Amakaze, Tokyo Gasu Denki
- Type : Amakaze
- Country : Japan
- Configuration : Nine-cylinder air-cooled radial
- Cylinders :
- Bore : 130-MM
- Stroke : 150-MM
- Capacity : 17.900 CC
- Compression : 5.2 to 1
- Length : 1109-MM
- Diameter : 1272-MM
- Weight : 326-KG dry
- Power : 360-HP
- Revolutions : 2100-RPM
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Jul
31
2009
Category : Army Air Forces, Plane Engines
Jul
30
2009
Chapter 3 – Troops and Terrain & The Order of the Battle
During the long-drawn debate over the extent of the counteroffensive, the objective, and the attack form to be employed, the order of battle for Wacht am Rhein took form. This also led to differences of opinion and interpretation.
- How should the armies be aligned ?
- What forces, missions, and zones should be assigned to each particular army ?
- How many divisions, armored and infantry, would be available for use in the attack ?
The answers to these and like questions turned on the Solution adopted and the maneuver employed but will be set forth independently in an attempt to bring some order out of the confused interplay between Hitler, Jodl, Rundstedt, and Model.
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Jul
27
2009
Category : Fields Researches
The Fuhrerbunker is best known as the place where Adolf Hitler committed suicide with his wife Eva Hitler (Eva Anna Paula Braun) at the end of World War Two. Eva killed herself through taking a capsule of cyanide and Hitler shot himself in the mouth while biting into a cyanide capsule.
The Fuhrerbunker, translating as “The Fuhrers Shelter” is a complex of underground bunkers built in Berlin, Germany under the gardens of the old Reich Chancellery building at Wilhelmstraße 77. The bunker had 30 small rooms in total built in two levels, the first of which was built in 1936 and the second completed in 1943. The Fuhrerbunker was protected by concrete walls that were around four meters thick so they could withstand a strong barrage and also had exits into the Chancellery and an emergency exit into the Chancellery gardens. After the war the Soviet Union tried to blow up the Fuhrerbunker but only managed to damage the seperation walls. The East German government tried to blow up the bunker in 1959 but again did not cause much affect.
Jul
23
2009
Category : 588th Field Arty Bn, 588th Fld Arty Bn, France (North), Germany
This copy of the History of the 558th FA Battalion was reproduced by the Military Department, State of Colorado. It was copied from the original history as prepared by Lt Gilbert Hahn upon request of the Historical Section of the Artillery School. Their request was predicated on the basis that the original cadre came from a Colorado unit – the 983rd Field Artillery Battalion. It would be amiss if we failed to mention the great contribution by the State of Utah from whence came the bulk of the fine young men that filled the ranks. The States of Tennessee, Washington, Oregon and California each sent sizeable contingents; however, most States were represented by one or two.
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Jul
23
2009
Category : Veterans Taps
It is with a heavy heart that we belatedly learn of the passing of another of our Distinguished Veterans and a Valued Comrade. Through a letter to George Hudicka from Mr. Denny Schackter with the sad news that his Father, Mr. Harry Schackter, Btry D, 155th Abn AA, passed away on 1 November 2008. Following his service in World War II, Mr Schackter embarked on a career as a Grocery and Liquor Store owner. Following his retirement he was an avid “Golfer” and an Enthusiastic Wisconsin Badger Football Fan. He joined our Association in 1976 and was a paid up Member through 2007. The cause of death was multiple Organ Failure just short of his 96th Birthday. Neither Ed Siergiej nor I were successful in retrieving Guest Book or Obituary information on Legacy or the Local News Papers since this information was archived.
Mr. Schackter is survived by one Son, two Daughters, and four Grandchildren. Correspondence may be addressed to the Schackter Family as follows :
Mr. Denny Schackter
766 Walden Dr
Palatine, IL 60067
Messages of Condolence can be placed here bellow using this site.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Schackter Family.
Sincerely,
Del Townsend
Jul
23
2009
Category : Veterans Taps
It is with a heavy heart and my deepest sympathy that we learn of the passing of another of our Distinguished Veterans and a Valued Comrade. Through the efforts of Joe Quade and Bill Tom we learned that Mr. Afton “Ed” Spurlock, Co A, 513th PIR, passed away on 31 August 2007. I was able to get in touch with Mrs. Velma Spurlock, his Widow, to obtain the information for this message.
Following his service in World War II Mr. Spurlock was trained as a Minister and he spent his entire career Preaching the Gospel. Following his Retirement he entered the “Cattle Leasing Business” that he enjoyed to the very end. The cause of death was Congestive Heart Failure at the age of 85.
Due to the elapse of time the Obituary and the Guest Book information has been archived and not available. Mr Spurlock is survived by his Wife of 65 years, Velma, three Daughters, seven Grandchildren and 10 Great Grandchildren. Correspondence may be addressed to the Spurlock Family as follows :
Mrs. Velma Spurlock
92 Wesley Stevens Rd.
Farmington, AR 72730
Messages of Condolence can be added bellow using this site.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Spurlock Family.
Sincerely,
Del Townsend
Jul
22
2009
Category : Ordnances Materials
It is (for sure) really not usual when I am asking for something. In the case bellow I am searching for such a projectile since 1984 because it’s the year I’ve found 3 2.36 Rockets Fragmentation like the one on the picture in the combat area of the 9th infantry Division but, unfortunately, they were in such a bad shape that I wasn’t able to do something with.
The same year while conducting researches at Aberdeen proving Ground someone told me to check the small museum at Fort Mead and I found one there that was in perfect condition. Mr Archambeau who was the curator opened me the display to have it it hands and make some photos.
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Jul
21
2009
The activation of the 9th Armored Division created logistical problems at Fort Riley and Camp Funston. The installations that had accommodated a single division were now home to a division and an additional cavalry brigade. Consequently, the 4th Cavalry Brigade Headquarters and the 10th Cavalry, relocated to Camp Lockett, California. The 9th Cav, although still assigned to the brigade, moved to Fort Clarke, Texas.
As the number of black personnel entering the Army rose, the need for negro units for these soldiers to join also increased.
In November 1942 the War Department directed that the 2nd Cavalry Division would be reactivated, and that two new black regiments would be assigned. It was also announced that the 2nd, now the Army’s third black division, would remain divided between Texas and California. Construction was started at both posts since neither had the facilities to support an entire division. The work completed, the 2nd Cavalry Division activated on 25 February 1943 with Headquarters at Fort Clarke. The 9th and 27th Cavalry, active at the Texas post, were the assigned troops of the 5th Cavalry Brigade. The 10th and 28th Cavalry, located at Camp Lockett, made up the 4th Cavalry Brigade.
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Jul
21
2009
Placed on the rolls of the Army in 1921, the 2nd Cavalry Division was not activated until April 1941. As part of the Protective Mobilization Plan, the division was reserved for activation at Fort Riley, Kansas, but due to manpower constraints it never reached full strength. The 2nd received the appropriate number of cavalry regiments, but units providing the organic support and service troops remained unfilled. The first divisional activations came in October 1940, with the organization of the 3rd Cavalry Brigade and the assignment of the 2d and 14th Cavalry. The 4th Cavalry Brigade activated during February 1941 with the 9th and 10th Cavalry as its cavalry regiments. These last two regiments, the only two available for assignment, were black units. The division, therefore, was unique to Army structure at that time, a racially mixed unit.
Split between Fort Riley and Camp Funston, Kansas, neither post having adequate facilities for the division’s horse cavalry, personnel shortages continued and divisional elements were activated using provisional assets. Brig Gen Milliken, the 2nd Cavalry Division CO in June 1941, envisioned a combined use of mechanized and horse cavalry within the division. During July, Troop A, 2nd Recon Squadron, was formed provisionally as a mechanized divisional element. The division, now organized with horses, scout cars, jeeps and motorcycles, spent most of the rest of the summer training with its new equipment.
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Jul
21
2009
Category : Veterans Taps
It is with a heavy heart and my deepest sympathy that we belatedly learn of the passing of another of our Distinguished Veterans and a Valued Comrade. In a message to Ed Siergiej from Mr. Tim Wesley we learned that his Father, Mr. Elwood Wesley, Co C, 194th GIR, passed away on 16 June 2009. Through Ed Siergiej’s assistance I was able to contact the Wesley Family to obtain the information for this message
Following his service in World War II, Mr Wesley was employed by the Stadler Meat Packing Plant in Columbus for some 38 years. This was followed by a 12 year stint as a Custodian & Grounds Keeper for the North Christian Church. Mr. Wesley joined our Association in 1987 and became a Life Member in 1991. They attended several Reunions with the last one being in Fayetteville, NC in 2003. The cause of death was Cancer at the age of 84. Mr. Tim Wesley had this to say about his “Dad” and his love for GOLF :
“Yes, dad LOVED golf ! He never hit the ball really long, but he was always very consistent and usually hit it straight. I kept thinking someday I would eventually beat him in a round, but never did. Could be due to the fact that he played six times a week most weeks and I was lucky to play 2-3 times per year.
I’m sure that his love of golf helped him to remain very healthy until he was struck with the cancer. He golfed 54 holes on his 75th birthday and walked every bit of it. He never rode a cart, but always walked and pulled his golf cart behind him. It was great exercise for him and he enjoyed it more than anyone I’ve ever known.”
Ed Siergiej, our Distinguished Secretary/Treasurer, remembers Mr Wesley as follows :
My most sincere condolences on the passing of your Dad. I have the most fond memories from our days at Camp Forrest. Tennessee. Your father made me feel most welcome when I joined Company C, having transferred from Norwich University in Vermont when the Engineering Studies program was ended abruptly due to the need for additional foot soldiers in the ETO.
In searching for a guest book on the internet I searched the archives of the Columbus News of May 9, 2003 and found an article about his golfing ability. During our conversations in recent years he was very modest and never mentioned his achievements in the sport. A fine person !
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult period.
Ed Siergiej
Due to the time delay the Obituary and the Guest Book information has been archived. The Obituary is available on the Funeral Home Web site.
http://www.jewellrittman.com/obits/obituaries.php/obitID/13654
Elwood Wesley
January 11, 1925 – June 16, 2009
Elwood Wesley, 84, of Columbus, Indiana, died Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at his home surrounded by his loving family.
Mr. Wesley was born January 11, 1925 in Hogue, Kentucky, the son of Rev. Lawrence H. and Mamie Wesley.
He attended grade school in Pulaski County and enlisted in the United Sates Army during World War II. He was a qualified paratrooper and a mortar gunner with Company C of the 194th Glider Infantry Regiment, 17th Airborne Division. He served his country courageously during the Ardenne (Battle of the Bulge), Rhineland and Central European campaigns. He was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received in action as well as the Bronze Star, Good Conduct Medal, and the Combat Infantry Badge.
Upon his return from the war he married Etta Christine Godsey on February 15, 1946, who survives him. Other survivors include one brother, Blaine (Dee) of Apache, Arizona; four children, Donna (Mark) Farris of Richmond, Kentucky, Norm (Donna) Wesley of Columbus, Indiana, Tim (Debbie) Wesley of Knoxville, Tennessee and Kim Vance of Columbus, Indiana; seven grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, six brothers, Vurtis, Verlin, Herman, Lue Vernia, Roland and Bernell and four sisters, Mabel, Edna, Ina, and Bernetta.
He worked for the Stadler Meat Packing Plant in Columbus, Indiana for 38 years and then as custodian and groundskeeper for North Christian Church. He was a member of the First Church of the Nazarene in Columbus, Indiana.
He was an avid golfer, a wonderful husband and father, a devout man of faith and a great American.
Mrs Etta Wesley
2317 Newton St
Columbus, IN 47201
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Wesley Family.
Sincerely,
Del Townsend
Jul
21
2009
Category : Veterans Taps
It is with a heavy heart and my deepest sympathy that we belatedly learn of the passing of another of our Distinguished Veterans and a Valued Comrade. In a letter to George Hudicka from Mrs Jane Wells we learned that her Father, Mr. John L. Turner, A Btry, 155th Abn AA passed away on 5 March 2009. Early this afternoon I was able to contact Mrs. Wells to obtain the essential information for this message.
Following his service in World War II Mr Turner was trained as a Mechanic. He was employed as a Mechanic working on Farm Equipment and Heavy Construction Equipment for over 40 years. During his working years and following his Retirement he enjoyed Camping and Fishing with his Family prior to his Wife’s death in 1982. The cause of death was Natural Causes resulting from a fall in his Apartment at the age of 92.
Unfortunately due to the time delay the Guest Book and Obituary have been archived. A very short Summary is as follows :
Turner, John – John L. Turner, 92, of Chesterfield, Mo., died at 0709 on
Thursday, March 5, 2009, at Brook View Nursing Home in Maryland Heights, Mo.
Mr. Turner is survived by one Son, two Daughters, six Grandchildren and eight Great Grandchildren. Correspondence and messages of Condolence may be addressed to the Turner Family as follows :
Mrs. Jane Wells
529 Parkland Place Dr.
O’Fallon, MO 63366
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Turner Family.
Sincerely,
Del Townsend
Jul
19
2009
Nazi Conspiracy and Aggression
Preface
On the 2nd day of May 1945, President Harry S. Truman signed Executive Order 9547 appointing Justice Robert H. Jackson as Representative of the United States and as its Chief of Counsel in the preparation and prosecution of the case against the Major Axis War Criminals. Since that date and up to the present, the staff of the Office of Chief of Counsel-(OCC), has been engaged continuously in the discovery, collection, examination, translation, and marshaling of documentary evidence demonstrating the criminality of the former leaders of the German Reich. Since the 20th day of November 1945, a considerable part of this documentary arsenal has been directed against the 22 Major Nazi War Criminals who are on trial before the International Military Tribunal in Nuremberg. As of this writing the American and British cases-in-chief, on Counts I and II of the Indictment charging, respectively, conspiracy and the waging of wars of aggression, have been completed.
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Jul
19
2009
Category : EUCMH Militaria
Yes sometime it happens to me to. Beside I am the one who bought the forgotten ID Tag in Vietnam (Dahlberg) and the WW-2 one (Yazumbek) both on Ebay. The other were send to me from friends in the US.
Jul
19
2009
The 11th Airborne Division was activated at Camp Mackall, North Carolina, on February 25th 1943.
During the month of December 1943, the 11th Abn Division participated in the Carolina Airborne-Troop Carrier Command Maneuvers then moved to Camp Polk, Louisiana, on January 4th 1944. It then staged at Camp Stoneman, California from April 23rd 1944 until departed San Francisco Port of Embarkation on May 8th 1944.
The 11th Airborne Division arrived in New Guinea on May 25th 1944 and left November 11th 1944 for Leyte, Philippines. It arrived in Okinawa on August 12th 1945 and arrived Japan on August 30th 1945 where the division remained active thru 1946.
Campaigns : New Guinea, Leyte, Luzon
Location August 1945 :Okinawa
11th Airborne Division – Casualties
Killed in Action : 494
Wounded in Action : 1926
Died of Wounds : 120
Overseas Wartime Assignments :
6th Army (US) : May 25 1944
10th Corps (US) : Aug 24 1944
6th Army (US) : Sep 28 1944
8th Army (US) : Dec 26 1944
6th Army (US) : Feb 9 1945
14th Corps (US) : Feb 10 1945
6th Army (US) : Jun 15 1945
8th Army (US) : Aug 15 1945
11th Airborne Division – Wartime Commander
- Maj Gen Joseph M. Swing : Feb 1943
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Jul
18
2009
Category : War Politic Papers
For months we have been suffering under the torture of a problem which the Versailles Diktat created – a problem which has deteriorated until it becomes intolerable for us. Danzig was and is a German city. The Corridor was and is German. Both these territories owe their cultural development exclusively to the German people. Danzig was separated from us, the Corridor was annexed by Poland. As in other German territories of the East, all German minorities living there have been ill-treated in the most distressing manner. More than 1.000.000 people of German blood had in the years 1919-1920 to leave their homeland.
As always, I attempted to bring about, by the peaceful method of making proposals for revision, an alteration of this intolerable position. It is a lie when the outside world says that we only tried to carry through our revisions by pressure. Fifteen years before the National Socialist Party came to power there was the opportunity of carrying out these revisions by peaceful settlements and understanding. On my own initiative I have, not once but several times, made proposals for the revision of intolerable conditions. All these proposals, as you know, have been rejected – proposals for limitation of armaments and even, if necessary, disarmament, proposals for limitation of war making, proposals for the elimination of certain methods of modern warfare.
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Jul
18
2009
Category : Paid Advertizing
The Western Desert has changed very little since the battles of 1941-43, so it is still possible to see and stand on the actual sites of famous incidents; also it is still possible to pick up some small memento of those battles, bullets, shrapnel etc. We consider all the Western Desert battlefields to be a land of adventure and so they are as you never quite know what this mystical environment will reveal: there is nothing quite like the feeling, of driving down a well used track and seeing a landmine just a few feet away. (For example the main road to Siwa in Egypt runs directly through a minefield, as does the track to Bir Hakim in Libya) We will frequently come across the Bedouin people who live on the battlefields, they are a wonderful race of people with endless hospitality, and on many occasions Steve and his party have been invited to their homes for refreshments, which is an experience in itself.
Jul
17
2009
Category : Veterans Taps
Thanks to David Harrawood who sended me this article.
We’re hearing a lot today about big splashy memorial services.
I want a nationwide memorial service for Darrell “Shifty” Powers.
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Jul
17
2009
The 102nd Infantry Division was activated on September 15 1942 at Camp Maxey, Texas and moved on September 16 1943 to the 3rd Army #4 Louisiana Maneuvers. It was then transferred to Camp Swift, Texas on November 18 1943, arrived at Fort Dix, New Jersey, June 23rd 1944, staged at Camp Kilmer, New Jersey, September 6 1944 until departed the New York Port of Embarkation on September 12th 1944.
The 102nd Infantry Division arrived in France on September 23rd 1944, crossed into Belgium on October 31st; crossed into Holland the same day and entered, finally, Germany on November 29th 1944.
When war was over, the 102nd Infantry Division returned to the New York POE on March 11th 1946. It was inactivated at Camp Kilmer, New Jersey, on March 12th 1946.
Campaigns : Rhineland, Central Europe
August 1945 Location : Gardelegen (Hannover) Germany
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Jul
17
2009
Stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas, as 1st Cavalry Division (Special), the unit moved to Toyahvale Texas during the 7-30 October 1939 period and returned to Fort Bliss. It moved to the Cravens-Pitkin Louisiana Maneuver Area during the 13th to 24th August 1940 and returned to Fort Bliss until participated in 2nd-3rd Army Louisiana Maneuvers on August 10th to October 4th and returned to Fort Bliss. During the period from 27th July to September 21st 1942, the 1st Cavalry Division participated in the 8th Corps Louisiana Maneuvers near Mansfield, Louisiana, and returned to Fort Bliss. The unit staged at Camp Stoneman, California from July 21st 1943 until departed San Francisco Port of Embarkation on June 26th 1943 and arrived in Australia on July 11th where the unit was re-designated 1st Cavalry Division (Special) on December 4th 1943. The 1st Cavalry Division (Special) departed then Australia on December 18th 1943 and arrived in New Guinea 2 days later by echelon, last contingent arriving on February 25th 1944. The division was then moved to the Manus Island on March 5-15 1944; left Manus Island on October 12th and landed in Leyte, Philippines, on October 20th 1944. The 1st Cavalry Division (Special) left Leyte on January 24th 1945 and landed on Luzon, Philippines, on January 26 1945. Finally, the 1st CDS arrived in Japan on September 2 1945 where it remained active untill 1946.
Jul
17
2009
Category : Paid Advertizing
Welcome to the Zeugmeisterei, supplying high-end replicas and originals of the 20th century militaria. Militaria from Bavaria, by reenactors for reenactors, since 2003. In our assortment you can find hand made reproductions in museum quality* (*Pay attention to “ZM” behind the item names) and also cheap reproductions made in Asia. In addition, we have also a large number of original war time Militaria. Profit through our long experience, we advise you gladly. We submit individual offers for groups and individuals, just ask !
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Jul
17
2009
Category : Paid Advertizing
Another Internet webpage that could be really interesting for those who wants to spend time over here.
Do you want to find out more about the history of Omaha-Beach and my grandfather who served there on D-Day ? The following web site is for interested soldiers, researchers and all people interested into military history. If you always had the desire to visit the Normandy battlefields and to see the hidden secrets of D-Day then contact me.
You will also find information about my other interesting battlefield tours, to both the First and Second World War battlefields and the grounds of the 1870/71 Franco/Prussian war.
Here is the link : www.omaha-beach.org
Jul
15
2009
Category : Fields Researches
Don’t you, dear readers, think that it’s about time to send back home or give, at least, to past fallen comrades, a well deserved rest place and reduce this terrible listing called : The Army Personnel Missing in Action ?
Let me show you this following text before I start to explain the problem that we are facing every day in the Belgian-German Part of the country or if you prefer the German-Belgian part of my country.
What is Personnel Recovery ?
The number one priority of our government is recovery. American service personnel are deployed globally, resulting in our need to bring our men and women home alive anytime, anywhere. DPMO provides policy oversight for the mission to recover captured, missing, or isolated men and women placed in harm’s way while serving our Nation in hostile situations. These actions, defined as personnel recovery, are the sum of military, civil, and political acts needed to gain the release or rescue of our men and women.
Today, DPMO coordinates throughout DoD and the inter agency community on the full range of policy matters dealing with all aspects of personnel recovery. Individuals isolated from friendly forces have a better chance to survive if properly trained and equipped. Our labor provides a policy framework that helps to ensure proper training of our warriors. Of course, those who become isolated from friendly forces during combat require us to locate, monitor, and recover them.
DPMO works to create systems for these critical steps. Returning our missing to their loved ones and units alive involves rapid recoveries. We coordinate efforts within DoD and the inter agency community to improve our nation’s recovery capabilities. This includes developing and implementing policy governing search, rescue, escape, and evasion.
(Note from Gunter) In fact, as the wounded are still in a position where they are still able to yell it’s not a problem.
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Jul
14
2009
Category : Veterans Taps
It is with a heavy heart and our deepest sympathy that we learn of the passing of another of our Distinguished Veterans and a Valued Comrade. Through a phone call from Tony Marincola we learned that Mr. Joseph (Joe) M. Vitale, Co C, 513th Prcht Inf Regt, 17th Airborne Division, passed away on July 11 2009 after an extended illness. With an assist from Tony Marincola and Ed Siergiej I was able to make contact with the Vitale Family to obtain the information for this message.
Following his service in World War II and the Korean War Mr. Vitale had a 20 year career with the Los Angeles City Fire Department working as a Firefighter, Paramedic and Helitac jumper. This was followed by another 20 year career as a Transportation Driver/Crane Operator for all the major Studios. Through out his career Mr Vitale was a Champion and Grandmaster at many “Handball” and “Racquetball” events. He was an avid sports enthusiasts. He joined our Association in 1962, became a Life Member in 1986 and attended several Reunions. The cause of death was complications from pneumonia at the age of 84 years.
The Obituary and Guest Book information is available at the following address : click here
The Obituary as posted is as follows :
Mr. Joe M. Vitale
Born : October 8, 1924
Died : July 11, 2009
Location : Van Nuys, CA
Mission Hills Catholic Mortuary
11160 Stranwood Ave
Mission Hills, CA 91345
Email : click here
Tel (USA) (818) 361-7387
Tribute & Message From The Family
Joe was born in San Marco d’Alunzia, Sicily on October 8, 1924. He passed away peacefully on July 11, 2009 in Van Nuys, California after an extended illness with his loved ones by his side.
He attended Lincoln High, 43’ where he excelled at tennis and gymnastics.
He is a decorated WWII and Korean War Veteran who fought at the Battle of the Bulge and Operation Varsity.
Joe had a 20-year career with the Los Angeles City Fire Department working as a Firefighter, Paramedic and Helitac jumper. He was a department handball champion and Grandmasters racquetball player.
Joe then continued with a 20-year career as a Driver-Crane Operator working for all of the major studios over the years.
A devoted husband and father, he enjoyed traveling the United States with his family.
He is survived by his wife Grace of 63 years and their 5 children and their spouses, James (Dale), Donna (Scott), Cynthia, Mark (Debbi) and Michael (Charity) and 6 grandchildren.
Dad instilled in each of us a love of family and friends, and independent spirit, a work ethic, a respect for authority and a vitality for life, for this, we are forever grateful to him.
The family would like to thank the staff of Providence – Saint Joseph Medical Center in Burbank who provided him with great care.
Mr. Vitale is survived by his Wife of 63 years, Mary Grace, three Sons, two Daughters and six grandchildren.
Correspondence and messages of Condolence may be addressed to the Vitale Family as follows :
Mrs Mary Grace Vitale
8036 Crosnoe Avenue
Van Nuys, CA 91402
E-mail : click here
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Vitale Family.
Del Townsend & Gunter G. Gillot Jr
Jul
14
2009
A really nice movie done beside the celebrations of the landing (D-Day) in Normandy, France during the month of June 2009.
This movie is really well done and it is always a great feeling to see these old men again.
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Jul
13
2009
CHAPTER II
Planning the Counteroffensive
Details of the Plan
About 25 September Generalorberst Alfred Jodl was ordered to begin a detailed analysis of the Hitlerian concept, the only function now left to the great General Staff. Some latitude remained to the individual staff officers and those favored few in the high echelon of command who retained access to the Führer in kneading and shaping the very general outline handed down by Hitler into an operations plan. The outline as it now had taken shape contained these major points :
- (a) the attack should be launched sometime between 20 and 30 November;
- (b) it should be made through the Ardenne in the Monschau – Echternach sector;
- (c) the initial object would be the seizure of bridgeheads over the Meuse River between Liège and Namur;
- (d) thereafter, Antwerp would be the objective;
- (e) a battle to annihilate the British and Canadians would ultimately be fought north of the line Antwerp, Liège, Bastogne (1);
- (f) a minimum of thirty divisions would be available, ten of which would be armored;
- (g) support would be given by an unprecedented concentration of artillery and rocket projector units;
- (h) operational control would be vested in four armies and two panzer armies abreast in the lead, two armies composed largely of infantry divisions to cover the flanks;
- (i) the Luftwaffe would be prepared to support the operation;
- (j) all planning would aim at securing tactical surprise and speed;(k) secrecy would be maintained at all costs and only a very limited number of individuals would be made privy to the plan.
Jul
12
2009
Case/Goering Hermann
Translation by Herma Plummer
Information supplied by Franz Peter Weixler
Krailling, near Munich
November 11 1945
In connection with the Nurnberg trials against/et. al., I would like to make the following statement with the express authorization that it may be used in the trial.
I was a prisoner of the Gestapo from January 16 1944 to April 1945. I had been indicted for treason before the People’s Court and the only reason I was not executed was the fact that my files were destroyed once in Berlin, and once at the Gestapo office in Nurnberg. One of the reasons for my indictment was the fact that I had told friends the truth about the parachute enterprise in Crete in May 1941, and also that I had taken pictures there. I am attaching an order of the German Army, which I appropriate and kept, issued by the divisional staff of the Parachute Division, commanded by General Kurt Student. I shall now describe the manner in which I was enabled to take the photo mentioned above.
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Jul
11
2009
Category : Airborne Operations, Archives Movies, Fallschirmjäger, German Airborne
Section 8
Reflection on the Absence of Russian Air Landings
It is surprising that during World War II the USSR did not attempt any large-scale airborne operations. Although Soviet Russia was the first country in the world which during peacetime had experimented with landing troops by air and had organized special units for this purpose*, its wartime operations were confined to the commitment of small units which were dropped back of the German front for the purpose of supporting partisan activities and which had no direct tactical or strategic effect. The reasons can only be surmised and might have been any or all of the following :
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Jul
11
2009
Section 4
Air Transported Troops
The original German plan to use Army troops for this purpose and to equip and train them accordingly was abandoned early in the war. The 22. Infanterie Division, which had been selected in peacetime for the purpose, participated in airborne operations only once, in Belgium and in Holland in 1940. It was found that their double equipment-one set for regular ground combat, the other for use in air-landing operations constituted an obstacle; consideration for their special mission limited their employment for ground combat. When a fresh commitment in line with their special mission became a possibility in Crete, it was found impossible to bring them up in time. On the other hand, as early as the Norway campaign, mountain troops were flown for commitment at Narvik without much prior preparation. While in this case non tactical transport by air was involved, the previously mentioned commitment in 1941 of the 5. Gebirgsjaeger Division in the airborne operation against Crete took place after only short preparation and was entirely successful.
On the basis of these experiences the idea of giving individual Army units special equipment for airborne operations was abandoned. The German High Command set about finding ways and means to adapt all Army units for transport by air with a minimum of changes in their equipment. The results were never put into practice because after Crete the Germans did not undertake any other airborne operations on a large scale. Crete, however, proved that the German mountain troops, because of their equipment and the training which they had received, as well as their combat methods, were particularly suited for missions of this nature. In the future the goal must be to find a way of committing not only mountain and infantry divisions but panzer and motorized formations in airborne operations. Their equipment and organization for this purpose will depend upon the evaluation of technical possibilities which cannot be discussed in detail here. The chief demand which the military must make upon the technical experts is that the changes required for such commitment be kept to a minimum. A way must be found to determine the best method for such a change so that the troops can undertake it promptly at any time.
Jul
10
2009
This study was written for the Historical Division, EUCOM, by a committee of former German officers. It follows an outline prepared by the Office of the Chief of Military History, Special Staff, United States Army, which is given below :
1-A) A review of German airborne experience in World War II
1-B) An appraisal of German successes and failures
1-C) Reasons for the apparent abandonment of large-scale German airborne operations after the Crete operation
2-A) German experience in opposing Allied and Russian airborne operations
2-B) An appraisal of the effectiveness of these operations
3-A) The probable future of airborne operations.
It is believed that the contributors to this study represent a valid cross-section of expert German opinion on airborne operations. Since the contributors include Luftwaffe and Army officers at various levels of command, some divergences of opinion are inevitable; these have been listed and, wherever possible, evaluated by the principal German author. However, the opinions of Generalfeldmarschall Albert Kesselring are given separately and without comment wherever they occur in the course of the presentation. The reader is reminded that publications of the German Report Series were written by Germans and from the German point of view. Organization, equipment, and procedures of the German Army and Luftwaffe differ considerably from those of the United States armed forces.
This study is concerned only with the landing of airborne fighting forces in an area occupied or controlled by an enemy and with the subsequent tactical commitment of those forces in conventional ground combat. The employment of airborne units in commando operations, or in the supply and reinforcement of partisans and insurgents, is not included in this study, nor is the shifting of forces by troop-carrier aircraft in the rear of the combat zone. Such movements, which attained large size and great strategic importance during World War II, should not be confused with tactical airborne operations.
