Their mission was accomplished. Co "A" occupied road blocks #4 & #5; Co "B" occupied road blocks #1, #2, #3; Co "C" occupied position #11. It receives no town or state funding. About 400 miles east of Newfoundland, we hit a terrible storm with 70 foot seas. The 296th built a 180-foot bridge across the Ilm River. 120. Thank you very much for your service to our country and sharing your experiences with us. It receives no town or state funding. Then time ran out for the B-17 and Don Scott had to slip down the hatch into the slipstream. At 2330 hours the Battalion bivouac area was bombed by several bombers using anti-personnel bombs. The division was inactivated at Camp Patrick Henry, Virginia on 27 November 1945. 1 talking about this. They don't realize how wonderful it is to hear and I bet you'd be so happy to have yours back. Bn. In England he boarded another ship for he knew not where. Co "C" withdrew from position #11 and filled foxholes and emplacements of the position. 29. The mission of World War II combat engineers (known as "sappers" or "pioneers" in other armies) was three-fold: mobility operations; countermobility operations; and, when necessary, to fight as infantrymen. The timber trestle bridge at ROTT was closed to traffic. This is a free service. Co "B" remains attached to 297th Eng. November 19, 1944: Co "B" converted Bailey Bridge from 80' D/S to 110' T/S, in the vicinity of WALHEIM, GERMANY. April 7, 1945: Co "C" constructed a C1 #40 D/S Bailey Bridge at HANHOFF, GERMANY. moved to the vicinity of PLOMION. Heavy rains and the overflowing ROTGEN DAM caused failure of timber trestle bridges at ROTT, MULARTSHUTTE, and VICHT. 112. Chow detail going to Post #1 was ambushed by a 6 man patrol; the enemy patrol withdrew after a short fire fight. as of 0800 hours. CARANTILLY, FRANCE.24
have been maintained. July 25, 1944: The Battalion witnessed the "Carpet Bombing" of the breakthrough zone by 2,000 U.S. It was completed on V.E. She was also present on that fateful day. In Germany, Carroll's unit liberated a forced labor camp, and he remembered that the prisoners were horribly emaciated. Bn. August 16, 1944: Bn. Division assembly area in the vicinity of LE DESERT. as of 0700 hours. 30. September 17, 1944: One Platoon of Co "C" demolishing pillboxes in the vicinity of ZWEIFALL, one platoon of Co "C" maintaining ford in MONSCHU. August 4, 1944: Bn. God has been good to me and I thank Him every day for sparing me into old age. November 21, 1944: The rains came! I have also visited with Jean Treasure in her home. Have you already requested personnel records from the archives? For Air Corps flight crews we can determine the exact flights that your individual Air Corps veteran took part in. July 22, 1944: Bn. Frank Capuozzi was a rifleman who rode in a jeep ahead of the guns as they pushed across France. POULAY, FRANCE.2
It took us 21 days from Antwerp to New York. November 25, 1944: Co "B" was attached to 294th Engr. July 29, 1944: Co "A" cleared hundreds of wrecked enemy vehicles from the streets of RONCEY and other roads in the vicinity. This was a Pile Bent Bridge with 3-story trestle bents on the piles, 55 feet high. We could not launch the life boats because of the high seas and the Coast Guard told us later that if we sank they would have tried to rescue as many as they could. Then it was dispatched to France for a time. I have been flying since 1963. September 26, 1944: Co "C" attached to 297th Engr. The unit-built bridges in Trois Fonts by B Company and C Company. 1 talking about this. They were sent to Fort Devens, then assigned to the 296th Combat Engineer Battalion, and shipped to Camp Shelby, Mississippi for basic training over a period of seven months. WISSEN, GERMANY.12
The 236th was created during World War II, an offspring of the 44th Engineer Combat Regiment at Camp McCoy, Wisconsin. . Co "B" sent a five (5) man patrol to investigate enemy positions during the afternoon. September 12, 1944: Bn. Gp; Co "C" joined the Battalion at ERZEE, BELGIUM. - Present Carthage Armory Carthage, Missouri, United States All traffic was moving North to Battice. Right away, as the oldest one in the large group, she became the leader on the journey. Transcribed by Bob Kipke (Feb-Mar 2013) Attempts have been made to maintain the original formatting, within my limited HTML capabilities, and the differences between a 1940s typewriter and a modern computer keyboard. 11. After a close call with a booby trap, he was injured when a tank shell landed right under his jeep. Redesignated on 9 November 1954 as the 237th Engineer Battalion (Combat)(Army), the Battalion was allotted Send Us a Request to Start Researching Your World War II Veteran. Any contribution above basic membership is tax deductible, and is most appreciated. From 25 July to 27 July, the 296th supported the 4th Infantry Division at Marigny, France. Support bridge which was across the MEUSE RIVER North of DINANT. The Official (DECLASSIFIED) Files of the 298th Engineer Combat Battalion during World War II Activation of the 298th Engineer Combat Battalion March 18, 1943 and Reorganization November 3, 1944 Journal for August 1943 Journal for September 1943 Journal for October 1943 Journal for November 1943 Diary 1943 New bivouac was established in the vicinity of CERISY-LA-SALLE - Co. "B" bivouac area received several bomb hits at approximately 2330 hours. The truck disappeared and 29 men were torn apart and their bodies were scattered through the trees. 84. (Coast Guard Photo 2343), 1st Counter Intelligence Corps Detachment, Headquarters, Special Troops, 1st Infantry Division, 4th Counter Intelligence Corps Detachment, Headquarters, Special Troops, 4th Infantry Division, 456th Parachute Field Artillery Battalion, 80th Airborne Antiaircraft Artillery Battalion, 782d Airborne Ordnance Maintenance Company, Military Police Platoon, 82d AirborneDivision, 90th Counter Intelligence Corps Detachment, Headquarters, Special Troops, 90th Infantry Division, 377th Parachute Field Artillery Battalion, 81st Airborne Antiaircraft Artillery Battalion, 101st Counter Intelligence Corps Detachment, Military Police Platoon, 101st Airborne Division, 4th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron, Mechanized, Photographic Interpreter Team No.10 (Provisional), Prisoner of War Interrogation Team No.11 (Provisional), Hqs, 17th Field Artillery Observation Battalion, 24th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron, Mechanized, Photographic Interpreter Team No.32 (Provisional), 38th Engineer General Service Regiment (less Band), 102d Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron, Mechanized, 110th Antiaircraft Artillery Gun Battalion, 116th Antiaircraft Artillery Gun Battalion, Troop B, 125th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron, Mechanized, 197th Antiaircraft Artillery Automatic Weapons Battalion, Company A, 203d Quartermaster Gas Supply Battalion, 205th Counter Intelligence Corps Detachment (Provisional), 207th Counter Intelligence Corps Detachment (Provisional), 320th Antiaircraft Artillery Balloon Barrage Battalion, 397th Antiaircraft Artillery AutomaticWeapons Battalion(Provisional), Military Intelligence Interpreter Team No.407 (Provisional), 413th Antiaircraft Artillery Gun Battalion, Military Intelligence Interpreter Team No.416 (Provisional), Military Intelligence Interpreter Team No.419 (Provisional), 428th Military Police Escort Guard Company, 447th Antiaircraft Artillery Automatic Weapons Battalion, 457th Antiaircraft Artillery Automatic Weapons Battalion, 467th Antiaircraft Artillery Automatic Weapons Battalion, 474th Antiaircraft Artillery Automatic Weapons Battalion, Company A and B, 507th Military Police Battalion, Company C, 509th Military Police Battalion, 535th Antiaircraft Artillery Automatic Weapons Battalion, 603d Quartermaster Graves Registration Company, 606th Quartermaster Graves Registration Company, Battery B, 980th Field Artillery Battalion, 3466th Ordnance Medium Automotive Maintenance Company, 3497th Ordnance Medium Maintenance Company, 3565th Ordnance Medium Automotive Maintenance Company. His very first mission turned out to be a memorable one. Yes I thank God every day too for my many blessings. Witness to War is a non-profit dedicated to preserving the oral histories of combat veterans through digital video interviews. moved at 1630 hours and reached the destination at 2030 hours. Division in its drive to the North. 70. The Battalion C.P. To some of these thousand men, it was going to be the beginning of a new, big adventure. Henk Duinhoven was in church with his family when the sounds of bombing started. 103. The result was almost 800 dead. This often includes map coordinates which can be translated using Google Earth to pinpoint the G.P.S. My guess is he was in another unit prior to his service in the 257th. March 6, 1945: The Co "C" C.P. On 19 March 1945, the unit was assigned to the engineer task force charged with crossing the Rhine at Oppenheim. September 22, 1944: Co "C" started constructing a Class #40 Timber Trestle bridge under the Bailey Bridge in VICHT. We slowly made out way West with the two Cutters alongside and landed in Argentia in Newfoundland. In many (most) cases, names have been. to continue movement to the vicinity of MAYENNE. Co "A" constructed an Infantry Support Bridge across the SIEG RIVER at HUNDHAUSEN, GERMANY. From there we were sent for desert training in Camp Pilot Knob in the Mojave Desert, near Yuma Arizona, which was started by Gen. Patton, as a training ground for the war in Africa. XVIII AIRBORNE CORPS from April 3, 1945 to April 17, 1945, PLACE.NUMBER OF P.W's
moved to a new bivouac East of ESNEUX. moved 100 miles on the night of August 24 - 25th to the vicinity of LA LUPE, arriving at 0830 hours on the morning of August 25th. Henk Duinhoven was lucky to be in the countryside, where gardens had been harvested. DERSCHLAG, GERMANY.10
December 17, 1943 was the big day. 39. About Us | Contact Us | Copyright | Report Inappropriate Material Shortly after, the battalion participated in two maneuvers in Louisiana, known as the "Louisiana Maneuvers"; there the battalion and its soldiers learned valuable lessons for war. On March 20, 1944, I was lying in bed when there was a huge explosion and I was blown off my bed. Co "B" constructed a Class #40 D/S Bailey Bridge at KLUPPLEBURG, GERMANY. 34. 81. 28. The Bn. We searched the National Archives Catalog and located the World War II Operations Reports, 1940-1948 in the Records of the Adjutant General's Office, 1917-1985 (Record Group 407) that may include records of the 111th Engineer Combat Battalion, 36th Infantry Division during WWII. 49. October 13, 1944: The enemy penetrated our lines between Post #9 and the Infantry on our right during the afternoon - one Co. of the 47th Infantry Regt. April 2, 1945: The Battalion was attached to the XVIII Airborne Corps as of 0800 hours. I remember walking in snow up to my crotch in Belgium. The 237th Engineer Combat Battalion served with distinction under 1st Army during WWII. 63. While there, there was a German air raid and two planes were shot down. A round from a German 88 immediately tore through the engine compartment, but left him unhurt. The waterproofing worked great and Bob Darino powered his jeep through the surf and up the hill at Normandy. The story was put out that two German saboteurs had set off an explosion. December 25, 1944: At 1800 hours the Bn. Thank you. February 24, 1945: Co "C" attached to 4th Cav. Our military records specialists are on site at archival research facilities nationwide and can access a wide variety of WWII military service records of your veteran. 46. We did all of our training with mines and bridges on the property formerly owned by Sir Walter Raleigh, and now owned by the Digby family. You may want to try and contact this gentleman. Exactly when your WWII veteran joined and left specific units of assignment. 9th Infantry Division made an attack to restore Post #4; the surrounded platoon was found still in position and in good shape. Bn. 55. As they approached the beach, the ship hit two mines and sank. Part 2 of 2. Alongside those are the plaques with the names of the Sherborne men who were killed in World War II. Bombers. Bn. 9TH INFANTRY DIVISION
107. 60. Without enough points to go home in the first wave of returnees, Frank Capuozzi became an acting mess sergeant and took over a kitchen. Bn. The 296th Engineer Combat Battalion was attached to 1101st and 1120th Engineer Combat Group, the 3rd Army, 1st Army, V Corps, and VII Corps during World War II. P.S. On order, deploy worldwide to provide prime electrical power and electrical systems expertise in support of military operations and the National Response Framework.[1]. 88. The remainder of the night was utilized for digging in which was a difficult operation in the frozen ground. I am attaching a painting I did of Sherborne Abbey and the Cross Keys pub next door where I learned to play darts while serving with the 294th. 114. Prisoner of war enclosures of barbed wire were also constructed. Please tell Michael Brodhead that I sent you. He was grateful when someone gave him some morphine to ease the pain from multiple shrapnel wounds. Bill Nolan from Portland knew his way around and brought Stan to his brother. The exact battles your WWII veteran took part in. They paid mightily for that shot. Stan found out Frank was located in Liege, about 15 miles West. Hide map. We. An Engineer Combat Battalion (ECB) was a designation for a battalion -strength combat engineer unit in the U.S. Army, most prevalent during World War II. 32. placed in direct support of the 3rd Armd. 128. In 1994, the battalion was reactivated and designated as the 249th Engineer Battalion (Prime Power), stationed at Fort Belvoir, VA. Those do give us a better feel for the area and the time period. Bob Darino Germany weather house cherry farm pie Berlin Telefunken Eisenhower concentration camp Governor's Island souvenir P-38 Zeiss Ikon subway. August 31, 1944: Bn. A brisk fire fight ensued until daylight. Destroyers came alongside and were able to rescue all the men on board. Ironically, the wounded were taken to the 228th Station Hospital in Sherborne. October 11, 1944: A 6 man German patrol was found between Post #1 and #3 - two of the enemy were killed and four escaped. The 249th Engineer Battalion (United States) is a versatile power generation battalion assigned to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers that provides commercial-level power to military units and federal relief organizations during full-spectrum operations. The 294th built the second bridge across the Rhine River, and Carroll recalled that as the American army moved into Germany, all the cities they came across were piles of rubble. We have six children, thirteen grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. March 18 - 24, 1945: Companies "B" and "C" operated Heavy Ponton Rafts and LCVP ferries across the RHEIN RIVER in the VII Corps Sector. Get up!" All the villages there had been evacuated and were ultimately destroyed by gunfire. understand the battlefield experiences and sacrifices of your WWII veteran and their military unit. Gp. Wes Ruth was eating breakfast when he saw the planes coming in. 118. Troops were divided into groups: one group reached the marshalling camp by truck commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Julian P. Fox Junior, and the second one left by train under Major Wales W. Wallace' s command. After an accident resulting in a raft being sunk, the Battalion moved downriver to Mainz. A minefield was laid and wire obstacles were erected. BELLEAU, WOODS, FRANCE.10
Forums World War II WWII ENGINEERS . With his radio, he began spotting artillery on their position, under fire the entire time. 139. Yours will be another great story for people to see. Bn. One of the pilots was brought into our hospital and had his legs amputated. August 14, 1944: VII Corps jumped off with the 3rd Armd. September 18, 1944: The Battalion moved to a new bivouac at ROTGEN, GERMANY. LA VICTOIRE, FRANCE.9
123. The Japanese had made their move. 3:33 | At the end of the war, combat engineer Bob Darino went from sampling delicious cherry pies in German farm country to experiencing the horrifying spectacle of concentration camps. Stan left by bus from East Hampton, CT with 13 other boys from Deep River and entered active service in the Army on March 8, 1943, in Hartford, CT. Vaughan - Navy, Rufus Dalton - Army, Ed Harrell - Marines, Robert James - Navy, John Souther - Army, LtGen Lawrence Snowden - Marines, Jim Wicker - Army Air Corps, Frank Capuozzi - Army, Newton Riess - Army, Harry Kone - Marines. Bn. Preserving The Oral HistorIES of Combat Veterans. 31. In March of 1943, a group of 13 Deep River Boys left together and formed a Combat Engineers Unit which kept them together throughout the war. After this bridge site was secure, the 249th was detached from the 1137th Engineer Group and was given the mission to secure and maintain the bridges on the Rhine River. 122. December 24, 1944: Given the mission of providing direct support to the 75th Infantry Division Co "B" prepared several bridges across the L'OURTHE RIVER for demolition. Learn more. 87. Immediately after the attacks on the World Trade Center on 11 September 2001, elements of the 249th were deployed to New York City and were instrumental in restoring power to Wall Street enabling the financial district to resume operations within a week of the attack. 105. September 8, 1944: Co "A" dismantled the Inf. 13. Contribute to chinapedia/wikipedia.en development by creating an account on GitHub. 3 March-31 Dec. 44, contains the following sections: Chronicle, Operations and training, Recreation, Battle casualties, Commendations, and Awards and decorations. 15. 131. 119. Part 2 of 2. moved to new location and relieved 297th Engr. The unit was assigned to V Corps, First U.S. Army. 1944 to engage the 236th and another battalion of combat engineers, the . 3RD ARMORED DIVISION
When the pumps began operation, a 40-foot-wide opening was made in the sheet piling to allow water to flow out of the canal. as of 0800 hours. Thats where Stan picked up a large German Flag. moved to the vicinity of PHILIPVILLE - an Advance C.P. October 21, 1944: Co "B" was relieved from the roadblocks by 294th Engr. September 15, 1944: The Battalion operated in GERMANY for the first time. And even better that you got the chance to visit with Jean Treasure. November 15, 1944: Co "C" relieved Co "B" of Post #1, 2, & 3 as of 1200 hours. Bn. Division. March 10, 1945: Co "C" relieved of attachment to the 4th Cav. Rufus Dalton was at the Maginot Line bouncing mortar shells off an old citadel. 127. 121. Several prisoners were captured in the vicinity. But the highlight for every guy in the outfit was building the largest bridge in the European Theater. The main difference lies in the divisional structure. moved from ANDENNE, BELGIUM to RAEREN, GERMANY. Division. moved to the vicinity of COUPTRAIN and was given the mission of supporting the 9th Inf. At 1130 hours the Commanding officer of Co "B" with two Platoons of Co "A" and one Platoon of light tanks made an attack to contact the surrounded platoon. He was in the hospital right at the time of the explosion . You can literally trace the steps of your WWII veteran! Work was resumed at 0800 hours on July 16 and the bridge was completed at 1400 hours. He relates what he found out while hiding beneath Japanese planes. The 249th sailed from the United States to England in May 1944, after equipping and preparing for combat, the Unit landed on Utah Beach in August 1944 under the 1137th Engineer Combat Group commanded by Colonel George A. Morris. Bill Elias' WWII Story: 258th Engineer Combat Battalion. The truck accidentally back up over some mines and about 90 mines exploded. March 24, 1945: The Battalion was relieved of the ferrying operations on the RHINE RIVER and moved to KONIGSWINTER, GERMANY.