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70th Infantry Division Association Vol. 39, No. 2 June, 1982

GETTING READY FOR THE PARTY!

Ready for a big weekend in the barracks in 1944, were Pvt. Kenneth Durie (manning the mop) of Co. l, 274; Pvt. Jerry Searp (with the broom) of Co. l, 275; Pfc. Ira Lowrie (at the bucket) 370th Medics, and Pfc. Michael Veneziano, Co. l, 276.

Also getting ready for a big bash is Minneapolis, scene of the 1982 Trailblazer Reunion in September. Preparations-a lot more fun than these pre-inspection rites-are well under way and de­tails about the gala soiree are given throughout this issue.

All slicked up! Minneapolis and fascinating hotel await arrival of 70th Reunioners

A fascinating city and a fascinating hotel are ready to welcome the 1982 Trailblazer Reunion. City: Minneapolis with its 22 lakes. Hotel: The Sheraton-Ritz at the world-renowned Nicollet Mall.

"Reservations should be sent in as soon as possible," reminds Orville Ellis, Association president and Reunion chairman. Septem­ber (the meeting will be the 16th to 19th) is a wonderful month in the Land of Lakes and hotels will be busy."

A reservation blank is printed on page 7. It should be sent in this exact form-Xeroxes accepted-so the hotel's computer can handle it.

The Reunion package is a bargain. For the fee of $80 per person, the fol­lowing events are included:

Officers' reception, Thursday evening;

(Continued on next page)

Reunion (Continued from page 1)

Dinner and evening;

Lunch and noon;

Banquet and

program, Friday

program, Saturday

Dance, Saturday

But those members who do not intend to stay at the Ritz should let me know ahead of time so we can plan for them at the hotel events.

"Matters to be brought up at the evening; business meeting should be submitted

Ladies' tour, Friday; to me well ahead .of time so they can Ladies' corsage, Saturday evening; be given a place on the agenda." Coffee breaks, Friday and The Sheraton-Ritz is at 315 Nicollet

Saturday; Ave. There is convenient bus service Hospitality room, all three days, direct from the airport. There's a

and Sheraton Motor Inn way out on East Memorial Service, Sunday. 78th St. but Trailblazers should re-The fee has been based on an esti- member to come right into the heart

mated attendance of 450 persons. If of the city before they start shooting there is any "profit" it will go into the an azimuth to the hotel. The Mall is a Association treasury. It will be possi- fascinating place that will delight the ble to obtain a partial refund or re- ladies especially but that men will also duced cost for people who can attend find thoroughly enjoyable. only one or two days. The average temperature for Sep-

Other costs, such as rooms, other tember is 62 degrees. The Park System meals, preventive libations, etc. are has 4,100 acres of rolling woodlands personal expenses. There is no charge in 153 parks and the surrounding area for parking for guests at the Sheraton- of the state is a favorite of tourists Ritz and tickets will be validated at from all over the world. the hotel desk. There is a tour for visitors of the his-

The hospitality room will be open toric St. Anthony Falls where Minne-

Committee seeks nominations

The nominating committee of our Association invites members to sub­mit names of possible candidates for office.

The committee will interview potential nominees at the convention in preparing a recommended slate of officers for the next two years. Election will be for president, vice president-east, vice president-west, secretary-treasurer and assistant secretary-treasurer.

If you have suggestions on good candidates for these positions, con­tact Ted Heck, chairman of the nominating committee. His address is P.O. Box 89, Ft. Washington, PA 19422. His home phone is (215) 825-7788.

Remember? Ray C. Hudgens of G Co. (no regi­

ment given) wants to buy any German WW2 material that you might have for sale. Drop him a line at 3607 Alta­mira, East Ridge, Tenn. 37412.

Trailblazers are in several Ameri­can history books. Now thay can be in from 10 a.m. to 4:30p.m. Thursday; apolis was founded and of the Federal

~-----4~~J-4~:3~0~,~F4r~id~a~}r'ruand~2~;~3lj04teo~4~:3~0~,~~l~o~el&~~a~n~6dHdffiarum~·wH~h~ie*hrnm*aHr~k~t~h~e~s~ta~r~t~--~~pft~~~nnP-,~~----Saturday. "It will be well stocked navigation on the Mississippi River. Joseph Zeller (16, rue Jean-Jaures I with liquid refreshments and snacks," The world-famous Minnesota Sym- 5,600 Forbach I France) is writing a Brother Ellis assures, "and there will phony is in a spanking new home and history of the Moselle in the years of be people there to serve you." the renowned Guthrie Theater is re- '39-'45.

"If you pre-register at the hotel, spected the world over. The Minneap- "Since your Division spent some you'll get another great bargain. olis Institute of Arts has expanded its time in our area, I would be most Rooms-single or double-will be on- museum to house its famous collection grateful if you could send me any ly $56. Our cocktail receptions will be and the Hennepin County Historical documents and photos illustrating at the truly breath-taking indoor pool Society has restored an elegant man- your part in the liberation of Forbach. area, 'the Palm Terrace'. sion to house items from pioneer days. If you'll send them to my cousin, Ber-

"We're not making recommenda- Minnesota is known for its warm nard Derr, 175 Pennsylvania Ave., tions for people who are travelling in Scandinavian hospitality. It extends Delaware, Ohio, 43015, I'll have pho-motor homes. They're experienced its warmest welcome to the 70th Divi- tocopies made and return the tourists and know their way around. sion Association. originals."

is published four times a year by the 70th Infantry Division Association , for its members and friends. Subscription: $7 , annually .

Vol. 39 . No. 1 March , 1982

Editor Edmund C. Arnold 3208 Hawthorne Ave . Richmond , Virginia 23222

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Associate Editor Chester F. Garstki 2946 No. Harding Chicago, Illinois 60618

Historians Dr . Eugene J. Petersen 39580 Tyler Road Belleville , Michigan 48111

President Orville F. Ellis 9255 Birch Tree lane St. louis , Missouri 63126

Vice President-East Fred J. Cassidy 17813 Vinyard lane Derwood , Maryland 20855

Theodore C. Mataxis 16 Fariston Road Wayne , Pennsylvania 19087

Vice President -West Eugene G. Inzer 1690 Dogwood Drive Vidor , Texas 77662

Secretary-Treasurer Clarence E. Feaster Box 187 Oxford . Kansas 67119

Donald C. Pence Carolina Trace 285 Fairway lane Sanford , N.C. 21730

Asst . Sec. Treasurer Paul McCoy 2543 N . Venice Ave. Tucson . Arizona 85712

Chaplains Alex C. Johnson 955 Olive St. Hoffman Estates . Illinois 60194

Rev. Wm . Hoyt Henderson 3251 Hopkins Road . S.W. Powder Springs , Georg ia 30073

'Great for nostalgia!'

'Don't miss 'em!'

'Time's running out!'

'There's iust nothing like it!'

So say your buddies

Reunions! Are they worth the time, effort and money?

Yes! Yes! Yes! say 70th Division vet­erans who have attended the come­backs since the Association was formed.

"Reunions are getting bigger and better all the time," says Edward Cloonan, Co. D, 275. "Possibly that's because we're all getting to the age when we can have a little more time to indulge in nostalgia and can afford to travel a little bit.

"Attending reunions has been a re­warding experience ... and I mean rewarding."

Jim Kyle of Fenton, Missouri, Svc. Co., 275th, reminds us that "Someday they'll play 'Taps' for you and me, too. Don't wait till it's too late; show up at the Reunion and light up your buddies' lives. Come once and you'll never miss one again."

Says Ralph Larson of Topeka, Kan­sas, Co. I, 274th: ''I've enjoyed the Reunions so much that I'm devoting a lot of time and effort to urge old friends to join the Association and to attend the Minneapolis meeting. In fact, just yesterday I talked by phone with a buddy I haven't seen or heard from in 30 years.

"I was the lone member of the com­pany to attend the Reunion in 1978. In '80 we had 10 and in Lexington, several more. Watch us in Minneapolis!"

First one was hassle They say that getting the first olive

out of the bottle is the hardest job; after that they come easy. So with Jim Kyle's Reunion attendance. "The first one I heard about was, for my own company only, in Chicago in 1962. I had to work until1:30 a.m. the night before. My wife Rosie had the kids ready and as soon as I got off work we took off. Arrived at Chicago about 8:30 next morning. We'd planned on getting a hotel room and a couple hours of sleep. But as soon as we walked into the lobby I saw some fa­miliar faces and from there on there simply wasn't time for sleeping.

70th Division Assn. TRAILBLAZER

"The weekend flew by. We had so much fun we agreed to meet two years later in Salem, Oregon. That Reunion was just as great (and we got a chance to see the site of old Camp Adair). At our next meeting in Denver the whole 70th set up its Association. For years I arranged my vacation so I could at­tend the Reunion. All I can say is, 'Fellows, don't ever miss a Reunion. It's always a time of joy and excitement.'"

Ed Cloonan saw a small item in the American Legion magazine in 1966; it was the first time he'd even heard of the 70th Association. He "didn't bump into anybody from Dog Co. but I did meet many others who had been in the same areas where I had been­Philippsbourg and others. I was able to fill in gaps in my memory that time has been playing havoc with."

Reunions are favorite hobby Another regular attender is Cecil

King of Kansas City, 725th FA Bn. He worked in a paper mill for 23 years, then joined TWA airlines, from which he's been retired for 10 years.

"My wife and I like to travel a lot and so we've seen a lot of this large world. We all come to the 70th Reun­ions-the Al Weigles, Gene Ragans and us. On a trip down to Texas the

Special peace service prelude to Reunion

If you're going to be in Minneapolis a little ahead of the Reunion, pay heed to an invitation from Don Doc­ken, pastor of Bethel Lutheran Church (just a few miles east of Minneapolis in Hudson, Wisconsin). A special serv­ice will be held on September 12, the week before our Minneapolis reun­ion. There will be a Peace and Friend­ship Service at each of the three regu­lar worship hours, 8:15, 9:30 and 10:45 a.m. Willi Gottenschroeder and his group from Germany; and Tom Higley and Bill Rorabaugh of C Co., 275th will be on hand.

six of us dropped in to say hello to Or­rell Patrick in Corpus Christi. We're trying to persuade him to come to Minneapolis.

"We've been married 55 years and have one daughter who was born in Salem, Oregon, while I was in basic training. My sports are hunting and fishing. I've hunted bear and got my share and every season sees me out after ducks, geese, quail, etc. At 75 I'm a little slower on the trigger but I enjoy it.

"But Reunions are still my favorite. I'd sure be glad to hear from old bud­dies. My phone is (816) 741-0808. Give me a ring.''

Note from Mexico Another Larson, Edson G. of May­

ville, North Dakota, adds his come-to­the-party all the way from Manzanil­la, Mexico. He and his wife Margaret got bumped 0n a fli-ght to Mex.ico--Gity and so-while waiting-he jotted down a few observations.

"Once you go to a Reunion, you go again-it may be in the hope of seeing old friends again. But if you don't, you always make new friends. One thing we all tend to forget: We don't have unlimited time. So many have said 'I'll wait till the next one'. Soon there will be no next one.

"Reunions are unique because they are an experience we share. I encour­age all members to attend. Once they do they will return next time."

Repeat customers, they say, are the best indicators of a good business suc­cess. So it's interesting to note that the great majority of veterans at Reunions are repeaters. "Come once," they say, "and you'll never be able to stay away again.''

Gene Inzer of Vidor, Texas, our Vice-President/West, has successfully undergone surgery and is recuperat­ing nicely. He'll see you at Minneapo­lis.

Don't want to give away any se­crets. But that dynamite guy Tom S. Higley of Co. C, 275, will be promot­ing Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, as site of the '84 Trailblazer Reunion.

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CtiEVES, Wallace Robert 241 N . E. 34th Street Miami , Florida 33137 CO 2nd Bn , 274 AprilS, 1982

Ta s

COSTELLO, Matthew 11134 Avenue E Chicago, Ill. 60617 Co. I, 274 March 12, 1982

HOUSE, James L. Jr. Rt. 1, Box 171 Vestal, New York February 23 , 1982

RILEY , William Floyd P.O. Box 156 Lineville, Alabama Co. E, 276 March 10, 1982

The President's Report

by Orville Ellis

A sad note to convey. Our own Col. Wall ace "Bob" Cheves passed away Monday, April 5, 1982.

Col. Cheves had been gravely ill for a long period of time. Nonetheless, keeping and showing a strong attitude for life, getting well and his beloved 70th Division Association.

Bob was a 2ast offjcer of the Associatio_n, a most activ~ ana enthusiastic supporter of the Association throughout and author of "Snow Ridges and Pill Boxes", the history of his beloved 274th Infantry Regiment in World War II, and "L'Operation Nordwind", a history of the Wingen­Sur-Moder, France campaign.

Bob's greatest regret was his inability to complete au­thorship of his history of the 70th Infantry Division in World War II. He had spent years in research and writ­ing for the history.

I have lost a good counsel and close friend. We all have lost a great man, good friend and Association supporter. His passing is a great loss in all respects, in each and every way.

I know that each of you join me in conveying condo­lence to his wife, Mary Grayce, and our abiding love in her time of sorrow.

An item of interest and note. NBC-TV's "Real People" for the past two years has presented a salute to the Ameri­can veteran, as a Memorial Day Special. This fall, they are planning a Veterans Day show and are soliciting story ideas, suggestions, etc. from servicemen (in writing only). Write to "Real People" , Box 2A, Hollywood, Calif. 90028. We could gain some national publicity. This writ­er has written "Real People" about working our Septem­ber Reunion into the show.

REUNIONS: TIMES TO RECALL - Unfortunately, most veterans have never attended their unit reunions, thus have missed this experience in patriotism and friend­ship in "A Brotherhood That Binds the Brave." However, many come back year after year, taking their annual va-

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The Treasurer's Report

1 I 1 / 82 Cosh on Hand INCOME 131 memberships at $7 Interest Donations

EXPENSES Supplies Trailblazer

Printing, moiling permit postage

3/ 31/82

Certificate of Deposit Cosh , Oxford Bonk

917 .00 141.24 52 .00

414 .95

2032.19

2000.00 4991.65

6991.65

8328.55

1110.24

9438.79

2447.14

6991.65

Elbert Feaster Secretory-Treasurer

cation at that time, and truly share this "friendship like no other."

As each of us stands during the memorial service, we are enveloped in memories of familiar names inscribed in that closed book of 70th Heroes, and of sprawled silent figures whose names we never knew.

All reunions do not follow the same program, but all are based on the same fundamental foundation: patriot­~shipS<- and=that-speei-al--martial pride--in-the -~ words: "I was that which others did not want to be . .. I went where others feared to go . .. and am proud of what I was . .. a soldier."

This will be our last Trailblazer prior to the reunion. Therefore, won't you please send your hotel reservations at once, as a commitment to attend your 1982 Reunion? Did you ever hear of anyone who didn't have a great time in Minneapolis or at a 70th Reunion?

"If you still have your original World War II uniform, bring your jacket to the Minneapolis Reunion." That's les Edwards talking. He's chairman of the entertain­ment committee.

Seems like old times By Edmund Arnold

Hey! You guys don't fool! When I took over this editor's job I asked you to write me and tell what you've been doing since those fun-and-games days in the Vosges. And did you respond! Everything you've sent in will be printed; that's a promise. But not nec­essarily in this issue-or the next. I've got enough stuff to run into 1983 at least. So be patient if you've sent in stuff. And if you haven't, join the hap­PY throng.

It must be cheaper to move than to pay rent these days. At least our mem­bers are changing addresses at at least twice the national rate. If you're plan­ning on moving, please let me know by August 1 or November 1. It costs about 6¢ to mail the "Trailblazer" in bulk quantities. If our friendly postal hurriers and scurriers return it be­cause of an address change, it costs two bits for that service plus another 20¢ to send your copy first class. You'll bankrupt the Association that way.

Answering the final roll call on March 10 was William Floyd Riley, 68, Co. E, 276. He lived in Lineville, Alabama, his native city. Death came by a massive heart attack while he took a nap after lunch and was with­out pain.

In the last "TB" we asked you to send cards to Matthew Costello in Chicago, Co. I, 274 Medics. Unfortu­nately, before they could reach him, our brother-in-arms answered the last roll call. He died March 12, after a long illness. He got the Purple Heart as a combat medic.

Vacationing in Kansas this sum­mer? Give a little business to ol' bud­dy Henry S. Freeman. He runs a 25-unit Colonial Motel and restaurant at Fort Scott. He'll be happy to see an old Trailblazer as he was in Co. K, 276.

Glad to hear from Jerry Boyea of Co. F, 2nd Bn, S-3, then regimental S-3 of the 274th. Jerry is in university and college construction management at West Virginia State College cur­rently. He spent 30 years in the Army Reserve and remembers the 70th's trip home on the SS Queen Mary. He lives in Charleston, West Virginia now.

70th Div ision Assn . TRAILBLAZER

In the transition of the mailing list from Frank Moran to me, there were some communications gaps. Conse­quently several men who should have been listed as new members in De­cember already, didn't get mentioned in the March issue. I hope that they'll accept appropriate apologies and that our new roster on pages 6-7 brings us up to date as of May 10 when this copy went to the typesetter.

We didn't list changes of address in that section this time because the space was running out. But mostly be­cause Elbert Feaster is getting out a new roster booklet soon.

I'm going to be top-downing it in our venerable convertible from Rich­mond to Cincy to Seattle to Portland to San Francisco to Salt Lake City to Washington, D.C., taking the whole month of June. Roster book in hand, I just may surprise you with a phone call as I pass through your town.

If you're planning to fly to the Re­union, contact your travel agent right now. Tell him to shop around and find you the best fare. If you buy your tick­et well in advance, there are all kinds of super-saver plans (including hop­scotching) that are genuine bargains. Insist that your agent get you the best buy. But do it pretty darn quick!

Adkins' widow seeks information

Did you serve with George L. Adkins, a medic with Co. D, 276, in the Rhineland, Ardennes, Forbach battles? His widow would be made happy if you'd drop her a note.

George was early in the Division after entering service at Ft. Leavenworth, Kan­sas. He served as a medical corpsman until discharged at Camp Crowder late in '45. He died December 31, 1974.

"Is there a record of where he served during the war?" asks his widow, Georgia. "Is there any information available from someone who was with him in Co. D or knew him? And what was the name of the ship he went over on and came back? Is someone who knew him living in Oregon now?"

If you can help, drop a note to Mrs. Georgia Adkins, 1260 Ewald St., Salem, Oregon, 97302.

As I've worked for and with news­papers most of my life, I've received my share of Dear-Sir-you-cur letters­to-the-editor. None distressed me as much as a couple I just received from a member who cancelled his member­ship and forbade me even to send him a copy of the "Trailblazer." His com­plaint is that the "TB" prints news only of officers.

That, dear friends, is a big pile of organic plant food. As far as I'm con­cerned, we took off our stripes and our hardware 30 years ago. We are all Trailblazer and if we do use a military title, it's only as a mark of affection for a friend.

This magazine is not run for a small in-group. It seeks to serve every mem­ber of the Association. And it runs any material that will be of interest to the majority of our readers.

Nor will we tilt against officers. And I use the title because he still uses it on the job. Gen. T. C. Mataxis, I'm told, was involved in the current movie "Taps." No more details, alas! Brother Ted is at Valley Forge Mili­tary Academy.

Francis S. Hickerson, -a lieutenant with the 276th, has recently joined the Association and would like to hear from any WW2 comrade with whom he served in Europe. Write to him at 5327 Montgomery Ave., NE #95, Al­buquerque, N.M. 87106.

And speaking of New Mexico­well, let Harry Osborn say it like he said it to the editor: "Somewhere be­tween the western border of Texas, the southern border of Colorado and the northern border of Mexico lies a vast and wonderful area of limbo sometimes known as New Mexico. Lo­cated in this area along I-10, between mile markers 81 and 85 and some 33 miles north of the place where Pancho Villa staged his famous raid on the USA, lies the small town of Deming. I don't know how you managed it, but somehow Deming got located in Colo­rado (in the last "TB"). Apologies to Deming and Harry of Baker Co., 275.

Please note that Harry R. Ariail of Marietta, Georgia HQ Co. 1st Bn., 274, is a full-fledged active member of the Association. He was inadvertently listed as an associate member in the last issue. He joined the 70th at Fort Leonard Wood and fought in all three of our campaigns.

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New Members

ARNEY , Clarence {Marie) 421 S. Columbia Drive Woodburn, Oregon 97071 Div. HQ

AXELROD, Tom J. (Alyce) 4151 N. Hazel White Bear Lake, Minn. 55110 Co. K, 274

BAIN, James W. (EIIyne) 1159 Via De Anza, P.O . Box 4 Ocotillo, Calif. 92259 HQ Co. , 3rd Bn , 275

BARRETT, Richard C. {Bernice) 28 Daniel Drive Middletown, N .J. 07748 Cannon Co., 274

BENNETT, Robert {Marion) Box 156 Monroetown, Po . 18832 C Btty, 725th Bn FA

BLACKBURN, Shelmer D. (Ruby) R+.-l-;--8e><-OO Purlear, N.C. 28665 Co. C, 275

BORDELON, Irwin (Lorraine) 210 Laurel St. Marksville, La . 71351 HQ Co., 3rd Bn , 274

BOUXSIEN, John P. {Helen} 106 Arthur Clarendon Hills , Ill. 60514 8B3rd Bn FA

BRADY, Kenneth P. {Evelyn) 320 Desert Shore Dr., SP. 13-A Desert Shores , Calif . 92274 Co. F, 275

BRANDT, Walter R. {Margery} 360 Everett Ave., No. 58 Palo Alto, Calif. 94301

BREZACEK, Milan F. {Libbie) 11616 Shirley St. Omaha, Neb. 68144 2nd Med Bn , 274

BURKE, Louis W . {Helen) 1756 Bay Island Dr. Point Pleasant, N.J. 08742 Cannon Co., 276

CONVERY, William J. 4750 Leetsdale Dr. Denver, Colo. 80222 A Btty, 725th Bn FA

CROUCHER, Russell {Frances) 2117 Madera Rd. Sacramento, Calif . 95825 HQ Co ., 2nd Bn, 275

DAERR, Eugene A. (Dottie} 534 '/• W . Ottermon St. Greensburg, Po. 15601

fAROOR F, Er e o6ert (~anet} 4625 Glasgow Dr. Rockville, Maryland 20853 HQ Co., 3rd Bn , 275

DEMAS, James N. (Louise) 2807 Gen. Chenault , NE Albuquerque, N .M . 87112

EBERHARDT, Martin J. (Lois} Rustfield Village II , Apt. 9 Norway, Maine 04268 884th Bn FA

EVERETT, Glen R. {Norma) 1535 Highland Ave . Salem , Ohio 44460

FENSTERMACHER, Erman L. (Caroline)

9 Walnut Street Richlandtown , Po. 18955 Co . F. 274

GERMANE, Fronk (Joyce) 2201 Coventry Dr. Parma, Ohio 44134 883rd Bn FA

GREEN , Ruben J. (llsedoro} 16 Garrett Lane Willingboro, N .J. 08046 Co. A, 276

GREY, Calvin {Mary) P.O . Box 11 Douglas , Ariz. 85609 Co. M , 276

HAMILTON. Walter {Billie} 335 N . Cochise Ave. Willcox, Ariz. 85643

HATCH , Ira C. {Winona) Rt . 2, Mill Hill Road Northfield, Vermont 05663 HQ Co. , 2nd Bn , 274

HAUGEN , Peter Ill {Velma) 73S:N.E+Mem&rial Drive Grants Pass , Oregon 97526 Co. A , 275

HAYDEN , John G . Jr. {Constance) 4510 N . 11 Ave. Phoenix , Ariz . 85013 Co. B, 276

HICKERSON, Fronk S. {Marjorie} 5327 Montgomery NE Apt . 95 Albuquerque, N .M . 87109 276

HOFFMAN , Jack 3944 Lemon Ave. Long Beach , Calif . 90807

HORNING, Robert S. 505 Packard Apt. 4 Ann Arbor, Mich. 48104 Co. C, 275

JOHNSON , Wade W . (Opal) 104 Arbor Drive Lexington , N .C. 27292 Co. A , 275

KELLY, Joseph {Marlene) 5622 Grant St . Omaha, Neb. 68104 Co. A , 276

KOEHLER , Robert A . Jr. (Kay) 338 Spencer Place Paramus, N .J. 07652 Co . M , 275

KROGH, Donald G . (Dolores) 264 Whiteta il Lane Roseburg , Oregon 97470 Co. M , 276

LANDEN , Dr. Andrew F. (Leona} 1020 W . 2nd Ave. Escondido, Calif . 92025 270th FA

LE DOUX, Bryan (Rita) Box 1119" Opelousas , La . 70570 Co. A. 276

LEVITT, Carlos C. (Evelyn) 28956 Sheridan Garden City , Mich. 48135 Co. M , 276

************************* Historian of 70th goes into history

A fine 70th Division historian has passed into history himself.

Bob Cheves (officially Wallace Robert , Col. AUS, ret.) lost his courageous battle against cancer and died April 5. Until his death he had been working diligently Qn a history of the Trailblazers. It is hoped that his work can be completed by some other 70th veteran.

Bob graduated from Clemson when it was a military school. He was with the original 70th cadre at Adair . A brilliant tactitian, he was intensely concerned about his men and his battle plans always gave them the best chance for survival. He was a major, commander of 2nd Bn, 274, at Wingen-sur-Moder, where the battalion earned a unit citation for gallantry. He was then placed in charge of the entire bit­ter operation, commanding the whole regi-

6

ment and supporting troops. He blunted a severe Nazi threat_ in February of '45 .

He recalled , "I was offered an Army career and was w ith the 15th Army which Patton commanded at his death . I was slated for the Pentagon with Bradley's 12th Army Group staff but decided to leave the service. Changed my mind again and end­ed up Assistant G-1 , 8th Army, in Yoko­hama, Japan. Finally in November of '47 I returned to civilian life."

He and his wife Mary Grayce lived in Miami where he had a construction busi­ness. He was buried in Savannah where the old Cheves Plantation still exists on the out­skirts near Fort McAllister which Sherman captured in 1864 . The old family home on his maternal side is a handsome landmark in Charleston.

A tough fighter to the very end, he insist­ed that his wife not mention his malignan­cy even to close friends. A longtime and very active member and past-president of the Association, he will be particularly missed at the Minneapolis Reunion .

Old foes I old friends

The bond that ties together all soldiers, no matter which uniform they wore in combat, has been dem­onstrated time and again as members of the German 6th Mountain Division North and 70th Division veterans, who were foes in the winter cam­paigns, have joined on many occa­sions on both sides of the Atlantic.

Nineteen eighty-two will be no ex­ception.

Wilhelm "Willie" Gottenstroter in­forms us that preparations are under way for him, his wife Hanni and other members of the Edelweiss Division to come to our Minneapolis reunion. Willie's stay will be short as he must hurry home and prepare for his divi­sion's convention two weeks later. He is chairman.

70th Division Assn . TRAILBLAZER

LINSTEN, Roy E. (Bernice) 1302 9th St. Box 769 International Falls , Minn. 56649 C Btty, 884th Bn FA

LOUDENSLAGER, Harry R. (Jeri} 9022 W. M78- T- 169 Haslett, Mich. 48840 Co. C, 275

LOUKKO, Reina R. (Dorothy) 230 Prospect St. Auburn, Moss . 01501

LUND, Robert M. (Peggy) 1414 Naval Ave. Bremerton, Wash. 98310 Co . H, 275

McALHANY, Carl T. (Dorothy) 95 Sharon Circle West Columbia, S.C. 29169 Co. F, 275

McCARTY , Thurmon L. (Charlene} 206 Circle Drive Cleburne, Texas 76031 AT Co ., 274

McGRIFF, Loylen (Virginia) 461 Wolf Creek Brookville , Ohio 45309 Co . A, 276

MASON, Charles I. (Marion) Rt . 1, Box 238 Aurora, Ind. 47001 Co . A , 370th Med Bn

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MATHIOWETZ, leo D. (Marie} ORTEGA, Arthur D. (Barbara) Box 34 308 Headingly NW Clements , Minn. 56224 Albuquerque, N.M. 87107 A Btty, 725th Bn FA Cannon Co., 274

MILITELLO, Daniel PALMER, Raymond E. (Mary Lou) 1334 E. 15th St. P.O . Box 54 Brooklyn , New York 11230 Rehoboth Beach, Del. 19971

A Btty, 884th Bn FA MILLER, Keith D. (Margie) 49 Elizabeth Dr. PRESCOTT, Henry B. (Betty) Belle Vista , Arkansas 72712 7 La Salle Drive Co . H, 276 Bangor, Moine 04401

Co. C, 275 MINTER, Edward E. Jr. (Priscilla) 3020 42nd St . Metairie, La . 70001 Med Bn , 275

MUESSE, leroy A. P.O . Box 313 Columbus, Texas 78934 Co. L, 275

NEAWEDDE, Roy W. (Dorothy) Rt . 3 Seymour, Ind. 47274 Co. D, 370th Med Bn

NILES, Ellery W. (Page) 9401 Los Calabazillos NE Albuquerque, N.M. 87111 270th Bn

NORTH , James (Aiviro) 320 W. Fulton Marissa , Ill. 62257

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RENNING, Fronk A . (Wilma) 2429 5th Ave. NW Rochester, Minn. 55901 Co. I, 274

ROUSE, Milton S. (Dorothy} P.O. Box 126 Dockton , Wash. 98070 HQ Co., 3rd Bn, 276

ROYSE, Edward F. (Marcello) 568 N. Fifth St. Wood River, Ill. 62995 Co. D, 275

SMITH, William D. (Mary} 527 Estate Rd. Maple Shade, N .J. 08052

STILlMOCK , Stanley J. 4116 M St . Omaha, Neb. 68107 Co. G , 274

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TEMPS, Calvin E. 2419 s. 37th Lincoln, Neb. 68506

TILSON, John B. (Mae) 12174 Hy. 36 Covington, Georgia 30209 Co. F, 274

VAUGHN, Melvin L. (Mary} 206 S. 30th Ave. Milton, Florida 32570

VICKERY, Harold J. (Ruth) 2721 San Antonio Dr. Walnut Creek , Calif . 94568 Co. B. 276

VOLZ, Eugene F. (Bitzy) 162 Crescent Drive Holland, Po. 18966 Co. E. 276

WESTBROOKS, Fronk Jr. (Martha) 7312 W. 72nd Overland Park, Kansas 66204

ZIMPFER, Edward L. Jr. (Doreen) 37 Coolidge Drive Snyder, New York 14226 Co. F. 276

ASSOCIATE MEMBER

SHAKE, Harold (Woncho} APO New York 09872 D Btty, 2nd .Bn 56th ADA

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7

NOW we know who Mary Ellen was I

"That's my vehicle," exclaimed Iliff of Salina, Kansas, when he Russell Nordgren when he saw this saw this picture in the last issue of picture in the last "Trailblazer." the "Trailblazer." "I don't re-

"We were part of the Second member where or when it was Platoon, 70th Recon Troop and taken," he says, "but after calling stencilled the name on the vehicle Bill Nadler in Lake Mills, Wis­at Marseilles, probably on Bugle consin, we came up with four Hill. Delbert Sitz of Vernon, -identifications. Texas was the driver. His wife's · "Standing is Don Bouslaugh of name, Mary, went on the side of Richland, Washington, or Robert this M-8. My wife-who passed SchunizeofSalem, Oregon. Above away over 20 years ago-was him, seated on the rear is William named Pearl. But 'Mary Pearl' Tipps of Fayetteville, Tennessee didn't sound very euphonious to or Richard Cooper of Toledo, me. My mother's name was Ellen Ohio. For sure, the next one at and now does income taxes with and so we named the M-8, 'Mary the middle of the top row is me, H&R Block. They attended the Ellen.' Dale Iliff and in the top row, Lexington reunion and are look-

"I was 69 last November and right, is Bill Nadler, Lake Mills, ing forward to Minneapolis . sometimes memory can be tricky. Wisconsin. * I think I recognize some of the "Seated at the front left is Bob "Hey! That's mel" says Gerald Cis in the photo. Second from the Smead of Portland, Oregon, our Adamietz of Spokane, Washing­left is Dale Iliff and Del Sitz is radio man. Middle front is Driver ton, of the picture that ran last is­standing in the driver's position. I Delbert Sietz (address unknown, sue of the "TB." am not in the picture. I think he was a Texan). The one "I can't recall why I was on it

"During the war years I lived seated at the front right is a jeep except that it was in Germany in in Minnea olis. I retired some driv~o~a2-don't know his first '45--!.Jlm si!ili:!.g_on thueft front time ag~aii<fTive m- aFayefte, '""Iiame." - f the Mary-Ellen.·N-exttomewas Indiana." Dale and his wife Virginia re- a man from New York aqd next to * tired last Fall. He had worked for him was Wes Donovan.

"Hey! That's me," said Dale Wonder Bread and Hostess Cakes "I recall the cold-snow and

Remember?

Edmund C. Arnold

"Taps," the column that records the death of 70th Division comrades, is compiled solely from information sent in by family or friends. All members are urged to report such deaths to the editor, even though they may have oc­curred much earlier. If possible, obit­uaries, as published in a newspaper, should be included.

3208 Hawthorne Ave. Richmond, Virginia_23222

always cold-never knowing where we were. Somewhere I lost part of the sight of my right eye and later got a bad infection in my right leg. (And it's troubled him for 36 years.)

"During the push into Ger­many while three of my friends stood ready, I went into a base­ment expecting to find German soldiers. Instead I found an old ci­vilian crazy with fear.

"I eventually was transferred into the 3rd Division. They asked for vofunteers to guard homes that they thought would be taken over by -Russians during the night. They never came but I almost shot my lieutenant when he came during the night. I served in a whole lot of German towns, most­ly guarding Pq_W's with Polish soldiers. Was discharged in March_of '47 and worked for the Post Office, Navy and Air Force, until put on disability because of old injuries. Two sons served in the Army in the 70's. I also have a daughter.

''I'd like to swap 70th photos. My address is P.O. Box 14099, Spokane, Washington 99214."

(Has anybody got Brother Tipps' address? His last copy of the "Trailblazer" came back unclaimed, no forwarding ad­dress. Same thing happened with Jack Bradley of Forge Valley, Massachusetts. Help!)

~- -NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE THIRD ClASS PERMIT -1310

RICHMOND, VA.

ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED