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Altenburg Airport, Germany -
Our billeting party was really "on the ball" April 25 when they led the company to a very comfortable layout at the Altenburg Airport. It was here that we became closely acquainted with the once dreaded German Luftwaffe which was now very inactive. The wooded area around this airport was littered with destroyed enemy aircraft which revealed German Air Minister Hermann Goering's last effort to save the fuel-hungery [hungry] Luftwaffe. The hangars were cleared of many partly damaged aircraft before our shop trucks and Parts Issue bin trucks were neatly parked inside.  The hangars made convenient shelters Second Echelon arrived at their appointed building only to find part of it on fire and burning furiously. The building happened to be the local fire department, so the boys proceeded to use the available equipment and play the role of firemen. This was their life long ambition come true, so, to enact the part, the proper clothing was donned. Helmets and hip boots were found as well as fire hose, ladders and the well known fireman's axe. Of course we made it our duty to break every window in the building which is the first action of every fireman. This helps the draft and will prolong the blaze. Fred Connick, our company comedian and morale lifter, acted as fire chief and immediately called for more and more fire hose. Soon there was enough hose laid to have put out the disastrous Chicago fire. Other boys came to the scene of excitement and lent their helping hand in an amateurish manner which resulted in turning the immediate area into a local shower point. Any fire would have to struggle to keep alive under that deluge. We gave the dripping "fire chief" a rollicking cheer which officially ended the blaze. Our living quarters were two elaborate barracks of the latest modern design and with all the latest up to date facilities to make very comfortable living. We had the privacy of separated rooms complete with tables, chairs and beds. The tiled halls led to a spacious stairway and out into a beautiful wooded area around the buildings. This was like real living again and to make it so, the creases began to appear on the trousers, and the shirts swung into the three pleated back. Officers' pinks were whipped out of the moth balls and bars and leaves took on a new glow. Battle-worn shoes were replaced with brand new footwear and the whole company soon took on the air of potential parade material. The mania spread throughout the whole division because it wasn't long before the order came through that reveille and retreat formations should be held. These formations were carried on regardless of weather conditions and recalled very vividly is a Saturday morning parade at which the whole battalion was drenched by a slow drizzle.  Veterans on Parade Our stay was made more pleasant by the Special Service officer who arranged for daily showings of the latest movies and also saw that the men were plentifully supplied with German brew. Passes to Paris, Brussels and the Riviera were resumed. As usual, the eight Doughnut Queens carried on their task of supplying doughnuts and coffee for the division. Very interested in flying, the girls were taken aloft several times in a salvaged German airplane the Air Corps boys had repaired. While watching a plane carrying one of the girls maneuver in the sky one afternoon, we were horrified to see it go out of control and crash in flames. We were stunned at the loss of our Red Cross friend. She was instantly killed, along with the pilot. It was hard to realize that this American girl would be with us no longer.  Two of our 'Doughnut Queens,' Mary and Gracie The end of European hostilities was due at any moment, according to the latest rumors. On the evening of May 7, a strong rumor was circulated that the end had finally come. The war was ended in Europe! This was a signal for a spontaneus [spontaneous] display by a good majority of the men garrisoned at the airport. Everything that would make a light or noise was put into operation. Flares were set off, followed by 50 cal. tracer ammunition, rifle and pistol fire. The excitement of a few men seemed to spread rapidly until all available weapons were adequately manned. The platoons of AAA stationed on the field to discourage enemy air attacks contributed the firepower of their 37mm and multiple 50 caliber guns to the already colorful display. The vivid demonstration on this historical night surpassed by far any array of fireworks witnessed at the recent World's Fair. If everyone's mind could have been visually x-rayed at that moment, the gangplank of a homeward-bound boat could plainly have been seen. By this time, we were becoming more or less accustomed to the sight of the bulky C-47 cargo carriers of the U.S. Army Air Corps, but it was still a thrill to many of us to see them loom into sight, usually in groups of 20 or more, and circle in for a landing. Their loads usually consisted of rations, gasoline and medical supplies. A large evacuation hospital, located in tents, was situated on the field. Often the return cargoes of these C-47's consisted of patients who were being taken to the rear for further medical treatment. Many men had their Paris passes lengthened by "thumbing" a ride on one of these planes to Rheims or Paris. On the afternoon of June 14 the company prepared to move to the vicinity of Kotschau, Germany. As usual, all our trucks were lined up and prepared to move out, but one vehicle in our column was the center of attraction. Our Doughnut girls were given a pass to Paris so someone had to drive their highly decorated Red Cross truck. Biase Lagana was selected after great consideration of choice concerning the feminine facial features necessary for such a job -- to please the boys. After a little make-up, his lips painted a deep, ruby red, a tint of rouge on his cheeks, and all this framed under a flowery red bandanna, his very personality took on a feminine radiance which caused even the coolest lover to whistle a come-hither note. He was really a Doughnut Darling. The column moved out, doughnut truck and all, and was rolling along the highway without a care in the world, for the war was over and this was the first time we experienced a road march under peaceful conditions. The gay and lively attitude of the men revealed a light heart and an eased mind, for who knew, this might be the first lap of our trip back to the States and the life of a civilian. Evidently the other troops bivouacked along the highway had thoughts along the same lines for everyboby [everybody] seemed to be happy. When our columns moved slowly by their areas, they spotted the doughnut truck and came running wildly up to it to greet the smiling queen. Lagana played the part beautifully for his true identity was only detected on the closest observation. Several snapshots were taken on one occasion before Lagana's husky and crackling voice revealed his masculine qualities. He had a great experience and learned just what a wolf's-prey sort of life these girls had to endure. |
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Kotschau, Germany -
On our arrival at Kotschau, we were instructed that this was going to be an administrative bivouac, our first of this nature since we had left the States. Since everything had to be uniform in such a bivouac, the boys were not in the best of humor because they were not allowed to construct their own "dream houses." In our previous bivouacs we were allowed to set up our living quarters which were usually a far cry from the uniformity of the lowly "puptent." Every-one will recall some of the monstrosities which were improperly called home. The puptent was to be our home while in this area. Every tent had to be pitched in a staight [straight] line and equidistant from each other. The first few tents were a model of perfection, but the guide string was broken and the next few tents were constructed on a crazy-quilt pattern, having to be torn down and pitched over again. There was much storming and mumbling of oaths, but everyone stuck to the job until it was completed. The finished "tent city" was quite attractive and we immediately dubbed the main company street "Broadway." It was the busiest street in the area for the simple reason that Sgt. Marvin Barger's kitchen was located at the far end and there was a general rush in that direction at meal time. We never had a whistle blown in Headquarters Company to call the boys to chow, probably because at the appointed time everyone was already in the chow line. We've all heard the expression, "chow hound." Maybe it originated in this company. After evening chow on our first day in camp, a group gathered around and proceeded to organize an impromptu jam session. Biase Lagana, our Italian friend from Scarsdale, N. Y., brought out the accordion and Jeff McCutcheon, of the Battalion Personnel Section, joined with his guitar. The two boys ran through a repertoire of cowboy and age-old ballads and were assisted with the golden voices of Abe Kurtz, Don Bliss, Jack Lazzara, Jimmie Hynes, Fred Connick, Harry Gerenstein and a few others. Irish tunes were rendered under the capable direction of Irish tenor Jim Bailey. The rendition of "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling" was so inspiring that Jim was completely overcome with the thoughts of "Old Killarney. The session finally broke up due to the requests of several G. I.'s backed by persuaders in the form of heavy Army footwear. After nearly two days at this area, after beginning to get accustomed to this life of uniformity, we were ordered to make another move to an airport on the outskirts of Jena, Germany. We were quite elated at the chance to enjoy again that comfort typical of all Luftwaffe barracks. We were pretty sure that we could make ourselves comfortable in this one. |
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Rodigen Airport - Jena, Germany -
All our previous bivouacs at airport locations were very enjoyable, due to the better living facilities the Germans had given the Luftwaffe. We found the usual hangars and modern barracks, but true to form, the place was cluttered up by the hasty German evacuation and finally, by the finishing touches applied by the inquisitive American infantry. To make the place livable, all the debris had to be removed, so all hands went to work cleaning up and washing down the rooms, with the aid of three decontaminators supplied by Companies A, B and C. By mid-afternoon, the process was completed and ready for us to settle down to some comfortable living. The German caretakers turned on the electricity and promised hot showers on the following day. The buildings in this area were promptly searched but we were soon convinced that everything worth taking had already been removed. The scarcity of German aircraft, was noticeable here in contrast with the wholesale destruction at the previous airports. Souvenir hunting here was classified as poor, so our active minds were turned to other interests. An entertainment program was introduced in the form of passes for fishing, for visiting places of interest or for just plain old walking. The movie desire was soothed by the immediate action of Argile Starkey and "Wires" Sawyier who, on the second evening after our arrival, started a full-scale movie house in operation. Robert Simpson, a new arrival in the company and "Happy Warrior" Abraham Yablonsky, the Hollywood impresario from "B" Company, both experienced operators, joined the staff to put the theater on a full-time schedule. The theater was the means of passing many pleasant evenings with first-run pictures from the States and occasional stage performances direct from Paris and Hollywood, through the courtesy of the Sixth Armored Division Special Service Department. Local G. I. shows were also encouraged. Among the outstanding performances presented were "The Toot Sweet" show, featuring many English speaking French stars and the "Pat Lane" show with stars direct from Hollywood. The theater was highly praised by the celebrities who performed there and through their compliments we received priority on several first-run pictures Including the European premiere of the M-G-M hit, "Something For The Boys," starring Carmen Miranda, an adaption [adaptation]of the popular stage production of the same name. To vary the program of entertainment, we thoroughly enjoyed "Hal McIntyre's Band" fresh from the night spots of New York City. The most popular topic of conversation at this time was the point system and who had the points needed for discharge. It was here that we first saw the results of this system. Alvin Winn, Perry McIntire and William Gilbert were the first lucky boys to be discharged under this new point system. The remainder of the company were busy adding and readding their totals trying to locate some hidden point or possible error  To the tune of Hal McIntyre's orchestra Since the war in Europe had ended, we were undergoing a rest period during which we added a little "spit and polish" to our clothing and equipment. The vehicles that were issued to us at Springhill, England, soon after our arrival overseas, were looking pretty shabby after all the road marches over England, France, Luxembourg and then Germany. They had served us well and were faithfully maintained by the very capable Second Echelon team. We lost very few vehicles through accident or mechanical failure and none were destroyed through enemy action, but if they could only speak, they would relate many breath-taking incidents. Parts Issue trucks were the first to go under the spray gun, operated by Ralph "Shadow" Simms. He did such a spendid [splendid] job that he was appointed the official olive drab "air-brush" man. The trucks were then taken to the Second Echelon shop to receive their big white "battle stars" also neatly pinned on by the spray gun. A final lubrication completed the job. Jesse Elrod and William Gebadlo spent most of their time at the Army depots, but they managed to visit the company occasionally. They were stationed at these depots in order to expedite the flow of materials to the Sixth Armored Division. We became acquainted with a few new men who either joined the company here or shortly before. Among them were Richard Reynolds, Malcolm Hood, William Holmes, Finous Clack, James Carr, Robert Simpson, Edward Bardysjewski and the rough and tumble Edward Kissel who was transferred from "A" Company. These boys joined the Parts Issue section under Lt. Raleigh Hayes and WO Marvin Thompson, The Company Administrative Section accepted one man by the name of L. E. Martin who replaced Joe Penzera in the Supply Department. Joe was transferred to the Battalion Supply. Service and Salvage received two new welders, Henry Sextion and James Kinder, who worked with Biase Lagana in the art of fusing metal. By this time we had all settled down to just routine work, similar to our training days at Camp Cooke in California. There wasn't much of anything happening other than well organized athletic and entertainment programs. Evenings were mostly devoted to movies, volley ball, ping-pong, card games or the tricky little game of "seven, come eleven -- papa needs five more points." The beer parlor, operated by Donald Brunette, became one of the most popular interests of the evenings. Many of the musically inclined buddies would gather there to blend their harmonious voices. The cement walls and curved ceilings amplified and reverberated the age-old tunes, giving our musical efforts the brilliance of a Fred Waring chorus. The fishing and walking trips were still going in full swing, and in order to prove to Capt. Edward Wilson that the fishing expeditions were on the level, fish were actually brought back, indicating that chocolate bars were not used for bait. Arthur "Boozie" Gorgacz and Chester "Skin" Bostain were selected as the most successful fishermen of the season. We so-called experts of the rod and reel were amazed at their good luck and suspected that they knew some secret enticement for German fish. Chester "Skin" Bostain was well known as a master of the German language and was called upon many times to act as interpreter. However, many of his German words were distinctly English and very mystifying to the average German. It could be classified as broken English with a German accent. Those of us who were fortunate enough to reserve a vehicle took the opportunity to visit our old friends and relations located in other units. Passes to Paris, Brussels and the Riviera were still in effect, so these, with additional trips to local places of interest, made us potential peacetime European tourists, but the uniform we wore reminded us that we were still under the control of the U. S. Army. We will never forget the words of General Grow at the Division formation held at Apolda, Germany - "We are going home." 'Those were the most beautiful words we had heard since our Army careers began. However, there were strings attached to the statement and soon many of us low-point men found ourselves literally entangled with those strings, for we were eventually drawn out of the "Super Sixth" Armored Division and placed in an Army of Occupation unit or had taken our first step on the long journey to the Pacific War. Near the end of June we were prepared to move out of this part of Germany which was assigned to Russian occupation troops. We pulled out at midnight, June 30, and by morning, July 1, the Russians had taken over the place completely before the German people realized what had happened. The Sixth Armored Division moved over the roads and super-highways of Germany in one seemingly endless unit, a magnificent spectacle which evidently made a deep impression on the German people, for they watched in silent amazement. More than 200 miles of this hard tiresome travelling revealed many weary and sleepy veterans. The trip was made dull without adventure and alertness, as would have been the case during combat. We had little concern as to where our rifles or gas masks were placed. As a result there were many heavy eyelids and nodding heads, aroused only by the rough shoulders of the highway under the wheels, at which stimulus we would nonchalantly steer back to the smooth highway and resume our position of distorted rest, After nearly 13 hours of continuous travel, we found ourselves near the city of Frankfurt-on-Main where we, as well as all the other units of the Sixth Armored Division, bivouacked on familiar ground in the vicinity of Aschaffenburg, Germany. This area was an enormous abandoned airport, large enough to facilitate an administrative bivouac for the entire division. It was a pleasant thought to realize that we, as a divisional unit, had reached the end of our trail, but we regretted seeing so many paths leading away to various other future locations. The most coveted trail led to visions of our homes and the ones we loved. However, the majority of us were not quite so fortunate since our points did not equal the price of a homeward bound trip. Headquarters Company joined the battalion in its last unit formation on July 4, 1945. The farewell words of Lt. Col. Raymond B. Graeves reflected the thoughts of every man who stood before him, "I won't say goodbye, instead -- I'll see you again." We had a priceless adventure together and became aquainted [acquainted] with men from nearly every state in the Union - a bonded friendship that will never be forgotten.  At the end of the trail July 4 was a very opportune moment for this battalion reunion, since the celebration of the holiday acted as a legal vent to release our emotions. The division presented an elaborate display of fireworks and noise. A gloomy dripping rain on the morning of July 6 befittingly merged with our snood when the first group of men to leave the company climbed aboard the trucks with their duffle bags and possessions. The rain in our faces might have been tears, for all that we knew, and we will all admit that there was a soft spot in our hearts as the trucks pulled out. The memory of Headquarters Company, 128 Armored Ordnance Maintenance Battalion, will always remain with us the rest of our lives, and though most of us will never personally meet again, the memories related in this book will form a reunion, never to be forgotten. |
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