Donate Historical Materials to AHEC at Carlisle, PA

http://www.carlisle.army.mil/ahec/

GUIDE TO DONATING HISTORICAL MATERIALS
Below you will find a brief listing of the materials that the USAHEC is looking to add to its collections. If you have any questions, or would like to make a donation, please contact one of the members of our Collections Management staff.
Mike Mira – Registrar Michael.Mira1@us.army.mil 717-245-4139
David Kennaly – Assistant Registrar David.Kennaly@us.army.mil
717-245-4672

Materials of Interest to the Archives, Library, and Museum:
The Center collects uniforms, equipment, weapons, flags, Soldier souvenirs, original artwork, and captured enemy materials related to the history of the United States Army and Army Soldiers. Additionally it collects memoirs, diaries, personal correspondence, official documents, photographs, unit and command newsletters, newspapers and periodicals, Army manuals and publications, audio and video recordings, films, unit histories, and books relating to Army and military history.

Items Not Accepted:
Items that will not be accepted into the collections include: live ammunition and ordnance, hazardous materials, pharmaceuticals or controlled substances, items in poor or infested condition, newspaper clippings, 201 files, medical or financial records, commercial motion pictures, and any item that does not fulfill the mission of the Center.

Conditions for Accepting Materials:
Note that Army Regulations prohibit the acceptance of any donation that can be classified as a conditional gift. Once an item is accepted into the Army Heritage and Education Center Collection it becomes property of the United States Army.
A donor may not place any condition on a gift such as length of exhibition, dictate how an item is to be displayed or interpreted, make conditions concerning how archival materials are arranged, or that create restricted public access.
The U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center may not be able to accept all of the items that a party is looking to donate. Proposed donations are handled on a case by case basis and evaluated by a member of Army Heritage Museum or the Military History Institute. Decisions on acceptance are made by the appropriate Curator, Archivist, or Librarian.Any items not accepted into the collection will be returned to the donor unless otherwise specified.
It is necessary to make an appointment with the Collections Management staff before donating any firearm or inert ordnance. Army Regulations prohibit a firearm from being brought onto an Army Instillation. Our staff must make arrangements with the security guards before a firearm or inert ordnance can be brought onto the premises.
Please do not walk unaccompanied up to any USAHEC building with a firearm. All firearms and inert ordnance must be left in a potential donor’s vehicle and can only be brought into a building by a designated member of the USAHEC staff.
No copies of materials, to include photocopies or scans, will be made as a condition of donation.
Please do not send any items to the USAHEC without speaking to a member of the Collections Management Staff.

Appraisals:
According to United States Army and Internal Revenue Service Regulations, the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center cannot appraise artifacts, archival collections, or books, nor can we suggest the name of an appraiser or appraisal service. If you would like to have an item appraised, it must be done before it is donated and at the donor’s expense.

Boy Scout Seeks 1,000 Veterans to Share their Stories

 

The room was silent because the man next to me cried.  His emotions had forced him to stop momentarily, but the room waited, patiently, for him to collect himself before continuing his story. As we waited silently for him to catch his breath, I sat in awe at what was occurring before me. Having again rallied himself, Frank Walsh resumed his tale. Long, long ago, in December 1944, as a young soldier fighting in the Second World War, his unit joined the Allied forces attempting to halt a massive German offensive in what became known as the Battle of the Bulge. One bitter winter day, in the heat of this climatic battle, one of his comrades was injured and began to call for help. Heavy enemy fire prevented all of Frank’s attempts to reach the man, and forced him to withdraw back to his platoon’s position.

Mr. Walsh shared this story in December of 2008, nearly 64 years since those fateful moments. Yet the emotion in his voice made me feel like it happened only yesterday. His face and tone expressed clearly the guilt he carried for being unable to save his fellow soldier. Seeing the impact those few moments had on his life, even six and half decades after the event, made a deep impression on me. Only twelve years old, I had never seen anyone so affected by a single experience. When I got home later that day, I immediately found a notebook and wrote down Mr. Walsh’s story while it remained fresh in my mind. I didn’t want to forget what I had heard that day.

My name is Kyle Miller, I am 15 years old, and an associate member of the Litsinberger Chapter of Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge. It was at one of my chapter meetings that I heard Mr. Walsh’s story. That cold December afternoon of 2008 changed my life. These shuffling old men were transformed as I began to realize and appreciate their sacrifice, their honor, their gift to my generation. I suddenly realized the personal experiences and memories of these veterans paint the true image of war; the terror, the absurdity, the reality. This picture is quickly fading from the view of my generation.  These fine veterans of the Litsenberger Chapter of the Veterans of the Battle of Bulge shared not only their stories, but their friendship with me.  Sadly, five of my friends, including Mr. Walsh, have died in the last two years.  In honor of them, I decided to make the preservation of this generation’s legacy, a personal mission.

As a Boy Scout in Troop 826, Reynoldsburg, Ohio, I earned the rank of Life last November. That is when I really had to start thinking about what I wanted my Eagle project to be. I wanted my project to reflect my interests and benefit a part of the community that I felt deserved it. As I brainstormed a wide range of ideas, I remembered a newspaper article that my grandmother had given me over three years ago; the very article that inspired me to join the Litsinberger Chapter. The article spoke of World War II veterans seeking to pass their stories on to younger people.  As I thought about that article and my friends of the Litsinberger Chapter, I knew I wanted my project to help preserve their legacy.

Like the veterans seeking younger people, I am now seeking veterans.  My Eagle Project vision is to capture and preserve the stories of 1,000 World War II and Korean War Veterans. Yes, that’s right, 1,000 personal, human, stories from our servicemen and women. Their experiences will be archived and available for anyone to hear.  In this way, who they are and what they did will not be forgotten!

I can’t pull off this project by myself; I am going to need a lot of help!  To help with the collection of stories and to provide an archive, I have created a website called Voices From the Front   If you are a veteran and would like to share your story, please go to http://voicesfromthefront.org  and register as an interested veteran today. If you know a veteran that might be interested in sharing his or her story, help spread the word of my project by giving them the name of my website.

I need volunteers! I need help interviewing veterans, writing, editing, and publishing their stories, and help editing audio and video footage from recorded interviews. I need all the help I can get! If you are interested in meeting our nation’s military veterans, like to write, or know how to edit digital footage, go online and register as a volunteer, or contact me at kyle.miller@voicesfromthefront.org  to see how you can get involved.

I need donations to pay for expenses! Generous contributions of any size are appreciated! If you donate $15 to our mission we will give you a free Voices from the Front T-Shirt. Don’t need a T-Shirt? You can designate your t-shirt for a veteran. Just donate $15 and we will give a shirt to the next veteran we interview.

They call World War II veterans the Greatest Generation, and by preserving their legacy we will ensure that future generations will never forget their courage, honor, and spirit. Go to voicesfromthefront.org and find out how you can get involved today, and working together, we can all give back to those we owe so much.

Thank you for your support of our mission.

P.S.   About a month ago, a veteran I had recently interviewed called me and asked that his story not be published. While I was disappointed, I agreed to his request. I want all veterans to remember this is YOUR story, if you decide you don’t wish to share your story, even if you initially agreed to, it is never too late to change your mind. If there is one or two particular experiences you don’t wish to discuss, share the rest of your story with us, and leave that part out.  I understand and respect that some things are better left unsaid.

I’m no hero,” one veteran I was trying to interview told me.  Many of the veterans I have interviewed insist they are not the heroes. It’s funny, but the supply guys and the office guys always say, “It’s the soldiers on the front lines who are the heroes.

The soldiers on the front lines always say, “The real heroes are the ones who didn’t make it home.”

For me, every soldier, from the one sitting behind a desk to the one lying in the cemetery deserves my respect and my gratitude. And he has it. If you don’t want share your story because you don’t consider yourself a hero, or you think your actions aren’t worth mentioning, call me.  Maybe I can change your mind.

Kyle Miller – 740-675-1116 or e-mail me kyle.miller@voicesfromthefront.org
 

 

Do you know him?

Isabelle Copine-Picard, the owner of the Hotel du Sud in Bastogne, Belgium, would like to know the name, unit and contact information (if still living) of the American soldier who is pictured in the accompanying photograph.  The G.I. was stationed in Bastogne before December 16, 1944 and he gave the photo to Isabelle’s parents before he left town.  If you can assist Isabelle, please contact her at the Hotel du Sud, 39 Rue de Marche, B-6600 Bastogne, Belgium.

Submitted by VBOB Life Member Patrick Kearney 11th Armored Division

Luxembourg American Cultural Society, Inc.

Under the High Patronage of His Royal Highness Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg

January 31, 2012

Dear Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge,

Greetings! My name is Kevin Wester and I am the Executive Director of the Luxembourg American Cultural Society in Belgium, Wisconsin, USA. It is with great honor that we are joining your organization. We know the history of the Battle of the Bulge and share a special love and devotion with you for Luxembourg and Belgium. We also extend our continued thanks for the sacrifices that all of you made in liberating that part of Europe. Your heroism and bravery have not been forgotten.

Consul General Mario Wiesen of the Consulate General of Luxembourg in Washington, DC told us about your organization. Mario is a member of our Society and a big promoter of our mission. Please know that if you are ever in need of articles for your newsletter, I would be happy to write an article about our Cultural Center. Our museum features a permanent exhibit about World War II, the Battle of the Bulge and the Liberation of Luxembourg. I would also be open to being a presenter at one of your upcoming conventions. I would be happy to present an overview of our Cultural Society and Center.

Also, please feel free to spread the word to your members and their descendants that we exist! We have a world-class museum and research center about Luxembourg and Luxembourg presence in the United States including the story of WWII also told from the Luxembourg American side. It is quite fascinating. Our website is www.luxamculturalsociety.org.

Again, we are honored to be part of your organization, we look forward to receiving your newsletter, and please let us know of any way that we might be able to collaborate with you for the good of the cause.

Sincerely yours,

Kevin Wester
262-355-5758
kwester@luxamculturalsociety.org

P.O. Box 157, Belgium, Wl 53004-0157 USA • 262-476-5086

Hudson Valley Chapter (49) – December 16, 2011

The following are pictures from our Veterans Battle of the Bulge Chapter 49 annual remembrance meeting on December 16, 2011. Our chapter is located in upstate New York. Our speaker for the December 16th meeting was Robert Jackson, a prisoner of war from the Battle of the Bulge who came and shared his story with us.
Story and photos submitted by Greg Wolanin and Meghan McDermott

(l-r) Allen Atwell, Robert Jackson

U.S. Military Academy desires to interview Bulge veterans

Every soldier has a story…Here is where the story is told. The West Point Center for Oral History is an online archive dedicated to recording the story of the American soldier, in war and peace. The Center officially opened online in October, 2011.

We are looking for veterans of the Battle of the Bulge to interview for a new archive of oral histories being created by the West Point Center for Oral History at the U.S. Military Academy. The interviews will be available at www.westpointcoh.org to historians, West Point cadets and the general public. We want veterans to tell their stories and recount their experiences in their own words. The interviews, which will be videotaped, usually take 60 to 90 minutes.

I will visit you to conduct the interview at your convenience. I hope to find veterans who live in the Boston-New York- Philadelphia-Washington corridor or on the West Coast. If you live somewhere else, but would like to be interviewed, please be in touch and we will try to make arrangements.

Please contact me,
Daniel B. Polin
West Point Center for Oral History
email dbpolin@gmail.com
Telephone 917-22-7226.

Luc Frieden, Luxembourg, Minister of Finance, honors VBOB

On February 13, 2012 Luc Frieden visited Arlington National Cemetery to lay wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknowns and the Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge Memorial. Afterward the minister met with the veterans who were in attendance.
Photos by Robert Rhodes

(l-r) Lou Cunningham, 106th ID; Mike Levin, 7th AD; Luc Frieden, Luxembourg, Minister of Finance; David Bailey, 106th ID

 

(l-r) Luc Frieden, Luxembourg, Minister of Finance; David Bailey, 106th ID

 

Mike Levin, 7th AD
(l-r) Alan & Lou Cunningham, 106th ID-son and father
(l-r) Lou Cunningham, 106th ID; Sarah Khabirpour, Cabinet of the Minister; Jean-Paul Senninger, Luxembourg Ambassador to the United States

 It was indeed an honor to be treated so generously by the Luxembourg Embassy at a wreath laying at our BOB Memorial in Arlington. Those of us who were there welcomed a warm reception on a delightful February day.  I must say that the beautiful wreath with the fresh flowers won over the attendees.  Read the letter I sent today to the Ambassador of Luxembourg expressing our grateful thanks.  President David Bailey

 

 

 

James Triesler, Associate Member interviews William Gillen a Bulge veteran

The interview is in the 2nd Armored Division Bulletin – December 2011 issue

James E. Triesler, a history and government teacher at Clover Hill High School in Chesterfield County, VA has 14 years experience as an educator and holds dual endorsements in English and history/social science. He also has coached softball, forensics, and debate and served as yearbook sponsor. Students often say they “hate history” but Mr. Triesler has found avenues for students to connect to history in a personal way. He brings in antiques, written documents, and artifacts to augment lessons and encourages students to engage in history by using the tools of historians such as census records, genealogical documents and special library collections.

John R. Schaffner, 106th ID, 589th FA participates in book signing

(l-r) Lil Schaffner; Jeffrey Barda,(CO of the Navy Museum); Martin King; John Schaffner; Michael Collins

There is apparently a resurgence of interest in WW II history and as a result, I have had my experience used in several books (that I know about) with two more in progress. My wife Lil and I were invited to attend a book signing, at the Navy Yard in Washington DC, by the two authors of a new one titled “Voices of the Bulge.”  One author is American Michael Collins and the other a Scot Martin King, who resides in Belgium and conducts tours of the Ardennes. It was a small gathering in the museum’s auditorium and they invited me to speak. I suppose it went over OK since I was asked to sign as many books as the authors. “Voices of the Bulge” is on our web site under Research/Books, DVDs, Film

There are two more books in progress that will be very important to the history of the 106th Division. One titled “Red Legs of the Bulge,” about the artillery, by C.J. Kelly, to be released soon and the other is “The Last Infantry Division” by Kenneth Johnson. Johnson’s book is nearing completion and will be based solely on the experiences of the men of the 106th Division. He has worked on this project for several years and by using memoirs written, personal interviews, and the full cooperation of other WW II historians, has compiled an outstanding work that all of us 106th veterans will be proud to hand down to future generations.

It is “our” story, as complete as one can put it on paper, and digital. There will be an electronic version that will contain newsreel footage with sound, Google maps that will show actual terrain and locations of various units for one to view using an IPad, or other devices that I believe are now on the market. Check with your grand children. This latest electronic stuff is fascinating, almost unbelievable until you have one in your hands.

Bulge veterans reconnoiter at the Gap

Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge and other World War II veterans reported to Indiantown Gap, PA from January 24- 29, 2012 to reminisce and mingle with  re-enactors of the largest land battle ever fought by the US Army.

Activities included:

  • Visit to the North Lebanon High School
  • Visit to the VA Hospital in Lebanon
  • A wreath laying ceremony
  • Judging a 1940s talent show

Photos by John McAuliffe, 87th Infantry Division





How to request being awarded the French Legion of Honor

The Legion of Honor is France’s most distinguished decoration and it can be bestowed to recognize the special contribution and act of bravery while fighting for the liberation of our country during WWII. The decision to honor World War II combatants applies only to living veterans who served on French territory and in French territorial waters and airspace from 1944-1945.

The medal will not be awarded posthumously

In order to study your request you must provide us with the following documents:

  1.  Proposal Memory Form – Attach the form completed in block letters and print legibly (with a detailed personal narrative related to your campaigns in France in which you participated, indicating the dates and locations where you fought, the divisions or units you belonged to and your functions).
  2.  Honorable Discharge Papers – Attach a copy (do not send originals) of both sides of your showing proof of service in France between June 6, 1944 and May 8, 1945.
  3.  A copy of any of the following decorations you or your unit may have been awarded is also required: Bronze Star, Silver Star, Purple Heart, Congressional medal, French Croix de Guerre/French Fourragere.
  4.  All information (newspaper articles, books, etc) describing your actions in France during WWII.
  5. Mail to one of the French Consulates on the list.

Please note that upon receipt of these documents your file will be submitted to our Embassy in Washington DC, and then to the Grand Chancellery of the Legion of Honor in Paris, France, for a final decision after a close study of the veteran’s record by a committee. The review of application for the Legion of Honor may take over a year. Please don’t call; applicants will be contacted directly if any questions or problems arise.

If your request is accepted you will have to go to one of the French Consulates to receive the medal.

VBOB invited to St. Patrick’s Day parade in Washington DC

St Patrick’s Day Parade

Sun, 11 March 2012

11:30 AM

Washington DC Mall

VBOBers are Marching

Get your marching shoes shined!

We will gather again outside the old Smithsonian

Castle, on the Mall side.

Look for the VBOB Flag

And WWII Uniforms & vehicles

Please wear an overseas cap and your medals or ribbons

Vehicles will be available for the walking wounded, furnished by the Military Vehicle Collectors Society, however as many of you as can march are asked to show the younger generations how it is done!

                        Our National organization and all Chapters have been invited once again to march in our Nation’s St Patrick’s Parade, down Constitution Avenue from 7th to 17th Streets NW.

We especially would like to have marchers to show the crowd that you Bulge Veterans still have alot of kick.  The march is about one mile, nothing like those five mile or 20 mile marches that you had to pass.

It is a particular pleasure to march in this parade because we salute “Those Who Serve” as you once did. Each year that we have marched we have had continuous applause from  the crowd along the whole parade route, something no other unit has sustained. We have won 6 trophies.

So get those marching shoes shined and caps out and if you can still get into your uniform please wear it as it really is a crowd pleaser.    Mark your calendars for the 11th of March.  See you there! Call John Bowen 301-384-6533 or johndbowen@earthlink.net for further information.

We salute

THOSE WHO SERVE

Fire-Police-Active Military–National Guard-Postal

As You Once Did

FREEDOM IS NOT FREE