Hi,
My name is Ray Chambers. I am the oldest son of Sam E. Chambers who served in the 372nd Engineers during WWII. He told many stories, (and I am sure that he did NOT tell many stories) about those years. He worked in England on the floating concrete structures as well as many other experiences. I served in the US Army from 1958 - 1960. During that time, I took a Rhine River Cruise, and took many photos. When I returned home, I was showing my Dad the photos, and at one point, he stopped me and explained that he had been to that vey place. The photo that he was looking at was the riverfront of St. Goar, and I was standing on the opposite side of the river in St Goarshausen. He also told of rowing the infantry across the Rhine. I am not sure where or when he crossed. I know that most of his comrads are gone now, but I would like to fill in some of the blanks in my mind. Before he died in 2002, I tried to find any mention of the 372nd Engineers on the internet, but did not find anything. This is the first time I have been able to find anything. He was burried in Claremore, Oklahome with full military honors.
My dad was from Claremore, Oklahoma, and one other man was Lee Howard, who was also from Claremore. Another friend was Carl Bowie from Vinita, Oklahoma. I have heard many other names, but do not recall them now.
Another incident that he told me about was during the invasion of Normandy, He was in the first wave to head across the channel. A crane in the hold of the ship got loose and was causing havock, so the ship was turned around and returned to port to re-secure the equipment. It was the third day before they reached France, and at some point later he was in a group who was sent to Bar Le Duc. I remembered the name, and when my wife and I were there in 1998, we drove to Bar Le Duc.
If anyone is aware of any of these incidents, I would be interested in hearing about them.
Ray Chambers
Tucson, AZ