College of the Holy Cross College of the Holy Cross

CrossWorks CrossWorks

The Octofoil Special Collections

1-1-1971

The Octofoil, January/February 1971 The Octofoil, January/February 1971

Ninth Infantry Division Association

Follow this and additional works at: https://crossworks.holycross.edu/octofoil

Part of the Military and Veterans Studies Commons, Military History Commons, Social History

Commons, and the United States History Commons

Recommended Citation Recommended Citation Ninth Infantry Division Association, "The Octofoil, January/February 1971" (1971). The Octofoil. 181. https://crossworks.holycross.edu/octofoil/181

This Newsletter is brought to you for free and open access by the Special Collections at CrossWorks. It has been accepted for inclusion in The Octofoil by an authorized administrator of CrossWorks.

THE

Jan.-Feb. 197-1

Association DUM: $4.00 pe, V'" - S1.5Owill be earmarked to Diy for The OctofGU

•

,THE NINTH INFANTRY DIVISION ASSOCIATION

Volume XXVI NO. 1

412 Gregory Ave. Weehawken, N. J. 07087

PROGRAM 1971 REUNIONJULY 29, 30, and 31, 1971

Bud Remer and MikeBelmonte, co-chairmen of theLuau, hope that everyone willenter into the spirit of theevening and don their wildestHawaiian shirts or their mostrevealing Muu-Muu. A prize willbe awarded to the man orwoman who wear~ the mosttypical Hawaiian costume.

If you intend to attend theReunion, you better start doingyour dqily dozens now so thatyou will be in shape to dance theHula-Hula at the Luau. Thecommittee has a great prize forthe man or woman who has thesmoothest motion.

Georgina Winkelman hasbeen keeping us up to d ate onthe activities of the IllinoisChapter. She tells us that theIllinois Chapter believes that ithas a good thing going inSpringfield this July and theywant everyone to know aboutit. So they decided to send anotice to every member of theAssociation. Getting the noticesinto the mail required a lot ofwork and the Chapter found anovel way to make the jobeasier. The January meeting wasdevoted to stuffing envelopes.Twenty-two members met atJohn Clouser's home andworked on the reunion notices.They managed to complete the

(Continued on Next Page)

IMPOSSIBLE DREAMMany times during the

passing years, Mrs. Finleythought about her dream ofvisiting Bill's grave, but it alwaysseemed to be the impossibledream. An article appearing inthe Gold Star Mothers' paper,also in the March-April 1970issue of the Octofoil, made Mrs.Finley's dream more vivid. Itmentioned the fact that theNetherlands War GravesCommittee of Amsterdamwould sponsor a thirdpilgrimage to the graves of.American soldiers buried inHolland, the soldier's relativeswould be the guests of theDutch people; the only costwould be transportation toHolland.

At the time Mrs. Finley didnot realize it, but the articletogether with her activities onbehalf of hospitalized veteranswere eventually to lead to thefulfillment of her impossibledream. During an ArmyMothers' Tag Day, Mrs. Finleysold a tag to a man who said hehad some clothing to donate tothe Danville Veterans Hospital.When he brought the clothing toher home Mrs. Finley happenedto show him the article that

ladies of Decatur made as manyas a thousand sandwiches forthe hungry servicemen whovisited the canteen. After~arning of Bill's death shecontinued to work at thecanteen because as she put it, "Icouldn't help him anymore, so Idecided to continue to helpothers."

When the war ended and thecanteen closed down Mrs.Finley still wanted to helpothers, so she directed herefforts towards assisting themany ex-servicemen who we'repatients in V. A. Hospitals.While serving as StateCommander of the ArmyMothers and as President of theGold Star Mothers she and themembers of these Associationsmade many trips to the V. A.Hospital at Danville, Ill. Duringthese visits they gave parties forthe patients and provided themwith gifts that made their stay atthe hospital more pleasant.

For Mrs. John Finley of Decatur, Illinois, September6th will always be a red letter day on her calendar. Last yearon that date, Mrs. Finley, a Gold Star Parent, realized adream that she had cherished for almost twenty-five years­she left the states to visit the grave of her son William who isburied in the American Military Cemetery at Margraten,Holland.

AN "OLD RELIABLE"William Finley answered his

country's call to duty in June1942 leaving Decatur to join theNinth Infantry Division at Ft.Bragg, N. C. As a member of the39th Infantry he saw action inNorth Africa, Sicily and on thecontinent of Europe. On April1, 1945, near Aachen,Germany, Sgt. William Finleygave his life for his country. Hewas laid to rest in the AmericanMilitary Cemetery at Margraten,Holland.

Before leaving the states BillFinley told his mother, "If Ishould be killed, bury me whereI fall because I want to be withmy buddies." When Mrs. Finleyrecieved word of her son's deathshe remembered his request anddecided that the MilitaryCemetery at Margraten wouldbe Sgt. Finley's final restingplace. About Margratan sheknew nothing - only its locationon a map; however, she soonheard from a Dutch family wholived there.

DUTCH ADOPT G.t'sThe people of Margraten

consider the American soldiersburied there honored sons ofthe city, each soldier lying in thecemetery has been adopted by aDutch Family. On holidays andon the soldier's birthday theDutch families visit thecemetery to place flowers onthe grave of their adopted son.Sgt. William Finley was adoptedby the Pluemacker family and ­they began to correspond withMrs. Finley. From their lettersshe was able to form a mentalpicture of the MilitaryCemetery at Margraten andbegan to nurture the hope thatsome day she would be able tovisit Bill's grave.

AIDED SERVICEMENDuring World War II while

her son was away in the Army,Mrs. Finley devoted much ofher time to assisting otheryoung men who were in theservice. She was one of thevolunteers who manned acanteen that servedrefreshments to servicemenpassing through Decatur ontroop trains. In her oven werebaked many of the cookies thatwere served at the canteen andon some nights she and the

job in three and a half hours.The team-work displayed ingetting the notices out is a goodomen for the success of theReunion. With such a hardworking committee the reunionhas to be a great one.

On February 19th theChapter met at the Forest ParkMoose Lodge. After enjoying afish-fry they held a shortmeeting and went over thereunion plans.

Last summer Bob andGeorgina Winkelman celebrattfdtheir Twenty-Fifth WeddingAnniversary in England. Oneevening while watching the T.V.News they saw pictures whichshowed the members of theAssociation at Southhamptonpreparing to leave forNormandy. Georgina said thatshe and Bob got quite a thrillout of seeing their friends on theBritish T.V.

Rem emberThe Dares

Spr.ingfieldJuly 29'31

General Session and Committee MeetingsAuxiliary Business MeetingGeneral SessionBoard of Governors' MeetingHawaiian Luau - Swimming Pool

Golf Tournament

Springfield Lake Municipal CourseBoard of Governors' MeetingWelcoming Party - Abe Lincoln Night

Memorial Service - Lincoln'sTombAnnual BanquetDance

Thursday July 29Registration All Day

Friday July 30Registration All Day

Saturday July 31Registration All Day

4:00 P.M.8:00 to 12:00 P.M.

9:00A.M.

10:00A.M.10:15A.M.

1:00 P.M.4:00P.M.6:30P.M.

10:30A.M.6:30 P.M.9:30 P.M.

GOLF TOURNAMENTMike Belmonte will be the

resident pro for this event. TheAssociation's hackers andduffers will brave the hazards ofthe Lake Springfield MunicipalGolf Course. Tee off time willbe at 9:00 a.m. This contestalways draws plenty of golfersso Mike has arranged for plentyof room for everyone. Trophieswill be awarded to the two topplayers.

Springfield1971 Reunion

ABE LINCOLN NIGHTOn Thursday night the

!Joliday Inn will be the scene fora great welcome party. PaulClark has arranged for plenty ofrefreshments and has hiredsome terrific musical talent toprovide for your 'dancingpleasure. The highlight of thewelcome party will be a contestto determine the man who has abeard that looks most like theone worn by Ab~ Lincoln. Thereunion is five months away, soall potential contestants haveplenty of time to grow a goodcrop of chin spinach. To giveyou a little more incentive togrow a good crop Paul hasannounced that the winner willreceive some genuine frontiercorn likket.

Another communique hasbeen received from the ReunionCommittee. It contained plentyof good news for members whoare making plans to visitSpringfield this July. Thecommittee has some novelentertainment scheduled forthis reunion.

HAWAIIAN LUAUThe most unique event of the

1971 Reunion is scheduled forFriday night. A Hawaiian Luauwill be held at the Holiday Inn'spool. The party will start offwith a traditional RoyalHawaiian Feast. Your appetitewill be tempted by the islandfare set before you, tenderChicken Terryaki, deliciousmixed seafood, succulent slicedisland pork, fresh fruits, andvarious types of salads. To putyou in the proper mood toenjoy this delicious food,musicians will play Hawaiianmusic all through the feast. Ifyou can still move after packingaway all this fabulous chow,you can spend the rest of theevening dancing to the music ofa great band.

.'THE OCTOFOIL

THE OCTOFOIL

Form 3579 should be sent to 412 Gregory Avenue, Weehawken, N. J. 07087

OCTOFOI L ASSOCIATEO EDITORS Walter O'Keeffe and Daniel QUinn

FRANK OZART, President, 2241 Marshall Blve!. Chicago, III. 60623VINCENT GUGLIELMINO, 1st Vice President, Floral Park, N. Y. 11001

RICHARD WILSON, 2nd Vice President, Woodbury, N. J, 08096ROBERT DESANDY, 3rd Vice President, St. Clair Shores, Mich. 48080

HARRISON DAYSH, Judge AdvoC8te, Kensington, Md. 20795DAN IE L QU INrJ, Secretary, 412 Gregory Ave., Weehawken, N. J. 070B7THOMAS BOY LE, Treasurer, 39 Hall Avenue, Somerville, Mass. 02144

Michigan Doings

The Michigan Chapter's firstmeeting of 1971 was held onFebruary 20th at BobDeSandy's home. The mostimportant item on the agendafor that meeting was theelection of officers. There wereplenty of candidates and themembers of the Chapter had atough time deciding who is tohold office during 1971.However, the candidates wereall so well qualified that theChapter won't go wrong nomatter whom they elected. Themen who are going out of officeare to be commended on thegood job they did during 1970.They gave the Chapter a shot inthe arm and started it on theway to bigger and better things.

OUT-OF-TOWN MEETINGThe Chapter's decision to

hold a yearly out-of-towndinner meeting has drawnfavorable comments from themembers. So far, October seemsto be the month favored for themeeting. The prospective site ofthe meeting is still a toss-up. Atthe moment the followingplaces are in contention: Ist­Barvarian Inn, Frankenmuth,2nd- Michigan Hus, Bay City,3rd- Ramada Inn, Saginaw, 4th­Furlow's Town House, BirchRun and 5th- Holiday Inn,Grand Rapids. If any membersof the Michigan Chapter havesuggestions for the out-of-townmeeting John Bonkowski wouldlike to hear from them.

NEWS LEITERSThe following items

appeared in the Chapter's mostrecent Newsletter. Ann Pehote,the widow of John Pehote, 60thInf., underwent heart surgery inJanuary. Jim Bruner's motherpassed away in California.Lenny DeBell's father-in-lawalso passed away. TippyPlunkett visited the VFWNtional Home in Eaton Rapids,Mich. during the ChristmasHoliday. Unfortunately themembers of the MichignChapter had no advance noticeof her visit so they were unableto see Tippy during her stay inEaton Rapids.

~ap~

~OunlJeb

***SORRY ABOUT THAT

Once again it is our sad dutyto announce the passing of thesecomrades and a member of theLadies Auxiliary.

Travis G. (Dick) Seymor ofthe 26th F.A.

George Ackerman, Co. A15th Eng.

Joe B.Jones, 60th Inf.William Patton, M.P.Fay Umansky Ladies

Auxiliary memberBill Patton passed away the

Frid.ay before the scheduled tripto Europe and Bill had bookedpassage and was anxiouslyawaiting the New York reunionand the trip to the E.T.O. It iswith deep regret to his Motherand Dad that we missedinforming the membershipbefore this time.

Fay Umansky was with us onthe trip to the E.T .0. and as sickas she was throughout the entiretrip never did I hear hercomplain even when thingswent wrong, and believe me,many a time - things did gowrong. She made the tripbecause she knew Mike (as shecalled him) would not make thetrip without her.

May we offer ourcondolences on behalf of themembership and may they restin peace.

The last edition had a pictureof the APO 9 Staff at CampElsenborn, Belgium and wefailed to acknowledge that thephoto was sent to the Octofoilby Hal Perry a member of the~roup. Hal wrote that he issying to contact members whodo not belong to the associationand he requested extra copies besent to these guys, which wecomplied with.

Thanks and keep up the goodwork.

NINTH INFANTRY DIVISION ASSOCAnONMEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

Dan Quinn, National Secretary, 9th Infantry Division Assn.412 Gregory Ave., Weehawken, New Jersey 07087

Enclosed pleased find 1971 dues for:

Sl.reet Address . _

Name Serial No.

Harry O's Report

The New Yark Chapter'wasted no time in gettingstarted on their plans for 1971.At the February meeting theygot together and selected thedates for the various activitiesplanned for the coming year.

IMPORTANT DATESThe Past Presidents of the

New York Chapter will behonored on May 7, 1971. PastPresident Nigfit is always ahigh-light on the Chapter'ssocial calendar. This year itshould be better than everbecause President HarryOrenstein has promised a specialprogram for this meeting.

Every year the Chapter holdsa Memorial Service at PinelawnNational Cemetery. After theservices the members of theChapter decorate the graves ofthe Ninth Division men who arelaid to rest in the cemetery. Thisyear the Memorial Service willbe held on May 22, 1971.

The Chapter always starts offthe F all season with a dinnerand dance. October 16th hasbeen selected as the date for thisgala occasion. Everyone whoattended last year's dinner anddance will agree that it was oneof the best the Chapter everheld. Frank Fazio and JackScully were the fellows whomade that affair such a success.They will handle thearrangements for the 1971Dinner-Dance so you can beassured of another wonderfultime. Reservations should bemade early for this affair.

GOOD NEWSF or a while quite a few

members have been on the sicklist but we are happy to reporttht most of them are gettingback into shape. George Apar'sspirited debate at the recentmeetings gave notice that he hasrecovered from the effects of hisrecent coronary. CharlieLibretto also had a little troublewith his ticker but he now seemsin fighting trim, At the lastmeeting he looked like he couldgo a fast ten rounds with anyheavy-weight at the meeting.Mike Deresh must be hangingout with some professionalfootball players because hedeveloped a bad knee and had tohave it operated on. Our lastreport on Mike indicates that heis making a fast recovery.

A t the February meetingFrank Fazio announced that heand Vita were the proudgrand-parellts of a '-71b., 6 oz.bouncing baby boy. Jack Scullyfinds it hard to believe that theskinny kid he called"Broadway" is now agrand-pop.

NO.1

EXTRA JOURNALS

SAD TIDINGS

Unfortunately our mailmandoesn't always deliver good'news. Last month he brought ussad tidings about Mrs. Bullock,one of our Gold Star Parents.Mrs. Bullock's daughterinformed us tht her mother hadsuffered a heart attck and wascunfined to the hospital incriij:;al condition. Her doctorssay that she might be in thehospital for some time.

Mrs. Bullock is a patient atthe tIighsmith-Rainey Hospitlat Fayetteville, N. C. Her homeaddress is 911 Davis Ct.,Fayetteville, N. C. 28255. Weknow that all our members joinus in wishing Mrs. Bullock aspeedy recovery_

We still have a few copies ofthe Silver AnniversaryJ ournalon hand. Any member wishing acopy can get it by writing toWalter J. O'Keeffe at 1858Woodbine St., Ridgewood,N.Y.l1227.

Jan.-Feb. 1971

Volume XXVI

1972 Honorary Chaplain EmeritusLeonard Tomassone, Pennsauken, N. J, Rev. Edward Connors, Worcester, Mass.Francis Maher, Worcester, Mess.Joseph Uschak, New York, N. Y. Board Member Ern,eritusThom.Shine, Hyattsville, Md. Maj. Gen. LouisA. Craig (Retired)Willilm Mlldows, Detroit, Mich

The official pubiicatlon of theNiriih Infantry Division ASSOCiation. Stnglecopyprice is 25 cents per issue or by mail $1.50 per year payable in advance when dues arepaid. Dues are $4.00 per year with $1.50 of the $4.00 earmarked for six issues of TheOctofoil. Members should notify the National Secrelary, Daniel Quinn, 412 GregoryAve., Weehawken. N. J., of any change in address.

Published six times yearly, July-August. September-October. November-December, January-February. March-April, May-June by and for the members of theNinth Infantry Division Association. News items. feature storoes. photographs andart material from members will be appreciated. Every effort will be made toreturn photographs and art work in good condition.

An extract from the certificate of Incorporation of the 9th Infantry DivisionAsso.ciation reads: "This Association IS formed by the officers and men of the 9thInfantry Division in order to perpetuate the memory of Our fallen comrades topreserve the esprit de corps of the diviSion, to assist in promoting an everlasttngworld peace exclusively of means of educational actiVities and to serve as antnformation bureau to fotmer members of the 9th Infantry Division."

Copy must be received on or before the 10th of each month to guaranteepublication on the 20th. Photographs must be received on or before the 5th day ofpublication month.

Second-Class Postage paid at Union City, N. J. Authorized as of October 1. 1967.

1971 BOARD OF GOVERNORS

George Apar, Franklin Square, N. Y. 1973Frank Ozart, Chicago, Illinois Nick Dogostino. West Berlin, N. J. ~Robert Winkleman, Paletine, Illinois Charles Koslo:ie, Schiller Park, Illinois [lJames Bruner, Flint, Michigan Ronald Murphy, Scituate, Mass. •Charles Jones, McLean, Va. WalterO'Keeffe, Ridgewood,N. Y.

t,

•

GOLD STAR PARENT(Continued)

appeared in the Gold StarMothers' paper. This man, whoMrs. Finley had never metbefore, wrote to theNetherlands War GravesCommittee and madearrangements for Mrs. Finley tobe included in the thirdpilgrimage to Margraten. Soafter twenty-five years herimpossible dream came to life.

GRATEFULUpon her retnrn from

Holland, Mrs. Finley sent us aletter in which she expressedthanks to the many wonderfulpeople both here in Americaand in Holland who had madeher hip to Margraten possible.She had special praise for theDutch people who took her intotheir homes and made her feelso at ease. Mrs. Finley requestedthat we remind Gold StarParents that the War GravesCommittee would be havingother pilgrimages to thecemeteries at Margraten and atLiege, Belgium and that theseparents should be on thelook-out for notice3 pertainingto these trips.

*PAY YOUR

DUES NOW!i!!

City Zone State -.: _

I was a member of:

Battery ; Company ; RegimenL 9th Div.

Please credit the following chapter:

Philly-Delaware Valley 0 Greater New York 0Illinois 0 Washington, D. C. 0

New England 0 Michigan 0

I wish to sign up for the following:

Regular Member, per year $ 4.00 0

Donation Memorial Scholarship Fund ------ 0THREE-YEAR MEMBER ----- $11.00 0Life Membership $50.00 0OctofoU Automobile License Disc $ .50 0Decals, 25c; (5) five for ---------_$ 1.00 0"Eight Stars to Victory" ----------------__$ 2.00 0

(Pictorial History of 9th Division. in action.)

Ladies' Auxiliary Member $ 1.50 0Combat Route Map $ .50 060th Infantry History ----------------------$ .50 0

• • •

APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIPin the

LADIES' AUXILIARYof the

NINTH INFANTRY DIVISION ASSOCIATION

I would like to become a member of the ~diell' Auxiliaryto the Ninth Infantry Divieion A88ociation. EncJo8ed illcheck or money order for $1.50 for 1971 duell. Plea8email my member8hip card to--

Name

Street

City Sl4ite _

While attached to the 9th Infantry Division my _(state relationship, whether tJl~ Ninth Division man was ahusband, father, brother, SOD, etc.) •

was with ~-----~~--------give company, regiment, battery, attached unit, etc.)

1Iake checks or money orders payable to Ninth InfantryDi\'i~i~Hl A<;<':OClat.ion. Mail to

Mrs. Amelia Langer, Secretary-TreasurerNinth Infantry Division Association Ladies Auxiliary5 Brentwood Drive, Morris Plains, N. J. 07950

GOT A SUSPICION thatache or· pain which keepscoming back and getting worseis the result of an old wartimeinjury or disease? If you'venever had it checked out before,why not do it now. Your localState Veteran Counselor canhelp you file your claim. There'sno time limit for filing acompensation claim with theVA.

.Rem emberThe Dales

1971 Reunion

Spr.ingfie IdJuly 29'31 Ohio D Fayetteville-Fort Bragg, N. C. 0

THE OCTOFOIL

t ~J]'W8W &

~This is the 14th Installment J

of Bill Kreye's story. of the39th Infantry from the days in 11Fort Bragg till the end of the

. 1II~.W"'~~~~~~"'-4 War in Germany - th~ years ~~f,aI~V_It4~ .JtI'Iftiil1\!P~~~ 1941 to 1945. ~

The Memorial Fund of the Ninth Infantry Division Association wasestablished by the members of the association to commemorate the memoryof their comrades who paid the supreme sacrifie in battle. As a part of thisfund the association established a scholarship program. Scholarships areawarded each year to relatives of men who served in The Ninth InfantryDivision. Each scholarship is for one year.

**************************THE MEMORIAL FUND OF

THE 9TH INFANTRY DIVISION ASSOCIATIONScholarship Informafion

they were sitting tight accordingto their relatively light casualtyreports. The outcome was theBritish would try the bombingplan. They did and it failed. ButBRADLEY was determined totry it in the American sectorwhen the troops reached the St.Lo-Pierier's Road.

The German Panzer LehrDivision, one of the crackenemy tank outfits which Hitlerwas holding to push the Alliesout into the sea, struck the 39thInfantry and the 30th InfantryDivision in a three prong drive.Quickly our 2nd Battalion wassurrounded and cutoff from therest of the regiment. The 1stBattalion, 39th was on the leftflank of the 2nd and it hadenemy tanks on two sides of itand all the communicationwires were disrupted. The 39th,47th and 60th Regiments werein full attack with now theenemy in an attack of their own.

Our Anti-tank Section hadtheir three guns knocked outand fourteen of their personnel.killed which included SergeantsCURT C. HUFF and WILLIAM.N. WOLFERT also the formerIntelligence man, ROYWILLIAMS. I overheard thefollowing conversation on thecommand post radio which wasbetween Major GUNN, 2ndBattalion, 39th Infantrycommander and Colonel VANBOND, our newly appointedregimental commander. GUNNwho was very excited asked"What should we do? We arecompletely surrounded byenemy tanks. Should we stopthe attack and concentrate onthe tanks?"

Colonel BOND replied,"Keep pushing forward. Don'tbother with the tanks, avoidthem. I'll take care of them. "

(continued next issue)

ELIGIBn.ITY FOR SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONA person who wishes to apply for a scholarship must be related to a

man who served with The Ninth Infantry Division. Children of formermembers of the division will be given first consideration, but children ofmen killed in combat given first preference. Applicants who are not childrenof former members of the division will not be considered unless no childof a former member qualifies.

APPLICATION PROCEDUREThe following procedures must be followed by those wishing to apply

for the scholarships:

1. Send a letter of application, written in expository form. to thechairman of the scholarship committee stating the following;name, address, age, and sex of the applica,nt; name, address,and occupation of the applicant's parents or guardians; thename and address of the secondary school the applicant is at­tending or has attended and graduated; the name and addressof the college the applicant expects to attend; the vocationalgoal of the applicant; and the name of and degree of relation-

-ship to a former member of the division. The unit and dates ofservice in the division of th~ former member must be included.

2. A transcript of the applicant's high school record must be in­cluded with the letter of application. The transcript must in­clude at least the first seven semesters of the applicant's record.

3. The applicant must have a counselor or principal of the highschool he or she is attending write a letter of recommendationto the chairman of the scholarship committee.

•. The applicant must take the PSAT which is given every Octo­ber. The applicant mu..et see that the results of the PSAT aresent to the chairman of the scholarship committee. These re­sults may be included with the high school transcript or sentto the chairman from the College Entrance Examination Board.The SAT of the CEEB may be submitted in lieu of the PSAT.

). THE APPLICATION MUST BE SENT TO THE CHAIRMANOF THE SCHOLARSHIP COMMITI'EE BY MARCH 15. Appli­cations received after March 15 will ~ot be considered.

S. All applicants must accept the decision of the Scholarship Com­mittee as final.

7. Information to determine financial need will be requested bythe Scholarship Committee after the applications have been con­sidered.

8. Recipients of the scholanhip. may apply for renewal of thescholarship each year. A copy of the student's college grades,a financial statement, and a letter requesting renewal of thescholarship should be sent to the chairman by March 15.

9. All applications mwt be sent to: Johu J. Clower. ScholanhipChairman. Ninth Infantry Diviaion A.uociation. 901 GracelandSl, De. Plain_, Dlinob 80018.

**************************

Colonel VAN H. BONDsucceeded "PADDY" ascommander of the 39thInfantry Regiment.

There had been manyfamous expressions and sayingssuch as "blow it out your stackand swivel," "Kilroy was here,""praise the lord and spare theammunition," "You ain't a boidtoiden " "shore nouff" but themost famous one for our outfitthe 39th, was "HIT DON'TMAKE NO DIFFERENCE."

As the war progressed andthe stories of it get distorted, Ihave to point out that the 9thInfantry Division only gotabout five or six days rest at thatLes Pieux bivouac area whenthey were ordered back to thefront. However, although the9th was officially under thecommand of General"Lightning" JOE COLLIN's 7thCorps, the 9th helped outfits inthe 8th and 19th Corps as well.As part of the 7th Corps, the30th Infantry Division who hadstruggled for the town of St.Jean de Day, moved over to let

. us occupy that section of thefront and now they would try topush forward. In the 9thInfantry Division area, the 39thInfantry was on the left facingthe enemy with the 47th and60th on our right. Prior to thisthere was little room tomaneuver and a frontal assaultin heavy hedgerow country isfor the birds. There still wasn'tany room to maneuver but thehedgerow boundaries werespreading out. Very quickly the1st Battalion, 39th captured thetown ofEl Dessert.

What we didn't know wasthat General BRADLEY haddevised a plan called "COBRA"which was to saturate the.enemy front lines withthousands of tons of bombs.Then the Americans could walkthrough and open a huge holefor General PATTON's 3rdArmy to breakout. However,EISENHOWER seemed to bebothered with the fact that theBritish ~ti1l didn't take Caen andbeyond that city was the plainsfor our tanks to roam. TheBritish claimed that they wereopposing the bulk of theGerman forces but IKE thought

The hedgerow fighting wastough. The advance was two orthree hedgerows a day or abouta hundred yards. However, itwas better than other outfitswho did not gain at all. Onenight I dug a fox-hole behind amound of hedgerow. When Iwas just about comfortable,that's a joke being comfortablein a fox-hole, I got another oneof my intuitions. I b;iCk up onehedgerow and I dug anotherhole. The next morning thefox-hole I had abandoned didn'texist anymore. It was replacedby a large shell crater.Observations were limited tothe length of a hedgerow. Thehedgerows were heavily linedwith brush, bushes and trees.Rain and the mud were otherobstancles. A soldier sometimesexisted in a fox-hole which washalf filled with rain water.Refuge was buried in the footend of the entrenchment.

The hedgerow fighting whichwas slow moving presented verystreesing problems. Explodingshells not only killed soldierswho were taken care of almostimmediately as Americans, suchas the Intelligence Section,risked their lives to get the deadbodies out of the dangerousfields. The cows and horseswhich were abandoned by thefarmers were killed as well. Fordays these dead animal's hideswould decay in the muddyfields and the stench was farfrom pleasing. Enemy dead thatcouldn't be reached and buriedsmelt worse. I guess that waswhy they called this a stinkingwar. In fact, the German soldierwho wore a grayish uniform inthe field, had something in thegoods which could be sensedmany yards away. There wassome tru th in those sayings thatthe Allies could smell where theGerman psotions were.

Old "PADDY" FLINT whowas like a father to his boys andwho risked his life many timesto get his boys such things ascigarettes under fire was comingto the end of his rubber band.There was a battalion of tanksattached to the 39th but thetank commander quivered in hisboots from fear of old"PADDY." Or, was it theenemy, he feared? The tankcommander replied to an orderissued to him by "PADDY" thathe didn't think it was such agood idea right now for a tankbeing worth so much moneyand the crews being so hard totrain and all that rot to sendthem up to lead the way. But,Colonel FLINT did not havethat in mind at all, so he tookseven riflemen with him and ledthe tanks forward until thetanks could go no more. Thenthe saddest and and severestblow the 39th InfantryRegiment suffered during thehedgerow campaign was the lossof Colonel "PADDY" FLINT,who was hit on July 23rd by asniper's bullet and he died thenext day, July 24th with a grinon the fighting Irishman. Hismemory and his motto"AAA"()" will never beforgotten especially not bythose who proudly wore thatAAA..() on their helmets.

"PADDY" FLINT

There were so manyprisioners and there were notenough trucks to take themaway. We loaded the trucks withabout fifty prisioners. Thedriver st arted the truck quicklyforward and then stopped itshort as he stepped on thebrakes heavily to stop thevehicle on a dime. This actionmade room for about fortymore as the prisoners alreadyaboard were jammed against thedriver's cabin. Again thisprocedure was followed and tenmore were loaded in before thetruck took off for itsdestination.

After all prisoners weredisposed of, the outfit headedsouth to its bivouac area. Herewe put up pup tents with fourtents together. GIEPARDA,KUJAWA, CROSCOPE and Iwere bed buddies. We ate likeroyality compared to the fieldrations we were getting. We hadcaptured stores of food stufffrom the Germans at Octeville.Now, we had the stuff piled inour tents for disposal. .

We were continually visitedby French women and childrenfor food. We traded themcanned captured tuna andsardines for vegetables andgoat's milk. It was just abouthere when BENSON joined thesection. During these few dayswe played checkers and wereceived packages from home.However, these days were notrestful at all as there were hikes,guard duty, the firing ofweapons and other details

_which always annoy the soldier.I was excused from the hikesand my knee seemed· to begetting stronger.

"Bed-check Charlie," aGerman bomber with a -miss inthe engine of his plane, flewaround at night unmolested ashe dropped a bomb here andthere. One night every ack-ackgun opened fire upon "Charlie"but they failed to bring himdown.

On July 9th, the 9th wasback into action. The ring hadexpanded somewhat with thenewly acquired land the 9th,79th, 4th and 82nd Airbornehad taken over. The British werestill knocking on the doors ofCaen and the beachhead ingeneral had not widened hardlyat all. What was going on? Werethey waiting for us?

Hague Fontenay-sur-Mer, FortSt. Marcouf, Gourbesville,Goury, Greville, 9ruchy,Hardinvast, Hau dl Tot,Hautteville Bogage, Jobourg, LaBonneville, Henneville, La Maredu Parc Le Motel, Le Vretot,Les Pie~x Nehous, Neuville enBeaumont Nicolle, Octeville,Orglande's, Port. B~il,Querqueville, Qumev~le,

Rauville la Bigot, Raveoville,Reignesville, Renoug, S.t.Christophe-du-Foc, St. Ge.rmamde Varreville St. Germam desVaux, St. G~rmain Ie Gaillard,St. Jacques de Nehou, St.Lo-D'ourville, St. Marcouf, St.Martin de Vrreville, St. Sauveur,Ste. Colombe, Ste Croix Hague,Sid eville, T raisnellerie,Vasteville, Vauville.

Chapter 20HEDGEROW FIGHTING

NORMANDY

Now we really had a problemas we had no room in thejeep toride six prisioners and weweren't going to walk. So, wemade the prisoners walk in frontof the jeep with their handsclasped on their heads. Thispace was entirely too slow andmonotonous also we werewasting precious g.asoline. Afterabout a mile of this a lieutenantappeared and he was figuringout where the batt alions weregoing to rendezvous_ Aftertalking with him awhile, hementioned that the 3rdBattalion would take over theground to the left of the roadand the 1st had the other side. Imentioned that we caught theseprisioners on his side of the roadand that they belonged to him.So, we left the prisoners in hiscare and we took off.

The Intelligence motorpatrol after leaving the prisonersliberated a very small town. Theattitude of the few Frenchpeople was overwhelming and itwas difficult to leave that town.However, every house wassearched and one was used as anenemy headquarters of somekind but there were no Germanpersonnel to be found.

It was a short interval of timewhen all enemy resistanceended in the peninsula. Theterritory would be occupied byAmerican troops of the 9thInfantry Division. The job ofthe peninsula campaign wasfinished and it was well done.When the troops of the outfittook over, we were sent aroundthe territory to search allhouses. This time SAMUELDOUGLAS drove the jeep and itwas the first time that anIntelligence man die!. However,SAM was not always availablefor motor patrolling as they hadhim on messenger work andhauling chow.

Many prisioners were taken,in fact, too many. We deserved arest and we were going to getone in a bivouac area near LesPieux, France. Germanidentified units in theCherbourg area were remnantsof the 77th German Division,the 243rd and 709th Divisions.The American 899th TankDestroyers were attched to the39th Infantry at Octeville.ARTHUR C. ROHMANN,wounded at Cherbourg, aCompany "E," 39th Infantry

.machine gunner. JOHN E.BUTTS, 2nd Lieutenant,Company "E," 60th Infantryreceived the CongressionalMedal of Honor. CoJonelJOHNSTON, commander of the2nd Battalion, 47th Infantrywas wounded, just to mention afew of our gret men.

Since the invasion of Franceto the end of the Cap de laHague campaign, the "OldReliables," the 9th InfantryDivision with its three regimentsthe 39th, 47th and the 60th,with attached units, had taken

or captured the following list oftowns.

A cq ueville, Auderville,Bameville, Beaumont Hague,Bouguenville, Bricquebec,Canville, Carteret, Caudet,Cherbourg (western), Crosville,Dielette, Equeeurdreville,Erq ueville, Flollenmanville

THE OCTOFGIL

THE OCTOFOILOne of the benefits that accrue to an Editor of the "Octofoil" is

having the opportunity to read the many letters that are received bythe Secretary from members of the Association. These letters areconstant. reminders that the "Old Reliables" have not forgotten theirold OUtf.It and that they ~till cherish fond memories of the days theyspent ~Ith the famous Nmth Infantry Division. We are always happyto receIve these letters and we hope that more and more members willtake the -time to drop us a line. Here are some samples from thismonth's mailbag.

Perfect Souvenir

Next year when you returnfrom Springfield your luggagewill probably contain manymementos of your visit to ''TheLand of Lincoln." Most of themwill be items that were selectedwhile browsing throughSpringfield's many gift shops.The most precious of all yoursouvenirs will be one thatcouldn't be purchased in anygift shop. It will be the ReunionJourna!. Only members of theAssociation will possess thisunique reminder of a visit toLincoln's horne town. I t will bean even more personal souvenirif your name appears on itspages. N ow is the time to makecertain that your name appearsin the 1971 Reunion 10uma!.Send your ad to the committee.Perhaps some of our memberswon't be able to join theirbuddies at the Reunion, forthem an ad in the 10umal is theperfect way to let their oldfriends know that they are therein spirit. Rates for the ReunionJournal are listed in theapplication blank appearing inanother part of the paper.

. Nurn ber in party ..

I Kingsi7e Bed I person 11.75

1 KingsizeBed 2 persons 12.75

2 Kingsize Beds 2 persons 17.75

$3.00 each additional person

1);1ll' of lkparlun: .

ATTAINS RANK OFGENERAL

Tip Of The Hat

Some day when time permitswe are going to undertake aresearch project that shouldprove very interesting. Howmany former members of theNinth Infantry Division haveattained the rank of General.Our list of "Old Reliables" whowore stars is already quite long.Recently another name wasadded to the list, that of Brig.General William T. Archibald.He served with Co. E, 60th InLduring 1941 and 1942. At thepresent time he resides inMiddlebush, N. 1.

Address

Name .

PLEASE RESERVE

ADDRESSED WITH

~s YOUR OCTOFOI L

TELL-TALE RED INK?

412 Gregory Aye Weehawken. N. J. 07087-

9th INFANTRY DIVISION 1971 ReunionJuly 29-31, 1971

We wish to acknowledge andthank the following memberswho remembered the MemorialFund (Scholarship) by donatingto this most worthwhile Fund.

10hn Holick, George Grieve,Kendal W. Guilford, CharlesKocher and 10hn Montegna.

HOLIDAY INN EAST3100 S. 31 st Street, Springfield, III. 62703

I t is that time of year when we remind you to check yourmembership. ~ard for "it is now dues time." A limited budget keepsus from maIlmg the Octofoil to those who fall in the delinquentclass. Get on the band wagon and send in dues to the secretary'soffice, 412 Gregory Avenue, Weehawken, N. 1.07087.

REQUEST FOR SPACE IN REUNION JOURNAL

Attached is copy for an ad in 1971 Reunion Journal of the NinttInfantry 0 ivision Association

Full Page $30.00Half Page $15.00Quarter Page $ 7.50Eigth Page $ 5.00. Booster $ 1.00 per Person.Booster $ 2.00 per Couple

From: Name

Street

City

Send copy and payment to:Frank Ozart, Reunion Program Chairman2241 S. Marshal Blvd.Chicago, III. 60623

47th InfReuben wants to make sure

that the younger generation hasthe opportunity to read aboutthe exploits of the famousNinth Infantry Division. Hepaid for a copy of "Eight StarsTo Victory" and requested thatit be sent to the library of theL inesville-C onneaut-SummitHigh School in Linesville,Penna. Reuben's generousgesture makes us proud that heis a member of our Association.

A $2,800 AUTO GRANT isavailable for seriously disabledWorld War II, Korean Conflict,and Vietnam Era veterans whosuffered the loss or loss of use ofone or both hands or feet, orpermanent impairment of visionof both eyes to a prescribeddegree while in service.Additional amounts are payablefor the special equipmentrequired to assist the disabledveteran in operating the vehicle.The new law authorizing theincrease in the grant from$1,200 to $2,800 is notretroactive - in other words, aveteran who received his $1,600grant to purchase a car inDecember cannot apply for theadditional $1,200 now providedto qualifying ve~erans.

Q. I am married to a World Warlveterans who receives 100%service-connectedcompensation. Would I beentitled to benefits as thewidow of a disabled veteran?A. Possibly. You would qualifyfor a higher rate with no incomelimitations if the veteran died ofa service-connected condition.However, if the condition whichcaused his death was notservice-connected, you mightqualify for a widow's pension,provided you are within theincome and estate limitations.

1ohn Thornton1320N.Bearborn ;0 60thlnf.Chicago, Ill. 60610

Along with his holidaygreetings 10hn included a plugfor Frank Ozart. Frank's hardwork on behalf of theA ssocia tion has alwaysimpressed John and he wasdelighted to learn that Frankhad been elected President ofthe Association.

*****

Wanted: A writer with asense of humor who will not befunny around the office.

Reuben HuntCleveland, Ohio

PeteCromal G Co. 47thUnion,N. J.

Along with his dues Pete sentus the news that limmy Lynchretired after working 35 yearsfor the Ballantine Brewery.limmy is an old 39th man.

*****10e McKenzie95 Washington Ave.Waltham, Mass. 02154

26th F.A.As usual 10e received

beaucoup Christmas cards fromhis many friends in theAssociation but he says thingsare rather quiet on the newsfront. However, he did havethese tidbits for us. 10hnMurray spent the holidays in theWinchester Hospital, he had anoperation on his back. BillBongiorno has decided againstretiring from the cleaningbusiness. Paul Griffin has twoboys going to Kent State,Trumbul Branch. Philip Huber,son of our Harold, will graduatefrom Baldwin-Wallace thisspring. Ross Kepple is enjoyingretirement.

*****

60th InfScotty is really living it up.

He spent the ChristmasHolidays in the Canary Islandsthen flew back to Germany tocelebrate New Years' Eve inWiesbaden. Scotty tells us thatLt. General Paul Berben haswritten a book about the bridgeat Remagen. It is entitled

Le Pont De Laand has been published

Robert Laffon Press ofAlthough it is printed in

French there are probably a fewlinguists among ourmembership who would wish toobtaIn a copy. Unfortunatelyyour Editors will have to waitfor the English Edition.

* * * * *

Edward Rickert4121 Blanchan Ave.Brookfield,Ill. 60513

15th EngineersDuring the Christmas

holidays Ed received word thatGeorge Arkermann had passedaway. George was CompanyClerk for Co. A, Hdq's Platoon,15th Engineers. Most of thecompany knew him as "Arkie."He served with the Ninth fromBragg until the end of theEuropean Campaign. Georgedied on September 26, 1970. Edrecalled that it was onSeptember 26, 1942 that the15th Engineers boarded theU.S.S. Leedstown.

Ed feels certain that his oldbuddy "Arkie" will always beremem bered by all theEngineers.

Floyd Bell1620Gypsy Rd.Niles, Ohio 44446

Co D 60th InfFloyd is looking for former

members of Co D 60th rnf. Hewould like to hear from some ofthem.

Wilton TaylorStop A Star RouteLost Hills, Calif. 93249

Co M 47th InfWilton has been on K.P. for

the last three months. His wifebroke her wrist and he has beendoing all the cooking. Thenearest doctor to Wilt's home isthirty miles away, so Wilton hasbeen kept busy driving his wifeto the Doctor's for treatments.However, he still has time tokeep track of his old buddies.He tells us that Floyd Wofford,of Co B 15 th Engineers, is nowhorne from the hospital and isonce again in good shape. (Ed'sNote: We hope that the recentearthquake didn't shakeWilton's place in the Californiahills.)

*****

* * * * *

Scotty HirstWiesbaden, Germany

* * * * *

10hn A. ArugalaBox IIBarnesboro, Pa. 15714

KC047thlnfThe picture of Schevehutte

which appeared in theSeptember-October issue of the"Octofoil" brought backmemories to John. His unit, the1st Motar Squad of K Co, stayedin Schevenhutte fromSeptember until November 2,1944. They were set up in a fieldnear a house on the edge oftown. The rifle platoons were inthe woods near the grave-yard.10hn reminded us of the hottime they all had when theGermans launched their attackon Schevenhutte.

10hn tells us that his wholefamily goes to school eachmorning. His 90n is in theseventh grade, his daughter is inthe third year high, and his wifeteaches fourth grade at theNorthern Camberia PublicSchool. In closing John sent hisregards to all his friends fromthe Ninth.

Nick V. Gorno2110GrantCt.Trenton, Mich. 48183

Co. C 47th InfNick has been a member of

the Association since 1945 andhe wants to be sure that heremains a member in goodstanding, so he took out a lifemembership in the Association.Nick tells us that he is sorry thathe missed the trip to the E.T.O.but is taking no chance onmissing the 1971 Reunion. He ismaking his plans early for thetrip to Springfield. His wifedoesn't like it when he missestoo many reunion.

* * * * *Ed Machowski5931 N. W. Circle Ave.Chicago, Ill. 60631

47th & 9th MedicsEd sent in his dues and had a

few kind words to say about themembers of the Association. Hewas very pleased to hear thatFrank Ozart is our newPresident. Ed says that Frank isthe kind of a fellow who won'tstop working until a job isperfectly completed. Ed hopesthat he will be able to assist theReunion Committee.

*****

Fred M. Josey443 Auburn Ave.Pontiac, Mich.

* * * * *

Clyde GaviganP.0.Box483Carlisle, Pa. 17013

9th Signal Co.Clyde is anxious to hear from

so me of the originalcomplement of the 9th SignalCo. He and a Lt. Heron formedthe Signal Co. at Fort Bragg in1940. Clyde tells us that one ofthe men from the company whowent to Hdq's Message Centerwas the fellow who designed theshoulder patch that the NinthInfantry Division still wearstoday.

Clyde retired with the rankof 1st Sgt. and now makes hishome in the Keystone State.

*****

* * * * *

Co. G. 60th Inf.Fred sent in his dues and

included the following note.1ane and I had a wonderful timeat the 26th Memorial Service inWorcester. It was the first onethat we attended and we arelooking forward to attendingmany more.

Right now we are sending inour reservations to the HolidayInn for the 1971 Reunion inluly. We attended the 1963Runion in Springfield and had agreat time. If this Reunion isanywhere as enjoyable as thatone it should be a must on everymember's agenda for this July.

At the 1963 Reunion, Iremember meeting "OldReliables" like 1ohn Carrier,Col. 10hn Dilley, Col. HaroldSmith, Major Dalton, and ChickHennen. Let's hope that they allwill show up again this year. Ialso hope that I see some of thefellows that I haven't seen foryears, especially 10hn Brookswhom I haven't seen since the1962 Reunion at Bragg. Bestwishes for another goodReunion.

Casimir Mrzybylski1042 Dewey Ave.Evanston, Ill. 60202

3rd Bn. 39th Inf.Bernice, Cas' wife, informed

us that he had suffered a strokelast November. After five weeksin the hospital, Cas is now athome recuperating. He wouldlike to hear from his old buddieswho served with him in the39th.

* * * * *

\.