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At the request of
ZIG BOROUGHS, who has always cast himself in the
light of “interim columnist”, the baton, or pen, has been passed. I
think my two feet would fill just one of Zig’s shoes but we shall try to
make him proud. If nothing else, our endeavors with the 508th’s web
site [www.508PIR.org]
and now with this column seem to make a sensible marriage. Please
submit material for the column (or the web site) to us at <Jumpmaster@508PIR.org>.
Speaking of the web site, a recent e-mail from MELISSA and LEO
CASTRO
read, “My husband and I are so happy to have come across this site! His
uncle, SILVESTRE CASTRO was in the 508th and died in Holland in 1944.
Thank you for posting pictures of his grave [on the web site] and giving
us the chance to learn more about him - it's a great service to those of
us who are researching genealogy. If anyone remembers Silvestre or has
more info, please drop us an email. Thanks again!” Anyone wishing to
contact the CASTROS can e-mail them at <lionel4065@cox.net>.
TAPS - Viewing, funeral, and burial for Major (Ret.) JAMES F.
Russell, Sr., 508th PIR, WWII was held on Wednesday, July 26th, 2007 in
Arlington, VA. Col. (Ret.) Reggie Grier, 82nd ABN Chapter Chaplain,
conducted a short memorial ceremony and the All American logo of the
82nd ABN Division was affixed to Major
Russell’s casket. The funeral
service was held in the United Methodist Church, Glebe Road, Arlington,
VA. Immediately following the funeral service, burial took place in the
family plot behind the Chapel.
Torrents of rain in England’s streams and streets did not keep our
British friends at home during their recent Veteran’s Day observance.
“We Had our veterans day this past weekend at Wollaton Park,” wrote
508th friend Graham Lawson. “In all, over 6000 People attended despite
the conditions that we have. Not every [museum] exhibit was on display
due to our weather. Quite a lot of interest was shown towards the 508th
and I was on hand explaining the 508th’s role in WW2. Some of the older
people remember you guys as though it was yesterday. We are hoping to
repeat the event again next year, if we can find Noah’s Ark.”
Jumpmaster Note - Many 508th’s veterans have already contributed
memorabilia to be displayed in the Wollaton Museum and more
contributions are always welcomed. If you are interested in helping to
grow the museum’s collection, e-mail Graham at <graham508@sky.com>.
We have begun a nation-wide search to locate and document the grave
sites of all 508th war dead whose remains were repatriated
following the war. You may have noticed the recent spate of cemetery
marker photos added to the web site. While we have added many, more
remain to be located. If you know of cemetery locations not yet
documented, please let us know.
James Abercrombie
of Dearborn, MI, wrote, “My uncle was
James Bateman
who was in the 508th. He was killed on June 15, 1944. I would like to
hear from anyone who knew him. I do not know the particulars of his
death. Does anyone know where they might have been on June 15,1944.
Thank you for your help.” E-mail
James at
jabercro@sbcglobal.net if you have
info to share.
Los Angeles resident
Chris Harris recounted, “My mother's brother,
James A. Childs, was in Company C and jumped in Normandy and Holland. On
September 17, 1944, he jumped onto DZ T along Wylerbaan near Groesbeek
and was killed by sniper fire protecting the landing zone the following
day on September 18th. He is buried at the Netherlands American Cemetery
and Memorial in Margraten. My mother,
Alice Childs Harris, and my father
Donald Harris (also a WW II Army veteran who served in Europe), reside
in Deerfield, Massachusetts.” You can e-mail him at
harris.chris.j@att.net
Eloy Oakley
of Irvine, CA is seeking info on his ... “father-in-law
was Gilbert Mendez, from Los Angeles, who served with the 508th in WWII
from 1944-1945. He was shot in Belgium on January 6, 1945. I am looking
for anyone who served with him.”
Eloy’s e-mail address is
oakley.family@sbcglobal.net
Richard A Perrico, writes, “My father was
Ralph J Perrico of CO H. I
would appreciate any info or photos available.” send to
Jingles-1234@hotmail.com
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