THE224 North Grove Street~Valley StTcam. N.V. 11580 THE NiNTH INFANTRY DIVISION ASSOCIATION Volume LVIII Number 3 May-June-july 2003

GREATER NEW YORK AREA C R

Worcester - 2003"Lest We Forget"

Tom Boyle - Fran Maher - Ron MurphyHerb Olsen

PS:- Father Bill Champlin has replaced our friend, the late Msgr. Needham as pastor of theChurch of the Immaculate Conception.

We who call ourselves the "Friends of Father Connors"shall meet again in praying for our dead on

Sunday, October 19, 2003at the ten 0'clock Mass at the

Church of the Immaculate Conception,Grove Street, Worcester, Mass.

We will also remember in our prayers the men that wore the Octofoil,returned home with us and have now gone to their eternal reward.

A service will follow the Mass at our memorial on the church groundsto honor the dead (4,581) that are listed on the Microfilm

set into the wall of our memorial.We will sponsor a luncheon at the Holiday Inn,

500 Lincoln Street, Worcester, MA 01605 at 12:30 P.M.As our good friend Tom Boyle had always stated,

"We will have you on your way home by 3:00 P.M."We invite all members to join us as we pray for our dead.

We have reserved rooms at the Holiday Inn, Worcester.Reservations must be made by yourselves by Sept. 21st, 2003.

The phone number is 1-508-852-4000.Reservations for the luncheon must be made payable to

"Ninth Infantry Division Association"at a per person cost of $20.00 and mailed to

Herbert E. OlsenP.O. Box 845

Marstons Mills, MA 02648Should you have problems, please call 1-508-420-3320

The CP room will open Saturday afternoon, October 18th.

Governors meeting.A Long Island Command Post?

In years past, the chapter had manyNew Jersey members who traveled in toManhattan to our monthly meetings.Many of them have since passed on, areill, or moved beyond accessibility to NewYork City. With the move of CharlieLiBretto to Texas, teh NY chapter has lostthe most active and knowledgeable cinch­pin of our group. We wish Charlie and hislovely wife Esta and family, teh best forthe future and happiness with their newhome.

With the unavailability of other NewJerseyites -- Dan Quinn, Bill Canales and

(Continued on Page 3)

the table, completely satisfied.The night is young! We're only getting

started. We'll stroll from the dining room,through the hotel, up to the LaunchingPad. We will have our Welcome Party therewith beer and soda, some pretzels andchips to pick on. There will be an opencash bar for those who favor a strongerlibation. While we enjoy each others com­pany, the house orchestra / dance band hasbegun to arrive at the near-by StardustNight Club Room and they invite us todance to their music. After we get windedfrom dancing, the stage will be turned overto a comic, or a singer. Some sort of actwill go on to entertain us. When the showis over, the dance band will resume for aslong as people wish to dance. That willconclude the program for the first day.

NO STRIP TICKETSThe Board of Governors are sched­

uled to convene on Monday, May 10th at4:00 PM in the Sportsmen's Room. At

(Continued on Page 3)

With no actual flag available we pledgeallegiance to a painted flag in a wallmural showing WWI troops marching on aManhattan Avenue. We then observed amoment of silece for our departed com­rades.

Minutes of the previous meeting werereac by yours truly and Financial Reportgiven by Al Zenka. Correspondence wasread from Fred Taylor and a condolencethank-you to the chapter from Mrs. VallyTujague, onteh passing of her husband andNinthman Ray.

How to handle delinquent non-payingdues members were discussed with somerecommendations which well be broughtup at the next National Board of

KUTSHER'S COUNTRY CLUBWELCOMES THE "OLD RELIABLES"The Monticello, New York Resort Hotelwill roll out the Red Carpet to meet and

greet the Ninth Inf. Div. Assn. in MayPlan to arrive at Kutsher's Country Club

on Monday, May 10th afternoon for yourcheck-in and room assignments. Thenmeander thru the lobby to the "Notorious"sign where you will find our Associationregistration tables staffed by the friendliestpeople this side of Heaven. On the waybetween the two check-ins you may havenoticed that there are ample couches andseating arrangements for some good old­fashioned gab fests. There are many areason the first floor that are conducive to aprivate chat between only two people or alarger group up to ten or more. Once youhave said some of your hellos, there isenough time to do as you please before wemove over to the dining room for ourevening meal. I will not describe here whatwill be on the menu, but I will guaranteethat you will love the meal that is placedbefore you from the minute that you takeyour seat until you push back away from

Secretaryffreasurer Joe Killen gave thelatest info on the upcoming 2004 reunionat Kutshers Resort Hotel in the CatskillsMts., NY. Killen also asked for opinionsabout having Gen. Tommy Franks, retiringU.S. Coalition Forces commander in Iraq(who is a former 9th Inf. Div. Vietnam sol­dier) as 59th Reunion Speaker. Mostmembers were not so inclined.

Zenka reminded members about themini-reunion at Friar Tuck, the 2nd weekafter Labor Day.

Meeting adjourned at 12 noon and wewent to lunch at the Liberty 110 Diner inFarmingdale.

Attending the Memorial Service were:Joe & Emma Killen, Tony & Viola Verone,Tony DeRobertis & son John & grandsonAnthony, Frank Pacific, Joe & SadieMaiale, Dan Robinson, John Tschupp,Charlie Hoffman, Ed Harris, Domer &Donna Miller, Adolph Wadalavage,George & Kate Nicklin, Bill Muldoon andMarv & Barbara Levy. About 15 of us metfor lunch after the meeting. Lunch tab waspicked up by the NY Chapter.

June 20 MeetingThe NY Chapter met at its regular

command post on Friday, June 20 at the69th Regt Armory, 25th St. and LexingtonAvenue, NYC. Prez. Ed Harris opened themeeting after much delay in getting ameeting room. The six of us sat in a stair­well waiting for the armory custodian toopen a room for us.

Memorial Day ServiceThe NY Chapter held its annual 9th

Inf. Div. Memorial Day Service at the VANational Cemetery, Farmingdale, LongIsland, NY on Saturday, May 17, 2003.

For the first time in three years ofinclement weather which required servic­es to he held indoors, we were greeted bya glorious May sunny day. At 10:30 AM,twenty-one assembled members, spousesand children marched from the parking lotwith the Stars and Stripes and Octofoilstandard bearers leading. A floral Octofoilwreath mounted on a wire tripod followed,carried by two Ninthmen to a locationwhere the VA Staff has set up outdoorchairs, speaker's stand and sound systemfor us. The memorial service was presidedover by president Ed Harris, beginningwith the pledge of allegiance to flag andan invocation by George Nicklin.

Members were invited to speak of theirreflections of lost buddies and events inWWII. Those who spoke included GeorgeNicklin, Tony Varone and yours truly.Service ended with recorded Taps.

A Short Meeting FollowsAfter the service we retired to the com­

munity room a short chapter meeting.Minutes of the April meeting were read bythe Recording Secretary Marv Levy andthe Financial report was presented byTreasurer/ Secretary Al Zenka.

Members views agreed favorably onthe Lancaster 58th Reunion. National

2 THE OCTOFOIL

NINTH INFANTRY DIVISION ASSOCIATIONMEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

THE OCTOFOIL224 North Grove Street, Valley Stream, NY 11580

Editor: Joe Killen • Editor Emeritus: Dan Quinn

Published five times yearly: July, October, December, February, and April by andfor the members of the Ninth Infantry Division Association.News items, feature stories, photographs and art material from members will beappreciated. every effort will be made to return photographs and art work in goodcondition.An extract from the certificate of incorporation of the 9th Infantry DivisionAssociation read: "This Association is formed by the officers and men of the 9thInfantry Division in order to perpetuate the memory of our fallen comrades, topreserve the esprit de corps of the Division, to assist in promoting an everlastingworld peace exclusively by means of educational activities and to serve as aninformation bureau to former members of the 9th Infantry Division.Copy must be received on or before the 15th of each month of publication toguarantee publication on the 20th.POST MASTER: Send address changes to 224 North Grove Street, ValleyStream, NY 11580.Volume LVIII Number 3 May - June - July

Joe Killen, SecretaryfTreasurer, 9th Infantry Division Assn. 224 North GroveStreet, Valley Stream, N.Y. 11580Enclosed please find dues for:Name.......................................................... Serial No .Street Address .I was a member of: .Battery Company Regiment 9th Div ..I wish to sign up for the following:Regular Member per year z $10.00Sustaining Member .Donation Memorial: .

THREE-YEAR MEMBER z $25.00

Life Membership z $75.00Ladies Auxiliary Member z $3.00Decals z 2/$1.00d Philly-Delaware Valley Greater New Yorkd Illinois Washington, D.C.d New England Michigand Florida New Jerseyd Texas South West

TRIPLE$280.00260.00245.00

DOUBLE$295.00275.00260.00

No, I do not care to join the golfers _

Spouse's Name _

9th Inf. Div. Assn. Room ReservationsMay 10 to 13, 2004

Name _

OUR 59th ANNUAL REUNIONMonday to Thursday - May 10 to 13, 2004

at

KUTSHER'SCountry Club Resort Hotel, Monticello, New York 12701

Make all payments by CHECK ONLY payable to:"59th Reunion 2004"

Mail the completed Registration Form with the check to:9th Inf. Div. Reunion

224 North Grove Street, Valley Stream, NY 11580Deposits of $50 per person will be accepted until April 1, 2004. Reservations made after April 1, 2004will be subject to room availability. Cancellations made up to 24 hours before the reunion are fullyrefundable. Only checks cashed through the 9th Inf. Div. Assn. 's account will not be subject to salestaxes as we are a tax exempt organization. Balance upon checking out of the hotel must also be payableto "59th Reunion 2004". For more information call Joe Killen at (516) 561 - 7346.(A photocopy of the Registration form may be used if you do not wish to cut up your Octofoil.)

HomeAddress _

Yes, I would enjoy a GOLF OUTING _

Telephone (Home) (Bus.) _

9th Div. Unit (Regt., Co., Btry.,) _

City State Zip Code _

ROOM RATES PER PERSON for our 3night stay which includes 9 full meals and gratuities for boththe Dining Room Staff and the Chambermaid Staff are:ACCOMMODATIONS (Please Indicate) SINGLE__ Marquis (Ultra Deluxe) $370.00__Tower (Super Deluxe) 340.00__ 600 Section (Standard) 325.00

People who wish to stay ONE night only during the reunion can do so if space is available. TheROOM RATE above divided by three plus $20 for the ONE night is the rate for this privilege.

Kutsher's will accommodate members who reside in the vicinity and wish to partake of meals withthe hotel guests. Visitor Meal Rates for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner are reasonable and all visitorsmust pass Kutsher's security checkpoint with Identification as requested.. For visitors who wish toattend both the Cocktail Hour and the Banquet arrangements must be made with the hotel manage­ment on a strictly CASH basis.

Please state any special requests, _

If Other than M/M, I will share with _

TRANSPORTATION and DIRECTIONSPublic: Scheduled Short Line Bus Service from Port Authority Terminal in Manhattan to Monticello.Charter Bus, Car Service, Private Limousine Service available. Call Kutsher's Service Desk for infor­mation.Automobile: From New York City and Metropolitan Area: (2 Hours) George Washington Bridge toNew Jersey Palisades Parkway to New York State Thruway North. Proceed on Thruway to Exit 16(Harriman) and proceed on Route 17 West to Exit 105B. Turn left at first traffic light on to ANAWANALAKE ROAD - three miles to Kutsher's.From Long Island: Long Island Expressway West to Cross Island Parkway. North across the WhitestoneBridge to Cross Bronx Expressway to Major Deegan Expressway North to N.Y.S. Thruway North toExit 16. Follow directions to Kutsher's as above.From Southern New Jersey & Philadelphia: (3 hours from Phila.) New Jersey Turnpike to Exit 11Garden State Parkway North to New York State Thruway North. N.Y.S. Thruway to Exitl6and pro­ceed on Route 17 West to Exit 105B. Follow directions to Kutsher's as above.From Boston and New England States: (4 1/2 hours from Boston, 3 hours from Springfield) Mass.Turnpike to Sturbridge Exit. Route 84 West to New York Exit 4W to Route 17 West to Exit 105B.Follow directions to Kutsher's as above.From Allentown/Scranton, PA: Northeast Extension of Pennsylvania Turnpike North to Route 84East to Exit 4West. Take Route 17 West to Exit 105B. Follow directions to Kutsher's as above.From Syracuse: Route 81 South to Binghamton. Take Routel7 East to Exit 105B. Follow directions toKutsher's as above.From Buffalo/Rochester: New York StateThruway to Exit 36, Syracuse. Follow Syracuse directions toKutsher's as above.BY AIR: From JFK Airport: Van Wyck Expressway to the Whitestone Bridge to Cross BronxExpressway to the Major Deegan Expressway North to N.Y.S. Thruway North to Exit 16. Take Route17 West to Exit 105B. Turn left at first traffic light onto ANAWANA LAKE ROAD - three miles toKutsher's.From LaGuardia Airport: Grand Central Parkway to theTriboro Bridge to Major Deegan ExpresswayNorth to N.Y.S. Thruway North.. Follow directions to Kutsher's as above.From Newark Airport: New Jersey Turnpike to Route 80 West to the Garden State Parkway North toN.Y.S. Thruway North. Follow directions to Kutsher's as above.From Stewart Int'IAirport: Leave airport and turn left. At first traffic light make a left. Take Route 84west to Binghamton Exit. Take Route 17 West to Exit 105B. Follow directions to Kutsher's as above.Car Rentals: Major car rental agencies are located at all New York Airports and Stewart Airpor.t.Driving time from Stewart Airport to Kutsher's is approximately 50 minutes.

Board of Governors2004

Gordon AndersonDes Plaines, ILPete RadichioHernando, FLTom SaundersRedford, MIHerb SternHouston, TXAdolph WadalavageOzone Park, NYEdward V. GillSomers Point, NJ

2005Charles LiBrettoFairview, TXPat DeColliPhiladelphia, PAElmer R. WagnerBay City, MIGeorge H. BrownToano, VA

2006John MaloneyBennington, VTAlbert LubranoBrick, NJWilliam RobeyOxon Hill, MDCharles Van DerPoelJacksonville, FLJohn ClouserGladstone,MI

National OfficersPresident

Elmer R. Wagner2833 Hotchkiss RoadBay City, MI 48706

Tom Hatton, lst V.P10 Northlawn CourtSaginaw, MI 48602

Jack A. Collier, 2nd ~ P.125 Saint John AvenueSt. Louis, MO 63119

Pat DeColli, 3rd V.P.1017 Jackson StreetPhiladelphia, PA 19148

Dave HeUerJudge Advocate618 Sumac RoadHighland Park, IL 60035

Dan Quinn, Secretary Emeritus412 Gregory AvenueWeehawken, NJ 07086

Joe Killen, Secretary & Treasurer224 North Grove StreetValley Stream, NY 11580

THE OCTOFOIL 3

(Continued from Page 1)

TIP OF TIlE HAT

GREATER NEW YORK AREACHAPTER

Haven't heard from anyone since theReunion except Marlynn and ClarenceRay (L - 47th) who sent us some pic­tures from the get- togethers atLancaster. Hope everyone else is OK.

The hospitals that we sent $200 eachto are as follows:

1.- Veterans Hospital in Los Angeles,California

2.- Veterans Administration Clinic inAllentown, PA.

3.- St. Albans VA Hospital, QueensCounty, New York.

*******

Joe Killen,G- 47th

LADmsCORNER

Mrs. Jean D. Geary, Ladies Aux. Pres.1305 East Livingston 5t.Allentown, PA 18109

I worked at the Allentown VA Clinicthis past week and So I checked at theoffice to be sure that our check wasreceived from the Ladies Aux. and theysaid that it had.

We (including our vegies in the gar­den) are all doing the backstroke. Rainis an ugly word here in Allentown, PA.Sunshine is a rare commodity sinceMay. Hope we get the sunshine prom­ised for next week. We need to dry out.

I am looking for ideas for the nextReunion Ladies Meeting. Any ideas?Write and let me know. Till then have agood and healthy Summer.

EDITOR'S ApOLOGIES

In my first issue (Jan.-Feb. 2003) Imade two blunders. One was to let myproof-reading eye stray and miss thewrong handling of Chester H. Jordan'sname. Instead of Jordan, it came outGordon. For this I have apologized by let­ter and over the internet. This now is num­ber three. I hope that the Co. K 47thscribe's temperament has been placated.The second faux-pas was to list "OleMiss" 1. W. Baswell's name in the TapsSounded column. I had been told of hispassing and did not check further for pos­itive proof. At the reunion, Mrs. AgnesSpeers told me that JW had had a heartattack back in October and when she sawmy listing she called down to Mississippi(That's what I should have done) andspoke to his kin who said that JW wasfeeling poorly but on the mend. When Ireturned home I called down to Sturgisand JW himself answered the phone. I wasso glad and happy to hear him that for themoment I was overcome to the point oftears. Yes, I have learned another lesson;check out every rumor before you printand you won't have to wipe the egg offyour face. Sorry about that, JW. Gladyou're still here, ya hear.

(Continued from Page 1)

present, our agen~ has no signs of unusu­al items to be dealtwith, and it appears tobe a "business as usual" meeting.

Tuesday morning the General Meetingwill begin at 10:00 AM. After lunch, thenew Board of Governors will meet startingat 4:00 PM.

Our Memorial Service is scheduled forWednesday morning at 10:00 AM.

My cohort, Joe Maiale, is trying to fit ina round of golf for any members who wishto play. Right now, it looks like the onlytime open is on Wednesday after lunch andprior to our cocktail party before the ban­quet dinner. All duffers will meet at 1:30PM and pray that their round of fun is overbefore 4:30 PM. That leaves them one hourto get out of the golf duds, shower, and getfancied up for cocktails. No problem, apiece of cake.

KUTSHER'SWELCOMES THE

"OLD RELIABLES"

NO STRIP TICKETS

Everything is under one roof except thegolf of course. No need to leave the prem­ises. There is entertainment in the morn­ings, before lunch, after lunch, evenings,all on the house. But don't overlook thefact that we are used to entertaining our­selves too. We may be getting slower butwe haven't lost the quick wit with thesnappy retort. Yeah, we did OK in our day.

Make a check to;- "59th Reunion 2004"in the amount of $50 per person in yourparty and send it to 224 North Grove St.,Valley Stream, NY 11580 along with yourroom reservation form. Don't chop up yourOctofoi!. Find a copier machine and laythe part that you want face down, close thelid, and push the button. Your Octofoil issaved.I am disappointed that the hotel will beclosed after lunch on Sunday due to itbeing Mother's Day. I would not like tostay overnight in an empty hotel with nofood service. No matter how little the own­ers would charge, it would still be toomuch. So there will be no early arrivalsunfortunately. Yes, I'm sorry about thattoo. I always plan to be a day early just incase. We are all in the same boat, so tospeak, just like all times.

For those who prefer to use their creditcards, let me remind you:- You WILL PAYALL SALES TAXES and they are approx­imately 8.75% percent added on to yourbill. With a CREDIT CARD, Reservationsand PAYMENT IN FULL must be sentdirectly to Kutsher's Country Club ResortHotel and Conference Center, Monticello,New York, 12701. Kutsher's can be calledtoll free at 800 431-1273 or pay line at(914) 794-6000.

Use your Credit Card if you must; but con­sider that you are losing the protection of theAssociation's "umbrella". The money thatyou would save by not paying taxes could becut in half and donated to the Association'sMemorial Fund if you so desired

Marv LevyCoA 60th

2044 Ellen DriveMerrick, NY 11566-5404

Friar lUck Mini-ReuninonThe June meeting is the last meeting

before the summer hiatus. The fall meetingwill be held during the Friar Tuck mini­reunion September 8 to 12, 2003. If youare interested in attending, contact AlZanka at address below. Details of costsand accommodations are the same as lastyear.

Members attending the June Meetingnot mentioned earlier: Joe Maiale, JoeRzesniowiecki and Adoph Wadalavage.

gratifying group than being with your fel­low Ninthmen.

See details below.

Dues DueIt's dies time comrades, for those who

haven't paid their dues for 2003. It's $10for one year, $25 fpr 3 years, and $75 forLIfetime Membership. Make checkspayable to NY Area Chapter, 9th Inf Div.Assn and send to Al Zenka,Secretary/Treasurer, 82-36 234th St.,Bellerose Manor, NY 11427.

Have A Good Summer !

Mrs. Suzanne Johnstone in memory ofher husband Bruce B. Johnstone, aproud "Old Reliable"

John H. Losnes in memory of all thedeceased members of Co. L 39th Inf.

Trevor E. Jones in memory of Jake Nailorand all the other comrades who have goneahead to prepare the final bivouac.

Louis Sieben in memory of thedeceased members of the MedicalDetachment of the 47th Inf.

Mrs. Julia Klimasz in memory of herhusband Anthony, a proud "OldReliable"

Ted Curless in memory of Clarence"Ed" Combs of Co. E 47th Inf.

Mrs. Suzanne Johnstone in memory of

Mr. & Mrs. Norris Gray in memory ofHenry Santos, a dedicated FloridaChapter member of the Ninth Inf. Div.Assn. George H. Brown in memory of those

for whom Taps Sounded in the March­Mrs. Elizabeth V. White in memory of April '03 Octofoil.her husband, Curtis E. White of Co. C39th Inf.

Remembering the Memorial Fund and their buddies who have answered theirlast Roll Call, we thank the following members and friends.

Mr. & Mrs. Norris Gray in memory of Henry Santos of the 15th CombatJean and Richard Baudouy of Co. M Engineer Bn.47th Inf.

Richard G. Granbery in memory ofRichard G. Granbery in memory of Marion Anderson, wife of GordonAlbert O. Fullerton of the 9th Recon Anderson of the 9th Recon Troop.Troop.

Mrs. AntoinetteMastrangelo in memo­Lawrence McLaughlin in memory of ry of her husband Peter Mastrangelo ofRaymond Gilbert of the 47th Inf. Co. B 47th Inf.Regt. Headquarters Co.

Herminio Suarez (who valiantly attendssometimes in spite of his affliction) andrecently moved Al Lubrano and our chap­lain, ailing Al Lipton, the NY chapter is"down to precious few..." so goes theSeptember song.

Most of the current attending membersmeeting in Manhattan are from LongIsland and Queens. Other borough resi­dents are apparently not able to attend doeto ill health, distance or late nighttime trav­el back home. Based on the large turnout atour annual Holiday Party and MemorialDay Services outside the city, where manyof those members do not travel to NYchapter meetings, Joe Maiale suggestedthat we consider holding a more conven­ient meeting place on Long Island -- in thedaytime!

As a test, we will hold a meeting inNovember at a location on Long Islandclose to the city line, convenient for rail,bus and auto. Still-driving members willmake every effort to pick up Ninthmenwho are disabled. The NY chapter hopesmembers who haven't joined us in the pastwill do so to renew old comradeship,which has always been the hallmark of the9th Infantry Division Association. Don'tmiss this opportunity to participate. Yourideas, gripes and suggestions will alwaysbe appreciated. You will not find a more

Are You Up To Date With Your Dues?

4 THE OCTOFOIL

FLORIDA CHAPTER NEWSIT'S ALL SET! The contract for the Florida Chapter Reunion has been

signed. The dates are November 6, 7, and 8th at the Holiday Inn, Port St.Lucie, FL. The Hospitality Room will be set up early on Thursday, November6th to accommodate those members who might arrive a day earlier or early onThursday. Check in time is 3:00 P.M. or earlier if rooms are ready. The roomrate is $59.00 per night double or single occupancy. Chairman Arthur Coulonhas put together a wonderful agenda. On Thursday night we have dinner at afine restaurant. Then on Friday we go on two cruises starting at 11 :00 A.M.followed by a group lunch and then go on the second water cruise...all for alow package price of $32.00 per person. At 6:00 P.M. we have our BanquetDinner at the Hotel. This is a departure from having our banquet on Saturdaynight. Reason being is that we received a special discount price to attend aBuffetlDinner Show at Club Med for Saturday night starting at 6:00 P.M. Fulldetails will be sent out to all Florida Chapter Members approximately 5 weeksprior to opening day. It's not too early to make plans to attend. Mark your cal­endar...bring a family member...a relative or a friend. Any NationalOrganization member wishing to attend our Florida Chapter Reunion may doso by contacting Art Coulon at 4414 N.W. Cove Circle, Port St. Lucie FL34983, Phone: 1/772/344/7329 or get in touch with Emil De Donato at1/352/489-4070. We will send you the Information sheet and the Order Form.

Pins that were designed and produced by the Florida Chapter. We regret thatwe will not accept any future orders as we are all out of them. We thank youagain for support knowing that you will wear them with PRIDE.

WOMEN'S AUXILIARY NEWSDora Coen sent a note saying that she could not make the 2002 Chapter

Reunion in St. Augustine...but will make every effort to attend future Chapterreunions with her sister. Since the demise of her husband William inSeptember 2000, Dora has been spending some time with relatives inPennsylvania in addition to taking trips to Branson, MO and Alaska. We werehappy to hear from Dora. We would appreciate receiving news from otherFlorida Chapter Women's Auxiliary members so please make an effort to sendyour stories to Audrey De Donato.

Emil J. De Donato3650 S W Mosswood StDunnellon, FL 34431 PH: 352/489-4070

MEMBERNEWSDr. MARTIN GROSS: Good News! Mary met and proposed marriage to

Rosalyn Weiss tentatively set for sometime this coming September. In myphone conversation with Dr. Gross, he stated that he has moved to 1602 AbacoDrive, Apt I-A, Coconut Creek FL. 33306, new phone number: 1/954/956­9333 (please note your membership roster of this change). We were happy toreceive this good news and we wish Marty and Rosalyn many years of goodhealth and a happy life together. Congratulations are in order.

TAPS SOUNDEDThere is no Death!

What seems so is transitionThis life of Mortal breath

is but a suburb of the life elysianWhose portal we call death.

TAPS SOUNDED

2003 Lancaster, PA Reunion SceneLeft to Right: Joe Maiale (standing), Sadie Maiale, Emma Killen andRodger Alsgaard

Joseph TroutRegt. Hq. Co. 47th Inf.

Howard C. Granger, CWOHq. Co. 15th Engr. Bn.

Benjamin A Murell"Benny the Bomber"Medic with 39th Inf.

Raymond GilbertRegt. Hq. Co. 47th Inf.

Michael Pe·lle3rd Bn. Hq. Co. 47th Inf.

Eugene Korth9th Recon Troop

Irving L. KingCo. B 39th Inf.

Lea MoserWife of Ira MoserCo. L 47th Inf.

Raymond TujagueCo. L 39th Inf.

Albert O. Fullerton9th Recon Troop

HOWARD GRANGER: A note from his nephew stated that Howardpassed away on June 28, 2003. He served with Hq. Co. 15th Engineersthroughout the Europen Theatre. Howard was not able to make our FloridaChapter Reunion in St. Augustine because he was staying with his brother andsister in Tucson, Arizona during that time period. He has attended severalNational Reunions. Although his home is in South Carolina, Howard was aactive member of the Florida Chapter. Condolences may be sent to his homeat 1601 Castle Pinkney Road, Columbia, S.C. 29233.

LOUIS VIVOLO: For many years, Louis and his wife Phylis would spendthe winter months in the Orlando area and then return to their home in Revere,Mass. In a note received with his three year's dues, Louis said that he and hiswife will no longer spend their winters in the Sunshine State. We regret learn­ing that they are not able to travel long distances any longer. We had hopesthat they might have joined us during our coming reunion in Port St. Lucie.Louis has been a member of the Florida Chapter for a long time.

EUGENE KORTH: A phone call fromhis wife "Del" followed by a detailed let­ter and photo, informed this writer of thedemise of her husband Eugene on May23, 2003. Gene was born on June 8,1925. He served with the 9th ReconTroops until his discharge in 1945. Deland Gene moved from their Michiganhome to Sun City Center, FL in 1985.According to his wife Delphine "Del"Eugene suffered many different illnessesduring the past 20 years. He suffered abroken leg followed by some severe heartproblems while living in Michigan. Heappeared to show signs of recovery aftertheir move to Florida but then other com­plications set in. Del described his finaldays in Sun City Rehab Center andTampa General Hospital as pure "hell". He suffered conjunctive heart failure,pneumonia, blood clot in his lungs and a touch of Parkinson disease...whichended up his demise. Our condolences go out to Del, who cared for her"workaholic" husband throughout his ordeal. They were not blessed with anychildren of their own but do have nephews and nieces. Funeral services wereheld on May 27, 2003 with a Catholic Mass at Prince of Peace CatholicChurch in Sun City Center, Florida. Delphine Korth can be reached at 1307Idlewood Drive, Sun City Center, FL 34644, phone: 1/813/585-8463.

9TH INFANTRY DIVISION PINS: The Florida Chapter wishes to expresstheir thanks to many National members from all over the United States fortheir overwhelming response in purchasing their handsome designed Emblem

THE OCTOFOIL 5

COMPANY K NEWSLETTER"The LAST LETTER Plus ONE"

47th InfantryChester H. Jordan1058 West Lakeview DriveBaton Rouge, LA 70810-4641

PREDICTIONS OF MY DEATHWERE EXAGGERATED

It is truly embarrassing to admit I am still alive. X-rays in April showedno growth. The doctor hasn't a clue, he said, "I give up, you might live for­ever." So, I am writing the first K LEITER after my final one.

Nothing has changed with me: I still play 9 holes, 3 days a week; get outa monthly family newsletter; purchase, and play with the latest gadgets onthe market. My wife, ALICE, after 6 months of the Shingles, has not fullyrecovered. She is eating better, and active enough for me to go back to golf,but she still hurts and is 15 pounds underweight.

ROLL CALLJOE KILLACKY has called several times and seems to be doing as well

as can be expected as the youngster of K. It's probably because he got Kheadquarters kicked out of the Priest's house in Kalterherberg, in Dec. '44.We had to move from a comfortable house with a wood-fired water heaterinto snow up to our canteen. GOD looks after His own.

Our K COMPANY nurse, HELEN HOLMES sends us flowers and getwell cards every week. I feel so guilty about living. I am sure if she livednear she would nurse this damned cancer right out of my lung, and give mea chance to go to my just reward in a more dignified way. In the meantime,she flies between New Jersey, New Mexico, Horida, and drives to AtlanticCity to get rid' of her surplus cash.

Dr. GEORGE NICKLIN is still amongst the quick, and still trying to savethe world from itself. Good luck, doctor.

RED THOMPSON and EDITH are still in poor health and hating everyminute of it. It is rough for a basketball champion not to be able to run andshoot, but he has come through tough times before, and he'll do it again.

I know that GEORGE BASTEDO is still alive because HELEN keeps meinformed.

I got a letter from RED PHILLIPS, the M CO. CHRONICLER, wishingme Godspeed to the Great Beyond and eulogized me as the MOST NEGA­TIVE PERSON he had ever met. But, before I could celebrate my champi­onship, I remember he had stayed in the army and an officer rarely hearsNAY from anyone other than his wife and children. Too bad, I am runninglow on superlatives.

WARThe Third Division, Marines, and Special Forces stomped the Iraquis

before I could get into the war. Their machines and equipment are awesome.The nice thing about the NEW army is that everyone rides to work. It's notgoing to make me re-up, but that, coupled with their pay might make meconsider the proposition.

Here are some examples of Army pay: A raw recruit makes $1,023/mo. forthe first 4 months$l, 106/mo. or$13,272/yr. thereafter. A private1st class makes $1,304/mo. or$15,648/yr. Beginning pay for amaster sergeant is $2,858/mo.or $34,296/yr. The raw recruitmakes 4 times more than a FirstLt. in combat during WWII.

They also get additional payfor food, housing, moving,

......-:: technical proficiency, special

~.'; (( duty assignments, cost of liv-

ing, clothing, family separation,overseas, and retirement. Tokeep them happy the enlisted

persons get a minimum of 6% raise each year and the officers 5%. This is alittle better than the $21.00/mo.I was paid in 1939 when I joined the NationalGuard Cavalry.

Getting back to WAR, they still haven't departed Afghanistan. We shouldhave been out, long before now and left the policing to the French, Germans,and Russians. We should do the same with Iraq. The oil contracts aren'tworth having to associate with that class of people. The THIEF OF BAGH­DAD has a million descendents. If we don't want to get completely out,move to Kuwait and police them with drones.

One thing that helped the soldiers earn their pay was wearing those chem­ical suits all the way to Baghdad. Can you imagine the misery of riding in90 degree heat in those rubber suits, much less walking. I can rememberthose lousy GI raincoats, in the cool temperatures of Northern Europe, feel­ing like a steam bath.

Our chemical preparedness was a little less comprehensive, as soon as weset foot in Normandy, out went the mask, replaced with rations, V-Mails,soap, onions, or anything else you needed. We had a gas alarm in Normandyand probably the only people with masks were supply sergeants and staffofficers who didn't have to carry them.

SIDRTSThe 47th Infantry Regiment Assn. had a reunion in April, which I was

unable to attend; but they had some great 9/47 shirts for sale. They were$25.00 for a white golf shirt with an octofoil on the left breast and a 47thshield on the left sleeve. I bought them for my 3 sons and myself. I don'tknow if they are still available, but if any are interested, I shall inquire.

REUNIONIf any of you attended the reunion, send me pictures for the next letter if

there is one.EDITOR'S COMMENT

The above newsletter also had a picture of Chester H. Jordan's new hat, thathas rolling lights but lacks an audio system to play the National Anthem. Thatpicture cannot be printed using the current methods at our disposal. Only"GLOSSY" pictures can be printed.

Two issues ago (Jan.- Feb. 2003) the printer's helper mistakenly changedChester H.'s name from Jordan to Gordon. I'll take the blame for letting the"Faux-Pas" slip through onto the presses. Sorry about that, Chief. It won'thappen again.

* * * * * * *

6 THE OCTOFOIL

Ninth Recon ReportJohn Bonkowski19241 Angela CourtRoseville, MI 48066

This was our 35th Reunion since wefirst began attending back in 1960.Because of my recent back surgery atthe time we were making our reserva­tions it didn't seem possible that wewould be making this one in Lancaster.But our prayers were answered and wewere fortunate to be there.

Upon our arrival, we appreciated ahelping hand with our luggage fromEverett Tapp, Chester Mikus and oth­ers. Having a frrst floor reservation wewere expecting direct access from ourcar like we had in Worcester and mostother places where we stayed.However, everything turned out fineand there was no problem. It was greatto be among our friends again and wewere surprised how many made thatextra effort despite their handicaps.

Al & Felice Perna along withCharles & Ester LiBretto did a greatjob putting this Convention together.Everyone who had anything to do withit deserves our appreciation. TheMemorial Service was impressive andthe Widows' participation very special.

What about the Wednesday eveningDinner and Stage Show? Those thatleft right after the lights went outfound out later that it was only anintermission. We should have listenedto Yogi Berra who proclaimed that "It'snot over till it's over". We thank JimDawson for sharing the ride to andfrom the show.

Mike Belmonte informed us thatGordon Anderson's wife, Marionpassed away recently. We were alsoinformed that Gordon wasn't doing sowell and may be leaving the IllinoisChapter to live with his son in anotherstate This is sad news especially forthose of us from the Recon Troop. Iwas looking forward to seeing some atthis Reunion but I was the only onethere from our group.

The Michigan Chapter was wellrepresented and we were honored tohave Elmer Wagner elected NationalPresident for the second time. We wishhim our very best in the coming year.

On the way home from the Reunionwe were pleasantly surprised to seesome of our friends at the West boundRest Centers. First it was Mike & AnnBelmonte then Jack & Nadine Collierfollowed by Pete & Marge Radichioand their party. We all managed to getaround a two lane stand still tie up afew miles back by using the open leftlane that took us right on through. Wewere wondering if any of our groupwere caught in that bumper to bumpermess that originated at an exit withcars backed up across two lanes of theW76 PA Turnpike.

Thanks to Herb Olsen who intends

to keep the Memorial Week-end tradi­tion going in Worcester, we'll doeverything possible to be there. Bythen it will be almost a year since mysurgery and that's how long theDoctor told me that it'll take for a fullrecovery, if all goes well. In the mean­time, Rose & I have Graduations,Weddings, Picnics and all kinds ofCelebrations to keep us busy. Many areout of town and God willing we'll trymaking most of them.

A final word of gratitude to Dan &Marie for all those years of devotedservice to our Association. Then howfortunate we are for someone like youwho was willing to take over theresponsibilities when the time came.Thank you, Joe and God Bless.

********

Co. I • 47th Inf.Elmer R. Wagner2833 E. Hotchkiss RoadBay City, MI 48706 - 9356

I remember the capture ofWollseifen very well. Our Second &Third Bns captured the little village ontop of a plateau-like hill in a cold wetblinding snowstorm. We started outfrom Einruhr, which we had capturedthe previous evening.

I have traveled thru that area a num­ber of times since WW II. Einruhr is abeautiful little tourist town now. Thearea just south of the two dams andeast I southeast of Einruhr is a closedNATO troop training area used prima­rily by the Belgian Army. A road pass­es thru part of the training ground.Wollseifen is shown on the local mapbut is in the restricted area with no oneliving there. It is probably still rubble.I have stayed in Kalterherberg nearMonschau a number of times.

Tourist boats from Einruhr use thereservoir areas around the dams now.Schmidt on the north side is also a nicetourist town and I have had lunch thereat a nice restaurant overlooking thereservoirs to the south andSchwammenaul dam to the southeast.You'd never know that there was a wararound there back in 1944 and 1945.The Urftalsperre dam and Ordensberg­Vogelsang, the Hitler Youth school isnot visible but may possibly be seenfrom the tour boats on the lake.

* * * * *

Co. G • 47th InfAllen J. Kelley94576 Chandler RoadGold Beach, OR 97444

A Day in a life in the ETO

Forrest Arnett and the ChickenForrest Arnett was a gangly, raw-

boned young lad from the hills ofKentucky who was sent overseas as arifleman replacement in November of1944. Through the Repo-Depos andDivision, through the 47th ServiceCompany on up to the front where hewas posted in Captain Kraft's GCompany. Captain Waldo Kraft musthave liked what he saw and he sentForrest over to the First Platoon to beunder the watchful eye of JoeRzesniowiecki, our platoon sergeant.After a time Forrest was accepted asone of the gang in Bill Sanders' squad.

By the time the day of my story ,February 8th, 1945, rolled around theplatoon had been fleshed up with somemore replacements, who also had to fitinto the group. We were still not up tofull strength to meet the Army T10.The company was in the village ofWollseifen waiting for orders to con­tinue the attack on Schmidt in theHuertgen Forest.

I guess that you could say that lifefor the GIs in Wollseifen wasn't toobad; but, it wasn't that easy either.Wollseifen is laid out like a huge capi­tal "T'. A person could walk about onthe stem road all day long; but, youcould not go out on the top road with­out drawing frre from Jerry ,who wassitting across the lake watching whatwe were up to. Every now and thenJerry would throw in a shell or two justto let us know that he was still there.

As luck would have it, the FirstPlatoon was put into the house at thecomer where the stem road and the toproad intersected, with Jerry looking atthe front door. We were isolated duringthe daylight hours except for the tele­phone and the radios. The streets wereall churned up mud that was almostsoup due to the rain and drizzle thatseemed to never let up.

During Warren Campbell's tum towatch the road, he announced tonobody in particular that a dumbchicken from across the top road wasout in the road pecking away at themud and was looking to have her headblown off by Jerry. Forrest took a lookat the chicken pecking in the mud andsaid that he would fix the chicken rightsoon. He went to his pack and returnedwith a .45 caliber Colt automatic in hishand. Most of the platoon gathered tosee what was happening. There werethe usual guffaws and catcalls aboutthe skill of Forrest with a .45. Forrestpaid no attention to the gang. He tookaim and squeezed the trigger.Everyone fell silent. Forrest's one shothad decapitated the chicken.

The headless chicken ran around fora bit and then flopped over to lay in theroad on top of the mud. Forrest waspleased with the results and would notgive in to having made a lucky shot.He knew that he could not retrieve thebird until later. He stood near the win-

dow watching the chicken and beganplanning how to cook it. He was talk­ing aloud to all of how many ways heknew to cook chicken. With therestraints of our accommodations,Forrest decided to skewer the bird forroasting. Forrest was almost salivatingthinking about the feast to come and itwas all due to his prowess.

The night before a 2 and a half tontruck had come up to the village deliv­ering rations and ammunitions, andnow the driver was anxious to get backto Service company in Monschau. Hewas aware of Jerry watching the road,but insisted on taking his chances ofrunning the gauntlet.He reved up the truck at the bottom ofthe stem, shifting gears and gatheringspeed as he rolled up the stem roadthrough the village. He floored thepedal as he turned onto the top roadand slid around our comer.

The driver had the look of fear onhis face as he straightened the truckand sped to the top of the rise anddown the other side. Forrest hadwatched the entire event from our win­dow and saw that the truck's frontwheels missed running over his chick­en. But, in the slide around the comer,the back wheels lined up the littlechicken in their path. The chicken wassquashed flat down into the mud, wast­ed completely.

Forrest was beside himself. In onemotion, he turned, grabbed an M-1,and headed for the door. Big DaveSeldon tackled Forrest, who said thathe didn't care about Jerry. He onlywanted to take a few shots at that driv­er. After the truck was long gone andForrest had calmed a little. Big Davelet him get up. Forrest went back to thewindow and stared at the flattenedmess that once was a chicken. All of usfelt sorry for Forrest, but nobody said aword to him as he was still fumingwith rage. The rest of the day it wasquiet in the First platoon's house.

After dark the visitors fromCompany HQ came over and the heck­1ers started. "Hey, we had Kentuckyroasted mud chicken for chow. AskForrest if he h~s any left. It was deli­cious." And the unwary newcomerwould feel the full fury of Forrest'sdisappointment. It became a privateplatoon story and we threw it up toForrest whenever we saw a chicken ina farmyard.

Forrest survived the hostilities, for­got about that truck driver, and wenthome on points in August 1945, backto the hills of Kentucky. I wonder if heeats "Kentucky Fried Chicken"? And ifhe does, does he give a thought to theday that the truck ran over his chickenin Germany?

Submitted by Allen J. Kelley,G-47th Inf.

MICHIGANTHE OCTOFOIL

CHAPTER NEWS7

Michigan Chapter members attend­ing the Lancaster reunion were TomHatton, Rodger Alsgaard, ElmerWagner, Marilyn Martin, Everett Tapp,Jim Dawson, John and RoseBonkowski, Harry and BlondineSager, Bob and Florence DeSandy andOnly Rishel. First time attendees wereDon Sedestrom and Harold Ladoucherwith their wives. Don and Haroldserved in the MPs after V-E day. Alsoattending his frrst reunion with hiswife was Larry Holmes, whose fatherwas in the 39th.

Chapter congratulations to ElmerWagner, who was elected NationalPresident; and to Tom Hatton, who

was re-elected First Vice-President.

Our Chapter activities for the remain­der of the year 2003 are as follows:

The first is our annual picnic andmemorial service on Saturday, August9 at Art and Mary Doering's home at6300 Whitneyville Road, SE, Alto, MI,phone 616-868-6978.

Members bring a dish to pass andsnacks. Plan to arrive early. We will eatat 12:30 PM. We will break for ourannual memorial service, a very spe­cial occasion, remembering those whohave gone on before us. We will nameall who have passed away during thepast year.

The next item is our Angola get­together, with the Illinois Chapter andother members in the Midwest. Thedate is October 14 and 15 at theRamada Inn, 3855 N. State Road,Angola IN 46703. Check in time is2PM. The Phone number is 1-260­665-9471.

When you make your own reserva­tion, mention the Ninth Division to getthe discounted room rate, $62 plus11% tax. You must make reservationsby Oct. 1 You will need a credit cardor, if mailing a check, a one night'sdeposit. Bring your favorite snacks andrefreshments for the hospitality room.

Our annual Christmas party will be

held Wednesday, December 10 at theBavarian Inn, Frankenmuth, MI. Wemust have a head count by Dec. 7.Please call Elmer Wagner at 1-989­686-0506 or Margaret Wisniewski at1-810-367-3496.

When you get to the Bavarian Inn,go to the reservation desk and ask whatroom we are in. There is an elevator toall floors. No need to walk up thestairs. Our last year's price was $16.50plus 6% tax plus 15% tip.

Margaret WisniewskiSecretary, Michigan Chapter7576 Gratiot RoadColumbus, MI 48063

MAIL CALLL Co.• 39th Inf

Edward V. Gill100 Shore Road, Apt. B-27Somers Point, NJ 0824

We think all will agree, that Al Perna,his wife and family. along with othervolunteers ran a very successful reunion.Everything was well organized, and onschedule.

The people at Lancaster Host Hotelcould not have been nicer to us. And theshow was very enjoyable. We had a pret­ty good turn out for the reunion, andexpect a larger group at Kutsher's inN.Y. State in May 2004. Once again Alwe say thank you.

• • • • • •

K Co. - 60th Inf.Fred Taylor33 Heath StreetCorinth, NY 12822-1342

I am enclosing a check for one yearssubscription to the Octofoil.

I was with K Co. 60th Inf. fromNorth Africa through to the end of thewar. I dropped my subscription after Igot discharged. Would now like to con­tinue as a member of the Association.

It won't be possible for me to attendthe convention as I am 87 years old. Ienjoy good health but my legs are begin­ning to slow me down. Sincerely,

·.....A Co.• 15th C. E. Bn.

Charles "Hoss" Johnson100 Rambler RoadCambridge, MD 21613-2025

Kathryn and I were so happy to beable to attend the reunion in Lancaster,PA.

The whole affair was very wellplanned and the hotel was one of thebest. We were impressed with the beau­tiful Memorial service and banquet pro­gram. The Banquet food was exception­al and the service was just great. It wasespecially good to see Tony Soprano andhis wife there. A special thanks to you allwho made the reunion so special. MayGod bless you.

• • • • • •

Co. D • 60th Inf.Alexander Smith108 Rogosin StreetRockingham, NC 28379-5112

I just wanted to say hello to all themen of D-Co. 60th Inf. I hope all of youare well and doing fine. I'm up andabout thank the good Lord. I guess mostof us are feeling our age by now. I had abirthday on March 14th and turned 85years old. I have had a very good life anda very happy marriage to my wife. Wewill be married 64 years if we live to seeAugust 26th. We have three girls and oneboy, and a bunch of grandchildren. Mywife had a birthday this past Dec. 24th.She turned 80. I just have to tell peopleabout my family.

I never see much of D Co. 60th Inf. Iwish more of D Co. men would get theirnames in the Octofoil so we wouldknow how they are doing. Come onboys, let us all hear from you. We stilllove you. I have one buddy I hear from.We always call each other on our birth­days. I will never forget the men of DCo. The buddy I hear from is Charles T.Walker, but just about every one calledhim "Pop" Walker. In case anyone wouldlike to drop Pop a few lines, his addressis:

Charles T. WalkerRR# 1 558

Fairfield,IL 62837 - 9778I hope some one from D Co. would

drop me a line if they remember me. Iwould love to hear from anyone whowas in the Company. Oh, about everyone called me "Smitty". No one evercalled me by my first name which isAlex. Please put this in next printing.

• • • • • •

Co. E - 39th Inf.Kenneth W. Hill3210 MaxwellMidland, TX 79705 - 4823

Enclosed is my check for three moreyears membership in the Association. Istarted attending the annual reunionsregularly in 1986 and haven't missedone since. There are quite a number of E- 39th men who read MAIL CALL regu­larly. My hello and best wishes to all ofthem

• • • • • •

Co. A • 47th Inf.George H. Brown3404 Waterview RoadToano, VA 23168 -9104

The Octofoil arriver on Monday 9June 2003. Enclosed checks, one for thereunion deposit. The other in memory ofthose for whom taps sounded in theMarch-April 2003 Octofoil. even ofthose listed I know by name and associ­ation.

Steven Grey was in the M.P. The onlytime I remember seeing him was on theD-Day Tour in 1996. He was not activein the Association.

I didn't see a price on Kutsher's notthat it makes any difference.

Take care and all the best to you andEmma.

• • • • • •

Co. A - 47th Inf.Lawrence J. McLaughlin82 Gould StreetWakefield, MA 01880

I recently became aware of the deathof Raymond Gilbert, formerly ofFlorida. "Ray" passed away May 1staccording to his son. "Ray" was themotor officer for the 47th InfantryRegiment during North Africa, Sicily,and England. He was then sent to the 1stArmy Headquarters as their motor offi­cer. Attached is my check to theMemorial Fund re: "Ray'.

Sincerely

• • • • • •

2nd Bn. Hq. Co.· 60th Inf.Wyett H. ColclasureApt. 123 Bob White CourtSalem, IL 62881

Taps has sounded for Nila, my brideof 61 years. We were married in the 60thInfantry Chapel on 14 December 1941.The chapel is also known as "Col. FrankC. Mahan Memorial Chapel". Nila madeP.C. S. 3 January 2003.

John D. O'Rourke, Ed Lusk and Iwere each wounded by the same artillery

shell on 8 April 1943. I have sincemoved into a smaller fox-hole.

God bless any contribution we mayhave made toward the betterment ofmankind. At age 90 I move slower.Would like to see each of you. Regards.

• • • • • •

Co. B • 47th Inf.Edward J. Sarnocinski246 Estate DriveRehoboth Beach, DE 19971

Joined in 1947. Can't quit now!! Mettoo many great guys !! Sorry about beinglate. Wife terminally ill, keeps me busyat home with her. God bless us all.

Wish you luck replacing a great guy.Thanks.

·.....Seeking C Company· 60th InfantryCindy Schwarze Hunter1929 Sunset Blvd.Houston, TX 77005(713) 529 - 7548txcindo@aol.com

My uncle Albert H. Schwarze was inC Company, 60th Infantry, 9th InfantryDivision. He joined his outfit on October17, 1944 in the Huertgen Forest and wasKIA between the towns of Echtz andHoven, Germany on December 12,1944.

I have been compiling informationand doing extensive research on the 9thDivision for the last 15 months. I visitedFrance, Belgium and Germany last Juneand will return this May. As you can see,I would very much enjoy receiving thenewsletter

I would appreciate hearing from any­one who remembers my uncle, Albert.Thank you.

• • • • • •

K Company· 47th InfantryJoseph Killacky705 Illinois Street Apt. # 6Lemont, IL 60439

Happy New Year and good luck withthe Octofoil. I'm sure you will give it theshot in the arm we all feel it needed dueto Danny's illness. Funny how looking

8 THE OCTOFOIL

MAIL CALLforward to seeing a few names we knew60 years ago can still lift our spirits.

You mentioned Victor Chuck in yourChristmas card. He was the "Head Chef"in K Co. I saw him at Fort Bragg in 1993at the Reunion. He could make pow­dered eggs taste like Eggs Benedict..Don't know if he was ever a 9th Assn.member or not.

If the reunions continue, I hope theycan get them all at an airport hotel,where we don't have to travel 20/ 40miles after the plane lands. Nobodyseems to go much anyway, so what'swrong with just sitting around and talk­ing. After all, isn't that the idea of areunion.

Hope you had as nice a Christmas asI did, having all my kids and grandkids.Couldn't be better. Have a great year.

SECOND LETTER 4/6/03

My last Octofoil was the Nov.lDec.'02 copy. Are they still in print? Pleasesend one if they are.

Hope all is well with you. Talked toHelen Holmes awhile back and she isdoing well. I feel great. Played somegolf despite the 70 temps one day and 30the next; that's April for you.

Can't believe our tanks are probinginto Baghdad today and they don't evenknow we're in there. The amazing thingis the low death rate of our troops, totalof 160 or so is unbelievable. I rememberwhen our K Co. alone was down to 35men and more than once. Take care andbest wishes.

• • • • • •

Co. L - 47th Inf.Clarence F. Ray3461 Chestnut Ridge RoadPenn Run, PA 15765

What a great reunion in Lancaster,we surely enjoyed it very much. "L" Co.had five members there, namely: Myselfand wife Marlynn, Henry and JeanGeary, Tony and Rose DeRobertis,Richard and Betty Jo Stoltz, and IraMoser with his son and two grandsons.

If any Company or battery had moremembers present I would like to knowabout it.

I have been a member of theAssociation since it was formed in 1946.I bought a life membership when theyfirst became available. Probably it wasthe best investment I ever made. Nowthat the Association is short of operatingfunds, I'm renewing my life membershipand at 81 years of age, it is probably theworst investment I've ever made.

Enclosed is a check for the LifeMembership and the rest is for theMemorial Fund in memory of LeaMoser, wife of "L" Company memberIra Moser.

The best to you. Keep up the finework. It's really appreciated. Yours incomradeship.

• • • • • •

Co. L - 39th Inf.Herbert Taff1500 Palisade Ave. Apt. 22EFort Lee, NJ 07024

Enclosed find a donation to theAssociation in memory of all the Gallant& Heroic Members who served with theGreat Ninth Infantry Division.

I joined the Division January 1941,assigned to the 39th Infantry - Co. "L". Iwas lucky to participate in all 8 cam­paigns, North Africa to Germany. I waswounded in March, 1945 and spent therest of the war in the 1st GeneralHospital, Paris. When the war in Europewas over, I was sent back to the Statesfor discharge as I had 134 points. I wasawarded the Silver Star, the Bronze Starwith a Oak Leaf Cluster, a Purple Heart,and eight Battle Stars.

I would like to hear from my Buddieswho served with me. My thanks to youand all the other people who are keepingthe pulse of the Association alive.Sincerely,

......Hq. & B Co. - 15th Engrs.

Dick McGrath2856 West 85th StreetChicago, IL 60652-3818

I thank you a million times over fortaking over the 9th Div. duties. If youcontact Dan Quinn and his wonderfulwife tell him we thank both him and herfor the many years of their faithful serv­ices keeping us together.

The other day in our mailbox was theOctofoil and we have never got anythingsince the discharge of our Army servicethat made us so happy. First Octofoilsince I can't remember when. Thank youand all your helpers for giving us some­thing wanted. God bless you alL

I have made many reunions and Isorry that I can't mtl.ke any more~ but theOctofoil will take their place, I am a LifeMember but this check will help to keepthe Octofoil coming.

My best regards to all your helpersand God bless them for their work.Sincerely.

• • • • • •

Service Battery - 26th F. A.William Bongiorno108 South Hampton DriveJupiter, FL 33458

I would first of all like to publiclythank Dan Quinn for his friendship, hiscomrade ship in arms, but most impor­tantly, for his entireness efforts and hismany years of service to the Octofoi!. Asa former member of the Board ofGovernors and past President of the 9thInf. Association I know the effort andtime it has taken over the past decades insupport of the Association. My prayersand best wishes go out to Dan and hisfamily.

To bring everyone up to date, mydues are paid through 2005 for theFlorida chapte'r and National. I pay inadvance because it gives me an incentiveto stick around for a couple of moreyears. (I hate to waste money). We canall remember days when we were overseas that we weren't sure if we wouldmake it through our twenties never mindto reach our eighties. My wife Ellie andI are both eighty-five this year and haverecently celebrated our 61st weddinganniversary. I can even remember thatthree day pass and drive from Ft. Braggto Marshallberg, NC for the big day 61years ago. I guess I broke the rules, but ithas been worth it.

Although our health, Ellie's andmine, has not been the best over the pastfew years we consider ourse! ves blessed.God has been good to all of us who arestill around to read the Octofoi!. I am nottoo proud to tell that I shed a tear or twoor twenty every time I read TAPSSOUNDED. So many friends, so manymemories, When the National rollsaround I always have some special mem­ories of Franny Maher, Johnny Murrayand IvIac McKenzie; and I would like todonate a little something in their memo­ry.

Just take a minute to think how timeshave changed since we left Ft. Bragg.\Ve spent three plus years overseas fight­ing a war for our country, and our coun­try just fought and won a war that lastedthree weeks. I guess that we can say thatwe have seen it all. I hope everyonetakes a minute to remember our past as\-vell as our newly fallen comrades inarms for their sacrifices and may Godbless them all. We are the lucky ones: wehave been blessed to have each other.Our love and best wishes to one and all,I will always remain your Comrade InArms.

• • • • • •

L Co. - 39th Inf.Edward V. Gill100 Shore Road Apt. # B - 27Somers Point, NJ 08244

We think all will agree, that Al Perna,his wife and family, along with othervolunteers ran a very successful reunion.Everything was well organized and onschedule.

The people at Lancaster Host Hotelcould not have been nicer to us. And theshow was very enjoyable.

We had a pretty good turn out for thereunion and we expect a larger group atKutsher's in New York State in May2004

Once again AI, we say thank you.

·.....Hq. Co. - 15th Engr. Bn.

Robert R. NewtonExecutor of the Estate ofHoward C. GrangerP.O. Box 24827Columbia, SC 29224

Dear Sirs:As requested by my Uncle, it is my

sad duty to inform you of the death ofHoward C. Granger, CWO (Retired) of1601 Castle Pinkney Road, Columbia, S.C. 29223 on June 28, 2003 in Columbia,S.C.Sincerely; Robert R. Newton, Executor.

• • • • • •

Hq. Co. - 47th Inf.Janet Trout2040 Oxford RoadLincoln University, PA 19352

Dear Members and Readers of theOctofoil,

Just wanted you to know anothercomrade passed away on Feb. 5, 2003.Joseph Trout, Ninth Infantry Division,47th Infantry Regt.

He was proud of his outfit and told ofsome of his experiences and friends. Heread the Octofoil from cover to cover tosee if he knew or remembered some ofthe names written in there. Some times asmile or a tear would be evidenced; butthru all the problems Joe had he was 88years old on J;->11 16th. We were married60 years, ahnc;;t 61. The Octofoil camethis week and I saw Ed Wisniewskiname in there and I know Joe spoke ofhim.. Best Wishes to all of you.

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