Another Wartime photos set and like the one before it’s a really good one.
Joe Summers
Mar
15
2010
Category : 017th Airborne Division, Battelfields Photos
And here is the next set Wartime photos of the 17th Airborne Division.
Mar
15
2010
Category : 017th Airborne Division, Battelfields Photos
Well, these new photos are fields photos and request from me some researches. This is exactly what I like to do, so it will take a little more time as usual to be posted.
And once again thanks to Cindy and Marty, thanks to Joe’s daugther. And once again for every other US Vet’s, if you have photos pass them over here because I love playing with wartime photos.
Jan
16
2010
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 HEADQUARTERS 106TH INFANTRY DIVISION APO 443 US ARMY After Action Report |
A : Enclosed are the After Action Reports and Journals of the following units and General Staff Sections of the 106th Division, covering action against the enemy during the month of December 1944 :
- 424th Infantry Regiment Report
- 106th Division Artillery Report
- 81st Engineer (C) Battalion Report
- 331st Medical Battalion Report
- 106th Division Special Troops Report
- G-1 Report
- G-2 Report
- G-3 Report
- G-4 Report
B : The commanding officers and staffs of the 422d Infantry Regiment, 423d Infantry Regiment and the 106th Reconnaissance Troop are missing in action. Their records are presumed to have been destroyed and are not available. The action of these units is covered, but not completely, in the reports and journals of the General Staff Sections. The 14th Cavalry Group was attached to the division from 111900A to 181300A December. Its action, in part, during this period is included in the reports and journals of the general Staff Sections. After 181300A December, it was attached to the 7th Armored Division.
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Jan
07
2010
As Veterans of World War II it is an honor to be recognized as such. Yet in our Twilight Years it is often difficult to admit that we are nearing The End of The Road. After some 66 odd years our Memory may start to fade and the many details of our WAR TIME ACTIVITIES may be lost forever. I hate to admit this but my MEMORY is about like my hair SHORT. Each of us in our own special way can reflect back upon our World War II experiences and recall many events that we will carry to our graves. In general, many of those activities were very sad occasions that bring tears to our eyes as we relive those precious moments. Some, however, were hilarious and often bring tears of joy as we reminisce with our comrades of many years ago. If I may, I would like to relate a very serious incident that I will never forget.
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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
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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Dec
06
2009
The foregoing pages tell of the results achieved by air power in each of its several roles in the war in the Pacific, including the effects of the atomic bombs. The Survey has already reported on the results achieved by air power in the European war. It remains to seek out the degree to which the Pacific study modifies, adds to or supports the signposts to the future which were suggested by the European study; to state the extent to which hindsight suggests that air power might have been differently or better employed in the Pacific; to discuss the impact of the existence of atomic bombs on the role of air power; and to state the Survey’s recommendations.
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Dec
02
2009
Confidential
For official use only notes on Grenade Warfare Compiled from Data Available on February 15, 1917
Army War College
Lt G. Dyson
Brigadier Grenadier Officer, 99th Infantry Brigade
First Printed London : SIFTON, PRAED & CO., Ltd.
The Map House, 67, St James’s Street, S.W. 1917
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Oct
29
2009
Suddenly the plane shot upward, roaring away from the airfield. We all smashed back against our seats. Maybe the wheels won’t come down, someone said in a small voice. Snuffy Nixon, the navigator, stuck his head in the cabin and broke the silence. Don’t worry, folks. I just got mixed up in my figuring and picked the wrong country. Not France ! we cried. No, said Snuffy, it’s not France. But it’s not England, either. He grinned over at me. This is Kay’s home. We almost landed in southern Ireland !
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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. Through the Static Line Magazine and Kathy Gault, 507th PIR Association we learned that Mr. Alexander F Turlo, Co G, 507th PIR, passed away on 21 January 2009. Kathy Gault provided me with 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
07
2009
Subject : Action Against Enemy Reports, to : Commanding General, 17th Airborne Division, APO 452, c/o Postmaster, New York, NY
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Aug
07
2009
The US Army fought World War II with matériel much of which was developed in the decade prior to our entry, particularly in the period following the German blitz in Poland. Our efforts to develop munitions to the point where our armies could cope on equal terms with those of potential enemies are covered here in this, the first of three projected volumes on the history of the Ordnance Department in World War II. How well the Ordnance Department succeeded in matching the Germans in quality continues to be a matter of debate both within the Ordnance Department itself, and between the using arms and the Department. That the battle of quantity was won with the help of a superb industrial machine can hardly be denied.
This volume, the result of diligent research by Dr. Constance McL. Green and her associates, should interest not only military men but also scientists, industrialists, and laymen in general. Among other things, it shows the urgent necessity of a directed, continuous, and intensive research program and the danger in failing to recognize and profit by developments abroad. Also shown is the inherent time interval between the drawing board and the production of the end item in quantity.
ORLANDO WARD
Washington, D.C. Maj. Gen., U.S.A.
15 January 1953 Chief of Military History
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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
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.
Jul
02
2009
On August 8 1934, the US Army Air Corps (USAAC) tendered a proposal for a multi-engined bomber to replace the Martin B-10. Requirements were that it would carry a “useful bombload” at an altitude of 10000-F (3000-M) for ten hours with a top speed of at least 200-MPH (320-KMH). They also desired, but did not require, a range of 2000-M (3200-KM) and a speed of 250-MPH (400-KMH). The Air Corps were looking for a bomber capable of reinforcing the air forces in Hawaii, Panama, and Alaska. The competition would be decided by a “fly-off” at Wright Field in Dayton, Ohio.
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Jun
12
2009
Category : Anzio Beach Head, Italy
C. Intelligence Report
Company B, 2nd Foresters of the 1st Infantry Division (Br) is again in the sector southwest of Cle. Carroceto.
The other companies of the battalion are in the same sector.
The 24th Brigade is on the right of the 2nd Foresters.
The 191st Tank Battalion (US GHQ troops) has been established at Cle. Carroceto pursuant to prisoner of war reports.
Prisoners of war further report that the 1st Irish Guards and 1st Scots Guards of the 24th Brigade are located in the Cle. Carroceto sector.
The recon from the employment of the 80th Medium Artillery Regiment of the 1st Infantry Division (Br) west of Cle. Carroceto.
The following American units are known to be on the beachhead : 45th Infantry Division, 3rd Infantry Division, 1st Armored Division, 82nd Airborne Division (504), 1st Special Service Force Regt, 1st Ranger Battalion, 3rd Ranger Battalion, 4th Ranger Battalion, 191st Tank Battalion (GHQ), 751st Tank Battalion (GHQ), 894th Tank Destroyer Bn (GHQ), 601st Tank Destroyer Bn (GHQ).
In addition, these British units are also present : 1st Infantry Division, 168th Brigade of the 56th Infantry Division, 46th Tank Battalion (GHQ troops). These forces are reinforced, particularly by GHQ artillery units. At this time, there is no confirmation of the employment of the 88th Infantry Division. Eight warships, 3 transports, 5 small vessels, and 10 LST’s were observed in the harbor of Anzio – Nettuno.
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May
03
2009
Adolf Hitler : Mein Kampf
Bitte beachten : DIE UNIVERSALITÄT DER MENSCHENRECHTE, Bundeszentrale für politische Bildung. Internationaler Pakt über bürgerliche und politische Rechte. Band 256, 19. Dezember 1966 (Seite
308) Artikel 19 der Menschenrechte : Jedermann hat das Recht auf Freiheit der Meinung und der Meinungsäußerung; dieses Recht umfaßt die unbehinderte Meinungsfreiheit und die Freiheit, ohne Rücksicht auf Staatsgrenzen Informationen und Gedankengut durch Mittel jeder Art sich zu beschaffen, zu empfangen und weiterzugeben.
Zuwiderhandlung ist ein “Verbrechen gegen die Menschlichkeit”.
Entschuldigungen man habe ja nur Verordnungen und Befehle ausgeführt,
gelten seit den Nürnberger IMT-Verfahren 1945/46 nicht mehr.
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Apr
13
2009
The 9th Infantry Division was activated at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, on August 1, 1940 as the 9th Division then it participated in both October and November 1941 Carolina Maneuvers and was sent later to amphibious training under the Atlantic Fleet Amphibious Corps.
Re-designated as 9th Infantry Division on August 1 1942, the division left Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and was sent to Fort Dix, New Jersey on November 25 1942.
On December 11 1942, the 9th Infantry Division departed the New York Port of Embarkation and landed in North Africa on December 25 1942, less elements of the division which assaulted on November 8 1942 in Casablanca. From there, the 9th Infantry Division arrived in Palermo, Sicily on July 31 1943 and was sent back to England on Novermber 25 1943.
The division landed then in France on June 10 1944, crossed into Belgium on September 2 1944 and entered Germany on September 14 1944 where it remained active thru 1946.
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Apr
09
2009
The 2nd Armored Division was activated on July 15th 1940 at Fort Benning, Georgia. It participated in the VII Corps Tennessee Maneuvers from June 2nd to June 28th 1941 and moved to Ragley, Louisiana, on August 12th 1941 to participate in the 2nd/3rd Army Louisiana Maneuvers. The Division returned to Fort Benning Georgia on September 29th 1941 and participated (November 2nd 1941), in the 1st Army Carolina Maneuvers then returned to Fort Benning on December 2 1941. Relocated to Monroe, North Carolina on July 10th 1942 for the II Armored Corps Carolina Maneuvers the 2-AD was transferred to Fort Bragg, North Carolina on August 15 1942; staged at Fort Dix, New Jersey, on November 3rd 1942 until departed tje New York Port of Embarkation December 11th 1942; arrived North Africa December 25th 1942 (less elements which invaded November 8th 1942).
The 2-AD assaulted Sicily on July 10th 1943 and departed November 12th 1943, arrived in England on November 25th 1943 and landed in France on June 7th, 8th and 9th. It crossed to Belgium on September 2nd 1944 and Holland on September 11th 1944, initially entered Germany on September 18th, returned to Holland then to Belgium on December 22nd. The 2nd Armored Division re-entered Germany on February 4th 1945, returned to the New York POE on January 19th 1946 then arrived at Camp Hood, Texas on February 4th 1946. The 2-AD was deactivated later in 1946.
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Apr
06
2009
By October 1944 the Allied forces in Western Europe had swept across France and were generally poised along the western frontier of Germany. The rapidity of the advance across France and the resulting extended front, pressed to the limits of logistical support, had quickly reduced the impetus of advance. As the problem of supply became more acute, large scale advance became impossible and the front stabilized. Checked as they were at the fixed defenses along the German border, the mounting of a full scale assault became necessary and toward this end momentous efforts were directed. However, Allied commanders, determined to maintain the initiative and to continue the drive into Germany at the earliest opportunity, launched a series of limited attacks preliminary to operations which were to mean the final destruction of all German forces west of the Rhine River.
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