World War II Historical Preservation Federation Rules of Authenticity

This Page is where the Federation will post e-mails that are received from Veterans and their families. If you are looking for a World War II Veterans or have questions about units and such please send an e-mail to info@wwiifederation.org and it will be posted here.

My father was in the 28th Infantry Division, I know, 110th Infantry Regiment, I believe. I am looking for information or contacts who might have known him or have been in the same service area. I believe he became a psychological casualty at Hurtgen Forest. Any and all information/contacts would be appreciated. My father died 26 years ago when I was 16 so I didn't really know him, much less anything about his World War II experience. Thanks.

Hi, Looking for anyone knowing Ewing Eugene "Gene" Williams, whose MOS was Rifleman 745. He is believed to have gone overseas on the QUEEN MARY in November or December 1944 and returning possibly also on the QUEEN MARY in June 1946. For sure he was in Regiment 110, then 109 of the 28th Infantry Division of the U.S, Army. He fought in the Rhineland, the Ardennes, and Alsace. Hope I spelled those right? If anyone knows of Gene Williams, please send an e-mail to Debbie Ramsey
<bakos8@cs.com>

My name is William T. Kenny I am currently the Chairman of 42nd "Rainbow"
Division Memorial Foundation Inc.
I have been asked to get any information on an uncle whose name is listed
above.
Like many Veterans He never spoke about the war and now that he is deceased
his niece would like to learn more about him.
Any help you can give me would be most appreciated.
Thanks,
Bill Kenny
1 Chadwell Place
Morristown, NJ 07960
e mail wtkenny@aol.com

Good Morning! I am trying to find information on my father and his unit. His name is Robert E. Fruchey, Serial #36 117 284 - he was stationed with Company A 28th Signal. I can find information on the 28th Infantry Division but not the 28th Signal - was the 28th Signal part of the 28th Infantry?? My father died in 1987 not sharing much about the War , except the fun stories. He was stationed in Southern France, Rhineland, Central Europe, from 8-31-1942 until 7-29-1945. According to his Discharge Papers he won three bronze stars and European African Middle Eastern Service Medal - Good Conduct Medal. The only items he has from the War is a Nazi Flag which I was told by an old VFW friend of his he got in Berchtesgaden. Can you let me know if the 28th Signal was associated with the 28th infantry? Also, any information you can give me regarding how to get information on my Dad or Company A, 28th Signal would be appreciated. Thanks so much - Rebecca Fruchey-Bunke.

My name is Caroline Martinez De Adams. My father fougnt in the Battle Of the Buldge--first wave. He fought with the Third Army under General Patton.   He says he remembers praying for the soldiers he had to move aside as he headed toward the beach of Normandy.   He says he remembers picking up floating dog tags of the soldiers who had died. He turned the dog tags in as soon as he could. He wanted to be sure these men were not forgotten.

He was an Antiaircraft Artillary Maching Gun Crewman.   The guns were placed on a half-track. He and the crewmen he faught with earned a Silver Star. He and the following men recieved the Silver Star at the same time: Sgt. Light, Cpl. Briskill, T/5Martinez (my dad), PFC Martinez and Pfc Nunn. Dad has the original order and a copy of his citation. He even has a publication called the ETO ACK ACK , VOL. 1 Issue 5 Published by Tsgt Palmer & Tsgt Buckingham, Date 8 Feb. 1945, congratulating dad and the others for receiving The Silver Star. He was given a map by his Batallon 468th AAA (AW) BN after the war was over as he was getting ready to return home. How can we find out if any of the men who received the Silver Star with dad are still living? If so, how can we locate them?

Our parents have taught us to love our country and to do what we can to support her. Two of my brothers served in the military, one in the Army the other in the Navy. Shortly after getting married my husband decided to join the Air Force. Two and a half years ago after 27 years of service in the Air Force, my husband retired.    Presently, our son, an Air Force Pilot, continues the military legacy in our family.

When our mom first showned us Dad's Silver Star and read his citation, we asked him why he did not show it to us earlier. He said, "I was just doing my job. The real heroes were the men and women who gave their lives in the service of our country." Through the experiences our dad had during WWII, we have developed a great appreciation for those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice to bring peace to our world.

Our dad does not know this but my brothers and sisters have been researching other medals we believe our father earned.   We would like to surprise him with these medals for Christmas. Would you be able to varify what we have researched and discovered? We believe our dad has earned the following medals: Bronze Star, American Campaign, Occupational Army, WWII Victory, American Defense, European Medal, Victory Medal, and the Belgium Cross plus the Army Service Ribbon and Overseas Service Ribbon. How do we go about making sure dad receives these medals he has earned? Who do we write to?

We appreciate any help you can give us locating the men mentioned as well as helping us varify the medals and ribbons dad earned.

Thanks again for your help.

(Ret.) Col. and Mrs. Paul J. Adams

I just recently discoverd your site. I am looking for the name of the ships on which my father sailed during WW2. He was in the 110th INF. 28 Div. Records that I have gotten from St. Louis give the following information:
Left from Boston 10/8/1943 arrived at Eng. 10/18/1943
Left France 5/31/1945 arrived Boston 6/8/1945
Prior to returning to the US, he spent time in an Air Force Hosp. in France. I don't know the name or exact location of the hosp. He was captured in the Battle of the Bulge and spent time as a POW.
I have seen many ships lists, but none that gives the name of the ships that he traveled on.
Any help or suggestions that you can supply would be greatly appreciated.
Cheryl

Sir,
my name is Brieuc Cudennec,I am eighteen years old and I am French.Like many countries,France and United States have suffered because of the war.
I have learned a lot about this period and I am very interested of al the points of history during the Second World War.But I do like to go on my studies and want to be very specialized.I would like to correspond with persons who knew well the war and may be who was a soldier in that time.I would like to have with these people a correspondance for speaking and writing about these memories.

                       BEST REGARDS

BRIEUC CUDENNEC

My address is:                                      My E-mail is:
BRIEUC CUDENNEC                          brieucgonzo@yahoo.fr
4,rue Jacques Cartier
22190 Plerin
FRANCE

Gentlemen: Robert L. Fischelis, born and raised in Philadelphia, died on June 18 2002 at age 77 in Concord MA where his son Peter lives. He was wounded in the battle of the Huertgen Forest and got a Purple Heart. He wouldn't speak much about his war experiences. Is there any way to find out whether he was with the 28th Division and when and how he was wounded? There will be a memorial service for him in Cambridge MA towards the end of September and we're trying to reconstruct some of the missing parts of his bio.
Harald Hille

Hi. My grandfather fought in the Battle of the Bulge. I remember my grandmother talking about the "Guard" on occassion. My grandfather retired from the Army but I am not sure if he fought in WW2 as a Guardsman or Regular Army. His name is William Hartmann and he was from Pittsburgh, PA. He retired as a Colonel but I have no idea what his rank was in the Battle of the Bulge. I heard stories about artillary guns so I am thinking that he may have been with an artillary unit. IF anyone knows anything about him or where I could find information about his company/unit, I would really appreciate it. Thanks and take care.

Steve Bassett sbassett@capa.net

Dave: I am looking for members of the 130^th General Hospital who were stationed in Ciney, Belgium in 1944/45. I am also looking for American or German soldiers or any civilians who were treated there During WWII.

Thanks, John H. Sweet sweetjh@mindspring.com www.130thgeneralhospital.com

I have been a reenactor since the late 60s. I firs started out with the 29th INF DIV and was with them for many years. Belonged to the HRS and later the HRF but
since the early 90s i have been doint 82ND AIRBORNE. The last event i was a part of was the 50th anniversary of D-DAY down in VIRGINIA in 1994. Since then all i
have been doing is static displays at FT MEADE as well as a show a number of years ago in VIRGINIA, all as 82nd AB. I'm 67 years old now so really cant do too
much in the field, although i wouldn't mind trying one of the IGMR shows next year. I would appreciate an e-mail back from you about your organization and what you are
going to be doing and if you have room for an old KOREAN WAR MARINE vet to be apart of your group.

THANKS,
BOB From: BOBBYTWEED@aol.com

Dear Dave,

Hello, My name is Andrea M. Spinelli. My grandfather is George Robert Spinelli from New Jersey. He served in Holland, France and Germany. Was wounded in the Battle of the Bulge. He was in the Army, and I know he was in Holland during 44 and 45. I am looking for the people in his photographs. If anybody knows my grandfather, please post. Names in photos include, Kessler, Morris, DiBianco, Wylie, Papp, Rogers, and Morrielli. Real funny guys they were.....One picture has 4 of them in black top hats pointing guns at each other. It looks funny. Please let me know. -Andrea

Hi, I am John. I am 13 years old, and I would like to ask you some questions.
How much does it cost to get all of my stuff for reenacting? This may sound like a stupid question but I'll ask it anyways. When you are reenacting would you fall over and act like you got shot or anything like that? I collect Militaria and I have an M1 helmet , but it doesn't have an original liner. Would it be ok to use? I was looking online and I seen an article that said that someone didn't have a gun, but his group let him borrow one. Does your group do this? Do you know any good cheap stores that sell good cheap equipment for reenacting? Do you shoot blanks when reenacting? Where do you get them? Were do the German units come from? Your unit isn't the only American unit there is it? Can I get involved in anyway with your unit ? Even if I'm not able to reenact?

Thank you,
John JohnE710@aol.com

Hell Dave.

I am a twenty five year old male who's grandfather was in world war 2. He was a veteran of many battles. For instance , the Battle of the Budge, Bastogne, Normandy beach. Although I am greatly interested in the history of the war, I am left with a sense of lost pages by not knowing which company, division, or branch of the army he was in. Who can I contact to find out which company, what his rank was, or which medals he was awarded. I know that he received 2 purple hearts but did not take them home due to my grandmother worrying. If you can help me I would appreciate some help in the right direction.
Chefdemarqui@aol.com

My father, Jack Lawn from Phila., PA arrived at Omaha Beach @6:30 am D Day. He hooked back up with the 110 reg. of the 28 the division where he lost his best friend Victor Lees on Aug 1, 1944. We are looking for a date and location of death as well as a final resting place of one of his best childhood buddies....Walter Moore from Phila. I believe he died in Dec.1944.
My father was wounded Aug 7, 1944 near St. Lo.
Any help you could provide would be appreciated.
Pat Lawn PIC1540@aol.com

I live in Lumberton N.C.. My name is Billy Meares. My good friends father served in WWII 110TH REG. Co.B. He was POW during the war. She is putting a
shadow box together for him and he is missing one of his campaign stars from his ribbon small bronze star placed on the ribbon). He is supposed to have
four but only has three. It got lost over the years. Can you help me get one. If you can help please call me at home at 910-738-9094. I will reimburse you for your call and time. I went over to fort Bragg to some of the pawn shops but have had no luck. The campaign stars they use today are smaller than the ones used back then.
william.meares@pgnmail.com

Do you have the name and/or contact information for the individual who was selling the Russian front recovered artifacts (rusty Helmets, Panzerfausts...) at this years event? I think he was located in building 12-63. I'd like to see if I could purchase one of the rusted battle damaged German helmet shells he had.

Thanks for any information.
Snowball042@aol.com

My Dad, Arthur L. Jarrett, died when I was 10, and I have tried to get his military records, but they were burned in a fire in St. Louis. He died in 1960. He was in the Army, 3rd army, co. b, 38th armed inf. ba.. I believe he was in the battle at St. Vith during the Battle of the Bulge.

Can you give me any info???

Thanks so much,

Jennifer Jarrett Wilson jenart@concentric.net

I'd like to take this opportunity to compliment you on an excellent site. It is very informative and serves not only as a comprehensive research resource but also as a tribute to all the veterans who participated in the Battle of the Bulge. My father is a World War II combat veteran and was involved with the D-Day invasion at Omaha Beach as well as the Battle of the Bulge. He has recently compiled his military experiences during that era and his story can be viewed on the internet at www.wwiibuddy.com The site contains numerous photographs related to his wartime experiences and I'm sure he would appreciate comments concerning the project. He is always honored to have his site listed or referenced in endeavors such as the one you have produced. He also served for a number of years with the 28th. Infantry Division as a communications specialist and was called to active duty during the Korean Conflict. Please feel free to mention his site to anyone interested in this meaningful part of American military history.

“A Tour of the Bulge Battlefield” By William.C.C.Cavanagh (Former research assistant to the late Charles. B. MacDonald)

“No man alive today knows the Ardennes battleground like Will Cavanagh. With two decades showing veterans the fields in which they fought, Cavanagh chronicles an impressive breadth of experience. There is no better guide to the battle.”

Danny S. Parker, author of Battle of the Bulge, To Win the Winter Sky and Hitler’s Ardennes Offensive- A German View.

This great new book covers in detail the scene of one of the greatest battles of World War Two. Maps and photographs help to illustrate the battle itself and offer a detailed guide to touring the battlefield as it is today.

The book is organised in a series of itineraries, giving vital information on pivotal areas of the overall battle Krinkelt, Bastogne, St. Vith etc… It works equally well for the battlefield visitor as well as those who cannot make the trip but who wish to gain a deeper appreciation of the terrain over which this momentous battle was fought.

6x9, 256 pages, 158 photographs, 15 maps, paperback, ISBN 0-85052-834-8. Due November 2001, $24:95, plus $5:00 Shipping + $1:00 each additional.

CASEMATE PUBLISHERS AND BOOK DISTRIBUTORS 2114 DARBY ROAD, HAVERTOWN PA 19083 Tel: (610) 853 9131. Fax: (610) 853 9146 Email: <casemate@casematepublishing.com>

Dear Sir,

I was wondering if anybody heard of a man name Andrew Gonzales he was a
CPL. in the heavy artillery he was my great grandfather my name is Larry
Gonzales I'm 12 years old and my email is lillarry7228@hotmail.com

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am a PhD student at the Center for Basque Studies, University of Nevada, Reno. At the moment I am researching the participation of Basque-Americans in WWII and The Korean War. In particular, I am interested in the so-called Basque code-talkers or the use of the Basque language in intelligence/communication services (Signal Corps Unit, since 1942, in San Diego or San Francisco communication centers during the Pacific Campaign). Also, I am interested in contacting WWII or The Korean War veterans or relatives, which could have been involved in the aforementioned service. I have not found any substantial information on the matter and that is the reason I am contacting you.

I would appreciate if you could help me in the research -- through the publication of this notice in your website and/or newsletter, if possible Thank you, Sincerely,

Pedro J. Oiarzabal
Center for Basque Studies
University of Nevada, Reno NV 89557
Phone (775) 784-4854 Fax (775) 784-1355 pjo@unr.edu http://basquestudies.unr.edu

I am not sure if this is the correct place to inquire, but I am seeking information about my father's company during WWII. He was in the above mentioned division and battalion, but his company was "Company M". I have the 28th Division WWII Annual, which belonged to my father, but no where in it does it mention M Company. I know he was in this company, as I have letters and cards addressed to him. I also have the original telegram from the War Dept. to my mother telling her of his being wounded in action on Dec. 19. According to my father, he was wounded near Wiltz, and carried into Bastogne. He spent quite some time in a hospital unit in France, recovering before he could come home. He said that of 144 men in his company, only 17 survived, he being one of them. He never spoke too much of his involvement in the war, but his pride in his company carried on to his death. He made me promise that the following be placed on his marker from the VA. It says: "WWII, 28th Div. 110th INF, Company M". I did receive one note from a historian that Co. M. was a Heavy Weapons Company, consisting of 30 Caliber Machine Guns and Mortars. I am planning to write a history of my father for his Grand Children and Great Grand Children, and would like any information I can get about this valiant warrior. These children will never know him, or the men of his generation, who gave so much. My father, Odis Wise, passed away Jan. 2, 1998, at the age of 85. (He was 32 in 1944). In his memory, I will try to let his forthcoming generations know him, as his children did.

I have found your address on a web site related to the Battle of the Bulge. My father William F. Grubb Jar was a 1st Lt. with the 110th Regt, 28th Division during the Battle of the Bulge. I am trying to find out more detailed information on his unit's activities from 16 Dec 1944 - 22 Dec 1944 (If possible). His Army Serial number was O 1298 386. He was admitted to 130th General Hospital on 22 Dec 1944. I know he was a Weapons Platoon Leader and (I think ) a member of the 2nd Battalion. I do not know what company. Any assistance or guidance you can give me would be most appreciated.

Great web site!

I'm hoping you can put me into contact with some WWII vets of specific Battle of the Bulge operations. I'm a nurse for the US Army in Germany, and am writing a self-guided tour of the Battle of the Bulge aimed at military personnel in Europe. So many are interested but don't know where to start. I'm trying to link personal accounts from German, American, and Lux/Belgium
civilians to specific locations.

Right now I'm seeking veterans of the Park Hotel Battle in Berdorf, the Claravallis and Fortress battles in Clervaux, the Skorzeny executions, the rapid exit from Ligneuville, the Hat Factory Battle in Echternach, Malmedy, and the ullingen/Butgenbach/Honsfeld operations. Any help you could give me is appreciated.

I haven't seen any of the US reenactors, but have enjoyed meeting your Dutch and British comrades. In particular, Steve Webb and the 29th Infantry Group have been great - we've run into them several times over here. The Dutch bunch are VERY well equipped and turn out en masse for events. Thanks again for a great web page, and please refer any responses to me at
mashiel@bunt.com.

Thanks - Ann Shields, Landstuhl Germany

My father was with Co. I 109 Inf of the 28th Inf. Div. I'd like to know where I can get some information on the Division. Such as is there an a person who has records of veterans of the unit, where I can purchase items such as patches and hats dealing with it. Also I'd like to know if I could provide any information to help others. My father's name is Ernest V. Hansen and his is from Michigan. He served with the unit during World War II and is very much interested in reading more about the unit. He has provided me with many stories over the past couple of years. I'd like to find out more about the unit, it's men and if possible hook him up with old buddies.

Thanks for your help.

Darrell E. Hansen
darrellehansen@hotmail.com

Dear Sir,
            It is great to see such a website dedicated to the real heroes of the "Battle of the Bulge". It is also not fair that the 101 airborne gets all the glory for stopping the Germans, when it was the 28th that really made it all possible. So many courageous acts will never be known by the world because so many men of the Regiment were lost. The poem "Gentlemen from Hell" says it all. I was only in the 110th regiment for a short time 1998 to 1999 but the men I served with were all real Soldiers. The spirit of the Regiment lives
on, All of the officers and men were disciplined and motivated and it was great to be associated with such a fine body of troops. I was very proud to wear the Keystone patch on my shoulder, we knew what you Men did in World War two, it is hard to put into words so all I can really say is God knows who you are and what you all did to stop the most dangerous threat to free men and civilization that our country ever faced. Thank you all for your service and gallantry.
                        Sincerely yours,
                                             Jonathan M. Caruso
       Cliffhanger0311@aol.com

Hello;

Was reading your web page, and wondered if there is someone by the name of George "Pete" Petropolis in association with your group. I think he served in the 107th field artillery.

Any information is appreciated.

Lee Anne De Wan leeanned@bonair.Stanford.EDU

Hello,
My Dad was in the 110th 28th company A. We are desperately searching for Sgt. Pat. We aren't sure if this was a first or last name or even a nick name. My Dad wants to thank Sgt. Pat for bringing him out alive along with a small handful of others during the battles of Ardennes and Rhineland in particular. My Dad is close to 80 yrs. however he is in great health. He needs to thank
Sgt.Pat or at the very least let Sgt.Pat's family know. Sgt.Pat was the high-point man at the end of the war. Dad said because of this he was flown out of Duppenweiler Germany to the USA and to a ticker tape parade. Dad is Joe Arzoumanian. He has forgotten any nick name he may have had. He would also like to find "Beckman" Dad says "Beckman" still owes him a pancake. Dad is pretty sure of Beckman's name but with so much time lapsing we would not be surprised if that is off a bit. Please let anyone from company A know we are looking for them. So far we haven't found one. Not many came back to start with. Both Beckman and my dad received purple hearts not too sure if Sgt.Pat did or not. ANY GUIDANCE IS SO GREATLY APPRECIATED AND SO BADLY NEEDED.

Thank you,

Debra Bergazin
zachanddeb@cs.com

Joe Arzoumanian
joeatz@webtv.net

Dear sir,
  I served in the 1st bn.110th Infantry regiment from 1998 to 1999.I was very proud to have been associated with such a fine group of Soldiers. The men in this unit were all outstanding Soldiers.   In studying the Battle of the Bulge, I find it sad that the men of this
Outstanding unit never received a Presidential citation for the gallantry they showed on and around the skyline drive, without the men of the 28th there would have been no defense of Bastogne. The Soldiers of the 28th were showed great courage and devotion to our country against staggering odds, to quote Stephen Ambrose "No American Infantry unit showed more bravery that dark
winter." that is from the book "Citizen Soldiers", everybody always talks about the 101st airborne at Bastogne, but what they
faced compared to the trials of the keystone division pales in comparison, the 101st had ample artillery and a huge task force from the 10th Armored division. The men of the 28th held out for days with battalion weapons, little food and medical supplies against an entire German corps. The 28th broke up the German juggernaut and disrupted their timetable so couragesoly that the enemy never really recovered want to say thank you to all the men who served in world war two and all the men who now wear the insignia of this
truly great division.
           sincerely yours,
                                Jonathan M. Caruso Cliffhanger0311@aol.com

To whom it may concern:
My name is Michael Little. I live in Oklahoma City. My grandfather pasted away two years ago and as we were going through his things we found a patch of the 28 infantry. He had never told us anything about what he did in the war. We also found a bronze star. We have no idea how he earned it. I was wondering if you knew of a place where I could find out any
information about him. Even if it is just a company roster, where I can look for his name. He is a hero to me. I would like to find out about his service to his country so that I can show everyone else just how much of a hero he was.
My email address is coppercowbones@yahoo.com. Thank you for your help.

Sincerely,
Michael Little

I have been researching my grandfather's military history and am hoping you may be able to shed some light on my search, since my grandfather passed away while my father was still a boy.

His name is Charles Edward Maurer, and according to my grandmother (and his war diary) he served in the Bloody Bucket Brigade. I am hoping to learn more about his service and what he may have endured, not to mention his travels during his war service. Can you tell me how I may be able to verify his involvement? I have his previous military dates at Newark Armory, Fort Dix, Camp Blanding and Ft Meade. He boarded the SS Argentina and sailed on 26 July 1944 , stopping in England, then France where he joined the 28th Div at Grier (sp?) France. At the end of his wartime log he was captured at the Battle of the Bulge and imprisoned at Stalag #9, and later released on Easter Sunday 1945. I have his service no and soc security no, if that would help.

If you could direct me in the correct direction to continue my search, I
would be forever grateful.

Hoping to hear from you soon, Beth Maurer Becchii@aol.com

I would greatly appreciate any information you could share on the above subject. My father was assigned to Company M during the six months following Normandy. I cannot find any references to the Company in any of the literature or on the Internet. My father had letters and card addressed to him with the above address, so I know it did exist. According to my father, "during the Battle of the Bulge, Company M was hit very hard." He said that out of the 144 plus or minus men in the company, only 17 survived. All were wounded. My father, Manuel Odis Wise, was wounded on the 19th of December (I have the original telegram to my mother) near Wilts was carried into Bastogne and later moved to a hospital in a safe area> He was assigned to an ordinance company, while recovering from his wounds, and returned home in Oct or Nov. of 1945. Again, if you have any information or references to Company M, I would appreciate it. As a post script, my father passed away in Jan. 1998, at the age of 85 (he was 32 years of age during the war). He made me promise to have "Company M, 110th Inf. 28th Div" placed on his marker. This I did. But, now, I would like to read or hear something about the Company of which he was so proud.

I am interested in the history of the 28th Division's Maneuvers in Anson County, NC during the fall of 1941. I remember a great deal about seeing the soldiers and tanks as a child of seven, but the details of what units were there and the names of the officers have been lost. Some of the officers' wives stayed at our home from time to time during that fall and became friends with my parents. They corresponded during the War and sent Christmas Cards for years thereafter. Both my parents are now deceased and we have lost the documents about these memorable events. I would appreciate any information about the Maneuvers, the Officers and particularly where I could research this further. Thank you for your assistance.
Edmund Liles EALILES@aol.com
P. O. Box 1051
Oak Island, NC 28465