Remembrance Ceremony
submitted by Angela Fazio-Secretary

Daughters of World War II, (DWWII) invite all WWII veterans and their guest to attend the 3rd Annual WWII Veterans Day Luncheon Monday, November 12, 2012, in Dallas, Texas.  This event, Celebration of Heroes Among Us, is expected to be the largest gathering of WWII veterans in the nation on Veterans Day. Please help us share this invitation with WWII veterans.  Our goal of this day is to honor and celebrate them! 

In 2011, our  2nd Annual Veterans Day Luncheon was sold out, and we had the honor of being recognized as the largest gathering of WWII veterans in the nation. DWWII events are always free to the WWII veteran and are open to WWII veterans nationwide

PDF files of the Invitation and RSVP/Registration Form are attached, as well as information about Daughters of World War II.

RSVPs must be received by October 11th.  All WWII veterans must register for this event.

Contact for Veterans Day Luncheon reservations and questions is: 
Joan French – WWII Veteran Coordinator for Event – 214-457-1339
french.b@sbcglobal.net

Visit our web site www.daughtersofWW2.org

Janie Simon
Veteran Liaison
Daughters of WWII

The Military Order of the World Wars (MOWW) hosts an annual memorial service that is held at the gravesite of General of the Armies John J. “Black Jack” Pershing in Arlington National Cemetery.  General Pershing was critical in the forming of the Order and we honor him each year on Veterans Day along with military attaches from among the 18 allied nations that served with us in World War I and members of the Young Marines, and “Pershing’s Own” Band. MG Michael S. Linnington, Commander of the Military District of Washington, will be our guest speaker at this year’s ceremony.

 Click here for an invitation to the ceremony.  

I prepared an article on last year’s eventthat was published in the Officer Review magazine, which is the official publication of the MOWW.  The Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge organization was represented at the Pershing Memorial Service. Following are a couple of photos from that event.

Submitted by:
LTC Ruth L. Hamilton, USA (Ret)
Vice Commander-in-Chief
The Military Order of the World Wars
VBOB Associate Member

Special program in Silver Spring, MD will salute heroes who 70 years ago were part of history that changed the world. Dee Paris, 97, Who Fought in Battle of the Bulge and Battle of Rhine River, to Be Among Speakers as Montgomery County to Honor World War II Veterans on Wed., Sept. 19

ROCKVILLE, Md., August 13, 2012—One day after the bombing of Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, Dee Paris went to enlist in the U.S. Army. His military career took him through some of the most famous battles of World War II, including the Battle of the Bulge and the Battle of the Rhine River. On Wednesday, Sept. 19, at the Silver Spring Civic Building, Mr. Paris, who is 97 and lives in Silver Spring, will be among the speakers as Montgomery County honors the men and women who served their nation in World War II.

County Executive Isiah Leggett, Council President Roger Berliner and the County Council will lead the special ceremonies for Montgomery Honors WW II Vets that will begin at 10:30 a.m. at the Civic Building located at One Veterans Plaza in down­town Silver Spring. The event will be simulcast live on many of the County’s public cable television channels that compose the PEG (Public, Education, Government) Network. In addition, the PEG Network will be recording the stories of many of the veterans for a documentary that will first be shown on Veterans Day.

Mr. Paris, who has lived in Montgomery County for more than 50 years, was in the Battle of the Bulge that became the largest land battle of World War II. More 600,000 American troops, 55,000 British troops and approximately 500,000 German soldiers were involved in that battle in the heavily forested Ardennes region of eastern Bel gium and northern Luxembourg from Dec. 16, 1944 to Jan. 25, 1945. More than 19,000 American soldiers were killed in the fighting.

In March 1945, Mr. Paris was among the U.S. troops that won control of the Rhine River and led to the first crossing of U.S. troops into Cologne, Germany, where Ger­man forces had established a command headquarters. Mr. Paris will talk about some of his war experiences and how they impacted his life as he became a Montgomery County resident.

Montgomery Honors WW II Vets will occur 70 years since some of the significant World War II events of 1942, including the Battle of the Coral Sea (May 4,1942) and the Battle of Midway (June 4, 1942). Many historians view those two battles as the turning point of the war in the Pacific. U.S. troops landed on Guadalcanal in the So­lomon Islands on Aug. 7, 1942. m November 1942, U.S. and British troops invaded French North Africa.

Montgomery Honors WW II Vets event organizers are currently seeking to contact more of the veterans who will be honored on Sept. 19. Those veterans, or family and friends of the veterans, seeking more information about the event should call 240-777-7929.

“It has been almost seven decades since our World War II veterans returned home,” said County Executive Leggett. “We want to take this opportunity to acknowledge their courage and patriotism and say thank you for making the world a better place. As a veteran of the Vietnam War, I know the sacrifices that are made by members of our military during times of war. This event is a perfect way for all of us to pay tri­bute to these brave and honorable men and women.”

Speakers at the event will include veterans who served in various aspects of World War II.

“So many in our community heroically served our nation, and the world, 70 years ago,” said Council President Berliner. “September 19 will be a day where our County recognizes those whose actions helped change the course of the world. There have been many books written, and many movies made, about the people we will honor, but on this day, we will personally thank—and hear directly from—some of the men and women who did so much to shape the life and freedom we know today.”

Seeking Information on 4th and 30th Infantry Division Men Buried in Belgium

In the year 2000 – the 55th Anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge – VBOB Life Member Patrick Kearney (11 ARMD DIV) made arrangements for the Leclercq Family of Belgium to adopt the graves of two 11th Armored Division men who are buried at the American Military Cemetery at Henri-Chapelle – Edward M. Frank (63rd Armored Infantry Battalion) and Lewis F. Grove (55th Armored Infantry Battalion).

The Leclercqs have recently adopted the graves of two more American soldiers who are buried at Henri-Chapelle – Lewis E. Humber (12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division) from Hillsborough County, Florida and Joseph J. Santangelo (120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division) from Cook County, Illinois.

The Leclercqs would like to hear from anyone who is related to, or who was friendly with, these two men. If you have any information on Lewis or Joseph, please write to: Famille Leclercq, 5 Avenue Paul de Lorraine, B-1410 Waterloo, Belgium.

submitted by Patrick Kearney, 11^th AD

Kyle Miller an associate member of the Alton Litsenberger Chapter (68) in Ohio was featured on NBC Nightly News on Monday, October 22, 2012.

Click on msnbc.com to read his story then scroll down and click on Boy Scout’s goal: Interview 1,000 World War II vets

Read more about Kyle
http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2012/03/26/boy-scout-seeks-voices-from-the-front.html

Kyle’s web site
http://www.voicesfromthefront.org/

The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, DC, America’s national memorial to the Holocaust, will honor all the brave soldiers who fought in World War II as part of its 20th anniversary commemoration. 

I’m writing to inform you about our plans for this milestone occasion, which include a National Tribute in Washington, DC, as well as a National Tour honoring Holocaust survivors and World War II veterans in four cities across the country.  We hope as many veterans as possible will join us at these historic gatherings and request your assistance in sharing this information with the Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge. 

As you know well, World War II was the salient event in the 20th  Century – and its legacy continues to shape the 21st.  The values we cherish were threatened by cruel and oppressive ideologies. But the generation that signed up and put on a uniform, which believed in the essential goodness of America, and which unselfishly answered the call to duty, was a generation willing to sacrifice everything to preserve our way of life.  The freedoms we enjoy today were assured by the veterans of World War II.  The Museum recognizes this, and thus wishes to reach out to all American veterans of World War II and to accord to them our highest honor and deepest gratitude.

At the National Tribute in Washington, DC on April 28 – 29, 2013 we will bring together the people who lived this history – Holocaust survivors, World War II veterans, rescuers, and their families – in the largest numbers we can – along with U.S. and European officials and Museum supporters and partners, for what will most likely be the last gathering of eyewitnesses on this scale.

Working in close cooperation with the World War II Memorial, we are expecting thousands to join Elie Wiesel, our founding chairman, at this two-day gathering, which begins with a Tribute Dinner on Sunday, April 28th at the Washington, DC Convention Center – free for survivors and WWII veterans, who may bring one companion for $50.  Regular cost is $250/person.  At the Tribute Dinner, we will present the Museum’s Elie Wiesel Award, our highest honor, to the American service men and women who fought in World War II, with Susan Eisenhower accepting on their behalf.  Through this tribute, we hope to remind the American public, especially our youth, of just what was at stake during World War II and the enormous sacrifices that were made to preserve the free world.

The National Tribute continues on Monday, April 29th at the Museum, which will be closed to the public to mark this historic occasion.  The day will begin with a ceremony on our Eisenhower Plaza featuring the flags of the U.S. Army Divisions that liberated the Nazi concentration camps.  An Open House follows with a day of special programs, tours, and family activities throughout the Museum.  In addition, “affinity tables” will provide opportunities for those from the same divisions or communities to socialize.  The day, which includes lunch, is free with advance registration. 

Since we know that many veterans and survivors may not be able to travel to Washington, DC for the National Tribute gathering in April, we are hosting free, daylong public events in four cities: Boca Raton (December 9), Los Angeles (February 17), New York (March 3), and Chicago (June 9).  Throughout the day, veterans and their families will have the opportunity to meet with curators and conservators about personal collections.  They may attend panel discussions with well-known experts, presentations of rarely seen film clips from our collection, and participatory family activities. And, of course, there will be opportunities to socialize.  The day will conclude with a special tribute to local survivors and World War II veterans.

We would be honored if your members could join us at one of the local National Tour events or consider traveling to Washington, DC in April for the National Tribute.  And, we hope everyone will bring their children, grandchildren and even great-grandchildren!

The following links include additional information.

(1)    A flyer that has event details and contact information can be found at:  http://www.ushmm.org/neveragain/pdfs/20th-flyer.pdf

(2)    A preliminary schedule for the programming for the Boca Raton Tour stop (which will be similar in all four cities of the tour) can be found at: http://www.ushmm.org/neveragain/pdfs/20th-tour-program-Boca-Raton.pdf

(3)    A hotel information sheet for the Washington DC event on April 28-29, 2013 can be found at: http://www.ushmm.org/neveragain/pdfs/HotelTribute.pdf

You may register now for the tour events in Boca Raton, Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago and/or request an invitation to the National Tribute in DC by accessing our website www.ushmm.org/neveragain 

If you have questions contact Stephen Goodell at 1-866-998-7466, 1-202-488-0484 or via e-mail  sgoodell@ushmm.org

You may also contact my colleague, Jessie Viggiano, at 202- 488-0412 or jviggiano@ushmm.org

Sincerely,
Stephen Goodell
Director of Veterans Outreach

Richard Gile, 26^th Infantry Division, 104^th Infantry Regiment, 2^nd Battalion, Company E was awarded the French Legion of Honor on September 29, 2012 at a ceremony held at the National WWII Museum during the Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge 31st Annual Reunion in New Orleans, LA.

The Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge memorial dedication is scheduled for 12 November at 09:30 in the Kentucky Veterans Cemetery, Greenup County, KY. The cemetery has a program scheduled that day also. Their Veterans Day program is at 10:00 am. Inside the cemetery is a beautiful committal shelter, where all the caskets are taken for a final few words before the family is dismissed. It is also the setting for most of the ceremonies and programs that the cemetery has. It is about 75 yards give or take from the monument site.

Our plan is to have the dedication right beside the monument, if weather permits, if not we can have it in the shelter, it is unheated, but has very heavy clear drapes that can be drawn to close out any wind. Also the cemetery has some very nice golf carts that they love to use to ride folks from the office to the shelter or where ever. It may be a bit cool, but we will adjust, and none of the veterans will have to walk more than a few steps. The cemetery will have seats set up for us also.

My good friend, Battle of the Bulge Veteran, John Bill Kelley Sr., envisioned a VBOB monument somewhere in Greenup County Kentucky for many years. The only problem was, finding just the right spot to have it placed. In October of 2010, the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs opened their fourth Veterans Cemetery in the state. The beautiful cemetery sets on 100 acres of rolling hills in northeastern Kentucky. Bill Kelly knew this was the right spot for the monument.

In 2011, Bill visited the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs office in Frankfort Kentucky, to discuss the chosen site and began the process of fund raising. Bill had also made contact with Isaac Mullins, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, 12^th District Commander in Kentucky. The Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs did indeed want the monument to be placed along the memorial walkway in the cemetery, and the 12^th District VFW from Kentucky. did indeed want to take on the task of raising the money to  have a monument installed.

Bill had been admiring the VBOB monument that belongs to the Southern Arizona Chapter in Tucson Arizona since it was erected in 2003. After a discussion with chapter president George McGee, Bill and two other committee members, Isaac Mullins (Vietnam War Veteran) and Bobby Reynolds (Iraqi War Veteran) decided Bill’s monument would be similar to the one in Tucson. “That monument is amazing” Bill would say.  “It tells the whole story on one side and shows the VBOB emblem on the other”.

Sadly, Bill passed away on Jan 6^th of 2012, shortly before the monument was delivered to the Veterans Cemetery. Bill had the opportunity to thank many people for all the work on the project before passing, “It’s not important that I get to see it” Bill said,” I know now that it will be done and when people go there they can see and read the monument and hopefully they will never forget the thousands of Americans that died, and the thousands that were wounded in just under six weeks.”

Dedication of the monument will be on November 12^th, 2012 at 09:30. Please call Bobby Reynolds @ 606-836-7167 or the Kentucky Veterans Cemetery @ 606-929-1555 for more information.

Prepared by Bobby Reynolds, Associate Member

Everyone seemed to have a great time in “The Big Easy.” We had 178 registered guests this year! (that’s more than last year by approximately 75 people!). We were very glad to see 65 Veterans, among which were three Army Nurses who were able to join us this year – as well as our old friends, Nancy and Bill Monson who came to help (they miss seeing the Veterans they met during Nancy’s tenure as Secretary of National VBOB.)

Some people arrived on Tuesday, Sept 25. A group of 28 of them went out to dinner at a nearby restaurant that evening. We all met in the lobby and walked to Domenico’s about a block away. The food was very good!

We began Wednesday, Sept. 26 with a continental breakfast and then a Horse and Buggy Ride through the French Quarter. The Horse and Buggy company decorated the carriages with red white and blue bows and the carriages stayed together (like a parade). With the bows and some of the Veterans wearing their caps, it made some of the pedestrians take notice and some stopped and took pictures. We returned to the hotel and took a bus tour of New Orleans and that was very interesting. Included in our tour was a cemetery (in New Orleans, people are buried above ground). We heard of the custom of visiting the cemeteries on All Saint’s Day (November 1). We drove by many significant places in New Orleans. After the bus tour, we returned to the hotel and some people visited in the hospitality room while others went on a Horse and Buggy Tour (some had missed the morning tour because of their flight arrivals). In total, about 50 people enjoyed the Horse and Buggy Tours. It was quite fun.  That evening, we had a wine and cheese reception in the Ballroom at the hotel. Everyone really seemed to enjoy the food – so much so that we ran out of food and had to supplement with additional pizzas and sandwiches!

We started Thursday, Sept 27 with a wonderful breakfast (including buttered grits). We had a leisurely morning and then we left on the bus to visit the Mardi Gras Museum. Our visit began with a lunch of Shrimp Creole and Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya (unique to New Orleans). Prior to our tour, we were able to try on Mardi Gras costumes and have our pictures taken. During the tour, we learned how the floats for the Mardi Gras Parades are made (and re-cycled) each year. The characters they create for the floats were huge! After the tour, we returned to the hotel and had delicious dinner and attended a presentation by Kevin Secor who spoke about Veterans Affairs. The audience was able to ask questions of Kevin. After the presentation, many people stayed and visited. Some people made new friends.

Friday, Sept 28 began with another amazing breakfast and then we attended a presentation by Professor Andrew G. Jameson entitled “The Battle of the Bulge”. He explained the reasons behind it, why it failed, and why it was called “the Bulge”. He presented both the German and the American positions in the battle. We were able to follow what he explained on large maps of the Bulge. A handout of his presentation was provided (and these are available if you were not able to attend). Following his presentation, we had lunch which included more New Orleans’ favorites – seafood gumbo soup and mini muffalettas. During Lunch, James Triesler presented “It Took A War” which is a project that he and his students have worked on for 10 years. His students learn more about the war and the bravery of those who fought in the war as a result of this project. After lunch, some of us went to Cafe Du Monde for beignets and chicory coffee (or hot chocolate). At 2:30 PM, we boarded the Natchez Cruise Steamboat and had a very enjoyable cruise. Unfortunately, it began to rain before we boarded so some of us got pretty wet. After returning back to the hotel, we went to the WW II Museum to see a USO show. This particular night, they had a big band that was excellent. Their music brought back many fond memories to some. Many of us danced to the music. Some enjoyed a dinner with the show and some of us dined in the Cafe. We returned to the hotel after a very full day.

Saturday, Sept 29 began with another sumptuous breakfast, followed by the Membership Meeting. Then we had lunch that included 2 kinds of soup as well as crab cakes. We left for the WW II Museum and really enjoyed seeing the exhibits on D-Day, the Home Front and the Pacific and we saw the Higgins Boat in the main entrance area. We concluded our visit with a movie called “Beyond All Boundaries” (narrated by Tom Hanks) and we held on to our seats when the movie got “realistic.” Following our visit to the Museum, we returned to the hotel to enjoy a banquet of artichoke stuffed chicken breast or marinated flank steak. The table decorations were beautiful – thanks to William Heroman, one of our members who lives in nearby Baton Rouge, LA. He integrated a little teddy bear dressed in a red, white and blue sweater in the arrangement. They really made the banquet room tables look gorgeous!

Our distinguished speakers at the Banquet included our President, David Bailey, Lucien Leys (a representative from the Belgian Embassy) and Mario Weisen (Consul, Luxembourg Embassy).

Many of us returned home the next morning (Sunday, Sept. 29). A few people stayed over to see some of the sights of New Orleans. We look forward to seeing everyone in Kansas City, in the fall of 2013 for our 32nd Reunion of the Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge!

Many thanks to the caterer who provided 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 dinners – all with a variety of foods at a affordable price. She made it possible for us to sample some of the New Orleans cuisine. Then, the people from the Horse and Buggy company who were so nice to everyone. Then the people at the Mardi Gras Museum, the Natchez Cruise Steamboat, and the World War II Museum. Most of all, the hotel staff was wonderful. They said we were one of the best groups they had all year! They helped in so many ways! Our thanks to our presenters, Kevin Secor, Professor Jameson and James Triesler as well as Alan Cunningham (who presented at the Business Meeting). Overall, it was a fabulous reunion that was action packed. We couldn’t stop the rain, but we still managed to have a wonderful time.

Prepared by Doris Davis, Associate member and reunion co-chair

Ed’s story was written by Ed Baker for the Weymouth News, MA

click www.wickedlocal to read the story

2-20 May 2012 Re-visit the Battlefield.

 I know, here I am making that last trip again. You all know how it is, the years creep up, and one just doesn’t do all those things one did without thinking twice. Well, it happened this way. This fellow, who is a friend of John Gatens, wanted to travel to Europe in the area where the 106^th saw action during the Battle of the Bulge. I now introduce you to Tim Blixt and wife, Lori, who are also members of the 106^th Association and VBOB. Tim especially wanted to make a tour with John G., and me, along to talk about where we had been during the battle. Tim had  discovered MilSpec Tours and contacted their guide, Patrick Hinchy.

 Patrick was experienced with guiding tours though the area of the Ardennes and Schnee Eifel and there was interest with enough people to make up a group for a tour. Also, we were to have the company of Doug Mitchell, an American living in Grosslangenfeld, and, a member of the 106^th Association. Doug is a photo-journalist and would accompany us on the tour for documenting our experience. All of this sounded good, especially since my three kids and a grandson chimed in and said that they were interested. So, nobody had to hold a gun on me to get me to sign us up. I was committed. It was a rare and special opportunity for us to meet again with those folks that I now consider an extended family. There is no substitute for being there.

 Among those to sign up are a few familiar names to our Association. John Swett came with two daughters and a grandson. Barney Mayrsohn was with us for a few days with his friend from Paris, Jacques Klein. We had three gentlemen with us who are old friends and live in my neighborhood. Their interest was in the history of the battle. Wayne Dunn’s father was Captain Thomas Dunn, Company Commander of 423/H. The other two were Bob Mullauer and Frank Armiger, both military historians and friends as well. All of us have been living the good life and, except for those who had lost family and friends during the war, had probably not given much thought about life in Europe then and now. Twenty-two were signed up for the whole week, plus Barney and Jacques for two days.

 The flight to Brussels was uneventful for me. That’s the way I like flying, no surprises. Flying all night and arriving early the next day is a bit trying, but one can adapt. The weather in Brussels was sunny, but rather cool. Warm clothing was needed. So, after getting established in the Novotel Hotel, most of the tour group used public transportation into downtown Brussels to sight see the old city.

 Next day, Monday 14^th, we boarded our bus for the first real day of the tour. The first stop was at Thimister-Clermont to visit the “Remember ‘39-‘45 Museum.” We were warmly welcomed by the owners/curators, Mathilda and Marcel Schmetz. They are now old friends to some of us. Hugs and kisses were in order. We were seated at long tables and Mathilda related what had happened there while under Nazi control and how the museum came about after the end of the war. She then treated us to a nice lunch before guiding us through the museum. The collection of items is always permanent with M&M. They never give up anything that has been given to them or that they have collected from the veterans. The U. S. !st Infantry Division fought in this area and some of the items here are those left behind when that division moved on. Many items have been donated since by 106^th Division, and other, veterans who have visited the museum. Marcel is a master mechanic and artist and has constructed the dioramas and exhibits himself. His latest contributions are a full scale M-10 Tank Destroyer and a full scale V-1 Buzz Bomb. Even a close inspection does not reveal that they are made of wood.

All American veterans who visit the museum are honored with their own memorabilia by leaving their name on the side(s) of a Red Ball Express semi-truck and photos made when in uniform for display. The very uniform that John Swett wore neatly dressed a manikin.  Donations of any WW II items from veterans are always welcome as well. We didn’t have enough time here. Of course, we never do.

We departed our friends, M&M, and drove next to Henri Chapelle American Military Cemetery. At the cemetery we were greeted by the Superintendent, Bobby Bell, and his staff. The U. S. Air Force Color Guard under the leadership of SSGT. Estupinan from Spangdahlem AFB were also there waiting for us to participate. They were sharp! Arrangements had been made for supplying us with a wreath for the monument honoring all who rest there and a special flower arrangement for the grave of 1^st Lt. Eric F. Wood, Jr.

We 589^th veterans gave homage to our lieutenant who we consider a genuine hero. Also we made a visit to the grave of Captain James L. Manning who was Barney Mayrsohn’s C. O., and paid our respects there. While at the grave sites we were apparently observed by two USAF A-10 “Wart Hog” attack airplanes from the Air Base. They circled around us twice at low level and then flew off wagging their wings. It is my feelings that  it is something they do spontaneously when ever they observe people in the cemetery. Also at the cemetery was our Belgian friends, Denise Oger and Anne-Marie Noel-Simon from CRIBA, and a USAF photographer and reporter team from the news media at Spangdahlem AFB.

It is always a solemn experience to visit the cemetery, but also it is something that we are drawn to do. There are 7,992 graves in Hemri Chapelle Cemetery, five are those of men of the 589^th FAB; MSGT Preston Hill, Pvt. Kenneth H. Garrett, !st Lt Eric F. Wood, Jr., Pvt. Wallace Godwin, and Capt. Malcolm H. Rockwell.

The weather was clear and cool and our first-timers had an opportunity to observe from the bus what a lovely countryside Belgium has. That evening we arrived in one of the oldest cities in Europe, Aachen. In 1944 this was the first major city in Germany to fall to the Allies after bitter fighting. Here is where we spent the night at the Hotel Mercure Aachen Europaplatz..

Tuesday May 15 our bus carried us southward through the border country where the Sixth Panzer Army attacked on December 16^th. The route followed inside the Westwall, as Hitler named it, or, later referred to as The Siegfried Line. We were able to dismount from the bus and inspect the “Dragon’s Teeth,” close up and appreciate what a formidable obstacle it was for armor and vehicles to cross. However once the enemy was driven from the area tanks fitted with bulldozer blades covered them over. This defensive border extended from Holland in the north to Switzerland in the south and was reinforced with bunkers at strategic points all along the route, about 400 miles.

The Sixth Panzer Army’s opening offensive was in the front south from Aachen. We traveled down the line of the Westwall past Monschau, Camp Elsenborn, Bullingen, Malmedy, and St. Vith to Clervaux.

The route to Clervaux is picturesque, to say the least. It seems that we are usually following a ridge line that affords a panoramic view on both sides of the road. The villages and towns we pass through are just as shown in the tourist brochures. They all appear to be ancient, but in areas where they were fought over most buildings are no more than about 65 years old. When re-built, the original plans and designs were followed, at least on the outside. Centuries ago most every town grew up surrounding a castle. Many of these old disintegrating structures are now being restored. Some will be tourist attractions and/or B & Bs. In any case they are interesting to view as a way of life that is now ancient history.

Traveling southward still we come to the region that was attacked by the German Fifth Panzer Army. The lines here were thinly defended by the 99^th Infantry Division on the north flank, the 14^th Cavalry Group between them and the 106^th Infantry Division, and on the southern flank the 28^th Division was in place. The front extended about 60 miles. This area was considered by higher headquarters as a “quiet front” where nothing happened or was expected to happen. Therefore these units were spread exceptionally thin and some places were not defended at all. Looking at it today in beautiful weather and fully restored it is hard to visualize what happen here in the winter of  1944-45.  

We arrived at Clervaux, Luxembourg, mid afternoon, a town that I have visited several times. It too was devastated during the battle. After registering at the Hotel International we all assembled at the square near The Statue of the GI where we were officially greeted by the President of CEBA, Camille Kohn. We heard a very nice welcoming speech, performed a wreath laying ceremony at the statue, and then moved off into the old castle. Once inside we were ushered into a large conference room where M. Kohn explained the situation of Luxembourg during occupation by the Nazis and the hard fought battle that took place there. That was followed by wine all around and toasts to the Liberators.

The castle was severely damaged during the fighting but has been painstakingly restored to its former glory. The castle now houses two museums, one dedicated to the actions of WW II and the other to the Ages of Man. Both are administered by the town ‘fathers.’ We then had the opportunity to browse through the WW II Museum and examine the many artifacts and displays dedicated to the memory of all those who fought for liberty in Luxembourg. Until he passed away in March 2012, Frank Kieffer was the prime collector and curator of this WW II Museum. He will be missed by many of us who knew him personally. Our dinner was presented about 7:30 at the Hotel International. A real pleasant surprise was to find Bernadette Lejeune with us. Bernadette is that special person who manages the Auberge du Carrefour at Baraque de Fraiture. She is most generous with her treatment of the 106^th Division veterans who visit there. More about Bernadette and her family later.                                                            

Wednesday, May 16^th was another cool day and we expected to cover the area occupied by elements of the 106^th Division when the attack by the Fifth Panzer Army occurred.  Those were the first of many critical days to follow. We stayed on the road but made stops where we could point out positions where various units were on the 16^th and pin point locations of the 589^th Artillery Batteries. As best we could, John Gatens and I talked about our first experience under fire at a place known as Herzfenn. If one would scan the ground here with a metal detector he would not be strong enough to carry away all of the shell fragments he would discover. We were able to point out the approximate locations where the Germans accepted the surrender of most of two regiments of the 106^th after they were caught in a pincer without resupply or means to carry on the fight.

We drove to the town of Bleialf, not very far (,by bus,) where many of the American prisoners spent a day and night herded into the church courtyard. John Swett was one, and he described his experience here to the group. The Hotel Waldblick in Bleialf expected us for lunch and it was only walking distance from the church.

I was very pleased to find a good friend there, Ed Lapotsky, who lives in Germany. Ed is ex-82nd AB Division and very active in several veteran organizations. We became acquainted with Ed some years ago on other trips and have also met in the States on special occasions. Before we parted Ed presented me with a bottle of fine Mosel wine and a challenge coin honoring the C-47 Club of the 82^nd AB Association.) After our lunch at the hotel we visited Grosslangenfeld, home the Reusch family and our friend and companion for the tour, Doug Mitchell. We had the opportunity to meet Doug’s wife, Anita, who served up dessert for the group, a delicious apple cake that was made by her mother. It is a shame everyone didn’t get a piece. We then walked a short distance to the village church where there is a monument dedicated to both the German and American soldiers who fought over the village during those days of December 1944. (See The Cub issue Vol 61, No 2, Jan-Mar 2005) The church, which is centuries old, was opened up for our inspection as well. Everyone had a chance to go inside and look around.

We also examined the monument erected in memory of the bitter fighting that occurred here between the 106^th Division Reconnaissance Troop and the German 62nd Volksgrenadier Division. The Germans suffered heavy losses and took the town only after the Americans ran out of ammunition and pulled out.

We visited the memorial at Wereth, a place where another atrocity occurred during the battle. Anne-Marie and Denise were there to provide an orientation of what happened to eleven soldiers from the 333^rd Field Artillery Bn. when they sought refuge in one of the local houses. They were soon discovered by the advancing Nazi troops, herded outside to the road and brutally murdered. A monument dedicated in 2004 marks the spot where this happened. We then proceeded to St.Vith for a ceremony of remembrance at the 106^th Infantry Division Memorial. The USAF Color Guard under T/Sgt Williams was already there in place along with veterans of the Belgian Fusiliers with their unit flags. The Mayor of St. Vith, Christian Krings, was there to provide an official welcome and deliver a nice speech honoring the 106^th Division. We veterans once again presented a wreath at the monument. After the ceremony we assembled in the dining room of the Hotel Pip Margraf for refreshments and social time. On leaving St. Vith we visited through some of those villages whose names would be familiar; Winterspelt, Berg Reuland, Spineux, Ennal, etc. There is never enough time to go everywhere and see everything.

Thursday ,May 17 we drove from Clervaux to Manhay for a mid-morning reception. Our dear friends of CRIBA, Eddy, Bernadette, Anne, Henri, Jacques, Albert, and too many more to mention where there to greet us with something special. When we drove up and saw four US Army Jeeps and one 3/4 ton Weapons Carrier parked in front and re-enactors in U.S. uniforms we knew then it had to  be special. We were ushered into the Community Hall of Manhay for another welcoming speech by the Bourgemestre, Elie Deblire,  and presented with gifts including the Coat of Arms of Manhay and a certificate declaring we three veterans as Honorary Citizens of the Commune of Vielsalm. It was another delightful time to meet again with our friends and be so honored. We remember that the honor is accepted on behalf of all GI’s who were not with us on this day.

When we departed Manhay we vets accepted rides in the Jeeps. Our convoy drove to Grandmenil with sirens blaring, declaring, “The Yanks are back!!”

At Grandmenil we stopped and dismounted to inspect the Panzer Mark V Panther tank that is installed on a concrete pad for display. Except for the tracks being damaged it looks to be in fairly good shape. Returning to our Jeeps again we headed back down the road toward Baraque de Fraiture, making a brief stop along the way to inspect another monument. While dismounted, one of the re-enactors produced a canteen and passed around some small cups to a few of us older guys. He carefully poured each of us something that didn’t look like water, didn’t smell like water, but, after toasting each other, we found out it didn’t taste like water. So, just to make sure, we toasted the Jeeps, and all present. Thus fortified, we got back on the road and drove the rest of the way to Baraque de Fraiture. Upon our arrival at the crossroads we found that another crowd had assembled to greet us. Again, the USAF Color Guard, this time under S/Sgt Paul, was present.

We three “Johns” were again greeted by the local officials, participated in a memorial ceremony at the site of the 105mm Howitzer, and were presented with gifts, and honored once again. We all then went inside the Auberge du Carrefour to a lavish sit-down luncheon. The food and wine was excellent as always and we were catered to by Bernadette’s able staff just like it was going to be our “last meal.”  It was like a family reunion with our friends from all around the Ardennes area. Later around 6:30 the tour left the Crossroads to visit Bastogne and the Mardasson Monument that honors all American units that were involved in the Battle of the Bulge. Bernadette and Denise and Anne-Noel insisted that John Gatens, me, and our families stay at the Auberge. “Don’t worry,” they said. “We will get you back to your hotel later.” So, we stayed and watched the bus depart. No problem, more food and wine were put before us until we couldn’t eat of drink any more. We were their honored company until about 10:00 PM when they put us in a taxi and sent us off into the night to Clervaux. Bastogne will have to wait until next time for us. 

Friday May 18, 2012 Our tour guide, Patrick, arranged for us to travel to the American Military Cemetery (Hamm) in Luxembourg City. Again we performed a wreath laying ceremony accompanied by the USAF Color Guard and also members of the organization known as U. S. Veterans Friends, Luxembourg A.S.B.L. One of our tour members, a war orphan, was Vicki Cool whose father, Pvt. Victor LaCount, was buried at this cemetery. We attended a service at his grave where again, flowers were placed and a notice hung on the marble cross indicating that the family had visited. Here is where the three veterans of the 106^th Infantry Division were presented with certificates recognizing us with the Medal of Honor and a medal to go with it. The presentation was made by Constant Goergen, Honorary President of the above organization. The tour group also visited the grave of General George S. Patton where the cemetery superintendent delivered a moving speech of the life of General Patton and how much his memory is revered in Luxembourg. We made a noon-time stop in downtown Luxembourg City for a light lunch and walk around. It is a fascinating city and I would like to spend more time there (As a side note, English is spoken most places in Europe so a tourist can get about with confidence.)

The next stop on our tour was the huge Military Museum in Diekirch administered by Roland Gaul. This is certainly one, if not the, largest collections of military materials used during WW II in Europe. We spent the rest of the afternoon absorbing more information than we could possibly remember about life in the opposing armies. Mr. Gaul gave a few of us a quick look inside the library of several thousands of books written about WW II. Our timing placed us back in Clervaux in time to freshen up for another great dinner at the Hotel International. We were pleasantly surprised to find our old friend, Vincent Gerard, and his mother, Anne, waiting for our arrival. Vince has been a gracious host to many visiting veterans in past years. It was nice to reminisce of past visits to the battlefield with Vince.

Saturday 19 May was our final day together. We departed Clervaux following as close as was practical the route taken by the American POW’s on their trek to a prison camp. They marched from Auw, Bleialf, Pruem, and other places in the area to Gerolstein. Gerolstein was a rail junction and a place where some POW’s were jammed into 40 & 8 boxcars and others were marched off, walking to their destinations, sometimes several hundred miles. Many made their next “home” at Stalag XII-A in Diez, near Limburg, Germany. Our guide, Patrick, directed the driver and we found what we were looking for. This was where Stalag XII-A once was, but today there is no trace of it. Instead there is a German Army base. Of course, it is fenced in with a formidable gate blocking the entrance. Patrick beckoned to the guard on duty and after explaining that we had ex-pow’s on board and that this site was once their prison, the guard agreed to conduct us on a brief tour of the base. Yes, there is absolutely no trace of a prison camp. On passing through the gate again to leave we received a snappy salute from the sentry. Nice finish. We hit the road again for Frankfurt and our last night in the Sheraton Hotel, actually in the confines of the huge Frankfurt Airport.

Patrick had intended to tour us through the old city but we were diverted by police. Later we found out that the center of Frankfurt was jammed by a several thousand person ‘Occupy” group. It seems that they had shut down downtown traffic. We proceeded to the airport instead. Our accommodations were in walking distance to the United Airlines Check-in. This is a really large facility housing not only the airport but all brands of hotels, eating places, and shops. We found a nice German style restaurant and settled for a schnitzel, what else?

And so, as the sun slowly settles in the west we prepare for our flight the next day. It has been a fast week. There were no drop outs, and we did all that we set out to do and much more. The plane rides are long and boring, but that is a part of going anywhere. It beats what ever is second best.

Thanks are beyond just, “Thanks,” and go to our very capable guide, Patrick Hinchy, who made all of our arrangements for us, our driver, Joorg, who safely delivered us through traffic and narrow streets that must have been a bus driver’s nightmare, and Doug Mitchell, who provided much information about the region we traveled and documented our journey. It was a great group to travel with, everyone was compatible and friendly. Our great friends in Belgium, Luxembourg, and Germany were so gracious and entertained us to the nth degree. I hope that it will be possible to do it again.

The Belgian Fourragère of 1940 was created by Prince Charles of Belgium, Regent of the Kingdom to honor certain military units that distinguished themselves during the Second World War.

 The Fourragère 1940 (in the colors of the War Cross 1940) could be awarded to the foreign units that had distinguished themselves particularly in the battles which had led to the liberation of Belgium and which were cited twice in the Daily Orders of the Belgian Army. However, individual authorizations to wear the Fourragère 1940 could only be granted by the Commander of the 2nd Armored Division to those servicemen who had participated in the battles that had led to both citations in the Daily Orders of the Belgian Army.

 All Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge can introduce a request to receive the “Fourragère 1940”. The Fourragère 1940 will not be awarded posthumously.

 The two conditions to receive this award are the following:

1.  The Veteran must have taken part in the Battle of the Bulge with a unit, cited twice in the Daily Orders of the Belgian Army, click here to see the list of units, and
2.  The Veteran must still be alive.

 The historical center of the Belgian Defense in Brussels will verify every request and therefore will need the exact name of the Veteran, the name of his former unit and some proofs that he belonged to that unit (for example a copy of the “Military Record and report of separation”, a copy of the “Honorable discharge” or a copy of any award received before)

 After verification by the historical center in Brussels, the Defense Attaché’s Office will take the necessarily actions towards the Archives of the U.S. Army to obtain their permission to wear the Fourragère 1940.

 The Veteran who wants to introduce a request can send this to the Military Section of the Belgian Embassy.

 Per e-mail: nadege.ganga@mil.be 
             or: p.desmedt@mil.be

 Per mail:

Embassy of Belgium
Military Section
Attention: Ms Nadège Ganga or Major Patrick De Smedt
3330 Garfield Street NW
Washington, DC 20008

Born May 19,1920 – St. Paul, MN. – named Thomas Walker Hope III after an uncle and a great uncle in London, England.

One of the books that I read in high school intrigued me, the “Autobiography of Edward Bok.” He had been the long time editor of one of the most popular magazines of the mid 20^th Century, the Saturday Evening Post. He was Dutch, coming to this country in 1870 as a seven-year old. As he left Holland, his grandmother’s parting words were, “Edward, you must leave the world a little better than you found it!”

What sage advice. And what a challenge for me. I chose it for my life’s goal.

Graduated from high school in 1937 and in June I received my Boy Scout Eagle. The following summer as a counselor at Frank Neibel Scout Camp in Wisconsin I added the bronze palm.

In July 19371 attended the first National Boy Scout Jamboree in Washington, DC. and then went to Europe on the Cunard Aquatania ocean liner. First a few days in England, then to Paris, Antwerp, Belgium and finally to the 5^th International Scout Jamboree in Holland. I shot 1000 feet of the new 16mm Kodachrome color film to start what became my first career, filmmaking.

That fall I stared the University if Minnesota. At the same time I and three other Scouts who had gone to Holland gave the story of the Jamboree trip to high school groups and church youth groups. I showed my film. I was so immersed in those presentations that I did poorly at the U.

My mother had younger sister in El Paso, Texas. Mother and dad figured a change of scenery might help me get on track. It did.

At Texas College of Mines, now UTEP, I was active in college affairs and joined a local fraternity that wanted to go national. By my senior year we had joined Phi Kappa Tau and I was elected as the new chapter’s first president. Roland Maxwell came from California to induct the chapter.

By December 1941 we were at war. I was drafted three weeks before graduation and received my degree in absentia. My first assignment in the Army was as a movie cameraman for the new First Special Service Force, joint American and Canadian troops being trained for the invasion of Europe. Using movies, I helped change the style of parachute landing in both the American and Canadian armies.

Becoming a photo officer, I taught and then ran the Army Motion Picture School in New York City. Then over to Europe for 14 months of combat, ending in 1945 as photo officer for the Ninth Army with the rank of captain.

Over the following four plus decades I had four careers. First as an industrial film producer at General Mills in Minneapolis and in early television. For example I started the Lone Ranger TV show in 1949.

For my second career, in 1952 I was as a Marshall Plan consultant in Paris helping the French recover after seven years of war. Next I turned down the Department of State that wanted me next to move to Athens to help the Greeks. Eastman Kodak and Rochester was next in 1954 when I became a film consultant…. Taking early retirement from Kodak in 1970, for my third career my wife and I started Hope Reports, an audiovisual and media market research firm. We published 50 books with findings related to the industry. For the next 32 years. I had some interesting experiences. For example I was involved in the birth of video recording.

Now in my fourth career I am writing. My first book for veterans, “Bonding for Life,” is of 60 post-war years of the First Special Service Force…. Currently I have completed my memoirs of WWII, “Combat Cameramen.” Now my agent is seeking a publisher….. .. ..Working with a team of Battle of the Bulge vets, we are ready to print a book of veterans’ stories, “The Battle In Common.” And then begin to sell it.

In 1949 I married Mabeth Stewart who was a General Mills secretary I had cast in a film. We have three sons, now married, each to wonderful wives. And five grandchildren who are making us grandparents proud of their accomplishments.

I should mention that as a young boy scout in St. Paul I joined the Pine Bend Scout Club, still going now as an association serving scouts of today. Here’s a record – not a single one of my early contemporary scouts has had a divorce!

As I write my life summary, I hope I have helped to make this a better world.