1943
I would like to devote a good part of this column to Judd Waldron, simply because I feel that he has seen more than his share of action as an infantryman in the 45th Division. 1 last saw Judd at Camp Devens back in February 1943; he handed me some flannel underwear as I filed past the counter, one of those obscure, bewildered inductees at the time. From then on he was far from being idle. He went across just in time for the invasions of Sicily and Italy. Remember the Anzio Beachhead? From there it was the incessant slogging through the mud and the cold that finally brought him up through southern France and Germany. It was Judd's patrol that captured the Munich Beer Hall, Hitler's personal shrine. Somewhere along the line he acquired the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star Medal. I think the citation which accompanied the latter best sums up the work he did. "For meritorious service in combat from 2 August 1943 to 30 April 1945 in Sicily, Italy, France and Germany as a member of the Intelligence and Reconnaissance Platoon (Headquarters Company 157 th Infantry 45th Division). During this period, Technician Waldron performed his duties in an outstanding and conscientious manner, participating in countless reconnaissance and combat patrols which scouted far into enemy territory in order to obtain data and information. In many instances Technician Waldron established observation posts from which he directed artillery fire upon enemy installations, inflicting heavy losses upon troops and equipment. His courageous and aggressive devotion to duty reflects credit upon himself and his organization." Good work, Judd!
I have seen quite a few classmates since I come back to Hanover. Harry Semmes, Gordon Carter and Ken Manthorne are here as indents. Ted Woodward was back on his vacation from work as a chemist in a plant somewhere near Chicago. He gave me some news ab°ut Leon Chapman, namely, that the "Lip" ls now playing with Glenn Miller's Army and which is quite an accomplishment. Russ a"d Brownie Sherburne drove in from Mannester one afternoon where Russ is stationed W'th the ATC. He plans on staying in the Air orps for a little while longer, which is anther way of saying that his flying schedule can't be too tough. Bob Perkins was back, once as best man at Warren Taylor's wedding, another time to see the Holy Cross game. Currently at the hospital at Camp Edwards where he is taking treatments for a game leg, he expects to be discharged soon. Kelly Coffin was back, still in uniform with not too many prospects for a discharge. "Mac" Mac Donald w-as back for the game, plans on taking up iMedicine at Union College. Bill Kipp, HarryGerber and George Mason I saw on the street but had little chance to say hello and to find out what their current plans were. Bob Fieldsteel and his wife Joyce came to Hanover to spend part of their honeymoon. They were married as soon as Bob returned from Germany. For awhile he thought he was definitely slated for Pacific duty, but the good old Army, considerate little item, kindly gave him a discharge and so he plans on going to Tuck this fall. Can you think of a nicer wedding present?
Tom Burnap gave me a letter from his brother Bob that closely resembled a nautical handbook. After reading it I would guess that he is on or near Okinawa, a naval pilot, a 30-year man, and a champion bridge player. So far, the highlight of his stay there was meeting Bill Sweeney who happened to be looking for his tent that the hurricane took away. He says, "After chewing the fat with Bill, X invited him to the "T" for the evening and a beer party the next day. His C.O. said no passes, so Bill told the boys in his tent (evidently he found it) to cover up for him, and off we went. We finally bummed our way out to the "T" just at supper time in an Admiral's "shimmer." We had all kinds of OOD's and bosuns ready to pipe us aboard. Later as we were about to depart, who should come stomping up but good old Sirdovan, the Russian. This time he promised two large boutteils de gufjon his next trip. We dropped Sweeney off and he thanked me profusely for the delicious meal and fine beverage and I told him he was quite welcome " I wouldn't say either of them had changed.
Bob Liming is interning at the Kings County Hospital, Brooklyn; Bill Schumacher is at the U. S. Naval Hospital, New Orleans and Doug Perry at the hospital in West Hartford. Bob Moyer is reporting for The EveningSun in Baltimore. Joe Hurley is a purchasing agent with the Sylvania Electric Products. Pete Heggie is attending a school in Washington; if he ever comes across with that letter he promised I can give you more details. JimEvans left recently for Denver where he will work for Chevrolet.
A word of praise for John Meleney who was awarded a gold watch for scholastic excellence as top man of his class of 667 members in the Midshipman's School at Columbia. John, as you may remember, was married last January to Lillian Rahme of Columbia, S. C. Since this paragraph is devoted to congratulations, I might as well mention some more deserving fellows. "Tubby" Thomas was commissioned in September, following his graduation from the Field Artillery OCS at Fort Sill. After twelve months of duty in Alaska, that must have been a distinct pleasure. Other promotions are as follows: Lt. Stanley M. Lambert, Lt. (jg) Thomas H. MacElwee, Lt. (jg) George H. Burke, Lt. (jg) George H. Barlow, Lt. (jg) William Schumacher, Lt. (jg) Kenneth Sorlien, Lt. (jg) William R. Robinson, Lt. (jg) Henry Garlick, Lt. (jg) Robert Ehinger, Lt. (jg) Peter Heggie, Lt. (jg) Charles Kane, Lt. (jg) William H. Wierman, Lt. (jg) Frank- lin H. West, Lt. (jg) Harry L. Gustafson, Lt. (jg) Roy Watson, and Lt. (jg) Charles E. Swartzbaugh.
ist Lt. Richard E. Koester, 2nd Lt. Edward R. Kast, 2nd Lt. Allan R. Hardie, Ens. James _L. McNamara, Ens. William A. Scholl, Ens. Raymond Wolfe, and Ens. John C. Meleney.
Nuptials were as follows: Miss Margot Vincent to Lt. (jg) John Conn on September 4; John is stationed at Quonset Point after eighteen months in the South Pacific; Miss Margaret Barret to Lt. Walter Powers Jr., on September 6; Walt spent 23 months in Africa and Italy and is now stationed in Washington; Miss Marjorie Hutchins to Lt. Warren Taylor on September 15. The wedding was held in the White Church Dave Hoffman and Bill Wilson were ushers.
That's all for this month. Sorry I haven't more news. Please write when you have time.
BEAUBOMBER II WITH FLIGHT ENGINEER LT. CHARLES W. BRADLEY '43 at their Marianas base. Bradley took part in the first bombing of Tokyo from Saipan and flew on other missions to Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka and Kobe. Beaubomber ll's record is on the ship. Bradley holds the Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster.
Secretary, Kappa Kappa Kappa House, Hanover, N. H. Treasurer, Shelburne, Vt.
