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2002-04-13 - Ralph Mazza wrote: My dad was part of the 263rd infantry in the 66th division and does not talk much about his time served. He and my mom will be celebrating their 50th anniversary in May and we have been trying to locate some of his old army buddies. We have not had much success but do have one name - Oscar and we think the last name is Fuenes but not sure. We also think he was from Michigan. They were best friends during the war.We did locate another of his friends but unfortunately he had passed away. If any of you served with my dad I'm sure he'd love to hear from you or if you have any info I'd appreciate it. Thanks

2002-04-04 - Janet Vivyan wrote: In 1942 I was livivg in Cornwall,England. My father was a policeman and part of his job was liasing with the American Military Police. Three of the M.Ps used to bring him home in a jeep. The sergeant was known as "Bandy" which he said was better than being called by his proper names which were Clarence Albert. His surname was something like Bandelero hence "Bandy".My Dad was known to them as "Rog" our surname was Rogers. They used to bring scented soap and sweets which were luxuries to us in 1942 in Britain. In 1944 they went to France and there was no chance to say goodbye.They disappeared from our lives as quickly as they had arrived and I have often wondered if they survived the war. Is there anyone out ther who recogises Sergeant Clarence Albert "Bandy"?

2002-04-03 - Ruth Ann wall wrote: I am looking for information on a Ernest welby Smith Private. He was in the army at the Canadian infantry (British Columbia Regiment). The information I have he died on August 15 1917. He is in the vimy memorial cemetery. In my grandmother stuff after she died we found something of his and was hopeing to find his family and find out why my grandmother had it and maybe they would like it. I have been trying to find anyone with information about Ernest but have had on luck.

2002-04-02 - Mark Davis wrote: My Father's name was Roy Wayne Davis I'm his son, I found a Silver Star Medal with a News paper clipping. He was in the 66th Army Panther Division Lived in Deer Park, N.Y. (Long Island). Roy draw fire away from his group so they could get away and then got away himself. PLEASE IF ANYONE HAS INFO, A PATCH OR anything I really never Knew him he left when I was 1yr. old. Married to Rebecca Russo also from N.Y. Mark Davis P.O.Box 214 Bunker Hill,W.V. 25413

2002-03-11 - Rhonda Jellison wrote: This is a nice sight. I am looking to find information from anyone with the 66th division of the blackpanthers as my father was one of them I have three names from backs of picutres of my dad and his buddies V.J Waly, John Waite,Gorge Brown there are other pictures but no names on them. If you are a relative or have any info on the panthers at all or a connections I would enjoy hearing from you my father has passed on now .

2002-03-06 - Ed F. Olson wrote: I have read a few of the comments on this site. I too am looking for information or anyone who might have know my father in WWII. His name was Francis L. Olson "Lucky" was his nickname. He passed away in 1999. He was attached to the 34th Infantry Division, Co. K, 3rd Battalionof the 135th Infantry Regiment. His service took him to North Africa, Italy, upto the Poo River where he was wounded by a concussion of somekind. A letter he wrote has him taking part in Casserine Pass, Hill 609 - Algiers, Bazerti,Tunisa and other areas in North Africa. In Italy he mentions landing in Italy at Salerno, Anzio, Montee Casino. He received a Bronze Star while in action near the Leghorne River north of Rome. Due to his injuries he was discharged from the 34th Infantry Division and the 15th Air Force. That's another story in itself. Help me find someone who knew my father or has information about him. He didn't have much to say about his experiences.

2002-01-30 - Diana Schoof wrote: Hello, I'm looking for staff sargent stripes. I am trying to duplicate my father-in-laws uniform. He was in the Phillipines early to mid 1940's. His rank was Staff Sargent. What exactly do the stripes look like? I do not have a clue what I am looking for. Can anyone out there help me?

2002-01-26 - allison rollins wrote: your site is great.my grandfather was in ww2 brig. gen.francis rollins,he was the the artllery comander in the 66th infantry division.if anyone has any information on him or where ican get any it would be a great help.

2002-01-01 - Raymond L. Tribuzio Jr. wrote: Dear Chris, It's New Years Eve here in Farmington,Ct and I was just wasting some time before midnight on my computor when I came across your site. I'm truely blown away. My dad, who unfortunetly died about a year ago, explained his days in the 66th Panthers exactly as I just read. My father talked often of Ft. Riley, he was also a T/5 and drove an M-8. This may sound strange but he also talked about Lt. Brown and (although he was proud to be a recon) the fact that he never had to fire a shot. I would love to speak to anyone that might have known my father during this time. Chris, this site is such a pleasent surprise. Thank you so much for sharing your dad's past with us, it really means a great deal. It would be great to hear from you or someone who knew my dad. Thanks,Ray Tribuzio Jr

2001-12-31 - Mark Todhunter wrote: My father, James Todhunter, was a master sergeant in the 66th Panther Division, 870th Artillery Service Battery. He never talked about the war. Although I remember that he did mention the sinking of the Leopoldville. I would be interested in hearing from anyone that may have known him. I have a couple of pictures of my Dad with some of his Army buddies in France. There is also a French soldier in the picture by the name of Robert. I really enjoyed your site. Your father’s letter was interesting and it gave me an idea of some of the experiences that my Dad must have had also. Best regards.

2001-12-12 - E. E. (Ted) Crossland wrote: WELL DONE! Your site is terrific and I salute you and your dad for sharing so well. We thoroughly enjoyed this fine tribute to your dad and all other in the WWII experience. Your information hit close to home and has helped in our research. We're searching for information about my grand-son's other grandfather; Pfc - T/5 Romeo L. Mercier, US Army, 66th Infantry, 264th Regiment, Company C, 2nd Platoon. "MEO" as he was called, was a survivor of the SS (LSI) Leopoldville disaster of 12/24/44 and then presumably reassembled with his company after some "slight" body repair (Purple Heart). He again presumably continued on with the rest of the unit (in the "pocket", etc...???) until his return from Europe on 3 June 1946 aboard the SS Norwalk-Victory. We know little of his story in-between. If some readers of your wonderful web-site are familiar with this French-speaking soldier from Taftville, Connecticut and would be willing to share some stories, anecdotes, etc... we would be very appreciative. Romeo ("MEO") Mercier was of French-Canadian descent and he never spoke of his war experiences with his kids. In fact he only told his wife (Theresa Lussier) about some of it and then only in French because he didn't want to "concern" the children. Romeo died 28 November 1976 from a heart attack when my son-in-law (Thomas A. Mercier) was 15 years old. Tom only recently learned of his dad's involvement with the Leopoldville incident and has become excited about knowing more. We have embarked together on a research campaign to learn more. If you can help please contact us and help with our research and biographical sketching to provide Romeo's (MEO's) 10 children and 14 grand-children with a legacy of information.

2001-11-21 - Jeff Braccioforte wrote: I am looking for anyone who served with my father from 1943-1946. He was in the Armys 263rd 66th infantry Div. (Black Panthers) His name is Herbert (bracc) Braccioforte at the time his rank was staff/sargent. He was originally from NYC and nows lives in CT. He never talked to much about what happened over there but as of late he is really opening up about his experience. I would really like to find some fellow members of his troop and get them together. I thank all of you vets and any response would be greatly appreciated Thank you Jeff Braccioforte

2001-10-26 - Rhonda wrote: My grandfather was John R. Johnson and he was from Kentucky. He served in the US Army, 66th Black Panther Division. Does any one remember him? Before he died he spent five years writing his life story and he wrote many memories about serving in the war. I was curious as to whether anyone remembers serving with him.

2001-10-24 - Justin Mettlen wrote: Hi, I'm a history student at the University of Kansas. This is a really nice web site. I am currently try to put together a history of the battle of the bulge using primary sources to show what the battle was like for the regular soldiers (not the commanding officers). I would appreciate anyone contacting me who might have a copy of a letter, newspaper article, or what would be great would be an actual interview I could do with a veteran. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Chris--Would it be ok with you and your father if I use his story? In orde for me to use his story in my project. I would need more information. Please contact me! Chris

2001-09-20 - Françoise Zainal wrote: Hi I was born and i'm living in quiberon. I'm writing the official website of the city and I wrote the one of our museum. Do you have many documents about John Paul Jones in the bay of Quiberon (it is where USA were saluted officially as an independant country for the first time) do you have more document about the allied forces in the peninsula My father was at war the prisoner 4 years, escaped several times (he was in silesia) was freed by the russians and served 6 month in their army (they were our allied too) If you want to know about me mys website is www.franzainal.com the museum one partly in english http://museequiberon.port-haliguen.com Our city in english soon : www.ville-quiberon.com deeply sorry for your pains(a friend of mine died too there) Françoise

2001-08-18 - Lynda Pickard wrote: My father was in World War II stationed in Texas. He shipped out of California overseas. While in California, Redding he believes he was on a troop train that was involved in a head on wreck with another troop train. Does anyone remember this accident. My Dad is 82 and cannot remember the details???

2001-08-16 - Lonni St. John wrote: My father, Lonnie Decker, was in the 66th division, 262, 2nd Battalion, HQ Co. He would have turned 34 the night the Leopoldville was hit. I don't know how he crossed the English Channel. He never spoke of the war and passed away in 1983. I know little of his history in the service. I believe he drove vehicles. He once told me that he drove for a Col. Buldean or something that sounded close to that. If anyone remembers him, or the Colonel, or could give me any history of his unit, I would sincerely appreciate it. I would love to know his war history for myself and my children.

2001-08-02 - Tracy Quinn McLennan wrote: I would like to invite the readers of this site to participate in a book project I am writing. We are looking for world-wide participants for a collection entitled When We Were Young: Children of World War II by Elizabeth Dole and Tracy Quinn McLennan to be published by William Morrow and Company. Much has been written about the experiences of our servicemen and women, as well as family and friends left at home, during World War II, but little has been said about what it was like growing up during this crucial time in world history. When We Were Young: Children of World War II is a collection of interviews and recollections with people throughout the world, both Allied and Axis countries, describing their childhood during the war. Each person will have a chapter dedicated to their story. We hope to find participants who can recall or had direct experience with such subjects and events as: internment camps in the United States, survivors of the bombing of Hiroshima, D-Day, VE-Day, the Blitz, Pearl Harbor, “Kristallnacht,” living under enemy occupation, evacuation, Holocaust survivors, children in hiding, for example. Through diaries, letters, and recollections (written as a child or now as an adult), readers of When We Were Young will get a fascinating first-hand look at youth living during World War II. What was it like to have fathers or brothers who went off to war and mothers or sisters who became nurses or worked at factories? How did children survive hardships like trolling the streets for food or scrap metal for the war effort? How did they endure even more dramatic experiences such as hiding from the enemy or surviving a concentration camp? What was it like growing up during wartime, and how does this experience shape adulthood? If you were born between 1922-1939, or know someone who was and would like to participate in this important project, please email me at tquinnmclennan@adlerbooks.com at your earliest convenience. Please give me your full contact information, nationality, a brief description of your life during the war, and why your unique experience needs to be told. You can also send your recollections and memories to us at the below address. And, of course, if you have any questions about the book, please don’t hesitate to contact me. Email, fax, and postal mail are all fine. Elizabeth Dole is the former head of the American Red Cross and former Secretary of Labor. She is married to Senator Bob Dole. Tracy Quinn McLennan is a writer, editor, and researcher. We look forward to hearing from you soon! Sincerely, Tracy Quinn McLennan Adler & Robin Books, Inc. 3000 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Suite 317 Washington, D.C. 20008, U.S.A. 202-986-9275 Fax: 425-699-2419 tquinnmclennan@adlerbooks.com http://www.adlerbooks.com

2001-06-22 - THOMAS W. KENT wrote: I hope someone will respond to this. I was stationed at the ww1 French army base,camp Sissone in 1944 and part of 1945. My question is this. I the camp in the town of Sissone or is it about 30 some miles from town. One place I read that the camp is in the town and anoher place it is about 30 some miles away. The reason I want this information is that at one time I carried my officer to a town about 30 miles away to a military hospital. While there an amunition dump blew up and the hopital had to be evacuated. I have not been able to determine the name of this town. Would appreciate your help on this matter. tk

2001-06-21 - David Toule wrote: Hello, I am 13, and my Uncle is putting me on a search back through the family tree, if you have done any work on a Toule family tree, please could you e-mail it to me. Thank you

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