Sent to me by Roque. Thank you for another great post.
Re- the story of PFC Newman Hodgson's experiences in Italy. I salute him for what he went thru and did there.
He gave is acc. of the depression as a farm boy. As a city boy it was quite different. We had to have food stamps. Dad and I went to the R.R. tracks and looked for RR ties to bring home and chop them up for firewood. We had a potbelly stove in the middle room and Mom would drape a sheet behind it and we took our bath behind it. At age 14 and 15 we (family), went to work in the beet fields in Mich. AT 19 I went to work at Armours Packing House, pork trim dept. UncleSam called me at 20. 1942. Took basic at Camp Roberts Ca.
Landed in Oran N. Africa May '43. Saw last action of the 34th I.D. 135th Regt. in N. Africa. Went in at Salerno Sept. '43 fought all the way to the town of Cassino and then the Monastery. From there to Anzio. After Anzio we saw so many towns that I just don't recall but if you can find the book called, DOGFACES WHO SMILED THROUGH TEARS---
It will give you an accurate account of the 34th. I don't remember the unit that was attached to us but I was in the 135th 1st Bn. and I think you might have been with the 168 Regt. along with the 133rd Regt. Anyway it has been figured we traveled over 8oo miles in Italy.
Lotsa walking, huh! I loved your story, again **Salute**
Roque J.Riojas 1stBn. 135th Inf. Regt. 34th Inf. Divn.
Proud Daughter of Walter (Monday) Poniedzialek
540th Engineer Combat Regiment, 2833rd Bn, H&S Co, 4th Platoon
There's "No Bridge Too Far"