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info on 393 rd inf reg 99th div

Discussion in 'Information Requests' started by lennym, Dec 29, 2011.

  1. lennym

    lennym recruit

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    My father in law was named David Fortinsky.He was wounded on 17 dec 1944 while with the 393rd.He was awarded a number of medals but nothing much is known about him or his unit.He returned to action after he was wounded and we believe that he was part of a unit that liberated a concentration camp.He testified at one of the lesser known war trials.He never spoke of his experiences but I would like to try to find someone who might have served in his unit or a family member of a fellow soldier.His records and citations were lost in a fire in 1972??? .Can anyone help me provide his great grandchildren with info about this patriot?
     
    lennym, Dec 29, 2011
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  2. LRusso216

    LRusso216 Graybeard Staff Member

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    LRusso216, Dec 29, 2011
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  3. Slipdigit

    Slipdigit Good Ol' Boy Staff Member WW2|ORG Editor

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    The 393rd is a well known regiment from a well known division. They were known as the Battle Babies, among other nicknames.

    They put up one hell of a fight in the opening days of the Battle of the Bulge, which was when Mr. Fortinsky was wounded. If he was wounded on the 17th, it was while the the 393rd was trying to hold the Losheim Gap, prior to their withdrawal toward the villages of Krinkelt and Rocherath, Belgium, and then on beyond to Elsenborn Ridge. It was their stand during those first days that contributed heavily to the failure of the German 1st Panzer SS Corps of the German 6th Panzer Army from making any headway along the northern edge of the Bulge. The 99th paid a a butcher's bill, though, for their gallantry.

    They were also one of the first divisions to cross the Rhine River at Remagen. They did liberate a death or concentration camp, but I do not remember which one.

    Lou provided you with a link to a good thread. Research the 99th Infantry Division and you will find much on the 393rd Infantry Regiment.
     
    Slipdigit, Dec 29, 2011
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