Tag: 1945
Jan 4, 1945 — It really was a pleasure to see all the Heinies, some with their hands above their head and others_________!
Jan 5, 1945 — Fellow playing popular tunes on piano in bar. Strange as it seems, it touched my heart!
Jan 10, 1945 — U.S. papers say the war is coming to an end. Notice I say U.S. papers. I, too, was optimistic. Not now.
Jan 12 1945 — 26th (Yankee Division) liberated the French town of Vic-sur-Sielle – GI’s hold Religious Rites for Jewish soldiers.
Jan 16, 1945 — Times mentions towns that we’ve fought for, lived in, and left behind to the invading forces of the rear echelon.
Jan. 20, 1945 To: Commanding General, Officers & Men of the III Corps From: G.S. Patton, Jr., Lt. General, U.S. Army
- Jan. 20, 1945
- To: Commanding General 26th Infantry Division
- From: John Millikin Major General, U.S.Army Commanding
- Feb. 1, 1945
- To: Headquarters 26th Infantry Division
- From: W.S.Paul Major General, U.S.Army Commanding
Jan 21, 1945 — Getting a new clutch. Don’t care how long it takes cause it’s a nice rest. Hope I can find the Command Post when I go back.
Jan 28, 1945 — Finally on German soil.
Jan 29, 1945 — Sending home a watch I took from a prisoner. Rec’d delicious fruit cake. Did you get my money orders?
However, the same scene shows again on his Feb. 22, 1945 letter only it was provided by the National Archives. What a coincidence!
“The Krauts used the Church steeple as an aiming point. It was on the side of a hill and the snow in front & back of the building was blackened with “88” holes. The town only had a few houses centered around a Junction called “88” Junction.”
Jan 29, 1945 – We remarked that the Krauts could never throw anything in. They proved us wrong in a hurry.
Feb 1, 1945 –This page has three V-Mail letters.
Feb 2, 1945 — Ordinarily we’re not in one spot long enough, so laundry soap won’t be of any use.
Feb 13, 1945 – Living in a house with civilians. There are two daughters, 18 & 20 yrs. old. If only I could speak the language.
Feb 18, 1945 This place is about 20 miles behind the lines. Can’t even hear the artillery. Getting homesick for the States.
WW2 – US Army infantry regiment consisted of approximately 3000 men. The Infantry Division included 3 regiments and artillery and support units totaling 15,000 men.
See a video around this time: https://youtu.be/QMheWpXUU-I
Feb 19, 1945 Short note – the weather is beautiful.
Feb 22, 1945 Had an accident. I came out okay but my guard was sent to the hospital. Been doing all the driving.
Feb 22, 1945 It looks like the Army is going to give me a birthday present. More later.
Feb 25, 1945 – Better make it a long subscription cause it looks like I won’t be home for a long time.
PFC Benjamin Kaplow 