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Click here for photographs of prior reunions. The Battle of the Bulge Association continues to have reunions. |
for all Combat Months & July 1945
7th Armored Division Association Historian Wesley Johnston digitized 34,000 pages of Morning Reports in 2017, completing the Division (organic and long-term attached: 203 AAA, 446 QM TrTr, 814 TD, 3976 QM Trk) MRs for all of the combat months (August 1944-May 1945) and for July 1945. Altogether there are now about 55,000 pages of Morning Reports on this web site. It will take years to organize and present the 2017 images, but progress does continue in spurts.
Click on the "Morning Reports" link above (under the 7AD patch at the top of the page) to go to the page where the MRs are currently being organized and presented.
6 Jun 2022 Update:
28 Sep 2020 Update:
3 Aug 2020 Update:
6 Jul 2020 Update: Partial Additions:
26 Aug 2019 Update: 33rd Armored Engineer Battalion is completely posted for all combat months & July 1945. (Other units have some or most months, but these are the only ones thus far to have all months posted.)
27 May 2019 Update: 203rd Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion is completely posted for all combat months & July 1945. (Other units have some or most months, but these are the only ones thus far to have all months posted.)
29 Oct 2018 Update: 129th Armored Ordnance Maintenance Battalion (except Med/129 for Sep-Oct 44) and 147th Armored Signal Company are completely posted for all of these months. (Other units have some or most months, but these are the only ones thus far to have all months posted.)
23 Jul 2018 Update: 48th Armored Infantry Battalion is the first to be completely posted for all of these months. (Other units have some or most months, but 48 AIB is thus far the only one to have all months posted.)
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General Robert W. Hasbrouck: Hero of the Battle of the Bulge by Robert W. Hasbrouck Jr. New 18 Sep 2023 Also on YouTube 21 December 1944 Joubiéval, Belgium 7th Armored Division Men in Previously Unknown Combat New 20 Mar 2023 Recent donations of images from scrapbooks of veterans of Combat Command A and Combat Command R provide deep looks into the experiences shared by those men and others of the Division. Click on the link to the photo sections for each page. Manhay and Grandmenil, Belgium 24-25 December 1944 Click here for the 2021 video of then and now photos of the German attack on 7th Armored Divsion south of Manhay and at Manhay and Grandmenil. Click here for the related 2021 video of the earlier defense of Baraque de Fraiture (aka Parker's Crossroads). Although this video focuses on the 106th Infantry Division men in that defense, the defenders included men of 7th Armored Division so that this is also relevant to 7th Armored Division. New Jan 2021
New Oct 2020
Sadly Francis passed away shortly after doing this interview. Gregory Fontenot, Col. U. S. Army, Retired gave a presentation to the World War II History Round Table that was posted to YouTube in January 2020, following publication of his book "Loss and Redemption at St. Vith: The 7th Armored Division in the Battle of the Bulge" Click here to see the video (length 1:47:21). "814th Tank Destroyer Battalion: December 1944: (Attached to 7th Armored Division) Combat Interviews, After Action Report, Morning Reports" by Wesley Johnston. Maj. Donald P. Boyer was the S-3 (Operations) Officer of 38th Armored Infantry Battalion. During the defense of St. Vith, he commanded an ad hoc CCB task force from a foxhole at the base of the Pruemerberg hillside at the crossroads just east of town and was captured when the positions were overrun by far larger forces after holding from 17-22 Dec. 7AD Association Historian Wesley Johnston wrote an introduction, provided annotation throughout the book and indexed the book, as well as writing an appendix to compare two different drafts of Boyer's account. Click here to see the book on Amazon. "Loss and Redemption at St. Vith: The 7th Armored Division in the Battle of the Bulge" by Gregory Fontenot, Col. U. S. Army, Retired. Greg first wrote about 7AD at St. Vith in 1985 in "The Lucky Seventh in the Bulge: A Case Study for the Airland Battle" -- his thesis in the U. S. Army Command and General Staff College for his Master's degree in Military Art and Science. So his new book is the culmination of decades of dedicated research on 7AD at St. Vith. Click here to see the University of Missouri Press catalog page (page 4 of the PDF) on the book. "Boyer at St. Vith: Major Donald P. Boyer s Personal Account & Notes, 17-22 December 1944" by Wesley Johnston. Maj. Donald P. Boyer was the S-3 (Operations) Officer of 38th Armored Infantry Battalion. During the defense of St. Vith, he commanded an ad hoc CCB task force from a foxhole at the base of the Pruemerberg hillside at the crossroads just east of town and was captured when the positions were overrun by far larger forces after holding from 17-22 Dec. 7AD Association Historian Wesley Johnston wrote an introduction, provided annotation throughout the book and indexed the book, as well as writing an appendix to compare two different drafts of Boyer's account. Click here to see the book on Amazon. "40th Tank Battalion: December 1944: Combat Interviews & Related Records" by Wesley Johnston. Just days after withdrawing from the St. Vith Salient, men of the Army's 4th Information and Historical Service did combat interviews of dozens of survivors of all elements of 7th Armored Division. 7th Armored Division Association Historian Wesley Johnston wrote an introduction, provided annotation throughout the interviews and indexed them by person, place and unit, as well as including the After Action Report and complete Morning Reports for the entire month of December 1944. Click here to see the book on Amazon.com. |
of Still Missing 7AD Men
Eighty-three 7AD men have never been found and identified. (Click here to see them all.) For their families, World War II will never really end until they know what happened to their soldier. Many killed in tanks were destroyed beyond recoverability. But about 35 to 40 men may be recoverable and identifiied. Some may already be recovered but buried as Unknowns, since 1940's technology could not definitively identify them.
Here is the status of recent information about some of these men.
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Honor 7th Armored Division
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Welcome to the 7th Armored Division Association home page, maintained by Wesley Johnston, son of Walter Johnston (B/38 AIB). Thanks to Ron Charlton (son of Edward Charlton, HQ/CCR) for the core of the book lists. Thanks to the late Carl Corbin (40th Tank, CCR, and 38 AIB) for the excellent reproduction of the Box Score. Thanks to Niek Hendrix of Ospel, Netherlands for finding many of the web pages by or about 7AD men. And thanks to our dozens of volunteers who have done the tedious work of transcribing thousands of pages for our Document Repository web pages.
WARNING about Wikipedia and other one-page sources of 7AD "information": There is a web page about the US 7th Armored Division on Wikipedia. In the past, this web page has had significant errors about the Division's history. The page was based on the Army's post-war one-page summary done of 7AD's actions in WWII that was woefully inaccurate, very clearly written by someone who knew very little about what 7AD had really done. For example, the Division was shown moving from France to the Netherlands on 8 October 1944 and going into a defensive role. This completely ignored (a) the 25-26 September move to the Netherlands and (b) the 30 September - 7 October attacks and bitter combat by the Division at Overloon -- not at all a defensive role. And this was just one of many errors. I have attempted to correct the Wikipedia page, but because Wikipedia is open to any updater, someone could come along and post inaccurate information. The bottom line is this: If you really want to know what the Division did, read the history section of this page. If you want to know more, read the many documents on the 7AD Document Repository page, and follow the links on that page to other 7AD pages.
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Many members suggested that we look into another printing of the 7th Armored Division, Volumes I and II. This has been done. To buy the 2-volume set, please contact Cheryl Higley; 7th Armored Division Association Secretary; 292 Scott Swamp Road; Farmington, CT 06032 or phone 860-678-1018 or e-mail cmhig58@sbcglobal.net. |
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Wesley Johnston has converted most of his 7AD combat interview books into books now available on Amazon.com. In most cases the prices are lower than when he self-distributed the books. Most of the books have also been expanded to include the morning report location and Record of Events entries. Not all of the books are yet available on Amazon, but they eventually will be. |
Membership includes a subscription to the excellent "Workshop News". Dues are $15 per year or $85 for a life membership. Contact:
7th Armored Division Association 292 Scott Swamp Road Farmington, CT 06032 For more information, contact the 7th Armored Division Association Secretary at cmhig58@sbcglobal.net. To have a query or announcement posted in the "Workshop News", contact the Newsletter Editor, Kathleen Kear:
Kathleen Kear, Editor Association Bylaws |
"7th Armored Division Association" and mail to:
Cheryl Higley, Secretary For prices and more information, contact the 7th Armored Division Association Secretary at cmhig58@sbcglobal.net. All items have the 7th Armored Division logo in color. All prices include shipping.
Allow 3 weeks for shipping All apparel comes with emroidered 7th Armored Division Association Logo
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President - William E. Boles, A/23
Immediate Past President - Edward W. Kaminski, C/38 1st Vice President - John P. Althuizen, B/23 Secretary - Cheryl M. Higley, DOM-HQ/38 Treasurer - Mike Kaminski, SOM-C/38 |
Irvin Cash, A/77 Mike Ellis, SOM-C/434 Steven Minvielle, SOM-HQ/31 |
Chaplain - Ken R. Duke, SOM-A/77
Honorary Chaplain - Joseph De Mato, NOM-147 Honorary President - Gen. David Petraeus SILOM-E&B/87 Historian - W. Wesley Johnston, SOM-B/38 Editor - Kathleen Kear, DOM-C/38 |
Joseph C. Reddy, HQ/48
James C. Fahl, CCB Claude B. Garland, B/31 William E. "Gene" Jones, B/23 Glen R. Facklers, A/38 Douglas T. Greene, CG/CCA Quintus Fredrickson, Bn HQ/38 James E. Hopkins, G-3/Div HQ Charles D. Helbig, CCA Harry E. "Bud" Edelmann, 147 Alvie Davis, HQ/38 John Belt, HQ/440 John F. Reeks, A/17 Irving Osias, C/129 |
Lloyd Vanny, C/440
Stephen J. Wales, A/31 Norman G. J. Jones, Div QM Norman W. Horowitz, HQ/129 John A. Martin, A/17 Al C. Spinazzola, B/31 Neil M. Chapin, B/434 John L. Margreiter, C/23 Kenneth R. Danielson, Div Arty Leon J. Minvielle, Jr., HQ/31 Carl K. Mattocks, HQ Co/38 Chewning Watkins, B/203 Sam H. Sharp, HQ Co/48 Edwin C. Stewart, B/203 |
William D. "Dean" Tommey, C/23
Thomas W. Dailey, Bn HQ/17 Donald W. Ketchem, C/23 Robert E. David, C/40 Jack Sanford, HQ/31 Robert Montgomery, A/38 Edward W. Kaminski, C/38 |
WILLIAM (GENE) JONES
JOHNNIE WALKER STEPHEN J. WALAS JOHN REEKS GLENN FACKLER GENERAL ROBERT HASBROUCK IRVING OSIAS HARRY E. EDELMANN GENERAL WILLIAM KNOWLTON GENERAL L.McD. SILVESTER GENERAL D. GREENE JOE REDDY NORMAN G.J. JONES ERNEST GRATTINO HERMAN HOROWITZ WALTER V. COHEN |
JOHN PAMEIJER
JOHN BRENTIN JOHN KERRIGAN KENNETH DANIELSON JOHN MARGREITER COL. NEIL M. CHAPIN AL C. SPINAZZOLA HAROLD (JIGGS) JOHNSON COL. JOHN WEMPLE CARL K. MATTOCKS DUDLEY BRITTON JAMES HOPKINS AARON COHEN ROBERT H. JOHNSTON KOENRAAD MOLENAAR CHEWNING WATKINS |
GENERAL BRUCE C. CLARKE
THOMAS W. DAILEY DR. MAURICE DELAVAL SAM HOUSTON SHARP GENERAL A.J.(ANDY) ADAMS WILLIAM A. SHERIDAN WILLIAM DEAN TOMMEY DONALD W. KETCHEM LADDY A. RICE CHARLES E. (PAT) BARRY ROBERT E. DAVID RAYMOND E. DUKE CHARLES D. HELBIG JACK G. SANFORD RAYMOND C. BENOY CALVIN C. BOYKIN, JR. |
JOHN P. ALTHUIZEN
EDWARD W. KAMINSKI EDMUND M. BURKE MORPHIS A. JAMIEL BILLY BOLES STEVEN SUVADA IRVIN CASH FRANCIS CHESKO WILLIAM HALE THEODORE CARDER THOMAS TIMMINS RICHARD MCDONOUGH MARVIN MOSER FORREST FLYNN ANDREWS ALLEN |
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Rather than attempt to contact every correspondent with the information about my health, I will post it on the web. Click here to see my latest posted health status. I am often a human barometer October-April, when storms rolling in off the Pacific put me into hiberination. So postal or e-mail sent then may not be answered for weeks.
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ENEMY
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DIVISION
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AWARDS
THE ABOVE CAMPAIGNS HAVE BEEN OFFICIALLY ANNOUNCED. THE FOLLOWING CAMPAIGNS PARTICIPATED IN BY THE DIVISION HAVE BEEN UNOFFICIALLY ANNOUNCED AS SUPERCEDING THE BATTLE OF GERMANY. NO OFFICIAL REPORT HAS BEEN RECEIVED AT THE TIME OF THIS PRINTING AS TO WHETHER OR NOT THE DIVISION WILL BE GRANTED CREDIT FOR HAVING PARTICIPATED IN THEM.
DECORATIONS**
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(NOTE: ABOVE FIGURE DOES NOT INCLUDE PURPLE HEARTS AWARDED BY NON-DIVISIONAL MEDICAL INSTALLATIONS AND WAR DEPARTMENT)
A FEW DATES TO REMEMBER
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Pre-Combat: U. S. Training, Sail for England
United States
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Combat in Continental Europe
(10 August 1944 - 8 May 1945)
France
Through Belgium to Netherlands
Netherlands
Germany
Belgium (second time) - Overview of 7th Armored Division in the Battle of the Bulge
Germany (second time)
Belgium (third time)
Germany (third time)
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Early 1950's: 7AD reactivated during Korean War: at Camp Roberts, CA but never went overseas; Division again inactivated |
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This section is still under construction, and the following are unverified, unless otherwise noted. If you have additional informations or corrections, please let me know. In February 2014, I researched more on this subject and wrote the following chronological list of camps encountered. However, I am leaving the original section mostly intact, following this new section, since the original section has the text of the original reports. -- Wesley Johnston, 7AD Association Historian
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Contents
For all questions relating to U. S. Army awards, including where to write for replacement medals, see The Institute of Heraldry, U. S. Army, webpage on Decorations and Awards.
Unit Citations
Click on the links(the name of the award) for each one, to be able to print off a copy of the General Orders, if you are planning to submit a request for the physical award. These are Microsoft Word documents.
High Personal Awards to Division Personnel
If there is a link indicated for a name, click on the link to see the citation and a photograph of the soldier.
General Order No. 119, 17 December 1945
He was a squad leader when the task force to which his unit was attached encountered resistance in its advance on Kirchain, Germany. Between the town's outlying buildings 300 yards distant, and the stalled armored column were a minefield and 2 bridges defended by German rocket-launching teams and riflemen. From the town itself came heavy small-arms fire. Moving forward with his men to protect engineers while they removed the minefield and the demolition charges attached to the bridges, S/Sgt. Dietz came under intense fire. On his own initiative he advanced alone, scorning the bullets which struck all around him, until he was able to kill the bazooka team defending the first bridge. He continued ahead and had killed another bazooka team, bayoneted an enemy soldier armed with a panzerfaust and shot 2 Germans when he was knocked to the ground by another blast of another panzerfaust. He quickly recovered, killed the man who had fired at him and then jumped into waist-deep water under the second bridge to disconnect the demolition charges. His work was completed; but as he stood up to signal that the route was clear, he was killed by another enemy volley from the left flank. S/Sgt. Dietz by his intrepidity and valiant effort on his self-imposed mission, single-handedly opened the road for the capture of Kirchain and left with his comrades an inspiring example of gallantry in the face of formidable odds. Entered the military service from Kingston, New York.
Click on his name for further information
General Order No. 97, 1 November 1945
He was an aid man with the 1st Platoon of Company C during an attack on the town of Alemert, Germany. The platoon, committed in a flanking maneuver, had advanced down a small, open valley overlooked by wooded slopes hiding enemy machineguns and tanks, when the attack was stopped by murderous fire that inflicted heavy casualties in the American ranks. Ordered to withdraw, Cpl. Kelly reached safety with uninjured remnants of the unit, but, on realizing the extent of casualties suffered by the platoon, voluntarily retraced his steps and began evacuating his comrades under direct machinegun fire. He was forced to crawl, dragging the injured behind him for most of the 300 yards separating the exposed area from a place of comparative safety. Two other volunteers who attempted to negotiate the hazardous route with him were mortally wounded, but he kept on with his herculean task after dressing their wounds and carrying them to friendly hands. In all, he made 10 separate trips through the brutal fire, each time bringing out a man from the death trap. Seven more casualties who were able to crawl by themselves he guided and encouraged in escaping from the hail of fire. After he had completed his heroic, self-imposed task and was near collapse from fatigue, he refused to leave his platoon until the attack had been resumed and the objective taken. Cpl. Kelly's gallantry and intrepidity in the face of seemingly certain death saved the lives of many of his fellow soldiers and was an example of bravery under fire. Entered the military service from Brooklyn, New York.
Click on his name for further information
from B/814 Morning Report 4 Dec 1944 Record of Events
Cpl Victor P Funk ASN 37 468 246 awarded Distinguished Service Cross per General Orders 54, Hq Ninth U.S. Army dtd 1 Dec 44. Presented Distinguished Service Cross at Groot Haasdal, Holland on 4 Dec 44. General Officer making presentation: Brigadier General Hasbrouck CG 7th Armd Div.
from Ewing (NE) Advocate newspaper
Maj. Lindsay McDonald Silvester - 30th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division (WWII 7th Armored Division Commanding General)
Maj. Silvester also received the Silver Start for gallantry in action while serving with 30th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, A.E.F., in action against the enemy in France during World War I. |
Organic Units
It is surprising to learn that the definitive list of overseas deaths for the 7th Armored Division has yet to be made. The first attempt at such a list was the June 30, 1947 list compiled by the Adjutant General. The list is mostly accurate, but detailed research on 38th Armored Infantry Battalion deaths revealed 12 men who were not included on the 1947 list, as well as several mis-spellings. And subsequent work with other elements of the Division has also found men who were not on the 1947 list. Some of these were non-battle deaths (the 1947 list was only battle deaths), and some were still officially missing in action in 1947, but some were just plain missed by the Adjutant General's list.
The deaths for each unit of the Division are on separate web pages, accessible from the unit web pages (see above). However, the existing links are duplicated here, so that the units can be placed in order of the number of deaths suffered. The initial entries were from the 1947 Adjutant General's list, except for 38 AIB which includes a great deal of additional research. However, as others -- who were not on the 1947 list -- have been identified, they have been added to the web pages. For this listing, the long-term attached units (see above) are not distinguished from organic units. These figures WILL change as more information becomes available for all of the units. This list is the most definitive list there is of 7th Armored Division deaths in World War II, but it WILL change as more men are found who were not included on the initial 1947 list.
Use the alphabetical list as an index to find what Battalion/Unit a man was in, so that you can then go to the web page for the deaths of that Battalion for further information about him.
Click here for the list of all 7th Armored Division deaths, grouped by last duty location and date.
Click here for a web page about the Unknowns of the ETO (European Theater of Operations)..
Click here for a web page Kriegies: WWII U. S. Prisoners of War Hold by Germany..
Tom Lutge, son of A/38 & B/48 veteran Albert Lutge, has created a memorial web site of grave/cemetery photos of many 7AD men. Click here to go to that site.
Currently known total: 1,372 deaths
First Deaths:
Counts by Unit: Note: While each unit has a photo page link, not all of these are working links, since I do not have photos for some units. If you have a photo of one of the 7AD dead, please contact me.
Counts by type of unit: (% based on 1,359 deaths on list as of December 2003)
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Click here to see the web page that memorializes these 53 men.
This section has three sub-sections:
Goodwin, Marden Ronald (with 7AD Combat Commands in training, 1942): "Of War and Women"
Marden Goodwin was drafted in July 1941 and cadr d from 3rd Armored Division to become one of the original members of the 7th Armored Division 1 March 1942. He was with all of the Combat Commands at one time or another, until he was sent to Ft. Knox for radio school, leaving 7th Armored in August 1942. He went on to OCS and then went into France with the 5th Infantry Division, which fought alongside the 7th Armored Division in France in XX Corps of Third US Army in August and September 1944, when 7th Armored was sent up to Holland. Goodwin stayed with the 5th Infantry Division until the end of the Bulge. At that time, Gen. Kilburn, Commanding General of 11th Armored Division, asked for Goodwin's transfer to 11th Armored, since they had been together in 7th Armored's CCA at Camp Polk. So on verbal orders of Gen. Patton, Goodwin went to 11th Armored -- only to have Gen. Kilburn replaced as CG in a few weeks. All in all, he spent 4 1/2 years in the Army during the war. His story "Of War and Women" is now published and available online. "Of War and Women" is available by mail from the publisher (see below) or online at Amazon.com. If you order from the publisher and indicate you are a member of the 7th Armored Division Association (or 3rd or 11th Armd or 5th Inf) and they confirm your name on the list of members, then the author has very generously extended a 50% discount off the retail price of the book to you. Contact the publisher at Minerva Publishing Company; 1001 Brickell Bay Dr., Suite 2310; Miami, FL 33131; Phone: (305) 358-1560; E-mail: minervap@bellsouth.net
Hazenberg, John (B/40 Tank): Niece Trudy Fetters' book "Cpl John Peter Hazenberg Letters Home to Grand Rapids, Michigan World War II: 7th Armored Division, 40th Tank Battalion, Company B" - PDF file of images
Cpl. John Peter Hazenberg served with B/40 throughout the war, suffering trench foot. Not only are his wartime letters of importance. But after the war when he was stationed at Terneuzen, Netherlands, where a family there recognized John's surname as the Groningen family Hazenberg surname. The Dutch family and their relatives wrote a total of 15 letters in Dutch, starting in September 1945, to John's family in Grand Rapids, MI. These letters give a sense of what life was like in the Netherlands during and after the war.
McCord, Howard "Mutt" (Mortar/HQ Co/38 AIB): Reminiscences
Sgt. Howard "Mutt" McCord was in the Heavy (81mm) Mortar Platoon of Headquarters Company of the 38th Armored Infantry Battalion, until he was captured at Crombach, Belgium in December 1944. This web site, from Camp Croft, SC recounts his experiences before and with the 7th Armored Division, as well as his experiences as a POW.
Moranda, Robert (CO of MG/HQ Co/38 AIB): "Bob's Story: Memories of Love and War"
2nd Lt. Robert Moranda commanded the Heavy Machine Gun Platoon of Headquarters Company of the 38th Armored Infantry Battalion, until he was captured at St. Vith, Belgium in December 1944. His book about his experiences, "Bob's Story: Memories of Love and War", co-authored with his brother George Moranda, is available at IUniverse.com and Amazon.com.
Rutledge, Robert (48 AIB, KIA 29 Oct 1944) A Daughter Lovingly Remembers Her Dad: 5 web pages
This is a World War II Stories ... Their Stories Told in Their Own Words" web site.
Silvester, Lindsay McDonald (Div CG): "Stars Saves Bars!"
An Opelika, AL newspaper article about how Gen. Silvester rescued downed fighter pilot 1st Lt. Ike Dorsey near Amanvilliers, France on September 11, 1944
Triplett, William S. (CO of CCA): "A Colonel in the Armored Divisions"
Col. William S. Triplet assumed command of Combat Command "A" of 7th Armored Division after the defense of St. Vith. He wrote a frank personal memoir, which was found and edited and published by Robert H. Ferrell (this is just one of several volumes, starting with his World War I service). "A Colonel in the Armored Divisions" is available at University of Missouri Press and Amazon.com.
Varney, Maynard (40 Tank, KIA 12 Apr 1945) honored by Saratoga County, NY (May 2002)
Maynard Varney was killed in action April 12, 1945, while serving as a tank gunner with 40th Tank Battalion, during the reduction of the Ruhr Pocket in Germany. Saratoga County, NY recently honored him and presented a Conspicuous Service Cross to him in a presentation to his son, James Varney. Click here to see the newspaper article and photo. (Thanks to Frederick R. Miller, PH1, USN Retired for sending this information.) You can find a bit more on Maynard Varney on the web page of 40th Tank Battalion Deaths.
Wampers, Peter (Belgian Underground and D/17 Tank): "True Heroes, True Friends"
Peter's web pages on his wartime experiences. Sadly, Peter died June 22, 2000, and his web site was discontinued. So the link no longer works.
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The official US Army history books can be ordered from the US Government Printing Office's online bookstore: click on this link and scroll down to "United States Army in World War II Series".
Bulois, Pascal. Marbou , 15 Ao t 1944 ("Marbou , 15 August 1944: History of the tragic ambush of an American column of the 7th Armored Division, 15 August 1944") -- NOTE: This book is in French.
Pascal Bulois has done a great deal of research to establish the names of American soldiers who were killed in the Chartres-Ch teaudun area, so that they could be permanently inscribed on monuments. This book relates the story of the ambush by the Germans of the column of Company "B" of 23rd Armored Infantry Battalion at the town of Marbou on the evening of August 15, 1944, including interveiws with B/23 veterans and with local French citizens. The very deadly ambush destroyed seven half-tracks and a jeep and killed the men whose names are inscribed on the monument, which you can see in the Monuments section of the 7th Armored Division web page. If you were there at the ambush, Pascal Bulois wants to hear from you to include your account in future editions of the book. You can contact him about contributing your information to the book or about obtaining a copy, via e-mail at PASCAL.BULOISMVAL@wanadoo.fr or by postal mail at Pascal Bulois; Boite Postal 44; 28160 BROU, France.
Santin, Eric. Derniers Combats ("Final Battles: 1944 Eure-et-Loir: Chartres, Ch teaudun, Nogent-le-Rotrou") -- NOTE: This book is in French.
Eric Santin's book is a treasure trove of photographs, a great many taken by French citizens and not seen in American publications. But the research behind the text is just as valuable. His research is excellent -- which is quite a challenge for his outstanding new history "Derniers Combats: 1944 Eure-et-Loir" about the battles in and around Chartres, Nogent-le-Rotrou and Ch teuadun, France. To order the book, send a money order for US $42 to ERIC SANTIN; 9 chemin Lacave; 65220 PUYDARRIEUX, FRANCE. (ericsantin@net-up.com)
Winieska, Fran oise. August 1944: The Liberation of Rambouillet, France. Rambouillet, France: Soci t Historique et Arch ologique de Rambouillet et de l'Yveline (SHARY), 1999. -- NOTE: This book is in identical sections in both French and English. The French title is "Ao t 1944: La Lib ration de Rambouillet, France".
Fran oise Winieska's extraordinarily well-done book has photos, detailed maps, and very detailed accounts. For 7th Armored Division readers, this book is especially relevant to 7th Armored Division's 17th Tank Battalion and 814th Tank Destroyer Battalion.
Peter Schreiber, son of Justus Schreiber (D/87), succeeded in having a new privately-funded monument dedicated in 2007 at Baraque de Fraiture, Belgium to commemorate the units that had fought there but remained unrecognized. He has very generously provided the following documents for any other American citizen who would like to have an overseas monument erected.
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(Parker's Crossroads) 50 14'57.48"N, 5 44'15.08"E Dedicated 29 Sep 2007 Click here for photos of the ceremony. Click the following for video of the ceremonies: Streaming WMV file (145KB) Quicktime MPG file (1.4GB, not streaming) Thanks to Carl Wouters for permission to post the video and to Peter Schreiber for obtaining the video and the permission. In Memory of D Troop 87th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron (Mcnz) 7th Armored Division D Battery, 203rd Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion 7th Armored Division F Company 325th Glider Infantry Regiment 82nd Airborne Division who defended this critical crossroads against overwhelming forces during the period 19-23 December, 1944 Their courageous defense against repeated attacks bought vital time for the defense of the Ardennes. Their bravery in fierce battle when heavily outnumbered continues to inspire the allies and their countrymen.
Thanks to Peter Schreiber, son of D/87 crossroads defender Justus Schreiber for his years of work to make this monument a reality.
(photo thanks to Henri Rogister)
Click here for detailed information on these men's efforts there.
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Monument to all units in the Battle of the Bulge 7th Armored Division in Middle (photo thanks to Ernie Gallet, AG/HQ/48 AIB) Note that while 7AD passed through Bastogne in September 1944 and a few officers stopped there briefly on 17 December 1944, the Division did not see any combat at Bastogne. |
Plaque in church yard wall, at town square Top inscription reads: Aux Combatants de Decembre 1944 |
7th Armored Division on plaque on wall of museum at Poteau Inscription reads: 18-23 Dec. 1944 The longest tank battle of American history took place around Poteau during the Battle of the Bulge 7th Armored Division 1 - 9 SS Panzer Division (photo thanks to Lando Mulleneers of Cadier en Keer, Netherlands) |
50.255906 N, 5.777614 E = 50 15'21.26"N, 5 46'39.41"E Click on image for full view of monument. Erected by Belgian citizens, 4 June 2011 carved by Alex Baccus, Belgian member of 83rd Thunderbolt Association Inscription on plaque reads (in French): 24 December 1944 In hommage to 16 American soldiers of whom 5 occupants of a jeep were taken under fire of an enemy tank We remember Pvt. Jay Derendinger 325th GIR 82nd AB 24-12-44 Sgt Joseph Pevahouse 325th GIR 82nd AB 24-12-44 S/Sgt Stephen Jensen 325th GIR 82nd AB 24-12-44 Pvt. Grover P. Bower 401st GIR 82nd AB 24-12-44 Pfc. Justus T. Schreiber 87th Cav Rec Sqd 7th AD The next day the soldier Schreiber, seriously wounded, will be saved by the Gavroye family at the risk of their lives. The Road of Liberty - Bihain 2011 |
One of two plaques at Bridge over Salm River between Vielsalm and Rencheux Inscription reads: Battle of the Bulge Rencheux December 23, 1944 "In Tribute of the Crossers" "With utmost respect and gratitude to the American soldiers who crossed the Rencheux Bridge and to the memory of their comrades who gave their lives for the liberation of Belgium and our Peace and Freedom" C-47 Club; 82nd Airborne Division; Ardennes Salm River Chapter; September 7, 2013 Photo thanks to Bernard Maquet |
7th Armored Division plaque at Police Station on west side of Hauptstrasse Inscription reads: NOUS AVONS ARR T ET ARR TONS During the crucial period of the German Offensive of the Ardennes in 1944, the American 7th Armored Division held the important center of St. Vith, preventing any advance and any exploitation of this main line, thus frustrating the German Offensive by its sacrifice, permitting the launching of the Allied counter offensive. St. Vith, Belgium 17-23 Dec. 1944 |
7th Armored Division tank on northeast side of town, along road to St. Vith (erected thanks to Maurice Delaval) Inscription on plaque reads: LE CHAR INVINCIBLE LE COURAGE INVINCIBLE The American 7th Armored Division and attached units headquartered in Vielsalm during the crucial period of the German Offensive of the Ardennes in 1944 held the important center of St. Vith preventing any advance and any exploitation on this main line, thus frustrating the German offensive by its sacrifice, permitting the launching of the Allied counter offensive. St. Vith, Belgium 17-23 Dec. 1944 |
Bruce Clarke Square at main road junction in south part of town, just south of library Inscription on monument reads: A la 7 (US) Division Blind e du General Robert W. Hasbrouck |
50.743828,5.977814 = 50 44'37.80"N 5 58'40.13"E (location not yet identified) Inscription on monument reads: Völkerich to the memory of its victims of the war 1940-1945 WARTENBACH Marie died 11 Sep 1944 HAGELSTEIN Alfred, political prisoner, died 2 May 1945 Two U.S. GI's of the 7th Armored Division, died 18 Dec 1944 Thus far the two GI's have not been identified. (photo thanks to Jacques de Coster of Maastricht, Netherlands) |
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FRANCE | ||||
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48 32'7.75"N, 2 22'32.42"E Inscription reads: ICI LE 22 AOUT 1944 Deux soldats am ricains sont tomb s pour la lib ration de Ballancourt JOHN DELANEY MICHAEL DURDAN Both men were in the 440th Armored Field Artillery Battalion. NOTE however that the monument is in error, both about the date and place of their death. The men actually killed there were from Company C, 48th Armored Infantry Battalion: Pfc. John W. Singleton and Pvt. Salvatore Grifo Click here to see the accurate information about these men. (See also the temporary memorial to John Delaney, below.) (photo thanks to Al Wilderspin, nephew of John Delaney) |
Plaque at Station 6 of the Chemin de Memoire (Road of Memory), near the cathedral at the Esplanade de Resistance, adjacent to the Place du Chatelet (moved there in 2006 from behind the cathedral) Inscription reads: VIVE L'AMERIQUE-VIVE LA FRANCE-VIVE LA LIBERTE Chartres, France 16-18 Aug. 1944 [The plaque in center is a copy of the commendatory letter from XX Corps.] |
48 33'37.0"N 2 35'42.8"E Inscription reads:
photo thanks to Damien André
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Bridge dedicated to 1st Lt. James O. Gomer (CO of Rcn/HQ/23) who died there 14 Aug 1944 (photo thanks to Frédéric Hallouin) |
49 2' 49.41" N 6 3' 47.13" E (48.047059 N, 6.063091 E) Monument in Horseshoe Woods Inscription reads: WE WILL A LA MEMOIRE DES VAILLANTS SOLDATS AMERICAINS DE LA 5e DIVISION US QUI ONT DOULOUREUSMENT TRAVERSE LA MOSELLE A CET ENDROIT EN SEPTEMBRE 1944 POUR NOTRE LIBERTE (photo thanks to Carl Lucero, son of C/23 veteran Henry Lucero) |
Dedicated 8 May 2013 48 34'11.25"N, 2 24'42.41"E Plaque on wall on Rue de la Montagne, just north of Chemin de la Cave au Renard Inscription reads: Le 22 Août 1944 Seconde Guerre Mondial (WWII) Libération de la Commune Ici sont tombés pour la France Le soldat Américain Pvt. Delbert J. Longworth et Robert Coudray d'Echarcon Click here to read more about the action in which he was killed. Click here to read about and see pictures of the ceremony.
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Inscription reads: Lib ration de La Fert -Gaucher par les Troupes Am ricaines le 27 Ao t 1944 19H. 20 Ici a t incendi e par un obus Allemand la 3 me voiture estafette. Cap. Chef THOMAS George / Am ricain Soldat LA CHANCE Ernest / Am ricain Soldat Inconnu / Am ricain Morts au Champ d'Honneur Soldat PRIOL Jean 18 Ans / Fran ais Bless [T/5 Thomas & Pvt. La Chance were D/87 Recon men. My research has found that the unknown man was probably Pvt. Stanley Zuber, also of D/87 who was killed the same day, apparently at Montry, France (see monument at Montry below), and that Pfc. Lester W. Tibbets, also of D/87, suffered broken ribs in this action but was not sent to the 59th Field Hospital until 2 days later (29 Aug 44).] |
Inscription reads: EN HOMMAGE AUX SOLDATES AMERICAINS DE LA 7TH ARMORED DIVISION TOMBES LE 27 AOUT 1944 23TH ARMNORED INFANTRY BATTALION Private William R. HALL 29 ans Private fc Constantine E. WASIAK 33 ans En reconnaissance de leur sacrifice Pour le peuple Français et pour la liberté Dedicated August 2014 - Click here to see the web page on the August 27-31, 2014 ceremonies. |
7th Armored Division monument, at the cemetery east of the road at the north end of town - with names of B/23 AIB men killed in ambushed column Inscription reads: 7th Armored Division 23rd Armored Infantry Battalion Co. B Pvt. Justine De Simone, Pfc. Joseph A. Guido, Pfc. Clyde H. Haney, S/Sgt. John J. Hobel, Pvt. Clinton W. Jenkins, Pvt. Louis R. A. Lemay, 2nd Lt. Robert T. Lemmon, Jr., Tec/5 Francis J. McCartney, Pfc. Nathan H. Sanford, Pfc. Jacob Stern, Pvt. Bennie L. Sutton NOTE: It has subsequently been learned that Joseph Guido was not killed at Marboué and in fact survived and was later injured in action on 21 Aug 44. |
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Avenue de la 7 me Division Blind e Am ricaine west from the Seine River, a few blocks south of the south bridge |
At Place Stanley Zuber Inscription reads: A LA MEMOIRE DU SOLDAT AMERICAIN Tomb le 27 Ao t 1944 Stanley ZUBER |
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48 33'28"N, 03 01'29"E Inscription reads: En Hommage aux deux soldats Américains de la 7e DB 23e Battalion d'Infanterie Blindée Morts le 26 Août 1944 lors de la Libération de Nangis. Staff Sergeant John L. Wood 22 ans Pvt. (Medic) William P. O' Rourke 20 ans En reconnaissance de leur sacrifice pour le peuple français et pour la Liberté John L. Wood (A/23) and William P. O'Rourke (Med/23) were not on the original plaque which recognized two unknown Americans. The Souvenir Fran ais Committee placed a new plaque on the monument with the names of the two men. Click here to see the web page on the August 26, 2010 ceremonies. In August 2014, the name of Earl D. Applegarth of CCB was added to the monument. - Click here to see the web page on the August 27-31, 2014 ceremonies. |
48.701552, 2.968854 Inscription reads: EN HOMMAGE AU JEUNE TANKISTE AMERICAIN DE LA 7TH ARMORED DIVISION TOMBE LE 26 AOUT 1944 LORS DES COMBATS POUR LA LIBERATION 40th TANK BATTALION HEADQUARTERS COMPANY Private fc John L. MORDO 24 ans En reconnaissance de leur sacrifice pour le peuple français et pour la Liberté (photo thanks to Daniel Blandin of the Souvenir Français Committee) Dedicated 27 August 2016 - Click here to see the web page on the ceremony. |
Inscription reads: EN HOMMAGE AUX SOLDATES AMERICAINS DE LA 7TH ARMORED DIVISION TOMBES LE 27 AOUT 1944 31TH TANK BATTALION Headquarters Company Staff Sergeant Clifford L. GARDNER Private fc Joseph A. HERGOTT Private fc Georges H. HEIN En reconnaissance de leur sacrifice Pour le peuple Français et pour la liberté Dedicated August 2014 - Click here to see the web page on the August 27-31, 2014 ceremonies. |
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48 38'21.78"N, 1 49'5.00"E Eagle Monument, by the Ch teau on road D-906 (Avenue du Maréchal Leclerc) out west side of town, towards Epernon Inscription reads: A la m moire des soldats am ricains tomb s pour la lib ration de notre r gion en ao t 1944 Inscription on rightmost plaque: 7th Armored Division 2nd Lt. Charles E. Fairweather 17th Tank Battalion K.I.A. 17th August 1944 Rambouillet |
48.560680, 2.679788 Rue de la Faïencerie Dedicated August 26, 2017 Inscription reads: EN HOMMAGE AU SOLDAT AMERICAIN DE LA 7TH ARMORED DIVISION TOMBE LE 26 AOUT 1944 LORS DES COMBATS POUR LA LIBERATION 48 TH ARMORED INFANTRY BATTALION 2nd Lt. Michael M. Conte 24 ans En reconnaissance de leur sacrifice pour le peuple français et pour la Liberté (photo thanks to Damien André) Click here for the dedication ceremonies web page. |
Dedicated September 19, 2009 Inscription reads: A LA MEMOIRE DES AMERICAINS DE LA 7EME D. B. HEROS DE LA BATAILLE DE SILLEGNY 19-21 SEPT 1944 WE REMEMBER YOU (photo thanks to Elisabeth & Alain Gozzo) Click here for the dedication ceremonies web page. | ||
48.988249, 6.156132 Dedicated September 17, 2017 Memorial to Company A, 17th Tank Battalion (photo thanks to Jean-Marc Tabard) |
48.986209, 6.158026 Dedicated October 14, 2018 Rue des Soldats Américains American Soldiers Street (photo thanks to Jean-Marc Tabard) |
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Rue de la 7 me Division Blind e U.S.A. Lib ration de Verdun 31 Ao t 1944 (photo thanks to Ernie Gallet, AG/HQ/48 AIB) Click here for 7AD ceremony honoring French who saved the bridge. |
48 28'45.90"N, 1 31'10.47"E Plaque with names of C/38 AIB men killed in the Liberation - in traffic circle (Rond-Point du 16 Août 1944) south of town on road heading toward Chartres Inscription reads: A la m moire des Soldats Am ricains tu s au combat le 16 ao t 1944 pour la lib ration de Saint-Prest 7th Armored Division 38th Armored Infantry Battalion Co. C Pvt. Gayther O. Adams, Pvt. Harry H. Retort, Tec/5 Andrew J. Slavik, Pfc. Edward A. Swanson Killed in action |
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Dedicated September 16, 2017 to the memory of 13 men of 23rd Armored Infantry Battalion killed in the Liberation of Vittonville (photo thanks to Jean-Marc Samson) Click here for the dedication ceremonies web page. |
Inscription reads: EN HOMMAGE AUX SOLDATES AMERICAINS DE LA 7TH ARMORED DIVISION TOMBES LE 27 AOUT 1944 434TH ARMORED FIELD ARTILLERY BATTALION Private Donald L. NAZWORTH 30 ans 23TH ARMORED INFANTRY BATTALION Staff Sergeant Richard J. EGAN 34 ans Private fc James P. BOST 26 ans En reconnaissance de leur sacrifice Pour le peuple français et pour la Liberté Dedicated August 2014 - Click here to see the web page on the August 27-31, 2014 ceremonies. |
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HOLLAND / NETHERLANDS | ||
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51 20'41.30"N, 5 52'58.32"E Inscription reads: 27th-30th October 1944 IN MEMORY of the soldiers of the US 7th Armored Division who gave their lives during the battle near Meijel against a German superior force. Click here for a web page about the monument and the dedication. (photo thanks to Werner van Osch) |
51 18'22.60"N, 5 48'10.00"E Inscription reads: OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 1944 IN MEMORY of the soldiers of the US 7th Armored Division who gave their lives during the liberation of Ospel A separate web page is necessary to describe it and to list the names. Click here to go to that web page. (photo thanks to Niek Hendrix of Ospel, Netherlands) |
dedicated September 27, 2008 Liberty Park, next to War Museum Inscription reads: OCTOBER 1944 IN MEMORY of the soldiers of the US 7th Armored Division who gave their lives during the liberation of Overloon Click here for a web page about the monument and the dedication. Click here for names of the American dead from the Battle of Overloon. (photo thanks to Kees Stravers) |
Dedicated October 8, 2011 Liberty Park, next to War Museum The tank was excellently restored over the course of 2 years from a rusted wheel-less shell of a tank the Dutch Army had received from the US Army. The tank was restored to the same markings as the A/40 tank "Able Abe" in which T/4 Allan Persons was killed 1 Oct 1944 just west of Overloon. (photo thanks to Niek Hendrix of Ospel, Netherlands) Click here for names of the American dead from the Battle of Overloon. |
Gen. Hasbroucklaan (General Hasbrouck Lane) near the Overloon War Museum (photo thanks to the Henckens family of Overloon and Niek Hendrix of Ospel, Netherlands) Click here for names of the American dead from the Battle of Overloon. |
51 33'49.69"N, 5 55'14.48"E Inscription reads: Op deze plek werden in februari 1977 de lichamen gevonden van 2 Amerikaanse soldaten van het 48th inf bn 7th armored division. George J. Renda Aloysius Gonsowski Beiden gesneuveld op 5 oktober 1944 Translation: On this spot, in February 1977, the remains of 2 American soldiers were discovered from the 48th inf bn 7th armored division - both killed 5 October 1944.
Take Oploseweg west out of Overloon. Turn left at Crooijmansweg and then a quick left at Kamphoefweg (first 200 meters is dirt road). The monument is at the next road junction (Roosendaalseweg) south of Vredepeelweg.
Click here for a web page about the monument and the dedication.
(photo thanks to Sieb Wilmsen, who found the remains of the two men) |
Inscription reads: In memory of Richard Allan Knott also known by his friends as "Tennessee Knott" who was killed in a tragic accident with a firearm here in Ransdaal at the house of the Brull family across the street. Let us never forget that he also lost his life during our liberation. Click here for a web page about the dedication. (photo thanks to Niek Hendrix of Ospel, Netherlands) |
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Camp Coxcomb Multi-unit Plaque at the Desert Training Center (7th Armored Division Patch at Upper Right) Click here for full text and for information on finding the monument. (photo thanks to artwilson@earthlink.net) |
Fort Benning 7th Armored Division Monument (photo thanks to Niek Hendrix of Ospel, Netherlands) |
Fort Benning -- NO PHOTO YET -- Hackett Barracks Named for 7AD Posthumous DSC Awardee Capt. Edward John Hackett Squadron Surgeon, 87th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron See 2013 "Bayonet" article |
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Fort Knox 7th Armored Division Monument and individual unit monuments, just left of the path as you come south from the parking lot to the Patton Museum |
Fort Knox -- NO PHOTO YET -- Housing complex named for Medal of Honor winner Robert Dietz (Company "A", 38th Armored Infantry Battalion) This housing complex was torn down, rebuilt, and renamed, since new Fort Knox housing areas are no longer named after heroes. |
Fort Knox St. Vith MPTR (Multi-purpose Training) Complex
The original St. Vith Training Range was remodeled in 1996, making it much larger.
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Fort Polk 7th Armored Division Monument The Division was activated at Ft. Polk on 1 March 1942 (photo thanks to Ray Duke 77th Med Bn) |
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Appleton Paul Street In 1947, Appleton, MN named their streets after the men of the city who had died in WWII. Paul Street is named for T/4 Norbert W. Paul of 814th Tank Destroyer Battalion, who was killed 23 November 1944.
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Fort Leonard Wood St. Vith Training Area The 48th Armored Infantry Regiment, parent of 23 AIB, 38 AIB, and 48 AIB, was reactivated as the 48th Infantry Regiment in 1989 and the 1st Battalion is now at Ft. Leonard Wood. (photo thanks to Wesley Crawford, son of Paul Crawford of 1/A/23) |
Kingston Dietz Memorial Stadium Named for Medal of Honor winner Robert Dietz (Company "A", 38th Armored Infantry Battalion) (photos thanks to Peter Gorman of 2/2/A/38, who was Dietz's first squad leader) |
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These temporary memorials were set up after the war, at places where the U. S. Army remained. The temporary monuments were usually parade grounds or recreational fields, named for men who had died in the war. These temporary monuments are really hard to nail down now. So if you have any information on any temporary monuments, please contact me (see bottom of this web page for contact information link). | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ballancourt Pvt. John F. Delaney Field Pvt. John Delaney of the 440th Armored Field Artillery Battalion was killed 23 August 1944 by counter-battery artillery fire just west of Farcy (by Dammarie-les-Lys SW of Melun), which is about 12 miles from Ballancourt. (see the Ballancourt monument above). This baseball field of the 106th Reinforcment Battalion was dedicated to his memory. Inscription on Sign over Entrance: In loving and grateful memory of Pvt. John F. Delaney U.S. Army 7th Armored Division He gave his life. He gave his soul. Be blest that freedom loving people may rest. To him we dedicate this field. For liberty and freedom he was our shield. (Photo taken August 11, 1945 By Albert Fisher; supplied by Al Wilderspin, nephew of John Delaney) |
Gadebusch Company "B" 31st Tank Battalion IN MEMORY OF OUR GALLANT BUDDIES WHO GAVE THEIR LIFE FOR THEIR COUNTRY Lt. Robert L. Casey - Lt. Henry T. Hahn S/Sgt. Johnnie A. Meade - S/Sgt. Jack O. Nye Sgt. Daniel G. Wood - Sgt. Harmon T. Jess Tec. 4 George Hawkins - Cpl. Theodore Majka Pfc. Lawton T. Gay - Pfc. Fred H. Bradburn Pfc. Andrew J. Krisak - Pfc. Nickles Steinlander Jr. Pvt. Thurman Meeks - Pvt. Bert La Combe Pvt. Frank Barley (1945 photo owned by Marx Bledsoe, B/31; provided by his daughter Elaine Wischnowsky) |
Osterburken -- NO PHOTO YET -- 2nd Lt. James E. Newberry, Jr. Parade Ground Lt. Newberry, a member of the 48th Armored Infantry Battalion appears to have been the first combat death in the 7th Armored Division. He was killed when his jeep was hit by a screeming mimi (nebelwerfer) at Senonches, France, probably on August 14, 1944. (Thanks to Sam Sharp, CO/AG/HQ/48, for this information.) |
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