Hello all My name is Daniel, nom de guerre of Airpower SNCO because I'm retired USAF. I'm currently living in the southshore area of Tampa Bay and I've been fascinated by WWII since I was a young boy. My grandfather served in an infantry unit in the ETO and the few stories and artifacts he shared with me fueled my interest. I am a historian of the time period by education and avocation although I have not made a cent from this nor do I have my name stenciled on a door followed by "WWII Historian." I also play the drums, am trying to learn guitar and love a cold beer on a hot day. My sign is Pisces and I tear up when watching 'Old Yeller.' In all seriousness, I look forward to lively discussions/dialogues concerning historical interpretations of WWII at the tactical, operational and strategic levels. I can't wait to learn from you old hands and perhaps I can offer something from my end as well. Let's pull chocks and get this party started.
Thanks for the warm welcome Skipper and Wessex Wivern I am still trying to track down what combat unit my grandfather served in. I know he 'graduated' from training on or about April 18, 1944 while training with Co. B/54 TNG BN at Camp Fannin Texas. According to his stories he was shipped out to a repple depple in the ETO and then joined a line unit. I think his 214 might have been destroyed in the St. Louis fire back in the 70s. I'm only in the initial stages of my search. I have a box of his stuff from that time period. unfortunately many family members took advantage and stole the most precious artifacts. My grandfather had a German helmet which he admitted was bartered for with a REMF and was probably not from a combat landser as it was pristine and had the swastika on shield painted on the side. He also had a small flag/banner. The prize was the P08 Luger...which I fired as a young man and was promised to me by Grandpa. It was sold or pawned by a family member back in the late 70s. I'm a little bitter about that one. Anyway, I'm just starting my search for Erel Stanley Pedersen's war record. I'll track it down eventually.
Hi Daniel. Glad you could join us. I just read your post about the US and "saving" WW2. You sound knowledgeable and willing to stick your neck out. We like that. As for your grandfather's history, you've made a good start. Keep us informed of your progress, and if we can help, we will.
Daniel, Most returning vets were encouraged to turn in their 214s at the county clerks office. If you know the county where your grandfather was living when he returned,they may have a record. Good luck with your quest.Nothing more satifying than digging up the past to make a personal connection. Bob
Welcome aboard, thanks for your service! You probably have already seen your grandfather's enlistment card but if not here is a link to it. Good luck with your search. http://www.fold3.com/page/83201542_erel_s%20pedersen/details/
Welcome, Daniel. A couple other oft overlooked resource is the local historical and genealogical societies. I presume you've put the word out to your extended family that you are looking into your grandfather's service. I did that and found out the units in which my great uncles served.