history06 > Here is the Army Signal Corps Official Photo  of I-347...

The caption reads:
"On the way to LaRoche"

This is "I" Company of the 347th Infantry.
Actually the Group did not get to La Roche, but entered fighting in the 
Ardennes at Moircy, Belgium. 
Shown receiving food in his mess kit is John Olson of Arlington Hieghts, IL.
He is the immediate Past Commander of the 87th Infantry Division Association.
These men just received the newly isssued galoshes seen over their combat boots. 
Mal Grant placed the 347th Regimental Crest in the lower corner.

submitted by John McAuliffe; M-347
===============
This is letter sent to Army HQ by John McAuliffe
describing photo and giving information about it:

Dear Sirs:
For your information I have enclosed the famous and popular photo found in most Army History books related to the 'Battle of the Bulge'....Unfortunately most books do not give credit to the photo and identify it. The photo is of I-Company, 347th Inf.; 87th Inf. Div. It is an Army Siganl Corps photo with the caption,
"On the road to La Roche".....Unfortunately the unit did not go to La Roche but went into action in January 1945at Moircy,Tillet, Bonnerue in Belgium. The unit arrives here to get the new issue of galoshes as seen in the photo. The soldier with carbine over shoulder receiving his portion is John Olson of Arlington Heights, ILL and still lives there. Other soldiers are identified. Tom Hewlet with the forlorn eyes died early after the war, but his son Tom Hewlett and wife Pat attend the 87th Div. Assoc. Reunions as does Olson and his wife.The Company Commander of I-Company, 347 Inf. was and still is Captain Ray E.Miles, who lives in Richmond, VA.
I am sending you this information for your observation and possiblity for your Headquarters to properly identify this photo for posterity.
My qualifications are that I am a former member of M-347; 87th Inf. Div WW-II. I am the Past Commander of the 87th Inf. Div. Association; I am current Vice Pres. of Chapters for the National Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge Inc; I am current Pres. of the Cent. Mass. Chapt.-22;VBOB....
This photo tells a lot; Just look at it ; examine it and from the clothing and the surrounding snow draped fir trees, one may get an inkling of what it was like in the ARDENNES CAMPAIGN during WW-II.
Best Regards,
John E. McAuliffe
==============

Posted comment:
" Included in this potograph is my grandfather, William Corriveau, back row looking to the left with his face covered and the BAR hanging on his shoulder. As I understand it, this was his squad. I too have an original DOD print of this picture that sits proudly in my office."

 Daniel Corriveau
===============

Posted Comment :
 John W. Olson.(Obituary)
Daily Herald (Arlington Heights, IL), April, 2003 
John W. Olson of Rolling Meadows Services for John W. Olson, 83, will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, at Matz Funeral Home, 410 E. Rand Road, Mount Prospect. Born Sept. 2, 1919, in Chicago, he died Tuesday, April 8, 2003, at home. Interment will be private. Mr. Olson was a retired cable splicer for Commonwealth Edison. He was a World War II Army veteran. He was the beloved husband of the late Rita.

======================

This photo can be found in many WWII books.  
It was the first photo I put in our family tribute book about our Uncle Mel.
To discover that he served in the 87th Infantry Division, and now to know this photo is of men from the same Division, makes the photo a very emotional one for me.  

As with all galleries of history06 - 
we welcome comments/thoughts/memories.
Just click on the "comment" in 
lower left of page.

Here's to the Golden Acorn Soldiers - Forever STALWART AND STRONG!

For info on 87th Infantry Division Association:
http://www.87thinfantrydivision.com
history06 > 549th AAA AW BN BTRY C
87th Infantry Division.
Involved in the Battle Of The Bulge - WWII.

Picture dated - October - 1943

List of names are under picture.
To view all 6 rows of names enlarged for easy viewing, 
see all other pics in this gallery - which is 2 pages.  

I also enlarged sections of this group pic.

Please make contact if you are connected in any way to any of these names shown in this gallery of names under this picture! 

Also if you have timeline of where this unit was for month of 
December - 1944.
Morning reports could not be located for this unit for this month at national records center.

UPDATE 8-2007
We have found and talked with two wonderful gentlemen from this unit!

Cpl Howard A. Rishel (in unit pic – he is in 1st row - #21 from left)
Sgt Wayne L. Luedke ( in unit pic – he is 2nd row - # 9 from left) 

Both were very humble in their discussing their time/place in the war.
When Mr. Luedke gave me permission to give his name, he stated, 
“I guess that would be fine – but just don’t make me out a hero anywhere..…I was just one of 16 million – I was just a Buck Sgt.”
and “put my picture small.”

A news article that featured Mr. Luedke describing his time/place in the war serving in the 549th has now been posted on the main 87th ID page under "News Articles" It is titled, "CALL HIM LUCKY" 

He recalls maybe three more men who were from around St, Louis, MO
Cpl August Mormino – 
(In unit pic - he is in 5th row from bottom # 26th from left),

Pvt Edward C. Merkel – 
(In unit pic – he is in 4th row from bottom - #12 from left),

Pvt Robert Smith –
(In unit pic – he is in 5th row from bottom # 21 from left). 

The 549th AAA has had several reunions in St. Louis, and Branson, MO, but as far as he knows, there hasn’t been one in several years.

Update - Aug - 2007
Mr. Luedke gracioulsy sent me original pictures he took during his service and okayed me to scan and place on this gallery.
It will take a few days to get all scanned and placed.
Again, we would appreciate any posting of comments or info after viewing these photos. 

Update - September - 2007 - 
Found PFC Laverne White 
Mr. Ivan Muilenburg's son, Tim Muilenburg, saw Mr. White's picture in the latest edition of the Golden Acorn (the magazine of the 87th ID)!
From there he made contact and met him -both living in Iowa.
He shared information - and gave Tim a Roster with names/addresses.
We are so grateful.
My dad sent letters to many but most were returned - now deceased.
Mr. White's individual photo has been added to this gallery. 

Update - December - 2007
Cpl August Mormino's son, Tony Mormino contacted me after finding his Dad's name listed here!
I sent him my research story and information about all contacts made and then he called Mr. Luedke.
We have added Cpl August Mormino to the individual men in this gallery.


Unit Photo contributed by Tim Muilenburg,
son of Ivan Muilenburg, who served in the 
549th. 

87th Infantry Division Association
http://www.87thinfantrydivision.com

Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge
http://www.battleofthebulge.org
history06 > St. Nazaire, France Memorial

A.E.F. Memorial in St. Nazaire Harbor.
With outstreached arms and a sword in his hand, 
a doughboy stands on the back of a giant eagle that has just landed. 

Dedicated to the US Army Expeditionary Forces 
of World War One, at St. Nazaire, France, 
their landing place April, 1917. 

It was designed by Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, Sculptress, 
with Studio in New York City. 

My father, Florence J. McAuliffe was a sculptor in her employ
and worked on creating this monument. 

The monument was destroyed by the Nazis during their occupation of France in 1940.

St. Nazaire became an important Nazi Submarine Base in WW-II....
A British raid on the base was a complete disaster and failure in 1942. 

I retain to this day the cast iron eagle's claw which was used as a model for the monument.

As with all galleries of history06 - we welcome comments/thoughts/memories.
Just click on "comments" at lower left of page. 


submitted by:
John McAuliffe
87th Infantry Division
M-347

Update - April - 2007:
After placing the picture of the St. Nazaire Monument in this gallery, 
Mr. John McAuliffe received word from his Belgian friend, 
Stevenot Gilbert, informing him that in fact, 
the monument was rebuilt ~1989!

Mr. Gilbert also gives this interesting web site about the monument and additional pictures:

http://www.linternaute.com/nantes/magazine/sorties/photo/saintnazaire/3.shtml
history06 > 87th Signal Company - 87th Infantry Division - WWII 

John S. Nelson II was an officer in the 87th Signal Company, responsible for the 87th Signal Company photos.

Per his son, "He's the big guy in the center of the first row (seated)."

His son, John III, also has censor's proofs of many combat and operations photos. 

He also has some interesting memorabilia...
a section of communications cable they removed from behind enemy lines along the Siegfried line, 
and a waffen ss sword that he believes came from Buchenwald. 

Per Mr. Nelson's son:
"Friends, 
I have gone to Buchenwald each of the past two years - along with Koblenz, Bastogne, etc - trying to figure out where they really were. 
The written records are incomplete and contradictory. 

My dad died long ago after a tough life. 

It would be most helpful to find someone who knew him. 

I went to the 2003 reunion courtesy of Gladwin but no one there knew anyone from the 87th Signal Company. 
It also seemed like these were mostly enlisted men and the officers were - well, officers and separate.

So I could really use some actual details, like how did they get to Buchenwald to take the other photo in this gallery of someone entering the main prisoners gate at Buchenwald, 
the concentration camp, on liberation day in April 1945?
 
Can anyone help?

Not many of my materials are scanned as they are in a scrapbook that I have been reluctant to disassemble. 
But I could if they would be of real value.

Thanks in advance for any advice you can give."

John S. Nelson III
Son of John S. Nelson II; 87th Signal Company

Update - June-2007
Notice to Mr. Nelson III,
Please contact me - I have lost your email address! - The 87th Association and many others are requesting to contact you with questions and info. 
Please place email here under comment, or email me - 
My email can be found on the 87th Infantry Division Associatioin web page:
http://www.87thinfantrydivision.com

Thank you so much.
Debra H. - gallery moderator
history06 > James Hennessey 
87th Infantry Division, 345th, Co E 

I received an email from Mr. Hennessey  with the message:

"Stay Well -Enjoying Your Freedom-Thank A Veteran
Invictus
God Bless America"

You can read about Mr. Hennessey and memories of his time in the war at:

http://www.6thcorpscombatengineers.com/JamesHennessey.htm

An excerpt from his entry on that website:

"Jim was discharged from the Army on December 15, 1945 at Camp Upton, Patchogue, Long Island. 
He married his wife, the former Dolly Tagliareni, in 1949. They have two sons, and two grandsons. 
He retired in 1982 after working for 35 years as a mailman for the Bayonne Post Office. 
Says Jim: 
"It seems the Acorn patch on my shoulder ended up in my heart, 
for I feel blessed to have friends in the 87th.'' 


From gallery moderator:
Thank you Mr. Hennessey for contacting this gallery and your willingness to place your photo and information on this gallery.  

I encourage all who are reading this to send me your photo and any info you would want placed.
This is YOUR space to proudly be a part of the memories of the 87th - Stalwart and Strong!


For info on 87th Infantry Division Association:
http://www.87thinfantrydivision.com
history06 > Today we went to Jefferson Barracks Park - St. Louis, MO.
We sat on a bench overlooking the Mississippi River and ate our lunch.

We met 3 wonderful Veterans who were at the Battle of the Bulge Monument
that is located by this beautiful overlook of the river.

We listened to many interesting stories from them about their time in the war, 
and thanked them for their service.

As is with every Veteran we seem to meet - we also discussed many other topics - 
asking them many questions about life, how they have endured many hardships, 
and still came through emotionally and have such a zest for everyday things..

We paused for a moment of prayer for all the families of Virginia Tech - noting the flags in the park at the Battle of the Bulge monument were half mast in mourning for them.

This gallery is for all at Virginia Tech who are going through hard times, sadness, or emotional duress.
You are forever changed, but know many have you in their thoughts and prayers,
and we hope for comfort and peace in your heart in the days ahead..

Sincerely,
Mike and Debbie Henderson, Mike Amelung and 
The Veterans of WWII - Battle of the Bulge, 
And Veterans of the 87th Infantry Division

April - 2007
history06 > Today we went to Jefferson Barracks Park - St. Louis, MO.
We sat on a bench overlooking the Mississippi River and ate our lunch.

We met 3 wonderful Veterans who were at the Battle of the Bulge Monument
that is located by this beautiful overlook of the river.

We listened to many interesting stories from them about their time in the war, 
and thanked them for their service.

As is with every Veteran we seem to meet - we also discussed many other topics - 
asking them many questions about life, how they have endured many hardships, 
and still came through emotionally and have such a zest for everyday things..

We paused for a moment of prayer for all the families of Virginia Tech - 
noting the flags in the park at the Battle of the Bulge monument were half mast 
in mourning for them.

This gallery is for all at Virginia Tech who are going through hard times, sadness, or emotional duress.
You are forever changed, but do know many have you in our thoughts and prayers,
and we hope for comfort and peace in your heart in the days ahead..

Sincerely,
Mike and Debbie Henderson, Mike Amelung and 
The Veterans of WWII - Battle of the Bulge, 
And Veterans of the 87th Infantry Division

April - 2007

Names of the gentlemen we met: 

Left:
Phillip W. McKnight;
82nd Airborne 
505th Paratroopers
325th Gliders
82nd Airborne WWII Historian

Middle:
name unknown at this time.
Navy

Right:
William "Bill" B. Vogel;
77th A.A.A.
history06 > Veteran's of the Battle of the Bulge (VBOB)
Chapter #53 - Southern Arizona members
Veteran's Day Parade - November 11, 2006.

Left to Right:

HARPER COLEMAN;
4th Inf Div., 8th Reg., 2nd Bat., Co H

LEROY ELLIOT;
17th ABND, 155th AA BN

JOHN SWETT;
106th Inf. Div., 423 Inf. Reg., Co H (POW)

BUCK BLOOMER;
28th Inf. Div., 112 Reg.

GEORGE McGEE;
109th Evacuation Hospital, 3rd Army

EARL HARTZ;
30th Inf. div., 120th Reg., 3rd Bat., Co K

HERMAN VAN De BOGART;
106th Inf. Div., 424 Inf. Reg., Co A

BERNIE MAYER;
99th Inf. Div., 324th Engr. Combat Bat.

For info on 87th Infantry Division Association:
http://www.87thinfantrydivision.com
history06 > TUSCON, ARIZONA
BATTLE OF THE BULGE MONUMENT

The monument is 6ft. high and 5 feet wide, weighing 2800 pounds.

It is located at:
Presidio Park facing the City Hall and Federal Bldg in Tucson, AZ.

Southern Arizona Chapter #53 VBOB dedicated this monument on 
May 30 2003. 

Chapter President John Westover headed up the project. 

National President Lou Cunningham oversaw the dedication.

What a beautiful monument!
The chapter #53 VBOB are very proud of it.  

Per Mr. George W. McGee;
President, Chapter 53 VBOB - Southern Arizona:

"A lot of work went into the project, and we give so much thanks to the chapter president at that time, John Westover, for all the work he did. 
Mr. Westover designed the original sketch,
and then had an artist finish it.

The monument was built in Tucson. 

The monument was funded entirely by donations by members of Chapter 53, 
of which there were approximately 65 members at that time. 
We have presently about 50 members." 

Mr. Westover passed away in June of 2005. 
Mr. George W. McGee was nominated and elected to the office soon after. 

Last year, Mr. McGee had photos of the front and back enlarged to poster size.
He then made a plywood replica about four feet high that will now be included in their Veterans Day parade each year. 

They had it mounted in an open army trailer behind a 1943 Jeep that had been restored by one of their members. 

They are proud that they received the, 
"MOST OUTSTANDING VETERANS AWARD" in last November's parade out of 400 entries!

I would like to invite any members out there to have their picture taken with the monument - and I would add them to this indiviual gallery!
Anyone else also invited to do so, along with why the monument is special to you.

 And as always, any comments or general thoughts are always welcome to this site for all to read..
Just click "add comment" on lower left of this page.


Side note: If you click onto picture, it will enlarge size of pic to view. Then you can enlarge further by clicking O above picture to be able to read inscription on monument. 

Photo sent by: 
John McAuliffe; M-347

For info on 87th Infantry Division Association:
http://www.87thinfantrydivision.com
James Hennessey
87th Infantry Division, 345th, Co E

I received an email from Mr. Hennessey with the message:

"Stay Well -Enjoying Your Freedom-Thank A Veteran
Invictus
God Bless America"

You can read about Mr. Hennessey and memories of his time in the war at:

http://www.6thcorpscombatengineers.com/JamesHennessey.htm

An excerpt from his entry on that website:

"Jim was discharged from the Army on December 15, 1945 at Camp Upton, Patchogue, Long Island.
He married his wife, the former Dolly Tagliareni, in 1949. They have two sons, and two grandsons.
He retired in 1982 after working for 35 years as a mailman for the Bayonne Post Office.
Says Jim:
"It seems the Acorn patch on my shoulder ended up in my heart,
for I feel blessed to have friends in the 87th.''


From gallery moderator:
Thank you Mr. Hennessey for contacting this gallery and your willingness to place your photo and information on this gallery.

I encourage all who are reading this to send me your photo and any info you would want placed.
This is YOUR space to proudly be a part of the memories of the 87th - Stalwart and Strong!


For info on 87th Infantry Division Association:
http://www.87thinfantrydivision.com
history06 > James Hennessey 
87th Infantry Division, 345th, Co E 

I received an email from Mr. Hennessey  with the message:

"Stay Well -Enjoying Your Freedom-Thank A Veteran
Invictus
God Bless America"

You can read about Mr. Hennessey and memories of his time in the war at:

http://www.6thcorpscombatengineers.com/JamesHennessey.htm

An excerpt from his entry on that website:

"Jim was discharged from the Army on December 15, 1945 at Camp Upton, Patchogue, Long Island. 
He married his wife, the former Dolly Tagliareni, in 1949. They have two sons, and two grandsons. 
He retired in 1982 after working for 35 years as a mailman for the Bayonne Post Office. 
Says Jim: 
"It seems the Acorn patch on my shoulder ended up in my heart, 
for I feel blessed to have friends in the 87th.'' 


From gallery moderator:
Thank you Mr. Hennessey for contacting this gallery and your willingness to place your photo and information on this gallery.  

I encourage all who are reading this to send me your photo and any info you would want placed.
This is YOUR space to proudly be a part of the memories of the 87th - Stalwart and Strong!


For info on 87th Infantry Division Association:
http://www.87thinfantrydivision.com
James Hennessey
87th Infantry Division, 345th, Co E

I received an email from Mr. Hennessey with the message:

"Stay Well -Enjoying Your Freedom-Thank A Veteran
Invictus
God Bless America"

You can read about Mr. Hennessey and memories of his time in the war at:

http://www.6thcorpscombatengineers.com/JamesHennessey.htm

An excerpt from his entry on that website:

"Jim was discharged from the Army on December 15, 1945 at Camp Upton, Patchogue, Long Island.
He married his wife, the former Dolly Tagliareni, in 1949. They have two sons, and two grandsons.
He retired in 1982 after working for 35 years as a mailman for the Bayonne Post Office.
Says Jim:
"It seems the Acorn patch on my shoulder ended up in my heart,
for I feel blessed to have friends in the 87th.''


From gallery moderator:
Thank you Mr. Hennessey for contacting this gallery and your willingness to place your photo and information on this gallery.

I encourage all who are reading this to send me your photo and any info you would want placed.
This is YOUR space to proudly be a part of the memories of the 87th - Stalwart and Strong!


For info on 87th Infantry Division Association:
http://www.87thinfantrydivision.com
See photo in gallery

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