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Secretary's Report

Two German POWs at Urfahr
by Rainer Kliemann

Three 99th Inf. Div. KIA's final resting

Louisville Reunion 2010

"My Conversion"
 
a presentation at the Louisville Reunion 
by Rev. Molly Baum, Associate Pastor, 
Trinity Presbyterian Church, McKinney, TX.

I would like to speak to you for a few moments this afternoon about my conversion….don’t get nervous folks….it’s not what you think, my being a pastor and all. I have my “daughter hat” on today. I’m an only child raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, largely by my father, Chet Rohn, a member of the 56th Armored Engineers, Company C. He was drafted into the army while a student at the University of Wisconsin. He took basic training in Oregon and was then assigned to the ASTP. Once in Europe, Dad became the machine gunner on a half track. By day his squad cleared the road of obstacles, built small bridges and on occasion acted as infantry. By night they went ahead to remove mines. I grew up with the stories, though I must admit I took them for granted…funny stories like the time Dad was searching for eggs, and he crawled into a dark henhouse only to be ambushed by a goose that knocked off his helmet and chased him out, nearly scaring him to death. Or the one about the time a town’s Burgermeister handed them the keys to a German army liquor warehouse…so of course they liberated as many cases as the half track would carry. They had so much that each man in the platoon of 30 got twenty bottles each.

There were stories of close calls – like the night they got bad directions from an MP. They found themselves in a truck with rifles but no machine guns in the German occupied town of Bourcy – so close to German soldiers that they could have reached down from the truck and touched them as they walked by…Quickly and quietly they turned the truck around and made their way out of the town without incident. Or the time when they were traveling, again at night and without headlights, and their lieutenant’s peep literally bumped head on into a German staff car at the front of a column of trucks and armored vehicles. Quickly the three half tracks went into echelon formation and began shooting….Eventually the platoon sergeant came up to Dad and said, “Hey Rohn, you can stop firing now…I think you got ‘em all.” 

And of course there were heartbreaking stories, like the time my Dad’s sergeant relieved him of guard duty, and told him that his ammunition carrier and dear friend Bud Rauch, whom they had thought had sustained only superficial wounds the day before, had not made it. Dad also told us of their confusion and sorrow as they began to see the bodies of civilians along the side of the road, most of whom had been shot in the head…and they were all wearing the same unusual striped outfits. Then it all became horrifyingly clear when they entered the gates of Mauthausen in May of 1945. 

Dad moved to Texas to live with us about six years ago, so now my husband Chuck, and our two teen-age sons, as well as our friends are hearing the stories, too…We have a picture of a Bavarian landscape hanging in our home, painted by one of the German prisoners Dad worked after the war…sold to Dad for two packs of cigarettes. Everyone’s story is unique, and compared to many of you here, my father’s experiences were relatively easy. For him I think the war was simultaneously the worst of times and the best of times. He has been a student of the war ever since – his library of books and magazines is extensive. 

Dad went to the first 11th Armored Division Convention in Chicago, had a great time, but he didn’t see any of his buddies, so he didn’t go back….though he has literally devoured every issue of the newsletter and he felt he knew many of you through your writings. He and a dear friend had been on the 50th Anniversary European tour and loved it, so when he learned about the last 11th Armored Division trip last spring, we moved mountains to be able to go….my father, my seventeen year old son Christian, and me. My grandmother saved every one of my Dad’s V-mails, and Christian had been transcribing them for an independent study for school…that made this opportunity all the more meaningful for him. We feel so richly blessed to have had the privilege of making this trip, and to have been able to do it with my Dad. I was finally able to put a real location to each of his stories… they no longer felt like legends or fairy tales, they literally sprang to life. On the bus and at meals everyone else’s stories flowed freely as well… Ted Hartman read excerpts from his wonderful book, The Tank Driver, and Dave Bryant shared detailed and insightful entries from his father’s journal. Even the shyer veterans occasionally made their way up to the microphone at the front of the bus when we passed a site that brought back memories. 

I was also deeply touched by the people who hosted receptions, meals and other gatherings to express their profound and on-going gratitude to these veterans for their sacrificial service. And I will never forget the ceremonies at Güsen and Mauthausen on the 65th anniversary of the liberation of these two concentration camps….my immense pride at seeing my father and new friends leading the procession into Mauthausen, followed by banner carrying delegation after delegation of friends and families of survivors from literally all over the world. And I remember the husband of one of the three babies born en route to Mauthausen shaking my father’s hand with tears in his eyes, saying, “Thank you, thank you to each of you. Without you, my lovely wife would not be here today.” 

What can I say? I may be a Johnny come lately, but I am a convert...I no longer take your stories for granted – I value them highly... stories of your perseverance, selfless courage and compassion – even of your mischief. My generation, along with subsequent ones, has been changed by these stories…and we still have much to learn from you. These stories will not be forgotten – they will be preserved and passed on. I am honored to be a participant in the newly, albeit loosely, formed 11th Armored Division Legacy group, and much to my surprise I find myself sharing the sentiments of General George S. Patton, as he described the men of his Third Army. He is perhaps speaking for all of us third and fourth generation folks…. “The highest honor I have ever attained is of having my name coupled with yours in these great events.” 

Thank you.

Sixty three years after the first post-war reunion of the 11th Armored Division Association was held at the Congress Hotel in Chicago, Illinois, veterans returned for a second visit to the windy city. It was a rewarding week of fun, fellowship, meetings, and tours. Approximately 200 veterans, family members, and friends joined in the activities. Throughout the week, a center of activity was the hospitality room, where endless camaraderie, visiting, and story telling was enjoyed.

On Wednesday, August 5th, the group participated in an all day comprehensive tour of down town Chicago. All were impressed with the beauty and cleanliness of the city. Noticeably absent was a total lack of graffiti, due mainly to strict laws banning the use of spray paint in the area. A spectacular overview of the city, Lake Michigan, and four surrounding states was obtained from the sky walk observatory atop the 100 story, 1127 foot tall John Hancock Tower. Following lunch at the historic Navy Pier on Lake Michigan, a leisurely 1½ hour boat cruise on the Chicago River provided a unique perspective of the down town area. A guide on board described the architectural features of the many beautiful and historic buildings lining the waterway.

A Wednesday evening program was hosted by famed author and historian, Dr. Anna Elisabeth Rosmus. She first presented a slide show of photographs from her soon to be published book, “Valahalla Finale.” The book, with text in both German and English, presents hundreds of archival photographs. They depict events and conditions that prevailed in Bavaria, Bohemia, Czechoslovakia, and Upper Austria during the final weeks of World War II in Europe, and during the subsequent occupation by Soviet and American military units.

Dr. Rosmus next related the incredible story of the life saving rescue of a tiny baby during the liberation of Mauthausen Concentration Camp in May, 1945. There, 11th Armored Division medic, LeRoy Petersohn found a three weeks old infant whose body was covered with massive life threatening infections. LeRoy and medical officer, Major Harold Stacy operated on the baby, lancing the infections and treating them with penicillin, thus saving her life. The baby, now Dr. Hana Berger Moran, a well known research scientist, participated in the presentation, along with her rescuer, LeRoy Petersohn, and Mrs. Jean Gore, daughter of the late Major Harold Stacy. Rabbi Paul Silton of Temple Israel in Albany, New York, also spoke. He honored LeRoy Petersohn and the 11th Armored Division for their medical and humanitarian service to the Jewish people during and after the liberation of Mauthausen and Gusen Concentration Camps in Austria. The ceremony was enhanced by a beautiful cello rendition of the Israeli anthem Ha Tikvah, played by Association member Greg Urda.

The final presentation of the evening was made by Mrs. Helen Patton Pluszyck, granddaughter of 11th Armored Division Combat Command A Commander, General Willard Ames Holbrook, and of Third Army Commander, General George Smith Patton, Jr. She introduced a DVD made at the direction of her brother, Public Broadcasting System producer Benjamin Patton. It documented the Association’s 2008 visit to the Patton family Green Meadows Farm at South Hamilton, MA. The DVD revived memories of a delightful visit, hosted by their mother, Mrs. Joanne Holbrook Patton.

On Thursday, August 6 , Committee and Board of Governors meetings took  place during the day. In the evening, the group enjoyed a five hour cruise on Lake Michigan, aboard a luxurious ship, the “Mystic Blue.” Along with a scrumptious buffet dinner, spectacular ever changing views of the Chicago waterfront and skyline were enjoyed, from before sunset until after dark.

On Friday, August 7th, a tour group spent the day at Cantigny, the estate of Colonel Robert R. McCormack, Editor and Publisher of the Chicago Tribune. Since Colonel McCormick’s death in 1955, the estate has been maintained and managed by a charitable trust, and is open to the public. The group enjoyed a guided tour of the McCormick mansion, and a visit to the Robert R. McCormick First Division Museum. Displays there relate the story of the First Infantry Division of the United States Army, from the period of the Revolutionary War to Desert Storm. Galleries, dioramas, and interactive exhibits display the weapons, equipment, and conditions that troops encountered in battle during each historical period. Colonel McCormick, a former artillery officer, named his estate “Cantigny,” in memory of the village in France where his First Infantry Division won its first battle during World War I.

A planned afternoon visit to the 29 acre Cantigny gardens was cut short by a heavy rain shower. In the evening, meetings of the Army Specialized Training group, the 705th Tank Destroyer Battalion, and Second Generation Thunderbolts were held.

On Saturday, August 8th, the General Membership meeting was held. There, a decision was made to hold the last and final reunion of the Association in 2010 at Louisville, KY. Following that event, the Planning and Dissolution Committee will manage dissolution of the 11th Armored Division Association, handling any remaining business, and winding down the affairs of the Association. At the General Membership meeting, it was decided to retain current officers and board members, during this final active year of the Association. A decision was also made to retain the 11th Armored Division Association monument at Fort Knox, Kentucky, rather than have it moved to a new Cavalry and Armor Center, being constructed at Fort Benning, Georgia.

The 2009 Annual Reunion of the Association was concluded on Saturday evening, with a solemn and impressive memorial service, under the direction of Chaplain Gordon Blasius, with more beautiful cello music by Greg Urda. A President’s reception followed, along with a nostalgic dinnerdance. A 15 piece orchestra entertained with familiar music and the “big band sounds” that were popular in the 1930's and 1940's, helping veterans and loved ones relive memories of days gone by.

As the music ended, the time had come to say farewell for another year.

List of  Attendees (final)

11th Armored Division Association
63rd Annual Reunion Report

11th Armored Division Association
Reunion and Dissolution Decisions

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

by Daniel W. O’Brien
Company A, 56th Armored Engineer Battalion

I am honored to serve as the 61st President of the 11th Armored Division Association. I will serve to the best of my ability. As a veteran of the 11th Armored Division, I am proud of my service to our country, and of the part our Division played in freeing Europe from Nazi tyranny. I am mindful of the supreme sacrifice of our fallen comrades. It is our duty to continue to honor them; to ensure that their sacrifices will never be forgotten. Many of our fallen still rest in the hallowed soil of France, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. Their sacrifices, as well as our own service, contributed to the freedoms and liberty that citizens of many countries, including our own, now enjoy.

During WWII, as strangers, we were brought together by random assignment to US Army units. Through training, and through combat, we became a band of brothers, with bonds that have lasted a lifetime. Many have already left this earthly life. For the rest of us, our time comes ever closer. We have kept our bonds of friendship alive by taking an active part in the affairs of the 11th Armored Division Association. Nevertheless, as the vagaries of advancing age take its toll, it is apparent that the 11th Armored Division Association, as we know it, may be nearing an end. 

We are grateful to those second and third generation Thunderbolts who have stepped forward with active support, and generous sharing of their expertise. I thank you younger Thunderbolts for your part in keeping our Association vibrantly alive. We senior citizens are now increasingly dependent upon you, and there is still much work to be done. We must ensure that the honor, the history, and the accomplishments of the 11th Armored Division are never forgotten.

Since its inception, I have been active, along with Webmaster Dale Zanardelli, in developing and maintaining our interactive web site. I serve as the Web Site Editor. The web site archives contain thousands of pages of 11th Armored Division historical documents. Even if the Association becomes inactive, I believe its web site must be perpetuated. I will do my best to make that goal a reality.

Though we veterans are in the autumn of our lives, we are not yet ready to give in. Next year, we will have another great reunion in Chicago. A final one is planned for Louisville and Fort Knox in 2010. We are also planning a final “Battle Route” tour across Europe in 2010. It will be a last opportunity for veterans, families, and friends to visit the areas where the 11th Armored Division fought; helped to liberate and restore peace in Europe; helped bring an end to the era of Nazi oppression with its horrible atrocities; and had a role in bringing a final end to the Holocaust.

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             These and other 11th Armored Division photos are available in our Photo Gallery

The 11th Armored Division Association was formed in Gmunden, Austria,  on August 15, 1945.  Since then  the Association has been continuously active.  Periodic meetings are held by regional chapters located throughout the continental United States.  Annual reunions are held each year at locations chosen by the membership.

The official publication of the Association is the THUNDERBOLT.  It is issued quarterly and circulated to the active membership.

All persons assigned to the 11th Armored Division at any time between  the dates of August  15, 1942 and September 15, 1945 are eligible for membership, as well as that person's wife, widow, and descendants.

In addition , any member of a U.S. Military Unit which worked closely with or in conjunction with the 11th Armored Division during World War II is eligible for associate membership.  Associate members have all the rights and privileges of active members, except they are not eligible to vote or hold office.  Any person dishonorably discharged from any military service of the United States is not eligible for membership.

Any persons who were significantly helped by the 11th Armored Division during World War II are eligible for honorary membership.  Survivors of the Concentration Camps Mauthausen and Gusen and their descendants, as well as other Prisoners of War and Political Prisoners who were freed from captivity by the 11th Armored Division are eligible to become honorary members.

Anyone eligible is encouraged to join the ranks of our organization.  We are dedicated to recording and preserving the history of the 11th Armored Division, and to honor the memory of those who sacrificed their lives for their country.

Annual Dues for individuals are $15.00 per year.  Applications for membership should be forwarded to:

11th Armored Division Association
2328 Admiral Street
Alquippa, PA 15001
Phone 724-375-6295
Contact the Secretary
Membership Form

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