Bombed out bridge along the Rhine River with a pontoon bridge in the background. This was taken near Duisburg, Germany or near the Krupps plant that the 17th guarded after the war ended.
Mar
13
2010
Category : 017th Airborne Division, Battelfields Photos
Unexploded bomb near concentration camp
Mar
12
2010
The German civilians would come over during the day and tend to their gardens. They would also wash the soldiers clothes for them. Notice the wooden shoes.
Mar
11
2010
Hello Gunter, these photos were taken by Lawton Clark who is a good friend of my Dad Kenny Cavanah. They were taken at the end of the war and from the smiles on most of their faces you can see that they are happy the war is over. This photo is of Lawton Clark. 194th Glider
Jan
04
2010
Category : 017th Airborne Division, Commemorations, EUCMH Mails Center
Written December 22, 2009 by Carol Klinger Woolbright, Ed.D., Orphan Daughter of Capt Jack R. Klinger. KIA, Battle of the Bulge, B Co., 194th Glider Infantry, 17th Airborne Division.
But this rose is an extra.
Its smell and its color are an embellishment of life, not a condition of it.
It is only goodness which gives extras,
and so I say again that we have much to hope from the flowers
Sherlock Holmes (Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes, The Naval Treaty)
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Dec
23
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 Ed Siergiej from Dr. Philip K. Wilson we learned that his Father, Mr Robert L. Wilson, Hq 464th PFA passed away on 23 November 2008. With an assist from Ed Siergiej I was able to contact Dr Wilson to obtain the essential information for this message.
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Dec
07
2009
As Veterans of World War II we often live our daily lives and soon forget many of the events that were part of our lives during our Service in the war effort. One tragic event that I will never forget was the terrible Horsa Glider Crash on the Greenham Commons Air Base on December 12, 1944, some 65 years ago.
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Nov
30
2009
Category : Veterans Taps
It is with as 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 phone call from Ralph Larsen to Gene Hermann we learned that his Father, Mr. Lauren B. Larsen, Hq 2, 193rd GIR, passed away on 3 January 2009. With an assist from Gene Hermann, Ed Siergiej and the Cavallin Funeral Home I was able to contact the Family to obtain the information for this message.
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Nov
29
2009
I am not sure but this post may be a double post because I have the feeling I have already posted it. One thing I am sure about is that I didn’t post the original photos online. So if or not, here are the original photos sent to me by a relative of Raymond Crisp, as well as what happen to photos and documents sent to me by Veterans or relatives.
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Nov
28
2009
It is with a heavy heart and my deepest sympathy that we learn, through a message from Jerry O’Brien, of the passing of another of our Distinguished Veterans and a Valued Comrade. Dr Loran B. “Doc” Morgan, Hq 466th PFA passed away on 23 November, 2009. With an assist from Ed Siergiej I was able to contact the family to obtain the essential information for this message.
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Oct
01
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. Late yesterday, 17 September, 2009, I received a phone call from Mrs Bonnie Hostetter with the sad news that her Father, Mr. Nick R. Tarnovich, Co B, 194th GIR passed away on 2 Aug 2009. She provided me the essential information for this message.
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Sep
18
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. Through the Static Line Magazine we learned that Mr. John H Summer, Hq Company 1st Bn, 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 17th Airborne Division, passed away on 26 April 2009. With the assistance of Mr Summer’s Architecture Firm I was able to contact Mrs Susan Ory, his Daughter, to obtain the information for this message.
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Sep
16
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 the Static Line Magazine we belatedly learn that Edward J Jeziorski, C-507th Parachute Infantry Regiment 17th Airborne Division passed away on June 16 2009. This morning I was able to contact Mrs. Cheryl Dellinger, Mr. Jeziorski’s Daughter, to obtain the information for this message. Following his service in World War II Mr Jeziorski made a career with the Mutual of Omaha in the Insurance business where he rose to the position of General Manager. Following his retirement he became very restless and went back to work selling tools and equipment to the Farmers in the Shenandoah Valley. He loved associating with the Farmers in the area. He joined our Association in 1982 and became a Life member in 1991. The cause of death was Heart Failure at the age of 88.
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Aug
20
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 from Joe Quade we learned that Mr. Ralph C Neves, Co C, 139th Abn Engr Bn, passed away on 10 January 2009. I was able to contact the Family this morning to obtain the information for this message. Following his service in World War II Mr Neves remained in the US Army. He attained the rank of CW3 while serving as a Safety Engineer in the Active Army and the Reserves. He served the United States Government for 30 years as a Safety Officer and Inspector at Red Stone Arsenal, Rock Island, IL and other stations. In retirement he remained active in Civic Activities such as Meals On Wheels. He joined our Association in 1989 and became a Life Member in 1994. He fell on 1 January 2009 and fractured a hip. Surgery was successful but he suffered a Heart Attack that was the cause of death at the age of 84.
Aug
20
2009
Category : Veterans Taps
It is with a heavy heart that we learn of the passing of another of our Distinguished Veterans and a Valued Comrade. Through a message from James R. Jones we learn that Robert Faulkner Gray, Sr, Capt US Army (Ret), 194th GIR, passed away on 1 August 2009. I was able to contact a Family Member to obtain the information for this message. Following his service with the 17th Airborne Division Capt Gray remained in the US Army for a 20 year career. Following his military service he was employed by a local Bank and the Electronic Data Systems Inc in Columbia, SC. In retirement he enjoyed following his Father’s trade – A Cabinet Maker. The cause of death was Natural Causes at the age of 93.
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
02
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 Comrades. Through a phone call from the Family to Tony Marincola we learned that Dr. Thomas D. O’Brien, B Company, 194th Glider Infantry Regiment, 17th Airborne Division, passed away on 13 June 2009. I was able to contact the Family yesterday to obtain the essential information for this message. Following his service in World War II Dr. O’Brien was trained as a Veterinarian, graduating from the University of Missouri Veterinary School in 1951. Following his graduation he opened up the Edina Feed and Livestock Store. Dr. O’Brien had a passion for small animals (cats and dogs) and he never did retire. He joined our Association in 1972 and remained a Member in good standing until our dissolution. The cause of death was complications from Lymphoma and Diabetes at the age of 84. The Obituary and Guest Book information is available at www.hudsonrimerfh.com
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Jun
19
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. We learned of this sad news in a very odd way. Joe Quade in a visit to Pennsylvania picked up a local newspaper and found an Obituary and phoned me with the name. I went on the Web Site (Legacy) and found the Obituary by name. Much to my concern in checking with the Family the Legacy Obituary of the same name was not correct. With much assistance from Ed Siergiej I was able to make contact with a Family Member of our deceased Member and avoid a most embarrassing situation. Ms Kim Manley informed me that her Father, Mr Melvin C. Manley, Btry B, 680th GFA, passed away on 5 June 2009.
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Jun
17
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 the Static Line Paper we learn that Mr Leo J Bier, Co D, 507th PIR, passed away on 20 January 2009. Unfortunately, my attempts to reach a Family member were not successful.
My attempts through AOL White pages, Legacy and our Association Records were very confusing and not fruitful. I found a postal address in Rockford, IL, Dardenne Prarie, MO and O Fallon, MO. Due to the time delay the Obituary has been archived. Our Association Records maintained by Ed Siergiej provided the following :
Following his service in World War II Mr. Bier was employed as a Sales Manager for a Machinery Manufacturer. He joined our Association in 1987 and remained a “member in good standing” until 2007. He was 87 years of age at the time of his death.
The best address that I have for a family member is as follows :
Mrs. Jane Bier
7141 Curtis Dr
O Fallon, MO 63368
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Bier Family.
Sincerely, Del Townsend
Jun
07
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 from Linda Wagner we learned that her Father, Mr. John F. Bosler, G Company, 513th Parachute Infantry Division, 17th Airborne Division passed away on 26 March, 2007 at the age of 82.
Due to the time delay most of the essential information has been archived. This message from Linda Wagner to Ed Siergiej may be helpful.
Jun
05
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. In a message from his Son, Mr. Bob Kellagher, we learn that Mr. Robert F Kellagher, Co C, 194th GIR, passed away on 15 May 2009.
Following his service in World War II, Mr. Kellagher was employed by US Steel for over 34 years. In his retirement years he loved to travel and was an avid Notre Dame Football Fan. The cause of death was a Heart Attack at the age of 85.
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Jun
04
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. On 31 May, 2009, I received a message from Curt Gadd with the sad news that Mr Irving T. Paylor, Co D, 513th PIR, passed way on 30 May 2009.
Following his service in World War II, Mr. Paylor was employed as a Salesman with the Hood Milk Company for over 30 years. In his “Retirement Years” he was very active as a Volunteer in the Shriner Organization and was a Guide in the Children’s Hospital for over 10 years. He joined our Association in 1987 and became a Life Member in 1995. The cause of death was heart failure at the age of 84.
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Jun
04
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 a message from Mr David Imre, we learn that his Father, Mr Paul D. Imre, Co F, 513th PIR, passed away on 23 May 2009. With an assist from several individuals I was able to contact the family to obtain the essential information for this message.
Following his service in World War II Mr. Imre was trained as a Psychologist. He was employed for more that 30 years in the State and County Mental Health Administration. Following his retirement he was an avid reader and enjoyed traveling. He loved spending time with his Grandchildren. He joined our Association in 1988 and became a Life member in 1995. The cause of death was a Heart Attack at the age of 83.
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Apr
16
2009
Category : Militaria Shop
This Item is an original and never issued (brand new – dated 1945) Paratrooper Delivery Container as the one (maybe one of them) used in the Operation Varity by the men of the 17th Airborne Division while hopping over the Rhein near Vesel. The pack is in 100% perfeckt conditions and is complet.
If someone is asking why I am suddently using hot chiks in my blog it’s simple to help you locate Militaria Items as every post containing a semi naked girlie holding a gun will mean that the post contains a militaria item. I’m wondering if Jackie will send me a picture like this holding a gun…
This item is a Must Have for a real Paratrooper Militaria Collector as you will probably never find another Container in suche a great Condition and dated for the Varsity Operation. The only part missing is the Parachute and it’s small container.
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Mar
26
2009
Category : Veterans Taps
Dale C Heuer
World War Two Veteran
A Co, 1st Bn, 193rd Glider Infantry Regiment
17th A/B Division – 1st AA/B Army
31-07-1923 – 18-06-2008
Margaret A. Heuer
22-02-1927 – 14-12-2008
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. This notice was particularly sad because it includes the death of his lovely Wife just five months later. In a letter to Mich Stinchcomb Mr. Craig Heuer informed us that his Father, Mr. Dale C Heuer, Co A, 193rd GIR passed away on 18 June 2008 followed by his Mother Mrs Margaret A Heuer on 14 December 2008. Through the information provided I was able to contact the Heuer Family and the Funeral Home to obtain the essential information for this message. Ms Cheryl Zeiser, Administrative Assistant at the Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home was extremely helpful.
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Mar
02
2009
The 6th Armored Division was activated on Feb 15 1942 at Fort Knox, Kentucky then moved to Camp Chaffee, Arkansas on March 15 to participate (Aug 25 1942) to the VIII Corps Louisiana Maneuvers.
It returned to Camp Chaffee Sep 21 1942 and moved then to Camp Young, California on Oct 10 for the Desert Training Center, #1 California Maneuvers.
The 6/AD arrived at Camp Cooke, California on Mar 20 1943, staged at Camp Shanks, New York form Feb 3 1944 until departed New York Port of Embarkation on Feb 11.
It arrived in England the Feb 23 1944 and landed in France on Jul 19 1944.
The 6/AD crossed into Luxembourg on Dec 29 1944, into Belgium on Dec 30 1944 and returned to France on Mar 12 1945. The division entered finally Germany on Mar 20 1945, staged in Germany and returned to New York POE on Sep 18 1945.
It was inactivated at the same date at Camp Shanks New York.
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Feb
20
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 a message from our good Friend Sid Laufer we learn that Mr John W. Harrawood, 517th Abn Sig Co, passed away on 14 February 2009. Late this afternoon I was able to contact the Family to obtain the information for this message. Mr. Harrawood came ashore as part of the D-Day invasion force and was later assigned to the 17th Airborne Division. He left the US Army as a Captain and earned a Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering at the University of Illinois. He was employed by several Companies that seemed to be purchased by a larger Company. The ABU was the big Company that he worked for. After many years he retired to spend a lot of time with his family and his favorite hobby “Boating”. The Inter Costal Water Way was his favorite. He joined our Association in 1983 and became a Life member in 1992. The cause of death was Natural Causes at the age of 86.
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