Mississippi Chapter awards scholarships

News

Service in a different way: Mississippi Chapter of the Battle of the Bulge awards scholarships – From Joseph McCain, Winston County Journal, MI

Six Mississippi students will have $1,000 in help with college expenses after receiving a newly created scholarship. Members and associate members of the Mississippi Chapter of the Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge created the scholarships. The six recipients are all descendants of Mississippi veterans of the World War II Battle of the Bulge and are Mississippi residents. 
“This will help six worthy young people and continue the memories of those who served,” said James Hunt, Chairman of the Scholarship Committee.

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The Battle of the Bulge group formed the scholarship committee to ‘clear out’ about $1,000 of funds in the Chapter’s treasury and to create something positive for the future.  The committee members above (left to right-Burton Fuller, Mary Ellen Stanley, Mary Fuller, Jane Hunt, James Hunt, Joan Rhett, Sarah Naugher, Fred Wicker, not pictured Dr. Robert Gilbert) also contacted members and others about raising funds for the scholarships.

The group raised over $3,000 but had 6 applicants. “We had six outstanding applicants so we contacted everyone again and told them to give until it hurts,” said Hunt. The group raised funds enough for six $1,000 scholarships for this year and another $3,000 for future scholarships.

“We can grow this scholarship program and help a lot of deserving students,” said Hunt. Hunt and the committee created the scholarship applications and program from scratch. “Mississippi was the first chapter to offer scholarships,” said Hunt. “When we contacted the National Battle of the Bulge organization, they noted we were the first to do this and now at least one other chapter is making plans to create scholarships in their state.”

Hunt noted that the members and associate members of the group should be “kicking back on the porch” yet continue to work hard on such plans like the scholarship since they are concerned about the leaders of tomorrow. “We have a committee member over 100, three in their 90’s and few in their 80’s who worked hard on this because they want to help our future leaders,” said Hunt.

The six awarded scholarships were: Margaret Grace Lyon, William Young, Caitlin Fournier, Carley Naugher, Christine Lemmerman, and Ryan Fournier.

Three of the six scholarship winners: Margaret Grace Lyon, William Young, and Caitlin Fournier. Not pictured: Carley Naugher, Christine Lemmerman, and Ryan Fournier.
Three of the six scholarship winners: Margaret Grace Lyon, William Young, and Caitlin Fournier. Not pictured: Carley Naugher, Christine Lemmerman, and Ryan Fournier.

The scholarships were awarded during the groups annual meeting at Lake Tiak O’Khata in Louisville, Mississippi on October 15. The group has about 10 members who still attend and fought during the Battle of the Bulge with about 20 associate members who are family members or friends of the Battle of the Bulge veterans. During the gathering, the veterans spoke about the war and gave talked about their service. Family members also talked bout those who have died and their service during the war.

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“These guys have been through so much and never talked about it,” said Hunt. “This group was one of the first places they were comfortable enough to talk about the war.” Hunt described his own nightmares from the Battle of the Bulge, which haunted him until he was 66 years of age. “The nightmares finally stopped when I turned 66,” said Hunt. Other members talked about the difficulties of digging a foxhole in the frozen German ground and the unbelievable cold during the battle.

The idea of service to country and to others forged on the battlefield in Ardennes continues today as the group awards and looks to award future leaders with a scholarship and a reminder of those who came before them. Everyone in the Mississippi Chapter of the Battle of the Bulge understands leadership and sacrifice.

The Battle of the Bulge-On December 16, 1944 three German armies (more than a quarter-million troops) launched the deadliest and most desperate battle of the war heavily forested Ardennes trying to split the allied armies and destroy the American forces in the area. History denotes that the gallantry of the American troops in the battle stopped the German advance and helped bring the war to a close. The Battle of the Bulge was the costliest action ever fought by the U.S. Army, which suffered over 100,000 casualties.

Lehigh Valley chapter vets honored

News

Eight members of our chapter were honored at an Iron Pigs baseball game, an Allentown, PA affiliate of the Phillies recently. The veterans all received a standing ovation!

Submitted by Steve Savage, Associate
Lehigh Valley Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge

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George Merz receives the French Legion of Honor Medal

News

merz-george-currentGeorge Merz, 818th Military Police Company, was awarded the French Legion of Honor Medal at the 123rd Airlift Wing of the Air National Guard on September 13, 2015 by Colonel Barry D. Gorter, Commander of the 123rd Airlift Wing, Kentucky Air National Guard, at the Louisville International Airport. The event took place during a “Family Day” of the Air National Guard and there were over 500 people cheering for George as he received his medal. He received the medal on July 1, 2015 by the Consul General of France (in Chicago), Vincent Floreani, and it was formally presented to him at this event. He was so proud that many members of his immediate family and friends could attend (almost 20 in total!).

The Legion of Honor Award was created by Napoleon in 1802 to acknowledge services rendered to France by persons of exceptional merit.  American veterans who risked their lives during World War II and who fought on French territory qualify to be decorated as Knights of the Legion of Honor. Veterans must have fought in one of the four main campaigns of the Liberation of France: Normandy, Provence, Ardennes-Alsace or Northern France to earn the medal.

Submitted by Patrick Brion and Doris Davis, Associate Members

THE BATTLE OF THE BULGE HISTORICAL FOUNDATION, INC.

Uncategorized

Invites You to Join Your Friends for the
“EVENTS OF REMEMBRANCE AND COMMEMORATION”
OF THE 71st ANNIVERSARY OF THE BATTLE OF THE BULGE
December 14, 15 and 16, 2015 Metropolitan Washington, DC

                  We are back this year by popular demand with invitations to two Embassy receptions. Luxembourg Ambassador Jean-Lois Wolzfeld has invited us to the Luxembourg Embassy, on Monday, 14 December 2015, from 6:30 – 8:30 PM and on Wednesday evening we have been invited by Belgium Ambassador, Johan Verbeke, to his residence on Wednesday, 16 December 2015 from 5:00 – 6:30 PM. We will hold our annual Battle of the Bulge Commemoration Banquet, at the DoubleTree Hilton Crystal City, on Tuesday evening, 15 December 2015, between 6:00 and 10:00 PM. Our speaker for the Banquet will be announced in the November Bulge Bugle. Our bus trip this year on the 15th of December will be to National Archives Museum to view the Charters of Freedom and their Public Vaults Exhibit. The DoubleTree Hotel Crystal City by Hilton, 300 Army-Navy Drive, in Arlington VA 22202 has been selected again, with its panoramic view of our Nation’s Capital. This hotel, just off Route 1, in Crystal City, is a 7 minute drive from Reagan National Airport and a 2 City block walk to the Pentagon City Metro Station and the Pentagon Mall. It provides easy access to Washington DC and has just finished major renovations to the entire hotel for great accommodations. We have managed a reduced rate of $119.00, single or double occupancy, plus taxes, for the evenings of 14th, 15th and 16th December 2015, which is the start of the business week and for those who want to stay up to two days after. For those who want to come in earlier, to relax or enjoy Washington, on the weekend, a $99.00 plus taxes rate for the evenings of the 12th and 13th of December 2015 has been arranged. Check-in time is 4:00 PM however, any guest checking in after 12 noon will be able to do so for no charge, based on the rooms availability. For those driving we have managed a reduced self-parking rate of $10 per night from their normal $27.00 per night rate. We have blocked 35 rooms so it is imperative to make hotel reservations immediately. For room reservations, please call the DoubleTree Reservations (1-800-Hiltons) or 703-416-4100 by December 6, 2015. Mention the BATTLE OF THE BULGE for this special rate.

▪MONDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2015

2:00 PM –   9:00 PM    Registration & Hospitality Room open – Harrison/Jackson Room – Receive Registration Packets with                                      name badges, Banquet/bus tickets. Sign Attendance Books. (If you are only attending the Banquet, (on the 15th this year) you may pick up your tickets at the Hotel by the Washington Room by 6:00 PM Dec 15th.)

3:00 PM – 11:00 PM   Hospitality Room/Exhibits, Books, scrapbooks, memorabilia, snacks & beverages open everyday. Kent Menser, BOB Vice-President and John Bowen, BOB Treasurer will be the hosts.

3:30 PM    We will be having our traditional Tree Trimming Ceremony “Salute to Bulge Veterans” in the Harrison Hospitality Room. Bulge veterans who are attending should send us a WWII picture of you for the tree.

5:30 PM – 8:30 PM      Bus leaves at 5:30 PM for Luxembourg Embassy Reception, downtown Washington, from 6:30 – 8:30 PM

▪TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2015

9:15 AM – 9:30 AM  Load buses and depart promptly at 9:30 AM for National Archives, Constitution Ave, Washington DC.

10:30 AM   We will visit the National Archives Museum and view their Public Vaults exhibit, special exhibit on Prohibition as well as the Charters of Freedom in the Rotunda and the Magna Carta.

12:00 PM – 2:30 PM   We will travel to Union Station for lunch on your own at the variety of eateries and restaurants there and shopping at the Mall in Union Station.

2:30 PM    Return to DoubleTree Hotel to rest and prepare for our annual commemorative Banquet.

5:00 PM   Hospitality Room Closed till after Banquet.

6:00 – 10:00                 BANQUET AT THE DOUBLETREE CRYSTAL CITY HOTEL, WASHINGTON RM, (Lobby).

6:00 PM                      Social Hour/Cash Bar. Seated for Dinner at 6:45 PM.

7:00 PM                      Color Guard & Honors.

7:15 PM                      Dinner served: Apple Brandy Pork Tenderloin OR Chicken Piccata

Program: Greetings from Dignitaries, Person of the Year Award, Speaker.

10:00 PM                      Hospitality Room open 

▪WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2015

8:45 AM – 12:30PM      Bus loads 8:45 AM leaves Hotel promptly at 9:00 AM for Wreath layings at World War II Memorial, large VBOB Memorial, and Tomb of the Unknowns and changing of the Guard.

12:30 PM     Return to DoubleTree Hotel for annual VBOB Luncheon in Windows Over Washington.

1:00 PM   Lunch 14th Floor of hot soup, Grilled Chicken or Smoked Turkey sandwich, beverage and dessert.

Swearing-in of new National VBOB officers for 2016.

4:00 PM – 7:30 PM     Bus leaves at 4:00 PM for Belgium Ambassador Residence, Washington DC, Reception from 5:00 – 6:30

Notes: ¤ Free Airport shuttle provided by the DoubleTree Hotel every half hour, 3 miles from Reagan Washington National Airport.

¤ Free Shuttle from DoubleTree every hour on the half hour to METRO: Pentagon City (Blue/Yellow Line) and to Pentagon City Mall.

¤ Skydome Lounge for dinner, the area’s only revolving rooftop lounge, for a spectacular view of Washington at night.

¤ Early departure: If your reservation plans change, please advise hotel at or before check-in of any change in your reserved planned length

   of stay to avoid an early departure fee (currently $75.00) for checking out before your agreed upon reserved length. Any special

   circumstances of Early Departure Waivers will be on a case by case basis and depending on the severity of the situation.            09/23/15

 

Seq # ______                                                                             Chk # __________ Date __________ Amt _________

RESERVATION FORM

“REMEMBRANCE AND COMMEMORATION”

OF THE 71st ANNIVERSARY OF THE BATTLE OF THE BULGE

December 14, 15, and 16, 2015 Metropolitan Washington, DC

Return form and check by December 6, 2015 to:                                                                   Questions:

Battle of the Bulge Historical Foundation, Inc.                                                    John D. Bowen, 301-384-6533

PO Box 4546                                                                                                     E-Mail:

johndbowen@earthlink.net

Silver Spring MD 20914-4546

Name: ______________________________________________ Telephone _________________Cell _____________________

 

Name of Spouse/Guests: ___________________;____________________;______________________;____________________  

 

Address: ______________________________________ City: __________________________ State: ________ ZIP: __________

 

Battle of Bulge Unit You Served With: __________________________________________________________________________

 

E-Mail Address: ________________________________________________________ Do you have a WWII Pictures to send us?

                                                                                                                                                                                                      If you haven’t before?

RESERVATIONS:                                                                           Number Attending  Cost/Person            Total

Registration Fee: Provides for Badges, Programs, Hospitality, Toasts, etc ______________X    $30.00           $____________

 

MONDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2015

4:00 PM          Tree Trimming Ceremony Harrison Room                     _____________X               FREE          

5:45 PM          Bus to Luxembourg Embassy Reception                         ____________X             $25.00            $____________

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2015:

Chartered Bus: To National Archives & Union Station                         ______________X               $30.00           $____________

9:30 AM          Bus Leaves for National Archives

Commemorative Banquet, DoubleTree Hotel Crystal City                       ______________X               $59.00           $____________

6:00 PM – 10:00 PM   Please make your Main Course selection(s):

  • Apple Brandy Pork Tenderloin _______________ (Names)_____________)
  • Chicken Piccata _______________ (Names)_____________)
  • Diabetic Meal _______________ (Names)_____________)

Seating is assigned. Plan ahead with your friends to be seated at the same table. Tables are Rounds of 8. Please indicate

friends with whom you would like to sit: _____________________________________________________________                                             

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2015:

Chartered Bus:  Wreath Layings VBOB Memorials, Tomb of              ______________X      $25.00           $____________

Depart 9:00 AM             Unknowns & WWII Memorial

 

09:00 – 12:00 AM Wreath Laying Ceremonies: Number Attending: ____________

 

1:00 PM           VBOB Luncheon at DoubleTree Hotel                 Chicken ________X           $30.00           $____________

                                                                                                Turkey   ________X          $30.00           $________ ___

4:00 PM            Bus to Belgium Ambassador Residence Reception             ________________X          $25.00            $____________

                        (Note change in Time from Last Bugle – Reception will be from 5:00 to 6:30 PM

GRAND TOTAL (Enclose check made out to BoBHF 2015 Commemoration):                                                            $____________

NOTE: Checks will not be deposited until 1 Dec 2015 so you can register now.

Permission granted for Hotel to notify BoB Historical Foundation that room reservation has been made.

 

                                                                                          Signature: ______________________________________________________

 

NOTES & REMINDERS: Banquet Dress: Business suit/black tie optional (miniature medals encouraged) or military dress uniform

Room reservations must be made for the DoubleTree Crystal City directly, by December 6, 2015 Telephone (1-800-Hiltons) or .

Return completed Reservation Form for events to BOB Historical Foundation ASAP but no later than 6 December 2015.

No cancellation refunds after December 6, 2015.                                             Hotel Reservations based on Availability. Please do not delay.

Please indicate in all places the number & names attending so that we can be advised of the proper number to plan. Thanks!

***PLEASE BRING A PICTURE ID (Drivers License, Passport, Mil ID) for the Washington area***                                                                   09/23/15

WWII Battle of the Bulge Commemoration Event at Fort Indiantown Gap

Uncategorized

2016 BULGE REENACTMENT
71st Anniversary Commemoration Battle
TO HONOR VETERANS of WORLD WAR II & THE BATTLE OF THE BULGEFort Indiantown Gap PA
27 Jan – 31 Jan 2016

The World War II Historical Association, http://www.wwiiha.org invites all Veterans to the Battle of the Bulge Reenactment this coming January. We will be honoring all WW II Veterans during the week. Veterans may arrive after 1500 hours on Wednesday, 27 Jan 2016. As usual, the Veterans will have a hospitality suite set up in their barracks as well as memorabilia & WWII videos. Veterans should bring a pillow, sheets and a blanket (or a sleeping bag) for their bunk as well as wash cloth and towel and shower clogs. The cost of the event is Free to Veterans, which includes 4 nights bunk in the barracks, the Friday Reception and the Dinner and a Period Entertainment USO-type show on Saturday night.

Enjoy a week of camaraderie, relaxation, WWII videos, stories and hospitality and a chance to relive your basic training days in newly updated original WWII Barracks. Enjoy the transformation of the barracks area by the re-enactors to WWII period and enjoy the many restored WWII vehicles. Observe re-enactor’s formations in period uniforms and equipment. Meet re-enactors who are interested in learning from WWII veterans about the period as well as the respect that they hold for you. The reenactors cover a broad spectrum of our society and even includes British, French, Canadian and German citizens. The reenactor community includes business leaders, professionals (such as doctors and engineers); current, former and retired military.

Thurs, 28 Jan, we will be transported by bus to Williams Valley Jr. High School at 0800 hours for a Vet Program,.. Breakfast will be provided on the bus,. The Flea Market will open at 0800 hours and will remain open to 2200 hours.

Fri, 29 Jan, the WWII Historical Assn will salute the Veterans with a Pass in Review at 1500 hours. At 1630 hours there will be a Wreath Laying at the VBOB Monument by the Community Club followed by a free reception there also for WWII Veterans at 1700 hours.

Sat, 30 Jan at 1030 hours buses will load for a Veteran Tour of the Battlefield, departing at 1100 and returning by 1200 hours. At 1700 buses will begin shuttling from the barracks area to the Community Club, for the Dinner which starts at 1800 hours. At 2000 hours period entertainment & talent shows will begin and followed by dancing to the 40’s big band music. Buses will return from the Community Club until 0100 hours 31 Jan.

Vets must register by the deadline which is extended to 20 Dec 2015

Contact John D. Bowen for Registration forms at 301-384-6533, e-mail johndbowen@earthlink.net or go to http://www.wwiiha.org/index.php/events/battle-bulge-fig/ for on-line registration or optional mail in registration forms.

 

 

George S Patton, Jr Chapter, AL

News

George S Patton, Jr Chapter (Alabama) of VBOB is partnering with Birmingham International Center http://www.tic-al.org for a November 15 event spotlighting Belgium.

The event is scheduled for 3 to 5:30 pm at the Southern Museum of Flight http://www.southernmuseumofflight.org near the airport in Birmingham, Alabama the program will honor Belgium resistance fighters and veterans who were part of the Battle of the Bulge.

The chapter also will partner with the Dixie Division of the Military Vehicles Club http://www.ddmvpa.org and have an entry in Birmingham’s National Veterans Day Parade on November 11.

Only three or four VBOB members are expected to participate, but they will revel in the support of the throngs of people saluting them and the restored Jeeps they’ll be riding in.  Vern Miller, chapter president, will be in a Korean era Jeep restored by Alan Moseley, son of the late Smith Moseley, Air Force veteran who was based in England and was Vern’s long-time co-worker

Regular meetings of the Alabama veterans are held the third Monday of every month, but the November meeting will be Sunday, the 15th, and the annual commemorative luncheon recalling the beginning of the Battle of the Bulge is scheduled for noon on Saturday, December 12 at Fair Haven Retirement Center, Birmingham.

For further information contact Vern Miller
vernsdarkroom@aol.com

 

 

 

 

West Michigan chapter (23)

Uncategorized

Richard Rizzio, President of the West Michigan Chapter, invited Sherry Klopp
to Traverse City, Michigan to visit Grand Traverse Area Veterans Memorial Park to
see the Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge Monument. The news media and public
were invited to attend. The event began July 22nd at 10: 00 a.m. at Veteran’s Park.

Several members of the monument committee, Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge,
family members, and others were present. It took them seven years to acquire land from the city for their monument and monuments of other wars.

Sherry Klopp, National VP of VBOB, spoke to the group beginning with greetings from the National Board of VBOB. She praised them for their dedication, thanked them for their service and talked about her father, Richard Switzer, a veteran of the Battle of the Bulge, who passed away March 8, 2013. The group went to the VFW for lunch after the program.

Left to Right George Phillips, John Good, Roland Sayer, Maurice Cole, Richard Rizzio, President of West Michigan Chapter and event organizer, Lewis Charles
Left to Right
George Phillips, John Good, Roland Sayer, Maurice Cole, Richard Rizzio, President of West Michigan Chapter
and event organizer, Lewis Charles

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photos submitted by Sherry Klopp, Associate

Belgian, Bruno Pollet adopts grave in Henri-Chapelle

Uncategorized
Bruno Pollet
Bruno Pollet

I introduce myself, my name is Bruno Pollet I live in Belgium.

In 2009 I adopted the grave of FRANCIS LEE ALLEN (14,005,185) to the cemetery Henri-Chapelle Belgium.

What month later, Jai had contact with Madame Andrée Dessy REMOUCHAMPS (friend of Mr Christian De Marcken).

After years of research without result unfortunately I shall desire to know if there is still life in the family of Francis Allen, knowing he had two brothers and a sister (I have pictures in my possession that Madame my Dessy offered).

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TWO CHANCE ENCOUNTERS – IN 1945 AND IN 1992, Nick Zillas, 285th CEB

Veterans' Stories
Nicholas Zillas. 285th CEB, Company A
Nicholas Zillas. 285th CEB, Company A

Nick Zillas, 285th Combat Engineers, Company A tells of this fortunate meeting in 1945 and its surprising climax at the Nashville Reunion in 1992:

On 16 Feb 45, the Third Platoon of Company A was sent on a recon patrol toward Born, Luxembourg. The Company A patrol of one officer and 15 enlisted men was accompanied by a similar patrol of one officer and 15 enlisted men from Battery B of the 42d Calvary.

We were going to go into a small village to find out if it was occupied by the enemy. At the last minute, the plan was changed and we did not enter the village, after all. Our Company A 2d Lt. was in favor of going in, but the Calvary 1st Lt. talked him out of it. As it turned out, this was a very wise decision because later it was discovered that the Germans did occupy the village and were lying in wait for us.

We completed our patrol and returned to our Platoon CP in the vicinity of Boursdorf, Luxembourg. Most of the patrol entered the CP Building, but I stopped to chat for a moment with a man whose name I forgot over the years. That moment of conversation may well have saved each of us from injury or even death; a rocket launcher round exploded inside the CP just before we turned to enter the building! One man, SSGT. Roy Sattetfi.eld, was killed, and I believe about five others woe injured, some seriously.

This October 1992 at the Nashville Reunion someone came up to me and said, “Do you remember me?” I said no, I did not. Then he went on to say, “I want to thank you very much for saving my life!” Those words made no sense to me until he then explained that we were the two men who had stopped for the brief chat outside of the 3d Platoon CP just before the deadly explosion! This man told me that if I had not stopped and spoken to him that day, he would have gone right into the building -just in time for the blast!

The man who thanked mefor saving his life is Charlie Ransdell. His few words to me there in Nashville in 1992 took me back in a flash to our very brief and fortunate encounter on 16 Feb 45. To meet Charlie after 47 years made the reunion in Nashville a very special occasion! By coincidence, it was Charlie’s birthday on the night of our banquet. This gave us a double reason to celebrate – one happy birthday and one warm reunion!”

Submitted by Bessie Zillas, Nick’s wife and Andrea Britton, Nick’s daughter.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TWO CHANCE ENCOUNTERS – IN 1945 AND IN 1992

 

 

Nick Zillas, 285th Combat Engineers, Company A tells of this fortunate meeting in 1945 and its surprising climax at the Nashville Reunion in 1992:

 

On 16 Feb 45, the Third Platoon of Company A was sent on a recon patrol toward Born, Luxembourg. The Company A patrol of one officer and 15 enlisted men was accompanied by a similar patrol of one officer and 15 enlisted men from Battery B of the 42d Calvary.

We were going to go into a small village to find out if it was occupied by the enemy. At the last minute, the plan was changed and we did not enter the village, after all. Our Company A 2d Lt. was in favor of going in, but the Calvary 1st Lt. talked him out of it. As it turned out, this was a very wise decision because later it was discovered that the Germans did occupy the village and were lying in wait for us.

 

We completed our patrol and returned to our Platoon CP in the vicinity of Boursdorf, Luxembourg. Most of the patrol entered the CP Building, but I stopped to chat for a moment with a man whose name I forgot over the years. That moment of conversation may well have saved each of us from injury or even death; a rocket launcher round exploded inside the CP just before we turned to enter the building! One man, SSGT. Roy Sattetfi.eld, was killed, and I believe about five others woe injured, some seriously.

 

This October 1992 at the Nashville Reunion someone came up to me and said, “Do you remember me?” I said no, I did not. Then he went on to say, “I want to thank you very much for saving my life!” Those words made no sense to me until he then explained that we were the two men who had stopped for the brief chat outside of the 3d Platoon CP just before the deadly explosion! This man told me that if I had not stopped and spoken to him that day, he would have gone right into the building -just in time for the blast!

 

The man who thanked mefor saving his life is Charlie Ransdell. His few words to me there in Nashville in 1992 took me back in a flash to our very brief and fortunate encounter on 16 Feb 45. To meet Charlie after 47 years made the reunion in Nashville a very special occasion! By coincidence, it was Charlie’s birthday on the night of our banquet. This gave us a double reason to celebrate – one happy birthday and one warm reunion!”

 

Submitted by Bessie Zillas, Nick’s wife and Andrea Britton, Nick’s daughter.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TWO CHANCE ENCOUNTERS – IN 1945 AND IN 1992

 

 

Nick Zillas, 285th Combat Engineers, Company A tells of this fortunate meeting in 1945 and its surprising climax at the Nashville Reunion in 1992:

 

On 16 Feb 45, the Third Platoon of Company A was sent on a recon patrol toward Born, Luxembourg. The Company A patrol of one officer and 15 enlisted men was accompanied by a similar patrol of one officer and 15 enlisted men from Battery B of the 42d Calvary.

We were going to go into a small village to find out if it was occupied by the enemy. At the last minute, the plan was changed and we did not enter the village, after all. Our Company A 2d Lt. was in favor of going in, but the Calvary 1st Lt. talked him out of it. As it turned out, this was a very wise decision because later it was discovered that the Germans did occupy the village and were lying in wait for us.

 

We completed our patrol and returned to our Platoon CP in the vicinity of Boursdorf, Luxembourg. Most of the patrol entered the CP Building, but I stopped to chat for a moment with a man whose name I forgot over the years. That moment of conversation may well have saved each of us from injury or even death; a rocket launcher round exploded inside the CP just before we turned to enter the building! One man, SSGT. Roy Sattetfi.eld, was killed, and I believe about five others woe injured, some seriously.

 

This October 1992 at the Nashville Reunion someone came up to me and said, “Do you remember me?” I said no, I did not. Then he went on to say, “I want to thank you very much for saving my life!” Those words made no sense to me until he then explained that we were the two men who had stopped for the brief chat outside of the 3d Platoon CP just before the deadly explosion! This man told me that if I had not stopped and spoken to him that day, he would have gone right into the building -just in time for the blast!

 

The man who thanked mefor saving his life is Charlie Ransdell. His few words to me there in Nashville in 1992 took me back in a flash to our very brief and fortunate encounter on 16 Feb 45. To meet Charlie after 47 years made the reunion in Nashville a very special occasion! By coincidence, it was Charlie’s birthday on the night of our banquet. This gave us a double reason to celebrate – one happy birthday and one warm reunion!”

 

Submitted by Bessie Zillas, Nick’s wife and Andrea Britton, Nick’s daughter.

 

 

 

 

VBOB Reunion Photos from Williamsburg, VA

Uncategorized

Spirit of 45 Ceremony at Williamsburg Memorial Park

VBOB was escorted by the Virginia Chapter of the Patriot Guard Riders.

Boy Scout Troop 155 and VFW Post 4639 were present and took part in the ceremonies.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/patrickbrion/sets/72157657412828790

 

Fort Lee Welcomes VBOB

VBOB was escorted by the American Legion Riders, South Virginia Chapter, and sponsored by American Legion Post 284, Colonial Heights, VA.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/patrickbrion/sets/72157655495398643

all photos by Patrick Brion, Associate

Alfred H. Taylor honored with Legion of Honor in Paris

News

My father, VBOB Member Alfred H. Taylor, 10th  Armored Division, received one of the rarest honor ceremonies in the world when he was decorated with the French Legion of Honor at the headquarters in Paris in November 2014. The Grand Chancellor, General Jean-Louis Georgelin, addressed my father in English, and I delivered his response in French. A champagne reception in the rotunda followed.

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Investitures at the Palace of Salm are generally reserved for heads of state and other extreme VIPs, so Dad’s selection for the distinction is a bit mysterious. On average, only one American is honored there per year.

Submitted by Jeff Taylor

LEHIGH VALLEY CHAPTER (55) – THAT FAMOUS KISS

News

At our recent meeting on August 18th, 2015 at the Best Western Hotel in Bethlehem, Pa., we were able to reenact the famous Times Square kiss from VJ Day at the end of WWII 70 years ago.

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Two of our members, married couple Samantha and Frederick Polgardy, were more than happy to recreate the kiss between the sailor and nurse, complete with the sailor’s and nurse’s caps.

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Submitted by Stephen Savage, Associate, Lehigh Valley Chapter (55)