Just received a postcard from George Koskimaki reminding me about the 101st luncheon next week. He talked about having the reports of several men who were in Europe earlier this month to celebrate the end of the war in Europe. He said his most memorable one occured when they lost 91 year old Bob Bowen (C/401 GIR) who collapsed and died as they were lining up for a group photo in from of Napoleon's tomb in Paris.

What a way for an old soldier to go. Right there with his buddies and on such a memorable occasion. We salute Bob and his service to his country and our condolences to his family, fellow vets of WWII and all his friends.

I think all of you can see how much Jim Hennessey contributes to this forum by sending me all these fantastic links.

Just a common soldier

I wish you could have seen my face this morning when I opened a package from Bill Vander Wall and there professionally bound, were the answers to the interview questions that I had compiled for the 540th. Bill included photos and also a preface to a his children and grandchildren. I was so tickled.

He then decided that it would be a wonderful item to give to his family and wound up creating 25 booklets to pass down to existing and future generations. I felt so proud that I inspired him to share his WWII history with his loving family. It gives me chills!

He also gave me a copy of the Overseas Service Record for Co D 540th Combat Engineer Regt (which later was Co A 2833rd Egn Co Bn). This is a list of Co Bivouac Areas; city, country, arrival and departure dates. Awesome!

I will scan and copy the booklet in the near future and share his history with all of you.

Marion…Another Great has passed on….AL

WE sadly announce the passing of Bill Butler, Company A 48 Combat Engineers. Lt Butler served heroically with the 48th Combat Engineers in Italy & France. He was a platoon commander in A Company. Bill earned the Bronze Star, Purple Heart six campaign stars an invasion arrowhead.

Workshop Jokes, Stories, and Cartoons

LUMBER PURCHASE

Some men in a pickup truck drove into a lumberyard. One of the men walked in the office and says, "We need some four-by-twos."

The clerk replies, "You mean two-by-fours, don't you?"

The guy scratches his head and says, "I'll go check," and goes back to the truck.

He returns and says, "Yeah, I meant two-by-four."

"All right. How long do you need them?"

The guy pauses for a minute and says, "I better go check." After a while, he returns to the office and says, "A long time. We're gonna build a house."