01-27-2008, 08:59 PM
Steve: First off thanks for the appreciation. You will have to thank the Army Engineer Office of History for their help in this matter. 
That IS ponton. Actually our present day pronunciation and spelling is a bastardization of the word. If you talk to the REAL WWII engineers, they will be the first to correct you; it's actually pon-ton!
I remember talking to the "men" early on and starting talking about the bridges. No, no they said, if you are to be our historian, there is one thing you need to correct immediately. Ah, tis all a learning experience. Class dismissed. 
Marion J Chard
Proud Daughter of Walter (Monday) Poniedzialek
540th Engineer Combat Regiment, 2833rd Bn, H&S Co, 4th Platoon
There's "No Bridge Too Far"
Proud Daughter of Walter (Monday) Poniedzialek
540th Engineer Combat Regiment, 2833rd Bn, H&S Co, 4th Platoon
There's "No Bridge Too Far"