Hello To all of you! I kind of feel like the new replacement fresh from the States that shows up in his spiffy clean uniform and looking for a place to stash his gear. The old veterans haven't had a shower in months and are a bit wary of the "new guy". (Band of Brothers) Anyway, I have read some really great posts here and hope I can earn my vittles with whatever info I have that I am more than happy to share. Just happy to be here! My name is Dave and I live in Minnesota. I'm retired after 19 years as a Law Enforcement firearms trainer for the Mn. State college system working with students earning their Law Enforcement degree and also with police depts., SWAT teams, and military units. It was a great ride!! My Father, Art Rasmussen, served with the 37th Inf. Division from before the war started to the very end. I remember many times pestering him when I was a kid to tell me stories and he would eventually succumb to the pressure and tell a few though rarely if ever actual combat. Those stories have stayed with me for many years so if there are any of you interested in 37th Division info., perhaps I can fill in some gaps or at least provide some anecdotes. I am very interested in hearing from you as I certainly don't have all the info I would like. I am very proud to join this group and look forward to corresponding with you. Dave
Wait. Are you saying some of us need showers? I, for one, just took one six weeks ago. Welcome to our home. Most of us are harmless. There's plenty on the 37th. We'll do our best to help.
Welcome (again!) to the Forum, Dave. We are a scruffy bunch of rogues, but we do brush and floss daily. Well, most of us do anyway. Glad to have you aboard.
Welcome. Funny absentmindedness. I was at work when I read the title of your welcome post, and at a quick glance I thought it read "to hell with all of you."
Oh, killin' me! Thanks to all!! So, at the risk of committing a terrible breach of protocol right out of the chute, I hope you don't mind my first post here. I would far rather risk it than be responsible for a new thread that could be titled "Personal Hygiene in the Field". Now Pop could have been pulling my leg on this one, but I really don't think so. . He told a story of when he was on Bougainville that there was a clean, fresh river near where they were camped that had a very large tree/log that had fallen over in to the river. This is where they went to swim, bathe, and wash clothes. They would sit on the log and dry off along with the laundry and watch for crocodiles. One day the guys sauntered down to the ole swimmin' hole and noticed some "grey hairs" splashing around and of course joined in...tossing bars of soap and having just a fine old time. Eventually the "old guys" started to leave...drying off and getting dressed. It was at this point they noticed one of them pulling on a shirt with a whole bunch of stars on the collar. It was Halsey and members of his staff! Apparently the Admiral turned to Dad and the rest of the guys and said "thanks boys, I'll see you later!" and marched off to who knows where. Quite a story and if anyone might know what river this could be, would like to know!
Firstly I balked at the 'clean, fresh river'....most rivers in these parts are muddy brown...however, their ARE a small handful of fresh water sources - and this now rings true as you only swim in these areas as the crocs use stealth and ambush, thus shy away from clean water you can see into...fresh water crocs abound...but only eat fish. It's the Huge Salties that can handle both salt and unsalted water - one of just a few animals who can. Good story : )
Thanks Folks! I'd like some advice from the Vets if I may. Can I/ should I, continue to use this site to ask questions and share stories or should I go to the 37th Division site? It just looks like it has been a couple years since any posts were made there. Dave
Actually, if anyone monitors the 37th Division site...maybe I should use that and get it fired up again. Your thoughts??
Dave, if you are referring to the Forum topic 37th Infantry Division, you can certainly post any questions you have regarding the 37th there. You can also start your own topic if you have a question about a specific unit that was part of the 37th ID.
