My father was in 253d Engr Combat BN, Seventh Army, trained at Camp Crowder and Camp Campbell, Ky in summer of 1944, before debarking for UK then to Europe in fall of 1944. DD-214 says they were part of Central Europe campaign. After V-E day they stayed in Heidenheim GE as part of reconstruction group until returning to NYC in April 1946.

I have limited information from my dad, but discovered many photographs taken stateside before they debarked, and some from Europe- a couple traveling the Autobahn, a couple in fox holes during the winter of 44-45, and which seem to be Heidenheim.

I did make contact with one of my dad's comrads, Mr. Frank Perlberg, who happened to be in one of my dad's pictures. Mr. Perlberg filled in some details---they debarked Boston on SS West Point to Liverpool. They returned from Heidenheim to Le Havre via train (my dad has pictures) then to NYC via SS Sea Robin.

DD-214 says the unit was part of XI Corps, but I find no reference to any of this Corp being in Europe---was in the Pacific. I wonder if its a typo and should be VI Corps. I have been unable to find the unit listed or referenced anywhere.

253rd Engr Combat BN went from Camp Crowder to Camp Campbell, Ky for training in summer of 1944, debarked Boston in fall 1944 to Liverpool UK via SS West Point, they were part of Seventh Army. My father's discharge indicates that they participated in Central Europe campaign, indicates also XI Corps (but I wonder of that was typo and should have been VI Corps?). After V-E day they were barracked at Heidenheim, GE until debarking Le Havre for NYC in spring 1946 via SS Sea Robin.

I have been unable to find out any information on this unit, who they were attached to, or anything else. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Gary Olin

This was sent to me by Capt John Fallon, 36th Combat Engineer. A very nice memorial for our guys.

The wording will be provided later today by me.

Attached Files

  AnzioMemorial.JPG (Size: 176.28 KB / Downloads: 0)

Got this today from Dave at http://wwiifederation.org

Dave,

As we discussed on the telephone, I am looking for some reenactors to help

us with our vacation bible school event. The VBS happens from Monday July

10th to Thursday July 13th. My need is for reenactors on Thursday July

13th (6pm to 9pm) in Reading Pennsylvania. I'm looking for local US Army

troops (6 people) preferably airborne units which were involved in

Operation Market Garden. They don't have to be paratroopers, but it would

be historically accurate.

This years theme is called "Freedom's Heroes: Heroes of the 1940's" where

we will be portraying an occupied Holland village during the war. On the

last day, the US troops come through and liberate the town (with a parade

type atmosphere). I have included a copy of the script to show what we are

doing. The fourth day script is not complete but the actual liberation

part is in there. The other three days are in there.

Our VBS attendance usually averages 600-700 children per night. They will

range in age from 5 years old through 5th grade (just having completed the

5th grade). Each night, the kids are placed in "rotations," by which

approximately 1/3rd of them at a time are either in our main sanctuary for

the drama, playing games outside in the games area, doing crafts, having a

snack, or participating in "Life Application" where the Bible story and

theme for the evening is explored more deeply with them. So, the drama

each evening is presented 3 times.

I'm sorry for the short notice. The plan was to find reenactors at the

WWII weekend in Reading, but we did not have much luck. We do have German

reenactors which will be helping on the other days.

Thanks for your help,

Pete Thompson

Glad Tidings Assembly of God

Reading, PA

(610) 927-2918 home

(610) 208-3335 work

:pdt40:

The 39th Combat Engineers will be holding their final reunion this year on September 2nd, 3rd and 4th, 2006.

Best Western Frontier

2300 Lincolnsway

Clinton, Iowa 52732

563-242-7112

800-728-7112

Fax: 563-242-7117

Rates per night: $88.49 total

http://www.bestwesterniowa.com/

Deadline dates are August 10th - guaranteed by August 30th

Closest available airport is Quad Cities in Moline

http://www.qcairport.com/

If you are attending and did not receive a blue card (dinner), please phone Alice to let her know about dinner choices (honey-glazed ham or 3 piece herb baked chicken).

For further information please contact info:

Paul & Alice Knudson (hosts and sec/treas)

2415 Dunham St

Clinton, IA 52732

563-242-2618