PVT SYLVESTER ROGERS, 36TH ID, 141ST REG, COMPANY A

I have been chasing a ghost. I was born and raised in Logan County WV, and went in the military just after graduating high school - it was either the coal mines or the Air Force. My best friend growing up was my Grandpa. He always told me about his brother, Sylvester, but I could get no details about him in WWII - it was something he could not bring himself to talk about. Now that I am almost an old man, I would like to know Sylvester, how he died, was he a good soldier, etc. Time is closing in as most of the WWII vets are moving toward the century mark. Well after spending much time researching Sylvester, I am really no closer to finding the details than when I started. Below is what I do know. I have ordered his DD214 from the St. Louis Records center

[FONT=&quot]ACTIVITY DURING WWII [/FONT]
PRIVATE FIRST CLASS ROGERS WAS KILLED IN ACTION IN 1944 IN ITALY, WHILE SERVING WITH 36TH INFANTRY DIVISION - BRONZE STAR, PURPLE HEART.
Serial Number: 35268025
Enlistment Processing Station: Ft. Thomas/Newport KY
Date of Enlistment: 2/21/41

I do know that Sylvester was a very skilled Bluegrass musician (banjo, fiddle, guitar, and Harmonica) and that he had red hair. I would like to document his story in some manner, as I have the utmost respect for all of the soldiers in WW II. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

 

Looks like you have a good start by ordering his personnel records. You might also write for a copy of his "Individual Deceased Personnel File" (IDPF). This will give you a lot of information on the disposition of the body, letters from the Army to the family, etc.
Dept. of the Army
U.S. Total Army Personnel Command
200 Stovall Street
Alexandria, VA 22332-0404

If you can get the citation the Army gave with the Bronze Star you may be able to learn why he received it--This should be in his records. Even if his records were burned in the 1973 fire, the Defense Department should have other records on his awards.

One other thought, you might write a letter to the VA requesting records. They should have a file if he was KIA. You should also look at the link below--she has some information from her search for her father's information who was KIA.
Carla's Page: In Memory of My Dad

The 36th Division has a ton of information. You have his Regiment and Company, you should be able to spend the rest of the winter reading about his service, and sadly, his sacrifice. Let us know how your doing with your quest.

 

Sir, I very much appreciate your response, you gave me several avenues that I have not yet traveled. I am new to this forum and I would give you a salute, but am not sure of the protocol for doing so.

 

If you know the month that he was killed, you can ask my friends on the 36th
Division Message Board for the After Action Report, which they have. It may
provide more info on the circumstances of his death.

36th Infantry Division - All - Texas Military Forces Museum - Message Board - Yuku

From The Riviera To The Rhine


Dave

 

See this thread for additional info on obtaining his IDPF:

http://www.ww2f.com/military-service-record-genealogical-research/32780-index-general-orders.html

You have to cite that your request is under the FOIA.


Dave

 

Five salutes would be the proper protocol for such a elequent response--just kidding, being of help is enough.

I'm doing some research on the invasion of Salerno, Italy and see the two RCT (regimental combat team) of the 36th Division, the 141st and 142nd was landed in six boat wave assaults in the American sector to overrun the railway behind the Roman temples and seize positions in the foothills. This assault was under the command of Rear Admiral Hall. If Pvt Rogers was in the 141st at this time he was surely involved. This was out of the book, "Sicily-Salerno-Anzio" by Morison.

 

Steve Schaeg, ( http://www.ww2f.com/members/steve-schaeg.html ) on this site, is a pretty good resource for all things 36th ID. I can never seem to find his PM information though.

 

Sylvestersboy and formerjughead,

First off happy holidays !!

Brad, I will try again tonight to send a PM, not having alot of luck, but I'm learning !!

Sylvestersboy, I did a search on the ABMC and he is not burried overseas so you must know the date he was KIA. Give me that date and I can pinpoint his final battle. The 141st saw some terrible battles, regretfuly they were under the 5th Army and General Clark and Corps Commander Keys, and Dawley.

Butn, if you study the Salerno landings you too will be amazed at General Clark and his decisions. UNBELIEVABLE... A great book is by Hugh Pond Salerno: A Military Fiasco.

One other note, when you read about the 141st and the Salerno invasion you will see only one cannon from the Regimental Cannon Co made it ashore that day... It was my uncle. From 1940 untill KIA on 12/12/1944 he was a fighting machine. I will post his memorial on his birthday, Jan 18th....

Best Regards

Steve

 

Butn, if you study the Salerno landings you too will be amazed at General Clark and his decisions. UNBELIEVABLE... A great book is by Hugh Pond Salerno: A Military Fiasco.[ Quote]

Thanks, I'll get a copy and check it out. So far I've been focused on the Navy's role in the landings but it sounds connected My brother served on an LCT and went in with British officers, drivers and other war supplies on Uncle Green. Looking foward to your uncle's memorial. Dave

 

Dave,

OK one more foot note.

As my uncle was landing with the invasion force at Salerno with the 36th, his brother, my uncle Arville, was landing troops at the same place. Still trying to find out which division he sent in. His ship was sunk and he spent 10 hours floating in the water with a front row seat watching the battle unfold !!

Admiral Hewlett was in charge of the amphibious force his story about Salerno is excellent.

If I remember right the flag ship was the Abscom ??I think he turned over the troops to Clark on the evening of the 11th. That's a long time !!

Best Regards

Steve

 

I suggest contacting the 36th Division Association 141st Regiment here:

141st Infantry Regiment

or, the association itself:

36th Infantry Division Association History Menu

 

Thank you Sir, I finally located his Date of Death and have requested the AARs from the 36th. I much appreciate your assistance in my search...

 

Thanks - he was killed on Feb 21, 1944. After reading the Rapido River write ups on the internet, it seems he made it through the fiasco portion and may have been killed in Anzio - just a guess on my part. I have sent for the AARs through the 36th prior to reading your message. I appreciate the guidance you have given me in my search...

 

Sir,

I have sent for the IDPF as you suggested. I appreciate your assistance in my search...

 

I would like to see them when you get them, if that is possible.

 

You can beter use this adres. I have request more then 5 idpf files on this adress and it also lucky.

The Total Army Personnel Command
ATTN: TAPC-PAO(FOIA) 2461 Eisenhower Avenue
Alexandria, Virginia, 22331-0482
USA

 

Both addresses are valid I believe they are both in Alexandria, VA and just a few offices (blocks) away from each other.

 

Make sure to mention the Freedom Of Information Act....Very Important.

I think the 36th was off line at the time of his death. This due to the beating they took at The Rapido. The whole area was a deathly war zone.

 

Sorry about the delay in replying. I will post them to you when I receive them...Thanks for the help...

 

Another good story.

If you guys want to see some great info, go to www.kwanah.com. message boards.

2 new members from here were sent to the 36th web site: Slyvestersboy and Renny Renolds.

They just both happen to be 36th ID soldiers. One was awarded a PCU !! It's a great story

BUT they started looking here on this great site. Many Thanks !!!