OSCAR BLACK, 133rd Ordnance Btn.--looking for any information about my father-in-law during WWII

My father, Donald Cayer, who is now 91 years old, was a Tech Seargeant in the 42nd Tank Battalian, Headquarters in 1944-1945.I would like anyone who remembers him to get in touch thru e mail so I can let him know if anyone he knew is still alive!
Thank You, and God Bless ALL of you!

I am trying to find someone that may be able to remember this story. I believe it happened in Mauthausen or one of the subcamps but am not sure which one. My father Burdette "Bud" Baxter was in the 56th Armored Engineer Battalion, 11th division, Co. A that helped liberate either Mauthausen or one or more of the subcamps. What happened, according to my father, was that the prisoners identified one of the Germans that was trying to pose as a civilian when the nearby town was forced to bury the dead. The prisoners held the German down, cut his head off with a shovel, and then burned his head. I have a picture of this. Can anyone help me with this as I have been searching for the camp my father helped liberate. Thank you.

I took care of Gordon S. Johnson who was in the 492nd. during the Battle of the Bulge. Up until his death in 2000, he wanted to see in print anything about his unit. Unfortuately, I didn't find anything but promised him and myself that no matter how long, I would find anyone who was there with him. Does anyone recognize his name? Email me at and would love to hear from anyone with any info.

My name is Pete Minix, and my hobby for the last 7 years, has been collecting and compiling World War II veteran histories. I currently have over 160 World War II veterans, from all branches, in my private library. None of this information is given out or published for a monetary gain.

This is at no cost to you or your family. All I would need are any documents (copies), that you would wish to share or pictures of you during that time. Also, I would also like a current picture of you today. I can send you a large self-addressed envelope for mailing purposes. If you have a scanner attached to your home computer, you could scan your pictures and/or documents to send to me.

If you wish to share this information with me, I would greatly appreciate it. I look forward to hearing from you. If you have any questions, please feel free to email me. If you chose not to share your story with me, I completely understand and will respect your wishes.

Sincerely,
Peter D. Minix
Former sergeant, weapons platoon, USMC, for 5 years.

If you remember that wonderful evening at the Hollywood Canteen . . .

Please tell me your story. My writing partner and I are preserving the memories of the unique attraction in the form of a documentary.

Please be a part of it. Contact us with your stories or tell us who you know who danced with the stars during World War II.

Don Ray
P.O. Box 661
Victorville, CA 92393-0661
(760) 900-1735

My Dad, Ralph J. Baecker of Dubuque, Iowa was in the 11th with the 491st armored field artillary Batallion is the best info. I seem to be able to find. He passed away in 1976. there are some photo's from here in the states and a few from Europe. But none have much for descriptions. My mother knows he was at Bastogne/Battle of the Bulge and he saw Mauthausen concentration camp. After the war he went to sioux Falls, South Dakota where he met my Mother. they had 5 children together and we all grew up there. I would like to hear from anyone who knew him or has knowledge of him. I will go through photo's and would be willing to share some of them. Thanks -Alina Baecker

Dear friends of the 11th Armored Division,

A few days ago a veteran of the 87th Infantry Division, Maury Johnson launched my new website, In-Honored-Glory.

This website is a tribute to all WWII veterans and the men they had to leave behind. The main focus of the site is the American cemetery at Henri-Chapelle in Belgium. It gives information about the cemetery and it tells stories about soldiers buried over there, but it doesn't end there ! I will try to publish stories of soldiers in different "sections" ... one of the sections is the veterans-stories'.

Please take a look at the website ... let me know what you think about it and if you decide you like the website and want to see your story on this everlasting memorial, then please drop me an email via the website, it would be deeply appreciated !

The address is : www.in-honored-glory.info

Thank you for all you have done for us !

Best wishes,

Peter Heckmanns
Webmaster In-Honored-Glory Website

I found this site and will visit often to learn more about the men my grandfather served with.

Seeking information pertaining to my deceased father's World War II service record. His name is Alfred(AKA Dutchy) Kane and he was from Jeresy City, NJ. Initial research suggests that he served in Okinawa as a Sgt. assigned to a flamethrower tank, most likely part of the 713th Armored Flame thrower battalion.

He died when I was very young. My brother and I are exploring a trip to Okinawa in 2006 and and information would be appreciated.

I have been in contact with the national records center in St. Louis, but that is not looking promising at this point.

Thans for your time and assistance, as well as this site which has provided us with very good information.

My Dad served with the 11th Armored Division 41st Tank Bn Company C...S/Sgt Raymond Cohen...known as Raymee...he was wounded and lost his fingers while chasing down a German column in an attack...I was glad to read about it in "Akron In Action". I never would have known the facts about his participation in the war since he never spoke of it to me through the years of my childhood or adult life.

I just want to say thank you to all of you who served and paid the price for the freedom I have enjoyed these past 59 years. Following in Dad's footsteps, I too served during the Viet Nam Conflict as a USMC officer so I somewhat understand the price paid for the freedom we have. Thanks again to all of you.

Please drop me a line if you read this.

Allen Cohen

Thanks to everyone who has had a part in putting this site together. My father, William T. Harris, served in the 11th Armored during WWII. This site has a close-up photo of him when he was a young lieutenant, and I had not ever seen that photo before. An amazing feeling to see for the first time!

My dad passed away peacefully in 2001 at age 83, and I'm thankful everyday for the sacrifices all of the veterans like him made.

If anyone out there knew (or knew of) my dad, I'd love to hear from you. Many of the names in the postings to the guestbook here sound familiar to me from my father's stories (I made audio tapes in 1996 of his war years, but as I write this I haven't listened to them in several years). But in any case, seeing that picture was just wonderful. Thanks to those who keep the website in such fine form.

This is a repeat of a message I posted in June with some additional information. Iwas with the 491st Field Artillery Battalion, 11th armored division, fought at the Battle of the Bulge, and helped liberate Mauthausen.

For those of my colleagues who fought at the Bulge, I thought you might be interested in learning that the sculptor Ray Kaskey, who designed all the bronze plaques at the WWII Memorial in Washington, D.C., has completed a small edition of the plaque depicting the Battle of the Bulge. I have purchased one and think it's quite splendid. It's a smaller version of one of the plaques at the WWII Memorial here.

If anyone is interested in contacting him about this, I suggest you go to his Web site (where you can also see more of his work): www.kaskeystudio.com. Anyone coming to Washington who would like to view the plaque can contact me at: cesack@aol.com

I posted a message in 2003 requesting information about my dad Walter Moder. I was contacted by Walter Nickerson and want you to know how much I appreciate your website. Now I would like to know if anyone has visited the area of Heckusheid where my dad was killed. This was the 63rd AIR operation area 2/18/45. Any suggestions on how to travel in this area would be appreciated. Thank you for keeping the memories alive.

I am a WWII GI baby born of an english girl and an american solder who was stationed at Ashchurch, Tewkesbury England during 1944. I was told he was killed in Action December 1944.
I am trying to establish units/divisions etc that were based at Ashchurch G25 General Depot during 1944
I understand my father was working with heavy equipment, possible tanks
any information,hints, clues, suggestions etc appreciated
many thanks

My brother Johnny left the previous message about our dad, Walter White. He was in Company C of the 63rd AIB. He was originally in the Army Air Corp. stationed in England early in the war. According to letters that he wrote home at the time, he did not care very much for the Air Corp. He was reassigned to the 11th AD when they arrived in England and liked that a lot better. He enjoyed attending 11th AD reunions in NYC after the war and met our mother indirectly by attending a reunion. He had a buddy in the 11th named Paul Cratty, also from Boston. Paul Cratty was my maternal grandfather's cousin. My grandfather attended a reunion with Paul Cratty and met my dad there. My grandfather invited my dad to visit back in Boston and my parents met. They married in June 1952 and I was born in May 1953. Sound familiar? One of our WW II relics is a german flag with about 20 American signatures on it, presumably of men that served with our dad. I'll try to dig it out and post the names. I know that many of you have passed on but my brother and I would love to hear from anyone that knew our dad. I'm sure that the ones who haved passed on are enjoying one grand 11th AD reunion in the sky. Be Well and May God Bless You All

My father, Walter Calvin White, served in the 11th Armored Division. I just happened on this website, and think it is absolutely terrific. Dad was originally from Roslindale, Mass. He died at the age of 44, on September 2, 1968. Dad never talked much about his experiences with my Mother, and died too young to talk about anything with any of his children. I would be very interested to hear from anyone who may have known him, and who might have more details about his battalion and company.

I will be sending in my application for membership to the association, thanks to all who did such a great job creating this website, and a very special thank you to all members of the 11th Armored Division for securing our freedom.

God Bless you all.

My previous entry should have read EBENSEE for the concentration camp.

I was checking my WWII material and came across one of the concentration camps we seem to have fogotten. We always tell about Mauthausen and Gusen but never EBENSEE. It was also a branch of Mauthausen. Does anyone else remember? At onetime I had seen a picture of the Gate.

Trying to locate anyone in the 41st Batallion who knew my Great Uncle, Raymond Schroeder, of Wisconsin. He died on May 17th 1945 near Linz, Austria. He may have been in Co. A until December 1944 and then transferred to Co. HQ with Assault Gun Crew consisting of (James?) Newhall, (?)Slaughter, & (John?) Murphy. My relatives deceased or been little help. Please email above address with ANY info. Any suggestions on where I should look appreciated. Thanks

My Uncle, Cpl. John C. Coyne - Company B - 42nd Tank Battalion, was killed on 1 January 1945. I'm interested in hearing from anyone who knew him, was there at the time or who had a relative who was involved in the action 31 December 1944 to 1 January 1945.

Thanks

My uncle, Vernon Boys, served with the 41st Cavalry Recon Squadron, 11th Armored Division. He died March 18th, 1945 and is buried in the Luxembourg Cemetary. I am trying to find information about his service with the 11th AD. If anyone has any information, please contact me at the above e-mail address. Thank you.

I WAS LIBERATED AT MAUTHAUSEN CONCENTRATION CAMP, and wish to thank the 11th Armored Division personnel who came to save us. I was a 19-year-old Polish political prisoner, who spent two years in the camps, first at Auschwitz and then at Mauthausen. I will NEVER forget the sight of the tanks rolling up the hill toward the main camp. I would like to personally thank any of the men who liberated Mauthausen, and to contact any of my fellow survivors. My phone number is 214-357-6536.

My great-uncle, Konrad Lieber, served in the 11th armored division Combat Command A. He died on March 5, 1945 in Germany. The only information our family has about his death is that he was in a tank and the tank hit a land mine while they were crossing a river. My husband and I assume he died while the 11th was crossing the Kyll River. If anyone knew my Uncle Konrad or has any photos of him we would greatly appreciate you sharing this information with us. Thank-you.

MY FATHER (ORAN A. MOREAU FROM LOUISIANA) WAS IN THE 11TH ARMOR(WWII),..RADIOMAN/GUNNER ON A TANK NAMED HANNIBAL...OFTEN MENTIONED MEMBERS OF CREW,..THE TWO I CAN REMEMBER ARE NAMED WINGARD AND WHITE..LANDED IN CHERBERG FRANCE I BELIEVE AND SPOKE OF A CONCENTRATION CAMP THEY FOUND SOME-WHERE,ANY-BODY WITH INFO REGARDING MY FATHER OR ANY-THING ELSE THAT MAY RING A BELL ARE ENCOURAGED TO CALL...DAVID E. MOREAU

I was with the 11 cav at ft knox in 1955 1956.they went to Germany i did not go you had to have two years left. so i went to school troops at knox.was glad to find the site.

My uncle, Frank Spicer was in WWII in the 11th Armored Division. He was an MP and drove a jeep with an officer. He was in Germany, England and Lousiana as well as Kansas. His home was Hazelton, Kansas. He was a GREAT man. Everyone cared for him. I became a patch collector because he sent patches to me as a child. I would like to hear from anyone who knew him. Thank you. Linda J. Stewart

My father, James Purdham Sr, served in the 11th AD, 492 AFA, Company "C" during WW II. His home town is Stanley,Va. Does anyone recall this name or serve with him? I read with interest "Edgar's" entry as my father shared the same experiences of service. Are there any websites or book's covering this units history specifically? He was a tank man and also helped "spare" with members of the boxing team. Any information regarding my father, his unit or the units involvement/actions/history would be greatly appreciated. Also I heard there is a way to get replica medals that he earned during the war as well, any info with regards to this would be appreciated as well!! Thanks!!

Hi, Dan! Many thanks for your splendid account of the 60th Anniversary Tour. I wish now that I had chosen to participate.
Best wishes, Fritz

As the son of a WWII veteran(Pfc Darriel Kitchens), I have been interested all of my life in the significance of our involvement, our country's dedication to Victory, the tenacity of our soldiers, and our leaders. That said, it was indeed an HONOR and a PRIVELEDGE to travel with the 60th anniversary tour with members of the 11th Armored division. I learned a lot from these guys.
THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DID

Trying to help a friend find out info on his uncle P.F.C. Wm.H.Hancock company C 63rd Armored Division european theater.Time frame 12/16/44-1/15/45.
He is trying to find a shoulder patch with the word Thunderbolt under it.Anyone that has any info on either topic please contact me @ ez_merf_99@yahoo.com

Paul Roquet of "C" company 21AIB passed away on June 23. You may send condolence to his son Paul at pfroquet@aol.com

Hello...my father was in the 97th infantry division during WW2 - I am seeking information regarding his unit. I have pictures of him in Germany-1945 & Fort Bragg, NC - 1945.
I know one of his long time friends after the war was a Navajo Indian by the name of Zearl Keams. I have some other names on the back of these pictures. But can relay those later. My father passed away on Sunday - fathers day. He had a hard time as he aged discussing the war, so information is limited.
If anyone has information..I'd really appreciate it !
Stephanie Morales

Hello all,

please, can me everybody tell about the 273th Field artillery Battailion, who was in April 1945 between Bayreuth and Weiden (Bavaria)?

the 273th came to ERBENDORF on the April 20 1945. Perhaps, gives some pics about it?

Thank you for answers

Jochen Neumann

I was with the 492nd Field Artillery Battalion, 11th armored division, fought at the Battle of the Bulge, and helped liberate Mauthausen.

For those of my colleagues who fought at the Bulge, I thought you might be interested in learning that the sculptor Ray Kaskey, who designed all the bronze plaques at the WWII Memorial in Washington, D.C., is working on small edition of the plaque depicting the Battle of the Bulge. He also happens to be a neighbor, so if anyone is interested in contacting him about this, I would be glad to provide you with his e-mail address.

Hallo to all members of 11th US Armored Division!
I live in Sinzig, on the banks of Rhine River, Germany, between Remagen and Andernach, where 11th Armored Divison reached the Rhine on March 09, 1945, and had to fight through the streets of Andernach till March 11.
Im am a teacher at Kurf?rst-Salentin-Gymnasium, Andernach (btw, also a reserve officer of the German Air Force) and I have lead a project in my school about the german rearmament in 1955, since the town of Andernach literally became the cradle of the german Bundeswehr only 10 years after your appearance on the Rhine. The photos from your website proved very helpful, and they did attrack a lot of attention on our public presentation which took place yesterday.

The local historian Wolfgang G?ckelhorn has published a book "Das Ende am Rhein" (The End on the Rhine), Helios-Verlag, Aachen 2005; 29,70 Euro; in which he describes the end of WW II in the area between Remagen (Ludendorff Bridge!) and Andernach. Excellent work, many good maps and photos!

With best wishes from Germany
Sven-Erich Czernik

Still wondering if there is anybody out there that knew my Uncle Elwood (Elwood Frisby). He was in the 63rd battalion,company C. If you did know him, would appreciate talking with you. You can find his citation on the home page of this website.
Thank You

Yesterday on NPR was a report on the liberation of Mauthausen. It can be found here:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4632393
Features interviews with Edgar Edelsack, a member of the 11th Armored as well as Martin Weiss, a former detainee from Mauthausen. Although they did not identify the specific unit of the 11th that Edgar Edelsack was in.

Thanks!

As the 60th Anniversary of the liberation of Mauthausen -- and soon thereafter -- of VE Day, approaches, we express our gratitude to the bold men of the 11th Armored Division -- and all their fellow GIs -- for serving our country, for battling to free a continent from the grip of fascism, and for lending their personal honor to the uniform of the United States Army and to the flag of the United States of America.

In particular, we honor and remember our own beloved Wm. Albert Vaughan, a veteran of the 11th Armored Division -- one of so many who, as a young man, willingly answered the call of Liberty, soldiered his way across Europe, prevailed at the Battle of the Bulge, shed his own blood for the cause of Freedom, and survived to be with the 11th Armored Division for the liberation of the Nazi death camp at Mauthausen; only to return home to his finest accomplishments in this life -- being a hard-working father, a loving grandfather, and a tenderly devoted great-grandfather.

He was a fine man.

To all the good men who soldiered with him -- and to all who have worn the uniform across the decades -- may the Good Lord let his face shine upon you until the end of time.

I am trying to get more information on my father who died 20 years ago this February. Before he died he attended a couple of reunions of the 11th. His records were among those lost in the fire in St. Louis, and I am trying to reconstruct them. Name: Melvin S. Johnsen, from Loleta, California. He was a lieutenant and was in a light tank. On Dec. 31, 1944 he was wounded and captured. Any information would be greatly appreciated. I am currently in Germany.

johnsenms (at) hotmail (dot) com

Hello, I am the proud grandson of Cpl. Boris A. Roje, who recently passed away this last Tuesday, 26 April 2005. He served with the 11th Armored Division, 56th Engineer Battalion, Able Company. I am posting to let his fellow comrades know that he passed on and has joined his Brathers in Arms waiting for him at the gates of Heaven.

Also, if anyone has any info on my Grandfather and his service (Pictures, Stories, etc) please email me @ mtlung87@hotmail.com. Thank you.

My Father Richard Staubach (on the right in picture) served during WWII with the 11th armoured 21st divivion Company C. He is still alive and would like to contact memebers he served with. He doesn't have email, but if you answer I will print him a copy.

I am writing an article about the Rhineland Campaigne, specifically, how Combat Command B of the 11th AD advanced through Kelberg, Mullenbach and the N?rburgring racetrack on 8 March 1945.

I would appreciate any information about this little-known chapter of history from Thunderbolt veterans who were part of this operation.

The article is scheduled to appear in the August issue of the BMW Car Club of America's monthly magazine Roundel.

Thanks,

Bob Roemer

I enlisted in Oregon and was in the ASTP at the University of Nevada in Reno prior to joining the 11 th Armored at Camp Cooke. I was in Company B, 55 th Armored Infantry Battalion, 11 th Armored Division from March 1944 through January 1945 when I was injured and sent to a hospital in England and then rejoined them in Aigen, Austria in May after recovering.
In August I was shipped back to the States, presumably to join a new unit preparing for Japan. I was a buddy with Diedrich, knew Fry, Duede, Kurtz, Thweatt,and others.

I am looking for information on my uncle, Vernon Arends who served with the unit at the battle of the bulge, and wounded

My name is Joel Tyler and I am a Lieutenant Colonel of Armor in the Regular Army. My uncle was Bill Pickett, past president of the Association (1985) and a member of D/41 CAV. I used to pore over his 11 AD book as a kid, and that probably set me on this path; the picture of Uncle Bill riding that M-8 through the gates of Mauthausen has stuck with me ever since. I had an opportunity while stationed in Germany to visit the cemetery in Ham, Luxembourg and took pictures of the headstones of some 41st CAV guys (e.g., Tony Rossi). We had a wonderful (if tough) time reminiscing about the friends he had lost during the war and since. If anyone has any anecdotes to share about the rough old farmer from Arkansas, I would appreciate hearing them. Thanks for the website, it is a wonderful way for rest of the world to appreciate what you've done for all of us. God bless.

Hello--I am searching for any information on James Stuart Butler, a native of Jersey City, New Jersey who served in Company C, 42nd Tank Battalion from 1942-45. I am editing his letters for possible publication and would like to correspond with anyone who knew him. I would also like to correspond with any veterans of the 42nd who are willing to answer questions and share their experiences. In this small way I hope to honor James Butler and the other members of the 11th A.D. for their service. Thank you!

hello,
My name is tory Vardanega my grandfather is Roy Vardanega he served in the 22nd tank bitallion. I was very proud of him. I never really appricated what he did for me untill I wrote a paper on WWII. He was my her just as all of the people who fought to save so many are too. It makes me angry that this country dose not do more to remember you guys. I have recently won a scholorship from our local VFW. My grandfather passed away last May. I wish I would have asked more questions there is soo much I want to know so if any one has any information on the 22nd or my grandfather pleas e-mail me.

with great apprication,
Tory Vardanega

I am doing research on a uniform and personal effects of a soldier in the 11th Armored Division. All I know is his last name. He was a T/5 and his last name was Katona. He served in three campaines in Europe. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Feel free to email me if you have any informationthat might help. My goal is preservation for the generations to come. Lest we forget.

Hi,
My father in law's brother,, served in the US Army and was KIA 30,Dec,1944. I am posting some information about him, in an attempt to find out more about his active duty, find precious photo's, anything at all that I can have to pass on to his siblings.
INFO: UNTI: HQ490AFA
NAME::HADLEY NEFF
SECOND LIEUTENANT, US ARMY
SERVICE# 01183141
490TH FIELD ARTILLETY BATTALION, 11TH ARMORED DIVISION.
BURIED AT PLOT I ROW 10 GRAVE 7
LUXEMBOURG AMERICAN CEMETERY
LUXEMBOURG CITY, LUXEMBOURG
AWARDS: SILVER STAR, PURPLE HEART
If you have any information, or have served with Hadley Neff Please, Please respond to me, I will greatly appreciate it.

There were heavy casualties when soldiers of the 11th Armored Division liberated my home town of Schleusingen in (Thuringia/Th?ringen) from Nazi rule in April 1945. Sixty years have now passed and I have written a book, "When the Amis Came.... tracing the route of the 11th Armored Division betweenn the Werra River and the Rennsteig Hills." The book will appear on the German market in April, has 192 pages with ISBN 3-930588-62-2. This German language book can be ordered from the publishers at www.heinrich-jung-verlag.de It is based on materials found on the 11th Armored homepage along with reports from German units and eyewitnesses from the Schleusingen area. My own personal vivid memories are included. The book describes combat operations west of the Thuringian Forest. I am interested not so much in the military operations of both sides, rather, to show the aspects of the war that were tragic for both sides. On this occasion I would like to thank all the members of the 11th Armd. Div. Association who contributed so readily to the writing of my book. Special thanks go to Editor Dan O'Brien.

Lothar Guenther

I would like to speak with any surviving member of the 11th Armored Division who recalls liberating American POWS at a camp called BERGA or any American POWS who were marched south of BERGA. This occurred between April 4 - April 23, 1945. My uncle was one of the POWS, but he died on the day of his liberation as a consequence of severe Nazi maltreatment.

My father JAMES W HEDGES has passed away and I have received a letter from the veterans dept stating that he was awarded 3 bronze medals, but since the fire there's no record on how or why he won them. Can anyone help me. I miss him terribly and would like to learn more about the wonderful man

Thank You
Mary

Hello!
My name is gerald and I?m from Austria.
I live in the near of Gallneukirchen in Upper Austria.
Now I write a book about the last weeks in world war II in Gallneukirchen.
Here was a pow-camp in May 1945 full with SS-men.
To make photos, I try to find out, where this camp exactly was.
If any one has information about this, please tell me!! Excuse my bad englisch!

My grandfather, Mike Putcakulish is mentioned on your web site. He passed away in June of 2001. If anyone has any photos or personal stories about him that they are willing to share, please contact me.
Thanks so much!

My Father, Tsgt Clyde Russell Medders, RA 34928361, served with the 11th Armored Division. Fought in the Ardennes, Rhineland, and Central European Campaigns and was in Austria when the War ended. Don't know much about him or the specific unit he served with within the Division but, according to his Seperation Record dated 28 Mach 1946, he was a drove a half track and
was a Rifleman. It says he drove vehicle with Command Squad leading Platoon in Combat. He never spoke a lot about the War but did tell me that he was with his unit when they liberated a concentration camp. He told me it was the worst sight he could never forget. Other than that, he kept mostly to himself. I have one photo of him saved from a family house fire years ago. In the photo he is wearing a Bronze Star. How do I find out specifically which unit he served with? I have his flag and after all these years ( 1980 his death) I feel I owe it to him to get all his military history together so that I can finally place his flag in a proper case with all Awards and unit insignias. He served 24 years and retired Oct 31 1970 and passed Oct 31 1980. I miss him very much. Can you offer advice or help.

First and foremost God Bless Veterans!
My Grandfather Raymond Oscar Hofmann. or
Bill was with a 11th Armored Tank Destroyers Division. I know he trained
in Fort Hood Texas. I know he was on the
second wave at Omaha beach, also fought in
the Battle of the Bulge, and the Seigfreid
Line. He also went through St.Lo, where I
believe his tank was hit when he was not
in it.(Possibly his commanders life was
taken here) Pictures from a book called
"THINK". Anyone having information feel
free to contact me ''PLEASE''and thanks!

I work for the Vietnam Veterans of America. I received a call from a soldier who was with the (his words) 11th Armored Division, 3rd Armored Cavalry. He is looking for anyone who was stationed with this unit in Germany around the Vietnam Era.

I'm gathering information on my Uncle Archie Robertson's military history during his service in 1st Platoon, Company C, 11th Armored Battalion in World War II. Since my Uncle never married and died serveral years before my birth, I have few details of his time in the U.S. Army. If any one has information or can point me in the right direction, I'd appreciate the the help.

Thank you,
David Robertson

I am Captain Fred Nace, US Army and am assigned for one year to US Embassy in Prague, Czech Republic. I am attempting to coordinate the participation of our military members in all of the wonderful events commemorating the 60th Anniversary of the liberation of Western Bohemia,Czechoslovakia during April and May 2005.

I cannot coordinate individual plans for veterans wishing to attend, but I would like to contact those who plan to attend. A list of known events will soon be posted at the embassy website (www.usembassy.cz) and some information is already available on a sight by the city of Plzen (Pilsen) (www.pilsen2005.com).

One of the things I will do is compile a list of those planning to attend and forward them updates to the activities as we receive information, especially those functions where the Czech people have indicated they want to host American veterans. Also, the Czech government does plan to issue a commemorative medal to veterans of the liberation. This is not a US Government project, but I am able to help coordinate a ceremony for those who will be in the Czech Republic. All others must wait until the Czech government decides how to issue the medal.

To that end, I ask you to forward this message to all of your members and friends who participated in the WW II liberation or occupation of Czechoslovakia. This would apply to personnel serving in the following 3 US Army units (and their subordinates) after April 1945:
5th US Corps
12th US Corps
1st Infantry Division
2d Infantry Division
5th Infantry Division
26th Infantry Division
90th Infantry Division
97th Infantry Division
4th Armored Division
9th Armored Division
11 Armored Division
16th Armored Division
8th Air Army
9th Air Army
15th Air Army

and occupation forces:
22d US Corps
79th Infantry Division
94th Infantry Division
8th Armored Division

Please contact me at Pilsen2005veteran@state.gov.

Thank you very much for sharing your valuable time. I look forward to working with you and hope that you will be able to participate in the ceremonies.

Sincerely,

CPT Fred Nace

My Dad - who passed away 11 years ago at the age of 80 was one of the people liberated from Mauthausen. I just wanted to say Thank you.
ef

Did anyone see a B-17 that crashed near Remagne, Belgium on January 5, 1945. lI was the Radio Operator on that plane.

Hello,

My name is Keith Dominick. I am a 30 year old career firefighter in
Maryland. On my off days I collect W.W. II items such as uniforms,
patches, helmets, hats, knives, etc... I have been collecting since the
age of 13 and am looking for items to add to my collection.

I prefer to obtain the items directly from the veteran or the family if
possible. This way i have a name, face, and stories to go with the
item. This makes it more interesting to me and also helps to keep that veterans
experiences around for as long as possible. If you or anyone that you know
has any items that they would like to have a good home and be
appreciated, please feel free to contact me by e mail.

Thank you for your great service to our country,

Keith Dominick

As a retired Armor officer (1975-1995) and a dyed-in-wool sports car racer, I noticed with interest that elements of the 11AD over-ran a 200-bed German field hospital in the town of Nurburg, the home of the famous N?rburgring race track, on or about 7 March 1945.

Are there any Thunderbolt veterans out there who could shed some more light on this operation? Specifically, I'd like to know where the field hospital was - near the castle? In the large grandstands/hotel complex?

Also, there are stories that some crews took their vehicles out on the track. Did that actually happen (it makes you wonder what the lap record is for Sherman)?

Were there any troopers who understood the significance of the place?

I'd like to write an article about this piece of history for the BMW Car Club of America magazine. Any help you could provide would be much appreciated.

Armor leads the way!

My dad served in the 63rdAIB as a combat
medic. My son and I are both members of
the Association. My son is a WWII re-enactor and participates each year in the
Battle of the Bulge held at Fort
Indiantown Gap military post in Pa. WWII
veterans and their families would enjoy
visiting the base and participating as
visitors. It is held the last weekend in
January.

Thanks for a very helpful website,was searching for info on my uncle Virgil I Barnett(A21AIB),KIA March 05 1945.
About all we know is he was hit by an anti-tank round while riding on a tank crossing a river.
Virgils close family are all gone now,but had very little information on his service in WWW2.
Thanks for your service to this "Great Nation"
J.M.Wofford
Calhoun,Ga.

Hi friends!

I hope all of you know that my second novel (concerning the 11th Armored Division) has hit store shelves! Night Song takes place through the war, through the eyes of an 11th Armored Medic. It's getting great reviews. Check it out a www.amazon.com

And if you haven't read From Dust and Ashes, check that out too!

Also, I have a GREAT idea! I am saddened every time I read about another 11th Armored Division Veteran passing away. You guys need to be honored for what you've done, while you're still around to enjoy it! (Don't worry I'll be signing your praises for the next 50 years!)

We all know that this year is the 60th anniversary of the end of WWII. Wouldn't it be great if the story of the division, your push through Europe and the liberation of Mauthausen and Gusen camps becomes known to a younger generation? We cannot let these stories be lost!

I'd love to see the 11th Armored Division get media attention on May 5, 2005--60 years after the liberation of Mauthausen. My idea is to get the story on the show most popular with the younger generations--Oprah! What do you think?

If you're willing. Write OPRAH and share YOUR story. Tell about YOUR personal experiences. About Mauthausen. About the Division. About the reunions. About the trip to Europe this spring. And if you'd like, share about how these stories are being shared with a younger generation through my novels.

The address to write an email to OPRAH is:
https://www.oprah.com/plugger/templates/BeOnTheShow

Also, spread the word! Have your friends and family members write too!

Do you think if we all shared that we might get noticed?

I love you guys!!! You are my heroes!

Tricia Goyer
www.thegoyers.com
tricia@thegoyers.com

Earl (Bud) BAHR (2LT) of the 11th ARmored Division was my father. Does anyone remember him? Please email me if you do. As I sit in my warm house with family close-by, I recall the horrors of your Battles in the cold, cold woods around Belgium this time 60 years ago. I am glad so many of you survived. I wish those who never returned could talk to us, too.

My father Seymour Lumer, Bronx, New York was in the 11th armored division Company D. He is still well and living in New jersey. We welcome anyone who remembers him to contact us.. Thank you

My father was Pfc Raymond "Duckfoot" Rigsby, he was a medic in the 55AIB.I think around Lonchamps he recieved a Bronze Star. If anyone has info please forward. He passed away in 1990. thanks

I never really got to meet my great uncle. His name was Lester T. Stauff. As much as i would have liked to meet him i never really got the chance...i wish i had. He died i think sometime in the 1990's and i wish that i had met him. I am only 14 years old. I respect him so much even though i never met him. I would have loved to meet him. His wife, my great aunt, passed away recently. December 21, 2004. It saddens me that she could not wait just four more days. When we went to her house to get some stuff i found out who my great uncle was. He was a hero just like everyone else who fought in WWII. My father was able to get one of his three purple hearts and one of his bronze stars. I manged to get the flag that was placed on his coffin at his funeral. I also got a plaque of his purple heart. There was one story of my uncle that i know about that i think is quite comical. One day Lester T. Stauff was riding in his tank with his hand on the top sticking out of the cockpit thing with a piece of cheese in it. ZING! A german sniper shot the cheese right out of his hand. I really wish that i had been able to meet my great uncle Lester. If you knew him please email me so that i could learn more about him... Devin111@adelphia.net

My Dad, Ralph J. Baecker of Dubuque, Iowa was in the 11th with the 491st armored field artillary Batallion is the best info. I seem to be able to find. He passed away in 1976. there are some photo's from here in the states and a few from Europe. But none have much for descriptions. My mother knows he was at Bastogne/Battle of the Bulge and he saw Mauthausen concentration camp. After the war he went to sioux Falls, South Dakota where he met my Mother. they had 5 children together and we all grew up there. I would like to hear from anyone who knew him or has knowledge of him. I will go through photo's and would be willing to share some of them. Thanks -Steve Baecker

My Father, Kenneth E. McDiffett, was a radio operator on a half-track with the 11th Armored. He never spoke much of specifics, but I do remember him speaking of meeting Russian soldiers, his commanding officer getting mad at him for shuting down the radio, the weapon he carried (M-1 Carbine), seeing a concentration camp and the German pistol he got and carried in a holster he had made in Austria.

My Father died a few years ago. He battled alzheimer's for about ten years before it took him at the age of 80. He also had heart problems for over twenty years. My mother, Virginia, (still living at home) stood by him through the war years, and the medical struggles that followed. They have both given up much for their country and for this I am extremely thankful and proud.

For those of you that have had similar experiences as my parents, you have my greatest respect. Thank you for your service, sacrifices, and the opportunities you have provided for my generation.

Kenneth E. McDiffett's oldest son,
Jeff McDiffett

P.S.
My mother knows more specifics about my father's service and has many photos of my father and his buddies and letters that he wrote to her when he was overseas.

My father, PFC Jasper Schember, was a truck driver with Service Co of the 42nd Tank Battalion. He passed away in 1981. It was after his death that I learned what unit he had been with and found some pictures of him and some of the men from the Co. At the end of the war they were in Steyr, Austria for awhile. Was just looking at the site and didn't notice any mention of the Service Co but I didn't have time to look at the whole thing. Thanks for putting this together. His grandchildren might find it interesting.

Browsing the web and found a wonderful account of my grandfather, Lt. Gen E.H. Brooks on your webpages. Thanks for keeping the memory alive.

My father, Etmer Begnoche, was with the 11th Armored Division thunderbolts from 1942 to 1946. He is 84 years old and lives in Clay Center, Kansas. This website will bring back many memories for him.

My father-in-law, Bob LaPolla, served with the 11th Armored Division as an infantry scout. His cousin, Robert A. LaPolla, also served with the 11th Armored Division. He'd like to make contact with anyone who remembers him or his cousin.

My Father, Paul Hawkins passed away in 1991 suddenly at the age of 70. He, like many others, never spoke of the war other than answering specific questions asked by myself. He did however write a small short story about his experience in the Battle of the Bulge. He was in the 41st Cav. Recon and was a T5/Sgt radio operator on a half track. It would be awesome to communicate with someone who knew.

My father, Alfred J. Paliani (he was known to everyone as "Fred" or "Freddie") passed away about 20 years ago and never talked much about his experiences with the Thunderbolts in WWII. I am trying to find out about his experience in the 11th Armored Division and would like to communicate with some of the men who served in his small unit. I know that he was with Headquarters Company of the 22nd Tank Battalion during the war and at the time of his discharge on December 15, 1945 was in Company 1 of the 315th Infantry. If anyone knew him then, please contact me. Thanks.

Heloo to all and many thanks to the vets out there.

I am looking for inormation on my grandfather's division during WWII. I know he served with the 11th Armored Division.

Company A 55th Infantry,11th Armored Division

His name is Edward L Morgan from Central, IL.

If you reckognize his name please feel free to contact me by email.
car99r@consolidated.net

Chris

I served with the 2nd Battalion Royal Anglian Regiment in Germany 66-70 and met quite a few American servicemen. I have retired and now pursue my hobby of military history. To compliment this I also deliver flowers (and take photographs) to the headstones in military cemeteries of those who fell in the two Great Wars in France Belgium and Holland. If anyone out there is interested, please contact me at checkit55@aol.com or www.flowersforthefallen.co.uk

Regards

Terry Doyle

Thinking about all the members of the 11th AD, on the 60th Anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge. Particularly my late dad's outfit, the 490th AFA

Hank Carey's proudest story was about the forced overland march of a brand new American Armored Division across France and directly into battle.

God bless all those men who didn't make it to Austria and all those who returned home. They are truely the greatest generation.

Joe Carey

I spent may summers at Patterson Grove from 1943 to the 1960's. Are there any of you out there who came to the Campground those years? - Ron Harvey, George, Bill (George's cousin from Philly), Nancy Mincavage Saxe (I think), Lester Ridel (Uncle Lestoil), Paul Fogg, Carol Van Fosen to name a few.

My father-in-law was Meron J. "Tommy" Thompson. He was in "C" Battallion, 9th Armored Division, 14th Tank Battalion.
He fought in the Battle of the Buldge and was awarded the Purple Heart. His unit was later (50 years) awarded a presidential citatin. Unfortunately, he passed away on 4 December 2004. He will be so missed. We loved him so. Talk about a hero.

I'd like to get in touch with vets or for stories of vets, who fought in the Battle of the Bulge or have been in the restcenter of Valkenburg Holland in 44 or 45

I'm also as collecter looking for patches of us ground forces

Please Mail if you can help me.....

Regards

Casper
(23 years old)

My father was T/Sgt John Cangley. He passed away in 1959 of cancer. He was 42.

My father, Marshall C Gallarza, served with the 11th Armoured Division. He was wounded in action at Bastogne. He also served in North Africa and he was also a Ranger. If anyone knows of him would you please e-mail me.

Hi My brother Howard George Knoll served in the 491AFA Battery B. He was killed in action March 18, 1945. Would like to hear from anyone that new him.

For anyone who is interested in former 11th Armored Division soldiers.

One of your own Harold E. Leonhart of Austintown, Ohio passed away at his home December 8, 2004, he was 82. Harold served with the 11th Armored Division in Europe WWII.

Hello, all. My great uncle is Lenwood Ammons (Sgt. Ammons, I think you'd call him!). And I just wanted to say hello to his fellow veterans. Our family thinks the world of him, and of all of you. Uncle Lenwood showed me a book last year about your unit. If memory serves, one of you wrote it and it was published by Indiana University Press. Any chance someone out there has details about it? I wanted to buy a copy for myself. Thank you! Suzanne

Your site has great content.

I have been researching information on the 55th Armored Inf.Bn. My great-uncle, Richard Jack Adams was in the 55th.

He never spoke of things he saw during the war. Back in the 1980's we were on a family camping trip and I played Blackjack with him. He told me he played it when he was in the Army. Then he teared up. I didn't ask any questions, and he never said another word about it.

My Aunt says he once told her that a fellow soldier was "blown up" in battle while standing right beside him. He said the soldier was a good friend. He never told her anything else.

After researching this site, I can see why he never wanted to talk about what he saw.

He passed away in February 1997.

Thank you to all the people who worked to put this site together and a special "Thanks" to the soldiers that fought with the 11th Armored Division!

Thank you for this site. I am interested in any information about OSCAR HALL BLACK who served throughout Europe with the 133rd Ordnance Battallion as a mechanic. He is my father-in-law.

Thanks again.

Hi,your homepage looks really good and gives great information!
Thank you very much!
Greetings from me!!

Hallo, Ich schreibe normalerweise nicht, aber diesmal musste ich dann doch mal in die tasten greifen. Also Eure HP ist super toll. Ich habe Euch heute eigentlich mehr durch Zufall gefunden und war ueberrascht wie toll die Seite funktioniert, aufgebaut ist und wie easy es ist, sich zurechtzufinden. Ich hoffe Ihr macht weiter so, denn ich werde Euch jetzt immer besuchen, wenn ich neue Informationen benoetige. Danke,

I am researching information for my Wife and Mother in Law. I am trying to find out information on Private First Class Garland W. Dettmann, 36276276. He was wounded just outside Meiningen, Germany and was part of the Reconnaissance platoon in Headquarters Company, 22 Tank Battalion, 11th Armored division on 5 April 1945. I am trying to see what awards, ribbons and medals he won during his time in the Army. Any help to do that would be greatly appreciated.

Since we switched to a php guestbook, the entries are not searchable at this time.

DZ

To all those that served this great land - Happy Veteran's Day! The freedoms that we all enjoy today are the fruits of your labor.

With unending respect & thanks,

Wayne K. Hanlon - Son & Jonathan K. Hanlon - Grandson of Kenneth W. Hanlon 41st Cav.

Is there a features on this guestbook that allows for "searching" of the guestbook entries ???

I am researching the events/action that took place around the hamlet of Bizory, Belgium during the defense of Bastogne, 19 December 1944 through mid-January 1945. The 705th was attached to the 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division at this time.

I am looking for men who might remember this time period. I can be reached at bizory1944 at yahoo dot com.

I have been to Bizory on several occasions and my uncle was a member of E/501 at the time.

Many thanks.

Mark Stephenson

705th Tank Destroyer Bn. will have there 2005 Reunion in New Orleans, LA
Please contact me by E-mail wtenn45575@juno.com or telephone at 970-6673233. Reunion dates are:
May 30th to June 3, 2005