Salt Lake City
July 9-13, 2009
Recent website
additions:
St. Cezaire and Les Arcs
today
A Company in Life Magazine
1944
Pvt. Harry A. Hill, B
Company - 200 photos and clippings
Pvt. Richard L. Lynam, H Company,
KIA
Operation
Dragoon After Action Reports
Mail Handling Procedure During the Invasion of Southern
France
Stephen Elliot
William T. Elliott,
Platoon Sgt, 3rd. platoon, B company passed peacefully on 18 May, 2009. Although
he was one of the youngest members of his unit, his inherent leadership skills
were apparent early and led to his fast promotion. He was awarded the Bronze
Star during the Battle of the Bulge, Services and burial will take place
in Newtown Square Pa. on Friday 22 May with military honor guard. He will be
greatly missed by all who knew him
Howard Hensleigh
Ben, When writing about what we wore on the jump, I
searched my brain to remember what we called those button up jackets. The
army nomenclature was "field jackets". Since it was before the
use of any or at least many zippers they all had buttons. Some may wonder
why in August we wore field jackets, but all troopers know when the sun goes
down out in the field, even in the summer, It gets a bit chilly and we always
kept field jackets and rain coats handy. In the day time they were usually
rolled up in our packs with a shelter half (half of a pup tent). When we
went into the attack, we dropped the packs and loaded up with a little extra
ammo.
The helmet chin strap was of olive drab webbing
material. One strand went over the "point" of the chin and one
under
Best regards, Howard Hensleigh
Gene Frice
To all my "comrades." I would have to say it is a
beautiful structure, most appropriate and we owe thanks for it's being placed
there by the Russians. I will have to pass on any political reservations. I met
many Russians, of all ranks, during almost a year in Berlin and found them to be
a most difficult group to deal with.
Gene Frice
Russia Honor USA-911
Ray Estrella
Hello Ben, Ray Estrella here. Ben,
I e-mailed Hal and Helen Beddow at the address that you provided,
but no answer. Could I impose on you for a resend of their email address
?--Thank you. P.S.-Ruben and I and our wife's will be going to Salt Lake City. I
am in the process of making reservations. I look forward to seeing you there.
Take care and God Bless.
Lory Curtis
Ben,
In preparation for the Salt Lake City reunion I have met some
people who are going to provide static displays of WWII equipment. This
made me begin to wonder what individual weapons did the 517th troopers have for
personal protection. I know the M-1 Garand rifle was the main stay.
I know my Dad jumped with an M-2 folding stock Carbine, which to me seems to be
too small of a weapon for serious combat fighting. Did the 517th
troopers carry Thompson Submachine guns, M-3 grease guns or anything
else. I would be interested to hear from some of the trooper on mailcall
as to what they had, what they liked and didn't like as a personal weapon.
Thanks
Lory Curtis, son of Bud Curtis, HQ, 1st BN
Steve Markle
Several of you probably know Edith "Eddie" Miller. She was
married to Joe Miller of the 596 from 1991 until Joe passed on in 2006 and
has attended many reunions.
Yesterday I received a note from Theresa Pugh, who is the
daughter of another 596er, Charlie Pugh with a great story about Edith and
her son Bill about a recent incident. After clearing this with her, I am
attaching this story with this note.
As I had read it, I thought about the 517 FAMILY.
...and I realized that we are fortunate to be never
alone.
-Steve-
PS Theresa also wanted to pass on her mom's (Anne Pugh)
best regards to the 517 members and families. She is "doing well—still writing
every day. She lives with me and is in good health despite some mobility and
vision challenges. But I am delighted to say that her mind, sense of humor, and
zest for life are still quite good."