Craig pointed out a daring daylight raid on Paris in 1942 to XBrad. You should definitely read Brad’s intro and then the article.
Filed under: 36th, Books, Officers | Tags: 36th Infantry Division, 442nd Regimental Combat Team, John E. Dahlquist, Lost Battalion, Vosges Mountains
In my continued research for our WWII seminars, I’d picked up a copy of Franz Steidl’s Lost Battalions, which details the encirclement of the 1st Battalion, 141st Infantry Regiment just prior to the Battle for the Colmar Pocket. Steidl explains the events leading up to the “losing” of the battalion, making sure that the reader gets a sense of the complexity of the fight of the 36th Infantry Division in the Vosges. He also provides information on a German battalion that was similarly “lost” in the same area, allowing us more insight by seeing both sides.
Steidl has extensively interviewed members of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, the storied Japanese-American unit that fought to relieve 1/141 when it was trapped, so his book provides excellent detail on their role. It also shaped his original view of General John E. Dahlquist. Many soldiers and historians felt that Dahlquist over-used the 442nd in that fight and some speculated that it was because they were Japanese.
In my initial view of Dahlquist, he seemed a pretty unremarkable man for someone who was awarded a 4th star in 1954. He’d served in the Army since the close of the First World War, attending and teaching in various Army schools. He even authored an Army manual on the machinegun before serving on theatre staff in 1942. Nonetheless, little stood out about him, except a photo of him chatting amiably with Goering after the 36th had captured him. Dahlquist generated quite the controversy with Goering. That photo didn’t look like a captor and his captive, but, rather, two equals conversing. When Goering had been brought to Dahlquist, the General had dismissed his translator, as he spoke fluent German, so perhaps it is what it looked like.
I’d read previously how decimated the 442nd had been in the Vosges and the animosity some of them held for the General. Steidl’s work does reveal how hard Dahlquist pushed them. They were most certainly over-used, but looking at the 36th’s fight, it seems that all of the organic battalions of the 36th were over-used.
The Division had been in the fight since 15 August 1944, without relief. At Montelimar, elements of the Division tried to stop the escape of two German Divisions and elements from every other unit fleeing southern France. The 36th suffered mightily in that fight, though it did inflict many casualties and capture many troops. As it fought north, the Germans took advantage of every piece of terrain, keeping the door open for others to retreat. When the 36th hit the Vosges Mountains, the fight transitioned from some kind of chase into a slugging match. The Germans felt their were fighting on their home ground and the Alsatian towns in the area have a distinctively German look and feel to them. Dahlquist began pleading with higher command for some kind of relief, but there was none.
Steidl recounts multiple instances of Dahlquist coming out to the front lines and one instance of him leading an individual platoon into combat. Personal bravery and a commitment to the fight were not qualities that Dahlquist lacked. His Division was stretched and he was being pushed by higher command to keep moving forward in spite of it.
More than once, Dahlquist seems to have over-extended his Division. At Montelimar, his regiments went in piecemeal, with the 143rd accidentally heading north instead of west to Montelimar, requiring them to loop back west. The Lost Battalion (1/141) pushed beyond the range of its supports. At Sigolsheim, he again had units cut off – they fought until they were forced to surrender. How much of these instances can be blamed on Dahlquist remains to be seen. Shortages of supplies and troops, coupled with aggressiveness, certainly contributed.
Looking at his post-war career, Dahlquist certainly must have impressed the right people and, in war time, that’s usually the sign of a darn good officer. For me, the book is still out on Dahlquist, but he’s far from the enigmatic cypher that I’d first imagined.
Filed under: 509th, Doyle Yardley, Edson Raff, Paratroopers | Tags: Algeria, Anniversary, C-47, Edson Raff, Operation Torch
On the morning of the 8th of November, 1942, the first American combat jump occurred in North Africa. LTC Edson Raff and 555 paratroopers had departed England late on the 7th, traveling over 1500 miles in 39 C-47s. Their task was to sieze two French airfields at Tafaraoui and LaSenia to deny their use by enemy fighters during Operation Torch, the invasion of North Africa.
Over at Bring the Heat, they’ve expanded their reach to include a post on the Gators. Not the Florida kind, but the Navy’s amphibious fleet. For those seeking an understanding of amphibious warfare, it’s good look at some of the other roles that the Gators can fill beyond landing troops. See their post: Utility Infielder.
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Update: General Mattis made a trip to the region, which was noted in detail on Business Insider‘s Military & Defense coverage. He flew out to the Ponce and there’s a nice article about the Ponce on their pages with many photos as well.
Filed under: Films | Tags: Bud Greenspan, Determination, John Stephen Akhwari, Marathon, Olympics
John Stephen Akhwari ran many marathons. He even finished one in 2:15:05, though that was in 1970. In Mexico City in 1968, he was not nearly so fast. 57 of the 75 runners who’d started the race, finished the race. Akhwari was the last, by nearly 20 minutes.
Often, I look to sports for inspiration. Sport often challenges people, exposing the heart of who they are.
If I look back into my own mediocre sports performances, I think back most fondly on a race in which I also finished last. I don’t know that I’d seen Akhwari’s story when I first ran the high hurdles in competition. It was only a 60-yard race, since I was in the 7th grade in spring of 1979. I’ve always loved the Olympics, so it’s possible that I’d seen Bud Greenspan’s documentary on Akhwari, likely during a Saturday of Wide World of Sports. I’m slow and I’ve always been slow, but fortunately, in practice, I’d done well in hurdling, even out-racing a faster teammate with me going over high hurdles and he over low ones. Nonetheless, when I got to my first high hurdle in my first race, I hit the hurdle and fell down. I have no recollection of my thoughts, expect that I got up and ran toward the second hurdle. I hit that one and fell down again. Undeterred, I stood and raced to the third hurdle, falling down a third time. Something got me up again and I managed to complete the race without hitting any more hurdles.
I wish I could say that eventually I won some high hurdle races, but I didn’t. I’ll always have the knowledge that I did finish, despite everything.
John Akhwari had far “higher” hurdles in his race. Mexico City sits at 7,350 feet (2,240 meters) above sea level and the thin air holds far less oxygen. Walking can be stressful for those not used to the altitude. Akhwari hadn’t trained at that altitude and was cramping up. Around 19 kilometers, there was some jockeying among the runners and Akhwari fell, injuring both his knee and then his shoulder when it hit the pavement. His knee was dislocated and he was bandaged. He kept running. Other runners passed him until he was running alone.
As he neared the stadium in the darkness, the lights of escorting police motorcycles lit a small area ahead of him. Mamo Wolde of Ethiopia had finished an hour earlier. His bandages looked tattered and he alternated between an awkward walk-run and a spirited jog. The pain is evident in his movement. As he entered the brightly-lit stadium, the few remaining spectators and staff applauded. His Tanzanian jersey with the number 36 on it hung on him limply, as he moved around the track, blood dripping from his badly injured knee. After nearly 3 and a half hours (3:25:27), nearly 20 minutes after the 56th finisher, he crossed the line, a testament to determination.
We’re fortunate that they sent a film crew from the medal ceremony out to follow Akhwari. Bud Greenspan’s film tells the story vividly. Akhwari was invited to Beijing by film-makers who’d seen it and served as a torch-bearer in Dar-es-Salaam for the relay to Beijing in 2008.
When asked why he did not drop out of the race, at first, he seemed confused by the question. “Nchi yangu ya Tanzania hikunituma hapa Mexico kuanza mbio..bali imenituma hapa kumaliza mbio.”
“My country, Tanzania, did not send me here to Mexico to start the race. They sent me to finish.”
Filed under: Veterans | Tags: Afghanistan, Haka, Jacinda Baker, Luke Tamatea, New Zealand, Richard Harris
I’ve seen a few rugby matches involving New Zealand’s national rugby team, the All Blacks perform their Haka, Ka Mate, before matches and could not helped but be moved by it. The power and intensity of the players is conveyed so movingly. For those not familiar, nomadone described it:
Haka –sometimes termed a posture dance could also be described as a chant with actions. There are various forms of haka; some with weapons some without, some have set actions others may be ‘free style.’ Haka is used by Māori (indigenous people of New Zealand) for a myriad of reasons; to challenge or express defiance or contempt, to demonstrate approval or appreciation, to encourage or to discourage, to acknowledge feats and achievements, to welcome, to farewell, as an expression of pride, happiness or sorrow. There is almost no inappropriate occasion for haka; it is an outward display of inner thoughts and emotions. Within the context of an occasion it is abundantly clear which emotion is being expressed.
Three members of the 2nd Battalion, 1st Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment, Corporal Luke Tamatea, Lance Corporal Jacinda Baker and Private Richard Harris, who were killed in an improvised explosive device (IED) incident on 19 August in Bamyan Province in Afghanistan returned home. Their battalion expressed their emotion at the return of their comrades and the video has been shared.
Though their land and uniform may not be ours, in our shared fight, the loss is felt here as well.
Over on XBrad, memories of the Forrestal mishap, firefighting, and Sea Scouting. A well-written piece that reminds us that just as every Marine is a rifleman, every sailor must be a firefighter as well.
Filed under: 36th, 3rd, Colmar Pocket, Veterans | Tags: 12th Armored Division, 28th Infantry Division, 36th Infantry Division, 3rd Infantry Division, 75th Infantry Division, Colmar Pocket, First French Army, Veterans, WWII
Once again, Outpost Europe of the Society of the Third Infantry Division and the Embassy of France are hosting a Battle of the Colmar Pocket Commemoration and Seminar, on 6-9 December 2012 at the Sheraton National Hotel in Arlington Virginia. This event honors the veterans of the 6th Army Group, 1st French Army, XXIst US Corps, 3rd, 28th, 36th and 75th Infantry Divisions and the 12th Armored Division, including 9 Medal of Honor recipients (Charles P. Murray, Ellis Weicht, Bernard Bell, Keith L. Ware, Gus Kefort, Eli Whiteley, Russell Dunham, Forrest Peden, and Jose Valdez).
The Battle of the Colmar Pocket, Alsace, France – The “Other” Battle of the Bulge
December 1944 – February 1945
Outpost Europe, Society of the 3rd Infantry Division
The Embassy of France to the United States
When: 6-9 December 2012 (Thursday-Sunday)
6 December: 2 to 4 PM – Registration ($30); 5 to 8 PM – Reception and Seminar Session I
7 December: 8 AM to 9 AM – Seminar Session II; 9 AM to 3 PM Visit to Library of Congress and Veteran’s Oral History Project (break for lunch & dinner on your own); 6 PM to 8 PM Seminar Session III & Documentary Film Presentation
8 December: 10:15 AM to 12 AM – ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery: wreath laying at Tomb of the Unknowns, 3ID Monument, Audie Murphy gravesite; 12 AM to 4 PM Open time; 4 PM to 5 PM Cocktail Hour (no host); 6 PM Banquet ($35)
9 December: 9 AM to 11:30 AM – Seminar Session IV
Where: Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel, 900 South Orme Street, Arlington, VA 22204
Who: Veterans of the 3rd, 28th, 36th, and 75th Infantry Divisions; 12th Armored Division; XXIst US Corps; French Army Veterans; and their friends and families.
List of participating veterans will be included later this fall.
Why: To honor the veterans of the Colmar Pocket, to preserve history, to educate the public, and to pass on the torch of their proud legacy.
Room Reservations: Price – $89 per night, one day prior to event and one day after. Reservations: 1-888-627-8210
Reservation Group Name: Colmar Pocket
Shuttle to/from airport provided by hotel, so no rental car required.
Point of Contact: Monika Stoy, President, Outpost Europe, Society of the 3rd Infantry Division, timmoni15@yahoo.com, RSVP by 30 November 2012. If you wish to attend, please notify us, but do not wait for confirmation – simply register when you arrive.
REGISTRATION: Event registration – $30. Banquet – $35. (Free for Colmar Pocket Vets)
Scholars: If you are interested in submitting a paper or giving a presentation, contact Monika Stoy, by 30 September 2012.
Sponsors: If you are interested in sponsoring an event at the conference (the banquet, opening reception on Thursday or the cocktail hour on Saturday, for example) or advertising in the event brochure, contact Monika Stoy, timmoni15@yahoo.com, by 30 October 2012. We are still open to sponsorship, but appearance in printed materials may no longer be an option due to time constraints.
REVISIONS: Updated email for Monika.Updated to indicate on-site registration still open (no need to confirm attendance). Friday schedule changed to allow visit to Library of Congress, seminar session III moved from Friday afternoon to Friday evening, Arlington cemetery ceremonies on Saturday instead of Sunday, seminar session IV on Sunday instead of Saturday.
Filed under: 36th, 3rd, 45th, 509th, 517th, 551st, Operation Dragoon | Tags: Audie Murphy, Operation Dragoon, WWII
On a foggy August morning, paratroopers dropped literally through the clouds and into France. The liberation of southern France had begun and the rapid back-pedaling of German forces was just days away. With bold and heroic efforts, American and British soldiers teamed up with not only French and colonial soldiers, but also ordinary French men and women to set about the freeing of their country from Fascism.
Operation Dragoon is often derided as some sort of ‘Champagne Campaign’, in which the only threat was of being hung over in the morning. Audie Murphy stormed well-defended beaches and never understood the impression. In some places and at some times, the Germans were in such a hurry to save their own hides that it was more of a chase than a battle, but all too often, the deeply hardened old veterans stood and fought. They knew how to use the terrain and how to make the Allies pay for every inch of ground. The veterans of the 3rd, 36th and 45th Infantry Divisions and among the paratroopers knew to expect nothing less.
It was a hard fight and one for which the French are grateful. Let us pause this morning and give thanks for what they did so long ago.
Filed under: Military Working Dogs, WWI | Tags: 26th Yankee Division, Georgetown University, J. Robert Conroy, Mascots, SGT Stubby
You know I love my Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Henry, so I have a soft spot for all the military working dogs out there. On LinkedIn, Brian Melanson posted a link to an article on the Defense Media Network about Sergeant Stubby, a hero of World War I. Stubby wandered onto the parade field at Yale University as the 102nd Infantry Regiment was training, and marched right along with them. PVT J. Robert Conroy smuggled Stubby onto their troopship, the SS Minnesota (which might be this SS Minnesota). Though his commanding officer was initially upset, a salute by Stubby earned him an official role as mascot.
Stubby’s baptism of fire occurred in February 1918, shortly after the division was stationed in the Chemin des Dames sector in northern France. Within days after the troops took up position in the trenches, they were hit by a poison gas artillery barrage. Stubby survived, and from that point on was acutely sensitive to the deadly chemicals. Once, the area where Stubby’s company was deployed received a pre-dawn poison gas barrage. As soon as his nose scented the first whiff of poison gas, Stubby began raising the alarm, running back and forth through the trench, barking and nipping at the slumbering soldiers. The men awoke in time to don their mask (and fit Stubby with his), and fight off the German attack.
After the war, Stubby went to Georgetown with Conroy, becoming the Hoya’s mascot. He was honored in parades, awarded medals by Generals and greeted by Presidents, receiving the honors that veterans rightly deserve. Stubby passed away in 1926, having served his country and his comrades well.
SGT Stubby is on display at the Smithsonian in the Price of Freedom: Americans at War exhibit and is apparently honored at the National WWI Museum at Liberty Memorial in Kansas City with a brick in the Walk of Honor. If you visit the Memorial and can send along a photo of his brick, I’d greatly appreciate it!
We're not lost, Sergeant, We're in ... France 