalese troops that it is not the U.S.A. and it is just wearing red fezzes who had crescent a lot closer to whatever fate has in Dec. 18, 1944 ... shaped scars on each cheek. More store for us. The rain continues. The mud gets reminders of the foreign environment Dec. 15, 1944 ... deeper. Setting up the normal field and the war. Our destroyer is still with us and kitchen is near impossible. Rumor Dec. 20-22, 1944 ... adds to the heightening tension has it that these difficulties in the We pack up and try to leave as among us. We stay directly behind kitchen has led to the burial of many much as we can of the C-P 2 mud him and we take heart from the fact steaks that had spoiled. True or not where we found it. We board a very that he screens us from mines and the rumor persists, and does not help small (by American standards) 40&8 listens for any subs in the area. We morale one bit. box car in a train behind a dinky must be getting very close now. Two men are sent sick to the engine. Our entire Weapons Platoon Where will it be? hospital: Pvt. Edgar R. Gougeon and of 31 guys with all of their gear were Dec. 16, 1944 ... Pvt. Melvin C. Holtorf. aboard one car. The cars were very We arrive at the port of Marsei lies Sgt. Cantrell came by my tent and drafty which led to a great many at 8 in the morning. There are old asked if anyone in my squad was colds and with the immobility of the fortress turrets looking down at us willing to trade off their 45 pistol for confined space of the small box cars, from high bluffs. Sure am glad they Elmer Martin's M-1 rifle so that he the stage was set for the later injury were silenced before we got here. could go on a wood detail un­ to so many feet by the cold which There was evidence of much de­ encumbered by his heavy rifle. I was disabled so many of us. Our officers struction of harbor facilities as well willing so Elmer and I traded weap­ had better accommodations, or rode as in the town itself. A number of ons for the day. I learned much later, in trucks to our destination. Meals ships seemed to have been scuttled (1988) that the funny part of the were "1 0-in-one" rations warmed to avoid capture. This was our first trade was that the "wood detail" over a Coleman squad stove. sight of a war-torn country and it left a lasting impression on all of us. I like Ike from their home in Lisle, Illinois to go to Dec. 17, 1944 ... Las Vegas .... checked into the Ri viera The condition of the harbor forced It was a thrill to see Gen. Eisenhower Hotel ... and found themselves sur- right up close. Michael DeFrank, B/275, rounded by axe head patches! He signed us to disembark from the West Point remembers that pleasure that came while up immediately. some distance out in the bay, and he was standing guard duty at SHAEF He did data processing for IBM and is come down cargo nets and jump headquarters in Frankfurt. now assistant Building mechanic. The into small lighters to go ashore. We It was just as much of a thrill when he DeFranks have a son, a daughter and a finally landed early this morning and his wife Phyllis took a little vacation grandchild. about 2:30, and then were trucked

Spring, 1991 7 The Literary 'Blazers plantation in the Shenandoah Valley prior to 1740. This fills in a big gap in my book." I pass on my personal recommendation 70th men writing books for one of the best books about the Army that I have read in years. It's "Bright Star" by Harold Coyle, published by Simon & Schuster. It explains beautifully how the The Other Battle of the Bulge: Operation The Other Battle "new" Army works and how it differs from Northwind" by Charles Whiting has been of the Bulge "our Army". Although it was written be­ published. Whiting, an honorary member Operation Northwind fore the Persian Gulf erupted, its fictional of the Association, has written a quick­ action so parallels that in the Saudi Desert moving, action-packed book on how the that you simply wonder at its prescience. men "at the sharp end" of combat saw this last great offensive of Adolf Hitler. He points out that although the battle of 70th man * Nordwind is almost unknown to the great public, it was a pivotal episode of WW2 in guarded Ike Europe. The Germans hurled eight divi­ It was a thrill to see Gen. Eisenhower sions, three of them crack SS units, against right up close. Michael DeFrank, B/275, the thinly held American lines in Alsace. remembers that pleasure that came while he The more famous Bulge, farther north, had was standing guard duty at SHAEF head­ drained US forces in the Vosges for re­ quarters in Frankfurt. placementsoftheseverecombatcasualties. It was just as much of a thrill when he and So the just-arrived Task Force Herren was his wife Phyllis took a little vacation from thrown into combat with absolutely no ac­ their home in Lisle, Illinois to go to Las climatization. Vegas ... checked into the Riviera Hotel He also tells of the frustrating political ... and found themselves surrounded by tensions between France and the United axe head patches! He signed up immedi­ States. Gen. Eisenhower commanded that ately. Strasbourg be evacuated to protect Ameri­ OUR STORY .... He did data processing for IBM and is can forces sitting there with unprotected Trailblazers ' operations in the Vosges are now assistant Building mechanic. The flanks. Charles DeGaulle objected vigor­ vividly recounted in th is book by Honor­ DeFranks have a son, a daughter and a ously; he insisted that it was unacceptable, ary Associate Member Charles Whiti ng grandchild. for political reasons, to give up any French of Eng land. It's just been published. soiL It looked, for a time, as if the Franco­ He got through Wingen* unscathed but American alliance might shatter. Then was wounded at Stiring-Wendel, did Robert results would have been catastrophic. Win­ vided invaluable accounts of events that Filip of F/274. An original Adair 'Blazer. ston Churchill's intervention finally took place so many years ago. After combat he went to the Bremen (Ger­ prevented an irreparable breach. Frank asked for permission to reprint many) Port Command with the 142nd Books may be ordered from Scarborough material from "The Trailblazers", the Finance Disbursing Section. House/Publisher, PO Box 459, Chelsea, Association's History Book. It was, of He wound up as vice-president and trea­ Michigan 48118 or from Marlborough course, granted. And that reminds me that surer of a life insurance company. With the Books, 3243 Valley Lane, Falls Church, any member may use any material in the former Lenore Vondracke, whom he mar­ Virginia22044. The price is $19.95 plus $3 book at any time. Technically they should ried in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, he lives in postage and handling. ask permission of the copyright holder­ Downers Grove, Illinois. Mike DeFrank, of me. But this is an automatic and blanket nearby Lisle, Illinois, just happened to be in approval for such re-use. I would appreci­ Warmest congratulations* to F r a nk Las Vegas during the Reunion. When Mike ate it if you'd credit the source. Lowry, A/276! Frank has just published discovered the Association, he told Bob his book on his company's WW2 experi­ about it and the latter joined right away. ences. It's 96 pages of well written and Another ' Blazer* author is Byron fascinating material. He hasn't told us what McNeely, I/274. He's writing a history of * the price is; whatever it is, the book is a his family whose roots in America go back bargain, not only to 276ers but to all Trail­ 200-plus years. Retiring from a career as a real blazers- indeed, any American who had By attended a reunion of retired profes­ estate broker, Forrest Rambo, M/27 4 any connection with "The Big War". sional Boy Scouts at Montreat, North and his wife Marjory (nee Andersen) Frank's address is 1140 Springcreek Carolina, near Asheville. "Montreat is a live in Lansing, Michigan. He did his Drive, Modesto, California 95355. Presbyterian conference center and has a whole military sevice with the "I started this project right after the war strong library of church history. While Trailblazers and earned a Purple Heart but never completed it. At the Nashville browsing through the archives there I dis­ with his CIB. He's a member of the and Las Vegas Reunions, many old buddies covered some family records which place DA V and Kiwanis. prodded me to fi nish it and several pro- my McNeely ancestors on a 1,500-acre 8 70th Division Assn. TRAILBLAZER arts teacher in the high school. * Axe-head Archives While B/884 was in Bearbach, Germany after the war, the young son of Peter Pesch! was taken seriously ill and Peter was sent "I had been trying to run down Charlie was with an insurance agency. With his home early. After his discharge in 1945, he (Lt. Col. Charles Galloway, CO, 1st Bn/ late wife Frances, he has five children and went back to his old company, National 276) for several years," writes Carl nine grandchildren. Portland Cement, and worked there for 30 Obermann, HQ of that outfit. "I was going Although his race for the mayoralty of years. When that company went bankrupt, through a Sun City, Arizona, phone book Knoxville was not successful he was direc­ he and a cousin formed a contracting this spring and ran across a listing that was tor of public safety for that city, command­ company of their own and he operated it right. ing 500 uniformed police and firemen. He until he retired. "My wife Rose and I have "I talked with his wife. She had no has been very active in civic and fraternal lived in the same house in Northampton, knowledge of his military career and it organizations. Pennsylvania, where I was born and raised." wasn't until she found a letter from Col. A. C. Morgan that I was able to determine "I visited Philippsbourg* in 1980 and Guard duty is one* of the most boring that it was our Galloway. He had moved to talked with some of the people there who chores a soldier can be saddled with. But Sun City from Joplin, Missouri, in the late still remember those terrible days of '45. when James Christensen, Sv/882, was 70s. His first wife died there. Some years They presented me with a wonderful pho­ walking his post at Fort Leonard Wood it later he married Alma. Charles died in tograph of A Company objectives shown became memorable: For it was D-Day, 1984. on an aerial photo and exactly the field that June 6, 1944. The invasion of Festung He leaves three sons in Missouri. His I crossed under fire to earn my Bronze Europa had begun. widow's address is: Mrs. C. A. Galloway, Star." So writes John Zynsky of the 274th Jim joined the 70th at Adair in March of 18002 Broken Bow Ct., Sun City, AZ Medical Detachment. '43, one of the early birds. He was dis­ 85373. "My deepest regret," says Carl, "is "I am sorry that I didn't know about the charged in February, '46. But in 1955 he that although I have been spending the Association until I read the notice that Ed went back again for almost eight years. He winters in Phoenix for 20 years, I never Cloonan ran in the 'Boston Globe'. I am earned the Bronze Star and the Army before had gone through the Sun City recovering from a small stroke and that Commendation Medal in his second tour. phone book which lists the residents there wiped out the Reunion. But I sure would For 16 years he was Staff Administra­ and their home towns." like to get in touch with Capt. Frank Ellis tive Assistant to the "new" 70th Training If all of us did some phone-book check­ and Paul Swenson." John's address is 385 Division. He joined the Association after ing, betcha we'd be able to locate platoons Summer St., Lynnfield, Massachusetts reading about the Vegas Reunion in the of our "missing" 70th men. 01940, where he was a longtime industrial DA V magazine. Bill Verburg, F/276,* in Albany, New York, ran an ad in a service magazine. Bob Do you know the whereabouts or what Schwappach, H/276 truck driver, in happened to the man below the arrow? Minnesota, sent the ad to Jimmy. Result: His name is Marvin E. Hail, S/N Jimmy's a new member. 35706829. The best ~uess so far is that he came from Kentucky. He was a Tech * Sergeant as we went into Europe. He was A pair of firsts are claimed for Battery evacuated to the 36th General Hospital in C, 883, says David Garrison, its combat January 1945. The date of the entry in the commander. At Metzing, France, the bat­ record is Jan. 25, but his name appears tery was the first Trailblazer artillery to fire with many others who were known to be on the enemy. And one of its forward evacuated following the frostbite disaster observation posts, before the Siegfried Line of Jan. 6. Most of the notes seem to have was the first to come under enemy fire. been entered after the fact by a number of Dave came to the 70th from the 91st and days. The record does not show when the was first assigned to Battery B. His unhap­ promotion occurred, but on March 1, piest experience was his first official noti­ Hail was reassigned to I Company as a fication that Cpl. Dale Bowlin was miss­ 2nd lieutenant. He was reassigned to the ing in action and presumed dead. But later 3rd Division after the war. he learned that Dale had been captured and The picture was dated 1947 and la­ evacuated to a German hospital, was treated beled Wildflecken, Germany. Hail elected for wounds and had a leg amputated. After to stay in the service and it is reported by the war the two got together in Kansas J. T. Tucker, the other man in the picture, You have any information to add to this, City. It was just recently, through Dale, that in 1950 Hail served in Korea and in please send details to me. that he made contact with the Association. Vietnam, possibly with the 24th Division. George D. Marshall Dave was city editor of the Knoxville It is possible that he may have been killed 1/274 (Tennessee) Journal, publisher of country in the latter war. Does he still have familx 8214 E. Highland Avenue and western music, operator of a golf in Kentucky? Are there living relatives? If Scottsdale, AZ 85251 driving range and, until he retired at 70,

Spring, 1991 9 Seems Like Old Times (Continued from page 2)

Neal's gallant fight for life and wish him as much about my brother's bombing runs on page 12 which also refers to this build­ good years ahead. His address is 11910 over Germany before he was KIA in April, ing.) Moonlight Lane, Olathe, Kansas 66061 and 1944. I did hear from the lead bombadier on a card, a note, a Jetter would be great that fateful mission and he did tell me some The death of a foxhole* buddy brings therapy. details about the bombers that went down sorrow and recollections to James Mosier, on the return flight. Thank God, my brother E/276. He writes, "WalterLimbacherofthe was able at least to drop his bombs on the If you were a warrant* officer in the 27 6th 1st Squad, 1st Platoon of our company, German targets before he was shot down and married "the inn-keeper's daughter, died Nov. 15, '90. He and I met at Camp over Denmark. Ursula," please let the editor know. Part of Livingston, Louisiana, as replacements in "I joined the 8th Air Force Association your letter, including your name, has been 1944, went overseas on the Queen Mary as an associate member for a year. But their lost at the printer's. and joined the 70th outside Forbach. newsletter couldn't compare with the "We shared foxholes with Jim Dooley of "Trailblazer" in scope or the way it is set Our printer, normally a craftsman of Chicago. We were ordered to get behind a * up." highest probity, shuffled the deck wrong on stone fence and fire on a house which the Winter, '90 issue. The magazine con­ sheltered enemy snipers. Jim was a ba­ sisted oftwo 12-page sections, one inserted We are absolutely* delighted to report zooka man and Walt was his assistant; I had into the other before binding. But one batch that Orville Ellis, Association past presi­ a BAR. As we opened fire we received contained two first sections and no second. dent, and Edna Veit were married on return fire from our right flank. If you received one of these, please let Lou Valentine's Day. "We had received the wrong informa­ Hoger know. He has plenty of extra copies Orville, C/27 6, lost his first wife Adeline tion; we fired on the wrong house! But we and will send you a correct one. Apparently two years ago. Edna was married to Wil­ got out of the mess, mighty scared but about 50 of these hybrids got into the mails. liam Veit, 1/275, who died in 1987. Both unhurt. Jim was in Hammond, Indiana the The printer - and the editor - regret the couples were very active in the Associa­ last I heard; Walt lived in North Canton, error. tion. During Orville's 8-year term as Ohio; I live in Dowagiac, Michigan, with president, the group saw its greatest growth my wife Connie." James Quinlan, *L/276, is grateful to and Adeline was known to many as our It's never pleasant to report a death in "The Trailblazers" for attesting to the ve­ First Lady. Bill and Edna attended all Re­ these columns. But there is an unusual racity of the stories he tells his sons. unions and made the Return-to-Europe tour poignancy in the letter that Emerson Myers, "I remember most of what my company in '77. B/882, sent to Henry Inselberger of the did in World War II, as well as the units We wish them a long and happy mar­ same Artillery outfit. Emerson's brother, immediately next to us. But the History riage. Norman, shared Christmas dinner with Book has given me more input and views Emerson and his wife Oma. That night Norman died in his sleep. on what the whole Task Force Herren and Remember that *handsome but battle the whole 70th Division accomplished." scarred, hundred-year -old church in Oeting? The day of the brother's funeral, Oma "In fact, if it weren't for our book my two Eric Franck, our associate member from died a few hours after a massive heart sons would not believe most of what I tell Wingen-sur-Moder sends us the clipping attack. We grieve with Emerson. them about our combat time in France and from a French newspaper announcing the Germany. I just wish I could have learned completion of the restoration. (See the story *

snow in front of me. I thought it was a Kraut and I yelled, Out of the snow . ... 'Come here or I'll shoot.' Apparition is buddy! "Don'tshoot! Don'tshoot, Sporn!' came the reply. 'It's me, Bill Taylor.' I was surprised and sure glad. I called for a Medic and gave Bill a cigarette. "I was wounded a few days later and they sent me back to the States. After I got out of the Army I settled in St. Jose, The death of Edward D. "Bill" Taylor, C/276, on Sept. 27, California and got married. Esther and I have four daughters. 1990, in Auburn, Washington was especially affecting to "Bill had been looking for me for 35 years. I was originally Robert Sporn of the same company. from Kansas and he thought I had gone back there. So that's "Bill and I served together. He was wounded in the leg late where he looked for me. When I joined the Association in one afternoon but we had become separated and I had heard 1979, Bill saw my name and contacted me and we renewed our that he was killed. We stopped and dug in as it became dark. friendship. We attended the Philly and Nashville Reunions Next morning we were ordered to move out, and I took the together. I will really miss him." point. I was moving along when something rose out of the They have four sons, two daughters and 19 grandchildren.

10 70th Division Assn. TRAILBLAZER CHEWING THEM UP .... So starts the caption on this Signal Corps photo taken on On March 16 a spearhead of the 4th Armored Division March 21 , 1945. The caption continues: In spite of dense gained 32 miles and seized two bridges across the Nahe mine fields and the formidable Siegfried Line tortifications, River south of Bad Kreuznach. the Seventh Army gained steadily and pinned down strong Here members of the 275th Regiment, 70th Division of enemy formations . These the Third Army tanks cut to pieces. the Seventh Army ... march through Saarbrucken.

Lordy! Here's a memo from Past Presi­ in good stead. He was in service until De­ dent Norman Johnson that got misfiled. I cember, 1962. He has been a security officer Old apologize for the tardiness. Someone lost a ever since. pair of prescription sunglasses, bifocals, in After serving in the lst and 3rd Infantry Times a maroon carrying case and with a black Division and the 354th College Training neck cord. I hope the owner didn't need 'em Detachment in LaGrande, Oregon, he joined From Charlie Pence, B/275, and Lee during the winter and will claim them as the the 70th at Adair in April, 1944. He won the Miller of Company D, comes word that summer sun approaches. Norm has just Bronze Star for gallantry at Philipps bourg. Ross Millhiser, commander of A/275, is sent the glasses to the editor. With his wife, Annaliese, whom he mar­ recovering after open-heart surgery. If you Since writing the paragraph above, I've ried in Berlin in 1958, he has a daughter and want to send a card to the 01' Cap'n, his found out that Norm had a stroke just before two grandchildren. He heard about the As­ address is Dawnmere 13, North Ward, Christmas. After stays at a couple of hospi­ sociation at a West Coast mini-reunion of Rumson, NJ 07760. tals, he is in at-home therapy now and says the Retired Officers Association. he's about 85 % recovered on his left side Please note thatJ. *William Wells, whose which had been paralyzed for a while. * death was recorded in the Fall, '90 issue, was a member of B/275. Ray Ireland, HQ/ His experience in* the Counter Intelli- 1st Bn/275, keeps the record accurate. gence Corps in Germany and Austria after * WW2 has stood Charles Anders, K/275, Spring, 1991 11 Choose one froii1 Column A There are plenty of choices in identifications of photo

And still the identifications come in for the photograph that ran Paul Thirion, VP/West, called on his European operative for on the back cover of the Fall, 1990, issue and on page 22 of the help. Gerard Bongras of Forbach, an Associate Member, says Winter, '91 edition. It showed a line ofGis waiting in a chow line. the scene is in Oeting. He identified it by the church in the "Ray Mienhartt, Matt Warminski and I have recognized background. Gerard also sends a clipping of a news story that some of the people in the picture. They are definitely from the reports that extensive renovation of the church has just been Weapons Platoon, Company E, 276." So says Harry Wohfeil of completed. The building had been severely damaged by artillery that unit. fire from both sides during WW2 but today there are no scars. But Phillip Roth sees it a bit differently. "I believe the photo Gargoyles and fleurons have been resculptured and the building is the 3rd Platoon of L/276. The man in the far right would be is considered one of the most handsome churches in the Vosges. "Whitey" Strayane. Next is "Slick" Mathea. Lighting a ciga­ Then comes the final word. It's from Chester Gartski, rette is Sgt. Daly, 2nd Squad leader, later to become a platoon "Trailblazer" cameraman who made the original photo. He cites sergeant. I don't remember the name of the shorter person next to a letter from the late Wallace "Bob" Cheves, an eye witness. "Dutch" Vanderplug. Skip the next two and you come to "Red." The picture was made in Behren, says Chet! "After all these years one can't be too positive. But Ilooked at the picture and said, 'Iknowthoseguys! ' AllofthemexceptDaly were replacements who came after the Vosges campaign (where Matt Warminski, E/276, checks* in with: "I recognize the I was wounded)." third man from the right as Frank Joyner and the sixth man from Ralph Stockman, F/276, admits that the picture was taken the right as John Bennett from the machine gun section ofE/276. after he was wounded and left the outfit. But ... "I think I know I believe the picture was taken sometime after Forbach at a those Gls. The fifth man from the right is Ray Rosenbaum. He Battalion or Regimental headquarters. I can't be more specific was a member of the Association and attended several Reunions. because I didn't know where I was most of the time in Europe." He passed away in Florida after retiring in Michigan. I think the The 27 6th is certainly well represented in these responses. This third man from the right is Ed McMahon. Several of us have one comes from Company H's James "Jimmy" Maienza: "The looked for him since the war but we've discovered no trace of man in the center, facing the camera and out of line a little is, I him. Second from the right is John Setting. All these men were believe, our jeep driver, James Speaks. Just to the right is Sgt. in the Mortar Section of F/276. Ralph Holmgren and next to the right is Fred Johnson. 12 70th Division Assn. TRAILBLAZER "I think it was in or around Forbach." (And Chet says yes, that's right. But it was the editor who Now another outfit is nominated, 570th Signal. Ed Lazar '"reversed" the picture. He wanted to use the picture once more. starts with the third man from the left, facing the camera: "Sgt. The first time it ran as a vertical rectangle. So this time he cropped Fred Patten, John Mason, Jack Nothnagle, and, way over to it to a different shape and reversed it.) the right, Capt. Conrad Stahl. I notice that most of the men are "Sorry, we have to keep our contributors correct on our not carrying rifles; Stahl seems to be carrying a carbine, a recollections, and my diary tells it as it was, and picture of me captain's weapon. looking at the photographer supports it. Probably several snaps An altogether different observation is that of Ernest Richards, were taken of the passing columns and I tend to think l/275 either B/884. He says: I don't believe that the Gls are in a chow line. I preceded us, or followed us into the city. Who knows?" notice that none of them have mess kits although they do have canteen cups. Could it have been a coffee break?" So what do Hey! me! you-all have to say to top that? Thars Another photo identified Then Richard Satter, 570 Signal, checks in with identifica­ Another photograph tion of another photograph. "In the Summer, '88 magazine you showed a group of men bites the dust singing around a field organ. The picture was taken while we Cal Sorensen, F/275, differs with Ken Cann, I/274, on the I. D. were out on a field problem at Adair. The good looking guy with ofthe unit in the photo "going into Saarbrucken", in the Sping '90 the glasses, third from the left in the top row is me. The two issue, page 21. Cal says, 'Read my diary." fellows I have my arms around, as I recall, were also members of His memoirs, "Shades and Shadows of Combat on Spicheren our Signal Company. I believe the first man on the left is a Medic. Heights", page 51, explains that the column of soldiers on the "I was born and raised in Oregon. Imagine my surprise when right side of the road, is his squad led by Sgt. Jim Hooley. "Big I was drafted and sent to Camp Adair. Chief' Allen is the combatman pushing the baby buggy. "After combat I didn't have enough points to come home so Cal says he faces the camera. As he turned around in the wound up in the 3160th Signal Batallion where I made tech marching file and looked at the photographer, he remarked to the sergeant. After most of the technical people at Eisenhower's squad, "We just had our picture taken. Maybe we'll make 'Stars headquarters in Frankfurt went home on points, I wound up there & Stripes'. Reference to the two German cyclists is made in his as wire chief for Ike's Communications Center. I had a number diary and his book. In letters to friend and squad leader, Dick of women technicians and operators, 40 WACS and 40 English Lodwick, Dick identifies the squad on the opposite side of the civilians, in my command. road as Dick's. He says "Archie Rice shoulders the BAR in his "By February, '46 I had enough points to go home and was customary way of carrying it." discharged at Fort Lewis, Washington. I returned to Western Cal says this photo is reverse, a mirror image, of the original, Electric and worked up the ranks, retiring from AT&T as a and his F/275 squad was on the left side of the road going into the manager in '79. My wife, Ethel, and I are enjoying retirement in fallen city of Saarbrucken. "The photo was turned around in Piedmont, South Carolina. We have seven children and 12 processing and printing. Isn't that right, Chet?" grandchildren.

because I was sick, I missed shipping out Pfc • • • then. After regaining my health at Valley Forge (Pennsylvania) Hospital, I went to but ranking non-com Fort Dix from where I led the replacements "TB" can use to the Saarland. oldti me photos "When that mission was accomplished, I We are able to use some old A bad knee laid up Ralph Wardrop, HQ joined the 70th as a BAR man and was photographs in the "'Trailblazer". But 2nd Bn/276, in his home in Mechanicsburg, assigned to Battalion HQ. We were in please note carefully: Pennsylvania. So he had plenty of time to Wurtsburg the day the war ended in Eu­ • The picture must be in focus. read and savor the History Book. His atten­ rope. Then into occupation in Sanquersan • It should not be stained. tion was caught by the recounting of how in France and Wurtsburg on the Rhine in • Identification should be com­ young, under-trained replacements had Germany before the French took over the plete, written on the back. come to the 70th after the bloody Vosges Occupation there. • Enclose a self-addressed stamped battles. "There I was company bugler after envelope if you want the pictures "I am part of that story as I brought 200 someone found out I played the trumpet. I returned. replacements in that early spring of 1945.I helped Col. Ted Mataxis collect German • Remember that all submitted know that many of them were in service weapons, ammo, etc., cleaning them up photographs cannot necessarily be only six weeks and knew little, not even the and shipping them to the States. I ended my used. basics, about Army roles in combat. At that service as First Sergeant of HQ Co., 314th time I was ranking non-com as aPfc! If you Ordnance Group in the early part of the can believe that! Korean War. "I had taken amphibious infantry train­ "I thank Cliff Brown, F/274, for in­ ing in California with another division but, forming me about the Association. Spring, 1991 13 The mail goes through - Biiiilig souvenir

ETO to Pacific for 'Blazer Probably the biggest souvenir any From statistics in the magazine, I am not gional lnterservice Support Program for Trailblazer brought home from Eu­ the youngest Trailblazer, but in the younger Japan. rope was the jeep that Max Pryor, set. Born January 3, 1926 in the mountains Now after 45 years of federal service, SV/276, drove from Kassel to of western Maryland, I received a "baptism we decided I needed a place to drop Bremerhaven and shipped home. He of fire" in the mountains around Wingen anchor, so I accepted a job as Management then traded it for a '39 Oldsmobile 19 years later. I joined the 70th Division at Analyst with the Pacific Aeet at Pearl and that was his start in the auto­ Fort Leonard Wood in October, 1944. Harbor, Hawaii, moving here in March, I served as a member of an 81mm '89. mobile business. Now he's president mortar crew in D/276, until becoming the I have been a charter member of VFW of Motor City in Kansas City, dealing unit mail clerk a few weeks before a mass Post No. 9467, Yokohama, Japan and was in Corvettes, Cadillacs and MGs. transfer to Co. D, 30 Regt., 3rd Div. There active in organizing the VFW Department "After the war I was made man­ I was soon transferred to the Regimental of Pacific Areas in 1966 and served as ager of the Hotel Wimmer in Kassel, Mail Section, Service Co./30, Later I served Department Commander 1967-68. My Germany which the Army had taken as company clerk and was discharged at VFW activities include the "honorary de­ over a stopover between Berlin and Fort Dix, on June 26, 1946. gree" of the Military Order of the Cootie, Frankfurt. The city was the collection In an adventurous mood, I signed on where I served as Commander, Grand Pup point for war surplus materiel. The with the former War Department as a Tent of Japan, 1966-67. I've served as Army found it more profitable to sell civilian mail distributor and, in March, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Free surplus to our Allies than to ship it 1947, shipped out to the 7th Base Post and Accepted Masons of Japan. I have Office in Yokohama, Japan. There I seemed been honored in Scottish and York Rites home. That's where I bought my to have, at least temporarily, found a home. Masonic orders and am a member of the jeep. I also found a pretty Japanese doll to call Shrine. "I was a Warrant Officer all through Mrs and raised two children, a daughter Paul Newman combat. When the war ended, Col. and a grandson now living in Houston, D/276 Morgan, 276 CO, called me in and Texas and a son currently employed by the gave me the Army Commendation Army-Air Force Exchange Service in Seoul, Medal and a choice of jobs. I chose Korea. * the hotel. It was the most interesting Having advanced somewhat up the civil When two of the company officers were job I ever had in my life. It was service ranks, in 1959 I was transferred to killed in the same day, it left an impression common to have as many as 12 to the Air Force as Administrative Assistant that John Presley, 1/274, has never for­ 15 different nationalities from Allied to the Base Civil Engineer, Yokota Air gotten. John joined the 70th at Leonard Base, Tokyo, Japan, and later became a Wood and stayed till his discharge in July, countries under our roof. They were Management Analyst and an Industrial '46. there to buy surplus. I also had a Engineering Technician. In 1984 I moved He worked in a rayon plant in his native jeep and a 6x6 at my disposal. to Headquarters Fifth Air Force as Pro­ Arden, North Carolina. He has two sons (Incidentally, I married the inn gram Manager for the DoD Defense Re- and four grandchildren. keeper's daughter, Ursula. After I came home I sent for her and we were married in New York City by none other than Dr. Ralph Stock­ Father, son share Army experience man. We didn't know he was the famous radio minister and he never Father and son shared not only had a lot of fun with it until I joined let on. He was the nicest and most service in World War I and II but the Trailblazers in August, '43. Of unpretentious man ever. We have many happy civilian experiences that course it always ran smooth, thanks three children and three grandchil­ Ed Krause, F/274 cherishes. to Dad. And he kept it running until dren.) "We were both sergeants. Dad I returned home in April, '46 and "Once I took a barracks bag full of was first class; I was tech. But he was moved up to a '38 Chrysler. cigarettes to Berlin and black mar­ a much better mechanic and bike "We shared many happy times, keted them in dark alleys. We went rider than I was. He was an excellent watching amateur baseball games there for a football game between machinist and often made his own and riding with a local bicycle club. the 3rd Division and Gen. Gavin's parts when he was doing some re­ He was an excellent bike racer in his Paratroop Division. At that time he pairs. youth." was the youngest general in the "He was always repairing the first One of the mementoes Ed holds Army." car- ooops! jalopy- that I owned. dear is a letter of recommendation It was a '35 Chevy that I bought for from his father's CO in the Motor * $185 after graduation from high Transport Corps of the Quartermas­ school at the age of 17 in 1942. I ters in 1919.

14 70th Division Assn. TRAILBLAZER Surrounded by history Trailblazer restoring mementoes of minois' militruy history

While Trailblazers are naturally engrossed in the history of the 70th Division, the ETO campaigns and World War II generally, Charles Munie, I/274, is literally surrounded by military history in an old stone castle that houses the museum of the Illinois National Guard. Charlie, who retired as a Chief Warrant Officer, is a historian/curator. "I started as a part-time worker for the Illinois Department of Military Affairs in Springfield, cleaning up and inventory­ ing all the artifacts which had been collected since 1878. The collection had been in storage since 1920. The job worked itself into full time. "Our first job was to photograph about 1,000 flags, guidons, streamers, banners, etc., starting with the Mexican War and going through Korea. "We got an old 'temporary' CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps of the Great Depression era) building about six years ago and displayed a few of our more than 7,000 artifacts. However, when our current project began, we had to convert the whole building to a workshop.

FIXIN' A FLAG .... Charles Munie does some delicate restor­ ative needlework on the battle-scarred flag of the Illinois 33rd Division.

"With college interns, we have unwrapped the items, cleaned and rewrapped them and listed them in the computer. "Among the things we have are Gen. Santa Ana's cork leg, Gen. Wade Hampton's saddle and 15 Confederate flags that we have renovated over the past four years. Almost all of our own flags are battle flags; so when we get them they were shot to hell. Two attempts were made to renovate them, the first in the 1800s and then a major project in which 500 were cleaned TROPHY OF WAR .... and netted in the 1960s. It took 45 seamstresses about five This Confederate flag was captured during the Battle of Pea years to get the job done. Ridge in Arkansas oy Illinois troops. It is one of the many "Our goal is to move from our temporary building, the priceless memorabilia that Charles Munie is working with. museum, to the old 1909 stone commissary castle."

Sweet memories ... even in wartime That began a long, painful period for Jim. "I was sent to the 11th Field Hospital In the middle of a war there can be couple took us in and treated us like one of and then to the 21st General in Nancy, moments of pleasure that stay fresh in their own. Our last meal there was a terrific France. From there I was sent to Marseilles memory. James Maienza, Sr., H/276, re­ chicken dinner with apple pie." to board a hospital ship for the trip home. I members two. In the short time the regiments Many of us think that Saarbrucken was spent 18 months in the hospital, then a year were in Marseilles, Jim got a 24-hour pass the end of our combat. But there was fight­ at O'Reilly General in Springfield, Mis­ and on the street of that port city he ran into ing beyond the city. "We were going through souri, before I was discharged." a friend from his home town. the woods there when I was hit. I lay all day He worked for General Electric and Ad­ Just as pleasurable is the memory of a in a fox hole, wondering whether I would be miral before retiring in Ocala, Florida. With week right before the attack on Saarbrucken. rescued and how my buddies were doing. I his wife Beverly, he has four sons and three "We were in a farm village and an old prayed a lot. daughters and nine grandchildren. Spring, 1991 15 to police the area and redeploy 400,000 Timberwolves there from Riesa, where we Germans from Norway and send them home. had been kept by the Russians following Mail Call I've never heard or seen any reunions or release from Stalag IV -B. This was about any information on this outfit. Thank you. the first week in May and the map came out Bernard F. Huels, in July '45. Riesa was in what became the Rt. 3, Box 198, Russian Zone and while I guess the 104th Carlyle, Illinois 62231 may well have departed thence by July, I don't recall that they left Europe entirely. Wish I'd joined Association Second, the I 06th - the Hungry and Widow appreciates* friends Sick-Division is shown around Karlsruhe many, many years ago, says MP on the Rhine. The 106th was wiped out in I joined the Association a few months and Honorary appointment the Bulge, the worst defeat ever sustained ago and deeply regret not having done so I appreciate your thoughtfulness in mak­ by an American division. That's because long ago. I have been getting phone calls ing me an Honorary Member of the 70th these green boys were right in the path of from old buddies all over the country say­ Division. I enjoy the magazine very much the German juggernaut. They were, as the ing they had read of my joining in the and read it from cover to cover. saying went, "1/3 killed, 1/3 wounded, 1/3 'Trailblazer". Oscar and I were married in 1943 and I captured." I joined the 70th in August, 1943, at lived in Albany, Oregon until the 70th was Let this carping make up for the fact that Camp Adair and was assigned to the MPs. shipped out of Camp Adair, so I have fol­ I can never spot any typographical errors in I went all the way with the Task Force and lowed the history of the division. We your publication! The last issue is simply the Division through France and Germany enjoyed the Nashville Reunion very much, great - and not just because there are no and finally wound up in the 3rd Division, and I have many pleasant memories of typos. where I rose to platoon sergeant. I was Oscar visiting with his fellow comrades. It Rev. Roberts Ehrgott discharged in January, 1946. was a highlight of his life to attend the M/275 I hope to be an active member and defi­ Reunion and gave him much joy. nitely will be at the Louisville Reunion, the It gives me great comfort to know so * good Lord willing. many of you share my sorrow. Heartfelt 'Relish reading notes' George Tretakis thanks for your thoughtfulness. Sincerely, 70 MP Irene Schrage (Mrs. Oscar) It was a pleasure to see my name listed as 818 Jenning A venue a new member in the "Trailblazer". Since Petoskey, Michigan 49770 then I have received a phone call from an 17th youngest Trailblazer* old buddy and have started receiving mail puts in claim as 70th 'baby' that I relish reading and answering. I am determined to be at the Louisville Reunion I would like to know my number in the * to see everyone and swap stories. list of youngest members of the Associa­ Believes planning should start George Tretakis tion. I think I should fall within "the youngest on Associations dissolution 70 MP 20". My birthday is April15, 1926. I joined I came away from the Nashville Reunion the 70th on Dec. 29, 1944, as a replacement. with the impression that serious thought * Edwin Gorsky would be given to planning for the eventual Correct the record B/276 and inevitable disbanding of the Associa­ The caption under Jordan Baker's pic­ (Editor's note: Ed ranks as the 17th young­ tion. Certainly it's something to consider in ture in the Winter, '91 issue identified me as est Trailblazer, a couple weeks younger light of the ages of our members. a fellow-POW. Thankfully, I was not a than Gerald Thaw, B/275, and three weeks Recent "Trailblazers" indicate that this prisoner (nor did I accompany Jordan on older than Wellstood Tipton, G/276. But is not the case. True, we are strong in his return). I did help him a little in writing the list keeps changing constantly. If you numbers but that obviously will begin to his article. Please make a note of this in the are a potential "Baby of the Battalions" change, perhaps soon, perhaps unpleas­ please let the editor know.) magazine. antly, but certainly a fact to face. I'd rather Ray Mienheartt see a plan develop now than wait till the E/276 Friend of 701h man* seeking Association gradually peters out. I think the final decision should reflect the wishes of infonnation on Norway unit the members while it is still at its peak. * I have an Army buddy, Ed Kimmle, who W. J. Donofrio Subtract 1 from 276 is a member of your Trailblazer unit. He E/274 I was listed as being in the 276th in the suggests that I write you for help. I'm Life Members report. Please note that I was looking for information on a 4 74th Infantry * 275 (five). The Las Vegas Reunion was Regiment from World War II that was Spotting '45 Error excellent and the Memorial Service was formed in 1944--45 at Cherbourg, France, It's perhaps ridiculous to fault a map outstanding. Looking forward to Kentucky. part of Ranger Battalion that broke up from issued in 1945, reprinted on page 10 of the Russ Sullivan Southern France. We were to invade Nor­ Fall, '90 "Trailblazer". But I spot two er­ D/275 way, but instead were assigned to Patton's rors. 3rd Army in Germany until war was over. The 104th Division's location at Halle, Then were assembled and went to Norway Germany, is not shown. I reached the * 16 70th Division Assn. TRAILBLAZER Recruiting plan works I was happy that I was able to attend. I It's very easy to get new members! I got had been having some health problems five in one day! before that and again afterward. On No­ 1. Do you know a former 70th man who's vember 20 I had surgery again, this time to not a member? remove some tumors on the bladder. I'm 2. Write a check for $12 for each man. doing just fine now though I have some 3. Send it to Sec.-Treas. Lou Hoger with more surgery to look forward to. name and address of new members. I hope I'll be around and can attend the There's nothing to it. It's amazing the Louisville Reunion. I feel so close to all the letters I got from those men. They were 70th men, just like family. surprised and thrilled. There were two from Gust Thompson San Francisco and one each from Nevada, B/884 FA Kentucky and Oregon. Louis C. Anderson Dear Lou Hoger: * D/370 Medica You have to be one great guy to go to the trouble of mailing all those old issues of the * "Trailblazer" along with Capt. Southard's Best year of my life, history of G Company, Col. Barten's let­ Thompson tells Hoger ters to Ed Arnold and all the maps of our HALLER HANDIWORK .... Dear Lou Hoger, areas of operations. I devoured every word This giant axe-head insignium, in brilliant This has been one of the best years of my of every page of every paper you sent. color, is just one of the many that John life. The reason; the Reunion in Las Vegas. I recall a raid much smaller than the one Holler, A/276, makes for a hobby. It was a chance to meet comrades and friends recounted in the History Book, a platoon at from years back when we served together in most. We went down and back the same the Army. It was a most rewarding event; I night. It seemed that the men who led the One is good; stayed on Cloud Nine for weeks afterward. party were part Indian, they moved so well My wife also enjoyed meeting you guys in the dark. two is better? and your lovely wives. In the few months since joining the As­ Winter was a nostalgic season for John sociation I have been in contact with Cal Holler, also of A/276. He audio-taped Jones (after 45 years!) Ev Sherman, Ed all the letters that he sent from the ETO to Brown, Grover Perkins, Dav Garrison, Ed Lillian, then his girlfriend, now his wife. "I Jones and Bob Foist of the 725th FA. have about six hours of interesti~g mate­ Duane Rassmussen rial." {I left out all the mushy stuff.) HA/883 FA "I ran across an interesting fact while I was recording: I had two serial numbers! Anti-Tanker, housebound,* "The original onewasgivenwhen Iwas Lifers near drafted in February, 1943. seeks old-buddy letters "Twenty-five months later, while I was I am writing this letter for my husband in the hospital in Nancy, France, recuper­ 500 members who is unable to write, having been a semi­ ating from wounds, I was called into the NinenewlifeMembershavebeen invalid for the past seven years. He was so office and told that I had been assigned added to the Roster and the total of thrilled when I read him the letter in our the wrong serial. They gave me a new that list as of February 15 is 495. local newspaper from a gentleman who one. Funny thing, I never could remember Because summer sign-ups had wrote asking any of the former "Trailblaz­ that 'correct' one but to this day I remem­ been handled in separate reports, ers" to contact you. ber the original one. some Lifers reported that they had My husband never leaves the house, "I also hooked the axe head emblem not been listed. Examination shows though he is up and dressed and in a chair into a rug {photo). It is 3 feet in diameter, that all men who had asked the every day. I do hope some of his old bud­ made of 100 percent wool. I have it in the editor about the situation actually dies could contact him. He is very proud of middle of the floor in my den." have been listed in previous issues. being a Trailblazer. He was Sgt. Leslie The newest re-uppers are: Howell in the 275th Anti-Tank Company. James Christie, F/276; Originally from San Francisco Bay area, he Invite to the Beach* Billy Joe Garrison, C/275; had lived in Hawaii or Las Vegas since I live one block from the beach and I Steven Jensen, HQ/270 Eng 1976. invite any 70th man who's vacationing in D.C. Knott, B/275; His particular friends were Leslie Large, this beautiful area to drop in. Ray A Ludwig, 1/274; Tony Moritoza and Herb Holaber. We do I am sending you some "Trailblazer" Jesse Shorter, H/274; hear from Herb who lives at 6675 S. Oriole magazines that were published at Adair and Leo Sincavage, F/27 4; Blvd, Apt. 401, Del Ray Beach, Florida Leonard Wood. I joined the 70th as a mem­ Halsey Soderberg, G/275; 33446. ber of the cadre from the 91 st. David Traum, B/274 and Mrs. Leslie Howell AJfred Robinson Paul Walls, B/274. 1655 E. Sahara #1046 70/MP Las Vegas, NV 89104 Cannon Beach Oregon Uust phone) * * Spring, 1991 17 QArchives nia, and then to the Pacific as a replace­ ment. At roll call one morning, the first ser­ It was an interesting choice that Capt. of 570 Signal." He stayed with the Divi­ geant announced that the Medics needed Don Large, CO of HQ Co/70, made to sion until the war ended. volunteers. So John volunteered and was David Hewery, HQ/70. "After my discharge I went to Phillips assigned to F/274 as a company aid man (We ought to note those two units' University in Enid, Oklahoma. There I after a short first-aid-course. When the designations. Division Headquarters studied for my ministry and was ordained regiments were sent to Camp Miles Company was a regular rifle company in 1949. When the war in Korea broke out Standish to board ship for the ETO, he was whose major assignment was defending I received my commission as first lieuten­ able to spend Thanksgiving with his fam­ the headquarters. Headquarters Detach­ ant and went on active duty. I was in Korea ily in nearby Taunton, Massachusetts. ment was made up of the men who manned with the 180th Regiment of the 45th Di­ "I hzd established only a few friend­ the various sections such as G-1, G-2, etc. vision and in Vietnam with the 1st Infantry ships in the Medics and Co. A. One of my All men originally assigned to the Detach­ new friends, Earl Cogan, Medic with D/ ment were sent to line companies for basic Every member of the Associ­ 274, was the first casualty I encountered in training. Gen. John Dahlquist, then com­ ation is requested - indeed, January at Philippsbourg." mander of the Division, said that every urged - to fill out the Archives John was then transferred to the medical man who wore the axe-head patch would form on the facing page. Even if section of 274's 3rd Battalion and stayed be a totally qualified infantryman.) you have already tilled out a simi­ with that outfit at Bad Schwalbach through One day in April '45 in Germany, a HQ lar recordform, please make this the summer. jeep came out to the field where Dave was duplicate. "Through the Association Roster I have with the Company as 1st gunner on the Be sure to fill out the reverse contacted Lt. John Passanisi in Boston and 37mm anti-tank gun in the Defense Pla­ side, "The War Story I Want To Lt. Paul Swenson in Oak Ridge, Tennes- toon. The captain had two choices for him: Tell My Grandchildren." These Dave could go to Paris for Officers Train­ ing or transfer to the Finance Department and begin as a clerk. He chose the latter and stayed with the Detachment until his discharge in November of '45. As all financial records had to be brought up to date before the Division could be tales will be printed in the maga­ inactivated, the Finance crew came home zine in a form that can be clipped as "essential administrative personnel" and pasted into the 70th History see. I have also received a wonderful even though they didn't, at the time, have Book so each 'Blazer will have a account from Lt. Swenson regarding the the points normally required to come home. personal mention in it. wound he received at Forbach. For 45 Getting over to the ETO was almost as Please give full names of all years I have wondered about his recovery hairy. At Fort Leonard Wood, Dave was 70th men mentioned in the nar­ since I last saw him loaded into an am­ playing football against the 70th MPs rative. bulance for a field hospital." early in October, '44. He broke his arm Eventually all Archives forms * and that almost caused him to miss ship­ will be filed permanently in the "I spent most of my life fighting wars ping out with the Trailblazers. He recov­ Benton County Historical Museum (WW2 and Korea), going to school and ered just in time to avoid being sent out as near Camp Adair, Oregon. raising kids." So summarizes William a replacement. Houseal, B/884. He and his wife Helen As a civilian, David was a school ad­ have nine children. At one time they had ministrator. He also served as County Division. I retired at Fort Polk, Louisiana, seven in college at one time! Clerk and School Superintendent for in 1969 as a lieutenant colonel (Chaplain). Bill retired after 30 years with Whirl­ LeFlere County in Oklahoma. He still I retired from the active ministry three pool Corporation and is now with a law lives in that state at Peteau with his wife years ago." firm in St. Joseph, Missouri where "I can Ruth. They have three children and nine Chaplain Hataway and his wife Cleo set my own schedule. It's a welcome grandchildren. have four children and four grandchildren. change." He has many decorations; among them are The Rev. Harry* Hataway , Sr., is a the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Distin­ Rudisheim, Germany* was where Ralph clergyman in the Christian Church, Dis­ guished Unit Citation, Viet Nam Cross Rissmiller, Cn/274, joined the Trail­ ciples of Christ, in Hammond, Louisiana. of Gallantry and three campaign ribbons blazers. After combat he was transferred to "I joined the Division at Camp Adair in with a total of nine battle stars. the 6888 Guard Company. He is an ac­ 1943. I remember D-Day as we were in the countant, and lives in Anaheim, Califor­ field on a training exercises. All activity After a year in *the training cadre at nia. stopped and speakers were set up so we Camp Blanding, Florida, John Zynsky, could listen to the news of the invasion. I was sent to Fort Leonard Wood unas­ * was a private at the time in the wire section signed in order to go to Fort Ord, Califor-

18 70th Division Assn. TRAILBLAZER 7Qth Division Association

Name r4~ :f, iffhL Address S// j.d!'"O&f, 1/, ;f. Apt.# _

City flt.cdt:z:,v State~ ZIP .5S91:J-

70th Division Company Unit Battery

1/-dF I t!tJ,

Inducted on mt!:h, f 19 4a.-at

Discharged on ~19~ at

Length of military service / years I I months

AFTER COMBAT served with ______from ___19_ to ___19_

at ______Kind of duty ------

AFTER MILITARY SERVICE: Civilian occupation(s} G~ ~~

~etired _Still working Married to (maiden name),~~~.(LL!_~~!:..::tt.6 n 6-22-1 ~at~~~::!!:::~~~~__, Number of children ;2.- Number of grandchildren _L Sons _L_ Great-grandchildren ~ Daughters_/ _ Membership in civilian organizations: Civiiia ~ r~

Political offices (elected and appointed}: MILITARY DECORATIONS: Silver Star Good Conduct Medal American Defense Medal Bronze Star Prisoner of War Medal Presidential Unit Citation Soldiers Medal _Army of Occupation _ European Theater Medal _Victory Medal _Combat Infantryman Badge _Army Commendation Medal

_Army Commendation Medal _Distinguished Service Cross Others (including foreign decorations):. ______

CAMPAIGNS: Ardennes/Aisace _Central Europe Rhineland Others:______

My Favorite War Story: (This may be about training, off-base activities or combat episodes.)

Please write legibly. Print all proper names. If possible, typewrite. Don't use abbreviations. Don't worry about grammar or spelling. Editing will take care of that.

Please return this form to: Edmund C. Arnold, editor 3208 Hawthorne Ave.

Richmond, VA 23222 Archives

Appointment to the State of Michigan Administrative Accounting Committee was a nice touch to the career of Isadore Sil­ verman, L/274. He came to the Division in 1943 via ASTP and the Air Force cadet program. He earned two Purple Hearts. After combat he became a CPA and was an agent for the IRS. HElL, HEEL! ... He and his wife, the former Evelyn The wartime song hit, " ... So we go Hitler's posturing, are (from left): Berg, have three children and 10 grand­ PFFFFL Y! Right in the Fuehrer's John Mason, Joe Reichel and Hanley children. Face", is enacted by this irreverent Ruch. This snapshot was made trio from 570 Signal. Brandishing "somewhere in Germany" by Ed La­ captured Nazi gear in a parody of zar of the Signal outfit. Retiring as vice-president* for Adminis- tration at SUNY (State University of New York, Brockport) was a technicality for Developments of the nuclear age were East or West? Charles Olson, B/275, Maurice Kleiman, E/274. He stays active everyday events for Harley Rush, 570 takes the West. He lists as his unhappiest as ever in many not-for-profit organiza­ Signal. He's an electrical foreman at the time the period he served in the Philippines tions, usually as member of their board. Nevada Test Site where much history was with the 86th Division. That after being Maury joined us at Leonard Wood just made. He and his wife Dorothy live in Las with the 70th since 1943. before POE. After the war he earned his Vegas; they have a daughter, a son and a As a civilian he worked as a surveyor of bachelor's in business ad. and worked in grandchild. buildings for the insurance industry. He the supermarket industry until entering the "My four years in the military were and his wife Beverly, who live in Phelan, education field in '62. There he rose through rewarding, full of excitement, boredom, California, have three children and five the chairs. He won the Chancellor's Award happy times, sad times and were very grandchildren. for excellence in professional service at educational and broadening," he recalls. "I SUNY. made many lifelong friends and lost many A German bazooka* delivered two bad He and his wife Elizabeth have three new-found friends." He says his happiest blows upon Dean Mayer, A and G/274. sons, two daughters and five grand-kids. experience was when he was accepted for (1) In house-to-house fighting in For­ Air Force flight training. That program, of bach, Dean ducked into a doorway and a course, petered out soon after. His unhap­ swinging door shut behind him. That ba­ Remember the launching of the USS * piest experience was when one of our radio zooka hit the door, knocked him down into Trailblazer in Portland? So does Richard crew ran over a landmine." the cellar and left him with shrapnel in his Huber, 1/274. Matter of fact, it's his most He joined us at Adair, having served shoulder. memorable experience as a 'Blazer. He with the 81st Division before becoming a (2) That shoulder gave out on him as he joined the 70th at Adair and went on to cadet. was boarding a ship to return home. So, in­ earn a Purple Heart in the ETO. stead of going to the States, he went back With his wife Vivian, he has four chil­ * to the hospital. dren and five grandchildren. He was a If you have ever paid your tribute in Las A mechanical engineer, he did research trustee of the American Legion in Hamilton, Vegas, it may be that John Tillman, I/275, in hot-metal working until his retirement Ohio where he is also a member of the took your money off your hands. For he in 1986. He holds six U.S. patents and Knights of Columbus. has been a casino dealer in that Glitter dozens of foreign ones. He is treasurer of City. the Snow Lake (Indiana) Association and The happiest event* in his military career Says John: "Tell Don Wilson, I/275, to a member of the Legion, VFW, Moose, was learning of the liberation of his brother, move over another notch in the youngest­ Elks and the Methodist Church. He and his who had been shot down while flying over member column. My birthday is July 2, wife Marjorie have five children and nine Germany with the 8th Air Force. That's 1926. I must have been one of the young­ grandchildren, including twin boys. the recollection of Alton Killgo, M/275. est the day I joined the 70th in France." He took Infantry basic training at Camp (Editor's note: At the latest count, John "When our own *artillery zeroed in on Walters, Texas, went on to Air Force pre­ ranks 35th among the youngest Trailblaz­ our emplacement in the Vosges" is what flight training at Ellensburg, Washington, ers and Don Wilson, 11276 ranks ninth. Sandford Wallenstein, M/274, remem­ and joined the 70th in June '43. Maybe we should start a sweepstakes on bers vividly . .. but would just as soon His civilian occupation was as a tele­ who's the oldest 'Blazer. Send in your forget. communications systems engineer with Sun name and birthdate for your standing.) Sandy joined the 70th Trailblazers at Oil Co. He married Bobby Jean Johnston John came to the 'Blazers as a replace­ Marseilles in December, 1944. He has in Kountze, Texas, in 1946 and they have ment in Alsace in mid-January, '45, later retired from his work as a plumbing con­ two daughters and five grandchildren. He's was transferred to the 3rd Division. John tractor and lives in Pepper Pike, Ohio, with a Master Mason with the AF&AM of and his wife Sheila have a daughter and his wife Corrine. They have two daugh­ Texas. three grandchildren. ters, a son and four grandchildren.

Spring, 1991 * 21 New Members RICHARDS, George 636 Wabash Rd . Milan, Ml 48160 RIDGWAY, King 421 3 Baytown Drive Colorado Springs, CO 80916 ADKINS, Aaron C. VIELE , S. Thompson GROSZ, Wesley 3900 La Honda Way Box 67; 31 Long Sands Rd . 846 Riviera Ct. ROBINSON, Delbert Carmichael, CA 95608 York, ME 03909 Woodbridge, CA 95258 PO Box 604 A/274 - Angela B/ 27 4 - Nancy Doniphan, MO 63935 GROTHER, Edwin ANDERS, Charles H. WILSON, George W. PO Box 1670 ROSS, James 15809 N.E. 114th Ct. 206 Church St. Richland, WA 99352 14300 Chenal Pkwy #720 1 Redmond, WA 98052 Harrisville, Ml 487 40 Little Rock, AR 72211 K/275- Anneliese 770 Ord - Yvonne HANSON, Rune 3918 58th Ave. N SHOOK, Wayne BRADFORD, Clarence W. Associate Member Brooklyn Center, MN 55429 121 Catalpa 2329 S. 14th Street Hot Springs, AR 71913 Springfield, IL 62703 HARDY, Mrs Joseph ZOEPF, Wolf T. SOUTHARD, Mrs L M/276 -Jean Herder Str. 23 1422 Thompson Enid, OK 73701 Salt Marsh CV, #5A DAVIS, John L. D-2080 Pinneberg, GERMANY Pawlleys Island, SC 29585 PO Box 5462 HELM, Erwin Beaumont, TX 77706 Changes for the Roster 700 E. Strawbridge Ave ., #707E STRAZZINI, Mrs Armida 1/275 Melbourne, FL 32901 250 Everglade Ave., #5 ADRIAN, Robert Palm Beach, FL 33480 FILIP, Robert T. 3737 Fredericksburg Rd C208 HOLMES, Russell 5133 Wash ington St. 4-A San Antonio, TX 78201 1618 Frontier Dr. SWANSON, Glenn Downers Grove, IL 60515 Melbourne, FL 32940 Rt 1, PO Box 199A F/274- Lenore AMOR, Sharon Mason, WI 54856 Veterans Hospital HUGGINS, Raymond GINTHNER, Robert J. 141 Stevens Dr. 26414 So. , Jardin Dr. TRETAKIS, George 5952 Oliver Ave. S Milledgeville, GA 31 061 Sun Lake, AZ 85248 7100 NW 92nd Avenue Minneapolis, MN 55419 Tamarac, FL 33321 G/276- Pearl BEARD, Mrs Forrest HUTCHERSON, Mrs Carl PO Box 12 38 Lange Dr., Box 4 WANSEDEL, Richard HILEY, Alfred R. Nixon, TX 78140 Savoy, IL 6187 4 3471 Ligonier Rd. Rt 2, Box 202, Proper Rd . Spring Hill, FL 34608 BIRSEN, Raymond JOHNSON, Mrs Donald Bandon, OR 97 411 WILKIE, Aldan B/274 -Gwyneth 5759 St Clement Ct. 2424 M Street Toledo, OH 43613 Belleville, KS 66935 15475 SW Alderbrook Cir. HOLOBER, Herbert C. Tigard, OR 97224 BLANCHARD, George LEVITT, Carlos 6675 S. Oriole Blvd. #410 WILLIAMS, Leonard Delray Beach, FL 33446 7713 Leor Rood 9591 Cherry Lane Mclean, VA 22102 Delton, Ml 49046 40 1 Maple Street AT/275- Trudy Farmersville, TX 75031 BROUGHTON, Ray LINSTON, Mrs Roy KELLY, Virgil R. WOLACH, Herman 323 Wagle Ln . 101 27 SW Lancaster Rd. POBox616 Portland, OR 97219 International Falls, MN 56649 1501 Pech Rood , #33A Arcata, CA 95521 Houston, TX 77055 HQ/3 Bn/27 4- Ethel BROWN, Jack Mac DONALD, Kenneth ZUMKLEY, George KRUMNOW, Robert H. 22569 Gill Rd . 3300 NE 164th St., E-6 Farmington Hills, Ml 48335 Ridgefield, WA 98642 %Meinhardt 8018 W. Sunbury Ct. 5817 Drawbridge Dr. Milwaukee, WI 53219 CINTAS, George NILL, Gerald Boise, ID 83703 C/275- Ruth 661 Enright Ave. 7633 Winding Way N. LUNDSFORD, Loney "Ray" Santa Clara, CA 95050 Tipp City, OH 45371 31 Winchester DALEY, Walter OLSEN, James Little Rock, AR 72209 7 407 Willow Grove Rd . 1816 Lenard St. K/274- Wilma Longview, WA 98632 Wausau, Wl 54401 Taps MAHAFEY, Roy N. DICKENS, Recio c/o Stein PARKS, Lawrence Rt. 1, Box 70 140 W Brunswick Dr. 81 Ireland Avenue Logan, OK 73849 Columbus, IN 47201 Cincinnati, OH 45218 Medic/276 BROWN, Stuart M. ELLIS, Orville PENZES, Gaze Portland, Oregon MATTSON, Walter G. 127 W. Pitcher 8033 Edgerton Rd . 70th Div. Artillery PO Box 92 Nevada, MO 64772 North Royalton, OH 44133 Died December 18, 1990 Twig, MN 55791 C/884 FA- Mary FERRANDINO, Rosario PIERCE, William CLARK, Robert L. 8346 Terra Grand Ave. 115 N. East Street 330 W. Presnell St. #47 MONTGOMERY, Patrick Springfield, VA 22153 Chelsea, Ml 48118 Asheboro, NC 27203 12712 River Mill Dr. 70th Recon Bayonet Point, FL 34667 GEORGE, Donald POLSTON, Mrs Ernest Died October 19, 1988 E/276 PO Box 7657 8777 E. 16th St. Canyon Lake, CA 92380 Indianapolis, IN 46219 DELARGY, Jack J. PHINNEY, George D. 137 4 Orchard View Crt. 2 Murdock Crt. COPE, Marilyn L. PORTER, Mrs Stanley St. Louis, MO 63146 Middlebury, VT 05753 211 Bayou Rd . Rt 1, Box 8 Cannon/276 HQ/274 - Adele Lake Johnson, TX 77566 Inwood, lA 51240 Died October 20, 1989 22 70th Division Assn. TRAILBLAZER DOPERALSKI, David L. HUTCHERSON, Carl MCFADDEN, Jeff SCHMIDT, Albert G. 1603 Sunset; PO Box 148 38 Lange Dr., Box 4 Rt 1, Box 33 570 Signal Wamego, KS 66547 Savoy, IL 61874 Hickory Ridge, AR 72347 Died August 23, 1963 1/276 G/274 K/274 Died November 29, 1990 Died December 10 , 1990 Died September 30, 1990 SMITH, Clarence "Snuffy" Rt 1, Box 657 GALLOWAY, Charles JONES, Francis E. MAYER, Leroy C. Phil Campbell, AL 35581 18002 Broken Bow Ct. 107 Ninth Avenue Fargo, North Dakota 1/274 Sun City, AI. 85373 Antigo, WI 54409 HQ/274 Died December 13, 1990 HQ/1 Bn/276 B/276 Died October 1 989 Died in 1984 Died September 27, 1989 SMITH, James C. PAULSON, Carl F. 1200 5th Avenue GIOLIVO, Anthony J. KLINE, Harold W . 803 W . Grove Coleman, TX 76834 139 College Box 145 Mishawaka, IN 46544 M/276 St. Charles, MO 63301 Kanopolis, KS 67454 M/276 Died November 15, 1990 E/275 H/274 Died July 1990 Died in 1991 Died January 16, 1991 TAYLOR, Edward W . (Bill) RAINVILLE, Maurice U. 4272 S. 290th Street GILBERT, Clark J. LIMBACHER, Walter A 7825 Lynbrook Drive Auburn, WA 98002 211 Bayou Road 1050 Park Ave. NE New Port Richey, FL 34653 C/276 Lake Jackson, TX 77566 North Canton, OH 44720 B/275 Died September 27, 1990 HQ/1 Bn/275 E/276 Died July 3, 1990 Died September 29, 1990 Died November 15, 1990 UDELL, Robert D. SHERLOCK, Thomas J. 5430 Threepoints Blvd. #124 HUGGINS, Charles L. MARCHI, Victor H. 35 Melrose Avenue Mound, MN 55364 Box 13 3388 Bardell Street N . Arlington, NJ 07032 1/370 Medic Minburn, lA 50167 Eugene, OR 97401 D/275 Died June 17, 1989 A/274 HQ/725 FA Died August 30, 1990 Died October 1, 1988 No date

Las Vegas Committee Three lists for Torgy Even while Earl Torgeson was on the roll call ofthe 70th workers are recognized Division, he was also on the roster of the Seattle baseball team of the Pacific Coast League. And now Torgy is on the Working with Chairman Ray Yadon, B/274, on the Time and Trailblazer "Taps" list, too. He died in November, 1990. Place Committee that recommended the Kentucky site for the '92 He is described by "Sporting News" as "a stylish, bespec­ Reunion were William Bergren, B/276; Dick Brown, D/275; tacled first baseman who batted .265 in 1,668 major league Stuart Lucas, I/276, and Joseph Marshall, B/274. games between 1947 and 1961." He died of leukemia at his "Neal Gibbs asked my wife, Phyllis, and me to join them in home in Everett, Washington, Nov. 8, 1990. He was 66. Lousiville for the initial discussions and negotiations with the He joined the 70th at Adair, was among 15 professional people at the Galt House," reports Ray. "They proved to be as friendly, interested and cooperative as they had seemed in my baseballers who played on Division teams, went to the ETO numerous telephone conversations with them over a period of20 and there was wounded. months. It is, as you said, a lovely facility. I truly believe that the While still on the Seattle roster and in Infantry uniform, Association will enjoy it." Torgeson was signed by the Boston Braves who had to out­ bid a dozen other clubs. It wasn't until two years later that As co-chairpersons of the Raffle* Committee for the Las Vegas Torgy was discharged and could wear a different uniform. In Reunion, we thank all the members for helping make the raffle a his second year there, the Braves won the National League huge success, realizing a larger profit than ever before: $3,535.00! pennant and in the World Series (which Cleveland won 4-2) The success was due to many members contributing super gifts, he batted .389. 150 of them. A great job of selling tickets was done by the He played with the Phillies, Detroit Tigers, Chicago White volunteers on the committee. They were Jim and Rita Sproles, Sox, who were in the '59 Series, and the Yankees and was John and Roseanna Felicione, George and Barbara Marshall, with the latter when they won the Series in '61. He was a minor Bennie and Ellen Trout, Pete and Helen Wysocki, Pete and league manager at Newark in '69. Velma Haugen, Jim and Bonnie Skalitsky, Bill and Maxine Haines, Chuck and Doris Stender, Charles and Mary Paskvan, Cas and Audrey Kramer, Rick and Beatrice Elsen, Henry and Madelene Clark, Dorothy and Chuck Johnson, Tom and Betty David M. Ortiz, 270 Engineers* , has stayed busy in vet- Bettis, Bill Sole, John Hartman and Tony Jezionski. erans organizations since he left the Army in October, '45. He It was great to be part of a group that worked together so hard was post commander for the Uvalde, Texas, Legion and was to make the job a success. quartermaster for the V.F.W. post in Oregon City, Oregon. Co-chairpersons of the Dave joined the Trailblazers at Adair in March, 1944 and won 1990 70th Division Raffle Committee two Bronze Stars in the ETO. As a civilian (he's now retired) Joan and Bill Rorabaugh C/275 he did construction work on dams, airports and highways. Dorothy and Dick Lykke I/275 With his wife Gregoria he lives in Milwaukie, Oregon. Spring, 1991 23 Trailblazer gives many wartime items to Oregon museum The Benton County Historical Museum, which specializes in Camp Adair and 70th Division material, has received a treasure trove from Charles Kelly, HQ/70. He started as a private in the 70th MPs, then became a sergeant in the Chemical Warfare Section of the Trailblazers and finally was a Master Sergeant in the 70th and then in the 3rd Division. He gave 32 items to the Museum. They range from a complete dress uniform to an assortment of maps-German and Ameri­ can - to early issues of the European "Trailblazer" to a can of C-rations. LOOKING TO ALBUQUERQUE .... The men of Company L, 276th, had such a great time at their first mini-reunion in Shreveport, Louisiana, that they 'Blazer finds long-lost* plane decided, at the Las Vegas Reunion, to meet in New Mexico "There's still a little of the old trailblazing in October. Luther Shaffer, 4030 Parkwood Ave., spirit in this old veteran." So says Dick Shreveport, LA 71119, is honcho-ing the event and has Armstrong, A/276, as he sends a clipping more information for you. This shows the lusty Love guys from the "Duluth News-Tribune". It tells with their slick guidon, top right, the last time around. how Dick, an avid hunter, found the wreck­ age of a Cessna seaplane that had disappeared into the northern Minnesota A veteran hersel" /Blazer widow woods in 1981. takes dim view of peace protestors The remains of four people were in the wrecked plane that had been hidden by a World War II Army nurse Nina Dick from the draft because they held civilian giant black spruce. There had been an in­ has little tolerance for war protesters who jobs essential to the war effort and she tense month-long search that included have taken their message to the streets. decided the family ought to have someone tree-level flights that scared campers in that "I think they ought to gather them all up in uniform. remote region. National attention was fo­ and send them to the front," the 78-year She served in England, France, Belgium, cussed on the hunt for father, mother, child old Mrs. Dick said. Germany and Czechoslovakia and was in and teen-age friend. So starts an article that took up a half the middle of the Battle of the Bulge. She Dick and his wife Rose, who live in Hoyt page on the cover of front page of Section was a surgical nurse in the 67th Evacuation Lake, Minnesota, keep a cabin some 40 Bin the "Topeka Capital-Journal". Nina is Hospital and says she "was strengthened by miles north of Duluth and it was near there the widow of Merritt Dick who was a long­ the experience." that Dick came upon the plane, whose dis­ time secretary-treasurer of the Association As a civilian, she continued her nursing appearance had grieved family and friends and was instrumental in keeping the group career in a Veterans Administration hospi­ for almost a decade. active in its earlier years. tal. She now lives at Presbyterian Manor She enlisted in the Army in 1942 when Health Care Center, 4712 SW 6th Avenue, Reunions, might want to write her. She's in fighting was becoming more intense in the Topeka, Kansas 66606. Members who re­ good health and alert as ever. George Hum­ Pacific. Two brothers had been exempted member her from her perfect attendance at mer, HQ/883, sends in the clipping.

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