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News
From The
508
SEPTEMBER 2008 |
"Through
the rocket’s red glare and bombs bursting in air …” was probably not the
refrain that ran through the heads of the 508th men defending Hill 95
and other strategic locations in Normandy on July 4, 1944 even though
the “fireworks” were there. Doubtless, they were too busy to be humming
that tune even though despite being well aware of the significance of
the date.
The
anniversary marks still another observation of those important,
harrowing, days for the men who were there. It is also a time for
remembrance of those who are still there … and always will be.
By this
date 64 years ago, the invasion forces had been in place 29 days and,
for the 508th, there was to be no relief for a few more days. It would
not be until D+33, July 9th that the 508th was rotated back to England
to nurse its wounds, mourn its losses and rebuild its strength -
physical, mental and military. The trip across the channel and the
return to familiar grounds of Wollaton Park and the streets of
Nottingham must have exhilarating.
TAPS
– BURON D. JEFFCOAT, (Co. E) 88, of
Knoxville, TN made his Final Jump on June 26, 2008.
ROBERT
INGERSOLL FLEMING, Cadre member and
part of Company A in Camp Blanding and Fort Bragg died in Miami, FL on
October 4, 2007.
Named
“Mr. Physical Culture of Connecticut of 1939” FLEMING was appointed head
of the regiment’s physical education program. A shattered leg suffered
at Fort Bragg ended his paratrooper service.
Late news
has been received of the passing of LESTER ZELLERS, 71, Erin, TN
on January 28, 2005. LESTER was a member of HQHQ during the Korean
Conflict.
LESLIE
DROGE will be remembered by many as a young
officer at Camp Blanding and Camp Mackall. An original Cadre member,
DROGE was pulled out of the 508 as it went overseas to become C.O. of
the 541st PIR’s Service Company.
The
passing of FLOYD V. FAUBLE (G Company), 89, on Oct 4, 2007, in
Lancaster, OH was noted.
CLEMENT
J. "CLICK" PLISIEWICZ, SR. made his Final Jump
on February 26, 2008 in Mt. Carmel, PA. “CLICK” was a member of D
Company, WW-II.
DONALD
F. MACK, 79, of Azle, TX passed on February 13, 2008. MACK was a member
of the 508th Support Company during the Korean era.
MEMORIAL
DEDICATED - The American Legion Vincent F. Picard Post 234 of
Northborough, Massachusetts dedicated a memorial on May 25, 2008 to
Captain FRANCIS E. FLANDERS. FLANDERS was killed in action on June 7,
1944 while serving as the Commanding Officer of Company F.
FLANDERS
was captured on D-Day and while being transported out of the battle zone
with other American prisoners was killed in a strafing attack by allied
planes. The pilots were unaware that the canvas-covered German trucks
were carrying American prisoners of war. CAPTAIN FLANDERS’ remains lie
in the Arlington National cemetery, Virginia.
HONORS
ACCORDED - Tom Beno, G Company, recently was honored in multiple
fashions. TOM and his wife MONICA had been striving, along with various
508th friends such as ZIG BOROUGHS and others, to get the VA to
recognize that BENO deserved certain VA Benefits. That recognition and
the benefits that came with them were recently awarded.
In addition, U.S. State Senator and Assistant Majority Leader, DICK
DURBIN (D-IL), met with TOM on May 23, 2008 in Chicago. In a brief but
moving ceremony SENATOR DURBIN pinned the Bronze Star and Purple Heart
medals on TOM. Both awards had somehow never caught up with BENO but the
errors were finally rectified after nearly 64 years.
PATHFINDERS
SEARCH – A recent e-mail said, in part; “In 1955 my Pathfinder Team
while at Camp Kashii, Fukuoka, Japan trained the first Japanese
Pathfinder Team. I’m wondering if through the Association I
can locate some of those Japanese [and] if we could make them honorary
members of the 508?
LT.
SASAJIMA, the team leader and I became good friends and I was his house
guest on the way back from Korea after becoming an officer. I shall see
if I can locate and contact him.” /s/ DON WESLEY-BROWN, 508 ARCT
Pathfinder 1954-1956.
This is a great idea and has the potential for a wonderful future
reunion for all concerned. If you can add any contacts to the list,
e-mail Don at 508Pathfinder@comcast.net
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SEND NEWS FOR THE COLUMN
TO:
Dick O’Donnell
760 Conestee Drive
Melbourne, FL 32904
PH: (321) 759-6174
e-mail:
Jumpmaster@508PIR.org
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