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T/4 Amando R. Uresti, Jr., is definitely a pride of Texas, being a direct descendant of the De Leon family which founded his home town of Victoria. Prior to answering the President's note in November, 1942, he was an instrument operator for the United States Engineering Department. "Rusty," who is the transit operator in the Survey Section, was Survey Corporal in the 212th A. F. A. Bn. before joining Division Artillery in April, 1944. Operating his instrument despite heavy enemy shellfire and the high degree of efficiency and integrity he displayed in performing his duties all through the campaign have earned for him the Bronze Star Medal. All of 22 years old, Amando is looking forward to returning to his old homestead--P.O. Box 64--where his wife and son are awaiting him.
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Pfc. Donald E. Van Bramer was better known as "Bozham." Van's gaiety and light heartedness belied his 26 years; he seemed like a carefree kid. Even today the enemy, is haunted by the road escapades of the this daring driver and his "Peep," "Arf." The collection of souvenirs of "Bozham," or "Vannie Boy," included Lugers, cameras, and gimcracks of all kinds. "Vannie Boy "is somewhat of a legendary personality of the battery. Quick witted, big hearted, and courageous--these are the words to describe "Bozham Vannie Boy." 3911 W. 31st St., St. Louis Park, Minnesota, is his hometown.
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Tec. 4 Leo J. Veary, the boy from the "Whaling City" made his debut in khaki as Mess Sergeant for Battery D, 2nd Bn., 101st F. A. Regt., on January 16, 1941. He continued to serve with that unit after it was designated Battery A, 212th A. F. A. Bn. until April, 1944 when he was selected to join the newly formed Headquarters Battery, Division Artillery because of his culinary ability. Leo is especially remembered by the members of the forward C. P. group for the hot meals he served under the most adverse conditions, a feat which earned for him the Bronze Star Medal. After Leo receives his mustering out pay, he will be found on Phillips Ave., New Bedford, Mass., -- most likely kneading dough.
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T 5 Frank J. Walker, 24 years old, is another Chicago Walker. This one however, comes from 409 South Keeler Ave. To say that Frank was well trained would be an understatement because he has received training in mountain, swamp and lowlands, desert, coastal, and flat country maneuvers. Frank came to the Division Artillery in April, 1944, and has come all through combat with the battery. Driving a half-track is his responsibility. One can do nothing but praise his ability. Frank, who was a member of Division Headquarters Company before joining Headquarters Battery hopes to get back to his home State of Illinois before too long.
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T/5 John R. Walker, the 20-year-old son of the Chicago Walkers, knocked about the Reppo Deppos and one fine day came to our area with an M-1 rifle slung across his broad shoulders. He was accepted at once and assigned to the Metro Section as a plotter. John was quick to learn, and his good nature set him solid with the gang. The Army's call interrupted his course of studies, but when John gets his final papers, he will be back at college taking up where he left off some years from now you'll find John R. Walker in the Windy City in through this book at 8651 Marquette a modest home, probably thumbing Ave.
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S/Sgt. Thomas I. Walker, a native of Gonzales, Louisiana, became a battery member while at Stow-on- the-Wold, England. Until the time we set sail for France, Tom had no section except a mythical one on paper. He was given a section to train in a very difficult study and accomplished the task in a magnificent manner. The 6th Armored Division has awarded Tom with a Bronze Star Medal for the performance of his duty.
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Cpl. Edward I. White couldn't resist the personal note of greetings that he received from the President and presented himself for duty in January, 1940. He was with the 128th A. F. A. Bn. from that time until he joined Division Artillery in April, 1944. Whitey, being a liaison "Peep" driver, has been in the thick of things all through the campaigns and has come through with flying colors and a Bronze Star Medal as a result of the fine job he has done. The 29-year-old ex-cook hopes to be back at Route 6, Box 68 in Springfield, Missouri, before too long
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Cpl. George G. Whittington is another of the Battery's native Missourians. He, too, came into the Federal Service with the 128th A. F. A. Regt. in November, 1940, having served with that unit as a wirernan until his transfer to Division Artillery in April, 1944. As a Wire Corporal, George showed his worth by being ready at all times, regardless of weather, proximity to the enemy, or any hazards, to go out to install or maintain communications. This fine display of devotion to duty earned for him the Bronze Star Medal. Despite his trip to the French Riviera, Whit, who is 29 years old, still looks forward to returning to the farm in Albany, sometime soon.
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Pfc. Elmer L. Windham, called Windy by his intimates, was selected by a committee of his friends on June 3, 1942 to go forth and bring new glory to the hep town of Newcastle, Texas. Although every one recognizes his ability as a driver and mechanic, his claim to fame in the annals of the battery history is based on a ready, warm, facile wit that moves through the battery like one of his favorite tumbleweeds across the wide expanses of Texas. Like most Texans, he was connected with the oil business.
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T/4 Merwyn Worthman is all business when it comes to facts and figures. As Chief Survey Computer he was responsible for the computation of survey data as well as the operation of the Survey Information Center. Merwyn is well qualified for the job, having been a computer in the 212th A. F. A. Battalion. He is from Brooklyn and of course a worshiper of those beloved "Bums," the Dodgers. If you are ever around 115 Ocean Ave. of that borough, stop in for old times' sake. Merwyn is a graduate of City College where he specialized in merchandising. Although only 25 years old, he has achieved a sound success in this field and a Los Angeles firm is bargaining for his services in the post war world. For meritorious service in action against the enemy, he has been decorated with the Bronze Star Medal.
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1st Sgt. Victor M. Zuzenak, number one enlisted man of Headquarters Battery, entered the Federal Service via the National Guard. He served as Chief of Maintenance Section, Chief of a gun section, and Communications Sgt. in Battery A, 128th A. F. A. Bn. from November, 1940 until April, 1944, when he came to Division Artillery. His primary task, that of taking a group of trained technicians, as temperamental as prima donnas, and welding them into a smooth functioning battery, met with paramount success. This was due, in a large measure, to his diplomacy, understanding, and facile wit. Vic earned the Soldier's Medal by rescuing a man from death in a fire when a large field range exploded, and the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious combat service. If you are around St. Louis 24 years from now, drop in at 5055A Winona St. where the bon vivant expects to settle down after his retirement from the service.
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