 Pvt
Robert G. Banks
son of Mrs.. Helen Banks, 903 Daiseyfield Road, is a member of
the 508th Parachute Infantry now in training at Camp Mackall, NC.
He entered the army Oct 29, 1942, and won his wings as a parachutist
last March 7. Before entering the service, he studied at
Rockford High School and later worked at the George D. Roper
corporation. the 508th parachute infantry regiment, made up of
trained jumpers, recently returned to camp from airborne maneuvers
in the field. It is commanded by Col. Roy E. Lindquist, 36,
West Point, class of '30, and a pioneer parachutist.
[The Rockford Star, Rockford, IL] |
Banks' Buddies
(left, front) Pfc Robert G. Banks, Co F, and three unidentified
buddies at Camp Mackall |
 Pvt Robert G. Banks
on leave, 1943, Rockford, IL |
One For The Road
New York City, Dec 24, 1943 (Banks is sitting at the table with a shot
glass). Others in the picture are: Robert Seale, Gene Hare,
John Dobransky, Richard Russel and Denver Sample. (Russel and
Sample may not have been in the 508th) |
 Pvt
Robert G. Banks
Belfast Ireland, 15 March 1943 |
Captured on D-Day, Sgt Banks wrote home from a POW
camp on Christmas eve, 1944
 Dear
Mom
Dec 24, '44
Tonight is Christmas Eve
and the year is '44.
Oh! How I'd like to leave, to be knocking at your door.
There's wire fence 'round me,
And guards are out there too.
I know, dear Mom, you can see,
That I cannot be with you.
For a soldier's life is trouble,
When to war he goes.
I wish I had a double,
To go out and meet the foe.
I am now a German prisoner.
And my rights been taken away.
My only thoughts are to be there
With you on this Holy Day.
But for this year, Dear Mother,
The best I can do,
Is wish a Merry Christmas
And may God Bless You.
By Your Son Bob |
