Sissonne Revisited (3)

SISSONNE REVISITED
40's and 8's were the accommodations for many of the men leaving the Ardennes when the Bulge broke out in mid-December 1944. Lt. Loyle McReynolds (l) and Lt. George Miles (r) stand in the doorway. If there was ever a doubt in your mind where the term came from, check the sign (in French) next to the door. "Hommes 40 - Chevaux 8" i.e., 40 men or 8 horses. George included a commentary on the photo reading, "Hard to believe that I fought a war in a trench coat - very "Gregory Peckish" (courtesy George Miles)
Heading To Frankfurt the men shown here do not look as though they are too pleased at their mode of travel. The prospect of an unheated 40 & 8 rail car and the possibility of having to stand for most of the trip was not a pleasant thought Sitting in the middle of the boxcar door is Ted LeFree. None of the other men are identified but are probably also members of Hq 2nd.. (Courtesy Dan LeFree)
Busy Depot with a full train for the 508th	Loooonnnnggg Train! groups wait beside their assigned cars	Men Huddle In Groups while a truck with their gear is unloaded	508ers Dressed for Cold wait for boarding call
Al Sopka Company B, was one of the 508ers afforded the "luxurious" 40 & 8 rail car transportation.	Robert N. Powell gets a shave from Edward Lejkowski (courtesy of Kambrick family)	Sissonne, Spring 1945 [l-r, standing] "Smitty" Smith, Mark Bradley, Robert Ellis, Unknown, Jimmy Kumler, Jody Lander, James Rankin [seated[ Unknown, Cliff Campbell, Tommy Plemon, John McCall Note: the white slash across Mark Bradley's chest appears to be a lengthy blade with handle tucked under his arm. Perhaps this was a grass-cutting detail. [photo and names courtesy of Jody Lander]
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