Operation Nordwind WWII Tactical Reenactment

Our first event for 2011 will be the World War II tactical at Ft. Indiantown Gap, PA on 24-27 MAR. This scenario is based around Operation Nordwind which started on 1 JAN 1945 in and around Alsace and Lorraine, France (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Nordwind).

Members of the 1st Allied Airborne's 502nd Baker Company will be participating as part of the I and R Platoon under Captain Mike Felmlee of the 83rd ID. Nordwind is an INVITATION ONLY EVENT. Other members of the 1st AA who wish to apply for participation should contact Pat Eddy or Chris Smith via the contact page at http://www.firstalliedairborne.com/.

Similar to the "Battle of the Bulge" event at FIG in January, Nordwind caters more toward those attending specifically for the battle scenarios. Billeting is still in the original WWII barracks and there will be a number of vendors selling reenacting goods and militaria. A greater number of period vehicles usually participate than in January as well.

More information will be posted on the 1st Allied Airborne Facebook Page.

Band Of Brothers Vets Work To Honor Their Commanding Officer

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — This might be hard to believe, but World War Two veterans Bill Guarnere and Edward “Babe” Heffron generally don’t like Veterans Day.

You see for them, it can be a lot of work.

“We’re not teenagers any more,” jokes Guarnere. But a lot of people like stopping by to talk to these two vets, especially on this day.

During the war, Guarnere and Heffron served in Easy Company of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division. If that company doesn’t sound familiar, it’s probably because you know it as another name: the “Band of Brothers,” now made famous in a Stephen Ambrose book and HBO miniseries.

“We’re just like any other person, two kids from South Philly,” says Guarnere. “I’m no hero.”

It’s been 65 years since the two fought their way across Western Europe with E Company, but this year, they find themselves fighting again: a race against time.

The pair, along with filmmaker Tim Gray and baseball great Curt Schilling, are trying to raise enough money to build a statue of their commanding officer, Major Dick Winters, at Utah Beach in Normandy. It was there that E Company, under Winters’ leadership, parachuted behind German lines and captured four big German guns above the beach, saving many lives.

The statue of Winters will be a tribute to leadership on D-Day.

Winters pulled off the attack with only about a dozen men, famously calling “Follow me!” as he led the assault. Winters, who lives now on a farm in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, is in failing health.

“That attack was so good, it was, it’s taught today at West Point,” says Guarnere. Winters “deserves it [the statue]. I think he deserves something before he dies. I don’t think he’ll be here next year, I doubt it.”

Heffron is flying to Rhode Island this weekend to attend a fundraiser for the project.

“I know that it’s deserved,” he says. “And I know he [Winters] would welcome it, but he’s too modest to tell you that.”

If you ask Heffron and Guarnere what made Winters such a great leader, they will tell you all sorts of stories. One incident came on the road to Carentan, France. The company came under heavy machine gun fire, forcing the men to take cover in trenches alongside the road.

“You couldn’t move,” says Guarnere. But “Dick’s out in the middle of the road yelling ‘Run! Attack!’ … Not a soul moved in the company. They stayed in the ditches. He got shot. Dick Winters got shot.”

No doubt, Winters is loved by the men who followed him. Heffron calls him “the greatest guy in the world.” And he says it’s easy to explain why he had such effective leadership abilities: “He took real good care of his men.”

If you’d like to donate to the statue project and accompanying documentary about Winters, you can go to this website: http://www.timgraymedia.com/donate

All Airborne event in Indiana

Where: Ft. Ben Harrison State Park , Indianapolis , IN.
When: 08 – 10 April 2011
Host: Museum of 20th Century Warfare www.m20cwinfo.org

This event will be a Normandy scenario conducted in a wooded area with many natural ravines which covers 150-200 acres. This event is intended to be a 36 hour immersion beginning early on Saturday morning (0300) with both Parachute and Glider elements being inserted by truck (truck jump) into assigned DZ/LZ's and then into assigned Assembly Area's.

There will be a hot food vendor on site and plenty of POV parking, water will be available. It is understood that many unit members, especially GI, who do not normally portray Airborne would like to participate, we highly encourage them to do so at this event as the more the better. For those of you in this category you or your unit commander should contact the Liaison Officer of either the 82d or the 101st Airborne Divisions which are listed below for more info. German and British unit commanders please do the same.

TSG/HRS Authenticity and Safety Rules will be used with the unit commanders to be responsible for their units. Unit commanders please contact the appropriate Liaison with your unit strength for the event or any questions or concerns. Registration forms can be found at the Museum website which is listed above.

For more information, contact one of the following personnel:

German Liaison - Chuck Young, openseasprod@yahoo.com
82d Airborne – Dave Weakley, dwweakley@yahoo.com
101st Airborne – Alan Jones, atj53@att.net
British 6th Airborne - TBD

Tom Ridge for The Richard Winters Leadership Project

Reenactor Channel

Chris Smith from B/502 has put together a YouTube channel just for video clips from reenactors, their family and friends. This includes clips from all living history time periods. We want to feature videos taken at the events where the 1st Allied Airborne and other partner units participate.

To watch the videos, go to http://www.youtube.com/ddayquartermaster. To submit your videos, email a link to your YouTube upload to chris@ddayquartermaster.com.

1st Lt Richard Winters Leadership Project

This project has been formally approved by Major Richard and Ethel Winters and the Men of Easy Company Association Herb Suerth, President.

Narrator of film: HBO actor (Maj. Dick Winters in Band of Brothers) Damian Lewis.

The Project: A statue will be dedicated in Normandy (Ste. Marie-du-Mont) recognizing (then) First Lieutenant Richard Winters and the leadership abilities of all US Army officers of all divisions and corps during the Normandy phase of Operation Overlord. The statue will be designed by internationally known sculptor Stephen Spears of Fairhope, AL and be the likeness of Lt. Winters. Mr. Spears is the sculptor of the United States World War I Doughboy statue in Cantigny, France and the U.S. Navy World War II monument, dedicated in 2008 outside the Utah Beach museum, Ste. Marie-du-Mont, France.

The Statue: Will be a selected and approved likeness (by the Winters’ family) of (then) 1st Lt. Winters. The statue of Mr. Winters will be positioned in a leadership position (as a leader of men). The statue will be identified as 1st Lt. Richard Winters, E-Company, 506th PIR, 101st Airborne, but will also be representative of ALL the Army officers of all the divisions who were responsible for leading soldiers into combat in Normandy on June 6, 1944 and will showcase all the division insignia of those who fought in Normandy in the very early stages of D-Day. The monument will prominently feature the words Leadership 6-6-1944 and a quote from Major Winters below his likeness.

An HD Documentary Film is also part of the project. It will focus on (Major) Winters’ leadership abilities in Europe in WWII, his ability to motivate, inspire and lead men when initial planning has broken down, all principles that are still important today to those who lead and set the stage for others to succeed. Interviews with E Company men alive today and interviews with Major Winters will be utilized.

National Spokesperson for project: Former Major League All-Star and 3-time World Series winner, Curt Schilling.

For more information on the documentary, go to http://www.timgraymedia.com/

Baker Company sets 2011 schedule

B/502, one of the Ohio chapters of the 1st Allied Airborne WWII Reenactors, held their annual planning meeting for the 2011 reenacting season at the MAPS Air Museum in Greensburg, Ohio.

In addition to having the chance to tour the C-47 currently being restored in the storage yard, members of the squad reviewed last years activities, weapons and equipment issues, recruiting, improving our impression, and elected unit officers for the next two years.

Patrick Eddy will continue to serve as the squad sergeant and Chris Smith will continue as the organization chairman, also overseeing the coordination of the 1st Allied Airborne on behalf of all of the member units around the country. Bob Penix was elected to serve as the squad corporal.

The key order of business was to set a schedule for the 2011 unit activities. Here is a breakdown.

24-27 March: Operation Nordwind Tactical - Ft. Indiantown Gap, PA
This is an invitation only event and is separate from the Battle of the Bulge event held at the Gap in January. The event features some of the highlights of the the January Gap (shopping, barracks life, etc) but is more focused on the military engagement between Allied and German forces. There is greater period vehicle participation as well, including armor. The squad also wanted to continue to work as part of the combined I&R platoon comprised of our counterparts in the 83rd and 90th IDs.

30 April: Civil War and Military Show - Mansfield, OH
B/502 will be doing some recruiting at the annual collectors show which is attended by thousands of military history enthusiasts. Last year, we picked up several new members.

21 May: Armed Forces Day Show - Findlay, OH
Day trip for the unit. Lots of shopping, living history encampment and demonstration battle.

25-26 June: Dennison Railroad Depot WWII Reenactment - Dennison, OH
New dates for the annual reenactment at the old Dennison Railroad yard. This is a max-effort unit event.

15-17 July: Ride Through History - Alliance, OH
Another new date for this timeline event. Features a living history encampment and demonstration battle. This past year, we had some great rotating scenarios.

6 August: The Military Vehicle Preservation Association National Convention - Dayton, OH
Day trip to the annual convention of the MVPA. Three years ago the event was held in Dayton and was the largest MVPA convention ever held. The 2011 convention promises to be even bigger. For more information visit http://www.mvpa.org/.

Is Captain America a paratrooper?

With the release of "Captain America: The First Avenger" coming to theatres in June of 2011, Entertainment Weekly has published some of the first photos from the film (the initial part of which is set during World War II). This begs the question. Is Captain America a paratrooper?

Check out the photos below where you can see several clues. First is the Airborne helmet chin straps including the leather cup. In the shot from behind, he is clearly wearing a pair of M42 jump trousers and horse hide gloves. In the photo of the dress uniform, we can see a pair of jump wings over his ribbons.

Of course it is all Hollywood and they have been known to mix and match wardrobe. Either way, it spells bad news for the krauts!

Baker Company Annual Meeting

B/502 will be holding it's annual planning meeting on 13 NOV, 1030 hrs at the MAPS Air Museum at Akron-Canton Airport (see their website for directions - http://www.mapsairmuseum.org/). We will be discussing our event schedule for 2011 and other activities for the next year.

The meeting will be held in the "Briefing Room" that is in the same building as the restoration shop across from the main museum. After the meeting we have been invited to tour the museum. There is an admission fee of $6.00 per person.

Uniforms are NOT required but if you plan to wear one, the M42 or wool trousers and shirt (with tie and garrison cap) is recommended.

Wreaths to honor veterans

Here in Ohio every year, Wreaths for the Western Reserve solicits donations for the placement of wreaths at headstones of our fallen heroes laid to rest at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery. Please visit their website to help honor our those who have served our nation.

http://www.wrcwreaths.org/

Photos from 2010 Ride Through History

Thanks to everyone who turned out at this year's Ride Through History. Thanks also to Bill Krause for some graet pics. Enjoy.

http://www.flickr.com/groups/alliedairborne/pool/show

AAR: Rockford, IL

Packed in at 1330, 23 SEP.

1000 + reenactors participated this last weekend. Unit had a slight issue with registration however the host of the event (HRS) was very helpful.

The organizers put on one hell of a show. There were 4 Airborne Divisions represented on the Allied side and 1 Fallschrimjager group on the Axes side.

We as a reenactment organization lived true to 1944!

Packed out 1700, 26 SEP.

Capt. A. Christensen
Commanding
D-2/505thPIR, 82nd ABRN (Pathfinders)

Warning Order for Alliance - 24-26 SEP

ALL UNIT PERSONNEL:

This weekend will be our annual event at the old Taylorcraft Aircraft plant in Alliance, Ohio (better known as "Ride Through History"). On behalf of Sgt Eddy, please refer to the following details.

1. There are two phases of the event. The living history camp and the battle scenario (Saturday and Sunday). These are in two separate locations. Members of the organization will be portraying troops in Holland during Operation Market Garden. You will receive further orders for the scenario on site.

2. UOD will be M-43s with helmet nets (no scrim). Jump or two-buckle boots are both acceptable. Weapons will be our standard. The event supplies some blanks in .30-06.

3. The unit will be billeted in the M-34 squad tent. Please bring a cot and appropriate sleeping gear (it will be cold at night). We have space for 12. A couple of our pals from the 90th will be in with us as well.

4. Set up time will be between 1800 hrs this Friday. We will be in the WWII camp in the woods so ask for directions or look for signs.

5. Meals are provided on site. The meal pass for the entire weekend is less than $20 and the chow is great! There is also a vendor area with a variety of military goods.

6. The location address is 16123 Armour Street NE, Alliance, OH. The event is behind the factory on the old runways (now overgrown).

If you have any questions, please email me at chris@ddayquartermaster.com. Looking forward to a great weekend. See you there.

SUBMITTED:
Pvt. C.L. Smith
B/502

2010 Ride Through History

Don't forget that the Marlboro Volunteers "Ride Through History" show is 25 & 26 SEP with setup Friday evening (pyramidal). At this time, I have received information that these personnel will be attending: Eddy, Gaynor, Krause, Oakley, Penix, Smith. If anyone else is attending and is not on the list, please let me know. We may have a couple members of the 90th billeting with us so I need to make sure I have a slot for everyone in the squad tent.

Please remember the Marlboro Volunteers will have the mess trailers set up again this year. You get 2 meals on Friday, 3 on Saturday and 2 on Sunday for less than $20.00.

Show also features vendors and is open to the public.

Saturday 9am - 5pm
Sunday 9am - 4pm
Adults - $6.50 Kids 12 & under - $3.50

16125 Armour St, Alliance, OH.
Turn on Armour St. just north of Alliance, off St Rt 225.

WWII train comes to Cuyahoga Valley

During World War II, the BIG train engines used to transport troops and war materials within the United States were the Berkshire models. These were manufactured by Lima Locomotive Works in Lima, Ohio, just a stones throw from the Lima tank plant where the M4 Shermans were being built.

During the month of September, the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad will be pulling a variety of routs with some special steam engines including a 1944 Berkshire. What a great opportunity to see a rare piece of equipment used during the War.

Information on rides can be found at www.cvsr.com/steam-in-the-valley.aspx and there are many good spots along the route to take photos and video as the train passes by.

Zoar Living History a success

I just wanted to thank everyone who helped make our first WWII Living History Weekend in Zoar a success. I especially want to thank Mark and Kristy Gaynor for their huge efforts and hospitality, without which none of this would have happened. Also, a big shout out to our friends with the Marlboro Volunteers for bringing the half track and jeep on Saturday. They were a big hit!

Looking forward to seeing all of you at Dennison in two weeks.

Bulldog

Christopher Smith, Chairman
1st Allied Airborne Reenactors

Help a fellow reenactor out - used reenacting gear now listed

As I mentioned last week, I am helping a fellow reenactor and Freemason who has fallen ill. He is also a 30 year veteran of the US Army.

There is a wide variety of items for Rev War, F&I, Civil War and WWII reenactors. More will be going up next week. Especially the Rev and F&I goods. There will also be some weapons going up in the next few days. There is also a number of original items.

Please visit http://www.ddayquartermaster.com/ and click on the link for USED REENACTING ITEMS.

Thank you!

Christopher Smith

Welcome B/307th!

The 1st Allied Airborne would like to welcome Lt. Christian Barlow and the members of Baker Co., 307th Engineers Battalion, 82nd Airborne Division to the ranks. The organization is based out of VA, NC and SC.

Check out their website at http://www.82nd.us/. Looking forward to meeting up in the field!

AAR Findlay Armed Forces Day

After we arrived and checked in with Lt. Felmlee's people we spent a couple hours walking through the vendors checking out all the great stuff for sale. Eric and I were able to find a few things we couldn't live without but Mark wasn't so lucky.

Around 10:30 we geared up and moseyed over to the Ground Pounder's camp to see what our assignment would be for the upcoming battle. When asked to volunteer for a flank attack ( in a jeep) I quickly accepted for all three of us. We were assigned to man a jeep complete with a driver, a trooper from Able Co 506th P.I.R. manning a 30 Cal. MG and three riflemen in the back (Mark,Eric and myself).

We made a couple passes,along with two other jeeps, on the right flank and in front of the Germans to draw there attention. The Germans also had a scout car and a motorcycle/sidecar that were also causing some mischief in our immediate front. The other two jeep crews were put out of action quickly forcing us to pull back out of range.

The Infantry hit the German front in a rush that surprised them but they were able to regroup and hold their ground. Then we hit their left flank with our jeep squad blazing away with three Garands, a Carbine, the 30 Cal and a Thompson. Once we got their attention, they couldn't cover both lines of defense and started taking casualties and falling back.

Once the shooting stopped , our Medic and theirs started looking after the wounded while the Infantry rounded up prisoners.

The fight lasted about twenty minutes and was HOT ! We did this scenario twice on Saturday and I had a blast both times even tho my M-1 didn't work in the first round. I helped man the 30 Cal and my ears rang for a while after...it was worth it!

This is the second time I've done this event and it's a keeper. Great people, great vendors, great Military Vehicle show and they have a parade downtown on Saturday morning. But we seem to keep missing the parade because we're too busy shopping at the Military vendors.

I plan to attend this event next year and I hope you can join me.


Submitted 19 May 2010
AAR Findlay AFD
Pvt Bob Penix

Military show in Findlay

Members of the 502nd will be camped at the Armed Forces Day show in Findlay, Ohio this weekend. If you are looking to hook up with the unit or are interested in World War II reenacting, please check with us in the reenactor's area at the event.

AAR - Mansfield Tactical 2010

After Action Report-27 March, 2010. Nine miles west of Mansfield, Ohio.

Privates Mark Gaynor and Bob “Kirby” Penix arrived at Lt. Mike Felmlee’s Headquarters at approximately 0740 hrs Saturday 27 March 2010. We discovered Major Bo Johnstone, Lt. Felmlee, Sgt Mike and two enlisted men finishing up with breakfast and helped ourselves to some coffee as it was quite cold that morning.

As we enjoyed our coffee we had a look around and observed we were smack in the middle of what appeared to be the GERMAN CAMP! They were everywhere, carrying every type of weapon imaginable plus three motorcycles with side cars. We just hoped Mike and Bo had a plan!

Thankfully, some more GI’s and one Tommy showed up bringing our squad up to ten
men, including the Lt and the Maj. We weren’t worried since there seemed to only be around thirty or so Germans.

The Germans headed up into the woods and bunkers and machine gun nests to dig in and wait for us to find them. We split up into two squads sending 1st squad out to find the Enemy. After trying the middle then right flank, 1st squad found the German outpost equipped with an MG-34s and reported back to the CP as quickly as possible.

I then took 2nd squad out to probe the left flank and immediately walked up on a three man German outpost. We were able to flank and push them back easily but had to report back to the CP with our information.

We were ordered to probe both flanks with both squads. 2nd squad was to push forward to good ground and hold the enemy there while 1st squad moved in from the other end to flank the German Command Bunker. German outposts were pushed back quite rapidly but rallied at their Command Bunker where we came to a stalemate.

These types of scenarios were played out all day with one side or the other probing or defending entrenchments or bunkers. Each scenario ended much the same since there were just too many “Krauts” with way more fire power than us.

Even though we were out gunned and out numbered we had a blast running around in the woods shooting at Krauts and I’ll go again.

At the end of the day, about 1430 hrs, both armies formed up and paid tribute to one of our members, Gary, who was unfortunately killed in an accident last February while doing his job. There was a memorial to him built on the top of the hill with a lantern mounted in it to be lit when ever we hold an event on that battlefield. There were few dry eyes when it was done.

We slogged back down to the HQ area, de-coutered and pealed out of our Jump pants and muddy boots for the trip home. The rest of the reenactors were planning to do another ceremony at the house where Gary’s parents, widow, and daughters could be present. Mark and I said our goodbyes, planning to see all again in Findley , and headed for the home front where the REAL Commanders were waiting for us.

This AAR is faithfully submitted 3 April 2010 at 1830 Hrs by Asst Squad Leader Bob “Kirby” Penix.

Military Vehicle Show and Swap Meet

June 18, 19, 20 - Alliance, Ohio

FUNDRAISER FOR THE MARLBORO VOLUNTEERS, INC.
A NON-PROFIT (501C3) MILITARY HISTORY GROUP

The Marlboro Volunteers will hold a Military Vehicle Show and Swap Meet at Sancap Factory, 16125 Armour St. NE - half-mile north of Alliance, Ohio - site of the former WWII Taylorcraft Aviation airfield and factory.

Our mess kitchen will be set up for on-site meals and meal tickets available for purchase. Free primitive on-site camping will be available for participants.

A Motor Pool will be set up (like the one we set up in Wooster for the trans-continental convoy) and any military vehicle owner can have their vehicle checked and serviced for a $10.00 donation.

Spacious outdoor vending areas (25'x25') will be available for $20.00 each. This fee includes one vendor and one helper per site. Twenty-four hour security will be provided. NO PETS, LIVE AMMO, FIREARMS OR FIREWORKS SALES ALLOWED.

All participating vehicles will be escorted on the grounds by an MVI Ground Guide – NO EXCEPTIONS!

Admission:
All military vehicle drivers and one guest - Free Admission
Veterans – Free Admission
Adults - $3.00/day or $5.00/weekend
Children 12 and under – Free with a paying adult

Contacts for Show and Swap Meet:
Denny Davis – 330-645-1994
Don Shaffer – 330-935-0200

DON'T FORGET – OUR RIDE THROUGH HISTORY SHOW IS SEPTEMBER 25 & 26, 2010.

For more info on the Marlboro Volunteers, Inc., go to www.marborovolunteersinc.com

Marlboro military show in June

Our friends at the Marlboro Volunteers will be hosting a military vehicle show and swap meet in Alliance, Ohio on 18-20 June. This is not to be confused with the Ride Through History which is in September.

For more information, check out www.marlborovolunteersinc.com

Photos from The Gap

Here is a slide show of pics from our recent trip to the Ft. Indiantown Gap event. Enjoy.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/5thovi/sets/72157623228837093/show/

After Action Report - Ft. Indiantown Gap - 2010

Our group departed Akron, Ohio on THURS, 28 JAN, 0830 hrs. Along with myself, the group included Pvt Mark Gaynor (also of B/502) and Frank Artino who would be portraying Canadian Home Guard. The weather was extremely windy with snow drifts blowing across the road. This changed drastically for the better once we crossed a mountain range in Pennsylvania.

We arrived at Ft. Indiantown Gap and quickly found the registration building. Frank’s experience in attending the event over the last few years, and the information passed along by other reenactors prepared us for smooth sign in and ammunition check. Within minutes we were on our way to our assign barracks. FIG is a US Army base that houses tank and helo units. There is even an Air Force Reserve unit operating C-130s down the road. The base loves to have us there and opens the PX to reenactors while they are visiting.

Members of B/502 had been assigned to the 4th Squad of the Information and Recon Platoon attached to HQ Company (46 personnel in the platoon, 10 in our ssquad). We drove to barracks 12-45 where the platoon was housed and looked for Lt. Felmlee. As he was at a Company meeting, we checked in with the platoon clerk and looked for an open set of bunks. At that time, we could only find a pair on the main floor and not upstairs with the rest of the squad.

The barracks are the perfect accommodations for this type of weekend. These are the original World War II barracks that have been maintained over the years. Once the bunks were made up to reg, and many period foot locker displays were laid out, it I really put you in the right frame of mind. I would like to point out that the thing we heard about FIG over and over is how HOT the barracks are. The boilers are either on or off. My recommendation is to get a bunk on the first floor. If it is 78 degrees on the first floor, it will be 83 on the second!

Once we made up our bunks and stowed our gear, we put on our uniforms, found a keen parking spot of the truck and started to look around. First on the list was the “flea market” which was six buildings of reenactor gear and militaria of a variety that would boggle the mind. It didn’t take long for me to find what I was looking for and soon I was able to get what I needed to complete my dress uniform. One building of note was really packed full. Within were a half dozen plasma TVs running full tilt, and hundreds and hundreds of DVDs for sale featuring military movies and programs from around the world. It would have been so easy to fill up your arms with cool stuff you have never seen before.

After a good dinner in town, Mark and I came back to look around some more. There was so much stuff going on, you couldn’t take it all in. Period training films and movies were being shown on 16 mm in one of the buildings. There was a “media center” that was taking portraits and displayed period still and film cameras, along with other correspondent gear. The Germans had set up a café in another building. I heard through our pal Frank that “our kind” was NOT welcome in there (3PO, you and R2 better wait by the speeder). All and all, there wasn’t enough time on base to see everything.

A number of people had ordered items from my web store and were to be personally delivered at FIG. After we decided it was too cold to keep wandering around, I warmed up and went in search of one of my customers. Heading over to Regimental HQ, I entered a barracks where many GIs were coming and going. I approached the HQ clerk’s desk inside the door and asked if they knew where I could find the First Sergeant of Headquarters Company. The clerk shrugged and said, “I don’t know anything. I got this job because no one else wanted to do it.” Somebody else pointed upstairs. After delivering the package, I stepped outside. There in the cold, I lit a Lucky and chatted with the other GIs standing around the ash can. With the barracks street void of modern vehicles, and now filled with WWII jeeps and trucks, I had “that” moment. For just a few seconds, it was the winter of 1944. Then somebody walked by with their cell phone, and it was gone. Thanks pal!

Back in 12-45, our Squad Leader, SSGT Salay inspected us for the following day’s engagement. Along with checking ammunition, required items were jeep cap, extra socks, gloves, scarf, water, and a k-ration. We also held a briefing on our tactical objectives. Reveille was going to come early. Time to hit the rack.

Friday morning. 0530 hrs. Lights on in the barracks. Bodies slide off their bunks. Some head to the showers. The rest of us start layering up into our uniforms. Outside it is 13 degrees. The boiler is still working. Inside it is 78. The local Air Force Auxiliary Civil Air Patrol squadron runs a mess hall at the event and keeps food coming from sun up to sun down. A very professional job. Hot coffee and a good breakfast was welcome as we had no idea when we would eat again.

Outside 12-45, the platoon formed up for weapons inspection. Our squad was made up of guys from the 82nd Airborne, the 83rd ID, and us from the 101st. A great group of guys and were lucky to have this assignment. We marched over to the road and loaded up into the restored period trucks and jeeps. Our home for the ride was a beautiful 1943 WC-63 named “Eddie”. Here is where we started separating the men from the boys…

From the time we loaded on the vehicles and waited. Drove twenty minutes with one stop to pee. Waited some more. Had vehicle breakdowns, and then arrived at the jump off point. All told, we spent about an hour and a half packed into the trucks. Trying to stay warm was a chore. Hands and feet got numb. Welcome to Bastogne.

Once on the ground and moving, feet and hands warmed up and life was tolerable again. Our squad was to secure a bridge over the creek to keep a clear path for the battalion in case the Krauts pushed us back. And they would be pushing! It wasn’t long before things opened up. I swear, every German must have had a machine gun! A half track came up to support us but one minute they were there, and the next they were gone. The battalion came flooding back over the hill and we covered their withdraw. Suddenly the Germans were on us like sauerkraut on pork. I turned to look down the road and a Jerry stepped out. With one motion he flung a grenade in our direction. It landed at the feet of Sgt. Mike and myself. Helmets off. We were out of the game for the moment. Pleased with himself, the German soldier turned around and Mark dropped him were he stood. War is hell Hans!

Back that the rally point, we resurrected and were given our next assignment. The platoon crossed an open field that had recently been a forest, and finally moved into the cover of trees and brush probing for the Germans. It didn’t take long and they were punching us in the nose again. They moved so fast there wasn’t time to withdraw. Helmets off. Shit.

Back at the rally point again. Our platoon had been taking a beating all day. The Company CO sent us across the open ground again into a wooded area that commanded the whole field. There we hunkered down behind logs and in shallow holes. From there we could watch the Krauts exchanging fire with our men in the valley. Right in front of us was a hundred yard patch of open ground. On the other side were more Germans behind mounds of earth. Just walking back and forth having a good old time. After about forty five minutes, one of their officers finally noticed our platoon in the trees. It was then that they started pouring across open ground right at us! Open ground!! Now this was a situation that Mark and I could relate to as we took down one target after another. It even prompting one member of our platoon to chant “Fredericksburg. Fredericksburg. Fredericksburg.”

After five hours in the field (not including the truck ride), the tactical concluded and in the trucks we went and back to the base. Those 78 degree barracks were wonderful!!

Out of our combat clothes and into M36 wools. With a dust off of the boots we explored more of the market and headed to the mess hall for a great spaghetti dinner. Then it set in. Somebody had beaten us with a baseball bat and we didn’t get the number of the truck they were driving either! It was a good time to relax in the barracks to BS with new friends, have a Grape Ne-Hi, and reflect on the day. Oh man, it’s only 1900? Can we go to bed yet? Another squad inspection and mission review. Then a hot shower and it was indeed time for bed (at least for us old men).

Saturday. 0530. Lights on. Slide out of bunk. Layer up. Were we just here? Sgt Mike tells us to forget the CAP breakfast. He’s got something we are going to love. The ladies with the British reenactors run an out of the way real period café with hot coffee and all kinds of breakfast goodies.

With Friday’s truck-a-thon as our learning experience, the transport to the field was much quicker. Our half-way pee break even included a galloping deer that weaved its way between vehicles and urinating men. Not a live round in the group!

We offloaded at the point we left off the day before. The squad huddled together between trucks to get out of the wind. Another thirteen degrees plus wind chill. The platoon was given a more appropriate I&R assignment today as we probed into the woods. Mark was tasked to be the radio op and stick with Lt. Felmlee. He reported after the day was over that is was interesting hearing all of the traffic from around the battlefield including and officer screaming that he was being over run with the blast of gun fire in the background.

It wasn’t long before everything opened up again. Man did it get hot fast. The battalion moved up into place as the platoon fell back to regroup. They sent the Jerrys down into the valley and it gave us a chance to take a breather. We knew better from the day before not to get to comfortable. When it looked like we might be there a while, I reached in to grab my k-ration (the same one we never had a chance to eat the day before). “Alright. We’re moving out.” Damn. That ration is STILL in my musette bag!

Through the woods and across the road, the land opened up into a rolling devastated terrain. As the shortest legs in the squad, I did my best to keep up. Germans kept popping up on the ridges in the distance and the exhaust from a German Sturmgeschütz tank drifted above the trees down the road. Thank goodness for Old Smokey. We always knew where she was. The platoon moved from cover to cover finally stopping in high grass fifty yards off a road. We saw a German troop truck drive up the road but it was empty. The entire platoon shifted to the left of where the truck had come from and there they were. All the Krauts that had off loaded were just standing in the road enjoying a smoke and water from their canteens. The word went out to open up and you should have seen them fall over themselves trying to find cover or run into the woods. Today was going much better than Friday!

The next hour or so was a fox hunt as we moved to press the German lines and keep them from flanking the battalion. Plus stay away from Old Smokey (which was eventually retired by a recoilless canon). After another five hours, we loaded up in the vehicles and headed back to base.

Out of combat clothes. Realize the guy with the baseball bat and truck had been to visit again. Put on the M36 wools and neck tie. Now, here is the rule of thumb to remember. Stick with the GIs that have been coming to the event for years. They know the best places in town. Make a note: Frog’s Hollow, beer and a steak dinner for under $20.00. Also, if you go into town for a drink, they say stay away from “The Stallion” and “The Man Hole”. Need I say more?

Though Mark and I didn’t attend the official event dinner at the Club on base, we did want to check it out. It was great to see the veterans and everyone else dressed in their best. The bands was setting up but the guy with the baseball bat had taken his toll and we didn’t stay long enough to hear the music. Looked like a good time though. Might be worth attending next year.

That wasn’t the only place for evening fun though. On Friday and Saturday there were parties every where. I think Mark and I were so saturated by the whole experience, and not being hooked up with the party crowd, we did what most soldiers do and hung out at the barracks with some of the guys for a few laughs. After a hot shower. I hit the rack and only flipped to roast the other side.

Sunday. We slept in… until 0600. Then it was asses and elbows as everyone packed up to get out by 0700. That is when the US Army facilities manager at Ft. Indiantown Gap comes to throw you out. We finally met back up with our traveling companion Frank though we had not seen all weekend.

Back on the road, it was nice to get home in the early afternoon. It was a great trip and a great experience. This is my first time to a large WWII event in years. There will be a lot of good stories to tell from this one and I encourage the other members of Baker Company to register for next year. The leadership was fantastic Our Platoon Leader Mike Felmlee, and Squad Leader Mike Salay did a really bang up job. They made it look so easy and created a great experience for the GIs under them.

The only feedback I can give overall is very minor. I am not sure why the event is labeled as a reenactment of the Battle of the Bulge. The actual battle saw a lot of airborne infantry (especially the 101st) in the center of the action as we all know. I don’t think I saw more than a dozen guys from US Airborne units in the field. We fought along side Canadian paratroopers and many other units that weren’t even there. The Allied Commander was British. Those are just a few examples. Aesthetically, it might make more sense to dub this event Winter 1944 and make it a general campaign. Did it really affect the experience? No.


SUBMITTED:

Pvt. Christopher L. Smith
101st Airborne Division
502d PIR, Company B

Welcome to new troopers!

The 1st Allied Airborne Reenactors would like to welcome two new units to our family of silk jockeys and glider riders. Both are Dog Company, 505th of the 82nd Airborne.

D/505 commanded by Ryan Gray are basked in Tiffin, OH and also portray the 5th Rangers.

Aaron Christensen of Dartmouth, MA commands a stick of 16 troopers portraying D/505 Pathfinders.

Glad to have all of you on board. Let's hope we can work together at an even this year!