New photos of the Battle of the Bulge on the 67th anniversary

Breathtaking new photographs, including several vivid full-color images, offer a never-before-seen look at the war-weary soldiers in the Battle of the Bulge who fought through the frozen Ardennes Forest in a mountainous region of Belgium in the dead of winter.

They show soldiers on both sides battling the frigid weather as they fought each other during Nazi Germany's last-ditch effort to drive back Allied forces between December 1944 and January 1945.

The pictures were released by Life Magazine on the 67th anniversary of the start of the grueling battle.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2075565/Vivid-new-Battle-Bulge-photos-offer-seen-look-war-weary-soldiers-braving-frigid-weather-fight-Nazi-Germanys-major-offensive-World-War-II.html

Information on Camp Atterbury event

Thanks to Dave Weakley for the information.


LHRA Spring National Battle,2012
Battle for Normandy 1944

The LHRA invites you to our Western Front Tactical Battle to be held at Camp Atterbury, IN., April 13-15, 2012.

Our goal is to provide an authentic WWII Battle reenactment event with the scenarios being played out in a European-like maneuver area. This is an opportunity to test your abilities against your opponents' using field skills and maneuvering. This event will be a 46 hr., Tactical Battle . Participants will not be required to participate in the total immersion if they choose not to. You will be expected to carry into the field all the gear, ammo and rations/water you need for the entire scenario. There will be NO organized break for lunch during the battles. Each unit will be assigned objectives and will be required to work with fellow units to attain them. This will be a fluid tactical event with orders subject to change dependent upon your actions and those of the enemy. Our number one goal is for everyone to enjoy themselves.

DIRECTIONS:
From I-65 South, I-74 East, or I-70 East towards Indianapolis: Take I-465 to the south to I-74. Merge onto I-65 S Exit 53B toward Louisville. Take Exit 90 on IN-44 towards Franklin. Turn Left onto North Forsyth St/IN-44 heading south, then take a right on East Jefferson St/IN-44 heading West. Next take a Left onto South Morton St/US-31 South. Turn right onto East County Road 800 S/Hospital Road for about 3.5 to 4 miles then take a Left onto South County Road 200 E. You arrived at Gate 16 Camp Atterbury, IN.

From I-69 South, I-70 West, or I-74 West towards Indianapolis: Take I-465 to the south to I-74. Merge onto I-65 S Exit 53B toward Louisville. Take Exit 90 on IN-44 towards Franklin. Turn Left onto North Forsyth St/IN-44 heading south, then take a right on East Jefferson St/IN-44 heading West. Next take a Left onto South Morton St/US-31 South. Turn right onto East County Road 800 S/Hospital Road for about 3.5 to 4 miles then take a Left onto South County Road 200 E. You arrived at Gate 16 Camp Atterbury, IN.

Meals: No meal plan is being offered. You may bring your own provisions or eat at one of the many restaurants in the area.
Arrival: You may arrive after 1300 hours, Friday Apr.13th, 2012.
Authenticity & Safety: LHRA rules will be strictly enforced. Please read the LHRA website for details. If you need a written copy, one will be provided for you. ALL participants will be required to sign a copy of these rules before the event. SITE: http://tsginc.proboards98.com
Barracks: NO drinking of Alcohol, Illegal use of drugs, cooking or smoking is allowed in the barracks.

Bunks are provided. Please bring your own bedding/sleeping bags.
All participants staying in the barracks are responsible for cleaning them at end of event!

Units and or participants that do not clean there barracks will not be allowed to return to future events on this site!

Conduct: All unit commanders/representatives will be held responsible for their own unit/people.

Inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated. The US Army MPs will enforce our rules and the rules of the Military post.
Parking: POV's must be moved to designated areas as soon as unloaded.


Tentative Schedule of Events

Friday, Apr 13th, 2012
1300: Registration for the event opens
1330: Barracks Opens
1600: Total Immersion for the event begins "S+A then German elements move to field"
1800: Unit Commanders, umpires & vehicle owners meeting
2300: Registration for the event closes
Saturday, Apr 14th, 2012
0100: Total Immersion for the event begins "S+A then Allied Airborne elements move to field"
0600: Registration for the event opens
0800: Registration for the event closes (If coming after this time, please contact an LHRA staff member)
0815: Unit Commanders & umpires morning meeting
0830: Safety & Authenticity inspection of ALL troops and vehicles
0900: Main forces deploy to the field
Sunday, Apr 15th, 2012
0600: Reveille
1200: End of Hostilities (time may vary)
1230: Barracks inspected for cleanliness
1300: All reenactors must leave the post by this time

NOTE: It is not required to participate in the total Immersion part of the event.

Waste/Litter: Police all training areas for litter during and after all field-training activities. Do not burn or bury any litter or waste. Trash bags will be available.

Questions? If you have any questions, please contact a member of the LHRA staff.

Keep Informed of updates on the event website at:
http://cpatterburyww2ne.webs.com/
Also at: http://tsginc.proboards98.com

LHRA National Battle April 13,14,15 2012

Name: __________________________________________________________
Address:__________________________________________________________
Email:__________________________________________________________
HOME PHONE:__________________________________________CELL PHONE:________________________________
UNIT:__________________________________________________________
ORGANIZATION:__________________________________________________________
Emergency contact person and phone number:__________________________________________________________

For vehicle owners only:
Type of vehicle:__________________________________________________________
Allied:_______Axis:_________
Vehicle insurance information:
Type and State of insurance(required):__________________________________________________________
Phone number contact for insurance company:__________________________________________________________
Drivers License number and state of issue:__________________________________________________________

Vehicle Use/Movement: Obey posted speed limits. Travel on the installation beyond the cantonment area is strictly controlled. Drivers of tracked vehicles MUST stay off paved roads. Vehicle owners will be responsible for ANY damage above normal use to the area. If your not sure, please ask an LHRA staff member for instructions. When off-road maneuvers are necessary, make sure that vehicle damage to vegetation is kept to a minimum. Ground guides will be required for large vehicles and tracked vehicles off road. Stay out of wetlands. Avoid making U-turns, pivot or neutral steer turns with tracked vehicles unless absolutely necessary. Careless driving will be grounds for removal of the vehicle from the event.

For Full Automatic weapon owners only:
Type of weapon:__________________________________________________________
State of registration of weapon:__________________________________________________________
NOTE: All Class 3 owners must file the appropriate forms with the BATF. The address for the event is:
Camp Atterbury Maneuver Training Center, Edinburgh, IN 46124.

Semi-Automatic weapons owners: Any modified weapon that is Semi-automatic must comply with all Federal regulations for said weapon. This applies to Full Auto weapons converted to fire Semi-Automatic only.

Please Check Selection That applies to you

Plan A: $30.00 Battle fee and includes staying in the Barracks.
Barracks: ALLIED:_____AXIS:_____WOMEN'S:_____
Plan B:_________ $25.00 Battle fee (staying off post/arriving day of event).
Plan C: ________ ______STAFF_____UMPIRE All fees are waived for members in this category.
MUST BE STAFF/UMPIRES FOR THE ENTIRE EVENT!
Plan D:__________ Vendor/Vendor Helper. Vendors who wish to participate in battle must pay battle fee.
Vendors. Vendors space for this event is free of charge.

$________ ___________________ TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED

I would like to Volunteer/help with the following:
___Troop Transport ___Check-in/administration ____Help inspect vehicles
___Help inspect reenactors ___Field Umpire ____MP/Provost Company
Make your check/money order payable to the LHRA. DO NOT SEND CASH!" Deadline is April 1st..2012
MAIL THIS FORM AND YOUR CHECK/MONEY ORDER TO:
LHRA, Spring National Event: 3818 15th.St.A, Moline IL.61265

WAIVER OF LIABILITY

I (print your name)________________________________ do hereby forever release from any and all liability the United States Government, Department of the Army, the State of Indiana, and the Living History Reenactors Association also known as, "LHRA" for any and all injuries to myself or any damage or loss to my property which may occur while I am involved in the activities or events held by the LHRA on the dates of April 13-14-15, 2012.

I hereby acknowledge that there may be certain dangers and risks which can be associated with a WWII Battle reenactment of any military maneuver or combat encounter such as the event indicated on the dates above and I hereby accept these dangers voluntarily, my participation being of my own free will. In signing this Waiver of liability, the undersigned person acknowledges that they have read and fully understood the rights waived herein and that a copy of this form has been offered to them. The above signed also agrees to follow the rules and regulations for the LHRA, posted on the forum website located at http://tsginc.proboards98.com. The above signed also states he or she has read the rules and regulations of the LHRA as well and agrees to abide by them at all times during the dates of the event. If a copy of these rules and regulations are required, the LHRA will provide a written copy for the above signed.

Name__________________________________________________________,Date:______________________
Address__________________________________________________________
Signed__________________________________________________________,Date:______________________

If participant is a minor, Parent/Guardian must sign below
Parent/Guardian
Name_____________________________________________
Signed____________________________________________
Date______________________________________________

Authorization of Emergency Medical Care

I (print name)________________________________ do hereby authorize the Living History reenactors Association also known as the "LHRA" or any of their agents to authorize emergency medical treatment on my behalf in the event that I should suffer any injury or any medical distress while participating in this event for the dates April 13-14-15, 2011. It is understood that this is not a transfer of liability or responsibility to the LHRA or any of their agents arising from said treatment, but is intended to authorize medical care on my behalf in the event that I am unable to provide for myself.

In signing this authorization below of medical care, I hereby acknowledge that I have read the above statement and that a copy of this form has been offered to me if so asked for.

Name__________________________________________________________
Date Signed______________
Signed__________________________________________________________
Person to Notify in case of an Emergency
Name_________________________________________________
Phone number__________________________________________

Please note any medical conditions below above normal
__________________________________________________________

If participant is a minor, Parent/Guardian must sign below
Parent/Guardian
Name_____________________________________________
Signed____________________________________________
Date______________________________________________

Digging in for the Winters Leadership Project

Cambridge, Minnesota resident Scott Schmitt is digging in for the World War II Foundation.

Beginning on December 16th (the 67th anniversary of the start of the Battle of the Bulge), Schmitt will be digging a foxhole in his backyard and living in that foxhole as long as he possibly can, braving the cold of Minnesota nights in honor of all those American 101st Airborne paratroopers who braved the misery of nights spent outside of Bastogne.

Schmitt will be eating army rations and living the existence of a paratrooper as long as he can physically hold out. He will also be wearing authentic 101st Airborne clothing.

Scott will be going about his normal life during the day and move into his foxhole at 11pm and remain there until 6am.

Why is he doing this? To benefit the WWII Foundation and its mission of telling the stories of the veterans of World War II and educating a new generation. He also wants to bring attention to our Richard Winters Leadership project, which includes a leadership statue in Normandy, France and a documentary film on Major Winters direction of men in combat in WWII.

For information on the Winter Leadership Project, visit http://wwiifoundation.org/current-projects/richard-winters-leadership-project/

Membership Challege for Military Vehicle Preservation

Hello troopers,

We are being called to service to help preserve and educate once again. This time we don't have to sit in a foxhole and shoot blanks at other reenactors. However, this call to duty is equally as fun!

In 2002, the membership of the Military Vehicle Preservation Association (MVPA) peaked at 10,360 members. Since then, the membership has declined to around 8,000. The reasons are varied, and many collector groups are faced with the same dilemma.

My family and I have been a member of the MVPA since the late 1970s. We have had many enjoyable experiences as part of a large international organization of like minded hobbyists dedicated to the preservation of historic military vehicles.

You don't have to own or be involved in a military vehicle restoration. Many members enjoy the exclusive award winning publications which are filled with articles and photographs dedicated to our mobile military history. When you join, you receive four big issues of ARMY MOTORS, and six big issues of SUPPLY LINE. Plus, pre-registration and first entry to the MVPA's annual international convention, a voice in Washington DC on legislation that may impact the military collecting hobbies, and access to the "members only" sections of the MVPA website which includes a searchable directory of members and their collections.

I am calling on members of our reenacting hobby to consider joining the MVPA. You can sign up online by going to: https://netforum.avectra.com/eweb/shopping/shopping.aspx?site=mvpa&cart=0&shopsearchCat=Membership

This link takes you directly to the membership sign up page at the MVPA web store. MAKE SURE to enter Chris Smith or WWII reenactors in the box marked "Referred By" so we get credit for supporting the organization.

Thanks for your consideration and I will personally be grateful for your support.

Chris "Bulldog" Smith
1st Allied Airborne Reenactors

Half of German City to be Evacuated as Massive WWII Bomb Defused

Bomb experts in the German city of Koblenz are working out how to defuse a massive World War II-era bomb that surfaced in the Rhine River due to low water levels.

Almost half of all the residents in the western city -- about 45,000 residents -- will be evacuated from their homes while the bomb is made safe Sunday, Der Spiegel reported.

Two hospitals, seven retirement homes and a local jail will also be emptied.

The bomb measures 10 feet long and weighs 1.8 tons.

Unexploded bombs from World War II often turn up in German cities, forcing authorities to evacuate areas while the bombs are defused or destroyed. But they rarely involve such a large number of local people having to leave their homes.

German authorities said further bomb discoveries along the riverbed were likely due to the unexpectedly low water levels caused by an unseasonably dry November.

NewsCore

Say thanks to a Vet

On behalf of the 1st Allied Airborne Reenactors, we want to remind everyone to take a moment to stop and thank someone you know who has served, or serves, in uniform today. We owe them a debt that can never truly be repaid.

Annual Baker Company Meeting in November

The annual Baker Company and 1st Allied Airborne planning meeting will be held on 12 NOV 2011 from 1000 to 1200 hrs. The unit will be discussing events for 2012 and other operational plans. Uniform of the Day will be M42s or wool shirt and trousers (your choice).

The location will be the briefing room at the MAPS Air Museum at 2260 International Parkway, North Canton, Ohio.

Beer will be consumed after the meeting at the 356th Fighter Group.

C-47 Display Photos

Thanks to all who came out to the MAPS Air Museum for the C-47 display. Check out some of the photos from the event: http://www.flickr.com/photos/65113657@N05/show/

C-47 Christening and Display

9-10 JUL 2011 - 0900 to 1700 hrs each day

The Military Air Preservation Association (MAPS) will be christening their restored (non-flying) C-47 Douglas Skytrain. Members of 1st Allied Airborne WWII Reenactors will be on hand for photo ops and to talk about Airborne operations. There will also be military displays provided by the Marlboro Volunteers.

This event is open to the public and the MAPS museum is available for tours with a small admission fee. Visit their website for more information: http://mapsairmuseum.org/

Five-O-Duce T-Shirt

Over the weekend, there was some discussion about the 502nd PIR Widow Makers t-shirt we designed last year and sell through Cafe Press. This is the shirt seen in the Mark Bando book on the 101st being worn by a trooper during training under his M42 jacket.

You can order this shirt on-line at www.cafepress.com/tinywarriors/6565981

Photos from Dennison

Thanks to everyone who turned out to the event at Dennison Depot this past weekend. Absolutely top-notch stuff! Perfect weather and hot fighting.

We also want to welcome Victor Cabrera who just relocated back to Ohio from California where he served in Fox Company, 506th. Victor is a hard-charger so he fits right it.

Check out some of the photos from Andy Donaldson HERE and watch for Bill Krause's pics going up on our Flickr Group (http://www.flickr.com/groups/alliedairborne).

Dennison Warning Order No. 2

All U.S. Forces Commanders -

Like I said, there will be more warning orders. Some additional information:

While in the foxholes during the day, troops should be cleaning weapons, writing letters, reading (Yank, Stars & Stripes, etc.), and for the 101st - laundry/sewing. I will be bringing up the baseball stuff, but that will be for the cantonment area, as I'm sure the Germans will not let us have our recreation time. There will be a roadblock to keep the public from entering on our end of the field, and it also be the entry point for the 83rd when they come onto the field. It will be manned by MP's throughout the day, which will be troops selected from all the commands. I have 2 MP helmets to use, but only one armband. If anyone else has one they can bring, please let me know. If not I will try and pick one up prior to the event. Finally, for US food available - Spam; Van Camps Pork & Beans; 8 oz. Coca-Cola; Hershey Bars & Kisses; Baby Ruth candy; Milky Way candy; Life Savers; Hires Root Beer; of course K and C rations; and if you want beer, Schlitz, Pabst Blue Ribbon, Miller High Life were national then. If you can find Ballantine Ale, that was available too, especially for New Yorkers. But again, as with the wine and hard cider - this is a field commander's decision, so check with Mike Felmlee.


Bo Johnstone
LTC, Cavalry

Dennsion Warning Order No. 1

To All U.S. Unit Commanders -

I will try to be brief with this, but there is quite a bit of information to relay to you. I am sending this out as Order No. 1 so that you and your personnel will have enough time to make any adjustments or acquisitions necessary. This is primarily for the units in combat, so please don't be offended if I leave you out.

I. Scenario

The scenario is this: It is June 24, 1944. The 101st AB has been holding the line south of Carentan so that VII Corps can focus on capturing Cherbourg. The 101st has the 1st Bn, 66th Armor Regt, 2nd AD attached. The paratroopers are about to be relieved on the line by the 83rd Infantry Division. The armor boys will then be attached to the 83rd. The 83rd is new to the continent, and have not been in combat yet. They will come out to the battlefield from town and move into the 101st fighting positions.

II. Unit Assignments

Co. F, 329th Regt, 83rd will be playing themselves, as will the 83rd I and R platoon. The 88th will be a detachment from the 83rd Signal Co. The 90th will be a detachment from Co. F, 329th weapons platoon. 100th will be part of Co. F, 329th. 101st Airborne will play themselves. 106th Cavalry will represent HQ and Recon Platoon, 1st Bn, 66th Armor Regt, 2nd Armor Div.

III. Uniforms

A. 101st Airborne - has been fighting since 6 June, or 18 days. Dirty uniforms, unshaven (within reason), messy foxholes ok. (Ed Note - Uniforms for the 101st are to be M42s and configured for D-Day. This means helmet nets and scrim, shoulder padding on gear if you have it, jump boots. No head cover other than helmets while on the battlefield. BASIC gear that you would have brought in on a jump).

B. Recon Plt, 66th Armor - has been fighting since 12 June. Same as 101st.

C. 83rd ID - This will be all remaining troops as assigned. Wools preferred, if HBT's, need to be worn over wools. Helmets and jeep caps only while on the battlefield. NO helmet nets, because of newness to front. NO campaign hats, overseas caps or HBT ball caps in the battlefield area - you are on the front line. Service shoes or roughouts with leggings. NO double buckle boots! Need to have D-Day type appearance. Everyone else should have a general infantry impression, check with LT Felmlee if you need any info. M1941 or M1943 field jackets, no tankers (which depending on the weather you may not need anyway). Bring ONLY period personal items for use in battlefield area. No M1911's except for weapons crews, drivers. Do not bring any pyro, smoke, grenades, etc., it will be provided at the event. Rifle grenades ok if approved prior to event. Make sure you have a mess kit, and period water vessel (other than canteen) are ok. Remember though - the 83rd hasn't been in France that long, so they haven't yet picked up all the junk GI's used to make life a little more comfortable. Keep non-period items like medicine, sunscreen, etc. out of sight. We do have an encampment area to set up shelters where you can keep these items during the day. Troops will be rotated in and out of the foxholes during the day to make life a little more bearable. I recommend a shelter half for sun cover on each foxhole too.

IV. Ammo

Bring plenty of ammo, or bring money to purchase. Robb will be there from Atlantic Wall.

V. Food

There will not be a mess line this year as in the past since we are trying some new things. If it is really wanted, we will look at bringing it back next year. Because of this, make sure you have period rations for in the field. K or C rations, or D bars ok. The type of local food items available in Normandy were:

melons (cantaloupes for you with dirty minds)
bread
milk & butter
duck or pork (if you want to cook!)
carrots & leeks
apples (like Gala type)
pears (Bosc ok)
cider (regular and hard)
camembert or neufchatel cheese
[wine - a white Vouvray is appropriate, or red Fillatreau - please remember though that this is a family event, so you may only want to use the bottles to hold water. The field CO will have final say over whether this item will be allowed in the field]

Bring money for food in town too, as Saturday morning the new troops will be cleaning up and can eat there prior to field events. I will check with the Museum and see if there is a restaurant that can hold a large number at one time.

Be advised that there will be follow up orders, including final uniform orders. This HQ will be monitoring weather forecast, and appropriate uniform to wear in town will be designated (this means possibly khakis if it is really hot).

If you have specific questions, make sure you contact either myself or LT Felmlee.

Bruce "Bo" Johnstone
LTC, Cavalry

Roll Call for Dennison

This year's WWII reenactment in Dennison, OH is almost upon us (24-26 JUN). As some of you know, the scenario this year will be the relief of the 101st in Carentan by the 83rd Infantry Division.

At this time, I need a head count of 101st who are attending ASAP as I need to turn in our roster.

Please email me at chris@ddayquartermaster.com For more information on the Dennison event, go to http://www.dennisondepot.org/

Alaska MV Convoy Recon Team Rolls

Only a year and a few months from now, members of The Military Vehicle Preservation Association (MVPA) will roll down the famous Alaska Highway in a convoy of restored historic military vehicles. The 3,500 mile trip will celebrate the 70th anniversary of the building of the ALCAN Highway.

Currently, the AC12 Route Recon Team is driving the course. They will be checking on road conditions, meet with contacts at towns and stopping points and confirming fuel availability, camping and lodging commitments.

Facebook members can CLICK HERE to follow the Recon Team. You can view their daily postings, including photos and video.

Members of the 1st Allied Airborne Reenactors will be attending the National MVPA Convention in Dayton, Ohio, August 5-6, 2011.

Ed Bearss to Speak at Dennison Event

Soldiers Fest 2011 at the Dennison Depot will be hosting Ed Bearss as a speaker. A former Chief Historian for the National Park Service, and winner of the Harry S. Truman Award and the Nevins Freeman Award for Civil War scholarship. He supervised the raising of the Ironclad Cairo, now on display at Vicksburg National Military Park. He has written over a dozen books, numerous articles, and is the editor of Gettysburg Magazine. Mr. Bearss is a combat veteran of the Pacific Theater during the Second World War. Ed will be speaking at three different times on the Civil War and on his own experiences in WWII. Come to the Soldiers Fest June 24, 25, 26 to hear him and many other great speakers! http://www.dennisondepot.org/

Training Day Video

On the 12 March, Baker Company held a training exercise focusing on patrolling and enveloping a target. Bill "Smokie" Krause shot some footage and edited together a real nice video that makes wet feet and slick mud look so dang dramatic. Enjoy

WWII Reenacting Organization T-Shirts

Bulldog here. I have expanded a section of the WWII T-Shirt Shop to include more organizational Ts. If you don't see your group here, let me know and we can design a shirt for your members.

Click here to check it out.

War Enthusiast Recreates D-Day Experience

CLICK HERE to watch the video

COLUMBIA - John Brueck is more than your average World War II enthusiast. He created his company, Normandy Drop Zone Tours, to offer others the chance for a re-created tour of the Invasion of Normandy.

Bruecks passion for war history began as a child, looking through items in an army surplus store.

"What's the story that this helmet tells, this uniform tells, and who wore it? What happened to them, what did they experience?" asked Brueck about the items.

As an adult, he began his own World War II collection, bringing relics back to Columbia from multiple trips to France. He houses his collection in his basement "War Room." Everything in the room is either authentic or an identical replication. Some he found, and others were gifts.

Brueck realized others shared his passion for war history, and the idea for Normandy Drop Zone Tours was born.

"We give them the opportunity to immerse themselves into exactly what it was like for the D-Day drops on June 6, 1944," he said.

Tour participants become the paratroopers of the 82nd and 101st American Airborne Operations. Brueck offers a simulated night drop operation in Normandy, fully equipped with the right uniforms, the right vehicles, and the right weapons. Soldiers must reach their objective and avoid the "Germans."

"This is not your third grade air-conditioned bus trip to the zoo," he said.

Brueck explains the trip isn't easy.

"The element of fear is there. Trust. you don't know where you are. You think you know where you are -- you aren't with the people you were with earlier. There's a sense of helplessness."

Brueck created Normandy Drop Zone Tours as a way to honor and respect the men and women who sacrificed their lives.

"It's about respect. It's to try and put yourself into the shoes and experience just one-one-millionth of what these brave heroes that have given us freedom, experienced, every day, every moment from the time that they landed to the time that they ended up coming home," he said.

Brueck will be leading four tours this summer. For more information, visit http://normandydropzonetours.com/

Baker Company concludes successful training

Members of B/502 conducted their annual field training in Navarre, Ohio on 12 MAR 11 in preparation for the upcoming tactical at Ft. Indiantown Gap in Pennsylvania. Cpl Bob Penix led member of the squad on a series of exercises focused on patrol formations, attack and envelopment.



Members of Baker company will team with elements of the 83rd and 90th Infantry Divisions to encompass the Information and Recon Platoon at The Gap.

Training day in Zoarhoven

Baker Company will be holding a field training day in Zoar, OH on 12 March 2011 at 1000 hrs to work on patrol formations and hand signals primarily. If time permits we will go over manual of arms and close order drill.

Uniform of the day will be M43s if you have it or M42. Web gear and weapon if you have them. Dress for the weather as needed as we will be outside most of the time.

We will meet at Pvt Mark Gaynor's house and march to the shelter at the Arboretum for drill and instruction. If this date is not convenient for all or most that are attending FIG I suggest you read over the instruction manual that is available on our web site. We need to know patrol formations and hand signals to do our job at FIG.

Lets all try to make this drill and learn while having a little fun. For more information, contact Cpl Bob (Kirby) Penix, nubbin54@yahoo.com

Information on the 2011 MVPA Convention

The 36th Annual Military Vehicle Preservation Association Convention will be held on August 3-6, 2011 in Dayton, Ohio. Home of the United States Air Force Museum.

The largest MVPA Convention in the history of the organization was held in Dayton in 2006. This year promises to be even bigger!

For advanced information, visit http://www.mvpa.org/.

Immersion experience in Normandy

The new website for Normandy Drop Zone Tours has just launched. Founder John Brueck and his team have created a one-of-a-kind excursion as you experience the historic French countryside as paratroopers from the 101st and 82nd Airborne.

Check out the website and photos! http://www.normandydropzonetours.com/

Internet Radio Tribute to Dick Winters

This Wednesday (12th January) Black Sky Radio program will be a tribute to Major Dick Winters.

Easy company veterans Bill Guarnere, Babe Heffron, Buck Compton and Brad Freeman will be joining us, as well as Band Of Brothers cast members Captain Dale Dye, Ross McCall and Richard Speight Jr. Two-time Emmy Award winning producer and writer Tim Gray will also be joining us to pay tribute to Major Winters.

http://blackskyradio.com/
1.30pm PST - 3.30pm CST
4.30pm EST - 9.30pm GMT

The Men of Easy talk about Winters

"'Band of Brothers" inspiration dies at age 92

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Richard "Dick" Winters, the Easy Company commander whose World War II exploits were made famous by the book and television miniseries "Band of Brothers," died last week in central Pennsylvania. He was 92.

Winters died following a several-year battle with Parkinson's Disease, longtime family friend William Jackson said Monday.

An intensely private and humble man, Winters had asked that news of his death be withheld until after his funeral, Jackson said. Winters lived in Hershey, Pa., but died in suburban Palmyra.

The men Winters led expressed their admiration for their company commander after learning of his death.

William Guarnere, 88, said what he remembers about Winters was "great leadership."

"When he said 'Let's go,' he was right in the front," Guarnere, who was called "Wild Bill" by his comrades, said Sunday night from his South Philadelphia home. "He was never in the back. A leader personified."

Another member of the unit living in Philadelphia, Edward Heffron, 87, said thinking about Winters brought a tear to his eye.

"He was one hell of a guy, one of the greatest soldiers I was ever under," said Heffron, who had the nickname "Babe" in the company. "He was a wonderful officer, a wonderful leader. He had what you needed, guts and brains. He took care of his men, that's very important."

Winters was born Jan. 21, 1918 and studied economics at Franklin & Marshall College before enlisting, according to a biography on the Penn State website.

Winters became the leader of Company E, 506th Regiment, 101st Airborne Division on D-Day, after the death of the company commander during the invasion of Normandy.

During that invasion, Winters led 13 of his men in destroying an enemy battery and obtained a detailed map of German defenses along Utah Beach. In September 1944, he led 20 men in a successful attack on a German force of 200 soldiers. Occupying the Bastogne area of Belgium at the time of the Battle of the Bulge, he and his men held their place until the Third Army broke through enemy lines, and Winters shortly afterward was promoted to major.

After returning home, Winters married his wife, Ethel, in May 1948, and trained infantry and Army Ranger units at Fort Dix during the Korean War. He started a company selling livestock feed to farmers, and he and his family eventually settled in a farmhouse in Hershey, Pa., where he retired.

Historian Stephen Ambrose interviewed Winters for the 1992 book "Band of Brothers," upon which the HBO miniseries that started airing in September 2001 was based. Winters himself published a memoir in 2006 entitled "Beyond Band of Brothers."

Two years ago, an exhibit devoted to Winters was dedicated at the Hershey-Derry Township Historical Society. Winters, in frail health in later years, has also been the subject of a campaign to raise money to erect a monument in his honor near the beaches of Normandy.

Winters talked about his view of leadership for an August 2004 article in American History Magazine:

"If you can," he wrote, "find that peace within yourself, that peace and quiet and confidence that you can pass on to others, so that they know that you are honest and you are fair and will help them, no matter what, when the chips are down."

When people asked whether he was a hero, he echoed the words of his World War II buddy, Mike Ranney: "No, but I served in a company of heroes."

"He was a good man, a very good man," Guarnere said. "I would follow him to hell and back. So would the men from E Company."

Arrangements for a public memorial service are pending.

"Band of Brothers" leader Major Dick Winters passes

This information was just released today from the editor of Dick Winters website. Our prayers are with the Winters family.

I regret to inform you that Major Winters passed away earlier this week after a long illness.

Please do not contact the Winters family and respect their privacy.

Mrs. Winters will release the news to the public shortly.

Band of Brothers AFC Divisional Playoff Raffle - Patriots vs TBD

Win 2 Premium Tickets to the AFC Playoffs (Patriots vs. TBD) plus 2 pregame Field Passes, Hotel & Travel, and more.

With the success of HBO's "Band of Brothers", then Lt. Richard Winters became the face of the young officer corps that hit the beaches of Normandy on D Day. Similarly, and also as a result of the HBO Series, the men of Easy Company became the faces of the thousands of American enlisted men who hit the beaches that same day. With the now 92 year old Major Winters (Retired) in failing health, the remaining men of Easy Company, who themselves are not much younger than Major Winters, wish to honor him, and the many officers and enlisted men who fought along side them, but who did not receive the same recognition that Easy Company did. The goal of the Richard Winters Leadership Project is to erect a statue of Lt. Winters in Normandy that will honor all of the officers that lead the troops on D Day, with a list of all of the Military Divisions that partcipated in the battle inscribed in the base of the statue to honor all the men who served America on D Day. The people of France have generously donated the land for the statue and are paying for many of the costs associated with construction. Easy Company just needs to raise the funds for the statue itself. If you would like to join the men of Easy Company in honoring Major Winters and the many officers and enlisted men who fought on D Day, please enter the raffle and in turn you could be enjoying a great AFC Playoff Series Experience.



Entry Deadline: 11:00 AM EST Thursday, January 13, 2011
Drawing Date: Thursday, January 13, 2011

Grand Prize:

Winner and guest will enjoy 2 tickets to the AFC Divisional Playoff Game at Gillette Stadium where the N.E. Patriots will take on the (TBD); (January 16, 2011, Kickoff at 4:30 PM)

Winner and guest will enjoy 2 pregame field passes to game (Valid only for pregame access to the above referenced game)

Winner will receive 1 night hotel accomodations at the Renaissance Providence Downtown Hotel (January 16, 2011, single room, double occupancy)

Winner will receive 2 round trip coach ticket vouchers on Southwest Airlines (Valid for one year from date of issue)

Winner will receive a $250 allowance for ground transportation and other expenses

Winner will receive a football autographed by NFL Hall of Fame Guard and Patriots Legend John Hannah

Winner will receive an autographed photo from Patriots running back Kevin Faulk

Winner will receive a Band of Brothers baseball bat autographed by legendary Easy Company veterans Wild Bill Guarnere and Babe Heffron

Winner will receive a cash prize in the amount of $605.00 to mitigate the Winner's tax liability that results from winning the raffle. This prize is withheld and paid, on behalf of the Winner, directly to the IRS ($600.00) and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts ($105)
 
CLICK HERE to order raffle tickets for just $2.00 each (minimum order, 5 tickets)

For more information, go to http://www.celebritiesforcharity.org/raffle/Band-of-Brothers-AFC-Divisional-Playoff/

NORDWIND Registration and Waiver Forms

The registration form and waiver for this year's NORDWIND event being held March 24-27 at Ft. Indiantown Gap PA are now available. B/502 has committed to this event. We will be registering as "I&R PLT". Please use that as your unit designation on the form.

The registration this year is $50.00 and it must be postmarked by FEBRUARY 21st - NO EXCEPTIONS! There is a cap on attendance for this event and anyone attempting to register late will be turned away.

Please email chris@ddayquartermaster.com to request a copy of the forms and if you have any questions.

More information to follow regarding barracks assignments, scenarios and etc.

Geraldine Doyle, an Iconic Face of World War II, Dies at 86

NY Times:

Geraldine Hoff Doyle, who was believed to be the unwitting model for the “We Can Do It!” poster of a woman flexing her biceps in a factory during World War II — an image that later became a symbol for the American feminist movement — died on Sunday in Lansing, Mich. She was 86.

The cause was complications of arthritis, said her daughter Stephanie Gregg.

Mrs. Doyle was unaware of the poster’s existence until 1982, when, while thumbing through a magazine, she saw a photograph of it and recognized herself. Her daughter said that the face on the poster was her mother’s, but that the muscles were not.

“She didn’t have big, muscular arms,” Mrs. Gregg said. “She was 5-foot-10 and very slender. She was a glamour girl. The arched eyebrows, the beautiful lips, the shape of the face — that’s her.”

In 1942, when she was 17, Geraldine Hoff took a job as a metal presser at a factory near her home in Inkster, Mich., near Detroit, to aid the war effort, Mrs. Gregg said. One day, a United Press photographer came in to shoot images of working women.

The resulting poster, designed by the graphic artist J.Howard Miller, was used in a Westinghouse Company campaign to deter strikes and absenteeism. It was not widely seen until the early 1980s, when it was embraced by feminists.

She quit the factory job after about two weeks because she learned that another woman had damaged her hands while using the metal presser, and she feared that such an injury would prevent her from playing the cello, her daughter said.

At one of her next jobs, at a soda fountain, she met her husband, Leo H. Doyle, a dental student. They had been married for 66 years when he died this year.

In addition to Mrs. Gregg, she is survived by four other children, 18 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren.