Ah, just found this on our own website (main site). It's located on Art Cook's page (36th Engineer)
LT COL WILLIAM THOMAS
Dear M,
While reflecting on your project I had a thought to share with you.
LT COL WILLIAM THOMAS, CE, was the responsible party nominated by VI Corps to activate the 36th. You might want to say a few words early in your work on the history.
He was the perfect choice to activate any activity you could conceive. (I'm not sure if he served in WWI that can be researched, but he knew "ARMY" and "Organized Effort" and training troops.
I was a second Lt under him and he rode the "2nd Johns" without mercy. He was a perfectionist and demanded nothing less from us youngsters. He incessantly reminded any lieutenant of his obligation to develop outstanding performance from the troops, for which he was responsible.
We often cursed, but never revolted. He was right and we soon fell in line with his philosophy. He made better officers out of us while we were making great soldiers out of the men.
Of special significance was the Cols instilling into the lieutenants the need to be aware of the condition of the men. That was "key" from early-on to the outstanding morale of the unit. Responsible to see that they were well fed, properly dressed, practiced "Military Courtesy" *(saluting etc), that they were in great health (no outfit is any stronger than the weakest one). So health of the men was a paramount item.
By now you have concluded that ART learned to love and respect the old boy -- and you are absolutely correct.
Col Thomas deserves some comments reflecting credit for the part of his soul that he put into the training of the best dammed engineer outfit the Army ever saw.
God bless him and God bless your tremendous effort on behalf of our 36th.
With gratitude A
PS - You probably can obtain historical info on Col Thomas by requesting same from VI CORPS Headquarters-- They used to be in Providence Rhode Island.
PPS - Col Thomas became Corps Engineer for VI Corps about the time we invaded Africa.
Huggggggg
Proud Daughter of Walter (Monday) Poniedzialek
540th Engineer Combat Regiment, 2833rd Bn, H&S Co, 4th Platoon
There's "No Bridge Too Far"