My father, Capt. Andrew J. Somiak, was company commander of A Company in the 245th engineers. I have been digging through pictures and documents that I would like to share with others doing research.
I would also like to hear from anyone else who is doing research on the 245th. I have attached a photo below of Lt. Lane, Lt. Findley, Capt.. Somiak, and Lt. Webster taken 18 May 1945 in Austria. As I find more pictures from this unit I will share them. I am new to this so any help would be appreciated.
Our River experts or information needed! As the historian for my father's WWII 284th Engr. C. Bn. - who served as Infantry at the Our, I've always been curious of the details of this crossing / battle (I feel it is fair enough to call it that) as they're severely lacking. I'm working with a 17th AB veteran (they took the hills), a 249th veteran (they build some bridges here), several 284th veterans (they replaced the 17th AB DIVISION as a BATTALION to guard Skyline Drive) and the 6th AD historian (they build more bridges and the 284th was assigned to). Does anyone else have any photos, information, documents, stories or help???? A book is needed on this subject as information is very very lacking (my end goal of this quest - some day - collaboration / credit is for sure an option). I will be at the Our in 3 or 4 weeks with a 284th veteran to go into the hills to try to find their foxholes and the pillbox they faced 100 yards to the East......
I just heard this song for the first time on my way home from work last night on XM Radio. It is titled "Six Jerks In A Jeep" by the Andrews Sisters. After a little cyber snoopin', I learned the tune appeared in the 1942 film "Private Buckaroo" starring the Andrews Sisters. The song is cute and snappy, I love it. Enjoy!
Bob was one of the veteran's featured in my documentary. In fact, my husband did his voice-overs. Bob shared a wealth of info regarding my dad's unit, and I felt very lucky that I got to know him, even if it was only for a few years. Thank you for touching my life. Rest in peace Bob.
