Last names starting with A through E
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John F. R. (Jack) Akehurst
1 Regiment (Commanding Officer) Rank: Lieutenant Colonel Awarded: Distinguished Service Order Island of Oort Gros Additional Information: Canada from Kirkland Lake,Ontario former Algonquin Regiment and 1st Special Service Bn (C.O.) awarded Mention in Despatches with Algonquin Regiment |
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Lindell O. Aldridge
S/Sgt. 3-2 Detroit, Michigan My Dad was born on January 27, 1923 to Jesse Robert (Bob) and Lottie Lee Aldridge in Flat River, Missouri. The family later moved to a farm in Ripley County, Missouri where he spent the remainder of his childhood years. The family moved to Detroit for a short period of time in search of work, although they later returned to Missouri. In 1940 he enlisted in the U.S. Army and volunteered for the "Darby's Rangers;" being assigned to First Battalion. He was one of the few First Battalion men left after the Cisterna battle. He joined the Force on the Anzio beachhead, with 3rd Company, 2nd Regiment. After the Force broke up in S. France, he remained in the newly constituted 474th Infantry Regiment, 4th Company. |
He retired in 1952 when the serious illness of his father took him home to run the family farm. Shortly after my grandpa's death, he moved to Berkley, Michigan where he met and married my Mom, Mary Whitley, in 1954 and my sister Denise and I were born. They remained happily married until his death on March 10,1991.
He remained extremely devoted to the "Force" throughout his life and spoke often, and with great pride, of his friends. After his death, on the Platoon photo taken just before the "Force" breakup, I found that he had written: The Old 3rd Platoon - 3 Co. F.S.S.F - The fightingest platoon ever put together.
Story
Ironically, it was not until after my Dad died that I discovered one of my dearest high school friends, who picked me up every morning and drove me to school, was the son of another Forceman. My friend's dad was Donald Golde. Not only did they serve together in F.S.S.F. 3-2, but they had also served together in the Darby's Rangers. We had lived only a mile from one another and never knew the connection our father's had until after my Dad had passed away. I was, however, fortunate to have been able to speak with Mr. Golde many times after that and he spoke very highly of my Dad. They were two incredible men.
Shortly after my Dad passed away I became an Associate Member of the F.S.S.F., a fact which I am very proud of.
Charlene Aldridge-Bienenstock
He remained extremely devoted to the "Force" throughout his life and spoke often, and with great pride, of his friends. After his death, on the Platoon photo taken just before the "Force" breakup, I found that he had written: The Old 3rd Platoon - 3 Co. F.S.S.F - The fightingest platoon ever put together.
Story
Ironically, it was not until after my Dad died that I discovered one of my dearest high school friends, who picked me up every morning and drove me to school, was the son of another Forceman. My friend's dad was Donald Golde. Not only did they serve together in F.S.S.F. 3-2, but they had also served together in the Darby's Rangers. We had lived only a mile from one another and never knew the connection our father's had until after my Dad had passed away. I was, however, fortunate to have been able to speak with Mr. Golde many times after that and he spoke very highly of my Dad. They were two incredible men.
Shortly after my Dad passed away I became an Associate Member of the F.S.S.F., a fact which I am very proud of.
Charlene Aldridge-Bienenstock
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Charles Arnault
From Dorintosh Sask Photos submitted by son Laurence Arnault |
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Art A. Arsennek
Pictured here with his wife Dora
St. Catherine's, Ontario
DOW 13 Sept 1944
There is a wonderful tribute in the book written by John Nadler titled "A Perfect Hell"
Pictured here with his wife Dora
St. Catherine's, Ontario
DOW 13 Sept 1944
There is a wonderful tribute in the book written by John Nadler titled "A Perfect Hell"
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Clay Thomas Bailey
1 Regiment (6 Company) Rank: Sergeant Number: 39078456 Date Of Death: KIA 25th December 1943 Age: 30 Gravesite: Lassen Cemetery,Susanville,California 96030 Additional Information: USA from Lassen,California born 26.12.1912 Alliance,Nebraska Son of Quillian Clay and Grace Margaret (nee Kidney) Bailey Susanville,California Father of Judy Ruby Bailey (mother's name Helen,unmarried) educated Denver,Colorado and Phoenix,Arizona graduated San Bernardino High School,California employed U.S. Forest Service (fire lookout on Dixie Mountain) brother Robert was Sgt in USMC during WW2 brother James served in Korea sisters Alice,Bernice and Dolores all worked at Sierra Ordnance Depot,Herlong,California KIA Italy Information from his brother James (Jim) |
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Gordon H Baker
Third Company, First Regiment Rank: Corporal Awards: 1939-45 Star, Italy Star, France and Germany Star, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with Clasp and War Medal 1939-45 |
Donald A Ballantyne
from Westmount,Ontario 3 Regiment (HQ Det,1 Bn) |
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John Barnett
BARNETT, John, Private (D.72202) - Bronze Star Medal (United States) - Infantry - awarded as per Canada Gazette dated 3 March 1945 and CARO/5419. BARNETT, John, Sergeant (D.72202) - Bronze Star Medal (United States) - Infantry (2nd Company, 3rd Regiment, First Special Service Force) - "for heroic achievement in connection with military operations against the enemy near Mt.Ours, France, on 13 September 1944." - Home in Montreal. Order APO 512, Headquarters, Mediterranean Theatre of Operations, United States Army dated 20 January 1945 has citation. Cited with Sergeants George T. Bundy and Lawrence H. Devison and Privates Donald L. Fitzpatrick and Douglas E. Dickie (which see for citation). - - - - - - - |
The listing under Dickie reads thus:
DICKIE, Douglas E., Private (F.30467) - Bronze Star Medal (United States) - Infantry (2nd Company, 3rd Regiment, First Special Service Force) - "for heroic achievement in connection with military operations against the enemy near St. Ours, France, on 13 September 1944." - Home in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Order APO 512, Headquarters, Mediterranean Theatre of Operations, United States Army dated 20 January 1945 has citation. Cited with Sergeants John Barnett, George T. Bundy and Lawrence H. Devison and Private Donald L. Fitzpatrick.
When their battalion commander asked for volunteers to make an assault section for a highly dangerous attack against enemy bunkers, these men readily volunteered. The ensuing fight was so fierce and at such close range that the enemy was forced to abandon the position, resulting in the capture of five prisoners and the surrender of twenty-five more later in the day, at which time it was learned that an enemy attack by four companies had been completely frustrated and thirty-two casualties inflicted by the daring assault of this section of fourteen men. The actions of these men are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon themselves and the Armed Forces of the Allied Nations.
Photos and info submitted by John's daughter Elizabeth
DICKIE, Douglas E., Private (F.30467) - Bronze Star Medal (United States) - Infantry (2nd Company, 3rd Regiment, First Special Service Force) - "for heroic achievement in connection with military operations against the enemy near St. Ours, France, on 13 September 1944." - Home in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Order APO 512, Headquarters, Mediterranean Theatre of Operations, United States Army dated 20 January 1945 has citation. Cited with Sergeants John Barnett, George T. Bundy and Lawrence H. Devison and Private Donald L. Fitzpatrick.
When their battalion commander asked for volunteers to make an assault section for a highly dangerous attack against enemy bunkers, these men readily volunteered. The ensuing fight was so fierce and at such close range that the enemy was forced to abandon the position, resulting in the capture of five prisoners and the surrender of twenty-five more later in the day, at which time it was learned that an enemy attack by four companies had been completely frustrated and thirty-two casualties inflicted by the daring assault of this section of fourteen men. The actions of these men are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon themselves and the Armed Forces of the Allied Nations.
Photos and info submitted by John's daughter Elizabeth
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Henry G Bazurto
Henry Gerlach Bazurto FSSF 4th Co. 1st Regiment. He also served in the 7th Cavarly in Fort Bliss Texas. General Frederick came to talk to them and recruit for the force. He then participated in the invasion of Kiska, Aleutians, Participated in the Anzio Beachhead Camp, Participated in the battle of La Defensa, Italy. Participated in the battle of Rome & Participated in the battle of Ceppagna, Italy. From Nogales, Arizona Service Schools attended: Ft. Wm Henry Harrison, Montana: Parachutist: Graduated. Military Qualifications: Rifle, MM Pistol 45 cal. Gunner Heavy Mach. Gun He was a Tech - 4 Date of induction 22 November 1940 - January 1945. Decorations and Citations, Two Bronze battle Stars, European African Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon, Asiatic Pac. Theater Ribbon, Purple Heart, American Defense Ribbon. He was machine gun wounded. |
Photos and info submitted by daughter Merelou Bazurto Binning
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Carl William (Tiny) Beacon
1 Regiment (1 Company) Rank: Sergeant Number: K/68947 Award: Mention in Despatches Place: France 1944 Additional Information: Canada from Osoyoos,British Columbia,Canada also served P.P.C.L.I. and Black Watch died 17.5.2007 photo submitted by his daughter-in-law Lynda Beacon |
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Rolla E Beck
5-2 Birmingham, AL Photos submitted by grandson Matt Beck |
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R Wilson Becket
Lt Col HQ Det 3rd Regt Montreal, Quebec |
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Kenneth W Betts
Private 2 Regiment 1 Company,1 Bn |
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George Bodine
First Lieutenant 2 Regiment 5 Company 2 Bn |
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Walter Bogus Jr
Detroit, MI 2-3 (Second Company, Third Regiment) Battles and Campaigns: Sicilian; Naples Foggia; Rome Arno; Southern France; Rhineland; Aleutian Islands Medals: Bronze Star; Purple Heart Decorations and Citations: Silver Battle Star; Bronze Battle Star; 4 Overseas Service Bars; 1 Service Stripe; Good Conduct Medal Highest Rank Held: Sgt Enlisted: August, 1942 In ETO: Nov, 1943 to September, 1945 Honorable Discharge: October, 1945. Personal: Married Pauline Dorie after the war, had 9 children and worked for General Motors until retiring to Escanaba Michigan. Born: 2-17-1922 Died: 4-2-1995 Photos and info submitted by son in law Ron Meltsner |
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John Gilbert Bourne
3 Regiment (C.O. 2 Bn) Rank: Lieutenant Colonel Award: Mention in Despatches Place: Italy 1944 Additional Information: Canada from Montreal,Quebec |
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Wayne E Boyce
Veterans Day 2011 a man approached me looking at the display of the FSSF and my grandfathers items from WWII. He asked me if I knew much about hte unit and as I told him yes he started to tell me that his brother was a amember of the Force and died on Mt La Difensa. Amazed that this man lives just 20 minutes away from me he came to my business and shared Waynes story and photos with me. I am grateful for the chance to meet and hope this honors his brother in the best way I can. 1st Lt 5-2 Jerome, Idaho - KIA 5 Dec 1943 |
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Carl A Brakel
Captain (Medical Officer) 3 Regiment (HQ Det) Seattle,Washington Receiving jump wings |
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Morris Breakstone
4-2 from Bronx, New York Morris was a latecomer to the Force joining in Aug 1944. Here he is pictured before that time. After the disbandment of the "Force" he was put into the 474th. The following is the obituary for Morris Breakstone Morris Breakstone, 86, left this life on May 27, at Bixby Medical Center. He was born on August 15, 1921 the first son of Harry Aaron and Elsie (Beck) and grew up in the Bronx, New York City. For Morris, the Bronx seemed the center of the universe peopled by his heroes, including his father and uncles and the larger than life characters that were their friends. His life obsessions of physical fitness, family and fighting injustice took root in those early and happy years. |
Special thanks to Angela Breakstone for use of photos and info.
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During World War II, Morris was assigned to an infantry company and later volunteered for and saw combat with the First Special Service Force, an elite American and Canadian commando brigade that would become the model for the U.S. Special Forces, known as the Green Berets and which was depicted in the film the Devil’s Brigade featuring William Holden and Cliff Robertson.
After the war he enrolled under the G.I. Bill at the City College of New York, majoring in psychology and earning a Master’s degree. He worked as an intern, an attendant, and psychologist in two mental hospitals. Later he was promoted to Director of Psychology at the Coldwater State Home and Training School. While at the Training School, Morris secretly investigated allegations that African American patients were being unfairly punished for reasons clearly racist. He presented his findings to mental health and civil rights officials and was fired twice in retaliation. After a ten year battle Morris was finally vindicated in court. He helped open the Lenawee Vo-Tech Center and retired from the Lenawee Intermediate School District in 1983.
As a clinical psychologist he had essays accepted for publication in Mental Health Michigan College Personnel Association Journal and Review of Existential Psychology and Psychiatry.
Morris used his life experiences to bring authenticity to novels he wrote – Company Punishment, a World War II novel, Seclusion, which took place in a mental hospital, and Views From the Leaning Rest Position, a collection of short stories and essays depicting many of the challenges Morris faced in life – love and sacrifice, racism, anti-Semitism and the struggles of a family during the Great Depression.
Fitness was always an important part of his life and at the age of 70 Morris performed 709 push-ups in 34 minutes – a feat cited in Ripley’s “Believe It or Not” and for which he received a standing ovation at the Michigan Senate.
He is survived by his wife, Angela (Fritz), whom he married on June 18, 1978; two children, Laura Russelle (Bobby) Breakstone-Crees and Harry Aaron Breakstone; two grandsons, Benjamin (Julie) Brinson and Joseph Mitchell-Breakstone; three great grandchildren, Benjamin Jr., Danielle, and Kaitlyn; his sister-in-law Marlene; nephews Alan and Christian and nieces Carole and Heather; his cousin Philo; Teenohk and Shneeya, his cats; and many dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Elsie and his brother Jack.
He will be remembered in many ways – as the personal liberator of a young Dutch cousin, as someone who acknowledged the uniqueness of each and every person, a master of the English language, an inspirational human being and hero to many; someone who always strived to be a mensch.
After the war he enrolled under the G.I. Bill at the City College of New York, majoring in psychology and earning a Master’s degree. He worked as an intern, an attendant, and psychologist in two mental hospitals. Later he was promoted to Director of Psychology at the Coldwater State Home and Training School. While at the Training School, Morris secretly investigated allegations that African American patients were being unfairly punished for reasons clearly racist. He presented his findings to mental health and civil rights officials and was fired twice in retaliation. After a ten year battle Morris was finally vindicated in court. He helped open the Lenawee Vo-Tech Center and retired from the Lenawee Intermediate School District in 1983.
As a clinical psychologist he had essays accepted for publication in Mental Health Michigan College Personnel Association Journal and Review of Existential Psychology and Psychiatry.
Morris used his life experiences to bring authenticity to novels he wrote – Company Punishment, a World War II novel, Seclusion, which took place in a mental hospital, and Views From the Leaning Rest Position, a collection of short stories and essays depicting many of the challenges Morris faced in life – love and sacrifice, racism, anti-Semitism and the struggles of a family during the Great Depression.
Fitness was always an important part of his life and at the age of 70 Morris performed 709 push-ups in 34 minutes – a feat cited in Ripley’s “Believe It or Not” and for which he received a standing ovation at the Michigan Senate.
He is survived by his wife, Angela (Fritz), whom he married on June 18, 1978; two children, Laura Russelle (Bobby) Breakstone-Crees and Harry Aaron Breakstone; two grandsons, Benjamin (Julie) Brinson and Joseph Mitchell-Breakstone; three great grandchildren, Benjamin Jr., Danielle, and Kaitlyn; his sister-in-law Marlene; nephews Alan and Christian and nieces Carole and Heather; his cousin Philo; Teenohk and Shneeya, his cats; and many dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Elsie and his brother Jack.
He will be remembered in many ways – as the personal liberator of a young Dutch cousin, as someone who acknowledged the uniqueness of each and every person, a master of the English language, an inspirational human being and hero to many; someone who always strived to be a mensch.
Jean Y. Bricker
Gorham, Kansas.
Also he was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart
T/4, Section 6, 3rd Platoon, 2nd Company, 2nd Regiment, Airborne.
Specialty - Automatic Rifleman
Wounded by an exploding mine, May 1, 1944 Anzio (Borge Piave) Italy.
Dismissed from Brooke General Hospital, San Antonio, TX. June 24, 1945.
Reassigned to Ft. Leavenworth, KS. Discharged Dec. 2, 1945.
Submitted by daughter Doris Jean Vonheeder.
Gorham, Kansas.
Also he was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart
T/4, Section 6, 3rd Platoon, 2nd Company, 2nd Regiment, Airborne.
Specialty - Automatic Rifleman
Wounded by an exploding mine, May 1, 1944 Anzio (Borge Piave) Italy.
Dismissed from Brooke General Hospital, San Antonio, TX. June 24, 1945.
Reassigned to Ft. Leavenworth, KS. Discharged Dec. 2, 1945.
Submitted by daughter Doris Jean Vonheeder.
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Ken Brookover
1-3 Photos and info submitted by Jon Brookover |
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Christ J Buchikos
Technician 4th Class 3 Regiment (5 Company) Plastow, New Hampshire |
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Henry A Buske
Corporal FSSF Service Company Aleutians and Op.Dragoon (S.France) from Gilmore City,Iowa entered service 4.9.1941 |
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Sam Byrne
Sergeant, 2-2 Robertson, WY Born April 18, 1921 Died June 14, 1991 Sam’s wartime experiences are the subject of the book With the Black Devils by Mark J. Nelson. Photo submitted by Mark Nelson |
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Photos and info submitted by daughter
Myra Theisen
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Henry F. Caputo
1-3 Number: 32 310 705 Enlisted: April 8, 1942 Honorable Discharge: November 17, 1945 Born: January 7, 1920, St. Regis Falls, N.Y. Died: June 10, 2011, Center Moriches, LI, NY Was section leader in a light weapons platoon. Lt. Machine Gunner (604), Rifleman (745), Auto. Rifleman (746) Served in the Aleutian Islands. Saw combat in Italy, France, and Germany in the 474 Infantry Regiment. Participated in five major battle campaigns: Naples-Foggia, Anzio, Rome-Arno, Southern France, Rhineland. Wounded in Anzio, Feb. 16, 1944. Badges: Combat Infantry Badge GO 9 HQ 1st SSF September 18, 1944 Decorations and Citations: American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, European- African- Middle Eastern Service Medal, Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, World War II Victory Medal. Post War: Had married Geneva Griggs in 1946, until her death in 2006. Was Foreman of Brookhaven Highway Department, LI, NY. Father of Six Children, Grandfather to 13 grandchildren, and Great Grandfather of 3 children. We are all very proud of his service, and to all of those who have fought, and continue to fight, for our freedom, we thank you. (A photo of our father can also be seen in Ken Brookover’s (1-3) photos, the one with the caption “1-3 Fort Ethan Allen, June ’43”, he is in the first solider, bottom left, squatting down. Would love to know if any living member may have known our father. He also went by the name of “Hank”. You may contact me at [email protected], thank you.) |
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Robert Carroll
This picture was in one of my grandparents photo albums. Written next to it was Dorothy and Bob Carroll - June 1943 There are 2 Robert Carroll's in the Roster so if anyone knows which one it is please let me know. Thanks! |
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Richard Ray Cart
FSSF Pilot Photos submitted by granddaughter Tania Tolbert |
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Joe Cashell
Unit: 3 Regiment (3 Company) Photos submitted by nephew Mike Anderson |
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Ernest Chipchase
Unit: 2 Regiment (2 Company) Rank: Sergeant Number: M/35847 Date Of Death: 31st March 1944 Age: 23 From Androsson, Alberta Gravesite: Beach Head War Cemetery,Anzio,Italy XVII.B.6 Additional Information: Canada son of Thomas and Ellen Chipchase, Ardrossan,Alberta KIA Italy |
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James Clayton
2-1 From O'Donnell, Texas Pictures submitted by his daughter Julie Clayton |
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Leroy Clymer 1st Lieutenant Hq Company Helena, Montana |
This picture was in one of my grandparents photo albums. Written next to it was Isabelle and Roy Clymer 5-29-43
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Cleland Carl "Bud" Cobb
From Wollcatville, Indiana Cleland always kept his Camera, Tommy gun (of which he grabbed from a deceased Officer..he was only 5'6" and it fit his stature better than the issued rifle), his V-42 Dagger, and a Harmonica..those items never left his side and he managed to use the back of an Army truck for a Dark Room. Photos and info submitted by Cleland's Grandson Andrew Zellars. For even more photos please go to http://s685.photobucket.com/albums/vv218/andypandy_01/ |
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Charles P Cole
FSSF 1st Regiment, 2nd Company 1st Platoon from June 1944 until December 1944, when he transferred to the 474th Infantry Regiment (separate) until the end of the war. Submitted by son Chuck Cole |
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Hubert E Coyer
2nd Lt Hubert E. Coyer, Jr of Williamsville, NY, 6th Co, 1st Regiment. He received the Silver Star Medal, Bronze Star, Purple Heart with one Oak Leaf Cluster, European Theatre of Operations Ribbon with one Arrowhead and 6 Battle Stars, American Theatre Ribbon & American Defense Ribbon. Photos and info submitted by Pat Miller |
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John A Danner
Staff Sgt 6-1 KIA - Dec 3rd, 1943 From Dubuque, Iowa Photos and info submitted by Robert Schober son of FSSF member Albert Schober. |
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George Tait Darg
3 Regiment (1 Company) Rank: Sergeant Number: A/71035 Date Of Death: 19th February 1944 Age: 26 from London, Ontario Gravesite: Beach Head War Cemetery,Anzio,Italy XVII.C.6 Additional Information: Canada son of George Tait and Margaret Scott Darg,London,Ontario former 1st Hussars DOW 19 Feb 1944 Italy |
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Joe J Dauphinais Sergeant 2 Regiment (1 Company,1 Bn) Starbuck, Manitoba Hamilton,Ontario |
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John R Dawson Private 2 Regiment (6 Company,2 Bn) Farmer City, Illinois |
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Maurice de Macedo
5th Company, 1st Regiment KIA on December 3, 1943 Photos submitted by niece Marie Mitchell |
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Richard C. "Dick" De Young
Richard "Dick" De Young was an American, born Feb 16,1923 and raised in Paterson, NJ, where he lettered in 4 sports, held the NJ 880 State record in 1940 and won a football scholarship to U. of Maryland, which he declined to join the NJ National Guard in May, 1940. He trained at Ft. Dix, NJ, maneuvered in NC in 1941, was assigned to coastal beach patrols in NJ and spent some time learning to swear at mules. He hated that so much he jumped at the chance to join the Force in April, 1942. He trained at Helena, spoke of his surprise at making his first jump after a 1/2 hour of training? and was in the reserve Regiment (2d) at Kiska. He was in the assault of La Difensa and everything I have researched or remembered so far suggests he was in 1-2.He was wounded in the Winter Line assaults and missed some of Anzio ops. He was in the assault of Iles d' Hyeres and was seriously wounded shot through the neck on Sept 11. Paralyzed during a counter-attack, he was stripped of watch,weapons and possessions and thought dead apparently by both sides. During the Force assault to retake the position (Capt. Underhill's Co. at the time), he again was wounded by shrapnel in the back of the head. A litter man noticed his eye move and he was transported in a few days to Naples. He actually returned to service with the 474 in the Rhineland and Norway campaigns and liberation.He returned to the States with 474, and was seperated at Ft. Dix,honorably discharged (as a PFC!) |
Please note that Dick is not named in ANY force book. His name is not even listed in the Burhans or other roster lists.
If you have any other info about Dick De Young please contact his son Richard at [email protected] Pictures and Info contributed by Dick's son Richard De Young III |
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Douglas Earle Dickie
3 Regiment (2 Company) Rank: Private Number: F/30467 Award: Bronze Star Place: France 1944 From Truro, Nova Scotia |
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Stanley Dickie
Was wounded 3 times in battle. Picture and info submitted by his son David Dickie |
In his home town of Montreal.
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William L Douglas
I am trying to locate any surviving members who may have known my Father SSGT William L. Douglas. He was in HQ DET 2nd REGT. Please contact me at 615-477-8228 or [email protected] Thank you all for your Service, Bravery, and Courage, Respectfully Bill Douglas From Herington, Kansas Photos submitted by William's son Bill Douglas. |
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Edward W Drost
Sgt 3-1 Photos submitted by grandson Chris Black |
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Lawrence (Junior) E. Durant
2 Regiment (4 Company) Rank: Private Award: Bronze Star awarded 2007 Additional Information: from Prince Edward Island,Canada |
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Raymon A Elizondo
3-2 Salt Lake City, Utah "No More Battles to Wage" On Wednesday, November 5, 2008, another warrior of the Greatest Generation found peace. From a long hard march to the highest mountain climbed, take off your pack Dad; you have earned a well deserved rest. Raymon A. Elizondo, born April 6, 1921 to Adrian and Juanita Abrigo Elizondo, was one of nine sons and three daughters. Raymon was fiercely proud of being a member of the joint Canadian-American Unit: The First Special Service Force 3rd Company 2nd Regiment. Raymon also served in Company E, |
505th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 82nd Airborne Division. He was discharged from the Army with the rank of Sgt, having earned a Bronze Star and Purple Heart.
After World War II, Raymon was a Union tradesman in home and construction painting. One of the highlights of his career was his involvement in painting sets for the William Holden movie, "The Devils Brigade", which was filmed in Utah. The movie was about the very outfit Dad served in during World War II.
Raymon's family wishes to extend their thanks to all the employees at the Salt Lake VA Medical Center who worked with him through his many treatments throughout the years and who provided solace in his final moments. Raymon loved our Utah Mountains, Big Band music and dancing, Mexican cooking and was an avid reader. He is survived by: wife, Elisa Esparza (later divorced); sons, Mark (Raedell), Luis, Lloyd (Carol); and only daughter, Elsa his "#1 Head ache"; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and various nieces and nephews.
After World War II, Raymon was a Union tradesman in home and construction painting. One of the highlights of his career was his involvement in painting sets for the William Holden movie, "The Devils Brigade", which was filmed in Utah. The movie was about the very outfit Dad served in during World War II.
Raymon's family wishes to extend their thanks to all the employees at the Salt Lake VA Medical Center who worked with him through his many treatments throughout the years and who provided solace in his final moments. Raymon loved our Utah Mountains, Big Band music and dancing, Mexican cooking and was an avid reader. He is survived by: wife, Elisa Esparza (later divorced); sons, Mark (Raedell), Luis, Lloyd (Carol); and only daughter, Elsa his "#1 Head ache"; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and various nieces and nephews.
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Emil P Eschenburg
Lieutenant Colonel HQ Det FSSF Born 26.12.1915 Mount Clemens,Michigan son of Paul Fredrick and Ella Marie (nee Weise) Eschenburg Graduated Mount Clemens High School Graduated Michigan State University Graduated National War College Graduated Harvard University Graduated George Washington University Michigan National Guard (Artillery) FSSF (HQ Det) 1942-44 Assistant Chief of Staff G-3,45th Infantry Division (LtCol) 25.12.1944-1945 35th Infantry Regiment (Colonel) in Korea (C.O. 25.4.1953-14.10.1953) General staff,1st Corps Assistant Commander 101st Airborne Division (Vietnam War) Brigadier General Deputy Commanding General,Capital Military Assistance Command, Tan Son Nhut,Vietnam 1968 Retired 1970 115 military decorations (77 for valor) Real estate business after army service Married Dolly (4 children) Died 17.12.2004 Helena,Montana |
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Emil Eschenburg retired in Helena after 31 years of military duty
Emil Eschenburg was a 26-year-old Army major with the FSSF, and part of the retaking of Kiska, Aleutian Islands, Alaska, on Aug. 15, 1943. As the six GIs climbed into their five-man rubber raft, they were unaware that the Japanese had already evacuated only mere hours earlier.
Shortly after debarking into the black, icy waters of the Bering Sea, Emil’s overloaded boat was immediately swamped by a four-foot wave.
“From that point on the tide took us further and further from the shore,” Emil relates. After five hours of desperate bailing and paddling, someone spotted an object in the darkness. “I grabbed my whistle and started blowing. I blew and blew that whistle with all the adrenaline in my body.”
An American PT boat picked up the men and delivered them to a troopship.
“We thawed out and took part in the landing at 6:30 a.m.,” Emil said.
Eschenburg was born on a farm near Mount Clemens, Mich., in 1916. One of seven children, he attended a one-room grade school. After graduating high school, he enrolled at Michigan State.
“During my four years at Michigan State, I carried a full schedule, worked 40 hours a week, and lived on 1½ meals per day,” Eschenburg said.
The Canadian-Americans’ next mission after Alaska would be the assault on the impregnable Mount la Difensa in southern Italy.
General Frederick and Lt. Colonel Eschenburg reconnoitered the objective in an artillery observer plane — a two-seated Piper Cub. “While flying over this very high mountain, we observed that one side was a straight-up cliff. The Nazi anti-aircraft fire was like the Fourth-of-July fireworks.”
During the invasion of southern France, Eschenburg became lead scout (through booby traps and land mines) for his 200 men in the middle of the night after the landing. Later he was attached to the 6th Army and participated in the liberation of the Gironde Estuary in western France and the opening of the Port of Bordeaux to Allied shipping. On VE Day, Eschenburg’s outfit took over the Dachau Concentration Camp in Munich.
Eschenburg returned for stateside duty after the war, and then, during the Korean War in 1952, he commanded the 35th Infantry Regiment of the 25th Infantry Division.
Eschenburg’s outfit relieved the Marines who were holding the line next to the Panmunjom Corridor, and engaged in combat against the North Koreans and Chinese.
He served two tours in Vietnam as First Division’s assistant commander. While his superior was stateside, Eschenburg commanded the division during the intense combat of the Tet Offensive in 1968. Determined to continue to lead by example, he spent part of every day under fire with his men.
Eschenburg retired from the Army in 1970 after 31 years of military duty, 23 years as a parachutist. He served in three wars, spent seven years in combat, fought in 16 battles and received 115 decorations — 77 of those for valor.
He returned to Helena in 1972 with his wife Dolly (the couple has four children), where he has made a second career in real estate. With indefatigable energy, he still works more than 40 hours per week at 84 years of age.
Referring to his generation, Emil said, “Next time you see a guy with white hair, in his 80s, go up and shake his hand. Chances are he was in the war.”
Taken from the Helena Independant Record http://www.helenair.com/articles/2002/08/17/stories/helena/6a1.txt
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George Evashwick
Major Hq Det 2nd Regt Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania If you didn't know that your father or grandfathers FSSF items are colletibles. Here is a perfect example. As I am always looking on Ebay for items of FSSF importance I occasionally find pictures of someone. All of these items were listed on Ebay and listed as Major Eastwick's. Upon further research I found no officer named Eastwick. So I looked closer at the collection with the name on it and found it was indeed Maj. George Evashwick. I doubt that these belonged to family of George but rather to a collector. So I have taken it upon myself to add the pictures to the site in memory of Maj. Evashwick. Hopefully someday one of his relatives will see this page and find the pictures of his FSSF items. Did you know? - That most original FSSF spearhead patches on Ebay sell for about $100!!! Make sure you hold onto them and pass them to your family!!! How's that for collectible!!! |
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Guy R Exon
5 Company 3rd Reg Bayfield, Colorado Rank: Private Number: 18016040 Award: Silver Star Place: Italy 1943 |