YOU'RE IN THE INFANTRY Those of us who can say those words ... let's say them with pride, but softly. Let's not shout them. Let's not stick out our chests. Let's say them with a kind of awe. We can't tell much about it ... and wouldn't if we could. Maybe we'll say it's "rugged." Maybe we'll get across the idea that you have to be quick in the head, as well as quick with your hands, to get along in the infantry. And that, even so, your chances aren't too bright. But that's about all. Few will ever know what it means in a war like this, to be "in the Infantry," the knockout corps, the Army's infighters. But we can make the world remember at least ... that a doughboy has to master a dozen weapons ... that skill and smartness count for as much as muscle; ... That he may have to live for days on end on congealed food, in mud and slop halfway to his waist, where the rain is iron, the wind is cordite and the light is liquid fire ; ... And that, at the end, he comes face to face with a personal enemy ... another Infantryman whose ten inches of cold steel snake out for his belly, and whose gun butt swings in a short quick arc to crumple his skull. Face to face ... that's the Infantry's war. They're out where that thin black line moves forward on the map . . . to kill or be killed.
It was on the 15th of July 1942 that the 348th Engineers were entered on the War Department records, as a General Service Regiment. The Regiment was organized at Camp Crowder, Missouri; and the greatest portion of its cadre was from the 19th Engineer Combat Regiment stationed, at that time, as Pasadena, California. The first group of "fillers" joined the unit early in the morning of August 22nd after traveling many miles by rail from the various induction centers of the Seventh Service Command. These men were followed in succeeding three days by two groups, one from New York, and the other from Michigan. The unit at this time was under the command of Major Clayton Gates, later under Colonel Sylvester Nortner, a West Pointer and then the ranking colonel of the United States Army.
From the Foreword: "The writing of this book began shortly before V~E day. Together with what had been scribbled in the unit history journal and more carefully entered in the more ostentatious records, refreshing notes and photographs submitted by battery representatives were used in the telling and illustrating of this integrated story of the 863d AAA A W Bn. In this presentation, it was impossible to obtain and relate personal anecdotes involving each man in the battalion. Whether or not you are mentioned specifically, it is our hope that you see yourself described, albeit anonymously, in the experiences and sentiments and moods common to all in this memorable adventure of the 863d. We have tried to gather and utilize all suitable information brought to our attention to give a full, cohesive, readable story of the battalion and all its officers and men, its campaigns, its missions, its organizational experiences, its troublous days and gayer times- in a word, its life as a military organization from date of activation on 1 June 1943 at Fort Totten, Long Island to V-J Day, 14 August 1945, in and around Bad Soden, Germany." Sgt. Benjamin Gise, Editor-in-Chief
To all men of the 643rd Port Company: Many things have happened to all of us since that cold morning in February, 1944, when you marched in the snow up the hilly military reservation at Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania. First, we made soldiers of you indifferent citizens, You were taught many things, some of them useful in war, some useful in peace. To some of you, military life has left a bitter taste. To others it was an opportunity to see the world as well as gaining a new and exciting life as a soldier. Remember this, you were taught to think quickly and to act accordingly. Those of you who are making the Army your career, continue with the same spirit and ambition you have shown in the past. The war is over now, and you who are about to become citizens again, go out in the world and fight. Yes, fight for what is right and live up to your belief in GOD.
Excerpt from the introductory "Why Does the American Red Cross Give Relief Aid?": Under the terms of the charter given it by Congress in 1905, the American Red Cross undertook to help the people of other lands in peacetime calamities. Through the aid which has been carried on under its banner since then to all parts of the world, compassion for suffering and a desire to help have come to be regarded as outstanding national characteristics of the American people. That spirit of helpfulness is not limited to times of peace. When the second world war flamed from country to country, a great wave of sympathy for the innocent and helpless victims swept the United States. From coast to coast, the American people wanted to send aid to the women, children, and old people torn from their comfortable homes and deprived of the necessities of life, and to the fighting men made prisoners of war. The American Red Cross expanded its activities to include relief and service to those suffering from this world-wide conflict. It was possible for the organization to act promptly and effectively because of its more than 6o years of service to suffering humanity, regardless of race, color, or creed, and its extensive experience in giving relief in national and international disasters.
Battalion Adjust "From the cities, villages, hamlets and farms of almost every State in the Union came the "fighting men" of the 957th Field Artillery Battalion--a 155 mm Howitzer unit which contributed "prompt, accurate and devastating fire support" for every major campaign against the German enemy in France, Belgium, Holland, Luxembourg and Germany. The pages of this organization history, pictures and statistics are dedicated to the men and officers who gave unstintingly of their blood, life, time and talents to assure the success of the Continental Campaign and the Cause--the Cause of International Freedom. It is our desire that this volume will be to all who peruse its pages a friendly reminder of the devotion and singleness of purpose which marked the years of Training, Preparation and Combat." THE EDITOR
The history of the 83rd Armored Field Artillery Battalion began on June 15th, 1832 when the First Regiment of Cavalry was organized by Act of Congress, as the Battalion of Mounted Rangers. A reorganization on March 21st, 1833, changed the title to, the Regiment of Dragoons. Later in 1836 it was designated as the First Dragoons, and in 1861 was again known as the 1st Cavalry.
Foreword "Contrails--My War Record" is a written record of what a number of young Americans did to help win World War II. What does not appear so obviously on the printed page is, perhaps, even more important: the quick, strong indignation of these men, at a powerful menace that threatened their ideals and their American way of living; their day-by-day strength that matched powerful foes and unending hardship; their unflagging courage that mocked incredible danger; their unquenchable faith that met aggressively the ultimate in sacrifice. These things were given freely, as only free men could give. These things definitely assure that free men shall continue to inherit the earth. Officers and men of the 100th Bombardment Group and of the Service Organizations, I salute you! H.H. Arnold, General of the Army
For eight years, the fighting record of the Black Hawks has been fading into oblivion. The author has attempted in this volume to bring to light for future generations the part played by the Black Hawks in winning the war. In so doing, he requests the indulgence of all of his former comrades, as the length of time that has lapsed since the end of the war has erased many memories and likewise official records of the divisions’ activities. Much of the information in this book originates from the various after action reports, and other official classified documents in the office of the Adjutant General Army Records Center. Without these documents this book would have been impossible. The author also wishes to acknowledge the assistance of all former members of the Division who furnished material when requested. This list would be large, but special recognition must be given to Maj. General Harris M. Melasky, our former Commanding General, who is still heart and soul, a Black Hawk. The author invites correspondence regarding the Black Hawk History, and has indicated a desire to see a permanent Black Hawk Division Association formed, with an annual reunion in some central location in the states each year. The book is dedicated to all former members of the Division who gave their all for the success of its mission in World War II. Composed almost entirely of selective service inductees, the unit became known as the "Kid Division," because of its youth. The average age of the entire division, officers and all, was only 22. In writing a history of an infantry division, far too many noble acts and deeds are overlooked, because the act dropped where some obscure doughboy fell. Many a battle was won when some infantryman fired one last round with his M-1 rifle as he fell in battle. These are the acts that will never be recorded, as they fell with the individual that carried them through. As this book is read, many memories will come to light. Some of them will be pleasant, others will not. The purpose of this book is not fiction, nor is it to glorify any particular unit or individual. It attempts to tell only the story of the Black Hawk Division, as documented from official Army records. The author of this book served as a rifleman in the 86th Infantry Division for over two years. Joining the division at Camp Livingston and remaining with it thru the Philippines. After his discharge from the army in 1946, he studied Journalism at the University of Louisville, and until 1951 was the editor of a Kentucky newspaper. In 1951 he was appointed Postmaster at West Point, Kentucky, and since that time has served in that position.
Throughout the months of war stevedores kept the supplies in constant movement toward the front-transferring them from ship to shiploading, unloading, impelled by the exigency of war, in the days and in the nights at Pearl Harbor, on Hilo, Maui, and Guam--these names signify the dock locations worked by the 34th stevedores. From December 1944 to August 1945 the 34th stevedores handled 410,882 tons of cargo, and at the close of the war the men were waiting, at long last, on Guam--still stevedoring. We present our stevedores who supplied their portion of sweat, blood, and tears, and who kept the hook moving. They performed the rugged, tedious, physical activity that is stevedoring, lived out of their seabags, followed their cargo, and were still smiling, enjoying their beer, their liberties, while in the States, which had become so precious to all of us. They played ball when they had the time, wrote their letters, and in the hours of their days and nights thought about home, and continued to do their job under the tension of the military, and in the heat of the tropics, thousands of miles, and endless months from home.
The first Rainbow Division was composed of National Guard units from 27 states and it was this collection of men which inspired General Douglas MacArthur, its most famous member, to declare. "The 42nd Infantry Division stretches like a Rainbow from one end of America to the other." Major General Harry J. Collins, then Brigadier General, recalled the words of General MacArthur on that activation day when he told the veterans of the old Rainbow and the cadremen of the new: "The Rainbow stretches across the land and represents the people of our country. This Division cannot fail because America cannot fail."
Editor's Note: The distribution of this book marks the end of an era. As we prepare for our departure from John Bapst Memorial High School we can use this book to help remind us of the memories that will last a lifetime. For the past four years, together we have sat through classes, crammed for tests, listened during assemblies, chanted during pep rallies, and taken part in extracurricular activities. As you leave high school try to remember the good times, not the bad. Do not forget all the friends we have made, and all the times we have spent together. We all share something very important in common, and on June 5, 1994, as we go our separate ways, these experiences will bind us. Hopefully this book, filled with faces, will keep alive the past four years, and we will realize how important to us they have been. It has been a long four years but it is hard to believe they are already over. We would like to thank all of our teachers for the incredible amount of time and effort they have given to us, but more importantly classmates who have made the past four years so great. We have worked hard to try to create a book which you would enjoy, and hope we have succeeded. Best of luck to all our classmates, and may everyone succeed to the best of their ability. It's been real! --Co-Editors Paul Messer and Amy O'Donnell
From the Editor's Desk: As you look through this yearbook, take a moment to look at your friends. These are the people who have shared special moments with you. Together you have laughed, cried, crammed for tests, and partied all night. As I prepare to leave John Bapst, I realize that the friendships I have made will be in my memories far longer than the daily struggles I have faced. With any luck, in the future this book will remind you of your friendships, those that have faded and those that endure. --Amanda DeLuck, Editor
Most of us see her at football or basketball games and bouncing down the halls of Bapst. If you go into the bandroom while there's something to be done and she discovers you. an innocent wanderer into her realm, she does not hesitate to put you to work. She is undoubtedly the MOST energetic person at Bapst. Julie Waring has a pride and dedication to Bapst that exudes from every pore of her body. She expects kids at Bapst. to be nothing less than spectacular, and because of her expectations, every year her seniors leave having learned respect, discipline, and her love of music...For ten years, Mrs. Julie Waring has directed the Bapst band. Every year they have grown bigger. and stronger, as Bapst grew. This year has the largest concert band ever with over 150 musicians. Mrs. Waring's band reached the ultimate honor and accomplishment. When she was asked to bring the Band to the airport and play for the incoming troops from Desert Storm, \1rs. Waring exuberantly accepted. She took as many musicians as she could at every opportunity. Luck was on her side the day Sgt. Tillman sauntered into BIA. From the airport to the media, from the spring concert to Washington D.C. Mrs. Waring put John Bapst on the map. Mrs. Waring, the crazy woman prodding her musicians to perfection, never showed her weaknesses. although she suffered from severe asthma and allergies. Her energy kept us going during the hot, sticky rehearsals. She taught us professionalism, pride, love for our country, and love of music. For her dedication, for her energy, and for her love, we say Thank You and we dedicate the 1991-1992 yearbook to Mrs. Julienne Waring.
Struggle would be the best word to describe the making of this year's Bapstonian. This year's yearbook was edited by Kim Horn and co-edited by Sarah Gontoski and Karen Currier. Rookie yearbook advisors Todd Carr and Mitch McCarthy had a lot to learn when they took over the reigns in September. They learned that Ben Franklin was right when he said, "Experience keeps a dear school, but a fool will learn in no other." When push came to shove a host of students hunkered down and spent the many hours it takes to put together a yearbook of this size and quality. We take great pride in offering you this remembrancer of 1990-91. Read it, enjoy it, but most of all, KEEP IT!
Welcome: All our lives, we have been given traditions to follow: turkey on Thanksgiving. candy on Valentine's Day, and ghosts and goblins on Halloween. When we entered high school, we were given more traditions to follow: proms, senior pictures, and spring musicals. Just as the yearbook staff of 1958 felt, we feel traditions are meant to be changed. The class of 1958 changed their yearbook from the Bapstonian to the Crusader. For thirty-two years, our yearbook has been known as the Crusader. Before that, however, our yearbook was known a the Bapstonian. And now, in 1990, we feel it is time to once again change tradition. Therefore, instead of Welcoming you to the 1990 Crusader, we Welcome you to the 1990 Bapstonian. Though it is the name the early yearbooks donned, it is still a change in tradition as we have been known for so long as the Crusader. And though we are not the first staff to change the title, tradition is still rocked as it has been thirty-two years since that change.
The 1989 Senior Class dedicates this yearbook to Mrs. Eleanor Campbell. our Guidance Counselor. Mrs. Campbell contributes her time to help others prepare for their future. Her countless hours are spent signing students up for classes, contacting college representatives, preparing students for S.A.T... listening and advising students. and so much more... Mrs. Campbell's sincerity, guidance, and support has helped so many students now at John Bapst and students that have graduated. Many of the graduates return for her help and she always willing to do what she can. Mrs. Campbell, Dedicating this year's yearbook to you is just a small way of showing how thankful we are for all that you have done for the students at John Bapst. You are a big part of what makes John Bapst so very special. Without you, there would be so many students lost between 108 to 301. Your guidance is very important to us. --Lenise Cushing, Editor
Principal's Message: It is with pleasure that I welcome all of you to the 1988 CRUSADER, especially the graduating seniors. Contained within these pages are pictures and words that will recall fond and meaningful memories for many years--years that will be remembered as the best of your life. I urge you to offer words of appreciation to all students who labored long without any promise of public recognition preparing this book. It is through their efforts that this annual is available to you. As you complete the final days of this school year and start to make plans for your summer vacation, I ask each of you to pause and remember Mark Colvin '87. I ask you to recall the circumstances that led to his untimely death. It is an ardent prayer that his family and I offer that no other member of the John Bapst community has to endure a similar tragedy. May each of you enjoy a peaceful summer. And to the graduating seniors I extend my congratulations and hopes for a very successful future. Personal regards, Joseph Sekera, Principal
We, the Seniors of 1987, hereby dedicate the 1987 Crusader Yearbook to Mr. James Nahra and to Mr. Harlow Floyd for all the help and encouragement that they have provided us during the past four years. Both Mr. Nahra and Mr. Floyd should be commended for their longevity in a field that is particularly well known for burnout. Mr. Nahra has been at John Bapst since 1972 and since then he has led the students of John Bapst to the victory of their graduation, by helping them raise funds, and by telling them of his personal trials as a student. Mr. Floyd has been at John Bapst since 1962 and he has always been known as an extremely honest and courageous teacher. It is rare these days when most of the world's mystery has been lost that one man could enchant a group of students and it seems almost impossible that two men would be able to achieve this goal, yet both Mr. Nahra and Mr. Floyd have seemed to enchant us all at one time or another with knowledge that comes not only from the text but also from life.
Dedicated to Mrs. Mary Sullivan and Mrs. Kathleen Martin: Mrs. Mary Sullivan is a dedicated teacher, wife and mother, city councillor and student aavisor. Her constant dedication to the students and the yearbook have been an inspiration to all. Her desire to give of herself has always been a gift to others and she is always willing to lend a hand of support or encouragement. Thank-you Mrs. Sullivan. Although Mrs. Martin has only been a secretary at John Bapst for one year, she has contributed to the success of each individual in our Senior class. Her help in the preparation of applications has been greatly appreciated. Thank-you Mrs. Martin.
Dedicated to our friend H. Edward Samways: When H. Edward Samways retired from the U.S. Postal Service, it simply meant he would have more time to devote to travel throughout New England and even to Ireland to visit his countless friends and relatives. It also provided more time for him to spend actively involved in his love of sports. A graduate of St. John's Grammar School and of Brewer High, Mr. Samways initiated the sports program of touch football, basketball and CYO baseball at St. Mary's School in the early '50s. His lifetime love of the ideals of athletics and his devotion to John Bapst athletic programs is evidenced by his attendance at games from the intramurals through JV boys' and girls' to most varsity teams. Ed's involvement as a fan, friend and coach has been capped most recently as he is currently serving as assistant softball coach. Seventy-seven years young, he conducts warmups by drilling grounders to the infielders, and serves as first base coach. Mr. Samways, thank you very much. With love from your friends.
Dedicated to Leonard Miragliuolo: Since 1978 Mr. Miragliuolo has served as Athletic Director, along with being coach of cross country, girls varsity basketball, track and field, and junior varsity softball. To date his cross country teams have collected three Pendale championships, four Eastern Maine championships, and two State championships. His basketball teams have collected one Eastern Maine championship and one State championship. Most Bapst people would credit his badgering, cajoling and his straight talking with the school's teams and fans having earned the coveted Sportsmanship banners. Despite his air of "So what?" Mr. Miragliuolo is a concerned and caring individual, committed to John Bapst Memorial High and to all of its family. THANK YOU!
Yearbooks Keep the Memories: The CRUSADER is a means by which high school memories are frozen in time and preserved for future years. As the years roll by, each and everyone of us will be able to look back on our high school experiences and rekindle the feelings thanks in part to the CRUSADER. It was through the efforts of many dedicated individuals that a yearbook such as this was made possible. The thankless job of fundraising and the many hours of construction have resulted in the final production, the 1983 CRUSADER.
The 1982 Crusader staff dedicates this yearbook to Raymond Lee Giroux, vice principal and disciplinarian. He has been dedicated and faithful to the school for many years. His job as disciplinarian puts him on the spot with the students, but he always acts fairly. He is advisor of Key Club. His hobbies are hockey, motorboat cruising, and salt and fresh water fishing. He teaches Latin I, French I and French II, along with his vice principal and disciplinarian duties. Thank you for your dedication to our faculty and student body over the years and we hope you stay with us for many years to come.