I have been lurking for a very, very long time. I decided to join because it gets lonely lurking and not being able to respond. =] I love WW2, and I'm sure you all are to, except the vets that frequent this forum. I'm 29, U.S. Army vet, and graduate do the University of Texas with a BA in 2006 and now unemployed. Yes! The joys of life. I'm a grandson of a WW2 vet that joined the Texas National Guard (36ID) along with his older brother in 1940. From there my Grandfather found himself on the Islands of Luzon and Okinawa with the 10th Army. However, that's all I know since most vets never talked much about it. His older brother went to fight and die in Italy moving British soliders across Lake Cammachio, Italy on April 13, 1945 in a Fantail (known as an Amtrack in the Pacific), which you know just happened to be Friday the 13th. I have learned a lot in doing research on my Great Uncle, but still having a hard time when it comes to the Pacific Theatre. So I will be able to help others out in the process of obtaining documents, and hopefully at the same time learn some tricks or two. Oh, and another passion of mine is German military technology. Even though they were our enemy, you have to admire their organization and research and development.
Welcome, Hans to this fine place. There are plenty of knowledgeable folk about, so post away and enjoy yourself.
Howdy Hans, good to see you finally quit lurking. Thanks for serving our great country. Sorry to read of your uncle's sacrifice. Are you certain that your grandfather was 10th Army? It was not in the Philipines, that would be the 6th or 8th Armies. Tell us more of your grandfather and uncle.
The only thing I know for certain is that he was on Okinawa because I found a letter addressed to him from his battalion commander of the 71st Medical Battalion. I have two pictures of him wearing an MP arm band (forgot the official name for that) yet some how he got attached to a medical unit. I did read a book by Bill Sloan titled The Ultimate Battle that referenced that it wasn't to uncommon for other units to fill the slack helping out medical units. That's all I know.
Howdy Hans and welcome to the forum. You live in my hometown. Glad to have you with us. Happy posting.
Okay, Okinawa and not Philipines, that makes sense. The 10th was formed for the Okinawa campaign. He could very well have been attached to a Medical unit to provide security, as they did treat wounded captured enemy combatants and the Japanese didn't exactly honor the sanctuary offered by the red crosses on the men and equipment of a hospital unit. Would you be able to post the letter and pictures?
Hello Hans, and welcome to this fine place! I can see that you have already met some of our finer Rogues. Thanks much for your service to our country. You will find that your fellow Rogues appreciate it. Cheers!
Thanks. But I'll gather up all of the thanks I get on this forum and send them to my two good buds that elected to stay in and are doing their tours in Afghanistan and Iraq as we speak. While we have Michael Vick doing a short time in prison and then getting out to make a name for himself and cash in, the real heroes are making chump change and living in GP mediums.
Tell your buds that there are a lot of us over here that appreciate the difficulties in which they serve.
Hello Hans ! welcome to the best W.W. II fourm on the planet !!! Thank you so much for your service to our country !!! I share your passion for the German research & development technology !!!!!! Best Regards Tablesaw
