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Spring 2018Volume 68, Number 1

Veterans of the 95th, their families and friends listen to a docent at the National World War I Museum in Kansas City, Mo., September 8, 2017. The group, including 10 WWII veterans, was in Kansas City for the 68th Reunion of the 95th Infantry Division Association September 7-10. Photo by Marsha Flora

INSIDE President’s Remarks

Legion ofHonor

ReunionRegistration

DepartedComrades

MembershipApplication

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The 95th Division

I R O N M E N O F M E T Z

A Publication of The 95th Division Legacy Association

NATIONAL OFFICERSPresidentJAMES E. ARCHER HHC, 95th Division (IT) (Ret)1918 Old Mill Drive, Salem, VA [email protected] (540) 312-6558

First Vice PresidentCLIF TWADDLE 827 Orchard Peak Court, Houston, TX 77062

[email protected] (281) 286-9104

Second Vice PresidentMICHAEL J. FLORA 13919 Squaw Creek Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46814


SecretaryLORA NEAL HHC200 N. Colby Street, Valley Center, KS 67147


TreasurerJENNIFER K. MACK HHC 14512 Waterfront Road, Edmond, OK 73013


Public Relations OfficerMARSHA S. FLORA 13919 Squaw Creek Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46814


EXECUTIVE COUNCILCEO E. BAUER I/377 123 North Ithaca Street, Ithaca, MI 48847-1228

(989) 875-0293

WALTER BLENKO E/378 4073 Middle Road, Allison Park, PA 15101


STEPHEN J. BODNAR I/377408 West Nimitz Street, Fredericksburg, TX 78624


THERESA BUNN HHC, 95th Division (IT) (Ret) 15837 Big Cypress Drive, OKC, OK 73013


DOUG MADDEN CHAPLAIN42424 Jefferson Drive, Hammond, LA 70403

[email protected]

KRISTIN WHITTINGTON 5522 West 900 South, Edinburgh, IN 46124


Use the Officer and Council contact information shown abovefor questions, death notices or other information to share.

from the presidentIt is, indeed, an honor for me to serve as President of this Associa-tion, to have the privilege of meeting so many of you and to learn about and to appreciate the selfless service of our Iron Men of Metz. The orga-nization they founded has served the needs of thousands of soldiers, their friends and descendants for at least parts of three generations—all acknowledging the tragedy of the hu-

man experience in war and the triumph of the human spirit in life and in service to others. Our duty and our commit-ment has been to remember their sacrifice and to preserve their legacy of restoring human dignity and democracy for millions when we were on the brink of succumbing to tyranny.

In Kansas City, this past September, we had a wonderful 68th Reunion and visited the National WWI Monument and Museum in the 100th year since our entry into that “War to end all Wars.” Indeed, we were reminded that it was simply the opening chapter in the war that defined the lives of the young men who joined the ranks of the Victory Divi-sion. Ten Iron Men were with us, there, remembering, while helping to shape the future of the Association. Symbolically, ‘Red’ Whittington was awarded the French Legion of Honor at our banquet, reminding us of his courage and sacrifice, while he and his comrades worked with others to transform the Association into an enduring legacy to their Service and to formally open the organization to future generations.

At our business meeting, we voted to accept a new Constitution and By-laws and to change the name of the Association from the “95th Infantry Division Association” to the “95th Division Legacy Association.” This intent was previously shared with you in the Journal and online. In so doing, we acknowledge the passage of time, but more im-portantly, the desire to keep alive the passion of comrade-ship and the lessons learned from this special generation of Americans. With our new, all-inclusive charter, we commit to continuing their camaraderie and to working with the 95th Division Foundation to preserve their Legacy and the lessons it teaches.

As part of this commitment, it is important that we are financially stable in order to continue reunions and to support our outreach. For this to happen, I urge you to be current in your dues and invite you to pay these now, as outlined in these pages. Your membership and your ability to vote on measures we pursue in our mission requires your support. I know I can count on you.

James E. Archer

RideKC of the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) provided two buses, including their special “Honor” bus to transport veterans and their families to the National World War I Museum and Memorial September 8, 2017. KCATA President Chief Executive Robbie Makinen and Chief Operating Officer Sam Desue greeted the veterans as they stepped off the buses and presented them with a special veterans’ medallion to honor them for their service. Posing by the bus are Paul French, Ceo Bauer, Charles “Red” Whittington, Floyd “Kid” Shaffer, Walter Blenko, Steve Jamison, Frank Bever, Joe Januszkiewicz, Jerry Jefferson and Paul Madden. Tony Duno is not pictured. Photo by Marsha Flora

This year, we will meet in Harrisburg, Pa., September 20-23 for the 69th Reunion of the Association. We will visit Gettysburg and Fort Indiantown Gap where we will rededi-cate the Monument originally established there in 1991 by our WWII generation to the 95th Infantry Division. We expect to have yet another wonderful reunion and hope to honor others whose applications have been submitted for the Legion of Honor (thanks to the incredible work of Don & Dianne Barriger!). It is so important that each of you make plans to be there—to secure your rooms and to complete and mail your applications EARLY! Our team is working hard to make it a memorable experience.

Then, in 2019, we will return to the Oklahoma City/Lawton/Fort Sill area in the spring for the 70th Reunion, followed by a 75th Anniversary of the Liberation trip to Metz in November. We can only do these things with your continued support. Thank you for all you have done and that you will do for the Victory Division, past and present, and its Veterans.

Jim

Jim ArcherPresident95th Division Legacy Association

FOUNDATION UPDATEThe 95th Division Foundation, our sister organi-

zation, continues to maintain our monuments. Currently, they are researching the cleaning and repair of the monument at Fort Indiantown Gap dedicated in 1991. The Foundation is also in the process of selecting and funding benches to be placed near the Division monument on the “Walk of Honor” at Fort Benning.

This spring their first scholarship recipient will be selected through the Foundation’s newly established scholarship endowment fund. Your contributions help ensure that the Foundation can continue their mission to honor the Division. All donations are tax deductible as the Foundation is a 501c3 organization. Submit donations to:

95th Division Foundation13919 Squaw Creek Road

Fort Wayne, IN 46814

Indicate the area in which you wish your dona-tion to be directed (General Fund, Benches, Schol-arship Endowment).

December 16, 1944, in northern Alsace, the Ger-mans began a surprise of-fensive known as the Battle of the Bulge. The 95th Divi-sion was compelled to go on the defense.

My platoon, the 378th Antitank Co. Mine Platoon, was busy blasting fallback gun positions. The frozen ground was like concrete, requiring a box of TNT for each position.

According to my itinerary on New Year’s Day, I was in Überherrn, Germany, a small town between Saarlautern and St. Avold. My letters home, written January 2 and 8, depicted the severe winter condi-tions.

We had been on the front lines without relief starting October 18. I recall that by January it had been 2 ½ months without a shower or change of clothes. Fortunately, we found abandoned homes for shelter. We performed guard duty every night for two hours, every four hours; it was a long cold duty, especially due to not being able to keep warm.

I went through some 150 letters I sent home to my par-ents. The January letters were the best documentation of the winter conditions at the time. Letters home normally did not tell much due to censorship and so as not to worry my parents but my early January letters were out of the ordinary from that respect.

The following are excerpts from my letter dated January 2, 1945:

“We had a darn dry new year’s this year and didn’t hear a darn bell or car horn. I guess they celebrated by slinging ammunition but I guess if the people at home would sud-denly hear that kind of celebrating they would never want to bother with that day again.

“The artillery constantly pounding away, flares at night, once in a while you’ll hear a 50 or 30 open up that sounds

A soldier’s letters home describe winter conditionsby Paul Klemmer

Soldiers of the 378th Antitank Company Stark, Schilling, Mitchell, Koken, Rolf and Smith stand outside a Maginot Line bunker in December 1944. Their uniforms were typical gear worn during the winter of 1944-45. Pho-tos courtesy of Paul Klemmer

like a trip hammer, then there’s the BAR or STEN gun, sometimes I take them for a Jerry burp gun. They sound like ripping a piece of cloth. Then there is always some buildings that kind of light up the night. Of course that’s when they’re burning because they go in for blackout in a big way here.”

On January 8, I wrote: “Today’s a good day to stay inside because winters joys

are now here, which come down in little pretty white flakes that pile up to make those cussed drifts. The roads are slip-pery as hell and when you stand guard out there for a while the snow sticks to you so that you look just the rest of the countryside.

“It’s kind of hard to find a place to take a bath. I am going to take one tonight after guard duty because we have a great big wash pan that is just big enough to get in.

“Don’t know if the army will issue arctic clothing or not but I do know the gloves we have are not very warm. Maybe you don’t know what kind of weather we have here but I think it is just about the same as home (Oshkosh, WI) except that we had a lot more rain probably caused by the war over here.

“I have some Jerry gloves that I got off a dead one near Metz but some shrapnel holes in it and the felt liners are so stiff that I couldn’t operate my rifle if I had to.”

On January 26 we were relieved by the 26th Division. We moved north and were in Stiebach, Belgium January 30.

Paul Klemmer holds the letter he wrote to his parents January 2, 1945 from Überherrn, Germany.

Adapted and reprinted with permission from The Columbus Republic.“Red” Whittington receives the Legion of Honor from Col. Pierre-Olivier Marchand, French liaison officer, at the Kansas City Reunion Sept. 9, 2017.

COLUMBUS, IND. France honored a Bartholomew County resident for his efforts more than 70 years ago in liberating the city of Metz during World War II.

Charles B. “Red” Whittington, received the Knight of the French National Order of the Legion of Honor during a Sept. 9 ceremony at the 68th reunion of the 95th Infantry Division Association in Kansas City, Missouri.

Col. Pierre-Olivier Marchand, French liaison officer at the Combined Arms Center in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, presented the medal to Whittington on behalf of France’s president, Emmanuel Macron. It’s France’s highest order of merit for military and civilian merits.

Whittington was a member of I Company, 3rd Battalion, 377th Infantry Regiment, 95th Infantry Division, Third U.S. Army. He and his fellow soldiers liberated Metz from the Germans on Nov. 21, 1944, after more than a month of fight-ing.

After sustaining a number of minor wounds over a three-week period, Whittington was seriously injured by artillery shrapnel that brought his combat days to an end. He spent the next nine months in hospitals in England and stateside before he was allowed to return to Bartholomew County.

Together with his wife, the late Glenna Whittington, the St. Louis Crossing native established a degree of financial independence through both property development and

France awards Whittington with Legion of Honoragribusiness. The father of three continued to serve his com-munity as a school bus driver and rural mail carrier until his 1984 retirement.

While keeping most of his wartime experiences to him-self, Whittington has been honored with a Bronze Star, two Purple Hearts, the Combat Infantryman Badge, The Europe-an Campaign Medal with two Bronze Stars, Good Conduct Medal and Victory Medal.

In his acceptance speech, Whittington thanked France’s president for considering him a worthy recipient and mak-ing the award possible. He also recognized those who fought along side him.

“I thank my fellow Iron Men for having been beside me in battle and thank my brothers in arms, who are still here with me today, for their support and loyalty over these past 70-plus years,” Whittington said.

Whittington considers his fellow surviving military com-rades the most precious reminders of that unique period of his life.

“I owe my life to them,” Whittington said in a 2015 inter-view.

That attitude exemplifies the World War II veteran’s con-viction that the highest honors should be reserved for those who made the ultimate sacrifice in every military conflict, said granddaughter Kristin Whittington, who serves on the 95th Association Foundation board of directors.

Nevertheless, the Legion of Honor is a unique honor for her grandfather because it’s the highest recognition from another country, she said.

Whittington and other survivors of his division, known as the Iron Men of Metz for their heroics in liberating the city, previously were honored June 20, 2014, with the dedication of a bridge in their honor: The Iron Men of Metz Memorial Bridge across Clifty Creek on U.S. 31 [near Columbus, Ind.]

Marchand said in his speech that it was an honor and privilege to pay tribute to one of the Iron Men of Metz whose bravery and determination restored hope to millions of people.

“France has not forgotten; France will never forget,” Marchand said.

Marchand noted that while enduring ferocious fighting and unfavorable conditions, Whittington saved the life of Lt. Dan Boulet during a tunnel clearing operation, and also continued fighting despite being wounded three times until a fourth wound required that he be evacuated.

“Thanks to your courage, to France’s American friends and allies, France has been living in peace for seven decades — the longest period of continuous peace in modern French history,” Marchand said.

Reunion Activities in Harrisburg, PAThursday, September 20, 2018Thursday is a free day when most of our guests will arrive. There are no planned activities. There is time to explore, renew acquaintances or relax. The Hospitality Room is anticipated to open sometime Thursday afternoon.

Friday, September 21, 2018 8:30 AM Buses depart hotel for Gettysburg National Park (GNP) 9:30 AM Arrive GNP Visitors’ Center 9:45 AM View film as a group, visit venues individually 11:45 AM Box lunches served12:45 PM Depart for GNP bus tour 3:45 PM Return to GNP Visitors’ Center 4:00 PM Depart GNP for hotel 5:00 PM Arrive hotel 6:00 PM Dinner at hotel

Saturday, September 22, 2018 9:30 AM Buses depart hotel for Fort Indiantown Gap 10:15 AM Rededication Ceremony, 95th Infantry Division Monument10:45 AM View other Monuments at Fort Indiantown Gap11:00 AM Board buses for brief bus tour of Fort Indiantown Gap11:45 AM Return to hotel12:30 PM Victory Belles Luncheon12:30 PM Lunch Buffet 6:00 PM Reception 7:00 PM Banquet

Sunday, September 23, 2018 9:30 AM Catholic & Protestant Services11:00 AM Metz Hour12:00 Noon Adjournment and Departures• All functions, Sunday, are at the Best Western Premier. Join us as we honor the memory of our comrades-in-arms and loved ones who have given so much to the Nation.

95th Infantry Division Memorial at Fort Indiantown Gap

This 40&8 boxcar on display at Fort Indiantown Gap is one of 49 cars that comprised the Merci or Gratitude Train, a gift to the American people from the citizens of France. Pennsylvania received it at a ceremony in Harrisburg on Feb. 6, 1949. All 48 states received a boxcar filled with gifts, ranging from humble offerings to priceless art and antiques. The District of Columbia and the Territory of Hawaii shared the 49th car. Gifts of sacrifice from individuals conveyed each donor’s depth of gratitude to America for liberating France in two world wars and for sending the friendship train, a $40 million food relief effort carried out by American volunteers in 1947, which saved many French citizens from starvation. The 40&8 boxcars, so named because of their capacity to hold either 40 men or 8 horses, transported soldiers and horses to and from French battlefields during WWI. Many WWII soldiers, including many 95th soldiers, rode the boxcars as well. The Merci Train boxcars now stand as a tribute to the sacrifies and bravery of American veterans who served France in two world wars and as a symbol of friendship and gratitude between the people of the United States and the citizens of France.

69th Annual Reunion Registration

Member’s Full Name ________________________________________________________________________________________

Company/Regiment ________________________________________________________________________________________

Spouse’s Name ____________________________________________________________________________________________

Guest’s Name _____________________________________________________________________________________________

Address _________________________________________________________________________________________________

City ________________________________________________ State _____________________ Zip _______________________

E-mail ____________________________________________________________ Phone __________________________________

For additional guests, attach a list.

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Sept 20 - 23, 2018Note: Registration is required for all members, spouses and guests.

_____ Check (Payable to the 95th Infantry Division Association.)_____ Credit Card Circle one: Visa, Master Card, American Express

Name on Card _____________________________________________ Expiration Date ___________________

Credit Card Number ____________________________________________ Security Code ________________

Billing Address (if different from above) ________________________________________________________

Signature ____________________________________________________ Date _________________________Mail completed form and check to 95th Infantry Division Association, P.O. Box 1113, Oklahoma City, OK 73101

Paym

ent

$________

$________$________$________$________

$________$________$________$________

$25.00

$30.00$20.00$12.00

Registration*

Friday, Sept 21: Bus to Gettysburg Gettysburg Tour Box Lunch Dinner Buffet-BW Premier

Saturday, Sept 22: Bus to Indiantown Gap Victory Belles Luncheon Lunch Buffet-BW Premier** Banquet-BW Premier

*Funds Hospitality Room and other incidental expenses**For those not attending Victory Belles Luncheon

ITEM NUMBER COST TOTAL

_______ X

_______ X_______ X_______ X_______ X

_______ X_______ X_______ X_______ X

$____________

$34.00

$30.00$26.50$26.50$35.50

Grand Total

Please list anyone in your party who has food allergies, needs a gluten-free diet, is vegetarian, or has other special needs so we can pass this information along to the chef.

___________________________ ___________________________

Robert E. Badon, 96, Melbourne, Fla.Company C, 379th RegimentCol. Robert E. Baden died peacefully at his home in Mel-bourne, Fla., June 5, 2017. Born and raised in Peoria, Ill., Bob attended Bradley University for one year prior to enter-ing West Point where he met and married his first wife of 51 years, Robin Whitcraft. Bob was a decorated veteran of three wars: WWII, Korea and Vietnam. He retired from the Army at the rank of Colonel in 1973 and went on to enjoy a second, successful career as a senior civil servant with Housing and Urban Development and management con-sultant with a small DC area firm. After 45 years of military and public service, Bob began his well-deserved retirement. Recently widowed, in 1996 he moved to Melbourne, Fla. where he married his second and third wives, Marie Conmy and Dot Bennett (both widows of Bob’s West Point class-mates and long time friends). He is survived by two daugh-ters. He was preceeded in death by three wives, and by his son. He was laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery November 8, 2017.

William Patrick Burke, 91, Garden City, N.Y. Company E, 378th RegimentWilliam P. Burke passed away July 7, 2017. He was born March 17, 1926. William was a Life Member of Steamfitters Local 638. He was buried at Calverton National Cemetery in Riverhead, N.Y., July 14, 2017. William’s wife, Catherine M. Remey Burke passed away January 8, 2018. They are survived by their four children.

Chester H. Felton, 89, Portsmouth, Va. Company A, 379th RegimentChester Harrison “Buddy” Felton, Jr. passed away Apr. 7, 2015. He was a proud veteran of the 95th Infantry Division and was a member of Portsmouth 100 Masonic Lodge and the Scottish Rite. Buddy retired as a captain from the Ports-mouth Fire Dept. after 42 years of service. He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Audrey S. Felton and two children. He was preceded in death by a daughter.

Paul L. French, 94, St. Louis, Mo. 547th, AAAPaul L. French passed away Feb. 5, 2018. He was preceded in death by his childhood sweetheart and wife of 72 years, Marie. Paul was a talented, self-trained artist, and for years he and Marie attended art fairs, where he displayed and sold his works of art. In 1958, Paul and Marie opened and oper-ated their own dry cleaning business, Hub Cleaners. In their younger days, they loved boating on their boat Happiness, which was indicative of both of their perspectives on life.

departed comradesPaul served his country as a Staff Sergeant in World War II from 1943-1946. He was bestowed with 2 Bronze Stars, Good Conduct Medal and Croix de Guerre with Metz Med-al. After retiring from his own business, he earned a degree in civil engineering and began employment at the Defense Mapping Agency until he retired in 1985. He was an active member in his community, local church and the 95th In-fantry Division Association for many decades. He was also nominated for the prestigious French rank of Knight of the Legion of Honor. Paul is survived by two daughters.

Roger Buchanan Garver, 96, Ellet, Ohio HQ Company, 377th Regiment Roger B. Garver passed away July 14, 2017. Roger was born in Ashland, Ohio but lived most of his life in Ellet. He was a First Lieutenant in the 377th Regiment and a driver on the Red Ball Highway. He was awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart and Legion of Honor Medals. Roger worked at B.F. Goodrich for 40 years and retired as manager of truck tire development. Throughout his life, he enjoyed hunting and fishing and playing tennis, bowling and golfing. He and his wife Evelyn traveled to all 50 states and enjoyed many cruises. They also attended yearly reunions of the 95th Infantry Division. Roger was preceeded in death by his wife of 45 years, Barbara Crockett Garver. He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Evelyn Garver and nine children.

Vincent A. Geiger, 96, Murrysville, Pa. Company I, 377th RegimentColonel Vincent A. Geiger passed away Oct. 16, 2017. He was born Mar. 31, 1921 in Export, Pa. A retired officer in the Army, Geiger served four years on active duty during WWII and 28 years stateside in the U. S. Army Reserve. He was drafted into the Army in 1942 as a private, emerging four years later as a captain. His entire career was as an In-fantryman helping activate the 75th Infantry Division at Ft. Leonard Wood, Mo., then through maneuvers in Louisiana before shipping to Europe as a “Replacement” Officer. He fought as a Rifle Platoon Leader and quickly became a Rifle Company Commander with the 95th Infantry Division during which he was awarded the Silver Star, the Bronze Star and Combat Infantry Badge. Col. Geiger is a member of the Hall of Valor in Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum in Oakland, Pa. He was a graduate of the Infantry School at Ft. Benning, Ga. as well as the Command and General Staff College at Ft. Leavenworth, Kan. Return-ing from combat in 1946, he joined the Army Reserve as an Infantry Instructor in the Pittsburgh USAR School advanc-ing in position and rank, eventually advancing to the School Commandant and a colonel. He retired from the military in

Departed Comrades continued on page 11

1974. Pre-World War II and following European Combat, he was employed by the Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States in various mortgage and real estate assign-ments in Pittsburgh and the Middle Atlantic States among which was a stint as Regional Property Manager of Gateway Center, developed in the 1950s as part of the first Pittsburgh Renaissance. Following his military and civilian retirement, he continued working as part owner and operator of the Murrysville Golf Club, one of the oldest public courses in Western Pennsylvania. Vince was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Elizabeth “Betty” Noble Geiger in 2000. He is survived by three children and his second wife, Doris Stokes Geiger.

Gerald Gehrke, 94, New Holland, Ill. Antitank Company, 378th RegimentGerald Gehrke passed away Mar. 3, 2018, at Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital in Lincoln, Ill. Gerald was born on Mar. 1, 1924, in Lincoln. He married Vivian Treakle Dec. 10, 1947, in New Holland. She preceded him in death in January 1992. He married Alta Wood in 1995 in New Holland. She survives him. Also surviving are seven chil-dren and three step-daughters. While with the 95th Infan-try Division, Gerald earned the Bronze Star. Upon return from World War II, he worked as a district sales manager for Fuller Seed Company and as the elected Chairman of the local ASCS county committee. He then began a 25-year career as the County Executive Director of the ASCS office, USDA. After retirement, he served as a Bank Director for the New Holland Farmers Bank, and many years on the Logan County Board of Review. He was a lifelong member of Zion Lutheran Church in New Holland and held many positions at the church. He was a member of the American Legion Post #715 and National Farmers Union and an ac-tive member of the Aid Association for Lutherans. Gerald was a lifelong farmer in the New Holland area.

Loren Ernest Gilhouse, Jr., 97, Missoula, Mont. Company G, 379th RegimentLoren Ernest Gillhouse, Jr. passed away Sept. 6, 2016. He was born in Quincy, Ill., March 26, 1919. After gradua-tion from the University of Illinois in business, Loren was a management trainee for Montgomery Ward for almost a year until he was drafted as a private in the infantry for one year for military preparation prior to Pearl Harbor. When the Pearl Harbor attack occurred, he knew his service time had changed from one year to the duration of the war. He was accepted in the officer training school at Ft. Benning, Ga. After completing this school, he was assigned to the 95th Infantry Division as a 2nd Lieutenant. After a later promotion to Captain and rifle company commander, he was selected to attend the Advanced Infantry Officer Train-ing School, also at Ft. Benning. Loren stayed in the 95th

Division for the duration of the war. He was twice wounded and was awarded two Purple Hearts and the Bronze Star. After returning to the U.S., he was honorably discharged as a Major. During the war, Loren met the love of his life, Wanda June Cooper in Shreveport, La. They were married Nov. 2, 1945, and moved to his hometown of Quincy, Ill. His career was with Quincy Compressor Company begin-ning in 1945, becoming first a Sales Manager and then President of the company in 1962 where he worked until his retirement in March1981. After retiring Loren and Wanda moved to Missoula, Mont. to be near many of his children and grandchildren. Loren is survived by his four children. He was preceeded in death by his wife.

Robert Alexander Keener, Sr., 93, Fountain City, Tenn.“Alex” Keener passed away Dec. 8, 2016. Alex was a mem-ber of Central Baptist Church of Fountain City for 64 years and the Moulders Sunday School Class. He was also a member of Bright Hope Lodge #557 F&AM and Kerbella Temple. Alex was an avid bridge player and played every Wednesday. He was the owner of Keener Lighting. Alex was preceded in death by first wife of 40 years, Dorothy Carson Keener; and second wife, Betty Bailey Keener, of 30 years; and a daughter. He is survived by two daughters and a son.

Thomas Marghella, 91, Bridgeport, Conn. Company A, 379th RegimentThomas Marghella, beloved husband of Teresina Arlia Marghella, died peacefully with his family by his side July 19, 2016. Tommy was born in Vadi, Italy, the son of the late Luigi and Teresa Provenzano Marghella and settled in the Bronx, then raised his family in Bridgeport. A veteran of the 95th Infantry Division, he fought at the Battle of the Bulge. Because many of his fellow soldiers died, he did not talk much about the war, but his family knew he was proud to have served. He was a retired Produce Manager for A&P Supermarket. He was very proud of his summer garden and enjoyed watching his favorite team, the NY Yankees. He cherished all the time he spent with his great-grandchildren playing baseball and going on family vacations. In addition to his wife of 67 years, survivors include his three children.

Willie Oscar Owen, 96, Lexington, N.C. 95th Reconnaissance TroopsWillie Oscar Owen passed away June 17, 2017 at his home.Born in Davidson County, N.C., May 28, 1921, he was a re-tired mechanic with Ford Motor Company, and was known to many as “The Transmission Man.” He served his country in the US Army during World War II and was a member of VFW Post 3074 and American Legion Post 8. He was also a member of Amvets Post NC0013, was an outdoorsman and

Victory BellesGreetings to all Present, Past and Future Victory Belles. Here we are once more looking forward to another

enjoyable time together as the Victory Belles enjoying each other’s company in the State of Pennsylvania. Harrisburg is our destination. More information will soon be available on our website and in this Journal. There will be more informa-tion about the VB in a later letter as well.

Before I move on, I would like to remember Betsy Anderson, wife of Jim Anderson, Past President of the As-sociation. She with her husband were the originators of the Victory Belles. Their foresight has certainly proved benefi-cial. Thanks a lot to them.

Last year Kansas City brought many of us together, actually more than expected. It proved to be an interesting place. Our VB Luncheon cuisine was very good, and the raf-fle provided many interesting and beautiful items. Thanks to everyone who brought items for the raffle.

We are hoping to see many of you again in Harrisburg September 20-23. I am getting anxious for September to come to renew once again friendships on a personal level.

My later correspondence will give more details about the activities and cuisine we will have for this year’s Luncheon. Last year’s entertainment proved to be very entertaining as we learned much about the Harvey Girls from a reenact-ment of that part of history. The lady who was supposed

to do it went to the hospital and couldn’t get there, but she provided for us a replacement who did an excellent job. There is a sad note to this, however. Renard Hagerman, the lady who was to make the presentation, passed away sud-denly about a month after the Reunion.

We are still attempting to collect recipes for a recipe book from the Victory Belles. We would like to have recipes from you and, if possible, a story behind the recipe. Hopefully, af-ter this Reunion, we can investigate where or how this book can be published. Of course, we are looking for raffle items and hope the raffle will be as successful as the last couple of years. More details will be forthcoming in my next corre-spondence, but would like for you to begin thinking about it now. If you have questions, please feel free to call me or email me. I am readily available now that I am retired.

Thanks to all of you for making last year’s VB Luncheon such a success. I am looking forward to Harrisburg and our next time together to enjoy a good time with each other. Mary Beth McCarthy, Executive Secretary, Victory Belles 2608 SW 30th St. Topeka, KS 66611Email: dmccarthy3@ cox.netPhones: 785-267-0887 (H) 785 221 6042 (C)

Susan Feely, Assistant to Secretary3635 Cleveland Ave.Brookfield, IL 60513Email: [email protected]: 708-485-2894

Record your WWII memoriesWant to record your memories with the 95th but can’t

come to a Reunion? Free telephone interviews are available.Since 2004, David Meyer, son of Earl D. Meyer H/379,

has had the privilege to interview and record over 105 WWII veterans of the 95th Infantry Division at 13 U.S. reunions (2004-2016) and two reunions in Metz. He will continue to record interviews at each Reunion.

Each veteran is given a free copy of the recorded inter-view. With the interviewee’s permission, other copies of the recording can be passed on to the 95th Infantry’s Museum in Fort Sill and to the Veterans History Project at the Li-brary of Congress in Washington, D.C.

David records and preserves your memories for free as a gift to the you, your families and the 95th Infantry Division in memory of his own father who passed just after attending the Erlanger Reunion in 2003.

Tell about your own journey—whether you entered the 95th at Camp Swift, Indiantown Gap or joined as a replace-

ment in Europe. Tell about basic training, about the food or the weather. Remember your friends.

Talk about combat or not. What matters is that you have a chance to record some of your memories of service in your own voice and save history that is no longer taught.

Let your great-great-great-great grandchildren 100 years from now, hear your voice, telling them a story.

Since it may be difficult to travel to reunions, David has begun telephone interviews. It is easy.

If you are interested and want more information or to make an appointment, please contact Marsha Flora at 260-271-9133. She will pass your information and questions on to David. David will then call you to set up a time for an interview. Simple as that. No expense to you.

Tell your stories, record your memories so that they will, as Robert Patrick, former Director of the Veterans History Project, wrote to the 95th, “be forever available to instruct, inspire and inform for centuries to come.”

95th Division Legacy AssociationFirst Name ____________________________________ MI ________________ Last Name _________________________________

Address ____________________________________________________________________________________________________

City/State/Zip _______________________________________________________________________________________________

Phone __________________________________ E-Mail ______________________________________________________________

95th Unit ____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Annual Membership $30 __________________________________ Victory Belle Membership $15 ____________________________

Current 95th TD/IET Soldier Annual Membership $15 ________________________________________________________________

Please mail this application, along with your check, made payable to: 95th Division Legacy Association P.O. Box 1113 Oklahoma City, OK 73101

a member of Uncle Jim’s Hunt Club. Surviving are his wife, Barbara Ann Hines Owen and two daughters.

Harry D. Ruppel, Jr., 93, Stuart, Fla. Company A, 379th RegimentHarry D. Ruppel Jr., formerly of Glen Rock, N.J., passed away June 1, 2016. He had been a resident of Stuart, Fla. since 1988. He was the only child born to Harry David Rup-pel and Eleanor (Brennan) Ruppel in Pittsburgh, Pa. Harry served in the 95th Infantry Division where he received the Combat Infantry Badge and the Bronze Star. He worked as a Radio Operator, and this is where his passion for being a HAM Radio and computer enthusiast began. He was a Sales Engineer for General Electric Company for 30 years. Harry was an avid golfer and enjoyed the company of his friends at Martin County Golf Club. He also was a part of the Glen Rock Business Investment Club. Harry especially enjoyed traveling. He visited 6 of the 7 continents and could tell you a interesting story from each place visited. Harry was preceeded in death by his loving wife of 67 years, Mary D. “Rusty” Ruppel. He is survived his daughter.

Departed Comrades continued from page 9 Paul Steinfeld, 97, Halcott Center, N.Y. Company G, 379th RegimentPaul Steinfeld died July 16, 2016 at St. Peter’s Hospice in Albany. He was born Dec. 28, 1918 in the Bronx. As a mem-ber of the 95th Infantry Division, Sergeant Steinfeld was wounded in combat and earned the European African Mid-dle Eastern Theatre Ribbon with two Bronze Stars, Com-bat Infantry Badge, the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star Medal. He was the director of the Cottage School in Pleas-antville, N.Y. and was later promoted to Associate Execu-tive Director of the Jewish Child Care Association in New York City. Scholars have credited Paul with implementing transformative and inclusive policies throughout his career in social work. He and his wife established the Gilead Tree Farm, and he planted thousands of evergreen saplings. Ad-ditionally, he was instrumental in developing the American Friends of Neot Kedumim, a Biblical Landscape Reserve in Israel. Paul appreciated the beauty in nature. He hiked every summit in the Catskills, Mount Marcy in the Ad-irondack High Peaks Region with an elevation of 5343’ and was a member of the Catskill Mountain 3500 Club. Paul is survived by his wife Lillian Danis Steinfeld with whom he celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary June 22, 2016, and their two sons.

Annual Dues - 2018

95th Infantry Division AssociationP.O. Box 1113Oklahoma City, OK 73101

69th Annual ReunionHarrisburg, PA

September 20 – 23, 2018Best Western PremierThe Central Hotel & Conference Center800 East Park DriveHarrisburg, PA 17111Phone: 717-561-2800Access Group Reservations by pressing 4, then 1 and ask for the 95th Infantry Division Association Group Rate

Guests should make reservations as soon as possible by calling the hotel directly. The deadline to reserve your room(s) is Monday, August 20. After this date, rooms may be available, but the rate is not guaranteed. Single (1 King) or Double (2 Queen) room rates are $109.95 plus tax which equals $122.05. Breakfast is not included in the room rate, but the hotel will offer us daily breakfast buffet tickets at the discounted rate of $7.95 per person. To get the group rate, ask for the 95th Infantry Division Association Group Rate. If your group plans to come early or stay late to enjoy other activities in the area, you can get the group rate up to three days prior and three days after our official reunion period when you make your reservation.

You may also book your reservations using this link: https://www.bestwest-ern.com/en_US/book/hotel-rooms.39125.html?iata=00171880&ssob=BLBWI0004G&cid=BLBWI0004G:google:gmb:39125

The host hotel for the Reunion is:

Remember to Pay Your Membership Dues

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