\Recent News from the 101st Airborne Division Association Website
\
POW/MIA Update: August 15, 2008
The remains of SGT Timothy J. Jacobsen, USA, listed as MIA April 16, 1971 in South Vietnam was recovered June 7, 1995 and identified March 24, 2008, announced by DPMO as identified on July 28, 2008. The accounting for SGT Timothy J. Jacobsen, USA brought to 829 the number of US personnel accounted for since the end of the Vietnam War in 1975.
Full Press Release: National League of POW/MIA Families
A Full Military burial service will be held in honor of Timothy John Jacobsen October 4, 2008 at 1:00PM in the Ferndale cemetery in his home town, Ferndale, CA
More Information on funeral services and background info
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Richard A. Bittle "Comanchero Web 06"
President/Trustee, A/101 Aviation Association, Inc.
Congratulations go out to the following for their good luck in the 63rd Annual Reunion Drawing:
Glenn Beaulieu won the first prize of $10,000; Ronald Piper won second prize of $5,000 and Joe McCormack, Barry Reade, Harold Reinhart, Dan Gilligan, and Bill Guthrie were third prize winners of $1,000 each. They will now find out how many close friends they really have.
Sam Bass
Executive Secretary and Treasurer
101st Airborne Division Association
931-431-0199, ex 33
I was a Soldier - I am a Soldier - I will always be a Soldier
Read about the new Army Class "A" uniforms coming in 2010...
http://www.army.mil/asu/index.html
August 26, 2008
Dr. G.S. Wheeler writes -
Can you help identify this piece? Drop him a line at bimmyw1@aol.com
August 25, 2008
The following death was reported by both Ken Mcauliffe and Courtnay Weisberg Johnson....
General Steve A. Chappuis obituary
| Steve Chappuis | ||
 Brigadier
General (Ret.) Steve A. Chappuis Brigadier General (Ret.) Steve A. Chappuis
was born in Rayne, Louisiana on December 28, 1913 to Archie and Elise
Chappuis, and passed away on August 19, 2008 in Tacoma, Washington at the
age of 94. General Chappuis graduated in 1936 from Louisiana State
University and was appointed a second lieutenant in the US Army Reserve. In
1941 he was selected for parachute training and assigned to the 502nd
Parachute Infantry Battalion. At the rank of Lt. Colonel, he participated in
the airborne invasions of Normandy in June 1944 and Holland in September
1944 as commanding officer of the 2nd Battalion, 502nd Regiment of the 101st
Airborne Division. For these operations he was awarded the Silver Star and
the French Croix de Guerre. He assumed command of the 502nd Parachute
Regiment on September 22, 1944 during the Holland operation. General
Chappuis was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross by General George
Patton for his role in the defense of Bastogne during the Battle of the
Bulge in December 1944 - January 1945. During the war he earned the nickname
"Silent Steve," reflecting his determination, reserve, and humility as an
officer. He was also knighted by the queen of Holland for his participation
in liberating the town of Eindhoven, Holland, receiving the Military Willems
Order. To this day, the Dutch refer to him as "the great liberator." He
married Kathryn A. Jurjevich, of Galesburg, IL, on June 6, 1946 at Fort
Meyer, VA. Following World War II, General Chappuis served with Army Ground
Forces, Department of the Army General Staff, Department Defense Staff, and
attended the Canadian Army Staff College and the Army War College. His
further assignments included SHAPE in The Hague, Netherlands; Headquarters
Allied Forces Southern Europe, Naples, Italy; Deputy Chief of Staff,
Operations for the XVIII Airborne Corps, Fort Bragg, N.C.; Deputy Chief of
Staff, 1st Corps Group, Korea; Deputy Commander, 4th Infantry Division
Brigade; Assistant Division Commander, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Lewis,
WA; Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics, Headquarters, US
Continental Army Command, Fort Monroe, VA; Assistant Post Commander, Fort
Lewis, WA; and Commander of X US Army Corps, Fort Lawton, WA. Upon retiring
from the Army, General Chappuis worked with the Bank of Washington in
Tacoma, after which he and Kay enjoyed many years of traveling throughout
the United States and Europe. He was an avid tennis player, reader, and
woodworker, a devoted husband and father, and kind friend to many. He lived
for his family and one of his greatest joys in later years was preparing for
their holiday celebrations. He was sustained by his strong Catholic faith
throughout his life. General Chappuis is survived by his wife of 62 years,
Kay; daughter Suzanne Winkles and her husband Bill (Ocean Shores, WA); son,
Steve, his wife Jan, and their daughter Claire Elise (Portland, OR);
brothers Jack (New Orleans, LA), Donald (Brevard, NC), and Charles (Rayne,
LA); and many loving nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death
by his mother, father, brother Richard, and sister Dorothy. The Chappuis
family wishes to express their appreciation for the kindness and caring of
the attending medical staff at Madigan Army Medical Center, especially the
nursing staff in ICU East. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. John Bosco
Church, 10508 112th St SW, Tacoma, WA 98498 at 10:00 AM on Thursday, August
28, 2008. Private family burial will be held at the Mt. Tahoma National
Cemetery in Kent, WA Donations may be directed to the Madigan Foundation,
P.O. Box 97215, Lakewood WA 97215; or St. John Bosco Church, 10508 112th St
SW, Tacoma WA 98497. Please sign his guest book at
dryermortuary.com. |
||
August 19, 2008
EDWARD "Ed" ALBERT PENICHE, also known as Eduardo Alberto Peniche Carvajal, 83, died on August 16, 2008 following a massive hemorrhagic stroke on August 10, 2008. He was a man of unbridled optimism, great intellect, a historian, with classic "old school" charm and had boundless love, admiration and respect for his wife of 54 years, Lois Dean (Baggett) Peniche. At 5' 5" tall, Ed towered with accomplishments and shared unlimited joy with all who were around him.
Catie Rodriquez
Graphic Designer / Assistant Editor
SCREAMING EAGLE MAGAZINE
101st Airborne Division Association
August 8, 2008 - It is with sadness I report that Don Lassen, our friend and a friend to all the Airborne Soldiers who serve and have served in our armed forces passed away last night. 7 August 2008.
Donald D. "Don" Lassen, 86,
"Mr. Airborne" to all who knew him, passed away 7 August 2008. He is survived by
his wife Frances and two children.
Don was the Editor of the Static Line - Your Airborne Lifeline Newspaper and the
host of the Annual All-Airborne Awards Ceremonies in Atlanta. He was one
of the threads that kept the Airborne Community together in activities and news.
He will be missed by all who wear the wings. Cards and notes may be
sent to the family at the Static Line address: P.O. Box 87518, College Park, GA
30337-0518.
There will be a viewing on Sunday, August 10 from 5-7pm at Ford-Stewart
Funeral Home at 2047 Hwy. 138 E in Jonesboro, GA. Service will be on Monday
August 11 at 1pm in the Chapel at Ford Stewart. The family requests that in
lieu of flowers, donations be sent to the Airborne Historical Association,
POB 87518 College Park, GA 30337-0518. Don will be cremated after the service
and a a later date (to be determined) there will be a Memorial Service held at
Ft Benning at the Airborne Walk.
Sam Bass, Assn. Exec. Sec. Treasurer
August 7, 2008
A note from John H. McGregor:
I have information re: a memorial dedication for Pfc. Joe E, Mann and need
to know who to send the information to.
Pfc. Mann, a member of H Company, 502nd PIR, 101st Airborne, was awarded the
Congressional Medal of Honor posthumously for actions taken during Operation
Market Garden in WWII and is buried in Spokane, WA. During the second week
in September 2008, exact date not determined as yet, a stone memorial will
be dedicated in memory of Pfc. Mann by the Spokane Police History Book Committee
in coordination with the Spokane Law
Enforcement Museum and Fairmount Cemetery Memorial Association. We would like to
pass the information on to the membership of the 101st Airborne Division
Association and the staff of the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, KY.
John H. McGregor, Capt, Spokane County Sheriff Dept [retired]
Spokane Police History Book Committee Member
11th Airborne Division Association Life Member
mcgregor321@comcast.net
Hopefully, we'll have more information to share with anyone interested in the next few weeks. Larry Frazier
August 1, 2008
Hello all,
Stanley "Stash" Branowski (red shirt). Picture taken in 2003 at the Reno Reunion.
WWII Reunion attendees. Most or all of these fellas are from Hq Co 1/506 PIR. I'd appreciate anyone helping me confirm the names. Back Row L to R - "Duke" Dukelis, ___________, Stanley "Stash" Branowski, _____________, ______________, __________________, and Frank Nugent (seated). They had 10 members from their company attend the reunion, 7 are shown here.
His Obituary -
| BRANOWSKI Stanley J. Stash Branowski Father and grandfather, 86 Stanley J. Stash Branowski, 86, of Hazlet entered into eternal life, surrounded by his family, on Thursday, July 31, 2008, at his residence. Funeral services will be held on Monday, Aug. 4, 2008, beginning at 9:15 a.m. at Countryside Funeral Home, 724 Route 202 North, Three Bridges, followed by a 10 a.m. Funeral Liturgy at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Roman Catholic Church in Three Bridges, with Fr. David officiating. Family and friends are invited to attend visitation at the funeral home on Saturday, Aug. 2, 2008, and Sunday, Aug. 3, 2008, both days from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. and on Monday from 8:45 a.m. until service time. To send condolences to the family or sign an online guest book, visit countrysidefuneralhome.com. Born in Newark, Stanley was the son of John and Sophie Branowski and stepson of Lottie Branowski. He resided in West Orange before settling in Hazlet 35 years ago. Stanley was honorably discharged after faithfully serving his country during World War II with the United States Army 101st Airborne Division. He retired in 1984 from Pabst Brewery in Newark after many years of employment. He was a member of the 101st Airborne Division Association, the Allied Airborne Association, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion, both located in Hazlet. Stanley was predeceased by his beloved wife, Sophie Troscianecki Branowski, on June 10, 1992, and by his dear brother, Dr. Edward Matthews, formerly of Staten Island, N.Y. He leaves behind his loving and devoted children, Jack Branowski of Frenchtown, Judith Ann and husband, Richard Thatcher, of Hibernia, Gayle and husband, Martin Picinich of Hunterdon County, and Steven Troscianecki and wife, Sandra, of Chelmsford, Mass. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren, Adam Picinich, Leah (Picinich) Celeste, Michael Troscianecki, Jack and Thai Branowski, and his dear sister-inlaw, Dorothy Matthews. Memorial contributions may be made in Stanleys name to Crossroads Christian Academy, 9 Pittstown Road, Clinton, N.J. 08809. | |
| Published in the Star-Ledger on 8/2/2008 |
Long time member of the Association, Bobby G. Williams passed away Thursday, July 31st, 2008. His viewing is Sunday at McReynold, Nave and Larson Funeral Home in Clarksville, burial will be Monday at Noon.
August 1, 2008
By
Jeff Schogol, Stars and
Stripes
Mideast edition, Saturday, July 26, 2008
ARLINGTON, Va. — Soldiers who face roadside bomb and car-bomb attacks could now qualify for the Army’s Combat Infantryman Badge, which is for infantry and Special Forces soldiers, according to the Army.
While such attacks do not automatically merit the badge, they should be considered as part of recommendations for the award, the message said.
The move is one of several changes to awards criteria announced in a July 22 servicewide message. The changes are effective immediately and retroactive to Sept. 18, 2001.
The wording of the change to the Combat Infantryman Badge’s criteria is as follows: "Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), vehicle-borne IEDs (VBIEDs) and the like are direct fire weapons. While no fixed qualifying distance from an explosion of these devices can be established, commanders should consider the entirety of the combat situation when considering award of the CIB."
Marines who respond to roadside bomb attacks have been eligible for the Marine Corps’ Combat Action Ribbon since March 2006.
"I consider exposure to a detonated IED as being enemy fire, therefore, Marines who take appropriate actions during such an engagement meet both CAR (Combat Action Ribbon) requirements," then-Commandant Gen. Michael Hagee said.
Another change deals with the Combat Action Badge, established in 2005 for soldiers not directly assigned to an infantry unit.
Right now, a select number of general officers, such as the commander of U.S. troops in Iraq, can authorize the award, said officials at Army Human Resources Command. Now they can delegate that authority to subordinate general officers and colonel-level commanders, officials said.
In a separate change, regional medical center commanders now also have the authority to issue the Combat Action Badge, officials said.
The Army also announced that the badge will not be awarded automatically to soldiers awarded the Purple Heart, the Army message said.
The Army also has broadened the eligibility criteria for the Combat Medical Badge.
The words "not to include aviation" have been deleted from the criteria, to allow medical personnel attached to combat aviation units, the message said. Retroactive awards will not be given for service prior to Sept. 18, 2001.
For more information, go to MilPer Message 08-190 at: https://perscomnd04.army.mil/milpermsgs.nsf.
July 29, 2008
From Annette Miller -
SFC William Paul Morris
It is with a heavy heart that I inform
you of the tragic passing of one of the world's great men.
He readily volunteered and proudly served his country in World War II. During
Basic Training in New York, he met a beautiful Wave who would later become his
wife of 61 years. He served as a paratrooper and combat photographer with the
101st Airborne (Technician 5th Grade, 3264th Signal Service Company), and
participated in some of the war's most infamous battles.
Following the war, he returned home to marry that Wave and raise two children.
He and his wife later assisted in raising two grandchildren. He loved
photography, genealogy, music (he had an amazing bass voice), and reading. Those
who were lucky enough to know him would describe him as loyal, loving,
intelligent, and extremely faith-filled. He provided an ideal example of
fatherhood and marriage.
The tragedy is that you won't hear about his passing on the news. The President
won't declare a National Day of Mourning. There will be only one flag lowered to
half-staff in his honor. You see, this great man was not a politician. He was
not a celebrity. To the world he was known as Bill Morris (SFC William Paul
Morris). To me, he was the man I admired most in the world. He was the only
"Dad" I ever knew. He was my grandpa.
Bill passed away in his sleep Saturday night, July 26th. Services will be held
later this month at his church just outside of Seattle.
With much respect and sorrow,
Annette Miller
8/6/2008 - I just wanted to let everyone know
that services will be held on Wednesday, August 27th in Seattle. If you would
like additional details, please let me know.
Kindly,
Annette
almiller@zingermans.com
July 17, 2008
Larry
Joseph Curt Potter WWII 326 Engineers and POW Passed away July 12th, 2008 at Elkton Ky. He was 87 years of age .
Please forward to the Screaming Eagle Editor
Thanks
Sonny Caughlin
July 16, 2008
Dick Jewell (158th and 159th Avn Bns in Vietnam) sent the following news -
On 12 July 08, Ralph Tolan,
of Indianapolis, was sworn in as Department
Commander of the American Legion, Department of Indiana.
Ralph was a Pachyderm of A Co 159th ASH Bn
He crewed 67-18523 with Herrera as FE up until it was lost on 2 April 69,
resulting in the loss of WO Powers.
After 523, Ralph finished his tour crewing 67-18526 with Bonebrake.
The 400 Posts and 115,000 Members of the American Legion, Department of
Indiana are now in his hands.
See - http://www.indlegion.org/Commander%20Tolan.htm
Dick
July 13, 2008
June 30, 2008
From Sam Bass -
For Kentucky Korean War Veterans
Visit this web
site for information about Kentucky Korean War Veteran Recognition:
http://veterans.ky.gov/choimedallion.htm
June 15, 2008
From Joe Bossi -
Cards to these soldier's can be sent to Walter Reed Attn.one of the active
Duty Laison NCO's from the 101st at Walter Reed. Bastogne! JMBossi
-----Forwarded Message-----
Subject: Walter Reed report 14 June
June 10, 2008
From Sam Bass -
May 29, 2008
Sad News received today about the passing of George Rosie...
Fellow Eagle George Rosie Passes
Word was received today of the passing of George Rosie (HQ 3/506 PIR WWII) on May 14th. George did many things for our Assn. over the years including being the Executive Secretary Treasurer (80-85), Assn. President (89-90), the 1993 Reunion Chairman in Lansing Michigan, and a long time member of the Board of Governors.
 |
 |
|
Age 84 Of Parchment, MI Died peacefully at Life Care Center in Plainwell on May 14, 2008. George was born Sept. 13, 1923 in Highland Park, IL, the son of the late Frank and Elizabeth (McKain) Rosie. As a young man, he became a strong golfer (and amateur Softball player!) in the North Shore area of Chicago. When war broke out, he served in the Army Airborne (101st), parachuting into France during the invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944. Captured, he spent 11 months as a POW, mainly in Poland. George came to Kalamazoo in 1945 to assist as pro with his cousin Bob Millar, the longtime professional at Milham Park Golf Course. He later operated the Red Arrow course, until about 1952. George eventually gave up his professional status to play in the local tournaments, where he was often a force - winning and co-winning several city-wide matches and leagues. George began an entry-level job at KVP in about 1951, to supplement his golf work. He rose to superintendent of the Parchment Division of KVP, which later became part of Georgia Pacific. He retired in the late 1970's and became active in the 101st Airborne Association. George went on to become its national president and served on its board of directors for many years. He helped represent the Association, and the U.S., in several liberation commemoration ceremonies in Europe. George is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Agnes (Bussing) Rosie and his siblings, Bud Rosie, Sandra Rosie, Mayme Rosie and his companion, Mig Cameron of Highland Park, IL. He is survived by his four children, Judy Cook, Lynn (Jeannie) Rosie, Tom (Patty) Marvin and Diane (Jeff) Bogren; his sister-in-law, Marion Phillips; 12 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Family and friends will be received on Friday, June 6, 2008 from 11:30 AM until 12:30 PM at PARCHMENT-REDMOND
|
||
You can reach his daughter
Judy Cook at
jlcook_kal@yahoo.com or by calling her at
(269) 385-8143.
Please feel free to share your memories with us of George - I will post them here for others to see. I will try to locate some pictures of him shortly, if you have a favorite, please share it.... Larry Frazier
From Manny Barrios ( manny101adascc@att.net ) -
Larry,
May 17, 2008
From Jim Agins -
May 17, 2008
Larry,
Attached is an interim report of the Monuments and Memorials Committee.
As you can see in the last paragraph, we need some visibility as we are
asking the members for their assistance in locating local monuments and
memorials.
Could you post this on the 101st Association's web pages?
Joe Beyrle and I would appreciate it.
Thank you.
Ken McAuliffe
101st Airborne Division Association
Monuments and Memorials Committee
Interim Report
What does a Post Office in West Hills, California; a pelican in The Netherlands; a shell hole in Belgium; a plaque in Ramsbury, England; a road marker in Normandy; a bridge in Hue, Viet Nam and a building in Iraq all have in common? They are all Monuments or Memorials that honor the 101st Airborne Division and its men and women members.
The examples above are just a few of the over 200 markers that have been identified so far by the Committee. Through the hard work of Ken McAuliffe locating the more obscure tributes, the data base is expanding beyond our wildest expectations.
The GPS locations of the Monuments and Memorials are being added presently. We will be calling on the local chapters and individuals to assist in the photographing those in their geographical areas.
Many thanks go out to our Committee members: Roger Day-England, Jan Coolen & Tom Timmermans-The Netherlands, Laurent Oliver & Henri Mignon-Belgium, Michel Detrez-Normandy and John Colone and Ken McAuliffe-United States. Special Thanks goes out to Capt. Jim Page at Fort Campbell for his assistance in helping to identify the many locations at the home of the 101st Airborne Division!
The one area where we could use help is with Memorials and Monuments here in the USA. There are so many. There are hundreds or maybe thousands mentioned on the Internet, but most don’t show the names and/or units which are listed on them. If you are aware of any local Memorials or Monuments that contain the names of 101st people or units, please send an email to: monument101@yahoo.com . Ken has said he will try to reply to every incoming message.
Joe Beyrle, II - Chairman
News about this project was posted earlier in January. I've posted that information below - LF
January 4, 2008
News about a new project from Joe Beyrle -
101st Airborne Division Monuments and Memorials Directory
To all members of the 101st Airborne Division Association,
The following is an outline of a project that I am willing to undertake for the Association.
The purpose of this undertaking is to locate, chronicle, record coordinates, photograph and discover the history (as far as possible) of Monuments/Memorials to the 101st Airborne Division, subordinate units and individuals of all eras. The focus of this endeavor will be the United States, Canada, Great Britain, France, The Netherlands and Belgium. I am unaware of any located outside of these areas.
I discovered that no listing presently exists. With the proliferation of Monuments/Memorials being erected in Europe to the World War II era units and individuals, a compilation of their locations and information would be of benefit to the Association and its members and families. It would have additional possibilities as an addition to the National Website and a booklet that could be sold by the Association.
I proposed this to President Alexander and received his enthusiastic support. I am in the process of forming a committee to assist. I have received offers of help from John Colone (3/506-VN), Roger Day (Associate Member- Author/Historian-England), Jan Coolen (Associate Life Member- Dutch Airborne Friends-The Netherlands) and Ken McAuliffe, Jr. (Associate Member) who has agreed to compile the information gathered in to a data base. We still need members who reside in France and Belgium who are bi-lingual and have internet access. I would think a committee of no more than ten members of the Association should be able to accomplish this task in 18 to 24 months. If you are interested in joining the committee, please contact me at the information below.
I would make an appeal to all members of the Association who are aware of the locations of Monuments and Memorials to share that information with this committee. We are not attempting to catalog individual grave sites but rather sites or objects that have a connection to the 101st Airborne Division, subordinate units or individuals from any era. Please share your information with the committee. We can be reached at: monument101@yahoo.com
The information we are looking for is as follows:
1.) Location (GPS coordinates if possible).
2.) Photograph (head-on and at angle).
3.) Inscription.
4.) Type
5.) Subject
6.) Wording
7.) Contributor
Joseph R. Beyrle, II
326th Engineer Bn.
VN 1968-69
Life Member #142
205 Mason Road
Howell, MI 48843
517-546-0272
monument101@yahoo.com
The following is an example of what we are attempting:
Location: Hampstead Marshall, England
Type: Monument
Subject: 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment-WWII
Longitude/Latitude:
Plaque/Sign Wording:
Photograph: Yes
Contributor/Notes: Roger Day - 10/2007
May 5, 2008
Want to know who's registered for the annual reunion in Reno this August?
Reunion Attendees (updated weekly)
May 2, 2008
Larry
Please post the following to the website.
Thanks,
Joe R Alexander
From:
Joe Alexander [mailto:joe@offroadeq.com]
Sent: Friday, May 02, 2008
5:17 PM
To: Sam Bass (101 ExSecTrea);
Catie Rodriquez (Asst Editor Screaming Eagle Magazine
Subject: Charlie Gant and Ron
Gillette
To All,
I received from Johnny Velasquez a phone call and the following email concerning Ron Gillette’s heart attack while he was driving a Recreational Vehicle with Marsha to Oregon.
Thank goodness, Ron timely sought and received medical aid.
Also, Johnny mentioned that Charlie Gant was recovering at home from recent surgery.
Both are key players of the 502nd as well as the 101st Airborne Division Association.
Charlie and Ron, get well quick because we need your leadership.
Please keep Charlie, and Ron and Marsha in your prayers and thoughts.
Joe R Alexander, President
101st Airborne Division Association
From:
eagl4evr@comcast.net [mailto:eagl4evr@comcast.net]
Sent: Friday, May 02, 2008
9:32 AM
To: Charlie Gant; Larry &
Debera Frazier; Sam Bass; Joe & Rikki Alexander
Subject: Ron Gillette
All,
I spoke to Ron last night and he is recovering very well, and he will be home sometime today. The doctors wants him to have complete rest for a while.
His story was that he and Marsha were on their way to Oregon for two weeks of fishing and camping in their RV trailer. Last Friday as they leaving home, he felt some pain in his chest but it was small. As he drove the pain got worse, and his left arm became numb. He saw a sign telling him a hospital was 12 miles away, he he drove to it. There at the emergency room, the doctors determined that he was having a heart attack, and a decision was made to have him flown to San Francisco for treatment. He flew in one of those medical planes equipped with two nurses.
The diagnosis was that one of his Arteries was approx. 99% blocked, but that his heart was fine. Everything was done, and he is doing fine and expected to make a full recovery.
Getting a phone call from Marsha yesterday was very shocking for me to say the least, but thank God he will survive.
Send him a card, as I'm sure he will appreciate that, and you can call me if you want any further update.
Thanks to those who have called.
As a footnote, and not too be lost, we had another 502nd man now recovering from surgery and he too is now home recovering. Charlie Gant was in the hospital with a kidney problem, but is doing well but in a lot of pain right now.
Johnny
April 7, 2008
The following was written by Robert Scarbrough a couple of years ago. Robert was a great "Phoenix" pilot (C/158th Avn Bn, Camp Evans, RVN) and a guy I feel fortunate to call a good friend and fellow vet. Guys like this made sure many of us got home!
ANOTHER CLOSE CALL
by
Robert C. Scarbrough
Phoenix 54
Copyright 2006 , all rights reserved
Phoenix drew ash and trash this month, doing single ship re-supply,
while the Lancers and Kingsmen are getting their ass's kicked on
combat support in the ASHAU. I am heading west with C-rations and
ammo. Ina-Goda-Da-Vida plays in my head while I have sex with the most
gorgeous red-head you have ever seen, it's really a great day.
Peter pilot calls for smoke spoiling the daydream, goofy-grape, we've
got a single ship hover hole just south of Rendezvous. I've got it,
Peter pilot hands over the controls and lights up.
At the bottom of the hole l hover for a moment letting the smoke
clear. Clear left ,clear right, we set down to unload.
While sitting there getting rid of our load, l notice that something
is different today. Nothing is the right color, peter pilot is my
best friend, but l don't know his name. Our rotors are turning
furiously, but there is no sound, odd like the twilight during an
eclipse, or an aura just before a migrane.
We're unloaded and ready to back-haul some grunts, as they start to
climb in l realize l know all of them, Las Hermes, Forsythe, Herndon,
Swanson, Eggelston, Arnette and Manes.
(all Phoenix KIA)
They get in, chicken plates on and helmets in their lap, They give
me
the thumbs up which I return, turning around, I get to the business
of taking off.
I twist the throttle up, Rotor, Nl, Egt all in the green, Clear left,
clear right.
An explosion throws up dirt and fire at two-o'clock, then another....
they're walking mortars in....l pull pitch but the collective won't
move. I pull harder ....It comes out of the floor in my hand
dangling
wire and cable like a newly severed limb. I am horrified. At twelve-
o'clock to see a short silhouette, he aims an RPG, I see his soul as
he pulls the trigger. The grenade comes in slow-motion, heading
straight at me, the rotors turn like the second hand on a wind up
watch, tic....tic....tic.
The grenade pushes through the windshield sending plastic shards
everywhere.
l raise my hand to my face as though it will help. The grenade
explodes in my face.... I scream.
My wife, turns over to comfort me: "dreaming again Robert....the war
is over, go back to sleep".
Back to sleep my ass! Drenched with sweat, wide awake and a little
shaky, I totter downstairs for the liquor cabinet. Pouring a double,
me and Jack Daniels share the darkness with few Valium. In a few
minutes I drift off, it was just another close call, like so many
others.
The war's been over for twenty-five years now, all my passengers have
been dead that long. "But if I could have only taken off [I could
have gotten them out], Well......there is always tomorrow night!
Faithfully yours,
Robert Scarbrough
robertcscarbrough@comcast.net
Drop Robert an e-mail and
encourage him to write more! L. Frazier
April 4, 2008
Forwarded from Bruce Pierce -
"A veteran - whether active duty, retired, or national guard or reserve - is someone who, at one point in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to "The United States of America", for an amount of "up to and including my life." That is an honor, and there are way too many people in this country who no longer understand it. -- Author unknown"
March 17, 2008
tru_terry@hotmail.com
March 4, 2008
TO: Unit Governors,
Committee Chairs and Chapter Presidents
From: President Joe R Alexander
Date: Monday, March 3, 2008
Subject: BOG Approval of Sam Bass as Executive Secretary and Treasurer
My appreciation to each of you for a speedy response this past week to the
email ballot nominating Sam Bass as our Executive Secretary and Treasurer.
The results of the tally of the unit governor's vote were to approve Sam
Bass as our Association Executive Secretary and Treasurer.
My thanks to Mike Tilden, our outgoing Interim Executive Secretary and
Treasurer for a fine job in running the affairs of the Association in
December 07, January and February 08, which has been no easy task - just ask
Mike.
Sam is joining us on a part time basis while recuperating from his surgery
and hopefully he will be back full time sometime in April 08. Currently he
is working in the office on a part time basis and is limited on how much he
can undertake.
If you call the office and talk to Sam on the phone, please make it short as
sitting after only a few minutes becomes painful. Let us get Sam healed and
working full time such that he can continue his passion of making our
Association a great organization for us veteran and active duty airborne and
air assault troopers.
Thanks,
Joe R Alexander, President
101st Airborne Division Association
January 23, 2008
Many of you might know Chuck Slezak (A Co/101st Avn. Bn) and, 101st Airborne Division Assn. Aviation Governor from California. About a year ago, he suffered through a bad skydiving accident, which resulted in the end of this hobby for him after 3,467 jumps. Review the following you tube video link to see him in action on a F.D.N.Y. 9/11 jump in 2002. He's the jumper in the silver helmet -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gpdPzjBC4mY
January 4, 2008
December 8, 2007
Many of our members want to see and hear news from the active division units that are deployed. Many of the units serving with the 101st (327, 502, 506, etc.) publish newsletters and videos that you can read from the following site -
Dvids - Digital Video and Imagery Distribution System (main site)
Rakkasan Report (3rd Brigade Combat Team) - http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=pubs/pubs_show.php&id=33
Wings of Destiny Magazine (101st Aviation Brigade) - http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=pubs/pubs_show.php&id=44
Thunder Eagle Magazine (159th Combat Aviation Brigade) - http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=pubs/pubs_show.php&id=38
The Heart Beat (2nd Brigade Combat Team) - http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=pubs/pubs_show.php&id=42
Currahee Press (506th Regimental Combat Team) - http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=pubs/pubs_show.php&id=71
The Bastogne Magazine (1st Brigade Combat Team) - http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=pubs/pubs_show.php&id=110
Band of Brothers (101st Airborne, but nothing current) -
http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=pubs/pubs_show.php&id=40
I'm sure they will add more units as time goes on. Browse from the 1st link supplied above. They also have tons of videos, etc. I thought the Holiday Greetings Section was great. You can enter this area, select a state, and hear 6020 greetings (video or just audio) from soldiers serving away from home.
Read about three Rakkasans who have earned their 5th combat patch at http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=14509
There are 47 pages of 101st stories you can read by simply entering a 101 in the search field.
Watch a video like http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=video/video_show.php&id=30878# which features the 3rd Brigade Combat Team (Rakkasans) assuming command from the 10th Mountain Division in Southern Badgdad
Spend some time there for interesting news, great photos, and videos.....Have fun!
Larry Frazier
November 24, 2007
The following note and link was received earlier this summer from one of our members -
I asked Jerry if he had pictures etc., and received the following -
If you're interested in stock car racing, or supporting a car, send Jerry a note....I apologize for not getting this in earlier..
Larry Frazier
October 21, 2007
The following is a note received from Ken Tilley, Lt Col, USAFR, an Air Force Historian. He'd like some help with some D-Day research from 502nd PIR veterans and enthusiast's. Please help if you can...... Make sure you read Belle's Story (a Word doc attachment below) Larry Frazier
Larry, A question has arisen after it has been “discovered” that the lead C-47 to drop airborne troops on D-Day is still flying in Arizona! The attachments will address a lot of questions and we at the AF Historical Research Agency want to go a step further. We have established that the Belle of Birmingham (S/N 42-92847) was not the lead aircraft in the invasion as the first 11 C-47s dropped the pathfinders. It IS the first aircraft to drop airborne troops (from the 502nd PIR) and from what we can find, the only C-47 still in existence (and is still flying!) out of the lead aircraft (the lead C-47 to drop pathfinders crashed during Market Garden). What we are interested in finding from the 101st Association is the names of the first stick that was dropped from this plane. Although this might be a needle in a haystack, if any of the first 20 or so airborne troops who jumped from that plane are still living, it would be quite a story to marry them up with the same plane 63 years later. This might be impossible to find but one thing that helps is that the 438th Troop Carrier Group commander, Lt Col John M. Donalson, and the 87th Troop Carrier Squadron commander, Lt Col David E. Daniel were pilot/co-pilot on that plane and we are hoping that important 502nd and/or 101st leaders were in that plane also. If there is any way to determine this or any records exist or any individuals might shed light on this subject, please let us know. The owner of the C-47 is a great guy and we are working with him to preserve the plane. Take care and have a great one, Ken Tilley, Lt Col, USAFR, Air Force Historian (334) 953-5152
Read Belles Story - Belle's Story