My grandfather Joseph Christopher Stopher recently passed, and we just found out reading his old letters home that he was the lead sniper for the 29th infantry division- 1 of only about 30 guys in his unit that made it back. He never spoke about any of his experiences in the war...trying to learn as much about them now that I can. Looking forward to joining the discussion and tributes here.
Not sure if you have already found it, but here is a pretty good research site for the 29th Division: Maryland Historical Society, Research the 29th Infantry Division Some of the links have been "closed for renovation" for quite awhile, but there is still some good info there.
Just reading one of his letters home...deep in France, as lead sniper my grandpa was in the attic of a french house, scouting a Nazi camp. He took out 2 Nazis with 2 shots, then ran into the cellar, and through a tunnel to the neighboring house. While in the underground tunnel...the Germans start shelling the house he was initially firing from. He then climbs into the attic of the next French house and takes out 2 more Germans...again runs down into the cellar and down the tunnel....meanwhile the Germans shell the 2nd French house, as well as the entire next 7 French houses in the block. My grandpa in the note said he stayed in the pitch-black tunnel for over a week before he ventured out...and found his way back to the 29th infantry camp.
Fascinating story, Lindau. Is the letter dated? Maybe you can determine his (very) approximate location from the 29th Division AARs.