158th Regimental Combat Team (RCT) "Bushmasters"

It is a little bit off subject but I was reviewing some widely seen photos of the Pacific theater and thought others may like viewing them as well.....there is one photo of members of the 158th in this grouping and shows that they were from Arizona and New Mexico in their native dress. You may have to view several before you reach this particular photo.http://blogs.denverpost.com/captured/2010/03/18/captured-blog-the-pacific-and-adjacent-theaters/1547/

 

I am writing a book about the I Corps' fighting on Luzon in World War II. That means I am writing about the 158th IR. I was hoping a family member might have some stories about Bloody Sunday in particular, but all the fighting around Damortis in general.

I thank you in advance for any help you may provide.

Tracy Derks

 

I'm really glad I found this site. My grandfather was a Bushmaster with F Company, 2nd/158th. His name was Fred Ferris from Peoria, Illinois, and he was killed in Luzon on April 3, 1945. I'd really like to learn as much about his company as possible. My father and I were also infantrymen, and kept the family tradition going. I'm interested in photos, videos and perhaps find someone who knew him. Thanks so much.

 

My uncle, PFC James W. Williams, Huntsville Tx, was also killed in action on April 3, 1945. He was with the 158th and I have seen letters he wrote to my grandmother with the Bushmaster heading. I don't know what battalion or company he was with when he was killed. My grandmother told me he had been in an anti-aircraft unit but was subsequently transferred to the Bushmasters.

I found excerpts from what I believe was a unit diary which reads as follows:

3 April 1945 - Captured MT LINGUION, commenced drive to S against heavy fire: reconnoitered coastal road N to TIZI POINT.

Does anyone know where I can get a more detailed account of the action that day and possibly a casualty list? Any information on my uncle James would be appreciated.

 

I am pretty positive my grandfather was also in Luzon. I have a few pictures love him, and one or two pictures of him overseas. I have one where he's taking a picture with five other men in the jungle. I would have to look at his discharge papers to see which company he was in.

 

Hello Bushmaster Veterans and Families. I am writing a book on the Wakde-Sarmi (Maffin Bay, New Guinea) engagement and I need to talk or correspond to anyone who has information on Bushmaster participation in that engagement. My books rely heavily on personal stories and comments so first-hand comments, information in letters, reminiscences and stories your father or grandfather told you - including training for and transportation to the Pacific -- are priceless. If you think you may have something of interest, please contact me by email (craigsiegel@yahoo.com) or phone (503.358.7560).

I have also posted this request on the Bushmaster Facebook page.

Thanks.
Craig Siegel
Portland, Oregon

 

My father was Stephen "Pip'' Buchok. He was in the Bushmasters from Panama to Japan. I read a book and it told of soilder who left the soccer field in Brisbine and went to town to drink. That was one of his stories. He talked about Stub Waters and Hungate. Could you let me know if you have any information about him

 

Hi Rick -- Did your dad have any stories about Wakde-Sarmi, or Lone Tree Hill (Maffin Bay) on New Guinea? Any tidbits you may recall or letters would be most helpful. CraigSiegel@yahoo.com

 

Hi -- Does your uncle's letters or the unit diary mention anything about Wakde-Sarmi or Lone Tree Hill (Maffin Bay) on New Guinea? As I mentioned later on this forum, I am collecting information for a book on the Wakde-Sarmi engagement and am looking for personal stories regarding this engagement. Anything you have, no matter how much, would be most helpful. Thanks. Craig Siegel@yahoo.com.

 

Hello Kent -- If your dad came home after Arawe he would have come home before the unit was shipped to Maffin Bay, New Guinea. But if he did participate in the Maffin Bay engagement (Wakde-Sarmi, also known as Lone Tree Hill) I would be very interested in any personal stories or anecdotes that you could share.

Thanks. Craig Siegel (CraigSiegel@yahoo.com)

 

Hello Sgt. Dominguez -- Did you do the story on Kent's father? I am trying to reach Kent to see if he has any information or stories regarding the Wakde-Sarmi (also know as Lone Tree Hill) engagement at Maffin Bay on New Guinea. Please let me know. (CraigSiegel@yahoo.com)

 

Dave,

I am very interested in the Bushmasters and their Unit History and S3 Docs would be extremely helpful to me.

Is it possible for you to share these with me? (I already have the photos you mentioned.)

Thank You.

 

The article say the Japanese 36th Division was named the Tiger Division and consisted of six foot tall soldiers. The wiki page for the division says it was the Snow Division, and does not mention six foot tall soldiers. The wiki page has some good souces so I think its right. And one of the regiments was on Biak not at Lone Tree Hill.

 

Quote From Patrick's article post #1.... "As fighting continued, another noteworthy Bushmaster exploit took place at Cataguintingan. There, Company G, led by Captain Bayard W. Hart, a Cherokee Indian, found the camouflaged lair of the giant howitzer that had been shelling the Lingayen beachhead. The gun was duly captured and 164 of its defenders killed for the loss of only one Bushmaster wounded. Company G was issued a Presidential Unit Citation for that feat."

Interestingly Company G is credited with capturing two of the 320 mm Japanese howitzers, not one. Some post-war writings seem to give credit for the second howitzer to another company. Not sure what that is all about.

Here is the Presidential Unit Citation for that action. .....

Can't upload due to file size. Will try again later. OK think I got it.

 

Hi Everyone,
I want to share this picture of a flag that I found at my dad's. He never served, but when searching for the history of the 158th Infantry Regiment "Bushmasters" I came across this thread. My dad does not remember when or where he purchased this flag, so I don't know if the dates and places are 100% accurate.
Nathalie

 

After his death, I found letters my dad had saved that he wrote to his friends back home in Chicago. The friends he wrote to must have saved them for him. Through a timely process, I was able to organize these letters with the help of my cousin. The letters chronicle his four and half journey as a Bushmaster through the Pacific Theater, starting with New Orleans, as he shipped off to Panama, and ending in the Philippines on July 7, 1945. My dad, Joseph Brill, was in the 2nd Battalion, Company G.

As the story unfolded, I began my research on the 158th. Of course, I was in awe of my father and what he endured, but I was mostly in awe of the whole regiment and what they accomplished under horrific conditions. I realized the letters went beyond a sentimental story for my family, I had to tell the whole story, the story of the Bushmasters. I solved this by writing a book that is comprised of his letters and photos, as well a narrative and timeline of the 158th RCT.

The book is titled, As Ever, Joe: Story of a Quiet Hero. It is a self published book that is available on Amazon. I am donating all the money I earn on sales (unfortunately it is a small profit margin) to the Gary Sinise Foundation, so I hope this isn't considered a plug.

Also, the photos are priceless, and they reproduced well for their age. I'm hoping I will find the sons and daughters of his buddies in the photos.

I will post the link to this book, if anyone is interested , or cant find it otherwise.

I am very happy to be a part of this group. I want to learn more about the 158th RCT, as well as share what knowledge I have about them.

 

Dave,
I have Lancaster's book and in spite of the poor quality, I am sure that my dad is in one specific photo, but of course, cannot be sure. I would be very interested to see the photos you obtained from NARA..

 

I know this post is old, so I hope you are still out there Dave. I am very interested in those photos. There is a photo in Lancaster's book taken in the Philippines, and I'm sure as I can be that my dad is in it, however, the quality is so poor, I cant really be sure..Thanks in advance, if you are able to send me copies.
Mary Jo Brill

 

I don't think it would be a problem posting a link to your book. Thanks for letting us know about it.

 

Mary Jo......I'm back and have been busy these past years. Check out this link:

Fort Tuthill Military History Museum

I will be posting in the near future and am scanning thousands of documents to share. My father was the communications officer for the second battalion and I have all kinds of stuff to go through.

Enjoy
Kent