894th Tank Destroyer Battalion

Does anyone know where or how to find a unit photo, aside from ebay, from Co. A, 894th TD BN? I know some of the other companies had their photos taken while at Fort Bragg on or around 06/24/1942 by Bell Clements from Fayetteville. I called the museum at Fort Bragg, but I was told the unit photos were by a private company and the military didn't keep any copies. Any help is greatly appreciated. This is becoming a 6 year quest! Thanks

 

If I find it, I will be glad to share it. Unfortunately, not to many photos of this unit are around. The few I have collected were just as difficult to come by as well.

 

Could you tell me anything about the Bn. Did they go to Europe or the PTO?

 

His copy of Staton's is always nearby. He probably keeps it under his pillow....

 

Good place. Thieves these days would never think to look behind the chamber pot....

 

Did you ever find the photo you were looking for? You do know that there was a unit history done by Patrick Chase on the 894th? It includes many photos and I have a copy. Contact me at roborbethhaldeman@gmail.com or through my website at www.tankdestroyer.net.

-Rob

 

I have a PHOTO taken 7-3-42 of Co A of the 894th. Its not in really good condition as it has gotten wet at some point. I appears to be stuck to the glass in some areas. My Dad served in the unit. The picture actually belongs to my son. When he visits here at Christmas, we'll look more closely and let you know what we think we can do.

 

My late father in Law Don DePamphilis was a self-less and heroic member of the 894th TDB. He served in Tunisia, the Anzio Beachhead, and Italian campaigns. He is originally form Queen, New York. He rarely spoke about the war. I want to learn more about his service and hopefully get him the recognition that he deserves and even a medal upgrade to the Medal of Honor.. How do I go about doing that?

He earned the following medals and awards for his gallantry and heroism during WWII while defending our country:
The Purple Heart w/3 Oak Leaf Clusters, Silver Star, w/3 Oak Leaf Clusters, Conspicuous Service Cross, Awards for Gallantry in Action, Citation for Meritorious Services
and The Croix de Guerre w/ 3 Palm leaves by the French Gov't.

 

JW, Thank you so much for understanding. Today, December 23, 2010 is the 16th anniversary of his death at age 74. I only found out after he died what he had done for this country and what a huge WWII hero he was. I learned about it from old newspaper articles. It haunts me that he's gone and that he did not receive more recognition and thanks for his service. He has only one grandson, my son, and I want him to see what his grandfather did for this country and that this country appreciates his grandfather's service and sacrifices.

I learned from some of the articles that Corporal Don DePamphilis received the Puple Heart and Silver Star when he volunteered to participate in the African invasion and was wounded in the legs in April 1943, when he aided in putting out a fire on a half-track. As his anti-tank battalion moved into Italy and took part in the battle for Rome , Don was again wounded in action and received two Oak Leaf Clusters for his Silvar Star. He and his crew captured 100 German soldiers near Rome while he was acting as a gunner on an M-10 tank and he received another Oak Leaf Cluster for his Silver Star.

From what I've read, being an enemy tank destroyer was like being on a suicide mission. It amazes me that he survived this and kept returning over and over to battle even after being wounded 5 times. I don't think many of the other men he went there with survived. I would love to find someone who actually was with him over there. It would probably be really hard because Don would have been 90 this year. I just don't know how to go about finding out information like this. Where would I start?

Americans live in freedom today because of Don DePamphilis' enduring bravery, determination, and absolute grit.

 

[QUOTET]
The Purple Heart w/3 Oak Leaf Clusters,[/SIZE][/FONT] Silver Star, w/3 Oak Leaf Clusters, Conspicuous Service Cross, Awards for Gallantry in Action, Citation for Meritorious Services
and The Croix de Guerre w/ 3 Palm leaves by the French Gov't.
[/QUOTE]


I wonder how he received the French Croix de Guerre w/three Palms when all his service was in North Africa and Italy? Maybe I'm missing something.
By Conspicuous Service Cross, I presume you mean the Distinguished Service Cross, which is next to the MOH, but I agree with Slipdiget, it still would never be upgraded. And I'm a bit confused by "Awards for Gallantry in Action". I believe this is what the DSC, and Silver Stars are for.
I do thank him for his service and sacrifice. Dave

 

I wrote an article on the 894th TDB that was published in Infantry Magazine in 1995. Trying to relink to it online so I can save it to my computer (I have the hardcopy version in magazine form). Corresponded with several members of the 894th as I was researching my article and attended a unit reunion in New Orleans as well.

All began when my dad asked me if I could find a unit crest for the 894th (he had been in the 894th Tank Battalion in the 1950s at Fort Knox, KY; successor tot he 894th TDB) and my article was the result (after 2 years of research). Patrick Chases' book goes into alot more detail.

Cheers,

Pat

 

Were you ever able to locate the A Co. photo your son had?

 

The Conspicuous Service Cross is issued by the state of New York to any military personnel who has receives any decoration from Purple Heart or higher. I mistook this to mean the Distinguised Service Cross. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conspicuous_Service_Cross_(New_York)

realize this post is two years old but thought I'd add this in case anyone was wondering.

 

Tankdestroyer.net, which was referenced in post #10 above, has a unit page for the 894th TD Battalion. Unfortunately, there isn't much except a brief write up of the unit history. However, it appears Rob who runs the website, has a copy of the unit history book. Perhaps he can help with additional info. He does constantly update the website, so checking back from time to time might be a good idea.