The material in this pamphlet was collected for the 1945 Memorial Number of Indians at Work, before the magazine was discontinued because of the paper shortage. Many devoted workers spent much time and effort to get these stories, and the photographs which accompany the lists were loaned by the families of the boys whose names will be found here. We wish to express our gratitude to all of those who made this record possible. The casualty lists and the lists of awards and decorations continue those begun in Indians at Work for May-June 1943 and carried on in the November-December 1943, May-June 1944, and September-October 1944 issues. They are not complete, and it is hoped that when the peace has come, the whole story of the Indian contribution to the victory may be gathered up into one volume. Awards of the Purple Heart have not been indicated here because every soldier wounded in action against the enemy is entitled to the decoration, and the award should be taken for granted.
With the activation of the XVI Corps on 7 December 1943, the War Department added another fighting Corps to its rapidly expanding Army of the United States, a Corps that was destined within little more than a year to make an historic assault across Europe's Rhine River and to play an important part in the United States Ninth and First Armies' encirclement of the vital Ruhr industrial area and the total defeat of Nazi Germany. Under the command of Maj. Gen. John B. Anderson, Corps commander since shortly after its organization, the XVI Corps proved in training and in combat operations its right to a place among the leading Corps of the United States armies. It conducted an efficient training program in preparation for combat prior to its departure from the United States. Arriving in France, it assumed the responsibility of processing troops as they arrived on the European Continent and protected the Normandy beaches from possible counter-attacks by hostile forces on the nearby Channel Islands. The XVI Corps protected the Ninth United States Army's northern flank in the Roer River assault, driving the German foe from the Roer to the Rhine River so relentlessly that enemy units in the north were unable to aid the hard-pressed German forces being hammered on other sectors of the Ninth Army front. It smashed across the Rhine in a great inland amphibious operation and drove inexorably onward to assist in trapping crack German Armies in the Ruhr valley. The Corps swept the Germans from the big industrial cities north of the Ruhr River, including Essen, Dortmund, Duisburg, and Gelsenkirchen, swinging south as the Ninth and First Armies combined to crush all enemy resistance in the Ruhr. Then, turning from tactical operations to other duties, it directed the military occupation and government of the greater section of the German provinces of Westphalia, Lippe, and Schaumburg Lippe.
Foreword: V-E Day found combat elements of the 71st Infantry Division poised along the Enns River in the vicinity of Steyr, Austria. The Red Circlers were ready, if necessary, to start out again on the long and arduous drive which had originated 800 miles back in France 59 days earlier. Although the officers and men were happy the bloody European conflict had ended, there were no riotous V-E celebrations. War still was raging in the Pacific and the men of the 71st figured they had a good fighting outfit which would be needed in the bitter final struggle. The reaction to V-J Day was a little more joyous, but still restrained. Final victory found the 71st with an important security mission in Bavaria, and immediately concentrated many minds on the big question: When will I go home? It was in this confused post-war period of rapid redeployment and turnovers in personnel that this volume was prepared and published, in Augsburg, Germany, where the Division CP was located. Prepared by members of the Division's public relations staff, with assistance from lower units and other staff sections, this book covers the history of the 71st from activation to final occupation days in Europe. The aim was to make it an interesting book, not only to Red Circlers and their families, but to almost anyone who might happen to pick it up and read it. We hope you like this account of one American infantry division's role in World War II.
Dedication: The casualties sustained by the men of the 487th Bombardment Group are not, perhaps, greatly significant in a world at war ... It is the gallant and indomitable spirit of these several dead, missing, and wounded that is significant in its illboding for all oppressors, in its promise for a better world without war ... We dedicate this day to those who contributed without reservation to our common effort ... who cannot be among us to share the commendation they so richly merit.
Foreword This is the first page in the unofficial history of the 410th Bombardment Group (L). Written in France at a time when Hitler's throne is crumbling and the axis dream of world domination is about to burst like a bubble in the breeze, it is intended to recall a few incidents of the past without any attempt to foresee the future. Lacking a crystal ball or the courage of a weatherman, we frown upon all attempts to predict how, when or where the 410th Bomb Group will cease to exist. To the contrary, we confine these pages to history, and history, as you know, is a recitation of facts. You will therefore find among the pages to follow both humor and tragedy--the fun of a party, the loss of a friend. You will find here many things that can never be forgotten and consequently need never be written, and yet if among the pages you find one little incident worthwhile remembering that might otherwise have been forgotten, this book does indeed serve its purpose. Author unknown
Dedication The casualties sustained by the men of the 398th Bombardment Group are not, perhaps, greatly significant in a world at war ... It is the gallant and indomitable spirit of these several dead, missing, and wounded that is significant in its ill-boding for all oppressors, in its promise for a better world without war ... We dedicate this day to those who contributed without reservation to our common effort ... who cannot be among us to share the commendation they so richly merit.
Members of the Three Forty-First: Joining with you in the pleasure and satisfaction of looking over the record of the 341st Engineer Regiment. I feel anew that warmth of joy and pride which came over me every time I visited your jobs. It made no difference whether the dust was at Briquebec or Coutances, the mud at Roanne Coo or Ettelbruck, the snow at Bastogne or St. Vith, or you were getting in the steel at Koblenz or at Bamberg, you were there and I saw you, day and night, overcoming impossible difficulties. You built 110 bridges, more than two miles of them, and the 341st target painted on them was a symbol of a job done well and in time. The Armies depended on you to do more than your part, and they knew that you would not, and did not, fail them. Our losses were few, and that also is a credit to the superb leadership of the officers and non-commissioned officers, and to the perfect teamwork of every part of the organization. Let us join as we have joined before in thanks to Almighty God for His care and for His continued guidance. Sincerely yours, Colonel Edward H. Coe
Foreword: This history of the 313th Infantry is the result, actually, of a definite policy established early in the career of the Regiment. Col Sterling A. Wood took command in the spring of 1943, and one of the first questions he asked (and he has asked many since) was what was being done about a history of the Regiment. Answers were to the effect that the prospect had not advanced beyond the talking stage. The net result of the discussion was the termination of that stage and the initiation of the next one, i.e., getting something done about it. Maj (then Capt) Raymond P. Godwin, the Regimental S-2, was given the task of organizing the work. He appointed Pfc Robert G. Deihl as recorder, and Pfc Stig Stabe as photographer. Thereafter a very fine camera was purchased in order that a photographic record of events might be kept, and Pfc Deihl began immediately to write up notes on the history of the Regiment as it had unfolded itself up until that date. Deihl continued this work until the Regiment went overseas, when it was necessary to leave his accumulated manuscript behind, for security reasons. And, due to the pressure of business (!) in Normandy and elsewhere, there was little time or opportunity to establish the proper cultural surroundings appropriate to literary composition. The mere fact that Deihl was able to transcribe the entries on the Regimental log into a cohesive narrative at all, is a tribute to his industry and ingenuity. With the end of the war came increased opportunity for work on the history. The breaking up of the Division interfered, of course, but plans were made whereby this obstacle could largely be transcended. Capt Thomas L. Lyons, the last S-2, volunteered to give his free time, after his return to the States, to the furtherance of the work. He and Deihl planned to go into conference with the Infantry Journal Press in Washington, D. C., whose policy on unit histories made the publication of this book possible. It is the spirit of loyalty and self-sacrifice of these two that deserves the gratitude of us all. The book has been written by various people, which largely accounts for its non-uniformity of style. It is not intended to be a literary masterpiece, however, and I am quite sure that none of its authors have the "best seller" lists in mind. The purpose of this history is merely to entertain the ex-members of the Regiment, and to aid in their reminiscences, both spoken and unspoken. --Colonel Edwin M. Van Bibber
This is our story--not all of it--but that part which printing can tell. No words, no photographs, no souvenirs, no recollections can fully recall nor retell the story of our life together as an organization. Here we have recorded some of the events in which we participated, the many places which, for short periods of time, we called home; our jobs and our accomplishments as constructors in an age of destruction. But no page can record our emotions nor our thoughts as we wallowed through the never ending tasks which were our assignments in this conflict. No means of communication can transmit that spirit of hope which aided us to face that seemingly endless series of jobs which always confronted us. No medium can properly portray the worth of the friendships which we knew here, nor express the pleasure of those brief moments when we had a chance to enjoy ourselves. Here then is the story, our story of the thousand days of our lives which we gave to our country. --John M. Keane, Lt. Col. C.E. Commanding, 840th Engineer Aviation Battalion
On March 22, 1943, at Camp Claiborne, Louisiana, the paper work of organizing a new Engineer general service regiment was being completed in accordance with AG 320.2 (3-5-43) B-1-SPOPU dated March 8, 1943, subject: "Activation of 398th Engineer General Service Regiment," and General Order No. 34, Headquarters, 8th Service Command, Dallas, Texas, dated March 15, 1943.
On November 5, 1943, the 89th Chemical Battalion, Motorized, was activated at Camp Roberts, California per General Orders, Headquarters, 4th Army, by Command of Lt. General William A. Simpson. Major James R. Hudson, CWS, a reserve officer with experience in World War I in the Field Artillery, assumed command.
The 21st Infantry Regiment has a long and noble history that goes back nearly 100 years. The Gimlets were organized in 1861 and have been in continuous existence since that time, participating in every major conflict to include World War II and Korea. Throughout the history of this fighting organization the Gimlets have established a reputation as one of the finest units in the United States Army. In February 1957 the Gimlets returned to Hawaii after a 15-year absence. The cry "Bore, Brother, Rare" is once again heard on the playing fields of Schofield Barracks. This motto, conceived back in 1921, symbolizes the will to gain victory in spite of all obstacles. This very same spirit, well demonstrated by the 21st Infantry on the battlefields of World War II and Korea, is the credo of the unit in accomplishing its training mission as part of the Strategic Reserve of the Pacific. The 2nd Battle Group of the 21st Infantry is a battle-ready unit standing guard in the Pacific area, ready to answer its country's call. You Gimlets of today arc upholding well the traditions and standards of your predecessors set at Gettysburg, Santiago, Mindanao, New Guinea, and Osan. Wherever you go, no matter what unit colors you may serve under, you can be proud to have been a Gimlet, remembering that once a Gimlet always a Gimlet. --Colonel Roland M. Gleszer
Foreword: Since its activation on July 1, 1943, the 440th Troop Carrier Group has developed from a small organization into a powerful and well-trained force with a record that speaks for itself. During our eighteen months in the European Theater of Operations we have participated in the paradrops and glider tows that marked the invasions of Normandy and Southern France, the airborne invasion of Holland and the drop across the Rhine. We dropped supplies to the surrounded defenders of Bastogne and flew gasoline to the tanks in their dashes across France and Germany. We brought millions of pounds of food, ammunition, medical supplies and fuel to the front lines and evacuated thousands of wounded troops and liberated prisoners of war. Our air crews have successfully accomplished every mission assigned to them in spite of enemy action and adverse weather conditions while the ground crews have supported them superbly. We have had our good times and we have watched old friends fall victims of enemy action. When deemed necessary the Group has separated into air and ground echelons and moved over four continents to various bases in the United Kingdom, Italy and France in order to fulfill its part toward final victory in Europe. It is with sincere pride that I salute the courage and magnificent devotion to duty of the officers and enlisted men of the 440th Troop Carrier Group, whose deeds contributed their full share towards the defeat of Nazi Germany. In this book we have told our story. To the men of the Air Force who have watched us in action; the men of the Airborne units we have carried into battle and the men of the Ground Forces whom we have resupplied by air it will bring memories of work done together during some of the most stirring days in history. To the wives, mothers, sweethearts and friends of the men of the 440th it will bring a picture of the activities of their men who, far from home and loved ones, faithfully and brilliantly performed their duties. --Frank G. Krebs, Colonel, Air Corps, Commanding
This is not an official history of the 84th Chemical Mortar Battalion-the Official History is kept in the Archives of the War Department at Washington. D. C. It is simply a narrative, written by officers and men of the battalion. telling the story of the unit's activities since its activation. The language used in this book may not be the best; but it is the language of Gls who made the battalion famous and who, through their deeds, brought fame and distinction for the Chemical Warfare Service. This book has not been censored by any authorities; so it is essentially as the various writers submitted it to the editor. No professional writers were used; it is entirely the work of members of the 84th Chemical Mortar Battalion.
This is the autobiography of a group of Americans banded by fate to do a job. Here is the story of a Troop Carrier Group, the largest in the world--Lieutenant Colonel Guile's 433rd. Troop Carrier is, and has been throughout this war, an integral part of the Army Air Force. When invasions have been made in various theaters of operations and paratroopers and airborne infantry had to be flown in, in advance of the other invasion forces, when reinforcements were imperative, when ammunition or engineering equipment were running low, when wounded had to be evacuated, or when General Patton suddenly needed maps of Germany during his rapid advance, Troop Carrier was called upon--and came through. In spite of being the youngest organization in the Army Air Forces, Troop Carrier has established an enviable record, which has been acclaimed and commended by all Allied Armed Forces which Troop Carrier has so faithfully served. A Troop Carrier Group is not gathered in one fell swoop; it is a continuous process. So to you, past and present members of the group, and to you, our families and friends, we present the 433rd Troop Carrier Group as we were and as we are...
Foreword: Any similarity between this book and an official Army Historical Report is coincidental and unintentional. The written portion is merely intended as an outline for your reminiscing. Plenty of space has been left between the lines for your individual reading. The photographs form a more complete story. If anyone's picture does not appear, I apologize for that omission. It has been our intention to picture everyone and at least indications of most of the Seventy-Fourth Squadron's activities. The contribution of pictures and material by Major Edward Kaminski and Mr. Tom Towers made this album possible. I'm sure this Album will help you remember an outfit it would be hard to forget. --Carl W. Boswell
Speed and devastating striking power, coupled with the gallant deeds and heroism of its personnel, wrote a glorious history for the 12th Armored "Hellcat" Division during its five months of constant combat against the enemy in Europe in World War II. "Speed" was its password to Fortress Europe. Its activation on September 15, 1942, maneuvers, camp training, the boat trip over, the cold days of England, and the first hectic days of France-during those days the Hellcats gradually acquired the fighting spirit and esprit de corps that were to make the 12th one of the fastest striking, most feared divisions on the Western Front.
From A Short History of the 493rd Bombardment Group (H): The 493rd Bomb Group assembled for its phase training to serve as a combat unit overseas at the McCook Army Air Field in McCook, Nebraska. The Air Echelon of the Group composed of the 860th, 861st, 862nd, and the 863rd Squadrons collected its air and some ground personnel during the month of February, 1944, and began training in earnest through the month of March. The usual problems encountered by an outfit in the process of initial organization were dealt with in good stride. The setting up of a briefing and an interrogation technique was ironed out by discussion with the crews as to their likes and dislikes of the procedure while we were on camera bombing missions. Operations began to organize teamwork by stressing on the crews the importance of correct take-off interval, climb, and landing procedure as well as the flying of a correct formation while in the air. Weather found plenty of practice in predicting the frequent snows and changes in weather in that woe-be-gone outpost somewhere in the United States. The bombing section too, played its part by selecting targets for the crews and the crews in turn bombing by camera every conceivable target within operational radius of the base. All departments had their job to do in welding the Group into one smooth operating machine.
Foreword: The idea for a 40th Group Photograph Album was born several months before the end of the war, but the actual execution of the book had to await the termination of hostilities. Consequently you will find that certain events or activities may not be represented here, either because no photographs were taken at the time or because the photographs that were taken were not available to the editor when the book was finally put together. You will notice that we have tried to emphasize representative activities and scenes rather than individuals. Obviously it was impossible to include a picture of every man in the 40th Group. Therefore practically all formal group pictures have been left out. The few that are included were chosen for reasons other than that they portray certain individuals. This also applied to different photographs in which the same persons appear more than once. The editor would like to express at this time his appreciation to the members of the 11th Photographic Laboratory, for they are responsible for practically every photograph in the album. Appreciation also is extended to Forrest C. Wood, former Historian of the 40th Group, who has aided invaluably the efforts of the editor in the preparation of the written portions of the album. --Lawrence B. Eustis, Captain, Air Corps, Group Photographic Officer
Dedication: This book is dedicated to those men who so gallantly and unselfishly gave all they had to give--their lives--so that all men might breathe the pure air of freedom.
"This history is taken from the official records of the 329th Infantry. It covers the battle actions of the regiment from the dogged yard by yard bloody and uninspiring slugging match of the hedgerows of Normandy, to our spectacular dash from the Rhine to the Elbe. The record of accomplishments of the 329th is one of which any member may justifiably be proud. This record of battles won and of ground gained and held is the composite picture of many smaller fights where the decisive action was the marching fire of the rifleman, the steadfastness of the machine gunner under attack or the bravery of the bazooka man stalking p, tank. The spirit and determination of the individual made possible the winning of important battles. These successes have not been won cheaply. Beneath the soil of Europe lie the bodies of over 850 of our comrades. To the hospitals have gone nearly 4000 others wounded in action. Most of these were killed or wounded because when the time came for them to decide between safety and duty they chose the latter. Our debt to them cannot be paid." --Colonel Edwin B. Crabill
From page 72 of document: "The 316th had the hazardous and vital job of flying supplies and equipment into the battle zone for Montgomery's forces. Killing Germans was the one aim of all the coordinated operations. As the fighting progressed, battle casualties began to show up at the 316th's field at Agedabia, So for the return trip to their base at Tobruk, as many litters as could be laid on the floor of the planes were taken aboard and flown back for hospitalization in the rear areas. Major Francis Z. Reinus, of New York City, group surgeon, had charge of this operation. Colonel Washburn said only two men died en route, and they had been wounded critically in a land mine explosion as they were coming to the base on a truck. Later, after results of this spur-of-the-moment evacuation had been studied, it became a planned and large-scale operation, resulting in the saving of many lives and in higher morale. It was for maintaining supply and evacuation lines in that area that the group was awarded its first Presidential Citation."
The 14th Combat Bombardment Wing was activated on 13 September 1943, at AAF Station 115, better known as Shipdham, Norfolk, with Colonel Leon W. Johnson, the former commanding officer of the 44th Bombardment Group, in command. The Wing had been in operation as the 202nd Provisional Combat Bomb Wing since 3 September 1943. The Wing was formed from personnel of the 44th Bombardment Group, on whose station the Wing was located, and the 392nd Bombardment Group, which was located at Wendling, Norfolk.
![Album [74th Troop Carrier Squadron]](https://bangorhistory.org/files/large/618ad58e03b4e2861773d9453399dd0960a67a15.jpg)
