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473rd Infantry

Discussion in 'Military Service Records & Genealogical Research' started by LRusso216, Jan 14, 2009.

  1. LRusso216

    LRusso216 Graybeard Staff Member

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    My father served in the 473rd Infantry Regiment in WWII. This unit was composed of several AA/AAW Battalions that were no longer needed after the Luftwaffe was taken out of the equation in Italy. There were many other units included in the regiment, but because it was created late in the war, it is difficult to find information about it.
    I have a copy of The Battle History of the 473rd Infantry Regiment, as well as several other pamphlets about the war in Italy. I am also in possession of his medals, etc.
    Anyone with more information, please let me know what you have concerning this unit. They were attached to the 92nd Division.
     
  2. Slipdigit

    Slipdigit Good Ol' Boy Staff Member WW2|ORG Editor

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    I would suspect that since you have a copy of the battle history, you most likely have more than any of us would have. All I have on the regiment is general information that you most likely already have.

    I wish you success in your efforts.
     
  3. LRusso216

    LRusso216 Graybeard Staff Member

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    Thanks. What i am interested in is anyone who might have patches or other items related to the unit. I have a little display in my father's honor (he died in 1990) and a unit patch or other memorabilia would be great. My son and grandchildren are interested in knowing what they can, since they never had a chance to really know him.
     
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  4. Slipdigit

    Slipdigit Good Ol' Boy Staff Member WW2|ORG Editor

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    The 473rd Infantry Regiment would not have a unit patch, the men would wear the patch of the parent division, which in this case would be the 92nd Infantry Division. Infantry regiments had "distinctive unit insignia", usually, but not always, in the form of an enameled heraldic-looking pin that they wore on the blouse pocket of their Class As. Not all regiments had insignia and I would hazard a guess that the 473rd fell in this category, due to it being formed so late in the war. If they did, I would suspect that it would have been displayed prominently in the book you purchased.

    The AA battalions most likely wore the patch of the corps or army to which they were directly attached. If they were attached to army, it was probably the 5th Army. If they were attached to corps, you'll have to try find out which one, but it was most likely the II or IV Corps as they were part of the 5th Army when the 92nd was broken up and reformed.
     
  5. JCFalkenbergIII

    JCFalkenbergIII Expert

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  6. LRusso216

    LRusso216 Graybeard Staff Member

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    Thanks for your response. I have been in touch with Patrick Audinet who runs the website you mentioned. I have come across the following pictures to show what I have seen although I do not own them.
     
  7. LRusso216

    LRusso216 Graybeard Staff Member

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    I have just come across a rather beat up copy of Bill Mauldin's book This Damn Tree Leaks that was my father's. On each page is the name and address of someone he served with, but I'm not sure if they were all from the 473rd or if they were from his days in the AA. If you know of anyone who was in the 473rd or one of the earlier AA/AWB units, let me know. It might prove helpful in your searching.
     
  8. cheeze57

    cheeze57 recruit

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    My Grandfather was in the 473rd Regiment,landed in Africa with the 5th Army as AAA unit until it was converted to the 473rd,has several picture
    in Italy,Rapido River and Cassino.Have his uniform and several German
    souvenirs he brought back and a few stories about the different unit
    that were with him,has small diary and list of names that were truck drivers and assistance.Ended up in Leghorn Italy assigned to the 88th
    Infanrty Division. Mike
     
  9. Biak

    Biak Boy from Illinois Staff Member

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    Welcome to the forum Mike, uh, I mean cheese57,
    LRusso216 will be very interested I'm sure. As will we all. Feel free to post some of those stories!
     
  10. LRusso216

    LRusso216 Graybeard Staff Member

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    I'm just seeing this after returning from a two week vacation. Mike, by all means, post what you have. I have a strong interest in finding out as much as I can about the 473rd. Feel free to contact me if you wish to do so privately.
     
  11. Matt Seguin

    Matt Seguin New Member

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    Hi Lou,
    I have been researching my Grandfather who I believe was in the 473rd. Just like your father he passed away in 1990 and all I have is his DD-214. According to that it said he was 473rd Engineer Maintenance Company. His name is Roland Seguin of Alpena, MI. He did have a nickname of Sarge that I am not 100% sure if he did receive that before the war. Just curious if his name could be on any page in your father's book.
    Thanks
    Matt Seguin
     
  12. LRusso216

    LRusso216 Graybeard Staff Member

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    I'll check but I think not. My father was in the 473rd Infantry.
     
  13. Matt Seguin

    Matt Seguin New Member

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    I know it is a long shot but it is hard to find any information on the 473 Engineer Maintenance Company
     
  14. Aaron Smith

    Aaron Smith New Member

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    Hi, my great grandfather was in the 473rd Infantry Regiment and I have taken on the task of restoring his items that have rather unfortunately become lost over time. If this thread is still active I feel like it might be a good place to include in my search. LRusso216 I would love to see if we can find him in your book. (Branch patch and matching metal pin in the photo are items he confiscated off of an enemy soldier. This is the only photograph of his original items that I have to go off of)
     

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    Last edited: Oct 3, 2019
  15. Aaron Smith

    Aaron Smith New Member

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    Mike, there is a possibility that my great grandfather's name may be in that diary list as transportation in the 473rd is listed on his separation paper work. Are you still active here? If so let's chat. Cheers!
     
  16. LRusso216

    LRusso216 Graybeard Staff Member

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    Aaron, I'll have to check. What was his his name? There are several items in your photo, the 473rd rocker and the two bayonet pins, that I wish I had.
     
  17. LRusso216

    LRusso216 Graybeard Staff Member

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    Here is the shadow box I made. It has all of the things I have for him.
    [​IMG]
     
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  18. LRusso216

    LRusso216 Graybeard Staff Member

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    A better image.
    [​IMG]
     
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  19. Aaron Smith

    Aaron Smith New Member

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    His name was Elmer Zongker
     
    Last edited: Oct 4, 2019
  20. LRusso216

    LRusso216 Graybeard Staff Member

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    OK. I'll look later tonight or tomorrow. Incidentally, if he was awarded the CIB he was entitled to a Bronze Star. It was awarded to all CIB recipients by General Marshall after the war. Many men were not aware of it. My father only received notification in 1988 when he became the Charter Commander of a new VFW post.
     

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