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April 2002 Newsletter
For all veterans, relatives and friends of the
89th INFANTRY DIVISION
WORLD WAR II
Look Familiar?
Table of Contents: Click on the Link Below to Go To That Section:
Announcements and Editor's Notes
Website Developments
Email List Update
Taps
Letters and Exchanges
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Announcements, Editor's Notes and Website Developments
Announcement from the President
In our previous issue, I remarked that our First Vice President, Bob Anderson had tendered his resignation
as Vice President due to the devastating loss, through illness of his wife, Rosemary. But now, I am happy to
report that Bob contacted me three or four weeks ago by phone, after several of us, including me, had been
telling Bob we needed him. Bob gave me permissions to tear up his resignation, which I have done.
On February 5th, six of us, including myself, our two living past presidents, Dick Lee and Phil McAuliffe, and
three others, all key members of our Society, met downtown in Washington, D.C., to discuss the future of
our society, our finances, our decision-making process, our membership, and three other matters of
administration; all of which we plan to present to your Executive Board meeting scheduled to take place
August 21st in Indianapolis, for their approval. The outcome of those discussions will then be
presented to the membership at our membership business meeting scheduled to take place on Friday,
August 23rd, also in Indianapolis. The views of our Minnesota group, which meets periodically at Fort
Snelling and contains two vice president and other key persons, were taken into account.
Suffice to say to you at this time, we recognize that many of our "younger" members do not
agree to close down the Society after our 2004 Reunion as I, for one, had been thinking.
Therefore, after adjusting my past thinking pertaining to the dissolution study initiated by our deceased
former President, Don Johnson, we are now surging ahead with some new ideas. One of these
ideas is to pass on the legacy of the 89th Division to younger people through changes in our By-Laws.
To seek new (non-voting) types of "descendant" Army Reserve organizations. And last but not least we
hope to expand a category of "Friends" of our society.
Dwelling on the word "Legacy" for a moment. The other day, it literally hit right between the eyes that our
legacy of younger generations must include not only the history of our WWII fighting units, but perhaps of
greater importance, the general response by our WWII generation to the seriousness of the need to mobilize
ourselves into a 13 million member armed force, which together with the civilian work force, won the greatest
war in history. This type of thinking has led us to conclude…we must seek wider involvement of younger
leadership. What do we mean by younger leadership? We mean those members who are currently in
their mid-seventies. Let it be know, here and now, we have some younger leadership in our current vice
presidents. If someone in the mid-seventies wishes to seek the presidency of our Society at the next
Indianapolis Reunion, please make you known. Otherwise, you can count on my expectation to seek
two more years, carrying us to 2004.
Please note that I have filled two vacancies in the Executive Board due to the deaths of Past President, Jim Wilson, and Dave Willis.
One of these replacements, Wesley Matson, is also in the mid-seventies group. Looking forward to seeing
you all again in Indianapolis.
Editor's Notes
I welcome the remarks from our President included above and his obvious
intent to maintain the Society’s existence for as long as meaningful
and possible. While his statement makes no note of it, as a “younger”
member and resident in the DC area, I was invited by former President Don Johnson
to participate in the meetings of his Washington advisors which was the
genesis of our website. I have, as the opportunity has presented itself, made
known my own views and this continued under President Peterson for some time
until serious discussions began on the Society’s future and modus operandi.
As the stated purpose of my invitation was to provide “new blood” to the
Washington Group, I actively entered into all these discussions.
For the first two years or so I was immersed in the website, email list
and newsletter but by the end of last year began to worry seriously about the Society’s
future and relevance. My view was that we could no longer rely on the status quo,
e.g., past practices or traditional biannual reunions to make the
important and timely decisions given the diminishment of our member
base and rapidly changing conditions.
In an attempt to assist and give some coherence and background
to the process of review by the President and his advisors, I
did considerable research to assist the group and myself in identifying
the critical issues, alternative approaches and integrated actions required
and to illustrate the necessity for urgency. For reasons
best explained by the President, I was not invited to the final
meetings, which have led up to the material summarized in this month’s TRW.
The final material approved by the President reflects many of my
own concerns and while I have some disagreement or disappointments with
parts of them, this is to be expected and they are not critical. Overall. It’s a
job well done! What is critical, however, and the purpose of this personal
statement, revolves about two issues, i.e., (1) an adequate and fair
opportunity for the general dues-paying membership to participate in or
contribute to the decision making process, not just those willing and
able to attend the next reunion, and (2) the absence so far of any
opportunity for the general membership to express their opinion
in a proxy vote or similar democratic device.
I will continue to encourage or Society leaders to seek
membership inputs on important matters in a timely manner using all the communication tools
at their disposal. I also urge members to make their views
and suggestions known to our Society officers at any time and through
any communication process, especially before our reunion convenes.
ASTP/OSC
The article is completed but because of its length and many photos, it will still require some time
for converting to HTML format. We will advise you when it is online.
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Website Developments
We have added a number of new items to the website. First of all, detailed information on the
2002 Reunion in Indianapolis can be found by clicking here: 2002 Reunion Information
The following new stories have also been added in April. Please double click on the
title to go to that story.
Wes Brown: Approach to Zwickau (added 4/02)
Geary Stearns: Unbidden Memories (added 4/02)
Ernie Crowther: 2nd Battalion Medics - 354th Infantry (added 4/02)
Ralph W. Hotchkiss: The Infantry Replacement System (added 4/02)
Clyde Solmon: A Three Day Pass (added 4/02)
Earl Ott: A Day's Work (added 4/02)
Geary Stearns: Souvenirs and Memorabilia (added 4/02)
John Herbert--A Silver Star Story and Award (added 4/02)
Ed Quick: Hill 501 (added 4/02)
Robert Woodrum: Recollections of WWII (added 3/02)
Morgan I Doyne: ASTPR (Reserve) (added 4/02)
Phillip Leveque--ASTP: Alchemy For a Foxhole (added 3/02)
Phillip Leveque--ASTP: The Army's Waste of Manpower (added 3/02)
A. Hirsch: Ohrdruf Remembered (added 4/02)
Ralph Cole: Ohrdruf-North Stalag III (added 4/02)
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Email List Updates
Welcome to our new electronic readers listed just below and including any changes of addresses
for current subscribers. The full and latest list of veterans, relatives and friends of the Division
is available upon request to the Editor members. The updated addresses of veterans will
be included on our website as time permits. Use of these listings is restricted to non-commercial
inquiries and similar correspondence, please!
LEISERDOFF, Eric E Co, 353rd Inf
CARROLL, JIM Co, 353rd Inf
MANION, Donald T-I Co, 354th Inf
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Taps
Richard J. McCarthy, 714th Ord Co
I regret to inform you of the death of Richard J. "Mac" McCarthy of the 724 Ord Co NS THE 79 Ord
Co. He passed away in the later part of January 2002.
Peter Walker Co I, 355th Inf
If the death of Peter Walker was mentioned in the pages of 'Rolling W', I missed it. He was
communications sergeant in Co I, 355th Infantry, in North Carolina, France and Germany, my sergeant,
and a good friend. He died some two years ago, and I learned of it only recently. His wife
may be contacted at 2907 Garfield, Washington NW, DC 20008.
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Letters and Exchanges
These communications are repeated here roughly in order of receipt.
Misspelling
From: Eric Leiseroff
Came across your excellent work regarding the History of the 89th. I notice my story is included.
For this I thank you very much. However please note my name is LEISEROFF, you misspelled the
name. It is a long time since I left Germany (1941) was part of the US Victory fighting with the
89th against the same people I lived with only 3 and 1/2 years before. When I watch
some of the History Channels Documentaries I get still chills as I see many of the Jews
being persecuted and I could have been one of them. Many of my friends and
families did not make it.
To have been able to go back and fight against the Nazis as a young kid just
turned 19 was a great satisfaction. Thanks for keeping the 89th History alive for future generations.
81 Waldo Ave
White Plains NY 10606
[Editor's reply Dear Eric: A thousand pardons for misspelling your name—a cardinal sin.
I will include your note in our next newsletter and also add you to our email listings. Hope we see
you at the reunion.]
Request for Photo Identity
From: W. W. Mullen
I just discovered your 89th Infantry Division website. My father was in the 658th FA Bn which
arrived in Le Harve, France in February 1945 and staged at Camp Lucky Strike. I have a photo (attached),
which may have been taken there. I world be very grateful for any assistance you might provide to
identify the photo.
Thanks, Bill Mullen
[Editor: [Perhaps our expert, Gregor Duerbaum duerbaum@t-online.de, or someone else can help Bill.]
Exchange with an Army Researcher about 89er Nunzi Casavola
From: Bill Carman
I recently found your website and I welcome such a well-put-together site. It makes research such a
pleasure and so much more rewarding for folks like me. I am seeking information about a former member
of the 89th Infantry Division, Nunzi Casavola. Mr. Casavola passed away in February 1981, but he
apparently had a very full life. One of them, being awarded the Silver Star and Bronze Star with
Oak Leaf Cluster.
I recently acquired these two awards and am looking to find the story behind them. I would welcome
any information from you or forward this mail to your membership. Please feel free to email me
anytime or forward this mail to your membership. Many thanks and best regards.
[Editor :] We will be pleased to include your message in our Newsletter for this month.
I am reasonably certain we can provide you with some information. Thanks you for your kind
comments. If you are interested in the history of our division, besides referring to our
website, you may wish to subscribe to our official magazine, The Rolling W. I can
provide you more information if you wish, including a listing of all vets with email addresses.
Carmen: Sorry for the delay in getting back to you, but life thrust its unexpected foot is the
aisle. Anyway, as I mentioned I recently acquired the Silver band Bronze Stars for Nunzi Casavola. I am
somewhat of an amateur historian and collector. Part of what I do is put the history and
research together for pieces like this. Through my avocation I try to keep alive the soldiers
what have passed away. It's a hobby. But my hobby has opened the eyes of some younger folks
as the courage and devotion and sacrifice that all veterans have put forth. I do not know what
unit Mr. Casavola was a member of, that is why I turn to you and your website.
Perhaps some of the 89th will recall him and share their memories. I have not been
able to find an Order of Battle/sub-unit listing for the 89th. Does someone have information regarding that?
Thanks again, looking forward to seeing your newsletter. Bill Carman
[Editor: I hope some of our colleagues can help Bill with his worthy quest!]
Connecting--Sometimes it Doesn't Work
[The following message has been edited to protect the writer's privacy.]
Your message (inviting him to join the Society, be included on our email list, and attend
our next reunion) was very thoughtful and I appreciated it. I have decided, however, not to
proceed and further in contacting ex-89th Division personnel and request that you not post
my email address. Stepping back in time is just too emotional. It is the same with my school
reunions...I'm always overcome and have trouble sleeping for several days, It is sad, my
wife doesn't understand it, neither do I. I did telephone…at the number you provided me
and had a most pleasant conversation with him. It is interesting how similar our early
careers were…Yet, we never met. While it was an enjoyable conversation, I didn't sleep for
several days as I kept thinking about the 89th years. Thanks again for your courtesy and
assistance.
[Editor; We were happy to be of service, respect your reasons, and still
hope you might join your comrades for probably the last or next to last
opportunity ever to meet again. God bless!]
Search for Friends of My Father
From: Sandra Orvananos
This is my 1st attempt to locate living veterans of World War II that served with my father, W M BANE of
Texas. My father is alive. He is 81 years old and often talks to me about his service in World War II. He
was in the 89th Infantry Division, 340th Field Artillery, attached to Headquarters Battery-Medical. My father was
a medic in the 89th Infantry Division under Capt. Ernest (?) Harold, M.D. and has talked about Frank Salana
from California and Raymond Brown form Iowa.
If you can of any help guiding me to a source where I can locate any living veterans that might have served with
my father, it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.
[Editor: PS. Suggest you also write to Gerry Bowers, gebowers@brinet.com, our Society Artillery
Representative. Hopefully, you will also get some responses from my 340th buddies.]
ASTP/OSC Exchange
From: Dick Colosimo
Dear Dick:
Just wanted to let you know that I have finished the subject article, at long last. I only need now to scan
(just got a new scanner) the pictures, give them captions, and place them in the copy, with the help of Mark.
OSU is cooperating and it will go on both our websites. I have made note of your contributions and
am sorry it has taken so long. The final act of proofing, adding pictures, etc., really took me done memory
lane again, sometimes with tears in my eyes. Hope all is well with you and the family. Will you being
going to the reunion in August?
Dear Scotty:
Congratulations! It certainly wasn't easy to write a long treatise such as you have undertaken. I'm sure we
can all wait a little longer. I have been trying to write an article about my experience at Ohrdruf. I'll be looking
forward to reading your paper. I'm sure I'll shed a few tears as well. Thanks for including me on the
website.
[Editors note: As indicated, this article will soon appear on our website. It will also be made available to the
TRW Editor for publication, space permitting, and for use at our next reunion where ASTP will be on the
agenda.]
Request for info on Joe Coleman 354th
From: Della Moore
My friend, Joe Coleman, served in the 89th during WWII, and has asked me if I can find out anything about
the company in which he served: Company E, 354th Infantry regiment. I would appreciate any help you
can give me. Many thanks
Request for info on Sgt. Lane-353red
From: David Lane
Dear Sir:
I hope you will be able to help me. I am trying to find out as much information
as I can about my father Dow Mack Lane who was a SGT in Company I, 353rd
Infantry. It was only last week that I found an old citation that provided
this in formation, and thus began my search trying to find a link to
his participation with the 353rd in WWII. My father never spoke much
about the war, and always seemed distant when it was mentioned. He
passed away in 1989. Now, many years I find myself and my family
wanting to know more about his service and the path the he took across Europe
in WWII. I would be most appreciative for as much information that you can
provide that would give me more insights to how I can possible link up
with others in Company I, or those who may have known him. I am hoping
that my brothers and I can find enough information to retrace some
of his steps across Europe later this year or next. I will be most
thankful for any information you can provide.
My father's info:
Sgt. Dow Mack Lane
Service # 33841890 Company I, 353rd Infantry.
He was from Scott Country, VA
[Editor] Dear David:
Your message epitomizes the reason my son and I have developed our 89th
Div Newsletter and Website. I assume you have located us through our website
and reviewed our history. Your letter will appear in this month's Newsletter,
which will be online very shortly. You may also wish to contact James Horner
directly, who is the Society Organizational Representative for the 353rd.
His email address is Jhorn72@aol.com, mailing address is 15746 Walkwood
Dr., Houston, TX 77079, and telephone No. is 281 493-6885.
The Society is in the process of revising its bylaws to encourage special
memberships for relatives and friends of 89th veterans. In the interim,
you may it find it useful and interesting to subscribe to our official
magazine, The Rolling W, for an annual subscription rate of $20. I can
give you more information regarding this if you are interested plus
listing you, with your father's name, on our email listings. Just let
me know.
Raymond Kitchell, Editor
Another Relative Seeker
From: Doug Allison
My name is Doug Allison and I have recently found out that my great
uncle was in the 89th division, 353rd regiment, Company C. He
was a machine gunner with the rank of Seargent. I was wondering if
you had any specific information on his unit or company or if you
could put me in touch with someone who might have been in the 353rd C-company.
Thank you very much, and nice work on the website.
Missent Communication
From: Jim Carroll, 353rd Inf
Hi Mark-I have been trying to contact your Dad. Hope you can help
out. Jim. Hi Scotty-This is my third try at sending this
message. Obviously, the operation of a computer is over my head and
beyond sending and receiving e-mails on my standard format. Anyway,
my name is Jim Carroll and I was is in M Co, 353rd Inf Reg.
The IPA refers to the International Police Association, which is the
largest friendship organization in the world for active and retired peace
officers. All in the best of friendship.
[Editor] Hi Jim -Mark did contact me but I've been having Internet
connection troubles of my own for the past few weeks. As soon as I
finish here, I'll add your name to our email list and send you the
latest version. Let me know if you have any problems downloading it.
Scotty
More Glimpses of the Past
From: Ed Quick. Btry B, 340th FA Bn
Darrel,
What a fantastic memory! It is absolutely clear to me now that
B-7 was NOT the awkward vehicle you grew to hate. I don't remember
that particular command car you drove at Butner, but I do recall
what one looked like, since my memory was jogged by your excellent
description.
Yes, B-7 was a weapons carrier, as you say, and during our days in
combat I rode on one of those wooden benches you described that
faced each other in the rear of the vehicle. Again as you say,
access to those seats was through the rear tailgate. After the
war, when I drove B-7, my big (96 pound) German Shepherd, Fritz, could
clear that tailgate in one bound when he accompanied me on a trip.
And yes, Marty was the machine gunner on that same B-7, his .50 cal.
machine gun pedestal mounted. The front seats were buckets. It had
four-wheel drive but no low transmission like a Jeep. And also like a
Jeep, but unlike a 6 x 6, it did not have to be double clutched.
The Jeep had a reputation for being able to go anywhere, but those who made
that comment never tried to drive one in soft sand or foot deep mud, where
it would sink to its axles and expire. The weapons carrier's big balloon
tires did far better under those circumstances.
The other weapons carrier, which was manned by the wire crew I only
vaguely remember. Probably Linden Seamons rode in that one. I
recall you telling me about Lazy always lying in the same spot on
trips with you. Was it somewhere near the engine where she could
enjoy the warmth? I've forgotten. And was it the wire crew's
weapons carrier you drove at 20 Grand?
Now you've got ME going on this memory kick.
QUICK, Edward C. Pfc., Very Emeritus 13184633
[Editor to Darrell: Perhaps you would be so kind as to resend me
your letter which precipitated Ed's interesting reply. I lost it.]
Complaint from Darrel Carnell-Btry B. 340th FA
[Editor: In view of my above gaff, I will try to mollify my buddy by
including his oft-repeated lament to me and promising to correct my
ways.]
His name was Lightbown, dammit! NOT Lightbaum. He was an upperclassman
when I was a freshman at the University of Florida. He was a SAE while
I was a PKPhi and our fraternity houses were next to each other. I
passed him two or three times a day as he was going to, and I was returning
from, class. We invariably greeted each other, although I never knew
his name until we met at HLMR. I was saddened to read of his passing
a couple of years ago in TRW. I always liked him.
I replied what caused this?
The cause, Scotty, is that you have persistently spelled his name Lightbaum
in three or four different places, which immediately come to mind. The
most recent of which was in the Response to Tonya that you sent to me
a couple of days ago. And again in your ASTP story on the 89th website.
Another was the story you sent to me about your transition from a student to
a soldier. I think perhaps the latter was published in TRW but I can't
cite the chapter and verse.
It was, and shall remain, LIGHTBOWN! [Not until I change it Darrel!--Mark Kitchell]
Darrel
Austrian memories Cecil Boyd-I Co, 354th
Hi Kitch:
We in the 83rd Division were stationed in Hotel Austria. The Hotel has
been completely renovated and is currently being used to train hotel industry
students. The R&R center was located in Schloss Orth. The Austrians
currently have a very popular TV Soap Opera called Schloss Orth which
is filmed in the castle.
In the spring of 1946 we turned our vehicles in at an ordinance dump
in a large field at Ulm in Bavaria. Some of the Jeeps from that dump
were later reconditioned and sold through the PX. I have returned to
Austria many times to enjoy the beer and Gemütlichkeit with friends
in Gmunden, Mond See and Salzburg.
[Editor: Hi Cec--see my "Memoirs". The wife and I go back often but
the next time will probably be the last.]
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