researching 1Lt Ernest C. Baker

Thanks to all for providing this forum. Although I'm the grandmother of five, including a 23-year-old, I've just begun seriously researching my father 1Lt Ernest C. Baker who was KIA near Reuth, Germany, in March 1945. Like all of those affected by WWII, my life changed drastically after my father's death. My mother never truly recovered from losing the love of her life, and I learned at an early age to be careful around this sensitive and painful subject.

For whatever reason, I now feel a strong need to know more about about this father I can't remember. I suspect that I want to be sure his short life is remembered by the generations that follow me. So I've finally begun going through my mother's papers and am learning a great number of facts--of course I could kick myself for not demanding more personal information from my grandmother, uncle and mother while they were still with me.

Unfortunately, my father's records were among those completely destroyed in the 1973 fire. My husband (a Vietnam vet) is helping me and thinks my best source of information will be organizations like the 87th Infantry Division Association. I've read some of those letters sent in reply to my mother's requests for details, and the kindness of the individuals who replied to her anguished questions is almost overwhelming.

Sorry for the long post, but I'm so encouraged by the information and the general tone of this forum--everyone seems to be offering help for all the right reasons.

NOTE FROM MODERATION: all postings regarding this quest have now been moved here. Enjoy!

 

I sure hope you find what you are looking for around here and I look forward to reading whatever it is you find and happen to post. I have only been a member here since last night and the information and resources I have already found is unreal! And everyone seems to be really helpful like you mentioned. Good luck and take care!

 

jdyrly,

My Dad's unit, the 607th TD Bn, was attached to the 87th ID at the time of your fathers death. He may have been lost on March 4, 1945. The following links will take you to 607th documents which mention Reuth and various actions there:

http://www.tankdestroyer.net/images/stories/ArticlePDFs/607th_Mar45_Journal_OPT.pdf

The March journal mentions the town in the 0845 entry on March 4, 45, along with "L" Co, 347th IR and the 2030 entry again mentions action at Reuth.

http://www.tankdestroyer.net/images/stories/ArticlePDFs/607th_Mar_45_Summary_of_Ops_Opt.pdf

The 607th March summary mentions Reuth on 3/4/45 (entry for Co. C) but indicates the 345th IR. Not sure if both the 345th or 347th IR's were there or only one of them?

Look up "Reuth, DE" on Google Earth and it should show you the town.

Hope this helps with your search.

 

All of your replies are wonderful and I thank you so much. I'm including as much information as possible. (If I've included details that shouldn't be online, I would appreciate someone editing the post or letting me know that I need to do it.)

Natman, your post nearly took my breath away--my father did die on 4 March 1945. I was always told that the right front tire of his Jeep hit a land mine while he was sitting in the front passenger seat. Apparently my mother was quite fragile after his death, and the account she was given included, "He was thrown out on his head, died instantly, and didn't have a mark on him." Even as a young child, I knew that story was probably given as a kindness to my mom, and it gave her a great deal of comfort during her lifetime.

This is what I do know:

Ernest Clinton "Bill" Baker (Jr.)
Born 15 Aug 1914 in Oklahoma
Enlisted 27 Jul 1942 in Oklahoma City, OK

KIA 4 March 1945 near Reuth, Germany
Company I, 345th Infantry (per 87th Division letter of 14 Dec 1946)
Battalion Commander: Col Michael Moran (Lt Col Robert B. Moran commanded the 3rd Battalion per the 87th Division website.)
Buried in Foy Cemetery near Bastogne, Belgium
American Cemetery #1, Plot H, Row 1, Grave 10
Remains returned to Oklahoma City, OK, in 1949 (1947?) for reburial by family

Other info:

Went to Camp Walters, TX for basic training (infantry with emphasis on rifle)
Fort Benning, GA for OCS--commissioned in 1943
Fort McClellan, Anniston, AL--not sure of purpose or timing

I also found letters letters dated 1946 from two chaplains in reply to Mother's requests for more information. His own Chaplain responded that he hadn't been able to travel the 80 miles of impassable roads to perform the memorial service himself. (He did mention "hearing about the accident," but there were no details.) He then referred her to Maj Otis L. Welsh (also a Chaplain with the 8th Corps, who was stationed at/near Trier) in the belief that Maj Welsh performed the service. The Major's letter, however, stated that he didn't officiate and didn't know who had.

On a side note, I'm truly overwhelmed by the generosity and kindness of people regarding my requests for help. I've received wonderful emails from the Superintendent of the Ardennes American Cemetery; he obviously considers his position as an honor, even more so because his own father was liberated by the American Army. In a second set of messages, a young Belgium soldier has offered to take photos or do research because he has grown up in a society that honors its liberators and because he now feels a need to honor fellow soldiers. What an amazing community of volunteers.

 

PS--Steve, thanks so much for the documents. I reread them and was able to understand that things were moving very quickly at the time. My husband read it and explained the big picture for me. (Yep, I've been a kept woman for nearly 50 years and I'm damned proud of it! ) I've also sent the PDFs to my cousin who is retired military and curious about the uncle he never knew.

I also meant to include a couple of photos:

 

Glad I could help! If you haven't already, check out the 87th's website: 87th Infantry Division Association
I found this which has some info about the action at Reuth: Personal Account: WWII Memoirs - Part 3
Unfortunately the "Forum" has been offline for a year or so? I believe they stopped having reunions a couple years ago.

You might also try to contact Preston Durrer, webmaster for the 87th site. Click on his name at the bottom of the homepage. He was able to help me with some photos sometime back.

If you want to continue researching, the next step would be contacting NARA and checking to see what documents are available for Co. I, 345th IR. Send me a PM if you want help with that.

Is that you in the photo?

 

Actually, I started this research because there are several people who routinely add information and notes on the memorials of military at Find A Grave - Millions of Cemetery Records. There were many tributes on Memorial Day (that's where the young soldier from Belgium contacted me), and I decided it was past time for research. I'm keeping track of all these posts and going through each lead. After so many years knowing so little, the information has suddenly started pouring in--guess that's the way it happens. It's nice problem to have!

Thanks to the 607th Journal you posted, Natman, I've pinned down the correct Reuth. The journal mentioned the town of Kerschenbach on the same day Reuth was mentioned. The two towns are about 10 km from each other and are both located in the State of Rhineland-Palatinate, District of Vulkaneifel, and Municipality of Obere Kyll. Thanks for that help.

I've already started writing requests for records and have been brainstorming alternate sources of information. One thought is the VA, which paid my way through college. (I was a math teacher for 30+ years.) In order to qualify, I had to spend a full day at VA offices--taking tests for IQ, aptitude, etc.--taking psychological tests like Rorschach--and being interviewed by various VA psychiatrists and psychologists. I've always assumed that they were gathering information for a long-term study of children born during WWII--I didn't mind since it was an interesting experience. Now I wonder if the VA might still have my file with copies of some of my father's service records. Figure it's worth a shot.

And, yes, that's me in the photo. Those are really the only two photos I have, and the one of the two of us is especially poignant. It was originally a snapshot taken the last time my father was home; Mother had it turned into a portrait after his death and I cherish it.

I agree with you, Slipdigit. My husband and I were privileged to visit the American Cemetery in Tuscany about five years ago. Our guide was a native of Florence who had also been the guide for WWII generals, Barbara Bush, and other dignitaries. We were honored to hear her stories and to see how lovingly and beautifully that cemetery is maintained. She also emphasized that the people of Tuscany will be forever grateful to the brave souls who rest there.

My father was a volunteer from civilian life, but he intended to make the military his career if possible. I didn't know him, but I was lovingly watched over by his brother. My uncle was a Marine Sgt who spent most of the war in the Pacific. He was a wonderful man--I loved him dearly--so I think my dad must have also been a good man, too.

Again, to all of you, this help, these leads, this kindness truly means the world to me.

 

jdrlry..... First off bless your Father, Mother, and you for his service to this country...

As LaRusso219 said, request his IDPF from College Park, MD. It will take you back in time as there was an extensive and complete process when an American was KIA. You will find letters between the military and your mother. It will have enough information for you to find other areas of your father's service so you can take the ball and run.

Above all, you found the best support you can find, the good folks at this great forum. This is the best source for WW2 info.

I know I was in your place 5 years ago.

 

Lou and Steve,

The Army Human Resources Command is not located in College Park.

Its address is:


U.S. Army Human Resources Command
ATTN: Public Affairs Office (FOIA)
200 Stovall Street
Alexandria, Virginia 22332-0404

Sample letter:


Dear Sirs,

IAW with the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), I should like to
request a copy of the Individual Deceased Personnel File for my uncle Thomas J. Kerr,
who died in World War II.

Below is his personal information:

- NAME: Kerr, Thomas J.
- RANK: PFC
- ASN: 33411898
- UNIT: B Company, 63rd Infantry Regiment, 6th Infantry Division
- DATE OF DEATH: 18 January 1945

I realize that this will take some time, and I will be patient. Naturally, I am
prepared to pay any costs necessary for the production and mailing of the file.




Dave

 

Steve S, thank you for the tribute to my parents--it's appreciated. My husband reminded me today that receiving such complete information may include unpleasant details and he offered to read it first. I think he's beginning to see, though, that any facts are healthier than the doubt I've lived with for so many years.

Dave/kerd5, thanks very much for the new information. I'll write that letter tomorrow. I'm hoping the 1973 fire didn't have any bearing on those records because it sounds like they will be invaluable.

Natman, I followed your links and came upon an article written by Mike Catrambone. We were fortunate to meet his wife and him during our trip to Italy five years ago. The four of us remained friends, but Mike and I were especially close friends and tech buddies. Sadly we lost him last year and I miss his humor and intelligence more than I can say. Mike lived every minute of life to its fullest, and the world is definitely less fun without him in it. That old soldier was a real pistol and a lovely human being until the very end.

 

I hope those of you who helped me are still subscribed to this thread. If no one responds within a week, I'll start a new thread because I want to be sure all of you see it. With all of your encouragement, I wrote to the NPRC once more and...

Their letter started as usual with,

"The record...was in the area that suffered the most damage in the July 1973 fire at the NPRC. Although the OMPF was recovered after the fire, the veteran's separation document was not among the recovered documents. The OMPF is in the legal custody of the NARA. Access to this record will be granted by providing a copy of the file.

...Because the record is fire-damaged and may also contain mold, preservation treatment will be required before the record can be released to our archival research room...."
​

It went on to say that I could pay a $60 fee for archiving treatment and will receive copies of anything that might be readable. If they can't recover at least six pages, my fee will be refunded.
​

I called NPRC and the woman I talked to was wonderful. I told her I had given it one more try thanks to all of you, and she said, "You have no idea how many of those forums are helping the children and grandchildren of WWII vets. I hear amazing stories about the generosity of people who frequent the WWII threads." So please give yourselves huge pats on the backs both from me and from NPRC. :S!

The woman also said to encourage anyone interested in records affected by the fire never to give up because new records are being recovered every day. It's definitely an ongoing project and no one sees an end in sight so please pass that information on to others you help.

Sorry for the long post (I'm infamous ), but thanks to your help, I now have the following information about my dad:

Company I, 3rd Battalion, 345th Regiment, 8th Infantry Division, VIII Corps, Third Army (Edit: Thanks to another generous researcher, I've confirmed that all of this information is correct so I removed the question mark after Battalion.)

KIA 4 Mar 1945 and buried in Foy Cemetery #1, Bastogne, Belgium, Plot H, Row 1, Grave 10 until his remains were returned to the family in 1949.

Other info: Enlisted 29 May 1942 in Oklahoma. Basic at Camp Walters, TX. OCS at Ft Benning, GA from 22 Nov 1942-9 Feb 1943 (19th Company, 3rd Student Training Regiment). TDY (I assume) at Ft McClellan, Anniston, AL.
​

Apologies if that was overkill--not sure what would be interesting to you. I'll post again when I receive something from NPRC, but I really can't thank all of you enough.

Last thing--I'm still communicating with the young Belgium soldier, Dominique, who contacted me through Find a Grave after leaving a memorial on my father's page. He recently sent a wonderful email and included these photos of Foy Cemetery--he took them for me when he was traveling to Bastogne. Again, the empathy and kindness of people....

If anyone would like high-res versions of these, please let me know.






I can't read all of the inscription, but above the graphic is PEACE. To the left and right are THANK & YOU. Beneath the American flag: "Here lies the site of the FOY AMERICAN TEMPORARY CEMETERY. From 1945 to 1948 it served as a temporary resting field for 2,701 Americans killed in action during THE BATTLE OF THE BULGE. 12-16-1944*1-28-1945."

 

(Sorry about the poor spelling at times)
I was really moved by this thread! It´so wonderful to see how your first post is followed by so many answers with information and sympathy leading on to new discoverys. I also just loved the pictures, especially the one of you and you father I can really see how prescius you were to him (an still are).
Good job everyone, this must be the reason why forums like these are founded!

All the best! Welcome to the forum!

 

Hello , welcome to htis fine forum. If you wish I can create a special thread for this quest and merge all the interesting postings there.

 

Glad to hear you're still making progress!! Sometimes it seems you just have to contact the "right person" and suddenly things open up. I'm enjoying the story of your search, please keep us updated as you find out more.

 

Lou, thank you so much for that. My family reminds me that I can get a little "wordy"--retired teacher who has lost her audience and such. And all of you are surely responsible for the recent successes in my research--certainly in no small way. :S!

I just emailed Dominique with the link, told him of your request, and encouraged him to join the forum. He is very active on the other site, especially taking pictures of graves in Belgium for people, but he's also extremely interested in WWII history. I told him that all of you have the expertise to answer his questions and that his personality and deep sense of caring will fit into this group perfectly.

I've also invited another gentleman to read this thread and join in. I ran across a couple of posts he made in other forums, realized his father was in the same company as mine, and I wrote to him last night. I received a wonderful reply this morning, and he was able to confirm the battalion and a few other details. He's obviously very knowledgeable and the tone of his email sounds like responses I've received here. I'll let him introduce himself if he decides to post.

No worries--what counts are your lovely sentiments and welcome. Besides, I was a math teacher--we weren't expected to be good spellers.

That would be wonderful, Skipper! As I reread the thread last night, I was sorry that I hadn't included Company I, 3rd Battalion, 345th Regiment, 87th Infantry Division (or the appropriate short form) in the title and also started the thread in a better spot in the forum. I would be honored to have it more accessible to others.

Thanks, Natman. Now that I know I won't be boring all of you, I'll try to post every time I discover something new. I know that forum members probably don't get much feedback from people you've helped.

When I trained first-year teachers, I emphasized that they had to know in their heart of hearts that they were making a difference because human beings just naturally deliver more complaints than compliments. I try to walk my talk by saying "thank you" when people have been kind, and all of you have certainly been that.

Well, I hope to see two new members next time I check into the forum.