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VOLUME XVII =======================================
The
Sand-Witch is a news letter printed periodically to inform the
members of the 4th Beach Battalion
Creativity somehow demands that you give of yourself simply
for the sheer love of giving. These efforts =================================================
VOLUME XVII ISSUE #9 ================================================================ This
information comes from research of the German 11th SS Mountain
Infantry Regiment by While
he was a POW, Herr “Voss” wrote a memoir -- in English. He sent me a copy
of the chapter covering Reipertswoller. Herr “Voss” witnessed the
gallantry of our own Felix L. Sparks – though he did not know his
name or title – when he came forward in a tank to rescue men pinned down
under German guns. By
the morning of January 18, 1945, much of the 157th Infantry was
surrounded. Regiment ordered all battalions to round up any men that could be
found and attack immediately to break through to the trapped companies. In
Sparks’ 3rd Battalion, the ‘any men’ amounted to the Antitank
Platoon, commanded by Lt. Charles E LeFebvre. Two armored scout cars
from the division’s reconnaissance troop moved down a valley trail, while
the antitank men formed a skirmish line in the forest to the right of the
cars. Herr
“Voss,” then an 18-year-old Sturmann (Corporal) machine gun squad leader,
commanded one of he German machine guns covering the Spielbachel Draw.
Even closer to the Americans, his friend, Rottenfuhrer (senior
corporal) Zheinrich Schwede manned a second machine gun in place of the
gunner, Herbert Heck, who lay dead at his feet.
The
“attack” progressed only a few hundred yards before gunfire drove the GIs
to the ground. The scout cars withdrew when the platoon commander was shot in
the head. The antitank men on the extreme right were able to pull back, but
Staff Sergeant Bernard F. Fleming’s 3rd Squad was pinned
down in a crater on the edge of the trail. Pfc Emmett L. Neff
volunteered to go back to the battalion command post to get help – he was
shot through the ankles. Sergeant Fleming darted into the fire and dragged
Neff back to cover, Pfc Lawrence S, Mathiason then tried, and was
killed. In desperation, Sergeant made a go of it, and managed to get through.
At the command post, he informed Sparks of the situation. Sparks
commandeered two M-4 “Sherman” medium tanks, climbed into the turret of
the lead tank and set off. Under direct and artillery fire, and shooting the
tank’s external heavy machine gun all the while, Sparks was able to reach
Fleming’s men. He then dismounted in full view of the enemy and helped the
antitank men to the shelter of the tanks; then the tanks slowly backed out of
the draw. When Sparks dismounted the tank, all German fire suddenly
ceased. “Voss’s”
account, which appears on the back of this page, contains a few minor
differences from American accounts of the action. Nonetheless, it is a most
fascinating find for me; for in it he salutes the bravery of (to him) an
unidentified foe – Felix Sparks. I know each member of the 157th
Association will find it enthralling too. There can be few higher accolades
for a soldier, than recognition and homage from an enemy.
EXTRACT FROM PERSONAL MEMOIRS OF “JOHANN VOSS” It
wasn’t long before the Americans launched their first massive action to
rescue their battalion on the hilltops. They started with an artillery
cannonade. It was the worst I ever went through. It lasted for at least one
hour and a half. Shells kept coming down on us like hail in a thunderstorm.
There must have been tens of thousands of shells scattered over our
regiment’s positions. When
the cannonade ended, the Americans moved two (armored scout cars) in, one of
them appeared down the bend of the trail, took up positions and started
blasting away, apparently unharmed by our small arms fire farther down.
Eventually, under the cover of gunfire the first American infantry men came
forward around the end, leapfrogging between trees along the trail. We opened
fire on them at a fairly great distance, more or less at random. But they
forged ahead until they came under our more precise fire and were stopped not
far from the bridge. There they disappeared in a hollow, searching shelter
from the fire… Down
the ravine the American guns kept firing, and more of their infantry was sent
forward. If this didn’t stop, our thin circle would break and the ravine
would be open for the rescue of the American battalion. But then, finally,
some rounds of our Nebelwerfer came hissing and screaming right over our
heads: while the first clearly missed its target, the second and third must
have totally knocked out the two (armored scout cars) and their crew. The attack collapsed soon after, at least as
far as we could see. The forward American squad remained invisible somewhere
near the bridge, afraid to come out in the open, trapped in their shelter; we
figured they had some wounded among them. In
the afternoon the Americans made another attempt in our sector to get through
to the hilltop. It was only a matter of half an hour, but it told us something
about our opponents. This time we saw them dashing up the road with two tanks,
their roaring engines announcing their approach long before they appeared
round the bend. The gunner of the lead tank continuously banged away with his
heavy machine gun. We expected something like that.
If they could pass the bridge unharmed, we, up on the slope, only had a
slim chance in a duel with them: our bullets would only scratch their armor
while, in turn, they would have us at gunpoint as soon as we started firing.
The trail, however, was steep, especially downwards toward towards the bridge,
and the ground was frozen. So,
as they rumbled up to the bridge, the first tank spun on the ground, slid
sideways and offered her right flank to our men in ambush by the bridge. The
next moment she was hit in full. Smoke, the turret opened and the crew climbed
out, obviously wounded and seeking cover behind the second tank. The second
tank was blocked by the lead tank, and so, in turn, were our men with their
bazookas. There was a brief moment of hesitation on both sides. Then, suddenly
the turret of the second tank opened and out jumped a single man. Watching
through my binoculars I thought him to be an officer. Ignoring the danger he
was exposing himself to, he hurried over to the hollow where the infantry
squad was trapped, helped each of the wounded to reach the tank and loaded
them on the deck, one after the other, stunned we watched this extraordinary
rescue action without firing a single shot. The officer jumped back into the
tank, spun around on its tracks and dashed back to the rear. All of us
witnessing the scene, whether near by or more distant, instinctively felt
there was no honor to be won by firing upon this death-defying act of
comradeship.
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* This
same heroism was demonstrated by Fred Bingaman on D-Day, September 9,
1943 when he ran down to the water’s edge and signaled our Navy ships to
“raise their fire.” The Germans had control of the beach with their
machine guns but held their fire to honor such a display of courage. For that
heroic act, the 36th Infantry Division Major recommended Bingaman
for a Silver Star, which he received later.
HEARD FROM
Bill DEMPSEY (Clayton DE) and his family thoroughly enjoyed the
best reunion they have
John & Eileen ENDYKE (Lawrence MA) are amazed that how
smoothly all the various
Ted and Barbara HANFT (Glendale CA) celebrated their 50th
Wedding Anniversary and enjoyed
Howard & Audry LONG (Media PA) enjoyed the 2003 Reunion here
in Wilmington DE and
LaVerne MILLER (San
Diego) called to say how pleased she was that so many of Fred’s
Olin & Catherine PLUNKETT (Augusta GA) were impressed with all
special activities
2003 REUNION RESPONSES
The many letters, thanking all of us for such a wonderful 2003 Reunion,
continue to arrive, ======================================================================
The
Chaplain’s Corner
[Quotes from God’s Word in the Bible] “When Elizabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost.” (Luke 1:41) “Your salvation is not of merit but of grace. A sanctified life is a fruit of faith. In Christ alone is perfect and full salvation, grace and forgiveness.” (Editor’s Note: We are pleased that this feature in our newsletter has been received so favorably. As was mentioned before, we encourage you to comment on the material we dare to write about.
Well, so much for this issue of THE SAND-WITCH. We look forward to news
about the Sincerely, Jim and Phyllis Townley
=================================================================
VOLUME XVII ISSUE #8 ====================================================================== PART 10 - DETOURS ON A MISSION
OF WAR (Robert V. Autry)
IT WAS ABOUT THIS TIME we got our new second-in-command, Ensign
R. M. FAIRBANKS. He was a young officer, always in a perpetual state of a
dither. He would break into a silly grin for any reason. Actually he was a
nice guy, although obviously very uncomfortable with the men, not at all used
to his role as commanding officer.
SOME OF YOU MAY recall that time we commandeered a DUKW from the
engineers and took a trip out to the ships at anchor with some “goodies”
(souvenirs and booty) to barter. My friend, J. J. Burns, from Batavia, NY, was
with us, and wherever he was, there was always a riot. This young Ensign was
with us hooligans. We were in a sad state of nonconformity, wearing uniforms
of a dozen different nations (we could have been shot as German spies!), and
offering verbal abuse to anyone who would attempt to stop us.
WE HEADED OUR DUKW toward one of the ships and as we
approached the ladder, there was some obscenities shouted back and forth
between the ship’s crew and our motley bunch. We let it be known that we had
a lot of “booty” to trade, for such things as unwanted food, wearing
apparel, and if there happened to be any extra ship’s alcohol, which was a
nice commodity to have (for medicinal purposes, of course!).
THE SHIP’S EXECUTIVE OFFICER gave permission for our young
officer to come aboard, and come up to the quarterdeck. So up the ladder he
went, dying all the way, because of our deportment. As he ascended, the
encouragement from us made this young officer’s head turn red as a beet and
go down into his collar. Reaching the top of the ladder, he saluted the flag,
then the Officer of the Deck. We could see and hear that the Officer of the
Deck was giving our Ensign a grand reaming out. AT THAT POINT, J. J. Burns shouted loudly from the rear of the DUKW, “Open your mouth, Mr. Fairbanks. Don’t let him crap on you!” With that outburst, you could see our officer dying on his feet up there. Fortunately, this O.D. wasn’t such a bad guy and realized the embarrassment our officer was suffering. He broke out laughing, and gave some of us permission to come aboard to complete our bartering. However, I don’t think Ensign R. M. Fairbanks ever recovered from that. There is a photo of him in the Oceanside Beach Battalion book that was issued to us just before we left there. R. M. Fairbanks, that’s the man. God bless him. IN RETROSPECT, you have to look at it that he was just like the rest of us, a young American, torn away from his civilian environment and thrown into this cauldron that was war and no time for niceties.
WE HAD TO LEARN our skills rapidly, or perish rapidly! Looking
back, it was a great experience. The days were full and the memories of a lot
of great personalities always flash back before me. If I got anything out of
WWII, it was memories of those relationships. Up to that time, we were very
conscious of legal differences, practices, food preferences, and manners of
speaking. I was a New Englander, and was to learn the various
“language-drawls” of people from Tennessee, Oklahoma, Texas, the influence
of French on those from Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont.
HOW DIFFERENT were the accents from the Midwest guys, from the
Brooklyn accents and those of the Cajon areas. Most had different type names
and even different pronunciations. But we learned what they meant. A lot of us
never heard of some of the foods they talked about. It was amazing to me to
hear some guys talk about some of the Navy food. “What is that? Ain’t you
got no grits?” I didn’t know what grits were, nor did I know what “haime.”
Someone said “ham.”
AFTER THE WAR, I guess we became even more homogenized. Although
everything seems to be out of the same pot, it’s lost some of it rich color.
I do miss some of the idioms, like that guy, Bill Butter, an electrician’s
mate from Florida, who used some expressions like, “shivering like a cat
passing a peach pit.” I miss the Texas “twang” or someone’s accent
from Idaho. To hear that again, you have to go to the boondocks of their
country.
DURING THIS PERIOD, many areas of North Africa, Sicily and
Southern Italy were ripe with all kinds of diseases that were very dangerous
to us Americans and the Allies who weren’t used to them, or had no immunity
like a lot of the local people had. Particularly in North Africa, we saw a lot
of leprosy, typhus, elephantiasis, and venereal diseases that were unknown to
us Westerners. In Sicily cholera often would break out.
WITH THE SHORTAGE of water, we drank our water from those Lister
bags. It was treated, wasn’t very tasty, but it was safe. We didn’t dare
eat any local produce without great risk of contracting something, because
everything was fertilized with human excrement. You really had to toe the
line, especially as far as eating native food. Coming back to Africa on an LST,
I remember another ship coming alongside of us, with some of our buddies at
the rail, who were brilliant yellow. They were taking Atabrine, which was
intended to protect us from malaria. ONE OF THE GUYS who came down with malaria was a young Mexican-American by the name of Gilbert Mora. He was a real nice, short, jolly guy. With his condition, they shipped him out. “Well, boy, you’ll never see this type of climate again.” However, in the Pacific theatre (possibly a year later), the war was finally over. There I was, laying on my bunk in the Naval hospital on Saipan, recuperating from a leg injury. GETTING ACQUAINTED with my surrounding, I happened to look down the row of patients and there about six bunks away was a familiar yellow face. Sure enough, it was Gilbert Mora. It makes you wonder why medical men don’t get together. Why had he had been shipped out to the Pacific for more exposure to malaria. His was a bad case. However, in spite of our conditions, we managed to have a real nice reunion. It’s a small world, isn’t it?
MAY I MAKE A SUGGESTGION? You veterans who went through the war
would be well advised to record your experiences. Write your story out before
it is told by someone else who never walked in your boots! It’s easy, once you get started on it. Don’t skip
the details.
Bob AUTRY (Rockville MD) is so glad to have been able to attend the wonderful 2003 Reunion here in Wilmington Delaware. He contributed toward reducing the Reunion expenses. Jim BAYNE (Stratford NJ) was impressed with the many interesting activities included in this years’ Reunion and the most reasonable cost. He contributed to offset the cost of the reunion. Fred and Carol BINGAMAN (York PA) enjoyed attending the many activities included in the 2003 Reunion. The dinner in the hanger at the Air Force Museum was outstanding. Frank and Marie BUCKLEY (Binghamton NY) were so happy to have been able to attend this years’ Reunion and meet so many of their Beach Battalion friends. Enjoyed the Binghamton map! James and Marie CONNOLLY (Breezy Point NY) decided at the last minute to attend the 2003 Reunion and are happy that they did. Jim is a retired fire chief and enjoyed meeting my son, Jon. Herb and Jean DAVIS (Denver CO) thoroughly enjoyed the wonderful 2003 Reunion. They look forward to attending the next one, perhaps in Massachusetts with the 7th Beach Battalion. Bill DEMPSEY (Dover DE) came with his family and they all enjoyed themselves, especially the wreath-laying ceremony at the veterans Park. It was quite emotional. Dick and Chris DENEEN (Millerton NY) planned to come to the reunion but illness caught up with Chris. Besides, a family reunion (to celebrate Dick’s 80th birthday) begged their attention. Bill and Teri DiVONA (Orange Park FL) write that they weren’t able to attend the reunion because of illness. However, they sent their warm greetings to everyone who did make it. Lamanuel DOAME (Baltimore MD) especially enjoyed the many interesting activities during he 2003 Reunion. We would like to have visited with him more. Maybe next time. Joseph and Velma ELLENDER (Houma LA) called to see how we were doing, They enjoy reading the news in the newsletter. Because of his ill health, he couldn’t make the reunion. John and Eileen ENDYKE (Lawrence MA) enjoyed the many interesting activities featured during the 2003 Reunion. Although John’s legs are giving him problems, he enjoyed himself. Walt ESCHENBACH (Clearwater FL) says he’s in good health and is sorry he missed the reunion, but feels he just couldn’t make the trip by himself. John and Helen FELLOWS (Loveland CO) enjoyed being able to attend this 2003 Reunion here in Wilmington Delaware and look forward to attending another reunion next year. Ted and Barbara HANFT (Glendale CA) looked forward to the reunion and to celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary while they were here. They thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Howard and Barbara HASTINGS (E. Providence RI) were happy that they were able to attend the impressive 2003 Reunion and look forward to the next one. Tibby LINNELL (Las Vegas NV) supports the newsletter and enjoys reading about the activities of the foxhole buddies of her departed husband, Doug. Howard and Audry LONG (Wawa PA) are glad they lived so close to Wilmington DE be able to attend this wonderful 2003 Reunion. It was quite impressive. E. M. “Chuck” MARLETTE (Charlotte NC) learned from Fred Vossel about the reunion in Wilmington. He hasn’t been receiving his newsletter. However, illness kept him away. LaVerne MILLLER (San Diego CA) called to let us know her dear Fred passed away on the 25th of July. She misses him, wants to continue receiving the newsletter and would like a card.. Art NEILD (Stratford NJ), who sailed on the USS Augusta, enjoyed his visit with the members of the 2nd and 4th Beach Battalion at the banquet. He really enjoys receiving the newsletter. Raymond ORR (Blackwood NJ) enjoyed a visit to meet the Townleys (Phyllis and Jim) in their condominium apartment during the show. And we enjoyed our visit with Ray. John
and Vida PARTIN (Baytown TX) attended the reunion with their niece,
Shirley Sorrels. Many thanks for the donation toward the expenses of the many
reunion festivities planned. Cecil ROBLIG (Folsom CA) sent some pictures taken over in the Mediterranean area which we used during the reunion. He enjoys receiving the newsletter. Archie and Pauline SMITH (Granite Falls NC) couldn’t make the reunion but sent a donation to help with the expenses of the festivities. Thank you, folks. We missed visiting with you. Wally and Marie STUARD (Cape May NJ) support THE SAND-WITCH and look forward to receiving it. They did not attend the reunion. “Believe us, you missed a Super Reunion!” Brandon E. TRAISTER (Marlton NJ), the college student studying military history, learned much from his visit with members of he 2nd and 4th Beach Battalions during the 2003 reunion. Fred and Dot VOSSEL (Cookeville TN) were happy they were able to attend this years’ Reunion, and hope their health will permit them to attend the 2004.Reunion. Joe and Angela WINTER (Kingston NY) support the newsletter and enjoy reading about the activities of their Beach Battalion veteran friends. We missed you at the reunion.
The Chaplain’s Corner
[Quotes from God’s Word in the Bible] “I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live.” [From Ezekiel 33:11 “When Jesus mother came to Elizabeth, she said: ‘My spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior.’” [From Luke 1:47] (Editor’s Note: The mixed reaction we expected from “The Chaplain’s Corner” didn’t take place. Instead there has been acceptance, interest and admiration that we dare address a subject so touchy. We welcome your comments.)
Special thanks goes to Rand Townley for the many special activities he
arranged for the Reunion. Also special
He has asked that I remind everyone that he could not have completed such
a memorable reunion without the
Also special thanks from the heart to all of those Beach Battalion
members, who ensured with their contributions, ======================================================================
Well, so much for this issue of THE SAND-WITCH. Visiting with all of you
during the Reunion here in ===================================================================== PART 9 – DETOURS ON A MISSION OF WAR (Robert V. Autry) THESE GUYS WERE ALWAYS SINGING and enjoyed hearing each other sing. Sometimes they would put the potatoes in this drum and begin singing, paying more attention to tone qualities than to the potatoes. The result was that a decent-size potato would too often come out looking like a pea. They sure did ruin quite a few potatoes. I taught them to do the “Chattanooga Choo Choo” and other songs like that. WHEN THEY GOT GOING it was like a convention of “Cheeko” marches. It was hilarious. We never had a dull day working with those guys. They were good workers, swabbing the decks and cleaning out the pots. The cooks working in there didn’t have to do much of anything except cook. These guys had no spirit for war and were perfectly happy doing what they were doing. The only thing that would have made them any happier would have been being home with their families. PERHAPS YOU HAVE HEARD the story about one of the guys going on liberty with us. Obando was quite a little character. He missed his girls and he missed his wine and told us he would like a lady and some wine. Well, a couple of us, very surreptitiously, with Harry Dackerman aiding and abetting (who was pretty small himself), loaned us one of his uniforms. We cut this little guy’s hair, polished him up, dressed him in Harry Dackerman’s uniform, and coached him, as best we could. WE TOLD HIM to keep his mouth shut! Don’t speak any Italian! Well, we got out the gate in flying colors and got on the liberty truck and went to Oran. We took good care of him, arranged to get him wined and dined and a lady. We enjoyed the whole thing and he enjoyed himself to the fullest. Believe me, he was the envy of all his buddies when he told them of his good fortune. Somewhere in Sicily, Obando is telling his grandchildren about his “cappo Abando” It was a ball! SEVERAL YEARS AGO, my association with the 4th Beach Battalion was renewed when I received a roster from Jim Townley and learned that there were quite a few survivors and several from C-9, Freddy Antous, Fred Bingaman and Bud Rose. We had been a close bunch, so I gave it a shot. First I called Fred Bingaman’s number and told him who I was and asked if he remembered me? “AREN’T YOU THE GUY who played the drums on the Arcadia when we crossed the Atlantic?” I couldn’t help but laugh, because I had all but forgotten that incident. But it stimulated my memory. I’ll call it jazz on the Arcadia, in spite of the rough crossing, sea sickness and tight quarters. But the trip was made easier with the Chaplain, who was an entertainer on that old tub. . THE CHAPLAIN WAS TALKING about getting some musicians together to play some music to entertain the passengers, and I happened to be in the area. So we gathered around and asked him what kind of instruments he had. He told us he had a upright piano, with a few keys missing, and a fiddle (a bass fiddle) but, “We don’t have a bow for it. We have a trombone, and we may have a trumpet and, I’m not quite sure, but maybe a set of trap drums.” SO I PIPED UP and said I would like a shot at percussion. And, just like out of a grade B movie, guys appeared out of the woodwork, who could play the piano, a trombone, and the base fiddle. But there were no takers to play the trumpet. We decided to go ahead anyway. Then the Chaplain asked the 64-dollar question. “Do you chaps read music?” Out of the group, only one did and that was the piano player. NEVERTHELESS, WE DISCOVERED one thing. We all had a liking for jazz. and Dixieland. So we sat down and when someone picked up something; it was amazing. We all fell together to our own amazement. It was a quartet made in heaven, even though it sounded as if it came from below! But nobody complained. We were 1st class entertainers on that old rusting boat, for the ship’s crew, the troops, our 4th BB guys, and all the passengers. Everybody who could squeeze in that area enjoyed us as if we were a 1st class philharmonic. AS I WAS PLAYING AWAY on the drums, I cracked the head on a bad rib shot of the snare drum and the Chaplain exploded! I realized the rarity of musical instruments in an environment like this, in the middle of the Atlantic, aboard a old rusting tub like the Arcadia, and especially parts to repair a set of snare drums like this. THERE I WAS at the very bottom of his list of special people, and I deserved the few choice expletives I received. Under the circumstances, I forgave him. That put a damper on the musical discourse, and a lot of guys were understandably disgruntled. I couldn’t blame them. We had a good thing going, the place was “jumping!” FEELING CONTGRITE, I did some hunting, and found some pieces of leather one of the crew-members had, along with some tough glue. I fashioned a patch for the drum, inverted the bottom of the hide for the top, and the drum was repaired. And this incident is what Fred Bingaman remembered. Maybe others do too. (More of Detours on a Mission of War in the next issue.) ======================================================================
HEARD
FROM Bob AUTRY (Rockville MD) called to tell us he’s coming to the reunion and is looking forward to meeting some of his ole buddies. Jim BAYNE (Stratford NJ) has written and called several times to let us know how anxious he is to visit with all the Beach Battalion guys. Fred & Carol BINGAMAN (York PA) have made arrangements to attend the reunion and are looking forward to visiting with us, and all those who are able to attend. Al & Jeannette BLUE (Kennesaw GA) were the first to make their reservations to attend the reunion. They are looking forward to renewing friendship with the ole gang. Willie BOWLES (Crewe VA) called to say he is so anxious to meet us and all his other shipmates who are coming to the reunion. Frank and Marie BUCKLEY (Binghamton NY) are looking forward to the interesting festivities planned during the September Reunion. Walt & Mary Ellen BRYANT (Indianapolis IN) write that they are unable to attend the reunion but sent a donation from the 2nd Beach Battalion Reunion Fund to help with the expenses John J. CASEY (Vineyard Haven NY) recommends a good book to read, Operation Avalanche, giving all the details about those tough Germans during the Salerno Invasion. Robert and Loretta DANKE (Long Island City NY) send their best regards to us. He will miss visiting with his ole shipmates at the reunion. Their best wishes to Ted and Barbara HANFT. Herb & Jean DAVIS (Denver CO) are looking forward to visiting with all the Beach Battalion personnel during the reunion. Herb has done a great job rounding up 2nd Beachers for the reunion. Bill DEMPSEY (Dover DE) is planning on attending the reunion and is again bringing several members of his family for the banquet. Dick and Jeanette DOAME (Nottingham MD) don’t indicate in there welcome letter if they plan to attend the reunion. Thanks for the picture of you and that Arab, Dick. John & Eileen ENDYKE (Lawrence MA) have called to say their health is going to permit them to come to the reunion. Walt ESCHENBACH (Clearwater FL) greets us by phone every now and then to check on our heath. We’re looking forward to visiting with you and your son during the reunion. John & Helen FELLOWS (Loveland CO) are looking forward to attending the reunion to get together with some of his ole gang. Ted and Barbara HANFT (Glendale CA) are looking forward to an especially well planned reunion and also celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary Sept. 5th. Harry and Jean HARTVIGSEN (Port Murray NJ) enjoy the newsletter and send their best wishes for a successful reunion. Howard & Barbara HASTINGS (E. Providence RI) sent word that they are planning to attend the reunion to renew acquaintance with members of their ole gang. Bill & Florence KRAMER (Bonne Terre MO) send greetings to all the attendees and are sorry their health doesn’t permit them to attend themselves. Howard & Audrey LONG (Wawa PA) are looking forward to attending the reunion festivities and meeting so many attendees. Don & Corinne PALMER (Springfield IL) are flying in to Philadelphia and are eagerly looking forward to another warm renewing of friendships with their ole friends. John and Vida PARTIN (Baytown TX) are looking forward to visiting old friends and new ones during the September Reunion. Their niece is coming with them to attend the ceremonies, also. Jerry and Marian PEARL (Monarch Beach CA) are sorry they can’t join us at the reunion because they had already planned a trip with friends. Olin & Catherine PLUNKETT (Augusta GA) are anxious to meet so many ole friends and the interesting festivities planned for those attending the reunion. Wally and Marie STUARD (Cape May NJ) enjoy the newsletter very much. He is undecided about the reunion, but intends to contribute to it’s success. We hope you will attend. Fred and Dot VOSSEL (Cookeville TN) are looking forward to attending the reunion and expect it will be a huge success. It will be great to visit with our ole gang again. ====================================================================== CHAPLAIN’S CORNER Apparently there is a mixed reaction to the religious additions to our newsletter, The few that objected feel that politics and religion are private matters. However, the majority of our readers have indicated that they favor this Bible topic, and some have contributed to this new addition. Someone wrote: “The Bible is the true word of God, which is a lamp to our feet and a light on our way.” Most will agree with that statement, we’re sure. Will all the volunteers to be our Chaplain please stand up! =====================================================================
CONTRIBUTIONS AND DUES There are two activities that do warrant your attention because of the expenses to maintain them, the newsletter and the Web site. However, we have made it a practice not to solicit funds to cover the publication expenses of the newsletter, and we will continue not to. We are aware that so many of the Beach Battalion personnel are in financial straits and cannot make the scene. Therefore, we appreciate those who have made generous contributions. It is through your generosity that your newsletter continues to exist. Thanks again for your generous support which has kept this newsletter from fading into the sunset. ====================================================================== Speaking of “riding off into the sunset,” that’s about it for this issue of THE SANDWITCH. We look forward to visiting with you during the reunion and again with another issue of the newsletter with more of Bob Autry’s interesting story, Detours on a Mission of War. In the meantime, surprise us with correspondence. Our mailbag is waiting. Our warmest regards, Jim and Phyllis
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I was what others I have cried, pained and hoped…… did not want to be. but most off all, I have lived times I went where others feared to go, others would say were best and did what others failed to do. forgotten. I asked nothing from those who gave At least someday I will be able to
nothing, and reluctantly accepted the
say that I was proud of what I the thought of eternal
was……a sailor. loneliness….should I
fail. Anonymous I have seen the face of terror; felt the stinging cold of fear; and
enjoyed the sweet taste of a moment of love.
ABOUT THIS SEPTEMBER REUNION Don’t feel that you are a stranger. You’ll be among friends. Introductions are not necessary. Your common heritage, amphibious landings on those
unwelcome shores, will serve as the only credentials needed to strike up a
conversation with an ole foxhole soldier or sailor.
Concerning the “package” of very interesting events scheduled
during this reunion, through the generosity of several patrons, the cost of
these activities for us has been reduced to about a third. This is their way
of paying tribute to us WWII veterans. Again the majority of attendees voted this reunion to be a “no booze” party. If you bring your own, that’s your affair. Rand Townley deserves full credit for arranging the special events of this reunion.
AN IMPORTANT MATTER PERHAPS YOU REMEMBER this too, without my mentioning it. You didn’t have to worry about your goods. There was no need for a lock on your chest or locker. Nobody was stealing your stuff. It never happened. There may have been trouble in other groups, from what I’ve heard, but our feeling of camaraderie was strong. We worked together as a unit, and fought together. When it came down to push and shove, you
knew there was someone to back you up. and help you out.You couldn’t get it
any better than that.
PART 8 DETOURS ON A MISSION OF WAR (Robert V. Autry) OUR FIRST IMPRESSION OF ROME from the crest of the hill in the Jeep was of a vast city, spread out like a cinematic sweep in the distance and all lit up in the late afternoon sun.The gold cupolas of churches and cathedrals were brilliant, especially St Peter’s, the largest of them all. The scene was like Sangre de Christos. It caught your breath. Listening to that piece of music, “The Pines of Rome” by Ottorino Respighi, I can still see, in my minds eye, the very unforgettable picture of Rome that afternoon. CONTINUING DOWN THE SLOPE, we came to the historic Appian Way, lined with Cypress trees. We kept going and going. There were scarcely any people as we made our way deeper into Rome. We passed the Roman Coliseum on our right. Farther along we passed by the Monument to Emanuel, where we turned right and drove up to the Spanish Steps. Here we crossed a bridge and immediately noticed people in the streets for a change.
THIS PART OF TOWN looked “up-scale.” It hadn’t been
damaged like some of the other parts we had passed with many sections nothing
but piles of brick and rubble. This area looked pretty ritzy. I saw a sign,
“Stop off, and see if we can get you some wine.” So we stopped! The
place had a beaded doorway going into it. Looking through the glass you could
see people in the back. As we walked in, we discovered quite a few people.
They were very well dressed, quite upscale for wartime. ONE GENTLEMAN was dressed in a tuxedo with a
white a shirt and a black jacket. But we immediately discovered there was a
language barrier. These guests were all speaking German! We, apparently, had
stumbled into a section that was still in German control. We got the sweats!
Here we were, babes in arms, so to speak. So, what should we do? Somebody
there directed us to park our Jeep out of sight in the alley out back, and
join the festivities. Was that an order? THIS SITUATION WAS UNNERVING, and it didn’t seem that we had much of a choice. So we followed their suggestion with the Jeep and sat down at a table. They served us some bread and wine and some tasty pastry, and I must admit, we did enjoy ourselves. But we sure did smoke a lot of cigarettes. After a while, though, we quietly got our butts in gear and slipped out of there, and hustled back south to our camp. I’ll always remember that place, though, as the “pines of wealth!” * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * YOU’D EXPECT we’d have officers like those
shown on the recruitment posters, dashing, square-shouldered, like you’d see
on a bond drive. One of our officers was a young man of average height, kind
of stooped and perhaps a little sallow. He was somewhat uncertain of his
position among us scallywags under his command. HIS UNEASINESS WOULD BE REVEALED when his voice
would crack as he addressed us and he would often defer to his 1st
class Boatswains Mate, Ray Czuprynski, who was a bit awkward himself. Ray
wasn’t the “Popeye, the sailor” type but was a rather low-key, San
Francisco guy, an easy going person whom we held in high esteem. ENSIGN STANLEY LINTON was quite a person. Obviously he was out of his element and was acutely aware of it. Most of the guys in our platoon were experienced….street wise. Some were married and had jobs. Some were tradesmen who worked in the world. We guessed that Mr. Linton was the product of a
Prep-school, had gone through R.O.T.C., and now this mantle of authority was
thrust on him. He was doing his best to cope with it and was getting passing
grades. He learned about us and learned from us, and we learned from him. HE ATE THE SAME FOOD and went through the same
rigors, the same fire, and experiences we went going through. And he showed
courage, which made us look to him for leadership. Even though he maintained
his position as an officer and a gentleman, yet he enjoyed a relationship with
us as “one of the guys “ SOMEHOW YOU CAN’T HELP but look back and
analyze the people you were in contact with….Jews, Catholics,
Protestants…from all walks of life. Some people were like me, who dropped
out of school to work in a defense plant. Others were in college and left for
the service. Still others were married men who were trying to earn a living
and got caught in the draft. They had to leave their wives and families and
trades to apply their talents to this new task at hand. THERE WAS SOMETHING we all had in common. All of us were young men who had grown up in the 20s and 30s through a depression, which gave us an appreciation for the basic facts of life and for the things that really mattered. This background gave the majority of us a sense of purpose in this war and in life. I do look back and talk to some of the guys still around, and my thought is, “What a great bunch of guys!” (To be continued) SPEAKING OF WARS Perhaps you history buffs will recall this. Way back in the year 1452 BC, there was a Prophet of no small repute named Balaam who was important enough to be listed with five kings of Midian. His mail came to the city of Pethor on the Euphrates River in Mesopotamia. So when Balak, the king of Moab, decided to destroy God’s chosen people, the Israelites, who were camped on his property, the Moab Plains, he sent a delegation to enlist Balaam’s help. Following God’s instructions, Balaam at first refused the many appeals from Balak, which included riches and honor. After a time, though, God yielded a bit and allowed Balak to accept Balaam’s invitation to visit, but wouldn’t allow him to curse the Israelites. However, Balaam began to get second thoughts about the matter and this made God angry. So He sent an angel, armed with a sword, to discourage him and to actually stop him while on the trip to visit Balak. Also, on the way, a preacher, speaking God’s pure word, rebuked Balaam for his disobedience and earned some sharp blows from Balaam for his sermon. (By the way, this was the preacher who was denied salvation) Finally, when Balaam realized that it pleased the Lord to bless Israel, that’s what he did. But this displeased King Balak so much, he fired Balaam and sent him bag and baggage home. But not long after this Balaam changed his mind and sided with the Midianites against the Israelites. This lead to his being slain by the Israelites in the ensuing war. Ever since God created time, history records that the Mediterranean region takes second to none in “wars and rumors of wars.” ======================================================================
HEARD FROM Walter BRYANT
(Indianapolis IN) sent a contribution to help with the reunion expenses
but regrets that he and Mary Ellen probably will be unable to attend. [Thank
you, Walt.] Roland COBB (Millsboro DE) called from
Florida to say how much he enjoys the newsletters.
He continues to hope to make the reunion if his chemo treatments are
successful. Louis and Virginia DUMAS (Henderson TX)
thank us for the letters of encouragement. How-ever, because of their illness,
they will be unable to attend the reunion. They’re sorry. Willie and Velma ELLENDER (Houma LA) called
to see how we’re doing. They’re doing okay but admit to feeling the
effects of old age. Velma does most of the gardening these days. Walt ESCHENBACH (Clearwater FL) called to
see how we’re doing. He doesn’t do much traveling in his middle age, but
hopes he can make arrangements to attend this reunion. Ted and Barbara HANFT (Glendale CA) have
made reservations at the RAMADA to attend the reunion. They’ll celebrate
their 50th Wedding Anniversary here on the 5th of Sept.
That’s great! Don PALMER (Springfield IL) called to say
he’ll be flying into Philadelphia to attend the reunion. He wanted to be
sure there wasn’t any danger of the reunion being cancelled again. Archie and Pauline SMITH (Granite Falls NC)
called to say they enjoy the newsletter. He says “HERE” at muster. He’s doing fine in his
wheelchair and will be with us in spirit at the reunion Fred and Dot VOSSEL (Cookeville TN) said they are making arrangements to attend the reunion and are glad to hear so many more are planning to attend. ======================================================================
IMPROVED FORMAT
So many of you have called and written to forbid us from retiring as
editors of the news-letter. “You must postpone your retirement until
you’re older. We enjoy the current format and insist that you keep up
the good work!” In appreciation, we say, “If God allows!”
And with that note we’ll say, “So long for now.” We’ll visit
during the reunion. Jim and Phyllis Townley
========================================================== PART
9 – DETOURS ON A MISSION OF WAR
(Robert V. Autry)
THAT AREA AROUND ORAN, North Africa, was quite miserable. Someone wrote, ”The heat, dust, chlorinated REMEMBER THOSE
ITALIAN PRISONERS of war there at Arzeu, North Africa? We may have been accused
THE MAJORITY OF THEM were Sicilian, rather short
and of good humor. We used them at the base in
the mess hall BEING ONLY A
SEAMAN at that time, it was customary for me to be assigned “mess
cooking.” But mess cooking THESE GUYS WERE ALWAYS SINGING and enjoyed hearing
each other sing. Sometimes they would put the WHEN THEY GOT GOING it was like a convention of
“Cheeko” marches. It was hilarious. We never had a dull day PERHAPS YOU HAVE HEARD the story about one of
the guys going on liberty with us. Obando was quite a little character. WE TOLD HIM to keep his mouth shut!
Don’t speak any Italian! Well, we got out the gate in flying colors and got
on the liberty SEVERAL YEARS AGO, my association with the
4th Beach Battalion was renewed when I received a roster from Jim
Townley “AREN’T YOU THE GUY who played the
drums on the Arcadia when we crossed the Atlantic?” I couldn’t help but
laugh, THE CHAPLAIN WAS TALKING about getting some
musicians together to play some music to entertain the passengers, SO I PIPED UP and said I would like a shot at
percussion. And, just like out of a grade B movie, guys appeared out of the NEVERTHELESS, WE DISCOVERED one thing. We all
had a liking for jazz. and Dixieland. So we sat down and AS I WAS PLAYING AWAY on the drums, I cracked the
head on a bad rib shot of the snare drum and the Chaplain THERE I WAS at the very bottom of his list of
special people, and I deserved the few choice expletives I received. FEELING CONTGRITE, I did some hunting, and found
some pieces of leather one of the crew-members had, along (More of Detour on a Mission of War in the next issue.) ========================================
HEARD
FROM Bob AUTRY (Rockville MD) called to tell us
he’s coming to the reunion and is looking forward to meeting Jim BAYNE (Stratford NJ) has written and called several times to let us know how anxious he is to visit with all the Beach Battalion guys. Fred & Carol BINGAMAN (York PA) have made arrangements to attend the reunion and are looking forward to visiting with us, and all those who are able to attend. Al & Jeannette BLUE (Kennesaw GA) were the first to make their reservations to attend the reunion. They are looking forward to renewing friendship with the ole gang. Willie BOWLES (Crewe VA) called to say he is so anxious to meet us and all his other shipmates who are coming to the reunion. Frank and Marie BUCKLEY (Binghamton NY) are looking forward to the interesting festivities planned during the September Reunion. Walt & Mary Ellen BRYANT (Indianapolis IN) write that they are unable to attend the reunion but sent a donation from the 2nd Beach Battalion Reunion Fund to help with the expenses John J. CASEY (Vineyard Haven NY) recommends a good book to read, Operation Avalanche, giving all the details about those tough Germans during the Salerno Invasion. Robert and Loretta DANKE (Long Island City NY) send their best regards to us. He will miss visiting with his ole shipmates at the reunion. Their best wishes to Ted and Barbara HANFT. Herb & Jean DAVIS (Denver CO) are looking forward to visiting with all the Beach Battalion personnel during the reunion. Herb has done a great job rounding up 2nd Beachers for the reunion. Bill DEMPSEY (Dover DE) is planning on attending the reunion and is again bringing several members of his family for the banquet. Dick and Jeanette DOAME (Nottingham MD) don’t indicate in there welcome letter if they plan to attend the reunion. Thanks for the picture of you and that Arab, Dick. John & Eileen ENDYKE (Lawrence MA) have called to say their health is going to permit them to come to the reunion. Walt ESCHENBACH (Clearwater FL) greets us by phone every now and then to check on our heath. We’re looking forward to visiting with you and your son during the reunion. John & Helen FELLOWS (Loveland CO) are looking forward to attending the reunion to get together with some of his ole gang. Ted and Barbara HANFT (Glendale CA) are looking forward to an especially well planned reunion and also celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary Sept. 5th. Harry and Jean HARTVIGSEN (Port Murray NJ) enjoy the newsletter and send their best wishes for a successful reunion. Howard & Barbara HASTINGS (E. Providence RI) sent word that they are planning to attend the reunion to renew acquaintance with members of their ole gang. Bill & Florence KRAMER (Bonne Terre MO) send greetings to all the attendees and are sorry their health doesn’t permit them to attend themselves. Howard & Audrey LONG (Wawa PA) are looking forward to attending the reunion festivities and meeting so many attendees. Don & Corinne PALMER (Springfield IL) are flying in to Philadelphia and are eagerly looking forward to another warm renewing of friendships with their ole friends. John and Vida PARTIN (Baytown TX) are looking forward to visiting old friends and new ones during the September Reunion. Their niece is coming with them to attend the ceremonies, also. Jerry and Marian PEARL (Monarch Beach CA) are sorry they can’t join us at the reunion because they had already planned a trip with friends. Olin & Catherine PLUNKETT (Augusta GA) are anxious to meet so many ole friends and the interesting festivities planned for those attending the reunion. Wally and Marie STUARD (Cape May NJ) enjoy the newsletter very much. He is undecided about the reunion, but intends to contribute to it’s success. We hope you will attend. Fred and Dot VOSSEL (Cookeville TN) are looking forward to attending the reunion and expect it will be a huge success. It will be great to visit with our ole gang again. =========================================================== CHAPLAIN’S CORNER Apparently there is a mixed reaction to the religious additions to our newsletter, The few that objected feel that politics and religion are private matters. However, the majority of our readers have indicated that they favor this Bible topic, and some have contributed to this new addition. Someone wrote: “The Bible is the true word of God, which is a lamp to our feet and a light on our way.” Most will agree with that statement, we’re sure. Will all the volunteers to be our Chaplain please stand up! ====================================================
CONTRIBUTIONS AND DUES There are two activities that do warrant your attention because of the expenses to maintain them, the newsletter and the Web site. However, we have made it a practice not to solicit funds to cover the publication expenses of the newsletter, and we will continue not to. We are aware that so many of the Beach Battalion personnel are in financial straits and cannot make the scene. Therefore, we appreciate those who have made generous contributions. It is through your generosity that your newsletter continues to exist. Thanks again for your generous support which has kept this newsletter from fading into the sunset. ====================================================== Speaking of “riding off into the sunset,” that’s about it for this issue of THE SANDWITCH. We look forward to visiting with you during the reunion and again with another issue of the newsletter with more of Bob Autry’s interesting story, Detours on a Mission of War. In the meantime, surprise us with correspondence. Our mailbag is waiting. Our warmest regards, Jim and Phyllis
John Zetts VOLUME XVII
ISSUE #5 Photo
courtesy of Dick Deneen
|
| 1 box of Duncan Hines butter cake mix | 1 stick margarine melted and cool | Pour into greased and floured |
| 1 cup plain flour | 8 oz sour cream | oblong pan Set oven at 350 deg. |
| ¾ cup sugar | 1 tsp lemon juice | and bake 1 ¼ hours. Enjoy! |
| 3 eggs, beaten | 1 tsp orange juice | |
| 1 cup milk | 1 tsp cocoanut juice | |
===============================================================
If we
had realized how much the years of our youth would amuse us now, how the
children tried
their best to raise us their way, we would have kept a journal
with careful details. Why were they
constantly trying to think of a bit of
mischief to undertake?
===============================================================
That’s
it for this issue, folks. Wishing you God’s blessings, and we’ll try to do
better next time.
But we sure need your help with stories of your experiences.
Let’s hear from you. And whatever you do,
don’t get old! With our warm
regards,
Jim and Phyllis
======================================================

VOLUME XVII
ISSUE #1
===============================================================
THIS
PHOTO SHOWS
a quartet from C-9, S1/c Erwin Aberham (on the left) standing beside Coxswain
Anthony Pulvirenti with S1/c James Bayne (left) and S1/c John Cassidy in
front.
THE
FRENCH DURING WWII
From articles in the February 2003 World War II Magazine (Pages 76 &
77); “There has been much criticism
of the role some French people played
during WWII. One diarist writes of a French mob (who favored the Germans)
beating two Allied aviators almost to death. On the other hand, many chose to
join the risky French Resistance
to help win the war for the Allies.” The
historical background here is that the French have always hated the English.
And
apparently the feelings are mutual!
===============================================================
ACTION ON BLUE BEACH DURING SALERNO INVASION
The Texas 36th Division’s Ed Patrick landed September 9,
1943, on Blue Beach with our C-9 Beach Battalion and saw
our radio operator (Loring
Fullerton RM2c) trying to contact our ships when he was killed by artillery fire. Ed also
writes about the Navy Coxswain (whose
LCVP that was sunk by enemy fire) in his anger grabbed a rifle and helmet
from a
dead soldier and successfully led a squad of infantry for a couple of weeks,
before returning to his ship offshore.
2003 REUNION
Arrangements for the 2003 Reunion here in Wilmington, Delaware,
continue to develop. We have received a shipment
of Beach Battalion caps, 20,
2nd BBs and 40, 4th BBs. Shall we reserve one for you?
[The reduced price is $7.50.]
PART 4: DETOURS ON A MISSION OF WAR (Robert V. Autry)
MERCY
WAS IT HOT! That day in July on the Sicilian beachhead was intolerably
hot. It was like a blanket over everything.
The only activity was the landing
craft bringing in supplies to the shore. What a pile of ammunition, gasoline,
weapons and
other material piling up on the beach!
WATCHING
A FLY CRAWLING on the face of this young American soldier caught my
attention. This lad was just one of
the many who lost their lives when the
flight of our 82nd airborne troops came over early July 11th,
1943. On this sweltering day,
I couldn’t help but look at the body of this
young American soldier and wondered, “Whose husband, whose son, whose
friend,
whose loved one? Who was this young man, and what a loss to all those
he leaves behind?
HIS
BODY WAS BLOATED, his uniform stretched, his face a horrific
greenish-white, swollen and puffed. His hair was scalped
from his head, like a
mat from being immersed in the water for several days. I was emotionally
upset. It brought to me and to all of
us the grim reality of war. It was a
reminder of our blessing, that we still had life and limb.
THIS
TRAGEDY HAPPENED on the heels of a big enemy air raid of which we had many
that day. There was a huge pillar of smoke
still lingering from the explosion
and destruction of the ship, Rowan.
The gunners on our ships were nervous. They had been at General
Quarters many
long, tiring hours and fastened to their guns. So when more sounds of these
airplanes drew closer and closer, some guns
cut loose. And when one gun cuts
loose, it’s as if it is a signal for others to start shooting too. And they
did!
EXPLOSIONS
FILLED THE SKY from horizon to horizon. We could see, from our vantage
point on the beach, many of these planes
coming down in flames and crashing
into the sea. A few made it inland before crashing. For a week and a half, we recovered
drifting
bodies from the sea. Using DUKWs and LCVPs, we were picking them up
and bringing them to shore for burial.
THIS
IS A SALUTE TO ALL THE GUYS in the battalion and to all GIs who went
through the same sort of rigors. Our soldiers and
our sailors were neither
demons nor were they angels. Admittedly, there were some of both! But the
stress of war brings out the best
and the worst of humanity. However, I
believe that my friends and comrades demonstrated the best in that area, and I
consider myself
most fortunate and ever grateful to my friends and comrades.
TO
ANY YOUNG PEOPLE, or non-veterans who may read this commentary, I have to
state that before WWII, America was quite a
different place than it is now. We
weren’t sophisticated for the times we were in. Keep in mind, we didn’t
have TVs and weren’t as mobile
as people are today. We didn’t have interstate
highways to the extent that they have now. Life was at a slower pace.
EVEN
WE WERE VERY ACTIVE PEOPLE, we didn’t have all the distractions that you
have today, nor the dependence on the so-called
media. The average young
American up to that time hardly ever traveled more than a hundred miles from
the town where he was born. It may
sound corny, but it was a fact of life.
OUR KNOWLEDGE OF FAR AWAY PLACES was pretty good, but I did know people at that
time who really thought
Pearl Harbor was a movie actress. And the only thing
they knew about the world was a smattering of knowledge that they had picked
up
studying geography, or perhaps ancient history, or even reading a National
Geographic in a barbershop. It wasn’t a matter of being dumb…
it was the
“state of the art.”
PROBABLY THERE ARE A LOT OF YOUNG PEOPLE around
today who, in spite of all this information, continue to
think Pearl Harbor is
a movie actress. That is a matter to consider when reading this commentary.
I’m trying to record these experiences as
they happened to me, with my
little background of the world. So bear with me.
BACK
TO AFRICA FOR A REST
WHEN
THE SICILIAN BEACH was secured, we returned to our rest area in Arzew,
North Africa, and discovered we were now elevated
from pup tents to much more
comfortable large pyramidal tents and could sleep on cots instead of on the
ground. Almost immediately training
for another invasion began, hikes and
landing on empty beaches, only interrupted in the evenings with old movies and
lectures. Most of us
skipped the shows and wrote letters home or played
checkers or chess, or just slept.
===============================================================
HEARD FROM
Paul
ADAMS (Southport FL) sends Season’s Greetings and hopes all’s well
with both of us. Apologizes for not keeping in touch.
Fred and Clara ALBRIGHT (Davison MI) support our efforts to
publish the newsletter, but don’t think they will be able to attend the
reunion.
We’ll miss you.
Fred and Betty ANTOUS (Danbury CT) sent their
Holiday greetings and enjoy the newsletter. They want us to continue
publishing it in the future.
Warren and Norma BAKER (Southwick MA) send us mighty big
Holiday Greetings and tell us to stay well!
Joe and Helen BALCHUNAS (Wolcott CT) wish us the
blessings of peace, comfort and joy during this special season and for the
year ahead.
Vince and Antoinette BAMBINO (New Hartford NY) send Christmas
greetings and, “May your New Year be filled with God’s Blessings.”
Jim
BAYNE (Stratford NJ) enjoys the newsletter very much. He expects to
attend the reunion (and promises to bring Bob AUTRY with him).
Loraine “Birnie” BENEVELLI (Titusville FL)
called to check on our health and, “Yes, indeed, I want to continue to receive the newsletter,
and I plan
on attending the 2003 reunion.”
Fred and Carol BINGAMAN (York PA) sent their
greetings to us for my birthday and for the Christmas holidays. Thank you.
Jean BJORNSEN (Huntington Sta. NY) plans to attend the 2003
Reunion. She’ll be
with
Bob (in spirit). We look forward to visiting with you again, Jean.
Bill and Dorothy BLAKE (Scarboro WV) send us
Christmas greetings and best wishes for the New Year.
Al and Jeanette BLUE (Kennesaw GA) send best
wishes for the Holidays. “See
you in September.”
Frank and Marie BUCKLEY (Binghamton NY) wish us
Season’s Greetings and are looking forward to the 2003 Reunion in September.
John and Marge CASEY (Vineyard Haven MA) enjoy
the newsletter very much. Keep up the good work.
Charles and Ruby CHEATWOOD (Gadsden AL) send
their wishes for a blessed Christmas and a happy New Year.
Philip and Millie CHIARELLI (Bronx NY) support
our efforts, and wrote a Thank- you note, “Keep sending the Newsletter!
Always keep in touch.”
Roland and Yvonne COBB (Millsboro DE) enjoyed
the last newsletter and expect to attend the 2003 Reunion here in Wilmington
DE.
Walt CONNOLLY (West Palm Beach FL) sends his
best wishes, “May the spirit of Christmas and good health be with you
throughout the New Year.”
Bob and Loretta DANKE (L.I.C. NY) sent their
wishes for a wonderful Christmas and a healthy New Year.
Jim and Cecilia DE CAMP (Indianapolis IN) send their
Holiday greetings, enjoy the newsletter and hope
we
can continue it for a long time.
Bill and Mollie DEMPSEY (Dover DE) enjoy the
newsletter and hope our health will permit us to continue publishing it.
Dick and Chris DENEEN (Millerton NY) enjoyed the
last newsletter. (We thank God for His help.) Dick’s health is much better.
We’ll look for
you and many others at the 2003 Reunion.
Joe DENSBERGER (Oak Park IL) writes, “May the
light of faith shine in our words and actions this Christmas.”
Bill and Teri DiVONA (Orange Park FL) send a
prayer that we all have a healthier 2003 than 2002.
Dick DOAME (Baltimore MD) supports our
publishing the newsletter and writes that he has already made his reservation
for the 2003 reunion. That’s great!
Louis and Virginia DUMAS (Henderson TX) send
their Season’s best, and Health, Happiness, Love and Prayers for the New
Year. Due to their advancing years and family obligations, they’ll miss the
reunion.
Jim and Arline DWYER (Barefoot Bay FL) send
their blessings for a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Willie and Velma ELLENDER (Houma LA) send their
greetings. He doesn’t think his health will permit him to attend the
reunion. But he says, “We’ll be there in spirit.”
John and Eileen ENDYKE (Lawrence MA) enjoy the
newsletter and hope to make the 2003 Reunion here in Wilmington DE. .
Frank
FIELDS (Mooresville NC) enjoys and supports the publication of the
newsletter. He received his Combat Action Ribbon and is hoping to receive the
Combat Medical badge when the 45th Div. acts.
Ray
FOWLDS (Palisade MN) sends his warm Holiday greetings with pictures of
his family and some fish caught in the Mississippi River during this warm
spell.
George
and Ginny FREDERICKS (Barefoot Bay FL) are both celebrating their 80th
birthdays in January, and with Ginny’s health much improved, Happy New Year!
Roland
and Rochelle GAULIN (Woonsocket RI) send their Season’s Greetings and
wish good health to us and to our family in the New Year.
Gene
and Pat GLEASON (Stanwood MI) are “hobbling and holding” and send
their best regards.
Harlan
and Gladys HALL (Elon NC) enjoy the newsletter. He doesn’t think they
will make the 2003 Reunion. “Your other B4 buddies will miss you! We will,
also.”
Delbert
HILL (Del City OK) enjoys the newsletter and supports us in publishing
it. He has joined the “clogged artery club” but so far is just on
medication for the problem. He sent some nice photos.
Ted
and Barbara HANFT (Glendale CA) enjoy the newsletters and support our
efforts in publishing it and mailing it out. We’re looking forward to the
reunion, too.
Harry
and Jean HARTVIGSEN (Port Murray NJ) sent us Christmas greetings and
the, “Best wishes for a Healthy New Year.
Marty and Miriam HARWIN (Naples FL) called to
wish us the best of the Holiday Season and that they enjoy the newsletter.
John
and Juanita HICKMAN (Mobile AL) send their wishes for the nicest
Holidays and a happy and successful year ahead.
Bill
and Florence KRAMER (BONNE TERRE MO) sent their Holiday Greetings and
wishes for a Happy, Blessed New Year. Bill, it’s good to hear that you are
doing better.
Chuck
and Marie MARLETTE (Charlotte NC) write, “May the blessings of the
season be with you and your family and may the New Year bring a safe return
for all those serving our nation.”
C.A.
and Estelle MAY (Goodview VA) continue to have their health problems
but, “…with the help of the VA and many appointments we keep on the go.
Hope your health is better.”
Ray and
Mary ORR (Blackwood NJ) enjoy the newsletter and wish us a Merry
Christmas and a healthy New Year.
Don
and Corinne PALMER (Springfield IL) wish us the best for the Holidays
and support the publication of the newsletter.
Russell
and Joan PETERSON (Naples FL) send their Holiday greetings. This
30-year war on terrorism should produce outstanding military leaders…to
replace the mediocre.
Charles
and Ruth PHILLIPS (Belleville IL) support the publication of THE
SAND-WITCH. His strokes have reduced the height of his kicking. Getting old is
no fun!
Olin
and Catherine PLUNKETT (Augusta GA) enjoy the newsletter and wish for
us all the joys of the Holidays and the New Year.
Norma
REILLY (Cloverdale CA), Claude’s widow, with her family (Buddy,
Fritzy, Carlos, & Pancho) send warm Holiday greetings and the best for
2003.
Bill
and Marguerite RHYNE (Hubbard Lake MI) wish us the best for the
Holidays and the New Year. Bill is recuperating very nicely from quadruple
heart surgery in August.
Cecil
ROBLING (Folsom CA) sent his warmest wishes for a Happy Holiday Season
and a Bright New Year.
Dr
Stewart SEIGLE (Osprey FL) enjoys catching up on the news (in THE
SAND-WITCH) about activities he somehow missed during his trip to Europe
during WWII.
Bill
and Carolyn SPRAGUE (Houston TX) write, “Our sincere best wishes for
a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Health and Happiness for you both.”
Wally
and Marie STUARD (Cape May NJ) send their best wishes for the Holidays
and for good health in the New Year.
Melton
and Madeline VAN POOLE (Salisbury NC) support our efforts and enjoy the
newsletter very much. It’s no fun getting old.
Fred
and Dot VOSSEL (Cookeville TN) will attend the 2003 Reunion. Fred made
the headlines as an AARP volunteer. this New Year.
The world is in such religious turmoil, we pray for a lasting peace in
this New Year. “My
people will live in
peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed
places of rest.” (Isaiah 32:18) So that we can all join
our hearts and say,
“This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in
it.” (Psalm 118:24)
YESTERDAY is already a dream, and tomorrow is only a vision;
but today, well lived, makes every yesterday a dream of happiness,
and every tomorrow a vision of hope.
THE SANSKRIT
Well, it’s been nice visiting with you. We’re
looking forward to visiting with you again.
With our best regards,
Jim and Phyllis
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