NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS I

NINETY-FIFTH INFANTRY DIVISION ASSOCIATION

P. O. Box 1274 Chicago 90, Illinois

OUR NATIONAL OFFICERS

WALTER LASKGWSKI (Med Det, 378th Inf) - President467 Highland Avenue, Elmhurst, Illinois

Y{ZLLIAM Dj O'BRIEN (Hq Co, 377th Inf) - Ist Vice President8835 Harper Avenue, Chicago, Illinois

SIDNEY SCHWARTZ (360 Field Arty Bn)- 2nd Vice President188 Wallace Street, Freeport, New York 9

J. GERARD SITTER (Div Hq, G-2 Sec) - Secretary5931 Newport Avenue, Chicago 34, lllinois

FRANCIS E. SAFARIK (Div Hq, AG Sec) - Treasurer912 Ridge Ave o_ Arlington Heights, lllinois

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

EDWARD GUINAN_ (Med Det, 379th Inf)6723 South Normal Blvdo, Chicago 21, lllinois

LEONARD F. KOCH (Co B, 379th Inf)5606 V_o ]<JabansiaAvenue, Chicago 39, lllinois

EDWARD L. RADIK (Serv Btry, 360th FA Bn)1649 North Maplewood Avenue, Chicago 47, lllinois

GERALD F. RAW, HAW (Service Co, 377th Inf)10523 Calumet Avenue, Chicago, Illinois

JA_5 F. DENNISON (Co E 377th Inf)2136 North Sawyer Avenue, Chicago 47, lllinois

THEODORE S. NELSON (Div Hq Co)1245 West 71st Place, Chicago 36, lllinois

IN MEMORIUM

This issue of

the 95fll Division Journal of

The Ninety-Fifth infantry Division Associationi

is dedicated to

MAJOR GENERAL HARRY L. TWADDLE

The only Division Commander the 95thInfantr/ Division had during World War II.

He was a great soldier, a leader and a -true friend.

3.

IN _ORYUM

The association's greatest set-back it has ever experienced occurred wlth thedeath of our leader and ccn_nanding officer Major General HARRY L. TWADDLE. We

all knew that the General w_s not up to his usual good health the last several

•years but little did ar_ of us believe that last September would ever be the lesttime he would be with us to share that con_anionship which every 95er always en-

Joyed. It is to this great leader of ours that we dedicate this JOURNAL.

We know all members will be shocked at the death of General TWADDLE. It was only

through the kindness and thoughtfulness of COLONEL OLEN B. SHA_N that y_ur as-

sociation received the news of the General's death.

It appeared that 8_L TWADDI_ was visiting his son's home (Warren) in Ha_nond,

Indisr_ on December 12, 1954 when death struck suddenly. His body was sent to

Fort Myer, Virginia where services were held at Is00 P.M. on December 16th, 1954and he was buried in Arlington Cemetery.

Upon receipt of the news of our general's death, your association telegraphed a

floral piece to Fort Myer, Virginia and sent the following telegram" to _h-s.

Twaddle and family:

intoMrs. Harry L. Twaddle_

We have Just learned of the loss of your husband and our great leader .

C_neral Twaddle. It is with the deepest sy_thy on behalf of all morn-

bets of the 95th Infantry Division Association that we send our condo-

lences to you and your family at this time. The loss of General Twaddle

means very inch to us also because we looked upon him as a great soldier,

leader and above all, a true friend. It was through yeur husband's

great efforts at all times, that encouraged us in our military career

and guided us safely home. His constant friendship, help and advicemade our association the finest throughout the country. He _rlll always

remain _th us in Spirit and in our prayers.

The Ninety Fifth Infantry Division Association,

Foot Office Bc_ 1274,

Chicago 90, lllinois"

The services held at Fort Myer were perhaps the most impressive that could _ had

and most appropriate for the General even though he always _s modest in his per-

sonal needs. The formal guard, part of the 3rd Infantry Reginmnt, attended with

its band and approximately 150 members of its rifle regiment participated. Allwore their formal attire of white gloves, white scarfs, and long blue overcoats

tri_d in gold. A magnificent sight. The flag draped casket was placed upon a

bleck artillery caisson drawn by six white horses which in turn was led by an-other white horse ridden by a formal _uard member. The casket was _maediately

followed by a saddled but ur_nounted black horse led by a men_er of _he fo_l

guard. Upon the blanket of this horse were placed two silver stars, a silver en-cased sabre, to signify the General's rank and branch of service.

The procession left the chapel at Fort Myer, Virginia and ms_ched to Arlington

Cemetery where a small service _ held and a 13-gun salute was given. The rifle

guard gave a salvo of shots and tap6 were pleyed by a bugler in the wooded dis-tsnce •

The ceremony was well attended by the _Lilitary as well as civilians. _mong soma

of those Present besides Mre. Twaddle and her two sons were HOLT F. B. WA_TS, JR.,

Finance Section, Division Headquarters, Col Julius Mann, Division Personnel offi-

cer, ARTHUR H. RICE, Finance Section, Division Headquarters, COL JC_N BISBING,MAJOR CLEVELAND, COL DOHSEY E. MCCRORY, Division G-3, MAJOR FIELDING_ MAJOR AIJ_N

R. DE LONG, W. J. FLO_, JR., Adjutant General. _4R. AND _fl_S.SIDNEY SCHWARTZ of

FHEEPORT, NEW YORK, HTRY B, 360th Field Artillery Battalion n_e hasty preparations

4e

for the care of their three children to attend ths services and JERRY SITTER, G-2Section, Division Headquarters, flew from Chicago to Washington to represent the

95th Division Association and its officers in expressing their sy._athy to Mrs.Twaddle and her family.

The following is the

DATA FOR OBITUARY

CF

HARRY L. TWADDLE

Major General, USA, Ret'd

A.S.N. 0-3280

DATE OF MaJ Gen IIarry L. Twaddle, U.S. Regular Army, Retired, died at St.

-_ Margaret's Hospital, Hammond, Indiana (on visit to home of sonWarren)December 12, 1954. Causes Coronary occlusion (service connected

disability). Buried: December 16, Arlington National Cemetery (fullhonors).

BIRT____H Born 2 June, 1888 at Clarksfield, Huron County, Ohio

SCHOOLS Attended grammar grades and high school in Ossining, New York, and

was graduated from Syracuse University in 1910, with degree in Elec-trical Engineering.

CIVIL EMP- Prior to entering the Service was employed in his profession by Na_[on-

al Electric Lamp Association, N.E.L_A. PARK, Cleveland, Ohio.

EhT_RED Entered Service from civil life; appointed second lieutenant of Infan-

try, 24 April, 1912; entered Service from the State of Ohio.

PROMOTIONS During 36 year s of continuous active service was advanced thru the

commissioned grades to major general, which grade he held duringWorld War II.

RETIRE- Retired from active because of physical disability incident to service,MENr 30 June, 1948, in grade of major general.

AWARDS U.S.A. Distinguished Service MedalSilver Star

Legion of MeritBronze Star

C oz_nendation Ribbon

Foreignz Cross of Chevalier, Legion of Honer (France)

Crolx de Guerre with Palm (France)Medal of Metz

SERVICE General Twaddle was first stationed at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, with

the 7th Infantry, and Joined the 14th Infantry at Fort Lincoln, NorthDakota, on November 5, 1912. With his battalion, he was transferred

to Fort George Wright, Spoka'ne, Washington, on Ja_lary I, 1913, and

to Fort Gibbon, A.laska, in June 1914, remaining at that post until

June 22, 1918, when he was assigned to the 153rd Depot Brigade at Camp

Dix, New Jersey. On December 4, 1918, he was assigned to the command

of the Convalescent Center at Camp Dix, N.J. In October, 1919 he was

assigned to the 45th Infantry at that camp, and inactivated the regi-

ment prior to its transfer to the Philippine Islands.

General Twaddle attended the Infantry School at Fort Benning, Georgia;

graduating from the Field Officers' Course in June, 1921.

Upon graduation he was appointed an instructor at the Infantry School

until he entered the Co_nand and General Staff School, Fort Leaven-

,

worth, Kansas, in September, 1922; graduating in June, 1923. He then returnedto the Infantry School at Fort Bennlng, Ga., and served as an instructor in the

Department of Tactics •

General Twaddle was enrolled as a student in the Army War College, Washington,

D.C., in August, 1924, and following his graduation in June, 1925, was assigned

as Exeoutive Officer, Training Branch, of the Operations and Training Division

(G-3) of the War Department General Staff in Washington, D.C.

In April, 1927, General Twaddle was detailed as an instructor at the Command andGeneral Staff School, Fort LeavenWorth, Kansas and served there continuously un-

til July, 1932 when he was enrolled as a student at the Field Artillery School,

Fort Sill, Oklahoma; he was graduated from the Advanced Course of that school _I

May, 1933. Following graduation, he was assigned to the commnd of the First

Battalion, 38th Infantry, an infantry demonstration unit for the Field Artillery

School at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.

General Twaddle attended the Field Officers' Course of the Chemical Warfare

School at Edgewood Arsenal, Maryland in the su_user of 1935, and following grad-uation was enrolled as a student in the Army Industrial College, Washington; D. C.

In June, 1936 he assumed co_mand of the 2d Battalion, 2d Infantry at Fort Wayne,Michigan.

In August, 1938 General Twaddle was assigned to duty With the Operations and

Training Division (G-3) of the War Department General Staff Washington, D.C. and

became Chief of the Mobilization Branch on August 8, 1939. In this capacity hewas responsible for the preparation of the Protective Mobilization Plan whichlater was used as a basis fo9 the initial mobilization of the Army preparatory

for World War II. On April 24, 1941 he was appointed Assistant Chief of Staff,

G-3, in charge of the Operations and Training Division, by General George C._arshsll and served in that position until March, 1942 when he was designate d

Commanding General of the 95th Infantry Division.

General Twaddle activated the 95th Infantry Division at Camp Swift, Texas on

July 15, 1942. Subsequently, he moved with his Division to Fort Sam Houston,Texas where the Division continued its training at Camp Bullis, Texas. In June,

1943 he participated with his Division in the Louisiana Maneuvers, following

which he moved the Division to Camp Polk, Louisiana. In October, 1943 he moved

his Division to the 9esert Training Center at Camp Coxcomb, California. In Feb-

uary, 1944 he moved his Division to Indiantown Gap Military Reservation in

Pennsylvania where he completed the training of his Division prior to movementoverseas •

On August 9, 1944 General Twaddle departed with his Division for the European

Theater of Operations, landing in Liverpool, England on August 17, 1944. In

September, 1944 his Division moved across the English Channel to the Cherbourg

Peninsula, landing at Omaha Beach.

From September, 1944 until October 5, 1944 his Division assisted in the opera-tion of the "Red Ball Route." He then moved his Division across France by rail

and motor, joining General Patron's Third Army in the vicinity of Mats. On Oc-

tober 20, 1944 General Twaddle moved the 95th Infantry Division into the frontline south of the City of Metz along the Moselle River. On November 8, 194h he

participated with his Division as part of the XX Corps (under co,and of GeneralWalton H. Walker) in the offensive operatioh against the fortified City of Metz.

Following the capture of Metz on November 19, 1944 he conducted his Division inan offensive operation through the Maginot Line, crossing the boundary into Ger-

many and advancing into the Valley of the Saar at Saarlautern, Germany and en-

gaged his Division in combat with the German Wermacht in the first belt of the

Seigfried Line in the Saar. On January 27, 1945 he moved with his Division to

the north and Joined the VIII Corps in the Bastogne area where the Division re£

,mined but a short time. Thence, he moved his Division farther to the north

near Maastricht, Holland where the Division was placed in Army Reserve, Ninth

Army (under the command of General William H. Simpson). Later he moved with hisDivision farther north in Holland, and conducted defensive operations while

6o

attached to the VIII Corps of the British Second Army (under the co_and of C_n-eral Miles C. Dempsey).

Follu_Ing the main crossing of the River Roer by elements of the Ninth Arm_,General Twaddle participated with hie Division in the advance to the Rhine and

later foll_msd the main crossing of the Rhine at _esel, moving to the vicinity

of Beckum, Germany. From here the 95th Division advanced south across the Lippe

River toward the Ruhr River, capturing the important cities of Harem, Soest andDort,_,nd.

After the Ruhr Pocket Operations, General Twaddle moved his Division to the vi -_

clnity of Ludinghausen, Germany where the Division remained in the Army of Occu-pation until June 16, 1945.

General Twaddle brought his Division back to the United States, leaving the port

of LeHavre, France on June 22, I_45o "The Division landed at eastern ports in

the United States and reassembled in August, 1945 at Camp Shelby, Mississippiunder orders of the War Department _o prepare for service in the Pacific. Fol-

lowing V-J Day, General Twaddle deactivated the 95th Division at Ca_ Shelby,Mississippi on October 15, 1945.

General Twaddle enjoyed the distinction of having activated the 95th Infantry

Division, training it, moving it to the theater of oparations in Europe, com-manding it during combat operations, returning i% to the United States and de-

activating it when the war was over. He was the only Division Commander whichthe 95th Infantry Division had during World War If.

On October 16, 1945, General Twaddle was ordered to Ca_p Welters, Texas where he

assu_sd command of the Infantry Replacement Training Center. From January 12,1946 to April 22, 1946 General Tuaddle served as senior member of a Board of Of-

ficere in connection with the emamination of officers for commissions in the

Regular Army and traveled with the Board throughout the North Atlantic. In April_

1946 he was assigned as Chief of Staff of the III Corps at Camp Polk, Louisiana,and served also as Post Con_ander, closing the station after demobilization ofall troops o

On February 21, 1947 Joined Headquarters, Fifth Army at Chicago, lllinois; hislast station of duty prior to retirement June 30, 1948.

SURVIVORS Surviving General Twaddle are his wife, Mrs. Sara M. Twaddle, resid-

ing at o716 Elrod Road, Kensington, Maryland an d two soass Herbert

O. Twaddle_ residing at 1712 South Keeler Street, Bartlesville, Oklahoma and

Warren W. Twaddle, residing at 6910 Knickerbocker Parkway, Hammond, Indiana.

Besides his immediate family, General Twaddle is survived by _o grandsons andone granddaughter.

End

SUMMARY OF FIFTH ANNUAL REUNION

We know that many association m_mbers were not able to attend the fifth 95th

Division Association reunion held in September at the LaSalle Hotel, Chicago,

Illinois so _ are going to try to give soma of the highlights to everyone.

The threedays were packed With fun, food food and good companionship. We hadapproximately 400 registrations which did not include the wives or friends ofthe members who attended.

Registrations started early Friday morning even though several fellows got in

the _rong hotels by mistake. One member went to a nearby hotel in error, saidhe had reservations for %he convention and found himself in another convention

7e

for artists. We finally lured him back to the association reunion in spite of

the etchings. Another member went to a nearby hotel and got a room so near the

roof that the pigeons kept him awake all might with the flapping of their wings.These are but some of the many interesting events that happen during a reunion.

Your association was wall pleased with the attendance and we considered it a suc-

cess even though we suffered a slight loss financially. It seems each reunion

is more friendly than the Fear previous. The wives alwaFe look forward toward

these affairs alsobecausethey get a chance to get a new hair-do, a new dress

and above all an opportunity to dance with their husband again.

The entertainment Friday evening for the men was the best that could be had and

had everyone rolling in the aisles. The master of ceremonies, puppet show, ma-

gicians and singers all played an excellent part. The Saturday coffee hour, sub-

sidized by the association, is alwaFe popular the morning after.o

The business meeting was both well attended and participated in by the many who

attended. Your association always walcomes their comments, criticisms, sugges-

tions and compliments. Saturday might's dinner dance was extremely successful,

in fact the orchestra had to be engaged an extra hour because everyone was hav-

ing such a grand time.

Your association was particularly pleased with the attendance at the Metz ser-

vices. Chaplain Homiston of Fifth Army Headquarters did a wonderful Job at theservices and General Twaddle gave a most interesting talk which is printed else-

where in this issue of the Journal. Ma_ association members Drought their

children to the services who enjoyed every minute of the program.

Our co-chairmen, ETMA_D RADIK, 36Oth Field Artillery Battalion, and THEODORE

_LSON, Division Headquarters, both did a wonderful Job to make the reunion asuccess.

Those of you who couldn't make this past Fear's reunion plan on attending the

Sixth Annual Reunion in Detroit, Michigan in September 1955.

A special program was held for the ladies Friday evening in the Lincoln Room.

After a very delicious dinner, Mildred Roscher, Color Stylist for the "World's

Largest Paint Company" brought to her audience a new type of program. Mrs.

F_oscher gave a very simple and understanding approach to color in home deccra_ng.

She used lovely fabrics to illustrate tone and texture, paint backgrounds of

color to show what is new for walls, woods and ceilings, samples of carpeting

for the base of rooms and objects, old and new, in brass, copper,iron, glass

and ceramics to give a home that personal and lived-in look that can only come

through the use of the right accessories.

Her experience as a home-maker, having lived in her ovrn home in Wheaten over

thirty Fears, as a mother, her active membership on hospital boards, her workin

the garden club field, local and national since their foundings, her vital par-

ticipation in everything civic, educational, social and spiritual in her co_un-

ity, gave Mrs. Roscher the ability and understanding to appear before her audi-ence and left them not only with a new interest in "color" but in "living."

8,

FIRST DAY We know that m_ny _s0ciation ,I

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1954 _ero -ouZd ].1.ke to Wowi

9:00 A.M. what the program consisted of ,_

Registration and Sale of tickets for Friday night's at the reunion so we are pub-Men's Smoker and 'Friday nlgh#'s Ladies Dinner.

Saturday night's Dinner Dance. lichen E here the vaz'io_ events:10:00 A.M.

Reunion Committee Meeting12:15 P.M.

Get together time. A chance _roget acquaintedwith some of the early birds.

Tour of Board of Trade. SECOND DAY

2:30 P.M. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1954

Sightseeing Tour of Chicago 9:30 A.M.7:00 P.M.

Coffee Hour ............... Chicago RoomMen's Smoker .................. Illlnois RoomEntertainment come down for an eye opener

Ladies' Dinner ...... i .......... Lincoln Room Compliments'of the 9Sfh IDA

Mrs. Mildred Roscher--Speaker 10:15 A.M.Subject--Color for Living

BusinessMeeting .......... "...... IllinoisRoom(agenda)

Call to Order ...... Walter Laskowskl,President

Invocation ...................... ChaplainBusinessReports on Past Year

New Businessof the DayElection of Officers

THIRD DAY Selection of 1955 Reunion City

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 1954 1:30 P.M.

10:30 A.M. SightseeingA CHANCE TO vlsIr CHICAGO'S FAMOUS LOOP STORES

Mefz Hour .................. Illinois Room 7:00 P.M.Memorial Service for our Heroic Dead

Dinner Dance (Informal) ....... Grand BallroomConducted by Chaplain Musicby Craig WilliamsandhisOrchestra

11:30 A.M.

Final BusinessMeeting

Installation of Officers

1:30 P.M.

Final Reunion Committee Mee_'ing

Meeting of Newly ElecfecJ Officers

Meeting of Executive Council

9.

BUSINESS ME_T ING

MINUTES FOURTH MEETING:

The Fifth business meeting of the 95th Infantry Division Association was opened

by its National President Walter Laskowski at IOOO hours on Saturday, September

18, 195h in the Chicago Room of the LaSalle Hotel, Chicago, Illinois.

SECRETARY'S REPORT :

The secretary, J. Gerard Sitter, gave the secretary's report of last year's busi-

ness meeting and a sun_ary of membership statistics, etc. which are published

elsewhere in this issue of the Journal.

TREASURER'S REPORT:

" The treasurer, Francis Safarik, gave the treasurer's report of the division as-sociation's financial status.

WELCOME ADDRESS :

President Walter Laskowski reported on the progress of the past year regarding

the division association, its prospects for the future, reports on committees dur-

ing the past year relating to division pins and memberships.

THE FOLI_WINO MOTIONS WERE MADE AND SEC,ONDEDAND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY:

I. A vote of thanks to Edward Radik and Theodore Nelson, co-chairmen of

the 5th Annual Reunion for their successful efforts in planning thereunion.

2. A vote of thanks to the officers for their successful division pro-gram during the past year.

THE FOLLOWING SUC_ESTIO_WEREMKDEBDTWER_NOr PASSED BY MOTION:

i. More advertisin_ be given regarding the division association and itsreunions.

2. The prices to be charged for the affairs at the reunions to be

published in advance to its members.

3. A more determined effort should be mde to bring in new members.

4. In order to eliminate the risk of losses because of poor attendanceat Friday evening affairs at the reunions, other sources of enter-tainment should be looked into.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS:

i The following officers were elected:

WALTER IASED_SKI -- President

WILLIAM OBRIEN -- First Vice President

SIDNEY SCHWARTZ _- Second Vice President

J. 8_RA_DSITTER -- SecretaryFRANCIS E. SAFARIK -- Treasurer

SELECTION OF CITY FOR' 6TH ANNUAL REUNION

The results of the vote for the selection of the city for the 6th Annual Reunionwere as follows:

Detroit, Michigan 76 votes

Chica_o, Illinois 43 "

New York City, New York 16 "

I0.

SE_ION OF MOhTH OF REUNION

September was selected as the month for the 6th Annual reunion. The vote was asfollows:

September 91 votes

August 44 "

ADJO[_ENT

Motion made at 1230 hours to adjourn the Fifth Business Meeting of the 95th In-

fantry Division Association. SECOE_ED. PASSED. Meeting adjourned.

Signed: J. GERAP_ SITTER

Secretary

95th Infantry Division Association

The followin_ is a summary of the Secretary's report as to the active membership

in the 95th Infantry Division Association as of September 16, 1954.

Members paid through 1951 253" _ " 1952 281

" " " 1953 337" " " 1954 584

" " " 1955 ii

" " " 1956 2

" " " 1957 I

Life memberships I

Total memberships 1470

A breakdown of membership by organization is as follows:

Division Headquarters 103

377th Infantry Regiment 279

378th Infantry Regiment 226

379th Infantry Regiment 295

Div Artillery Headquarters 34

358th Field Artillery Bn 24

359th Field Artillery Bn 23

36Oth Field Artillery Bn 3592Oth Field Artillery Bn 23

32Oth Engineer Battalion 55

795th Ordinance Company 20

95th Reconnaissance Troop 2195th Quartermaster Corps 27

32Oth Medical Battalion 34

95th Signal C_peny 37547th AAA AW Battalion 28

No organization indicated 206

New members obtained in 1954 - 102. Upon reconwnendation of the execu-

tive council, no names were dropped from the mailing list in 1954 fornen-pavmsnt of dues.

STATEMENT OF CASH RECEIFrS AKD DISBURSEMENTS

95TH INFANTRY DIVISION ASSOCIATION - CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

For the period October I, 1953 to August 31, 1954

CASH RECEIPTS

Membership dues -

For the year 1953 81 @ $3.00 $ 243.00

For the year 1954 596 @ 3.00 1,788.OOFor the year 1955 13 @ 3.00 39.00

For the year 1956 2 @ 3.00 6.00

TOTAL DUES COLLECTED $2,076.00

Ii.

STATF_NT OF CASH RECEIPTS AND.'DISBURSEMENTS (Continued

Other receipts -

Donations $ 94.75

Division history 35.00Division insignia decals 49.50

Net profit 1953 reunion 645.91

TOTAL OTHER RECEIPTS 825.16

TOTAL RECEIPTS $2,901.16

CASH DISBURSEmeNtS

Printing and mailing.

3 issues of Division Journal I_O78.OOPrinting and stationery 112.62

Postage 236.13

Supplies 18.43

Typewriter repairs 23.00Salaries -

Secretarial expense _550.OO

Extra help 40.00

Miscellaneous expense 10.37Advances -

Secretary's petty cash fund i00.00

1954 Reunion 42.50

TOTAL DISBUPSEMENTS 2t211.O 4

EXCESS OF INC0_E _ EXPENSE 690_12

ADD:

September 30, 1953 balances -

Cash on deposit 3,417.O1Secretary's petty cash fund 110.00

Advance for 1953 Reunion 22.00

31549-O1

CASH BALANCE, August 31, 1954 $4_239.13

STATEMENT OF INCOME AND EXPENSE

95TH INFANTRY DIVISION ASSOCIATION - CHICAC_9, ILLINOIS

September 17, 18 and 19, 1954Fifth Reunion - LaSalle Hotel

Men's Ladies ' Dinner

Stag . Nite Dance TotalTICKET SALES

124 _ $5.0o $ 620.0031 @ 3.00 $ 93.00

416 @ 6.00 $2 _496.OO

TOTAL TICKET SALES 620.00 93.00 2t496.OO $3,209.00

LESS DIRECT_ COSTS

Cost of dinners including

sales tax and gratuities -

_, Friday night cost representsmi_ guarantee

160 763.60

60 =272.50414 2,142.45

Entertainment -

Floor show 200.00

Speaker 20.00

Orchestra 332 .OO ""

Printing of tickets 4-25 1.75 8.50Flowers for main table -O- -O- 10.20

TOTAL DIRECT COSTS 9--VgVT_ _ _ 3,755.25GROSSPROFrrORLOSS "73h'718_) -'T'/OT?_) _ _ 5h6.25)

STATE_EHr OF INCC_E AND EXPENSE (Continued)

GENERAL EXPENSES

p_nt_ -Programs 80.00Chicago Headline events (purchased) 20=00Identification inserts 9.00Cellophan_ Jackets for above 42.50 151.50

Signs, etc. - painting of 14.50Typewriter rental 27.00Hired help (6 girls, 2 days each) 256.00Coffee hour -

Do-nuts and coffee 78.20Memorial service -

Wreath 10.20Lunch fur color guard iOo00

Miscellaneous expenses suchas telephone calls, gratuities,supplies, etc. 17.04

TOTAL_ En_ES _.44o_=_AT_C_Loss _)

RSG_TION397 @ $2.00 each 794.00

LOSS ($ 316.69)$ 645o91

It is always a great privilege for the editor of the Journal to obtain permissionfrom General Twaddle to reprint in full his talk given to the four members ofthe 95th division, their families and friends at the Metz hour9 the service dedi-cated to the men of the division who were killed in action during the division'scombat period. We kn_ every member of the association would have liked to haveheard the talk _n person so we are reprinting in full his remarks so all may havea copy fur his use. This talk is especially important to us now inasmach as itis the General's last formal talk to his association prior to his death.

C_AL T_ADDLE'S TALK AT THE MRTZ HOUR

It is again my privilege to Join fellow msmbers of the 95th Infantry Division topay tribute to the Division's honored dead. The supreme sacrafice made by onethousand three hundred and ninety of our fellow soldiers will ever remain afreshin the minds of those of us who were associated with them so closely during longperiods of daily contact with the enemy.

•Vould that the circumstances surrounding the loss of each one of our team-metescould be made of permanent record to which we might refer at times we are proneto co_plain of our seemingly difficult personal problems of every-day life, andto criticize the manner in which solutions are sought by our national leaders inthe conduct of world affairs.

The pursual of such a record should serve to uplift our thoughts and to emphasizethe sober realization that our buddies sacrificed their lives that our Nationmisht be preserved and that we,as individual_ might be privileged to enjoy lifein freedom, peace and prosperity. They gave their "All"; God willed that theycould do no more. Their young lives were called from this earth when they, too,dreamad of the happiness and comfortable surroundings which we now enjoy. Theyleft with us a mission, unmistakably clear - that mission is to carry on in atrue Amsrican way - guided in our thoughts and actions by those uhalterable prin-ciples for which they fought and died on the field of honor. The accomplishmsntof this mission is so little in comparison with the accomplishments of thosebrave lads who gave so much.

13.

Well-knowing that a sacrafice of life was at stake in each of the Division's op-

erations, it was a source of great personal pride to observe the willingness,determination and selfless attitude with which the men of the Division fought

their way to assigned objectives. Orders of higher authority ware never ques-

tioned, even though officers in co,mmnd ware at times doubtful of the chosen

course of action and final result. To get the Job done motivated acts and deeds

of valor. Many fell as units pressed on. The loss of team-ma_es instilled in

others a determined spirit to fight on. Yes, those of us who survived those try- ,

ing times are well qualified to carry on during these uncertain days as pressure

continues from without and from within, toward the ultimate goal of bringing toan end to our way of llfe.

It is our solemn duty to help preserve this beloved Nation of ours; otherwise ourhonored dead will have died in vain. What they gained for us may one day be lost,

unless we remaih alert, strong and ready on short notice to take up arms again

and fight, as we once did, for the preservation of all those things we hold mostdear.

During the "Metz Hour" it seems appropriate to reuall certain phases of the Divi-

sion's operations during which so many of our men were lost. While for the most

pert the various events of all of our operations are ably described in our Divi-

sion History and in official records of the Depertmsnt of the Army, there were

certain incidentS, the details of which are known only to tho6e who were there

and took an active part. Were a record of these occurrences interpolated among

the facts set down in histories and official records, the accounts would not af-

ford the usual path _f easy reading of the circumetances which led to ultimate@uccesses or failures. Histories will ever remain incomplete because there is

omitted therefrom the record of the day in and day out struggle of individuals 8s

they fought, side by side with squad-mates, to overcome enemy resistance.

It was the general practice in the Division to get the information concerning

planned operations down to every man in the front line before the "Jump-off."

This was adhered to rigidly when time and the tactical situation permitted. In

one operation a sudden change in orders received from Corps, completely altering

the original plan, required a company to hold a precarious position in the face

of withering fire, when the men of the unit had been told, prior to being com-

mitted to action, that they would be relieved at a definite time, but actuallywere not. Scores of our brave lads were lost in that operation; many others were

wounded or captured. To the survivors of Company C, 377th Infantry and Company

A, 320th Engineer Battalion, I have always had a great desire to explain what

took place behind the lines, and to apologize for seemingly not having kept faithwith them.

I have reference to Operation "Casanova w - the crossing of the Moselle River at

• Uckange, Which you all recall so well. The 'operation was planned to be executed

as feint designed to deceive the enemy of the main crossing by the XX CorpS, and

to deflect theenemy's reserves away from the Corp's main effort.

in the Corps plan General Van Fleet's 90th Division on our left was to make a

forced crossing several kilometers down the river from Uckange and to drive tothe southeast Joining General Irwin's 5th Division, which was to attack from a

small bridgehead south of Metz. As the proposed pincer movement progressed the

95th Division was to attack directly toward the center of Metz, reducing the maze

of fortresses lying to the west and northwest of the city.

On the evening of November 8th all was in readiress for the feint crossing of theflooded Moselle at Uckange, and a night attack by remaining elements of the 377th

Infantry Resimeut at Maiziers. The Engineers had moved up the assault boats for

the crossing and concealed them at selected points on the river bank. A sounding

apparatus, concealed a few hundred yards west of Uckange, was in operation de-

picting the movement of tanks and the assembly of bridging material. An Army

Smoke Generating Unit was is place ready to put dc_n a smoke screen to concealthe crossing. To further deceive the enemy, the men had removed their 95th Divi-

sion shoulder insignia and tacked on the 90th Division patch.

Company C, 377th Infantry, under the cow,hand of Captain Edgar T. Savidge, Jr.,

_4e

was assembled in a wooded area on the west bank, and there I Joined them late in

the afternoon to explain the operation_ its importance in the Corps plan, and to

wish them success. Company C's mission _as to make a feint c_ossing of a large

force, but "the company itself uae to make an actual crossing, gain a foot-hold on

the east bank, hold their positions throughout the remainder of the night and all

of the next day 9 returning to the west bank the following night. By the feint

crossing and the sound deception combined, it was hoped to influence the ensmy to

believe that a forced crossing by the 9Oth Division _as being made at Uckange,when actually the 9Oth was to take the main crossing and the corps main effort

farther to the north. If the anticipated effect upon the enemy influenced him as

was expected, he would move troops away from the point of crossing selected for

the 9Oth Divisionp thus insuring a successful crossing by that Division s and a

reduction in enemy pressure during its attack in the proposed pincer movemsnt %o

surround the city, effecting a Junction with the 5thDivision, and preventing the es-

cape of the larEe forces of enemy troops in the Metz area.

Operation "Casanova _ was set in motion when a detachsmnt of Colpany A, 320th En-

gineer Battalion crossed the river Just south of Uckange, reached the far side,

and using bangalor torpedoes, blew gaps in the enemy's protective wire along the

water's edge. Upon return of the detachmsnt to the _est bank, the smoke screen

was put down over the area of crossing. Company C moved up to its boats.

The explosions of the torpedoes and the presence of the smoke screen alerted the

enemy_ and he took immediate steps to break up the crossing by directing concen-

trated artillery and motar fire on the assembly points. During the intense bom-bardment the smoke screen failed. The Smoke Generating Unit had abandoned its

apparatus. There was an unexpected delay until the Division Chemical Officer,

Lt Colonel Thomas W. Crosby and his men could get the generators moved to a mere

suitable location farther down-stream, and back into operation. The changed gen-

eral area of the smoke screen caused the enemy to direct some of his artillery

and mortar fire on probable crossing points farther north. This little decaptio_

though not pre-planned, worked very nicely and quite unexpectedly. The man of

Company C jumped into their boats and moved across the flooded stream, and reached

the east bank with comparatively little resistance. We were elated by the compa-ny's signal success.

When General Walker learned of the successful crossing, he telephoned me, extended

congratulations to the Division and ordered me to put the remainder of the Ist

Batallion across and form a bridgehead. So anxious was the Corps Co--rider to

gain a foot-hold on the far side that he wished to exploit the initial success tothe maxi_m.

The sudden change in corps orders meant that Company C instead of returning to

the west bank on the following night would have to cling to their toe-hold on the

far side, unaware that the remainder of its battalion was to cross and Join them.

There they were subjected to terrific artillery, mortar and machirm-gun fire, but

they fought on from shallow water-filled trenches awaiting the hour when their

Division Commander had told them that they would return to the relative safety on

the west side of the river. That hour never came. Casualties were heavy. Many

were killed in their firin F positions; others =ere badly wounded, but could not

be evacuated; still others fell into the hands of the enemy. The Company was in

danger of being wiped out, but those remaining fought on doggedly, holding at all

costs the narrow strip of water-soaked ground along the river bank.

Heavy enemy fire and the flooded stream made it most difficult to effect the

crossing of the remaining elements of the Ist Battalion; it was not until four

days later, and at great cost, When all had been crossed. Attempts by the Bat-

talion to widen the bridgehead, and by the Engineers to bridge the stream failed,enemy fire was so intense, reinforcements could not be sent to the far side. In

fact none were immediately available as the remainder of the Division was, at this

time, fighting among the forts surrounding Metz. The Battalion was cut off for• six days before being rescued.

Operation "Casanova" was not the success that had been envisioned at the outset,yet it was not a complete failure. The brave lads who gave up their lives in the

_5.

bold river crossing contributed la;gely to the success of the Metz operation by

pinning dc_n large numbers of enemy troops preventing their employment elsewhere.

From their soggy, _ddy trenches in the tiny bridgehead the men of Company Cnever returned to learn of the change of orders which sent the remainder of their

Battalion to exploit the company's initial success, and to learn that their Di-

vision Comuander had not deceived them when he explained in detail the Corpsplan and underlying reasons for the feint river crossing. Would that each one

who lost his life had known those facts before he answered the call from God.

This brief account of the sacrifices of Company C, 377th Infantry Regiment and of

Company A, 320th Engineer Battalion is intended in no way to detract from thedifficult combat conditions encountered by other units of the Division. Rather

it is the fulfillment of a long-felt desire to relate the happenings behind thescene of Operation "Casanova," not fully recorded elsewhere.

It is requested that all present please stand, face the colors, and while taps isbeing sounded, Join me in a salute to our honored dead.

END

Harry L. Twaddle

_aJ Gen U.S_., Ret'd

Note: The above talk was released to the newspapers by JOHN RIELLy, 378th In-

fantry and much publicity was obtained as a result. It appeared in newspapershaving a circulation of over 1,000,000 daily copies and was also featured as a

news item over several radio stations. Thanks for the publicity, John.

Through the efforts of Colonel Olen B. S_awhan, Div Ordinance officer, Fifth Armyheadquarters furnished the association the color guard for the Metz services and

asked Chaplain Homiston of their headquarters to officiate. In view of our deepgratitude to them for their services, the following letter was writtens

October 2, 1954

Com_nding General

Headquarters Fifth Army

1660 E. Hyde Perk

Chicago 15, lllinois

Dear Sirs

I take this opportunity on behalf of the .members of the 95th

Infantry division Association to thank you for the color guardfurnished by your headquarters for our memorial services held

Sunday morning, September 19, 1954.at the LaSalle Hotel.

I also wish to express my deep gratitude and the gratitude of

our members for the fine Metz memorial services conducted for

our association by Chaplain (Lt Col) Robert E. Homiston -02942of your headquarters.

His remarks were most timely and appreciated by all who attend-

ed. We were indeed honored to have Chaplain Homiston officiate

since his entire copland of the services represented net onlythe high ideals of all who attended but also those of the men

who had given up their lives in our division during battle.

Very truly yours,

WALT_ J. LASKOWSKIPresident

i6 o

In view of the fact that this issue of the Journal is a nmmorial issue dedicatedto _AJOR GENERAL HARRY L. TWADDLE, all personal notes have been omitted as wellas the humor column which has been inserted in the past. Your association will

more than welcome an_ personal notes however about its members or their familyso we may publish them in the future.

Co-Editors

J. GERARD SITTER FRED CIAMPA

1955DUES

1955 dues are now in order and your associationwould appreciate your sending in the applicationblank below withy our three dollars to keep yourcurrent membership dues up to date.

I

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION BLANK iI

Enclosed find my $3.00 (Three dollars) for mere- IIbership dues in the 95th Infantry Division As- Isociation for 1955. I

IName I

(Please print) I

Address III

City Zone State-- II

Company or battery I

Make checks or money orders payable to 95th In-fantry Division Association.

Mail to: 95th Infantry Division AssociationPost Office Box 1274Chicago 90, lllinois

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