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I am trying to learn more about my father's military history. He passed away recently and never really talked much about his experience while living. He was transferred to the 83rd Division from the 70th Division sometime in June to August 1945 (not 1944) when the rest of his unit was sent home after the war. His name was Richard Rueckel, a Lieutenant in Cannon Company of the 329th Regiment of the 83rd. I would like to know if anyone knew my father or if you didn't know him perhaps you know activities of his unit beginning in June 1945 including the various locations it was transferred, types of duty, port the unit departed Europe, name of ship and arrival port in U.S. I am only trying to learn the info for the 329th and perhaps its Cannon Company and not the activities of the whole division. Perhaps someone could also guide me to a book the might cover this period of his unit.
Most of the info i have read stops shortly after the war ended. Thanks for any help possible. Wally Rueckel at wrueckel@questor.com. Posted 03 July 09
Thanks to you and the message board, I have found so much regarding my brother, Capt. Patrick Murphy. I have written to the tenders of his grave in Margraten, and also, because of this site, will receive all his citations from government archives. I am looking for Lt. Edwards, Jr. or Lt. Berquist of the 331st Infantry. Can anyone help? Bless you all, Margaret Becker at mbecker15@tampabay.rr.com. Posted 01 July 09
Does anyone remember Capt. Patrick Murphy, KIA April 15, 1945? (C Company/331st Infantry) He is buried in the Military Cemetery, Margaraten, Holland. He was my brother, and I would like to connect with anyone who knew him. Thank you, Margaret Becker at
mbecker15@tampabay.rr.com. Posted 20 June 09
I am looking for any information about my Uncle, PFC Sam Oliver, 331st Infantry Regiment, 83rd Division, killed July 10, 1944. His hometown was Lakewood, OH. Thanks, Sam Oliver at olivercpa@sbcglobal.net. Posted 15 June 09
Aloysius J. Hollermann was reported as killed on July 8, 1944. He was a Tec-4 with the 308th Medical Battalion, 83rd Division. Any information about where he was killed would be appreciated. He was my wife's Uncle. Email bschloemer@warpdriveonline.com. Posted 15 June 09
My family and I are looking for any information we can find about our brother and uncle PVT Edward P. McGee Jr. We know very little about his last days. He came from Danbury, CT and served with the 83rd Infantry Division. He was killed on July 28, 1944. Any information or stories from anyone who knew him would be invaluable. Thank you, each and every one of you for your service to this country. James Newton at emailjamesnewton@gmail.com. Posted 15 June 09
I am looking for information about my Uncle TEC5 Charles R. Shaffer, Service # 33355807, of the 83rd Infantry Division, 329th Regiment. He was KIA on July 10th, 1944 somewhere near St. Lo, France. He was 25 years old and from Gouldsboro, PA. If anyone can help me it would be greatly appreciated. I am trying to gather as much information as I can, such as Company, citations, friends, and battles fought. Thank you, Bob Shaffer at pappi24@verizon.net. Posted 09 June 09
There is a photo blog covering 83rd Veterans in Normandy for the 65th Anniversary of the Normandy Invasion. The blog includes photos of veterans Rudy Zamula and Robert Keck attending ceremonies at Colleville-Sur-Mer and the town of Sainteny. The blog is at http://normandy2009.blogspot.com/. Posted 08 June 09
My Dad, John J. Onder, was inducted October 17, 1942 into the US Army; was a Private First Class, 330th Infantry, 83rd Division; Light Machine Gunner 604. Battles and Campaigns: GO 33 and 40 WD 45, Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes, Central Europe. US Light Machine Gun Caliber 30 SS 43; Combat Infantryman Badge 44: us Carrier Caliber 30. Decorations and Citations: Good Conduct Medal, WWII Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 5 Bronze Stars, Purple Heart Medal. The only story he told me was about when they were going to storm the house of Hitler and when they got inside Hitler and all his soilders were gone but their dinner was still on the table and the coffee cups were still warm. I have a lot of the pictures from when he was over there. Does anyone from the 330th Infantry, 83rd Division know my Dad and can tell me more stories? He passed away at the age of 75 from cancer; on August 28, 1997. I miss him so much and would love to learn more about when he was in the Army. I know also that he served under a man named Omar Bradley? Thank you in advance. Barb Karl at dalmatiansrule@gmail.com. Posted 06 June 09
My father, Allen Leroy Christ fought with the 83rd Division in France and Belgium. He landed on Omaha Beach some time in June of 1944. He fought for seven months in various locations and small towns. He received the Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster, Purple Heart, and various other medals mostly after he passed away. He fought in the battle of the Hurtguen Forest along the border between Belgium and Germany. He was wounded some time in January in the Hertguen Forest. He carried a bible in his top pocket during the "push". When he finally got to the hospital the nurses undressed him and told him that "he may want to keep the bible that he carried in his pocket." When he opened the bible he found that the bible had stopped at piece of scrapple that surely would have pierced his heart. I still have that bible with that piece of steel. I know for sure that without the bible I wouldn't have existed. So in essence the bible was as precious to me as it was to him. I am looking for anyone that may have fought with him or may remember him. He was from a small farm town of Leesport, north of Reading, PA. He was one of five brothers. One brother had died very young. I would love to talk to anyone that may have been there with him. I am very proud of what my father and his generation did for the world. They truly are the greatest generation. Their sacrifice is unmatched in our country. My father's life was one of constant sacrifice. Before the war that farm boy was a very talented musician so much so that he applied and was accepted at the Julliard School of music. He saved every penny he made so he could go to Julliard and maybe could have been a great composer or musician. Instead, he gave his money to his younger brother so he could get a college education while he went off to Europe to fight. As I said before, his life was a life of constant sacrifice. I never realized what he had done until I was in my early twenties. At that time I realized what they had all done and the life that they all gave me. I understood that I should be grateful ever day of my life. From my early twenties to about five years ago I would call him religiously on the morning of June 6 thanking him for what he had done. I knew that as each year passed there would come a time when I could no longer thank him for what he had done. Today he is gone and I no longer have the ability to hear his voice when I thank him. The funny thing is that he never considered himself a hero. He used to say to me that the real heroes are buried on the hill above Omaha. Such a humble man he was. In conclusion, I would love to hear from someone that remembers him or may have fought along side of him. Todd Christ at tchrist@chpk.com. Posted 06 June 09
The 65th Anniversary of the Invasion of Normandy takes place on 6 June. There will be many ceremonies in Normandy celebrating the invasion and liberation of France, and Rudy Zamula and Roberet Keck, 83rd Division veterans, will be traveling to France for several of the events.The town of Sainteny, which was liberated by the 83rd Division on 10 July 1944 will have a display at the church. Jean Paul Pitou, a French member of the 83rd Infantry Division Association, will be in charge of the display. There will be a ceremony on 7 June at the Sainteny Stele, then Rudy Zamula will open the Flag room in the town hall. This room contains State flags presented by the 83rd Division Association to the town of Sainteny. The display in the church will be open on Saturday, 6 June from 10:00am to 5:00pm, and from 2:00pm to 7:00pm on Sunday, 7 June. Thanks to Jean Paul Pitou for this information. Posted 01 June 09
Would like any information about my father, James Verne "Pop" Cunningham, who died April 12, 1945 in Barby, Germany. He was in Company G, 329th Infanty Regiment, 83rd Division. He trained in Ft. Croft. He was older than the others in his troop, and was called "Pop", or so I have heard. I was only 3 when he was killed, so I know little. Contact Norma at NJRDOR@AOL.COM. Posted 30 May 09
[Webmaster note: PFC B. C. Loschiavo is listed with the 329th Infantry Regiment as Killed In Action. It is probable that his status was changed from MIA to KIA even though his remains were never found.]
I am looking for information about my grandfather who was in the 308th Engineers, trained in Camp Sherman, Ohio. Any information will be appreciated. His name was Herbert Stanley Scott. Thanks, Herbert Fitzer at hfitzer@zanesville.k12.oh.us. Posted 14 May 09
The 63rd Annual Reunion of the 83rd Infantry Division Association will be held at the Dolce Valley Forge Hotel in King of Prussia, PA on August 12th through the 15th. Complete information and registration forms are available in a registration package (reunion pack.pdf) that can be downloaded from the 83rd Infantry Division Legacy Chapter Google Group at http://groups.google.com/group/83rd-infantry. Posted 29 Apr 09
The municipality of Dol-de-Bretagne (Brittany, France) is searching for information about the family of Colonel Robert T. Foster (regimental commander, 330th Infantry). A new monument will be dedicated on 9 August 2009 in the memory of Col. Foster, Sgt Pusta and Cpl. O'Donnell, who saved the Cathedral and the city of Dol-de-Bretagne from destruction. If you have any information, please contact me at noslier1@voila.fr. Thank you, Antoine Noslier. Posted 03 Apr 09
I have been searching the internet for information about my great-grandfather and It led me here. His name was Martin Sawatzky, and he served in the 772nd Tank Destroyer Battalion and he was killed April 6th 1945 in Germany from what I am told. I am just looking for any possible information about him, his unit, or his battles. Please contact me with any possible information, and thank you. Robin Christianson at chri0059@go.century.edu. Posted 29 Mar 09
[Webmaster note: The 772nd Tank Destroyer Battalion was attached to the 83rd Division from 22 December 1944 to 1 January 1945.]
I am looking for anyone that might remember my father, Charles B. Stine. He is currently in a nursing home for rehab. He was drafted in Oct 1942 and discharged Dec 7, 1945 and then re-enlisted in Sept 1949. He served in the 83rd Infantry Division in WWII and the 25th Infantry Division in the Korean War. His ending rank was Sgt. 1st Class. He used to attend the Army reunions until my mother had to go on dialysis and he had to quit attending. He recieved the Purple Heart for being wounded in Germany. Thank You, Linda Hilbert overtherainbow@md.metrocast.net. Posted 16 Mar 09
I am looking for information about my father, Richard Rueckel, who served as Executive Officer of Cannon Company, 329th Infantry Regiment from approximately June or July 1945 through May 1946. He served with the 70th Infantry Division until the end of the war, when he was transferred to the 329th Infantry. I have been able to reconstruct his record with the 70th Division, but have been unable to learn much about his service with the 83rd Division during the occupation. Please contact me at wrueckel@questor.com with any information about my father or about Cannon Co./329th Infantry during the occupation. Thank you, Wallace Rueckel. Posted 04 Mar 09
I am trying to find out more information about my grandfather, Dominick Capparelli who served as a radio man (communications) for the 83rd Thunderbolt Division. He was from NJ and his serial number was 32204558. He may have been in the 329th Infantry Regiment. James Brown at jbrown@cwcboe.org. Posted 09 Feb 09
A few years ago I recovered a mess tin from the battlefield near Gey, Germany (Hurtgen Forest). It was punctured with shrapnel holes but still in decent shape. Now I'm looking for any information on the previous owner. In the mess tin there was an inscription saying "Cruickshank EC". I hope someone can help, thanks, Ray from Holland, raimondobogaars@yahoo.com. Posted 09 Feb 09
Sadly reporting to you that Allison R. Shrawder, (89) passed away 1-5-09. He was in the 83rd, S/Sgt D Company 331st. He was originally drafted into the Army in 1941, 6 months before Pearl Harbor and put into the Cavalry at Fort Riley and then sent to Fort Dix. Later (42) he was sent to join the newly forming 83rd at Camp Atterbury. "Al" served with the 83rd from Atterbury all the way through to when the war was over. Although from Bridgeton, New Jersey, he moved to Indiana to marry my Mother, Carol, whom he had met while on a weekend pass when the 83rd was at Camp Breckinridge, KY. (They wrote each other every day while the 83rd was in Europe) He became a successful buisnessman eventually becoming Vice President of Shane Uniform Manufacturing Company in Evansville, Indiana. After the Shane Co. was bought out he was a executive for the home office of Atlas Van Lines in Evansville for several years before retiring. Dad did not speak much of the war but did enjoy attending the 83rd reunions for many years. (I did hear some great, and sad stories from him and friends at a few of the 83rd reunions I was able to attend with him the last few years) Dad earned 5 campaign ribbons and the Bronze Star but when asked what brave act he did to earn it he would smile and said he recieved it for delivering the mail under fire. I believe Dad is now in a greater place and at peace, back with Mom who had passed in 1989. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Paul A. Shrawder at pjshrawder@comcast.net. Posted 05 Feb 09
I have two uncles, Joe Petrucci (83rd Thunderbolts) and Frank Petrucci (4th Division) who met each other along the wall in Carentan, Normandy in June 1944. I am visiting Normandy for the first time and would like to hear from anyone who may have any recollection of this event. Apparently, a NY Times photographer was there and snapped a photo (which my family has), but that is all I know. Any details of the meeting between my two uncles would be most gratefully appreciated. Thank you! Please email: michael.monica@mac.com. Posted 27 Jan 09
My beloved daddy, Rocco Catalfamo, ("CAT") was a scout with the 83rd Division, 330th Infantry and a liberator of Buchenwald. He died at the age of 82 on October 24, 2008 from Alzheimer's/Pneumonia. He first caught pneumonia in Belgium and was nursed back to health by a Belgian family. He also served as a Graves Registration person and worked with the War Crimes Division after the war. Here is a piece about him published in the local paper and his obituary. I asked people instead of flowers to send a donation to the Holocaust Museum.
Sunday, 20 July 2008--On July 14, my father, Rocco Catalfamo, was taken by ambulance to what will probably be his last home at Beacon Ridge Nursing Home. Recent gall bladder surgery, diabetes, and late-stage Alzheimer's have compromised his ability to swallow and therefore eat, making it only a matter of time. He is one of our remaining World War II combat veterans, who once served in Gen. George Patton's honor guard and was trained as a Ranger and a scout. My father was the son of southern Italian immigrants, who came to the United States and settled in Canandaigua, N.Y., in the early 20th century. My family stories are full of strong women, religious men and also acts of kindness.
During the Great Depression, my grandmother's house was "marked" by hoboes because she never turned one away. My grandfather was a sweet, strict, holy man, who rescued broken statues from the Catholic Church, fixed them and implanted them around his house amidst flickering prayer candles. All these were overseen by a velvet Jesus, whose eyes pierced you no matter where you stood in the room.
When my dad graduated from high school, he went straight into World War II. A combat infantryman in the 83rd Thunderbolt Division, he fought all over Europe. His feet froze at the Battle of the Bulge and a Belgian family nursed him back to health when he caught pneumonia.
In April 1945, my father went on reconnaissance to link up the 3rd Army with the 4th Army. It was his division that overran Buchenwald concentration camp, liberated more than 1,000 prisoners and forced the mayor of the town to feed them and give them fresh water. My father never revealed the details of this until I was a history graduate student. He told me, "Sometimes I still smell it." When my twin daughters were at East Pike, he visited their classroom and told the children, "You must never let this happen again - to anyone." It was perhaps this experience with extreme human tragedy that combined with his family's religious values to make him especially respectful of all people and insistent upon fairness for all.After the war, the GI Bill paid for technical school, and he became business manager and negotiator for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers in western Pennsylvania. In later life he worked with dependent, neglected children for child welfare and was the president of his SEIU service workers local.
In the '60s when I was a peace activist, my father told me, "I disagree with you, but I fought in World War II so that you can protest and have your own opinion." When I wanted to visit war-torn Central America in the 1980s to see for myself the results of our foreign policy, he said to me, "I don't want you to see war. But if you insist upon going, then I want to be in this with you, so I'll give you money to go." He always kept himself informed on all the issues and had an open mind.
We moved my dad to Indiana from Pittsburgh in 2006 after my mother died. By that time, he already had Alzheimer's. We are at his journey's end. It could be a day, it could be a year, but he has a living will and it says "no tubes." He is only capable of garbled speech, no longer smiles, and there is no telling how much he understands. I try to be upbeat and make him laugh with silly antics. On two occasions recently I asked him, "Daddy, who are you going to vote for in November - Democrat or Republican?" On both occasions, he loudly exclaimed - as best as he could - "Democrat!" In the end we search for meaning. My father engaged in life and always fought for the most vulnerable and believed that government should do so, too. He was all about fairness and respect for all humans.
As my father's only child, I believe that this may be the most important election in which we will ever participate. Patriotism is not about bumper stickers and flag pins. It's about democratic civic engagement - all year long and not just in election years. Our decision in 2008 will determine whether government will work for the few or for the many, for the weakest or only for the strong..I believe that if I do not learn everything I can about the candidates and their positions, and vote responsibly and strategically, and not just out of self-interest, I am betraying my father, my family values and the values he fought for in World War II. Please inform yourself, register and vote.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Dr. Catherine C. "Chris" Catalfamo has lived in Indiana since 1995 and was formerly a professor of U.S. history at St. Vincent College in Latrobe. She is a former president of the Historical and Genealogical Society of Indiana County; was involved in the Blairsville Passport to Freedom Underground RR Experience; and is on the executive committee of the Indiana County NAACP chapter. Her twin daughters attend Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where her husband teaches education.
Catherine C. "Chris" Catalfamo at catalfamo1190@comcast.net. Posted 25 Jan 09
Abraham Bishop, 92, of Tamarac, Fla., passed away Sunday, Jan 11, 2009. Born in Weissport on June 21, 1916, he was the son of the late David and Rose Bishop. Abraham was a graduate of Lehighton High School, Lehighton, Class of 1933. He moved to Hazleton, where he was in the auto wrecking and used car business, then later worked in the garment industry. Abraham served in the Army during World War II with the 331st Infantry Regiment of the 83rd Division of Ohio. He participated in five battle campaigns and was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge and Bronze Star. He retired from the Army Reserves where he attained the rank of Major. Upon retirement in 1980 as a plant manager in the garment industry, he moved to Tamarac, Fla. Here he enjoyed many years of playing golf, cards, bowling and spending time with his family and friends. Abraham was an active member of Congregation Migdal David Synagogue. In addition to his parents, Abraham was preceded in death by sisters, Bertha Saidman and Grace Klemow. Surviving are his loving wife of 67 years, Beulah Bishop; children, Richard S. Bishop and his wife, Faye, Scranton; Janis K. Block and her husband, Barry, Aventura, Fla.; and Rosanne B. Namm and her husband, Michael, Aventura, Fla.; grandchildren, David, Stefanie and Craig; great-grandchildren, Fiona Rose Bishop, Celia Traub and Charlotte Traub; and a sister, Esther Goodman, Boca Raton, Fla. Funeral services were held Wednesday at Star of David Cemetery, 7701 Bailey Road, North Lauderdale, Fla. Shivah will resume Sunday and Monday from 7 to 9 p.m. at 7 Pen Y Bryn, Scranton. Donations in memory of Abraham can be made to Lighthouse for the Blind at http://www.LHOB.org. Information submitted by James D. West, http://www.indianamilitary.org/. Posted 18 Jan 09
I am seeking information on my Father, Hollis Finley Cooper, born in Union County, Mississippi. I do not know where he served, but I found a book he had that is titled, "329 BUCKSHOT INFANTRY REGIMENT" A History. It was published in Occupied Germany, July, 1945. Edited by 1st. Lt. Daniel P. O'Conor. I will list some of the men who signed his book. If they are alive, I would love to get in touch with them. My Father died in April of 1980. I could never get my Dad to discuss the war with me and I want to know if they remember my Father. I know he was shot in the toe by a Sniper and was sent to an England Hospital. He was a first or second Company Scout. Names: Louie Salas, Los Angeles, California; Merkel Blankenshik, Eureka, California; Sgt. Harold Keefer, Parburg, Pennsylvania; Malcom Davis, San Larenyo, California; Warren G. Black, Albertoville, Alabama; Henery Glennbiewski, McKees Rocks, PA; Francis Sedlisky, Pennsylvania; John Pitner, Chester, PA; Frank S. Wierzua, Chicago, IL; "SMILEY" Szymielervig, S. Boston, Mass. In appreciation, Don Coooper at Kay.Williams@gctsd.k12.ar.us. Posted 18 Jan 09
Our family is looking to replace lost photos of G Company/331st Infantry Regiment. Our father, Captain Joseph Macaluso, was the commanding officer of G Company. All of the photos that he had were lost during the New Orleans hurricane. There was no structural damage to the house that he built and raised his family in, but six feet of water in the house destroyed all the photos that we had started to catalog. The lost photos include those of both our father and mother, who was a nurse with the 110th Evac Hospital. They met in Luxembourg during the Bulge. We would like to hear from any G Company veterans or their family members who may have copies of these photos. Thank you, Kathleen Powers at POWERSGANG@aol.com. Posted 08 Jan 09
My Grandfather, Alvin C. Hitchcock served in the 83rd, 331st, Machine gun Company A during WW I. From what I know, he trained at Camp Sherman until Feb 1918 and he mustered out in Feb 1919. I'd be interested to know where that unit was deployed in France during that time period and where I might find a unit history. John Hitchcock at jhitchcock44022@yahoo.com. Posted 05 Jan 09
My Grand Uncle was Horace E Parker, and all I know is what is on his VA marker: OHIO, Tec5, Co L, 329 Infantry, World War II, BSM. He passed away on 30 Jan 1963, when I was 9. I am assuming that he served the entire time that the 83rd was active. If you've been in the military, you know about assumptions! He lived in Cincinnati, Ohio. I'm looking for any information about him and/or pictures. Thanks in advance, Philip G. Parker at ohioeagle@msn.com. Posted 03 Jan 09