1960 convention issue

8/9/2019 1960 Convention Issue

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_ _ h DIVISIO'N-

[.. News Magazine Published far The Association Membership 1960 CONVENTIOi I........i:,_ - .... r ......_,,,,,.............


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_ovsoN....he Ninety-Fifth Infantry Division Association membershtp._.wilL_:bJ fl U tl m A L realizing an American dream in visit'r_tdae.-N_t4onts-C_tal _ diJringEleventh Annual Reunion. And, in a sense, it is our patriotic duty to kthe city well for he_,e are the great halls of government housing the Exe] 960 !CONVENTION ISSUE tive, Legislative and' Judicial Branches of the government under whichlive. Here, also, are the great memorials to our founding fathers who gbirth to the American ideals of democracy and freedom, and who foughtOfficial publication of the their defense. The safeguard of these principles is the continuing responNINETY-FIFTH INFANTRY bility of the freely elected representatives of the American people who gthe destiny of the Nation in this city, and of the civil servants who workDIVISION ASSOCIATION_ carrying out this function.

P.O. Box 1274 Chicago 90, IllinoisNATIONAL OFFICERSPresidentFRED M. PETERSON K/3772604 Alden, Dallas, TexasFirst Vice-President

EDWARD L. RADIK Sv/360FA5119 W. Oakdale Ave., Chicago, Ill.Second Vice-PresidentFRANK HALPER A/3797243 S. Spaulding, Chicago, Ill.

SecretaryWALTER J. LASKOWSKI Med/378467 Highland Ave., Elmhurst, Ill.Treasurer _"THEODORE NELSON Div.Hq.C0.1317 W. 72nd Place, Chicago, Ill. '

PAST PRESIDENTSGERALD F. RAMSHAW 1951-52WALTER J. LASKOWSKI 1952-56FRED M. PETERSON . 1956-59

EXECUTIVE COUNCILLEONARD F. KOCH B/3793520 Madison, Bellwood, IllinoisLESTER WOLF L/3788032 S. 86th Ct., Justice, Illinois

E. MARINANGELI 320th Med. Bn.234 Chartres Street, LaSalle, IllinoisALEX BELLINO G/3786821 W. Addisort St., Chicago_ Ill.

STANLEY LEWKOWICZ Hq./359FA2619 N. Mozart St., Chicago, Ill.RAYMOND R. VLEIGER K/3772751 .N. Troy St., Chicago, Illinois

WILLIAM P. SHARKEY K73776622 S. Campbell Ave., Chicago.DELBERT L. SEARS :: B/320 Engr.10 W. School St., Mt. Prospect, Ill. The site of our Capital City on the Potomac River, was the selectionGEORGE J. BUBINAS ._-. F/37.7 the First President, for whom the city is named. The broad Mall is the g4613 S. Whipple St., Chicago, Ill. ' axis around or near wl_ich \are grouped most of the public buildings.

ADOLPH A. KUTZ Div. Hq./AG noted French engifi'eer,'Pierre Charles L'Enfant designed the city andR7179 Merchandise Mart, Chicago excellence of his plan is evident in the beauty one witnesses in every dCLARENCE D. JANKOSKI K/377 tion. Four well-known features of the L'Enfant Plan are the geographicsections of the city. The original planner of the city laid it out in conv3053 N. Racine Ave., Chicago, Ill. tional gridiron pattern; but on the grid he imposed a series of diagoFRANCIS E. SAFARIK Div. Hq./AG avenues and this additionh_is given Washington a number of charm912 N. Ridge, Arlington Heights, Ill. "circles" and vistas at points where streets and avenues meet.The Washingtori area today has a population approaching the two milHENRY HARDIN C/378 mark. When the Federal Government transferred from Philadelphia to4902 N. Rockwell, Chicago, Ill. District of Columbia in 1800 with its staff of 135 clerks and a few higANDREW MIRABILE M/378 officials, the total population of the area was only 8,000 people.5336 W. Drummond, Chicago, Ill.2


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tionol Executive..CouncilTable...

The Executive Council and the Offi- "cers ar.e"dedicated to perpetuate the95th Division Association. To this -_-

end, regular meetings are held about _, __.'" " --_!_ ....year.nce month throughout the entire " iDuring the course of these meet- ,'ings, the myriad duties of the Councilare carried out. Increase'd" member-

ship, reunion business, cautious - /_stewardship of Association funds, and ' _ --flublicity promotion are just a-fewof these functions. With an agenda _ _like .this, the meetings are repleteWith new ideas, suggestions :,,_and _ - f-sPirited discussions._' ,There is, however, . one more chiefailn that the Council constantly dis ....cusses at each meeting:--To insure -each ex-95er the opportunity to be-come acquainted with the 95th Divi-0n Association and avail himself of d _ ".of becoming a mem- .,

of.the Association,' which he has _richly earned by serving with the __,,.,...__, .Victory Division. All ways, means, :,and-avefiues are searched and uti- ' _ ," _lized, so that every man that wore the _V patch is contacted. _ . - _ _-----.--_We hope you are planning to at- _ ". -tend the llth Reunion in Washington. /Every 95er should have the opportu- _r'_:y _: _.:'_Ot_'/_/'o f /_5_ _i_A_r_--_ ,,_ _nity to experience a Friday night --_ 'bull session, where every conversa- ,_tion begins with "remember when," _and to take part in the fun, festivity, Ted Webster - C3356..Wilsonand generali-jinksf the dinner- NEW MEM BEP,5 . Place ,Toledo 12, Ohiodance on Saturday night, and to feel Marvin L. Ditkowsky Cthe solemnity of a Metz Hour. This is (The Association membership" wel- 2400 w. Wilsoncomes the following 95ers into its Chicago, Illinois- ',a heritage that belongs to every 95er. ranks): Kenneth Reed Hess, Sr." CIf you are in a writing mood, per- Rt. 7, Box 278-Bhaps you would drop us a line. We DIVISION HEADQUARTERS . So. Charleston 3, West Virginiaare open to ideas, suggestions, and Joseph'Benedict . Hq: Vern H. Martinson C 1414--:-54th:Street- "" _ ' Center City, Minnesota \criticism; but mainly we would like Milwaukee, Wisconsin' ' Martin L. Flask Cto hear about you and what is hap- Lt. Col. Woodrow J. Wells Sp Tr 6 E. Glendale 'pening to you. It is your letters that 4806 West 68th Street Bedford, OhioMission, Kansas Leo A. Stephany Care the lifeblood of'the Journal and 1841 Bechaud Beachmake it interesting and informative. 377th INFANTRY REGIMENT Fond-du-Lac, WisconsinTony Pari " Co B C.R. Isherwood .CHere's hoping we hear from you 2307 Cherry Lane 204 S. Mulberry Street:

see you in Washington. Pekin, Illinois : -DuQuoin, Illinois . _ .Elmer Wohl " Co B William F. Henry " CLeonard F. Koch Mobridge, South Dakota 15959 Marion DriveExecutive Council Member Robert E. Cordell Co C S. Holland, Illinois . '. "..;1417 Rembrandt Street............. Indi_n_ipblis, Indiana (Continued on page 11)"


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VICTORYDIVISIONREUNION S,n,o oomn....win Bedroom and Bath ..... 9(2 persons)

EleventhAnnualCondave- August19, 20, 21- The hotel's family plan wiloperative for all 95ers registerUnder this plan there is no chNation's Capital is Host to 95ers for children under 14 in theroom with parents. Also, a thirdWashington, D. C., our nation's home, is readying itself for the Men of vidual in a twin bedroom will b

Metz who will be treking to it from all parts of the country, answering to commodated at only $2.00 per"Reunion Call!" Washington, D. C. was chosen by the membership at the The Reunion Committee has1959 Reunion to be host city for THE 95TH INFANTRY DIVISION ASSOCIA- served an ample number of rTION'S ELEVENTH ANNUAL REUNION to be held on August 19, 20, and 21. to be especially set aside for 9Washington_ D. C.,.too, is the birthplace of the Association, vhere, in 1950, As reservation forms havethe late Major General Harry L. Twaddle, together with membership of the mailed to all Association mempresent Washington Chapter, brought our organization into being, everyone is urged to complete

Theater and Shopping Area

The Shoreham Hotel, offeringdramatically different surroundingsfor our leisure hours and a congenialatmosphere for all our functions, isheadquarters for all scheduled eventsof this three day. convention--theAssociation's eleventh annual con-secutive reunion! "Another anniver-sary milestone," s t a t e d ReunionChairman Arthur Rice (Div. Hq/Fin)in referring to the Association's for-mal chartering in this Capital Cityeleven years ago, "that will be ap-propriately celebrated by the largestreunion gathering we can possiblymuster."The Reunion Committee has an-

nounced the completion of all re-maining plans for this WashingtonReunion and has reported one of thefinest reunions to be held to date isin the offing. Advance registrationsalready on hand indicate the specialinterest this year on the part ofVictory Division men, their familiesand friends, to be present. Many fin-.ally are able to attend for the firsttime.Special reduced rates have been ,made available by the hotel and all "guest rooms will be airconditioned.

Free parking will be 'an added fea- An aerial view 05 The Shoreham Hotel, Connecticut Avenue at Calveture. Hotel rates (per day) are as N.W., Washington, D.C. The Terrace overlooks the picturesque beauty of Rfollows: Creek Park in the foreground.4


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reservation card immediately, if not both 1960 and 1961 dues, Fralready done, mailing directly to The sends his regards to all membersShoreham Hotel at Washington, D.C. Company E, 378th InfantryThe hotel management is cooperating Messages from would be pleased to hear from thand 95ers can expect Imengbers who wish RALPH P. FULLER (Hq/3rdprompt and courteous attention totheir reservation needs, to express them- 379), 5325 14th Avenue, Moline,selves or give nois. Enjoyed the nice ChristmRegistration into the convention reports on their Greeting which I received fromwill open on Friday morning, August Association. Also eagerly read and19, and will continue through the buddies joy each issue of the JOURNALentire day as well as on Saturday, any other news of our group.

August 20. For the "early birds," ar- ._-., PATRICK J. CAIN (I/378), 17riving Thursday night, the Hospital- Glenwood, Clarksville, Tennessity Suite will be open to welcome GILBERT L. MILLER (Hq/2nd Bn2 Sorry I missed the Chicago reunthem. The Reunion Committee has 378), 4108 8th Avenue, Moline, Illi- but opened second drug storeplanned a complete program of activi- nois. Still barbering. Have 3 children: Clarksville and just could notties, special tours and dining and en- Kathy 9, Patti 7 and Tim 5. See some away. Enclosed find d u e s f o rtertainment functions for Friday as of the old buddies occasionally; but member and please send me awell as on Saturday. A buffet supper can't seem to make the reunions, cation blanks for some formerwill be served on Friday evening with Really enjoy the Journals and look Men now at Fort Campbell. Haa separate exciting program for the forward to getting them. long talk with Col. Dorsey McCladies, before he left Fort Campbell. HeALVIN B. SMITH (C/320 Med Bn), former Division Staff member ofFollowing a complimentary coffee 257 West Ninth Place, South, Mesa, 95th. Send him an application bhour on Saturday morning, the an- Arizona. Enclosed you will find two to Fort Benning, Georgia, 18th Cnual business session will open--to checks; one to cover my membership Hdqrs. Hope to see lots of Compinclude review of Association prog- and the other to cover Herman L. 'T'ress, officer elections and selection Heikes of Compa.ny C, 320 Med Bn. men in Washington!of the 1961 Reunion host city. Herman was a member of C Company MAJOR J O S E P H T. ZEBLfor over three years and was ex- -Tours are planned for both Friday 01324084, (Hq/1 Bn/378), Hq &and Saturday and will include visits tremely well liked by the whole Com-to Arlington National Cemetery. The pany. He and his very fine wife Don- Co., 24th Inf. Div (G-1 Sec), APODivision film will also be shown on na are the proud parents of three New York, New York. On my t tour since '45 in Europe. I am serboth days. The Saturday night din- boys--3, 5, and 6 years of age. They with the 24th Division as CO inner-dance will climax the weekend have recently moved into a larger From '52-'55 we saw a little ofof social activity, house in Dodge City. At the present ground the 95th covered arotime I am employed as an auditor for Saarlautern and it has improvedThe traditional Metz Hour Service the Ford Motor Company and also siderably. Hope to do a little m--a massed salute to our fallen com- operate a Tax Consultant Service. My touring on this tour. Pleasechangrades overseas and our honored de- wife and I are planning to move to any address you may have toparted from Association ranks--is Arizona in the, very near future and above for me. Enjoy readingagain planned for Sunday morning, hope that if any of the old gang are magazine.ever out that way that they will dropReunion Chairman Arthur Rice in and see us. Would appreciateand his committee have reported all hearing from any of the gang from DAYTON EGGER (C/378), Bris in readiness. However, IT IS YOUR C Company. acres, Columbus, Mississippi. TREUNION and to spell complete suc- - really flies. Now my son is incess PLAN TO BE THERE! FRANK J. MORELLI (E/378), 123 Army, stationed at KaiserslauteLower Notch Road, Little Falls, NewJersey. Along with his check covering (Continued on Page 10)

FREDHEFFNER V " /'3APPOINTED TO COUNCIL _ o - /__Fred Heffner (I/379), 1413 W.171st Street, East Hazel Crest, Illinois,

Chairman of the committee which _"_ _5_"planned and published the Associa-tion Membership Directory, joins theranks of the Executive Council asannounced by Council President Ed-ward L: Radik (Sv/360FA). Fredhas served the ,Association loyally onvarious special assignments and hasbeen especially active in the Asso- --iciation's Chicago Chapter. Fred'shusiasm for the Association's con-tinued success will win him a highplace in Executive Council ranks


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VICTORYDIVISIONARCHIVESMETZAFTERMATH /' Compiled from _Official Division Jrive to The Saar Opens HistoricalRecords

The ]ollowing chronicle covers the Meanwhile, other elements, of the from north to south, was to aten day period beginning with the Division were either _moving or had at 0730 25 November to destroyfall of Metz and continuing thru the completed movement to their respec- enemy in the zone west of thegrueling days remaining in Novem- tive forward assembl_; areas east of River, crossing the Saar preparedMetz. exploit penetrations of the Siegbet, 1944. Line to effect destruction of e21 NOVEMBER 24 NOVEMBER : defenses and resume the attackThe 377th and 378th Infantry Regi- the northeast. The 5th Divi_onFor all practical purposes, the fall ments completed moqement to their to be prepared to attack in anyof Metz had been effected. Only two respective forward areas, thus secur- tion of the Corps zone on sixsmall pockets of German resistance ing the west bank of i,he Nied Riverremained at the end of the period, notice. The 3rd Cavalry Groupand these were in the process of in the Division zone. The 379th In- to protect the Corps' left flankfantry, upon being relieved by the XIX Tactical Air Command wbeing cleared by the 377th Infantry. elements of the 5th Division in the support the attack.Other units in Metz continued re- Fort Plappeville-Fort St. Quentinorganization. The 95th had two principalarea, began moving to a new assem-The 379th Infantry completed relief bly area east of Metz. The 2nd Bat- sions. First, to attack northeastof the 1st Battalion 378 Infantry 0730 25 November, making itsin .the Fort Plappeville-Fort St. Quen- talion 379th Infantry, as directed byField Order No. 3 published this date, Effort on the north flank, to detin area at 0730 and began mopping began movement to an area occupied the enemy in the Division zoneup operations in this zone. The 1st by elements of the 90th Division to seize crossings of the SaarBattalion contained Fort P.lappeville relieve that unit and assume control between Saarlautern and Pachwhile elements of the 2nd and 3rd of the 379th portion of the west bank both included. Second, establisBattalions occupied Ars sur Moselle of the Nied, the occupation being bridgehead to the north uncoveand continued mopping up opera- completed at 1800. Rehlingen to facilitate bridgingtions in the area between Forts Driant Colonel Clifford P. Chapman, Com- ations for the 90th Division. Inand Jeanne d'Arc, mander of the 379th Infantry since tion, the Division was to main22 NOVEMBER 21 July 1943, was relieved of his contact with the XII Corps onThe last enemy resistance in the command and Col. Robert L. Bacon right flank.Division's Metz sector officially, ended assumed command of the Regiment. Divisional attachments for theat 1435 as the 377th Infantry cleaned Field Order No. 3: The Field Order ation included the 778th Tankout the last pocket'of enemy resist- was published this date, thus outlin- talion (less Company "A"), theance. All Divisional hnits were in the ing the Division's third phase of Tank Destroyer Battalion, theprocess of moving to new assembly operations since beginning its com- A.A.A. Battalion and Companiesareas east of Metz in preparation for bat action in France 20 October. "B", and "C" of the 81st Chema new..phase of the offensive. _ The Field Order pointed out that Mortar Battalion.the XX Corps, with the 10th Armored Supporting units included elem23 NOVEMBER Division and the 90th and 95th Infan- of the III Corps Artillery, elemThe 377th and 37_8th Infantry Regi- try Divisions abreast .in that order of the 5th Division Artillery,ments, upon being relieved byelements of the 5th Division in Metz,began movement to forward assemblyareas east of Metz, completing oc-cupation of the respective areasduring hours of darkness the morn-ing of 23 November. Throughout theday, the two regiments made prapara-tions to move forward the morningof 24 November to secure the westbank of the Nied River in theirrespective zones.Elements of the 5th Division beganrelief of the 379th Infantry, whichwas containing the enemy in FortsPlappeville, Jeanne d'Arc and St.Quentin. A day earlier, the Fort Plap-peville Commander had talked with arepresentative of the 379th and hadrefused to surrender his garrison buthad requested a truce to permit eachside to remove casualties. The trucewas agreed upon and the removal ofcasualties was effected without inci-dent. Saarlautern, Germany--iniantry troops crossing bridge across Saar River.6


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ll03rd Engineer Group, the 4th METZ AFTERMATH-FRAULAUTERN FALLSTank Destroyer Group and elementsof the ll9th A.A.A. Battalion.The Field Order directed the 377thto make the Division's MainEffort, crossing the Nied River withtwo battalions abreast and seizingthe Regiment's initial objective. Then,on Division order, continue the attackand seize successive objectives, beingprepared to continue the attack fromthe final objective and force a cross-ing of the Saar River.The Regiment was also to maintaincontact with the 90th Division onthe left flank. The 377th's attach-ments included Company "B" 778thTank Battalion, Company "B" of the81st Chemical Mortar Battalion andCompany "A" of the 320th MedicalBattalion.The 378th Infantry's mission wasidentical to that of the 377th, theRegiment being directed to cross theNied with two battalions abreast, seize A patrol .moving up a quiet and deserted street shortly aster _the bitter Sigthe initial objective, continue the at-tack and seize the Regiment's succes-sive objectives, being prepared to

push on from the final objective andforce a crossing of the Saar. The the Maginot Line? Are extensive per- many, the Line's edge was duRegiment was to protect the Division's manent defenses . . . present on this somewhat by the fact that it poinxight flank. The 378th's attachments or other positions west of the Saar to the east, but it could still seincluded Company "C" of the 778th River?" 4. "What personnel are avail- the Germans as a line of delayTank Battalion, Company "D" of the able for occupation of the Siegfried action in 'blocking the 95th's road81st Chemical Battalion and Company Line? Will the enemy make a last the Saar and it included many"B" 320th Medical,Battalion. ditch stand along the Saar River and in the Division zone. Then cameThe 379th Infantry (less the rein-' on the Siegfried Line, or will he use Saar River, in itself not as greatthis line for a strong delaying posi- obstacle as the Moselle, beinglforced 2nd Battalion, initially) was tion?" 5. "What strategic reserves rower (averaging about 150 feetdirected to remain in its pr e s e nt are available for use against our ad- width) and flowing with only aassembly area, prepared to displace -.,for_vard .on Division order. In addi- vance in crosslngthe Saar River and erately strong current. However,the Sieg fried Line? Will any river ,Gould be difficult to ction, the Regiment was to conduct a of the enemy's strategic reserves against' well organized enem)ireconnaissance and be prepared to be used west of. the Saar River, or will fenses and the_e the Krautsattack ifi_an_ portion of the Divisionzone. The 2nd Battalion, reinforced they be held to counterattack any Finally, and the greatest obstacle

with one platoon of the Anti-Tank penetration of the Siegfried Line all, was the Siegfried Line.Company, one platoon of the Cannon - defenses?" ,.. 25 NOVEMBERCompany and Company "A" of the The Enemy: initially, there was con- The Division's attack jumped o81st Chemical Mortar Battalion, was siderably less detailed information 0730, the 377th and 378th Infandirected t6 relieve elements of the concerning the enemy in the Divi- Regiments moving generally'abreas90th Division holding a portion of the sion's new zone than had been the against comparatively light enewest bank of the Nied, a thing which case in either of the 95th's two pre- resistance. The progress was rwas accomplished this date. ceding operations. It was known that and by the end of the period theDivision Artillery, with the 547th the Boche had early recognized the sion-had moved its "front line_A.A.A. Battalion attached, was as- eventual success of the Division's ward almost four miles. Twsigned normal supporting missionsl drive on Metz and, accordingly_ had towns fell to the 95th,'includingas was the 320th Engineer Battalion withdrawn the bulk of his mobile lay, Brecklange, Roupeldange,and the 95th Reconnaissance Troop. forces, including artillery, to the stroff. Narbefontaine, Loutremaffeast. As such, it was considered Volmerange, Momerstroff, Z 6. Th_ Field Order s Intelligence An- highly probable that these forces had range, Hallering, Macker and Halnex pointed out the enemy situation in continued retreat to the Saar and it Initially, fire of the 2nd Battathe new zone and cited five essential was' expected that the enemy would 379th Infantry supported the delements of information which must make a determined stand at this of the 377th Infantry.be obtained as the drive progressed, river. Generally speaking, however,These were: 1. "What is the strength, it was" not possible to make a lucid By the end of the day, bothcomposition and disposition of forces list of enemy units in the Division ments were on their initial objectivwest of the Saar River in the Divi- zone at the beginning of the new which generally fronted the Magsion zone? What forces are available operation. Line, and during the night thefor tactical reserves?" 2. "Will the ments reorganized in preparationenemy defend on the line of the Nied The Missions: The tasks, ahead of continuing the attack the next m,or-Nied Allemande Rivers, the Magi- the Division could c..O_serVatively be ing.-Pnot Line or the ridge west of the described as a large order, including, Enemy resistance came largelySaar River?or will he.use these posi- as they did, three mighty obstacles, small groups of infantrymen uti0ns for delaying our advance?" 3. First was the Maginot Line. 'Built by"What personnel will be used to man the French as a defense against Ger- (Continued oh Page 8)


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Victory Division Archives 379thlnfantry: The Regimentcom- were small infantry group_ wpleted movement to its new forward were protecting t h e German w(Continued from Page 7) assembly area in the vicinity of Hayes drawal.and began reconnoitering for possi-small arms and mortars against the ble assembly areas in the zones of the But the Germans were capitalizadvancing 95th. It was believed that 377th and 378th Infantry Regiments. on every possible effort to harassenemy resistance would continue to The 2nd Battalion, meanwhile, con- Division's advance. All bridgesbe limited to such harassing fires, tinued to support the advance of the culverts were destroyed in theeven in the Maginot Line, until the 377th. of the 95th's advance and numerDivision reached the Siegfried Line, road craters were encountered asto which it was believed the Krauts Shorty after 1600, the Division was as thoroughly mined roads.were withdrawing for a determined informed by Corps that the area onstand, the 95th's right flank, originally in- The 379th Infantry began prepThe 379th Infantry, less the 2nd tended for the 5th Division, was to tions to again move to a new forwBattalion, began movement to a new become the responsibility of the 95th assembly area, this time in the vforward assembly area in the vicinity and would be .covered by reconnais- ity of Momerstroff, the movemof Hayes. sance. In addition, one motorized bat- to begin the morning of 28 Novemtalion of the 5th Division was to be The 3rd Battalion 10th Infantry26 NOVEMBER attached to the 95th to relieve ele- placed to the Bois de Kerfent377th Infantry: The Regiment made ments of the 80th Division in this occupied the key terrain in thisvisual contact with elements of the sector, which was half a mile eastof tor from which elements of theZimming in the Bois de Kerfent. Ac- Division had advanced only a378th Infantry on the right flank at cordingly, the 3rd Battalion of the hours previously.0725 and, simultaneously, resumed 10th Infantry was attached to theits attack to the northeast. The Division at 1700, its primary mission 28 NOVEMBERflooded area east of Eblange forced being to hold the key terrain in the 377th Infantry: Elements ofthe Regiment to make its attack in vicinity of the Bois de Kerfent. By Regiment's 2nd Battalion becamea column of battalions rather than Corps order, this battalion could not first Divisional units to entercr0sscountry as had been planned, be used for any other purposes with- many. Shortly after midnight,No enemy resistance was found in out Corps permission. Regiment reported to the advaEblange and, by the end of the per- Division Command Post that 2ndiod, the 377th could report that the The 80th Division unit occupying talion patrols had crossed the Ger3rd Battalion had taken Ricrang'e this new sector was the 2nd Battalion border, but the crossing was noand moved on to take Teterchen. of the 318th Infantry. This unit was fected in force until CompanyMeanwhile, the 1st Battalion had to be relived by the Battalion of the took Leidingen at 0945. Leidingcaptured Ottonville. The 2nd Batta- 10th Infantry attached to the Division, which fell to the 377th men withlion had been withdrawn to Boulay the 95th Reconnaissance Troop (less enemy opposition, became thefor the night, one platoon), Company "C" 774th German town to fall to the 95thTank Destroyer Battalion and Com- vision. By the end of the period,For the second consecutive day, the pany "D" 778th Tank Battalion, the 377th had added six more GerRegiment had pushed forward almost relief to be accomplished 27 Novem- towns to its credit. These inclufour miles against what was described ber. Bedersdorf, Ittersdorf, Guerstlas "moderate" enemy resistance, al-though this resistance had steadily Ihn, Kerlingen and part of Ramstiffened as the attack pushed north. 27 NOVEMBER fangen.377th Infantry: The attack was re- Although the Regiment encoun378th Infantry: The attack was resumed at 0730, an attack in which the ed only moderate resistance insumed at 0730 and, initially, met Regiment captured 17 towns and ap- instances, heavy German resistalittle German resistance. By 1100, proached to within a mile of the Ger- was met at Rammelfangen wherboth Denting and Niedervisse were man border. Striking generally north considerable quantity of artilleryreported occupied, but fighting con- with the 2nd Battalion and to the mortar fire was encount_ered.tinued in Denting until mid-after- northeast with the 3rd Battalion, thenoon as the 2nd Battalion cleaned Regiment captured and occupied the 378th Infantry: The Regiment'sout numerous enemy snipers, towns of Valmunster, Velving, Eb- tack was resumed at 0800 andPushing on from Denting, the 2nd lange, Bettange, Holling, Remeflang, noon the 1st Battalion had occuBattalion encountered stiff enemy Bouzonville, Vaudreching, Aideling the town of Merten and the 2ndresistance northeast of the town but Brettnach, Tromborn, Alzing, Chateau talion had captured Berviller toreached Hill 292 and reorganized Rouge, Oberdorff, Voelfling, Villing northwest. Meanwhile, consideraduring the night. The end of the day and Heining. enemy resistance was comingfound the 1st Battalion disposed the woods northeast of Falck, waround the Bois de Behring a mile 378th Infantry: The Regiment re- town had fallen to the 378th aand a half east of Coume and the 3rd sumed its attack at 0730 and, by the earlier. It was apparent t ha tBattalion in the vicinity .of Nieder- day's end, had captured Coume, Re- woods contained many German trvisse. Earlier in the day, Company mering, Falck, Varsberg, Ham sous and considerable mortar fire was"C" 778th Tank Battalion had been Varsberg and Dalem, and was on its ing on Falck. By mid-afternoon,attached to the Regiment and was in third objective. Regimental Commander decidedsend the 3rd Battalion to the Fthe process of moving to Momerstroff. Thus, the attacks of both regiments vicinity to clean out the enemyDuring the Regiment's advance, the were highly successful this date. Lit- that sector and heavily armo378th captured a German hospital tle infantry resistance was met medium tanks were to be sent tofor prisoners of war. Containing 1,325 throughout the day and it was ap- unit to assist in the operation. Mpatients, almost all of whom were parent that the Germans were ex- while, the 2nd Battalion was oRussians, the hospital was immedi- ecuting a withdrawal to the Saar Riv- final objective and the 1st Battaately turned over to the Division er. In the Maginot Line, where it had had completed the clean-up ofCivil Affairs Section which, in turn, been anticipated that the enemy ten.secured a Corps detachment of three might make a stand, there was lightofficers and eight men to handle the resistance and throughout the Divi- The 378th encountered stubbproblem, sion zone the only enemy encountered enemy resistance from infiltrat


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enemy in the vicinities of Falck and COMBAT INTERLUDE MORE TRAININGMerten. Generally, however, Germanresistance on both regimental frontswas moderate throughout the day astroops continued to withdrawthe northeast. The Division con-tinued to encounter numerous enemydemolitions.The 379th Infantry began move-ment to a new forward assemblyarea in the vicinity of Momerstroff at

0700, closing into the new area at1340.At 1300, the 3rd Battalion 10thInfantry was relieved from attach-ment to the Division and revertedto the 5th Division, immediately be-ginning movement to the 5th Divi-sion area at Metz. Three hours later,Corps directed the reattachment of Demonstrations o_ amphibious river crossings on the Er:ft Canal, Gustor_, Germanthis Battalion to the 95th and, ac-cordingly, the Battalion was directed -'to proceed ,to the vicinity of l'Hopitalto protect the flank between the six enemy c ou nte r a t t a c k s in ditches and the repair of destroy95th Division and XII Corps. this sector, the w o o d.e d area bridges which were slowing trawas won. Meanwhile, the 1st and 2nd portation to forward areas.By Corps directive, the 5th Divi- Battalions had received numerous At 1420, the Regiment launched,sion Artillery was relieved from at- German counterattacks throughout attack on Oberfelsberg and Felsbetachment to the 95th and reverted the afternoon. The principal counter- with the 3rd .Battalion. By 1to the 5th Division. Also, the Light attacks (three) came a mile and a elements of the Battalion were fiEquipage Platoons of the 509th and half southwest :of Felsberg. The 2nd ing in Oberfelsberg and a half h537th Light Pontoon Companies and Battalion advanced toward Berus, en- later had pushed into the townthe 206th Engineer "C" Battalion countering heavy enemy opposition, Felsberg. Enemy resistance waswere attached to the Division to assist and by dark, fell back toward Merten but, by the end of the day, Compain the crossing of the Saar, attach- to reorganize during the night. 'T' was firmly installed.in Oberfement of the former units to become In general, enemy resistance to the , berg and Company "K" was in Fffective 29 November and of the Division advance stiffened notably berg. Fighting, however, continuedgineer Battalion 30 November. throughout the 95th zone. At least the Germans were pushed to theten clearly defined counterattacks edge of Felsberg.29 NOVEMBER were made by the Germans to pro- Elsewhere on the Regimental fro377th Infantry: The Regiment re- tect the withdrawal of their troops Ober-Limberg was captured andsumed its attack _t 0900, seizing to the east bank of the Saar. Barbar_i was cle(red of the eneDuren initially. By noon, visual con- In the meantime, the 379th Infantry with the excepti'_n of some snitact was made with the 90th Division again moved to a new forward as- fire. But severe enemy resistanceon the left flank at Gross-Hemmers- sembly area, this time to the vicinity met by Company "E" in its attem

dorf and elements of the Regiment of Teterchen, all Regimental units to take Itzbach and, with the endwere fighting in Guisingen, Rammel- having closed into the new area by the period, only half of the townfangen and Kerprich-Hemmersdorf 1900. held. Mopping up operations conued in Kerprich-Hemmersdorf aand were receiving considerable artil- The end of the period found the Di- Company "G" rerdained in the tlery fire in the latter town. By the vision's front lines generally a little to reorganize during the night.end of the day, intermittent fighting less than two miles from the Saarwas-still in progress in St. Barbara River with the 3rd Battalion 10th In- 378th Infantry: The Regimentand Kerprich-Hemmersdorf, but Gui- fantry, supported by Company "C" not resume its attack during the mosingen, Rammelfangen, Le Gallenberg and the Reconnaissance Platoon of ing but conducted reorganizationand Hill 385, about a mile southwest the 774th Tank Destroyer Battalion, preparation for continuing the attof St. Barbara', had been captured preparing to hold the high ground during the afternoon. By 0935,against considerable enemy resist- in the vicinity of l'Hopital as soon as Regiment's 3rd Battalion had bance. During the late afternoon, that sector was cleared by the 2nd relieved in the vicinity of Falck----enemy tanks had counterattacked and Cavalry Group. the 3rd Battalion -379th Infantry.destroyed two 57mm anti-tank- guns At 1430, the 3rd Battalion launchin the 1st Battalion zone and had 30 NOVEMBER an attack on Le Sauberg, passfired into St. Barbara. 377th Infantry: Throughout t h e through the 2nd Battalion and seiz378th Infantry: The attack w a s morning, the Regiment strengthened the objective. Two hours later,resumed at 0900 and during the its lines and consolidated positions 1st Battalion launched an attackmorning elements of the Regiment while roads to the rear were being Berus against stubborn Germancleaned out the last enemy resistance made servicable through the filling of sistance. By nightfall, the Battalin Falck and Merten and occupied ;uch obstacles as craters, anti-tank (Continued on Page 10)_the hill southeast of Falck which hadtheretofore been an enemy strong-point. The 3rd Battalion, with the COVER PAGE--A patrol,.composed o] 95th Infantry Division me_, movesupport of heavily armored medium into Harem, Germany, which was captured a ]ew hours earlier by thetanks, began cleaning out Germans Division. The road block was le]t by retreating Gevman rear,guard unit.s[who were holding the woods north-east of Falck. After repelling " "


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VICTORY DIVISION ARCHIVES Smith Avenue, Reading, Mass. Will months in the combat zone. 1st(Continued from Page 9) try to make the Reunion this year. G Co., 9th Inf. for 4 months. Remhad seized the high ground northwest Lloyd Charboneau and family visited der of tour as Sgt. Major, 2nd Bnof Berus. from Wichita last summer. Twin Inf. Returned to ROTC duty Chibrother Fred going to Scottsdale, High Schools 1953 and have379th Infantry: The 3rd Battalion Arizona, with Boston 'Red Sox. I'm mained until current date (22 Yeffected relief of the 3rd Battalion home with little Mike:and Ralphie. active service).378th Infantry as mentioned aboveand began to hold the town and the RICHARD E. DOYLE (Div. Hq./ A.J. AUGUSTINE (E/379),high ground to the southeast. Other Spec. Sv), 42 Kenilworth St., Portland, Ashgrove Drive, Grove City,elements of the Regiment remained Maine. Life begins ag 41-32 in 59-- I am the Burroughs Dealer, represein Division reserve in the unit's for- Hike! . . . Quarterback signal? . . . ative, in southern Ohio, southward assembly area. ' Well, sthe knack is certainly there West Virginia, eastern KentuckyTask Force Bell: The Task"Force via Mama's vim and Papa's voice ._. . a very small part of Virginia andwas attached to the Division on Corps Yet, 9 pounds 4 ounces on the launch- iana.order at 0930. Composition included ing pad is fullback material .... So, LESLIE B. CURTISS (Regl Hq/3the 5th Division 10th Infantry, the it's ,a Miss-ile from Heaven in God-46th Field Artillery Battalion, the 5th gmded'_ orbit" ... And' a charming. 2151 Commonwealth Avenue, St.Reconnaissance Troop, Company "B" 8, Minnesota. Bought a new hom7th Engineer Battalion, Company "B" cheerleader she'll be : . . Everybodyn' the household--excepting two larger one. We are getting somew5th Medical Battalion, Company "B" feline personalities now dethroned '" cramped in the other place. O735th Tank Battalion and Company is literally :tickled Pink . . . Sept. 8, tha n this, no 0ther news."B" 818th Tank Destroyer Battalion. 10:47 a_.m. at Mercy Hospital did JOHN P. DESCOUR (Hq/378),The Task Force's zone was on the Nancy Ellen start making history for 5th Street, Wilmette, Illinois. LastDivision's right flank and, by Corps the Doyles_ , - vember Ben Finnell (an old 37directive, the Division was permittedj . . and I visited Walter Jines (forto use the Task Force as desired with JAMES KILGOUR, JR. (Med Det/ 1st Sgt. of our Co.) at his homethe exception of the fact that Task 377), RR 1, Box 265-A, Lake Zurich, Des Plaines, Illinois. Walter, ifForce Bell was not to be employed in Illinois. Got married three years ago, don't know, is still in the servicethe Saar crossing. By 1845, all ele- January 19. Just had a baby girl, at least technically, that is! Hments of the Task Force had closed An':a Marie Kilgour, February 1, serving at present, at the Edinto assigned areas and were prepar- 1940. Can't make an Infantryman out ' Foreman High School as ROTCing to attack the morning of 1 De- of this one. Say Hello to all the boys mander (or some equal rank) incember, from the 1st Bat. 377th. Dues check cago. It was nice seeing WalterOther attachments given the Divi- enclosed, his wife after all these years,sion during the period included the6th Cavalry Group, le s s the 28th JAMES W. HOLLAND (Hq/378), we hope to see more of him.Cavalry Squadron, the 5th Ranger 302 N. 17th St., Mayfield, Ken- DONALD W. DRAPER (Sv/378),9Battalion and Company "C" of the tucky. Received a car d from North H Street, Oskaloosa, Iow602nd Tank Destroyer Battalion, all Robert Pritchett's wife (he was would like to have all the memto support the attack of Task Force in the same outfit) that he had of the 95th support the World WBell. Battery "B" of the 244th Field a heart attack 1a s t fall. They pension bill for 1960. As commanArtillery Battalion was relieved from live at Iuka, Kansas. I see Joseph of Mahaska Barracks 926, I am wattachment to the 10th Armored Divi- W. Holland (K Co., 3rd Bn) often, ing hard in our behalf. My duession and was attached to the 95th He would like to hear from some 1960 enclosed. I'm proud to beupon the Battery's arrival at Bouzon- of his ex-service mates. He lives at to the 95th.ville and the 84th Chemical Company Rt. 6, Mayfield, Kentucky, and workswas attached to the Division at 1530., for Western Kentucky Gas Company. WALTER GERSZEWSKI . (C/3Enemy resistance became even stiff: Sure would like to see some of the Box 2, Minto, North Dakota. Sinceer than it had been a day earlier. Ger- fellows, but the Reunions are at the ask, there is no news about meman patrols were .active throughout wrong time of the year for me. I Life is the same struggle. I'mthe period and the stubborn resist- work for the Kentucky Highway moving today's mail today. It's alwance was marked by what was de- Department, Engineering Construc- nice to hear from the 95ers, evescribed as "moderate" small arms tion, and fall of the year is our busiest its a dues statement. Here arefire and heavy mortar and artillery time of the year. Geno answers my dues.fire. The enemy attempted to regain cards. FRED A. KINNEY (Cn/379),lost ground through small, localized Maine Ave., Hopewell Twp., Aliqcounterattacks, but with no success. ROBERT J. DESMOND (E/379), 817 pa, Pennsylvania. I am married,6th Avenue, New Hyde Park, L.I., we have two boys, ages 2 and

MAIL BOX New York. Married Dorothy Des- went to college on the GI bill.mond, and we have two boys, John, present position is in the Account(Continued from Page 5) 9, Tom, 6, and a girl, Susan Jean, age Department at Babcock & WilcoxGermany. He recently visited Metz 3. I am Assistant Sales Manager of at Barberton, Ohio.battlefield and located spot where Taylor-Reed Corporation, manufac- CHARLES G. FOX, JR.,M. D.I picked up this wheelchair on 15 turers of Cocoa-Marsh Chocolate Sy- Det/320),131 Tenth Street, PulaNovember 1944. He reports 95th did rup. Travel mostly in the East. Virginia. Would enjoy hearinga good job destroying the Forts. any of the fellows in 320th MedWould love to hear from former C JOHN C. KING (B/360 FA), 628 N. Bn.Company members. East, Olney, Illinois. Still in the furni-JOHN J. DONOHUE (Cn/379), 11551 ture business. LEWIS F. PRICE (D/378), P. O.S. Maplewood Avenue, Chicago, Illi- 621, Andalusia, Alabama. I amnois. My golf and bowling scores are NORMAN E. GUNDERSON (G/378), Standard Oil Company here in tnow identical! H0p'e I don't share 2529 Farwell Ave., Chicago 45, Illi- Every member of Company D, 3this distinction with anyone else in nois. Re-enlisted in Army October Infantry and the 378th Infantrythe Association. 1947 as military instructor ROTC duty sonnel Office is cordially invitedJunior Division Chicago High Schools. stop by my home and visit withRALPH A. CIAMPA (795th Ord) _,27 One year in Korea 1952-1953, with 8 if ever you are in this part of10


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- J ARLINGTON..ATIONALCEMETERY Clarence.Frederick C..... 2237 Addison St.Chicago 18, Illinois378 INFANTRY REGIMENTJames J. O'Hara C3102 Calwagner StreetFranklin Park, IllinoisJames W. Watkins . C9527 Gsehwind AvenueEl Paso, TexasMarco Dick Cebuhar CBox 335Agency, IowaGlen Ludwig Lohmann CSentinal Butte, North DaKotaWalter McKeown6347 Nevada AvenueHammond, IndianaAnthony L. Semrai_ C1535 Marinette AvenueMarinette 3, WisconsinE. M. Bishop C318 Mo-daws BuildingDallas, TexasEmmett E. Cleveland C5026 N, SpringfieldChicago 25, Illinois .Glen W. Thornton C\ 310 E. 10thFond-du-Lac, WisconsinWilliam Putz C1372 Illinois Street

'LaSalle, I1H.nois . ..Geo.rge E. Turner HqBox H, c/o Federal Prison-CampFlorence, ArizonaAbove view is the Memorial Entrance approached via Arlington Memorial Erwood C. Alkire HqBridge and Memorial Drive. /_101_ThE. Jefferson.Aven "

country. It's worth the trip--try, it. two boys now, the oldest will start t0_ 537_W_i_s_n,,S treet '_ould like to hear from any of the school this fall. I see n. B. Spradli_ .......ve if you have plans to attend the WOJG Fin. once a year. ne is an .onvention .... examiner with FDIC out Of Dallas and 112 Custer AvenueEvanston, Illinois

JOSEPH C. TEDESCO, M.D. (Med I'm on his list.--Regards to Kutz andDet/320), 89 Huntley Road, Buffalo everyone else. Hope you have a good (Continued On Back Page)15, New York. I am practicing in Buf- convention. , ._'_falo as an orthopoedic surgeon. KENNETH E._GINNIS (E/378), 14FELIX A. WYPISZYNSKI (G/379), East Side Drive, Concord 2, New

4998 W. Wabash Avenue, Milwaukee Hampshire. I am working for the City23, Wisconsin. We are now enjoying of Concord as-a grader operator, andour new home which we built last also have my own moving business.summer in Browns Deer. Sorry I couldn't get to the Reunion' last year. B.usiness detained me. AllGERALD Y. WYANDT (F/379), 957 my regards to themen of E/378.Woodland Avenue, Van Wert, Ohio. Iam in the construction business andnow have two girls, Beth Ann, 4 EDITOR'S NOTE: Space limitationsyears, and Jen Lynn, 3 years. Besides prevented onr publishing all mailconstruction, I am a lay speaker in box notes received. Those not pub-our Methodist churches. I speak at lished will appear in our next JOUR-other churches also, and enjoy the NAL issue. 'work very much.HENRY P. WEISS (Div Hq/IG Sec),Route 6, Box 139, Waukesha, Wiscon-

sin. I am still in touch with the Army NEW MEMBERSas a Lt. Col. in the Reserves. As acivilian, I am with the U.S. Air (Continued fromPage 3)Force, employed as a ContractingOfficer spending the taxpayers' dol-. Adrian Roy Neibauer Co L _i '"lars for guided missiles s t u f f and :Mellen, WisconsinMichael Zovath N W ' Co lVlstuff. Very interesting work. Just re- 3715 Edgefield Avenue,turned from a six weeks course in Canton, OhioLogistics. " William R. Dillon- Hq 3 BnHOWARD J. GARLING (Div. Hq. 3607 Whitethorn Circle.W. Richfield, Ohio

inance), 913 Solar Road, NW, A1- Herbert J.' Weber Hq Co _g://_'_d _)_') O1[:) 51)_ .Rfbuquerque, New Mexico. Here's $5.00 130 Taylor S_eet . -for 1959 dues and some extra. Have Kaukauna_ Wisconsin .' i_aAL,_'_ _--o_ _b_ A-_SoC


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95th INFANTRY DIVISION ASSOCIATION hc. S4.66, P.L&P. O. BOX 1274 u.s. eOStAOPAID., " CHICAGO 30, ILLINOIS eeeMrr NO. e

ELMHURST, ILLIN

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NEW( MEMBERS Orville George Hutchinson Co K 9Sth QUARTERMASTER COMPANY623 S. State Street Jew, Wing Theung(Continue, d from Page 11) St. Joseph, Michigan 5362 Hiway 152John Balchunas Sv Co Chowchilla, California379th INFANTRY REGIMENT ' 6_40 S. Justine Street James.WhiteThomas L. Breckenridge Co A Chicago, Illinois 1195 Van Nest AvenueBR No. 2 _ George C. Farmer Hq' Co Bronx 61, Ne_v YorkTaylorville,, Illinois 1054---37th Street, S. 951h SIGNAL COMPANY " St. Petersburg 11, FlordiaJohn A. Kurcik Co A Alfred A. Koehler Cn Co CWO Raymond J. Wroblewski349 Coates Street " - 1129 Marquette Avenue Army General DepotBridgep6rt,_ PennsylTcania Green Bay, Wisconsin APO 189, New York, New York

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906 South 17th Street 6948 S. Rockwell Street 547th AJkA (AW) BATTALIONMilwaukee, Wisconsin Chicago, Illinois John BynumM/Sgt. AdolphlMassa Co F 3640 Iowa

Det. No. 19,!ROTC Instr. GP 360:th FIELD ARTILLERY BATTALION St. Louis, Missouri"Culver Military Academy Alfonso A. Mages Sv Btry Eugene GamacheCulver, .Indiana 521 S. Cherry 3640 IowaCarl G. Morris Co H Ottawa, Kansas , St. Louis, MissouriRR No. 2, Box 127Staunton, Illinois 9201h FIELD ARTILLERY BATTALION ORGANIZATION UNKNOWNWilliam J. Kukla _ Co I Mike Bayus Jacob Sarnecki7307 W. Greenlea_ 20564 Alameda 832 N. WinchesterNiles, Illinois Warrensville, Ohio ChiCago, IllinoisLawrence Skipper Co I Edward Stelnieki George R. Vopat5637 S. Meade Avenue 50 Morris Avenue 70 N. Drexel

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