Hello everyone! My name is Jeff and I have recently been given a cigar box of my grandfathers service documents, diary and photographs from his WW2 service. I've found it fascinating to read and study, and certainly wish he was still here today to discuss with him. He has many photos of his comrades with their names written on the back. I started thinking how cool it would be to locate family members of these great guys and share the photos. So I started looking for a way on-line to find members of "Battery B, 51st Battalion". And I ended up here looking for help. His journey started at Camp Callan in 1942, training for Anti Aircraft service. Most of his photos indicate that he travelled on a "half track" shooting at airplanes. Can someone perhaps steer me in a direction to unfold this story and maybe match up some names from his group? Thank you
Another Minnesotan! Welcome Jeff, we don't outnumber the Texans yet but we're gaining on them Post as much as you can. I'm sure the folks here will be able to help out.
Welcome Minnesota Jeff! Be aware your search to find unit members may be a difficult one. Sadly the government did not keep unit rosters, but there are many knowledgeable members here who may be able to provide some help. There is some alphabet soup missing from the unit listed for your grandfather. It should say something like "51st FA Battalion" (Field Artillery) or "51st AAA Battalion" (Anti Aircraft Artillery) etc. Consider posting some of the documents and information you have found, it can give clues that members can help you with. Good luck with your search and have a good one!
My scans of the documents are too large to upload - I need my daughters help to make them smaller! But his draft card has this info on it: August 15, 1942 Leonard J Supinski 37294208 Anti Aircraft Replacement training center Battery B, 51st Battalion Camp Callan, California
Hi Jeff. Welcome to the forum. We'll wait until you can upload the scans, although I might suggest am image hosting site such as Photobucket or Image Shack. Then you can just drag them into your post.
Welcome to the Forum, Jeff. It's good to see another Minnesotan on the Forum. The 51st Battalion may just be his training unit. The photos you mentioned or, if you have them, his sleeve insignia and DUI (Distinctive Unit Insignia) pin may be more helpful. Lou's suggestion about using an image hosting website would be best.
