WW2 Military Records (1 Viewer)

[Otis]

Great thread, interesting stuff. Inspiring me to look up my grandfathers who both served.

Just checked that NARA site, it seems to only allow for next of kin -- son daughter etc. No entry for grandson. How you guys get around that?

 

[beer 30]

Great thread, interesting stuff. Inspiring me to look up my grandfathers who both served.

Just checked that NARA site, it seems to only allow for next of kin -- son daughter etc. No entry for grandson. How you guys get around that?

Tell them you are his son daughter etc

 

[BroncoFreak_2K3]

Just as a little followup to my own personal story, and that of my cousin Dave who went MIA (presumably KIA) in Holland suring Operation Market Garden (Sept. 1944). I have built many friendships with Dutch and American researchers about my cousin's case. His body was never found, but through his IDPF (Individual Deceased Personnel File) I/we know his last known location within a few hundred feet along a path in Den Heuval, Wylerbaan, Netherlands. I have been in touch with Dutch researchers and the US Government in negotiations and on-going plans for full excavations of this area to begin hopefully this year.

Anyway, one of the coolest things to come out of all my research is, I've been able to connect with my one living cousin who was Dave's nephew, Bud, and have been able to share all of this with him so he has had some closure (which sadly Dave's mother, Bud's grandmother, never had - Bud remembers Dave even though he was 5 at the time). Bud has attended both the 60th and most recently this past September, the 70th anniversary of Operation Market Garden over in Holland. He has stood on the battlefield nearest the last known location of the foxhole where his uncle Dave went MIA/KIA. This past trip, I got in touch with a very good friend of mine who wrote the most recent book on my cousin's military unit, the 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment (PIR), which was part of the 82nd Airborne (referred to as "Devils in Baggy Pants"). His book if anyone is interested:

http://www.amazon.com/Battle-Bridges-Parachute-Infantry-Operation-ebook/dp/B00LCAEABW/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

Anyway on this last trip, my friend Frank the Dutch author/historian was able to, unbeknownst to my cousin Bud, setup my cousin Bud to ride across the Waal River (very famous mission carried out by my cousin's unit - was recreated in the movie "A Bridge Too Far") in a small rubber raft (Dave did it in small canvas boats, using his gun as an oar and taking on heavy machine gun fire and artillery the whole way across) accompanied by current members of the 504th as well as former 504th soldiers that served with his uncle Dave, including his Company CO, who is now in his 90s. Nevertheless, it was a moving experience for Bud and it was an opportunity Bud will never forget. Was so happy this happened for him.

Anyway, just want to say to those who are researching their family member's military records, never give up. For me, this has been a very rewarding experience. I have met hundreds of people in the process. Continue to make connections, and connect those connections. Hopefully, as the case my be, some closure can take place for you as well. Good Luck!!

 

[beer 30]

Awesome Freak!

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

Great thread, interesting stuff. Inspiring me to look up my grandfathers who both served.

Just checked that NARA site, it seems to only allow for next of kin -- son daughter etc. No entry for grandson. How you guys get around that?

Tell them you are his son daughter etc

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

Awesome story Freak.

I'm very anxious to find out as much as I can with the hope of finding anyone who may have served with my grandfather.

Every minute that passes makes this dream exponentially more difficult/unrealistic.

 

[beer 30]

Awesome story Freak.

I'm very anxious to find out as much as I can with the hope of finding anyone who may have served with my grandfather.

Every minute that passes makes this dream exponentially more difficult/unrealistic.

The bolded is a huge point. WWII vets are becoming a scarce commodity these days. Don't put it off thinking you will get to it next month.

 

[BroncoFreak_2K3]

Awesome story Freak.

I'm very anxious to find out as much as I can with the hope of finding anyone who may have served with my grandfather.

Every minute that passes makes this dream exponentially more difficult/unrealistic.

The bolded is a huge point. WWII vets are becoming a scarce commodity these days. Don't put it off thinking you will get to it next month.

So true. That has been one of the best parts of this process for me personally as well. The time I've spent meeting and conversing with these men is something I will always cherish. So much learned, about life in general as well, from them. Great perspective. I will be travelling to Raleigh NC and Fort Bragg this coming September for a reunion (perhaps the last for many) of these troopers from the 504th. Really looking forward to it.

Don't wait to connect, do it now. That Americal Division FB link is a tremendous channel. Put your grandfathers name out there, see if you get a response. Probably will surprise you. If nothing else, telling your story on there may conjure up a positive avenue you haven't thought about checking out.

 

[PIK95]

My gramps and his brothers were in multiple wars. My aunt told me that my grandfather lied about his age when he enlisted and was really young. They didn't care back then apparently. He died when I was a kid and of course none of them would ever share anything they saw. I know he was in Korea and I thought my aunt also said WW2 but I'm not sure if that makes sense. I may have to try and find his D.O.B. and do this.

 

[beer 30]

My gramps and his brothers were in multiple wars. My aunt told me that my grandfather lied about his age when he enlisted and was really young. They didn't care back then apparently. He died when I was a kid and of course none of them would ever share anything they saw. I know he was in Korea and I thought my aunt also said WW2 but I'm not sure if that makes sense. I may have to try and find his D.O.B. and do this.

There were more than a few veterans from WWII that participated in Korea, willingly & otherwise as well as Vietnam. The army downsized dramatically after WWII to the point that when Korea rolled around the depleted ranks didn't have the sergeants necessary to train/lead the young army. They called back into service a number of WWII to fill this void.

One of the more well known veterans who participated in all three wars: Basil Plumley.

 

[PIK95]

My gramps and his brothers were in multiple wars. My aunt told me that my grandfather lied about his age when he enlisted and was really young. They didn't care back then apparently. He died when I was a kid and of course none of them would ever share anything they saw. I know he was in Korea and I thought my aunt also said WW2 but I'm not sure if that makes sense. I may have to try and find his D.O.B. and do this.

There were more than a few veterans from WWII that participated in Korea, willingly & otherwise as well as Vietnam. The army downsized dramatically after WWII to the point that when Korea rolled around the depleted ranks didn't have the sergeants necessary to train/lead the young army. They called back into service a number of WWII to fill this void.One of the more well known veterans who participated in all three wars: Basil Plumley.

That makes more sense to me now. Thanks.

 

[DA RAIDERS]

.

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

I uploaded a few pictures to my photobucket account.

 

[BroncoFreak_2K3]

I uploaded a few pictures to my photobucket account.

WOW. You have a wealth of resources at your finger tips. I would research/try to contact each one of those troopers your Grandpa identified in those photos to see if they are alive and can help with any information they may have about him. Assuming they are friends and from the same battalion, squad, whatever... they may have a lot of information you are looking for.Cripes, I wish I had much of a headstart in my cousin's research.

Awesome stuff!!

eta: The other thing you know now from the photos is that he was in the 57th Combat Engineers Battalion with the Americal Division in 1942. Im sure there is a vet association for that unit.

What is the notebook in the photos? Right there is another source if you go through that. Simple Google searches may open doors...

The battlephotos are mesmerizing. You have a treasure trove of history right there my friend. I could piece together his whereabouts and missions pretty easily with a little time just from those photos.

What more information are you looking for? One other source I forgot is the local VA (County level admin office). They may have sources to help get the information you are looking for. If you have his DD214 or any separation papers, that would help you/them.

eta: found this great history on the Division, may be of interest to you....

http://www.docstoc.com/docs/83819882/THE-JUNGLE-FIGHTERS-The-Story-of-The-Americal-Division-They-were

Second comment on the bottom of this page, there is a gentleman that was in the same Company as your Grandpa on Bouganville (Paul J. Chappell) and the entry is rather recent - Aug 2014:

http://ww2today.com/10-march-1944-bougainville-the-desperate-battle-for-hill-260

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

Dude, I'm all over it!

Dec. 10th

I first received all my grandfathers remaining WW2 belongings...

- I submitted a request for his military records

- from his patches I discovered he was a Technician 4th Grade and served in the Americal Division.

-I sorted all the letters by date and read a lot.

- I learned a lot about my grandfathers family and had some great talks with my mom.

-I did tons of reading on the Americal division the rest of the entire pacific campaign.

-joined all the sites you and others linked and more.

-mailed a request for his medals

I can't find anything on the 57th Combat Engineers Division.

I'm really trying to find this book https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16270492-under-the-southern-cross.

That book is supposed to be the most detailed account on the subject. It's also very rare and subsequently a little pricey at $100-$200 if you can find it.

I live near DC so I can visit the library of congress and see the book there, but obviously I can't check it out.

 

[BroncoFreak_2K3]

Dude, I'm all over it!

Dec. 10th

I first received all my grandfathers remaining WW2 belongings...

- I submitted a request for his military records

- from his patches I discovered he was a Technician 4th Grade and served in the Americal Division.

-I sorted all the letters by date and read a lot.

- I learned a lot about my grandfathers family and had some great talks with my mom.

-I did tons of reading on the Americal division the rest of the entire pacific campaign.

-joined all the sites you and others linked and more.

-mailed a request for his medals

I can't find anything on the 57th Combat Engineers Division.

I'm really trying to find this book https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16270492-under-the-southern-cross.

That book is supposed to be the most detailed account on the subject. It's also very rare and subsequently a little pricey at $100-$200 if you can find it.

I live near DC so I can visit the library of congress and see the book there, but obviously I can't check it out.

awesome

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

This journey has led me down an emotional path a discovery of where my family came from and what they did.

I'm the last guy to cry at a funeral. I handle the toughest situations with an iron resolve. This search has had me balling like a girl dozens of times.

My grandmother passed before I was born. My older brother died of leukemia before I was born. These two incidences made it so hard on my mom that I never asked about my family. In my young mind, I never even had a grandmother. I've never even seen a picture of my father.

So researching this has opened up so much. I discovered and visited my great grandparents house. I've gained a grandmother. I've gotten closer to my mother.

I guess what I'm rambling about is if you're anything like me, and you don't know or don't care where you came from, start asking and researching, TODAY. While this has been a emotional ride.... It's been so rewarding.

Ok enough of that sappy crap.... More on my grandfather....

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

The 132nd Infantry w-as ordered to occupy Mt. Austen. The attack was started December 17 after G-2 reports had estimated the enemy forces as small. The 3rd Battalion moved a short way into the jungle at a shoulder of the hill where they were held up by machine gun fire, and dug in, for the night. While continuing the attack the morning of the 18th, the Battalion Commander, Lt. Col. William C. Wright, was killed. There was a heavy fire fight and the enemy resistance was found to be too strong for one battalion; so the 1st Battalion was ordered to envelope the enemy's east flank on the right. The *** defense was stubborn and both battalions were pinned down. The supply problem was a critical one, entirely by hand carriers until the Engineers by magnificent efforts constructed a jeep road across the ridges to the hill. The 2nd Battalion, commanded by Lt. Col. George W. Ferry, swung to the south in a flanking movement and cleared the northern and eastern slopes on January 2. General Sebree took command Jan 10.

The main units of the Americal Division were the 132d, 164th, and 182d Infantry Regiments; the 221St, 245th, 246th, and 247th Field Artillery Battalions; the 57th Engineer Combat Battalion; the 101st Quartermaster Regiment; the 101st Medical Regiment; the 26th Signal Company, and the Mobile Combat Reconnaissance Squadron. The division, which had been widely dispersed in New Caledonia, was to operate on Guadalcanal as a complete division for the first time.

Moreover, poor roads hindered the movement of supplies inland. Engineers and pioneers of the 1st Marine Division had built roads and some bridges, and the 57th Engineer Battalion was continuing the work. Known before the war as Government Track, the coast road served as the main route between the Ilu River and Point Cruz. An additional road net served Henderson Field and the infantry positions to the south. The marines had begun a jeep trail southwest from the perimeter toward Mount Austen; the 57th Engineers were to complete this trail, over which supplies for the forthcoming attack on Mount Austen were to be carried. A permanent motor bridge enabled heavy vehicles using the coast road to cross the Matanikau. The coast road supplied the troops near Point Cruz, while jeeps carried supplies to Hill 66 on a trail leading over Hills 73 and 72.

These roads, which rain turned into mudholes, were never completely adequate even in dry weather for the supply of front-line units. Before the American invasion no real motor roads had existed. The Japanese had hacked trails through the jungle but many had been obliterated by the trees and undergrowth. When American troops advanced, the engineers would build supply roads behind them, but since they were muddy and narrow, small supply dumps, widely dispersed as a protection against bombing and shell fire, were situated well forward. jeeps and hand-carriers usually brought supplies to the units in the front lines. Despite these efforts, American troops in January were frequently to outrun their supplies and in some instances were even to fight for considerable periods without water.

Malaria, too, affected operations. By December 1942 the problem of malaria control had not been solved, nor was it to be solved until after the campaign. Malaria, the greatest single factor reducing the effectiveness of South Pacific troops, caused five times as many casualties as enemy action in the South Pacific. No malaria control personnel had been permitted on Guadalcanal untilmid-November. The island had been occupied almost a year before sufficient aerosol dispensers and insect repellent were available. Quinine was scarce; suppressive atabrine treatment had been inaugurated but had not halted the spread of the disease. Many men swallowed atabrine tablets reluctantly if at all. Many falsely believed that it was poisonous, that it caused sexual impotence, or that it stained the skin permanently. Little had been done to check the breeding of mosquitoes. The natives were all heavily infected, as were the Japanese. Each rain filled the numerous swamps, streams, lagoons, craters, and foxholes, and provided ideal breeding areas for mosquitoes. Malaria discipline had been lax in all units.36

Of the ineffective troops in the Army units on Guadalcanal, nearly 65 percent were put out of action by disease as compared with about 25 percent wounded in action.37 The rate of malaria per 1,000 men per year for units of all services on Guadalcanal was high. It rose from 14 cases per 1,000 in August to 1,664 per 1,000 in October, 1,781 in November, 972 in December, and 1,169 in January 1943.38 The hospital admission rate from malaria in Army units alone on Guadalcanal from 1 November 1942 to 13 February 1943 averaged 420 admissions per 1,000 men per year.39

 

[SWC]

i did not serve but have a lot of family members that did and this is a very cool thread thanks to all of you brohans who are putting great information in here

 

[beer 30]

Man I swear my uncle is in some of those pics on Bouganville. I so wish he was still around to show him. I'll see if I can snap a pic of the only picture I have of him from that time. Unfortunately its a posed pic taken professionally so it won't look like any of those pics but he did show me his war album a few times. Probably because all the guys looked very similar but I swear he's in a few of those. I think I told you he was int he Seabee's on Bouganville, Guadacanal & Tarawa.

@ drunk on Fiji

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

So far the best I can tell is that my grandfathers battalion built bridges and roads to move supplies and troops. No official word if he saw any combat. My cousins and mother say he did.

I guess it's not as sexy as running with the marines on the front lines, but that's likely why I still had a grandfather to raise me 30 years after the war. This also backs up why my grandfather was ingenious when it came to building things. Growing up he knew how to build anything and it showed at his house/gardens/tree maintenance. This really sticks out to me now looking back.

I'm hoping that book ( https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16270492-under-the-southern-cross ) sheds more specific details. If I don't find one for a reasonable price, I'm going to shell out the $100+ As a gift to myself for my birthday in March.

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

Man I swear my uncle is in some of those pics on Bouganville. I so wish he was still around to show him. I'll see if I can snap a pic of the only picture I have of him from that time. Unfortunately its a posed pic taken professionally so it won't look like any of those pics but he did show me his war album a few times. Probably because all the guys looked very similar but I swear he's in a few of those. I think I told you he was int he Seabee's on Bouganville, Guadacanal & Tarawa.

@ drunk on Fiji

Please share......and my kids got a kick out of (and were happy to know my grandfather wasn't one of those two) "Drunk on Fiji".

 

[BroncoFreak_2K3]

So far the best I can tell is that my grandfathers battalion built bridges and roads to move supplies and troops. No official word if he saw any combat. My cousins and mother say he did.

I guess it's not as sexy as running with the marines on the front lines, but that's likely why I still had a grandfather to raise me 30 years after the war. This also backs up why my grandfather was ingenious when it came to building things. Growing up he knew how to build anything and it showed at his house/gardens/tree maintenance. This really sticks out to me now looking back.

I'm hoping that book ( https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16270492-under-the-southern-cross ) sheds more specific details. If I don't find one for a reasonable price, I'm going to shell out the $100+ As a gift to myself for my birthday in March.

I can almost guarantee he saw some combat. No one was out of that in those island conflicts. Yea, he was a combat engineer, but he was assigned to support an infantry division. Everyone supports the infantry when the #### hits the fan.

Thanks for you and beer30's gramps service.

:salute:

 

[beer 30]

So far the best I can tell is that my grandfathers battalion built bridges and roads to move supplies and troops. No official word if he saw any combat. My cousins and mother say he did.

I guess it's not as sexy as running with the marines on the front lines, but that's likely why I still had a grandfather to raise me 30 years after the war. This also backs up why my grandfather was ingenious when it came to building things. Growing up he knew how to build anything and it showed at his house/gardens/tree maintenance. This really sticks out to me now looking back.

I'm hoping that book ( https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16270492-under-the-southern-cross ) sheds more specific details. If I don't find one for a reasonable price, I'm going to shell out the $100+ As a gift to myself for my birthday in March.

I can almost guarantee he saw some combat. No one was out of that in those island conflicts. Yea, he was a combat engineer, but he was assigned to support an infantry division. Everyone supports the infantry when the #### hits the fan.Thanks for you and beer30's gramps service.

:salute:

What the Freak said. The whole reason my uncle went into the Seabee's was to avoid war. He was a great talker, not much of a fighter Initially he went over to Italy after the invasion but was immediately sent to the Pacific when the island campaign kicked off and got thrown directly into the ####. While they weren't on the assault waves that hit the beach the Seabee's (and likely your grandfather's company) weren't far behind. They went to work while the fighting was going on and if the tide happened to turn you put down the shovel, picked up the carbine and went after it. Also on those islands, they were riddled with tunnel systems so while it may seem to be a quite area behind the lines, a troop of Japanese would pop up in the middle of the night slitting throats and going all bonzai on the barracks.

Here is the only pic I have of my uncle from that time period. Sadly he had a photo album similar to your grandfathers but I don't know what ever came of it. When he passed away he was bit eccentric and lived in small home he built when he came back from the war. It was nice at one time but had deteriorated to a mess. He would always welcome you into his home but never would let you do anything for him or clean up. They tore the place down after he died. Unfortunately I lived far enough away that by the time I got interested in any of this it was difficult to keep in touch but we did trade letters where he would impart some stories about his time in. Great guy

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Congrats Mobbin. I was super lucky and had a long time with my grandfather. As he got older I pumped him for any info he wanted to give about his life and our family. I've got four 90 minute cassettes of me interviewing him and my grandmother on one visit.

He talked about the war some, but then he went and wrote some of it down for a website that was collecting stories. I've also got a few relics -- my great grandfather's WWI medal, my grandfather's "short snorter" from WWII -- but the stories and just knowing what he did is probably the coolest. I didn't really take them for granted, but seeing this thread makes me appreciate knowing all this stuff even more.

His WWII story.

A picture of him in India. I think he was 21 in that photo.

 

[Chadstroma]

 

[Steeler]

.

 

[BroncoFreak_2K3]

Congrats Mobbin. I was super lucky and had a long time with my grandfather. As he got older I pumped him for any info he wanted to give about his life and our family. I've got four 90 minute cassettes of me interviewing him and my grandmother on one visit.

He talked about the war some, but then he went and wrote some of it down for a website that was collecting stories. I've also got a few relics -- my great grandfather's WWI medal, my grandfather's "short snorter" from WWII -- but the stories and just knowing what he did is probably the coolest. I didn't really take them for granted, but seeing this thread makes me appreciate knowing all this stuff even more.

His WWII story.

A picture of him in India. I think he was 21 in that photo.

Very Cool page.

more on Flying the Hump:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hump

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

Found this site that may be helpful for others doing research...

(Made me aware that I can now request the monthly and morning reports for my grandfathers battalion.)

http://www.wwjohnston.net/dadswar/index.htm#frststep

 

[BroncoFreak_2K3]

Found this site that may be helpful for others doing research...

(Made me aware that I can now request the monthly and morning reports for my grandfathers battalion.)

http://www.wwjohnston.net/dadswar/index.htm#frststep

The morning reports are an awesome source of info on daily troop locations and activities.

 

[Otis]

Faxed both of my forms in today (for both my grandfathers) per the instructions on this page:

http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/standard-form-180.html

I indicated "grandson" as relationship to him. I hope I don't get rejected for that reason. I tried to include heartfelt cover page letters with both. We'll see....

 

[Chadstroma]

What if your grandfather lied about his age to get in and you are not sure what DOB he put? Can you still find the records?

 

[BroncoFreak_2K3]

What if your grandfather lied about his age to get in and you are not sure what DOB he put? Can you still find the records?

Do a search on his name here:http://aad.archives.gov/aad/index.jsp

All you need basically is his Service Number to put a request in...

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

I uploaded a few pictures to my photobucket account.

WOW. You have a wealth of resources at your finger tips. I would research/try to contact each one of those troopers your Grandpa identified in those photos to see if they are alive and can help with any information they may have about him. Assuming they are friends and from the same battalion, squad, whatever... they may have a lot of information you are looking for.Cripes, I wish I had much of a headstart in my cousin's research.

Awesome stuff!!

eta: The other thing you know now from the photos is that he was in the 57th Combat Engineers Battalion with the Americal Division in 1942. Im sure there is a vet association for that unit.

What is the notebook in the photos? Right there is another source if you go through that. Simple Google searches may open doors...

The battlephotos are mesmerizing. You have a treasure trove of history right there my friend. I could piece together his whereabouts and missions pretty easily with a little time just from those photos.

What more information are you looking for? One other source I forgot is the local VA (County level admin office). They may have sources to help get the information you are looking for. If you have his DD214 or any separation papers, that would help you/them.

eta: found this great history on the Division, may be of interest to you....

http://www.docstoc.com/docs/83819882/THE-JUNGLE-FIGHTERS-The-Story-of-The-Americal-Division-They-were

Second comment on the bottom of this page, there is a gentleman that was in the same Company as your Grandpa on Bouganville (Paul J. Chappell) and the entry is rather recent - Aug 2014:

http://ww2today.com/10-march-1944-bougainville-the-desperate-battle-for-hill-260

I somehow missed this GREAT find and came to post my discovery! Thanks again Freak.

I posted a message but seeing how he never answered the other post from November....

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

I now have a phone number for Paul J Chapell. I will try calling later today.

 

[BroncoFreak_2K3]

I now have a phone number for Paul J Chapell. I will try calling later today.

Fingerscrossed.good luck

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

Good news! I just got off the phone with Mr. Chapell. He sounds like he's sharp as a tack and is willing to talk about the division as much as I like. We agreed that I will send some pics and we will talk again in a day or 2.

 

[TheAristocrat]

Good news! I just got off the phone with Mr. Chapell. He sounds like he's sharp as a tack and is willing to talk about the division as much as I like. We agreed that I will send some pics and we will talk again in a day or 2.

Good work, dude!

 

[beer 30]

Good news! I just got off the phone with Mr. Chapell. He sounds like he's sharp as a tack and is willing to talk about the division as much as I like. We agreed that I will send some pics and we will talk again in a day or 2.

That's fantastic! Take something to record the conversation with if he's cool with that. As much as you want to write everything down you'll miss something.

 

[PatsWillWin]

Great thread. Just searched my grandfather's name, there are six results, two from Massachusetts. I'm pretty sure I know which one is him. The other one that probably isn't him shows a voluntary enlistment date of December 8, 1941. That's just cool to think about - Japan bombs Pearl Harbor, and before the fires are even out, this dude walks into an office the next day and signs up for war.

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

Great thread. Just searched my grandfather's name, there are six results, two from Massachusetts. I'm pretty sure I know which one is him. The other one that probably isn't him shows a voluntary enlistment date of December 8, 1941. That's just cool to think about - Japan bombs Pearl Harbor, and before the fires are even out, this dude walks into an office the next day and signs up for war.

 

[simsarge]

Big ole

 

[Quez]

There was a teacher at my high school that retired a year or so before I would of had him. However, the current history teacher got him to come in and talk to us when we were learning about WW2. It was kind of akward, and he didn't really want to talk about it. He didn't say it there, bUT the story was he hid under bodies and played dead.

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

Hello again Mr. Chapell.It was a pleasure speaking with you today. As promised, here is a link to my photobucket account with about half of the pictures I have. (If you have any trouble seeing them or opening them, please let me know and I will help.)

Click here---> http://s39.photobucket.com/user/pabdanyell/library/Archibald%20Dominick%20Kasulke?sort=2&page=1

A little info about my grandfather....

Sergeant Tech Archibald Dominick Kasulke

Born in Washington DC in 1913.

Enlisted 6-15-42

Was likely called Dom or "Domna".

Besides the pictures, I have about 40 letters from my grandfather to his wife. I haven't read them all but here are a few notes:

- On August 20th 1943 he wrote that he received a campaign bar for Guadalcanal and a ribbon.

-He was in the hospital in June for 23 days with Malaria

-His last letter home to my grandmother was dated august of 44. In this letter he says they don't want the boys sending any more mail or pictures.

Mr, Chapell, I just want to say thank you again for your service. Your generation is truly the greatest for many more reasons then the war and I look forward to speaking with you again soon.

Have a great night and If it's OK I'll call you again on Thursday.

Hello Kevin,

to begin with, I was overjoyed to have heard from you, I received the photos and I will review them, believe me, you are the grandchild or even a relative of an Engineer from Co B 57th Combat Engineer Battalion, and I am greatly honored to have heard from you, you can be very
proud of your Grandfather for he faced many harships , he was a member of Task Force 6814,which was the original force that started on Guadalcanal. The Book entitled UNDER THE SOUTHERN CROSS written by Capt, Francis d, Cronin,, this book is available from the
Americal Division Veterans Association I believe the price is $25 or $35 you can orer it on line from their store, this book gives a good account of the Americal. Please keep in touch there is much to share.

Best Regards to you and your family

 

[BroncoFreak_2K3]

Hello again Mr. Chapell.It was a pleasure speaking with you today. As promised, here is a link to my photobucket account with about half of the pictures I have. (If you have any trouble seeing them or opening them, please let me know and I will help.)

Click here---> http://s39.photobucket.com/user/pabdanyell/library/Archibald%20Dominick%20Kasulke?sort=2&page=1

A little info about my grandfather....

Sergeant Tech Archibald Dominick Kasulke

Born in Washington DC in 1913.

Enlisted 6-15-42

Was likely called Dom or "Domna".

Besides the pictures, I have about 40 letters from my grandfather to his wife. I haven't read them all but here are a few notes:

- On August 20th 1943 he wrote that he received a campaign bar for Guadalcanal and a ribbon.

-He was in the hospital in June for 23 days with Malaria

-His last letter home to my grandmother was dated august of 44. In this letter he says they don't want the boys sending any more mail or pictures.

Mr, Chapell, I just want to say thank you again for your service. Your generation is truly the greatest for many more reasons then the war and I look forward to speaking with you again soon.

Have a great night and If it's OK I'll call you again on Thursday.

Hello Kevin,

to begin with, I was overjoyed to have heard from you, I received the photos and I will review them, believe me, you are the grandchild or even a relative of an Engineer from Co B 57th Combat Engineer Battalion, and I am greatly honored to have heard from you, you can be very
proud of your Grandfather for he faced many harships , he was a member of Task Force 6814,which was the original force that started on Guadalcanal. The Book entitled UNDER THE SOUTHERN CROSS written by Capt, Francis d, Cronin,, this book is available from the
Americal Division Veterans Association I believe the price is $25 or $35 you can orer it on line from their store, this book gives a good account of the Americal. Please keep in touch there is much to share.

Best Regards to you and your family

FRIGGIN JACKPOT.

So happy for you STEADY.

Please keep us informed of your ongoing journey. Cant wait to hear more!

eta: Sounds like you can get that book you were looking for at a significant discount through the Vet Assn. BONUS.

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

I spoke to Paul at great length yesterday and had a great conversation. He have me a good account of what he remembered. Unfortunately (and expectedly) he didn't recognize my grandfather but told me how all the "older" guys told stories about what they went through as Paul didn't join the 57th until Bougainville....

Paul was with his fellow soldiers on a converted cruise ship that had a 50 cal gun mounted on the front deck. The soldiers were getting into their Higgins boats and preparing to get to land when the air raid sirens started and a volunteer was needed to man the 50 cal. Paul volunteered and waited patiently to fire at a Zero.... All of a sudden, a Japanese ship fired a torpedo at Pauls ship. Everyone ran to the back of the boat and braced for impact. Everyone except Paul who couldn't leave his battle station. The torpedo went right under the bow of the boat and off into the sea before exploding.

Then, the moment Paul's feet hit the beach, the Zeros came, but Paul missed his chance to shoot at them.

He also told me about how he was running ammunition to the front line while under fire. How he left his rifle behind since he wasn't allowed to fire when running supplies anyway.

A lot of small details like that. How they moved individually because if two men stood together for too long, the mortars came.

Great stuff man. I enjoyed talking to Paul and well talk again but I didn't want to push him. I capfuls tell by the end of the conversation that he had shared most of if not everything he could remember.

I'm still fuzzy on which division company B 57th Engineers Combat Battalion was in. Paul's said that it's the 182nd but I can't find anything that confirms this.

Hopefully that book I sent out for today will shed more light. I bought 2 books and two pins of the 182nd regiment. One book/pin for me and one as a gift to my cousin.

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

When I have more time I will update the OP of this thread with much better details and links on how to do what ive done.

I plan on making my first ever Wikipedia entry when I turn that black unlinked text of the 57th into a full detailed page. Should be fun.

 

[Gawain]

Hello again Mr. Chapell.It was a pleasure speaking with you today. As promised, here is a link to my photobucket account with about half of the pictures I have. (If you have any trouble seeing them or opening them, please let me know and I will help.)

Click here---> http://s39.photobucket.com/user/pabdanyell/library/Archibald%20Dominick%20Kasulke?sort=2&page=1

A little info about my grandfather....

Sergeant Tech Archibald Dominick Kasulke

Born in Washington DC in 1913.

Enlisted 6-15-42

Was likely called Dom or "Domna".

Besides the pictures, I have about 40 letters from my grandfather to his wife. I haven't read them all but here are a few notes:

- On August 20th 1943 he wrote that he received a campaign bar for Guadalcanal and a ribbon.

-He was in the hospital in June for 23 days with Malaria

-His last letter home to my grandmother was dated august of 44. In this letter he says they don't want the boys sending any more mail or pictures.

Mr, Chapell, I just want to say thank you again for your service. Your generation is truly the greatest for many more reasons then the war and I look forward to speaking with you again soon.

Have a great night and If it's OK I'll call you again on Thursday.

Hello Kevin,

to begin with, I was overjoyed to have heard from you, I received the photos and I will review them, believe me, you are the grandchild or even a relative of an Engineer from Co B 57th Combat Engineer Battalion, and I am greatly honored to have heard from you, you can be very
proud of your Grandfather for he faced many harships , he was a member of Task Force 6814,which was the original force that started on Guadalcanal. The Book entitled UNDER THE SOUTHERN CROSS written by Capt, Francis d, Cronin,, this book is available from the
Americal Division Veterans Association I believe the price is $25 or $35 you can orer it on line from their store, this book gives a good account of the Americal. Please keep in touch there is much to share.

Best Regards to you and your family

This exchange made it get dusty in my office for some reason. Great stuff!

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

Hello again Mr. Chapell.

It was a pleasure speaking with you today. As promised, here is a link to my photobucket account with about half of the pictures I have. (If you have any trouble seeing them or opening them, please let me know and I will help.)

Click here---> http://s39.photobucket.com/user/pabdanyell/library/Archibald%20Dominick%20Kasulke?sort=2&page=1

A little info about my grandfather....

Sergeant Tech Archibald Dominick Kasulke

Born in Washington DC in 1913.

Enlisted 6-15-42

Was likely called Dom or "Domna".

Besides the pictures, I have about 40 letters from my grandfather to his wife. I haven't read them all but here are a few notes:

- On August 20th 1943 he wrote that he received a campaign bar for Guadalcanal and a ribbon.

-He was in the hospital in June for 23 days with Malaria

-His last letter home to my grandmother was dated august of 44. In this letter he says they don't want the boys sending any more mail or pictures.

Mr, Chapell, I just want to say thank you again for your service. Your generation is truly the greatest for many more reasons then the war and I look forward to speaking with you again soon.

Have a great night and If it's OK I'll call you again on Thursday.

Hello Kevin,

to begin with, I was overjoyed to have heard from you, I received the photos and I will review them, believe me, you are the grandchild or even a relative of an Engineer from Co B 57th Combat Engineer Battalion, and I am greatly honored to have heard from you, you can be very

proud of your Grandfather for he faced many harships , he was a member of Task Force 6814,which was the original force that started on Guadalcanal. The Book entitled UNDER THE SOUTHERN CROSS written by Capt, Francis d, Cronin,, this book is available from the

Americal Division Veterans Association I believe the price is $25 or $35 you can orer it on line from their store, this book gives a good account of the Americal. Please keep in touch there is much to share.

Best Regards to you and your family

This exchange made it get dusty in my office for some reason. Great stuff!

I NEVER cry. My wife thinks I'm a robot.

I've wept like an infant dozens of times during the search. I mean short of breath and sobbing.

Imho WW2 was the most amazing event in the history of the world.

 

[Otis]

Got a response today that they have records for one of my grandfathers. Paying the 70 bucks by credit card and looking forward to surprising my family with it.