Kankakee Valley Post, Volume 14, Number 42, DeMotte, Jasper County, 1 September 1944 — NEWS OF OUR SERVICE MEN AND WOMEN [ARTICLE]

NEWS OF OUR SERVICE MEN AND WOMEN

Headquarters, 82nd Airborne Division —Versatile, as well as tough and brave, was definitely the word for an airborne anti-aircraft unit of the 82nd Airborne Division during the opening phases of the Normandy campaign. Trained as Coast Artillerymen, these gunners were a utility firepower unit available for all kinds of jobs during the initial landing. They were anti-tank gunners, accounting for 15 German tanks, and they manned machine guns, fighting as infantrymen. The unit went in by glider 2 Ya hours before H-Hour and experienced the same difficulties as the airborne infantry. They often landed in a hail of fire and many were forced to fight immediately, before their equipment could be assembled. The men had a sizeable battery in operation before dawn, working incessantly under heavy fire and aided the paratroop who had established pockets of resistance. During the next few days as other elements of the unit came in, the gunners had a rough time. In one battery, every officer was a casualty, but the unit continued with their operations, supporting infantry regiments wherever they were needed most. The anti-aircraft unit was particularly valuable during the crossing of the Merderet River at LaFierre and Chef du Pont and the Douve River at Pont l’Abbe and Beuzeville la Bastille, assisting with plunging fire. The story of this unit is the story of innumerable individual exploits which together make up another chapter in the history of the 82nd Division. A member of this unit is Cpl. Harold R. Myers of DeMotte. Eugene “Shorty” Stangle S 2 c has left the West coast for parts unknown according to word received by his parents. Mr. and Mrs. Earl Schwanke received word last week that their son Cpl. Dale, has arrived somewhere in Africa. Pvt. Herbie Hook has been transferred from Camp Beale, California to Ft. Ord, Calif. Coach Chas. Stephens, who was inducted in the armed forces August 11, has been sent to Camp Hood, Texas, “Corky” Barker, who left on the same day is at Ft. McClellan Ala. Pvt. Kenneth Hershman stationed at Camp Lejeune, N. Carolina, arrived home Monday evening for a few days furlough. After three anxious weeks, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Zeck received a letter from their son S Sgt. “Freddie” stating that he was somewhere in France. Pfc. Harry “Bill” Orsbum has arrived in France according to word received Monday morning by his wife. Dear Editor, I just received your paper and want to notify you of my correct address as it now is. I also want to thank you for sending me this paper because by this I can see all the news there is back home, also

hope I can say hello to all my friends that are home and in the service. Yours truly, Duane N. Hanaway, S 2|c. Duane is stationed at Washington D. C. C. E. Vander Molen’s have received word that their son-in-law Don Dykema is missing in action. Pvt. Roy Blankenship, who is stationed at Sibert, Alabama is home on furlough. Joe McFarland, Merchant Marine, is home on a 30 day furlough. A public relations card informs us that Elmer F. Bricker has. been advanced to the rank of Sergeant. He is chief of a howitzer section and has served in France and Italy. His wife resides on R. 2 Wheatfield. His brother Clem, who was wounded in France is being sent back to the States.