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My father was drafted 29 March 1944, reported to Camp Bowie for training on 13 April 1944. On 1 May 1944, General George Marshall reviewed the trainees. On D-Day, the 1264th (at least C company, and likely the entire unit from what Rex Pierce has said), was training on the Brazos river.
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I believe the commander of the 1264th was named Lahlum.
It is years later ... but this is the first time I am reading this post. What great info! Thank you for sharing.
My Dad was Kenneth Zino [1923-2002] who served as a Sgt in the 1264th Engineer Combat Battalion, Company B, 1st Squad, 1st Platoon. I can confirm that command of the 1264th was Arthur H Lahlum. I found copies of two orders (one for Company B, one for all 1264th) in my Dad's collection that are signed by Arthur H Lahlum Lt Col (commanding). These are from Germany from dates in May 1945.
My research turned up the following from the newspaper "The Hood County Tablet" of Granby, Texas.
- Two articles of interest were reported on page 1 in July 6, 1944 when the 1264th was due in town for a week for the training on the Brazos River "700 will arrive Sunday for a week". They were coming from Camp Bowie, Brownwood, Tx. Arthur H Lahlum was mentioned in the articles, he was a Major at that time.
- Same newspaper, page 1 May 24th 1945, there were highlights of a letter from Sgt Blandin from Germany on how the 1264th was doing. He mentioned that Major Lahlum was now a Lieut Colonel.
- Going back to 1944, page 1 July 27, 1944 has a reprint of the letter from Major Lahlum to Mayor Keith, thanking the town for their hospitality. He signed it as Arthur H Lahlum, Major, Engr, C Bn, Commanding. Would the 1264th Battalion C have had 700 members?
My Dad was 1264th Company B and he was at Camp Bowie back in February/March 1943. He was studying Engineering at Purdue in Sept 1943. I'm still sorting out some details on the 1944 timeline.
-barbara