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Old Hickory Recon, Memories of the 30th Infantry Division 1943-1945 - Marion M. Sanford

Discussion in 'Honor, Service and Valor' started by Old Hickory, Apr 17, 2009.

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  1. Slipdigit

    Slipdigit Good Ol' Boy Staff Member WW2|ORG Editor

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    Well, I have had a eventful two days. Family members of two 30CRT men contacted me yesterday. One, you can see above. He has talked to Mr. Marion and to me on the phone and we are going to work out some way to visit with him, as he lives in Alabama, also.

    The other person has only talked to me via PM. He is the great-nephew of Orval D. Wilson, who is listed in all the records that I have found as being killed in action after being missing in action. In Old Hickory Recon, he is in the list of 30CRT men who were killed and to whom the book is dedicated. Pvt. Wilson's g-nephew tells me that he was not killed, but rather taken prisoner right before Mortain. He remained a POW for the duration of the war and was held in Stalag VII-B. He died in 1978.
     
    Slipdigit, Feb 20, 2014
    #241
  2. LRusso216

    LRusso216 Graybeard Staff Member

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    You certainly have been busy. Glad you were able to correct the record. What does Mr. Marion have to say?
     
    LRusso216, Feb 20, 2014
    #242
  3. Slipdigit

    Slipdigit Good Ol' Boy Staff Member WW2|ORG Editor

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    He's very excited about it, Lou.
     
    Slipdigit, Feb 20, 2014
    #243
  4. lucky l

    lucky l New Member

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    Slipdigit thanks for the books,Mom was elated and dove right in reading and so did I,my wife had surgery today and I read half way,very good writing skills and Marion amazes me, sure wish dad and he could have reunited before dad died 2003,I sent Marion some photos ,I will read the rest before I call him again, With all the PTSD of the last few years I am still amazed that men like Marion and my dad seemed to live very fruitful and peaceful lives.Dad driving the 2+1/2 T supply truck not only had to supply them with necessities o war but at times had to haul some of his comrads in arms back from the front to be buried,I know he knew many of them and was heart broken for their families, enough of that ,last week was the 70th anniversary of their arrival at Liverpool,not only did dad have seasickness all the way across,he also had the red measles and pneumonia,I guess it was good for them to have had that time in England before Normandy,Thanks again for preserving those memories for the rest of us.
     
    lucky l, Mar 4, 2014
    #244
  5. Slipdigit

    Slipdigit Good Ol' Boy Staff Member WW2|ORG Editor

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    You are welcome, Lucky and hope y'all enjoy it.

    Mr. Marion seems to have done quite well psychologically after the war. He came home, talked the war all out with his wife-to-be, and got on with his life. He said to me, "Worrying about it wasn't going to change anything that happened." He lost some friends that he still thinks about often but he's never let that make him quit looking at the future. The old boy is 93 years old and is waiting on warm weather so that he can start his garden.
     
    Slipdigit, Mar 5, 2014
    #245
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  6. Dot

    Dot New Member

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    I have been glued to this screen for the last 2 hours reading every post of this thread! Slipdigit, you are amazing to do this for Mr. Marion. I tear up every time I read about the memories of these wonderful Veterans. The hell they lived through, all Vets for that matter, but especially these Vets! I wish my Father-in-law had lived long enough to benefit from the internet and the knowledge that people DO care and DO respect what scarifies they made. They are The Greatest Generation!! Please give my regards and thanks to Mr. Marion!
     
    Dot, Mar 6, 2014
    #246
  7. Slipdigit

    Slipdigit Good Ol' Boy Staff Member WW2|ORG Editor

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    Thanks Dot, I'll pass your good words along to him. He is proud of his book and of his division.
     
    Slipdigit, Mar 6, 2014
    #247
  8. leycrawford

    leycrawford New Member

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    I spoke with Mr. Sanford some 10 years ago. I talked with him about his service and my grandfather (William C. Slappey). I did a Q&A with him and he shared several interesting details and insights to both his experience and that of the 30th Recon. I collected most of the data from Mr. Sanford and about 20 other members of the unit, back in 2002-2003. I was inthe U.S. during this time period, and would conduct these interviews on my 'down' time. Unfortunately Iraq kicked off in 2003 and for the next seven years I was in and out of the country and lost contact with the veterans I spoke with. Since then most have passed away and alot of great history about this magnificent small unit has passed with them. I am now retired from the Army, and teach and coach Social Studies/Football/Baseball in North Carolina. I am willing to share any info I have, if anyone has any questions.

    My granfather was SGT William Cyril Slappey. He was an accomplished baseball/football player and was very fond and proud of his unit and service. He lost his leg 10 daysprior to the German Surrender. He passed away in 2003, and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery. His passing motivated me to want to learn more of his experiences. As I searched and gained contact with the veterans of the Troop, I learned some incredible things about my grandfather, and his brothers in arms. I compiled as much as I could from the remaining men of the 30th Recon that were still alive, and also conducted extensive research at the National Archives. I will be writing a book about the 30th Recon in the future, but until then I am willing to share anything that can be helpful. All of these men were magnificent and more heroic that I can ever imagine myself in their situations.
     
    leycrawford, Mar 14, 2014
    #248
  9. Slipdigit

    Slipdigit Good Ol' Boy Staff Member WW2|ORG Editor

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    Ley,

    I got your PM and have replied to it. Contact me through the email address that sent you, possibly we could talk on the phone.

    I called Mr. Marion and asked him about your grandfather and he very much remembers Mr. Slappey, adding that he was a good man. If you would like to talk to Mr. Marion, he said that would be good. He likes to talk to old Recon members or their families.

    I have a trove of pictures and other items from the 30th CRT. I also have the After Action Reports, if you want them.
     
    Slipdigit, Mar 14, 2014
    #249
  10. leycrawford

    leycrawford New Member

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    Here is a photo I have of some of the men from the 30th Recon Trp. This was taken before deploying for Europe. I believe it was while they were at Camp Blanding.

    [​IMG]
     
    leycrawford, Mar 14, 2014
    #250
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  11. Slipdigit

    Slipdigit Good Ol' Boy Staff Member WW2|ORG Editor

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    is that one of Harold Dowda's photos?
     
    Slipdigit, Mar 14, 2014
    #251
  12. Slipdigit

    Slipdigit Good Ol' Boy Staff Member WW2|ORG Editor

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    I am adding the men known to have served with the 30th Cavalry Reconnaissance Troop (Mechanized) in the hope that other family or friend who are searching for them will find information here.

    Christmas 1943 Camp Atterbury, Indiana
    One of the enlisted men was killed in a car wreck prior to the troop departing for Camp Myles Standish in Jan 1944 but I have not been able to determine who he was.

    Commanding Officer
    Capt. Kenneth C. Cornelius

    Executive Officer
    1st Lt. James Hume, Jr.

    Officers
    Lt. Neil P. Currey
    Lt. Raymond L. Flanner
    Lt. Miles W. Walker
    Lt. I. J. Wright
    Lt. Leonard Prosnick
    Lt. William T. Juett

    First Sergeant
    Louis C. Stuart

    Technical Sergeant
    Robert K. Tidwell

    Staff Sergeants
    Harvey L. Burroughs
    James R. Chester
    William E. Martin
    Homer D. Roberts
    Francis. E. Scott

    Sergeants
    John E. Barber
    Edwin J. Deedrick
    Mortimer B. Gaines
    Frank W. Gilmore
    John A. Gustafson
    Cecil M. Hartley
    Henry M. King
    Joseph L. Robertson

    Technicians Grade IV
    James W. Birdsong
    Charles E Brown
    Edward P. Dombkowski
    Charlie H. Hall
    Rudolph (NMI) Johnson
    John J. Johnston
    Orville E. Kitelinger
    John J. Kull
    Jesse W. Lucas
    Paul B. McCormick
    Marshall F. Massey
    Marvin L. Prather
    George E. Strickler
    Francis J. Sutton
    Lee R. Tyner, Jr.

    Corporals
    Marion G. Berry
    John G. Childress
    William T. Davis
    Donald R. Gill
    Allen D. Maxwell
    James F. McCann
    Robert W. Reilly
    Paul C. Rogers
    William C. Slappey
    Dominic S. Vincenzo
    Alvin A. Willette

    Technicians Grade V
    George H. Bennett
    James R. Billings
    Robert E. Bishir
    G. H. Brewer, Jr.
    Robert O. Butcher
    Joseph R. Calabrace
    Merlyn C. Castner
    Foster D. Chapman
    Warren O. Conrad
    Clifton W. Cox
    Walter E. Dennis
    Harold E. Dowda
    Stanley J. Dzwilewski
    Arthur W. Fouts
    Otis A. Gadberry
    Wilbur D. Gaddis
    Thomas Garrett, Jr.
    Dorris A. Gilliam
    Robert E. Gorman
    Josiah N. Hall
    Joe P. Hopper
    Claude J. Kaiser
    Joseph L. Kenney
    James L. Lawson
    James E. Lynn
    La Mont R. Mair
    R. B. Malone [Rio?]
    Richard T. Meeks
    Alexander E. Molnar
    Charles E. Obenour
    Keith W. Pierce
    James H. Rainey
    Raymond J. Roman
    Marion M. Sanford
    Stephen L. Sealey
    Goodrich D. Simms
    John L. Sloan
    Mark P. Walthers
    Buck NMI Watson
    William C. Weatherman
    James A. Wilkerson

    Private First Class
    Richard C. Brown
    Arthur H. Cook
    William A. Crowell
    Perry E. Dale
    Gilbert P. Davis
    Bernard D. Doucette
    Theodore J. Dziedzic.
    Berwyn D. Flint
    Peter NMI Friedrich
    Edward T. Hampstead
    Gerald M. Jacquot or Pacquet
    Bryan R. Kelsey
    Maurice H. Kimball
    Delmar F. Mann
    Henry D. Norris
    Dale W. Oakley
    Joseph P. Parades or Paradis
    William L. Parsley
    Richard M. Samuels
    James C. Smith.
    Herbert E. Stark
    John S. Stillwell
    Orval D. Wilson
    Aubrey E. Storey, Jr.
    Charles J. Stelling

    Private
    Richard E. Babin
    Charles S. Banfield
    Lewis H. Benedict
    Alec B. Blackwood
    Carlos S. Blankenship
    Leroy P. Brush
    William H. Chilton.
    Albert NMI Cirioni or Cirione
    Cecil C. Cothran
    Fred G. DeRolf
    Antonio F. Fiorentino
    Allen L. Fultineer
    Charles W. Gaylor
    James W. Gregg
    Walter S. Harbin, Jr.
    Henry M. Harrington
    Joseph L. Hermes
    William A. Hines, Jr.
    Earnest R. Kitts
    Boyd E. Kreis
    Kenneth W. Kurth
    Jack M. Long
    Neil P. McGinn
    Howard NMI McKennon
    James I. Mitchell, Jr.
    Alvie N. Moore
    WIllebaldo NMI Nila
    Maland C. Nowland
    Theodore C. Pasternak
    Ernest S. Payne
    Franklin F. Peterson
    Eugene F. Plude
    Harry L. Pope, Jr.
    Max D. Read
    Marvin W. Redick
    Shirley L. Rockwell or Shipley
    Antony C. Rubano, Jr. or Anthony
    Robert K. Seal
    Howard N. Simmons
    Everett H. Sims
    Elisha V. Smith
    Harland NMI Smith
    Theodore S. Such
    Harold G. Works
    Raymond R. Wyant

    Replacements
    James H. Berg, 1st Lt.
    Frederick L. Haldiman, 1st Lt.
    Chester H. Prentiss, 1st Lt.
    James W. Hendrix, Sgt.
    Allen D. Maxwell, Sgt.
    John G. Childress, Cpl.
    Cornelious V. Spillane, Cpl.
    Stephen Braley, T/5
    Joseph Denney, T/5
    Patrick Gibbons, T/5
    Michael J. Lundy, T/5
    Paul C. Seiler, T/5
    Noralf O. Swennes, T/5
    Kenneth Allen, PFC
    Esterino A. Benso, PFC
    Charles S. Colwell, PFC
    Ralph G. Gordon, PFC
    Stanley Kasprzak, PFC
    Wallace A. Klang, PFC
    Edwin T. McMinds, PFC
    Antone C. Mello, PFC
    Nicolas Mucci, PFC
    Charles S. Banfield, Pvt.
    Andrew Ernst, Pvt.
    Joseph L. Kenny, Pvt.
    Richard Lyczynski, Pvt.
    Howard W. Ochiltree, Pvt.
    Allen F. Powers, Pvt.
    Richard P. Cloutier
    George H. Dinner
    Russell K. Fett
    Harry F. Irvin
    Joseph L. Ott
    Lusco Wickisen (Wickiser)

    These men were with the 30th Recon at Thanksgiving 1943 but not Christmas.
    Travis H. Cramb, 1st Lt. -Troop XO prior to deployment to England
    Thomas R. Jack, Lt.
    Roy E. Taliman, Lt.
    Peter L. Henderson, Lt.
    Ralph L. Stevens, Sgt.
    Paul J. Dufsterhuas, Cpl.
    Donald R. Gilt, Cpl.
    Pleasmer McCarver, Cpl.
    John J. Sutton, Cpl.
    Marvin H. Coursey, Jr., T/5
    Foriest D. Harrell T/5
    Ernest Roberts, T/5
    Joseph C. Robins, T/5
    Wainwright A. Gillingham PFC
    Robert B. Mile, PFC
    James W. Butcher, PFC
    Guy R. Cook PFC à 117th IR
    Ray E. DePue, PFC
    Austin C. Fogg, PFC
    Willie B. Hogan, Pvt.
    Clyde W. Miller, PFC
    John G. Smedberg, PFC****
    Edward J. Stanek, PFC
    Evertte E. Weems, PFC
    Robert H. Amore, Pvt.
    Jesse J. Bonds, Pvt.
    Joe F. Cherry, Pvt.
    Glenn W. Davenport, Pvt.
    Andrew Ernst, Pvt.
    John J. Finnegan, Pvt.
    Walter B. Gibbons, Pvt.
    Edward L. Hampstead PFC
    Francis Hutchinson, Pvt.
    Charles H. Knights, Pvt.
    Warren Lockwood, Pvt.
    Sheldon McClure, Pvt.
    Floyd M. Montgomery, Pvt.
    Ashland C. Mowed, Pvt.
    Henry J. Parsons, Pvt.
    Joseph C. Piazza, Pvt.
    Martin K. Plessinger, Pvt.
    Ulysses S, Riner, Pvt.
    Walter J. Sabahonis or Sabagonis, Pvt.
    Daniel D. Smith, Pvt.
    Charles J. St. Siemens, Pvt. Frank J. Stianche, Pvt. Dole C. Tennison, Pvt. James F. Wisecup, Pvt.
     
    Last edited: May 28, 2018
    Slipdigit, Mar 15, 2014
    #252
  13. lucky l

    lucky l New Member

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    slip digit I have not been able to get my computer to work for some time, maybe its ok now I would like to talk to leycrawford if you can relay my phone number or E-Mail to him,I have not taken time to call Mr Marion lately is he doing ok? I still would like to have a copy of the pictures you have on CD I'll pay what it costs,howdo you send the AAR'S ? God bless.
     
    lucky l, Apr 9, 2014
    #253
  14. Slipdigit

    Slipdigit Good Ol' Boy Staff Member WW2|ORG Editor

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    I can send the photos and AARs to you on a disc. I'll try to mail them over the next day or so.

    I'll send an email to Mr. Crawford as you asked.

    Mr. Marion is doing great. He is still going and doing, staying busy. I think he has started planting his garden.
     
    Slipdigit, Apr 9, 2014
    #254
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  15. arjones

    arjones New Member

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    Location:
    Saint Fromond Normandy
    Richard L. Lyczynski
    Private, U.S. Army

    30th Reconnaissance Troop, 30th Infantry Division






    I now live very near there having just moved here ... just outside St Jean de Daye (as well as another poster). The 3/117th swept up to Hill 30 on the 7th July 1944. I am a battlefield guide, after amongst other things 16 years in the British Army, so I visit Colleville-sur-Mer frequently. I'll post a picture of his grave as soon as I can.

    I would also be interested in all the AARs and the book that came out of this thread.

    I was at the annual commemoration of the liberation of the communes of Ariel and St Fromond (just before St Jean de Daye) last month and the locals were delighted that I was able to bring along a D-Day veteran who lives here half the year. He was however a British DUKW driver so sadly not the 30th !!

    I am willing to offer free board and lodging to any DDay vet who chooses to come over and visit (an offer I've made to other DDay veterans on the 6th June at SME).



    Regards Adrian
     
    arjones, Aug 7, 2014
    #255
  16. Slipdigit

    Slipdigit Good Ol' Boy Staff Member WW2|ORG Editor

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    Adrian, thank you for contacting me.

    I sent you a private message and would like to talk further with you.
     
    Slipdigit, Aug 7, 2014
    #256
  17. Skipper

    Skipper Kommodore

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    Skipper, Dec 31, 2014
    #257
  18. Slipdigit

    Slipdigit Good Ol' Boy Staff Member WW2|ORG Editor

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    It is certainly possible, Skipper. The 30th ID was a National Guard division out of Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina. As far as I know, it was the only unit to use that nickname.
     
    Slipdigit, Dec 31, 2014
    #258
  19. Skipper

    Skipper Kommodore

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    Cool, I thought it looked nice and would fit in this thread.
     
    Skipper, Jan 1, 2015
    #259
  20. bjvrdh

    bjvrdh New Member

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    Hello to all vets - and thank you!!
    My father served in WW II in the 30th Old Hickory Division (Pvt./ PFC Albert John Cirioni). I would love to have a copy of the pictures on CD. My dad passed away on March 31, 2004. Please let me know the cost, etc. I will send $ and mailing info to the person that has these pics. He was intensely proud of his service and would have loved to see the WWII memorial in DC, but it opened just after he died.
     
    bjvrdh, Jan 6, 2015
    #260
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