A new memorial will be dedicated in honor of Lt. Gunther D Company 506th PIR in his hometown of Malden, Massachusetts this coming June 6, 2010. It is in a beautiful spot, overlooking the water, visited by many residents, and in the neighborhood where he grew up.
Lt. Gunther jumped into Normandy in stick 61, landed in a tree in the churchyard of St. Mere de Eglise, and was killed by German machine gun fire. Lt. Gunther is buried at The American Cemetery @ Colleville sur Mer in Normandy.
Showing posts with label History. Show all posts
Showing posts with label History. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Currahee Passing
It is with great sadness that I inform all of you of the recent passing of former 506th Airborne Infantry Regiment Association President Brise Bickerton on January 30, 2010 while hospitalized near his home in PA.
To his wife Marjorie and his entire family the entire 506th Airborne Infantry Regiment Association officers, board of directors and membership send our sincere condolences.
Brise’s dedication to his family and to his fellow veterans and active duty soldiers was a model for all of us to emulate. His caring was something to be respected and he will be sorely missed. A “Currahee” was called to take charge and we know that his spirit will continue to get the job done. Brise, thank you for entering so many lives!
Respectfully,
Donald E. Thies
2008/2010 President 506th Association
To his wife Marjorie and his entire family the entire 506th Airborne Infantry Regiment Association officers, board of directors and membership send our sincere condolences.
Brise’s dedication to his family and to his fellow veterans and active duty soldiers was a model for all of us to emulate. His caring was something to be respected and he will be sorely missed. A “Currahee” was called to take charge and we know that his spirit will continue to get the job done. Brise, thank you for entering so many lives!
Respectfully,
Donald E. Thies
2008/2010 President 506th Association
Monday, November 16, 2009
Black Receives Awards 40 years Late
Here's a good story about the Currahee spirit, 40 years later. Currahee Roger Black earned a few awards back in June 1970 while serving with the 506th Infantry. He finally received them on November 13, 2009 courtesy of U.S. Rep. Chet Edwards and then Sgt. Gib Rossetter.
Read Long Time Coming in the Cleburne Times-Review.
Read Long Time Coming in the Cleburne Times-Review.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Return to Vietnam, Revives Memories
The September issue of V.F.W. Magazine has a story titled "Return to Vietnam, Revives Memories." The story tells the story of a group of Vietnam Veterans who returned to places like Phu Bai. Yes gentlemen, Phu Bai is alright! One of the veterans returning to Vietnam was Robert Greene, VFW Assistant Quartermaster General. But his claim to fame is he served with B Company, 3rd Bn., 506th Infantry, 101st Airborne Division. Make sure you take a look at the article.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Welcome Home Vietnam Vets
This past Sunday Ft. Campbell welcomed home Vietnam Veterans from all services. Former Currahee, Major Patick Seiber said he hoped other units and posts would follow the lead of the 101st Airborne and have similar events.
Read about the event in the Army Times Fort Campbell welcomes home Vietnam vets With video from:
CBS News 5 in Nashville Veterans Receive Overdue Recognition
FOX 7 in Evansville Veterans Receive Overdue Recognition
Read about the event in the Army Times Fort Campbell welcomes home Vietnam vets With video from:
CBS News 5 in Nashville Veterans Receive Overdue Recognition
FOX 7 in Evansville Veterans Receive Overdue Recognition
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Original 506er Dies
Darrell "Shifty" Powers, E Co, 506th PIR WWII, died Wednesday June 17, 2009. Read news story from The Roanoke Times.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
D-Day ceremonies to honor 65th anniversary
Army Times Staff report Posted : Wednesday Jun 3, 2009 16:58:23 EDT
Ceremonies commemorating the 65th anniversary of D-Day, the Allied invasion of occupied France during World War II, will kick off in Normandy tomorrow.
Task Force 65, a group of about 800 U.S. soldiers, sailors and airmen from 20 Europe- and stateside-based commands, will participate in ceremonies throughout the Normandy coastal region of France, including events at Mont Saint Michel on Thursday, Utah Beach on Friday, Point du Hoc and Omaha Beach on Saturday — June 6, the actual anniversary of D—Day — and St. Mere Eglise on Sunday.
U.S. Army units participating in the ceremony include elements of the 18th Military Police Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) and the 82d Airborne Division.
A French-sponsored airborne operation involving the French Army and paratroopers of the 101st and 82d, will be held June 9 at Amfreville, an actual drop-zone site used by Allied forces on D-Day.
Ceremonies commemorating the 65th anniversary of D-Day, the Allied invasion of occupied France during World War II, will kick off in Normandy tomorrow.
Task Force 65, a group of about 800 U.S. soldiers, sailors and airmen from 20 Europe- and stateside-based commands, will participate in ceremonies throughout the Normandy coastal region of France, including events at Mont Saint Michel on Thursday, Utah Beach on Friday, Point du Hoc and Omaha Beach on Saturday — June 6, the actual anniversary of D—Day — and St. Mere Eglise on Sunday.
U.S. Army units participating in the ceremony include elements of the 18th Military Police Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) and the 82d Airborne Division.
A French-sponsored airborne operation involving the French Army and paratroopers of the 101st and 82d, will be held June 9 at Amfreville, an actual drop-zone site used by Allied forces on D-Day.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Currahee Rendezvous 2009
Currahee Rendezvous 2009 is over. COL Pete Johnson and the entire brigade welcomed Currahee veterans home to Ft. Campbell May 28-30, 2009. Highlights of the week included attending the Awards Ceremony where 4 Currahees received Silver Stars for Valor in Afghanistan, Tours of training facilities, a family Bar-B-Que with family activities, induction of Currahees as Distinguished Members of the Regiment and the Currahee Ball held at Opryland. If you weren't there, you missed a fantastic week. I reconnected with friends from long ago and met new friends much younger. I look forward to the next reunion and helping the current Currahees with their projects and adjusting to being home again. Currahee!
Thursday, May 7, 2009
A Soldier's Miracle
Read and view the story of Currahee Brian Brennan that is making the rounds today. LT. Brennan was awarded the New Jersey Hall of Fame Unsung Hero Award. See the story on CBS Evening News: One Word From A General Seems To Bring Wounded Soldier Back To Life May 7, 2009 | by David Martin
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Ky. bridge to be named for fallen 101st soldier
A bridge in northeastern Kentucky will be named in honor of a fallen soldier. Spc. Jeremy R. Gullett was assigned to the 4th Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division Air Assault based at Fort Campbell.
Gov. Steve Beshear recently signed a joint resolution from the General Assembly to designate a bridge that carries Kentucky Highway 2 traffic across the Little Sandy River as the Spc. Jeremy R. Gullett Memorial Bridge. Gullett was killed in Afghanistan when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle during combat operations on May 7, 2008.
Signs indicate the memorial will be put up June 4, which would have been Gullett’s 24th birthday. “The Commonwealth of Kentucky has the highest respect for Specialist Jeremy R. Gullett and is deeply grateful for the sacrifice he made for the freedom of all Americans and to ensure the freedom of the Afghan people,” the resolution read.
Read the whole story by The Associated Press
Gov. Steve Beshear recently signed a joint resolution from the General Assembly to designate a bridge that carries Kentucky Highway 2 traffic across the Little Sandy River as the Spc. Jeremy R. Gullett Memorial Bridge. Gullett was killed in Afghanistan when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle during combat operations on May 7, 2008.
Signs indicate the memorial will be put up June 4, which would have been Gullett’s 24th birthday. “The Commonwealth of Kentucky has the highest respect for Specialist Jeremy R. Gullett and is deeply grateful for the sacrifice he made for the freedom of all Americans and to ensure the freedom of the Afghan people,” the resolution read.
Read the whole story by The Associated Press
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Lt. James Drummond Erskine, 89, of HQ 1/506 PIR dies
A memorial service is scheduled Saturday April 4, 2009 for John Drummond Erskine of Cold Spring Harbor, a former member of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment.
In 1942, Erskine volunteered for the Army's first airborne unit, and completed jump and glider training at Fort Benning, Ga. He served as a trainer with the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, the subject of the History Channel documentary "Band of Brothers. "Erskine's wartime tales of running up and down mountains were no exaggeration. The 506th was based at Currahee Mountain, Ga., and the unit's obsession was physical fitness.As a young lieutenant, Erskine broke his hip during a maneuvers jump in Tennessee and was told he would never jump again. However, he recovered enough to join his unit in Europe, where he participated in some of the biggest battles of the war, including the Battle of the Bulge. He ended his service as a lieutenant colonel.
Erskin was a longtime character actor best known in recent years for cameo TV appearances that included a running gag on the David Letterman show. Erskine died March 21, a few weeks short of his 90th birthday. His acting career spanned more than 50 years, including the appearances on "Late Show With David Letterman" last year, where he pretended to be an aging Regis Philbin. "The idea of being on the planet and not living life to the fullest was unthinkable to him," said a niece, Marion Lee of Manhattan. "He used to run up and down mountains in the service. "James Drummond Erskine III, better known to his many nieces and nephews as "Uncle Drummy," was born in Manhattan in 1919. He enrolled in a series of private schools and the University of Virginia, before leaving to join the Army at the onset of World War II.
After the war, Erskine worked for the Firestone tire company in Liberia and the United States, while also pursuing an acting career. He appeared in more than 75 films, and also in TV and stage productions. His deeply chiseled features made him a natural for frequent performances as Abraham Lincoln, including once in a 1950s " Alcoa Hour" show. A favorite Erskine story was of his narrow loss of the lead in a play to a scene-stealing Charlton Heston. "He wouldn't just walk down the stairs - he'd leap," Erskine told a Newsday reporter.Erskine is survived by a sister, Alison Farrar of Lyme, N.H., and three generations of nieces and nephews. The 11 a.m. memorial service is scheduled at St. John's Episcopal Church, Cold Spring Harbor, to be followed by a reception.
Information from JOHN HILDEBRAND Newsday
In 1942, Erskine volunteered for the Army's first airborne unit, and completed jump and glider training at Fort Benning, Ga. He served as a trainer with the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, the subject of the History Channel documentary "Band of Brothers. "Erskine's wartime tales of running up and down mountains were no exaggeration. The 506th was based at Currahee Mountain, Ga., and the unit's obsession was physical fitness.As a young lieutenant, Erskine broke his hip during a maneuvers jump in Tennessee and was told he would never jump again. However, he recovered enough to join his unit in Europe, where he participated in some of the biggest battles of the war, including the Battle of the Bulge. He ended his service as a lieutenant colonel.
Erskin was a longtime character actor best known in recent years for cameo TV appearances that included a running gag on the David Letterman show. Erskine died March 21, a few weeks short of his 90th birthday. His acting career spanned more than 50 years, including the appearances on "Late Show With David Letterman" last year, where he pretended to be an aging Regis Philbin. "The idea of being on the planet and not living life to the fullest was unthinkable to him," said a niece, Marion Lee of Manhattan. "He used to run up and down mountains in the service. "James Drummond Erskine III, better known to his many nieces and nephews as "Uncle Drummy," was born in Manhattan in 1919. He enrolled in a series of private schools and the University of Virginia, before leaving to join the Army at the onset of World War II.
After the war, Erskine worked for the Firestone tire company in Liberia and the United States, while also pursuing an acting career. He appeared in more than 75 films, and also in TV and stage productions. His deeply chiseled features made him a natural for frequent performances as Abraham Lincoln, including once in a 1950s " Alcoa Hour" show. A favorite Erskine story was of his narrow loss of the lead in a play to a scene-stealing Charlton Heston. "He wouldn't just walk down the stairs - he'd leap," Erskine told a Newsday reporter.Erskine is survived by a sister, Alison Farrar of Lyme, N.H., and three generations of nieces and nephews. The 11 a.m. memorial service is scheduled at St. John's Episcopal Church, Cold Spring Harbor, to be followed by a reception.
Information from JOHN HILDEBRAND Newsday
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Currahees Head Home
The first 506th Infantry Regiment redeployment flight from Afghanistan landed in CONUS on 28 February, at about 0940 to a roaring celebration of Currahee family and friends. All returning troops will go undergo a seven day reintegration period and then be sent on leave. Soldiers from our Regiment will continue to redeploy throughout the month of March.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Young racer screams around track in honor of 101st
Jan 16, 2009 BY Nondice Powell -- Fort Campbell Courier
12-year-old Travis Benson poses for photographs after an Aug. 2, 2008 win at Houston MotorSports Park. Benson drives the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) themed Bandolero car in honor of his Grandfather Rondal Bensons. His grandfather served as a Screaming Eagle from 1958 to 1959. Photo by courtesy photo
A little camouflage car with the 101st Airborne Division patch screams around the track, leaving competitors fighting to keep up. Behind the wheel of this Bandolero car is 12-year-old Travis Benson.
Travis and his father Dale Benson decided to adorn his car in camouflage and with the Screaming Eagle to honor Ronald Benson, Travis' grandfather and Dale's dad, for his service. Ronald served as an infantry Soldier with the 101st from 1958 to 1959. He was drafted in 1957.
"I was a machine gunner with Company C 506 Battle Group," said Ronald. "I thought it was great."
Dale grew up listening to stories of his father's time with the 101st and watching John Wayne Army movies. He wanted to do something while his father is still alive to pay tribute and to thank someone he feels is a great man.
Read the whole story.
12-year-old Travis Benson poses for photographs after an Aug. 2, 2008 win at Houston MotorSports Park. Benson drives the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) themed Bandolero car in honor of his Grandfather Rondal Bensons. His grandfather served as a Screaming Eagle from 1958 to 1959. Photo by courtesy photo
A little camouflage car with the 101st Airborne Division patch screams around the track, leaving competitors fighting to keep up. Behind the wheel of this Bandolero car is 12-year-old Travis Benson.
Travis and his father Dale Benson decided to adorn his car in camouflage and with the Screaming Eagle to honor Ronald Benson, Travis' grandfather and Dale's dad, for his service. Ronald served as an infantry Soldier with the 101st from 1958 to 1959. He was drafted in 1957.
"I was a machine gunner with Company C 506 Battle Group," said Ronald. "I thought it was great."
Dale grew up listening to stories of his father's time with the 101st and watching John Wayne Army movies. He wanted to do something while his father is still alive to pay tribute and to thank someone he feels is a great man.
Read the whole story.
Ripcord Author Dies
Keith William Nolan died on February 19, 2009 of cancer, he was 44 years old. Keith Nolan is the author of the book "Ripcord, Screaming Eagles Under Seige, Vietnam 1970" an American military historian he focused on the various campaigns of the Vietnam War. He was born in Webster Groves, Missouri; his father was a junior college history instructor who was also a Marine veteran. Nolan obtained a history degree from Webster University.
Friday, February 13, 2009
First Tomb Badge recipient laid to rest
ARLINGTON, Va. (Army News Service, Feb. 11, 2009) -- The first recipient of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Guard Identification Badge was laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery Wednesday, a mere hundred yards south of the tomb he guarded in life.
Retired Master Sgt. William Daniel served as a tomb sentinel and sergeant of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from February 1957 to June 1960. He was there May 30, 1958, when the unknowns from World War II and the Korean War were interred there.
Read the whole story.
Retired Master Sgt. William Daniel served as a tomb sentinel and sergeant of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from February 1957 to June 1960. He was there May 30, 1958, when the unknowns from World War II and the Korean War were interred there.
Read the whole story.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Year of the NCO: Retired NCOs remember
The Year of the Noncommissioned Officer is well underway and NCOs are being honored Army-wide, but Fort Myer Military Community Command Sgt. Maj. Jefferson Varner III wants to ensure that the year-long celebration of enlisted leaders isn't limited to those currently serving. Read More...
Read more about The Year of the Noncommissioned Officer
Read more about The Year of the Noncommissioned Officer
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Currahees in the VFW Magazine
The February 2009 issue of the VFW Magazine has an article titled "1970 When the War Was Won". The article gives a recap of the year and particularly talks about fire base actions. Several Currahees were mentioned including Kenny Kays (MOH) and Ken David (DSC) D 1/506 and Mike Bookser B 1/506. C 1/506 action on FSB Granite on March 20, 1970 and D 1/506 action at FSB Maureen were mentioned also.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
LTG Elvy Roberts 1st Airborne Battle Group
LTC William L. Schwartz (Ret) reported LTG Elvy Roberts, now deceased, commanded the 1st Airborne Battle Group 506 Inf, 101st Abn Div, back in 1961-2. LTG Roberts, who graduated from West Point in January 1943, jumped into Normandy and Holland with the 101st. Schwartz served under then COL Roberts when he was with the 506th and two times later in his career.
LTC Schwartz thought it might be of interest to fellow Currahees to know that LTG Roberts' grandson, Jake Roberts, was recently awarded, and accepted, an appointment to the US Military Academy Class of 2013. Jake's younger brother Pierce, is a candidate for the Class of 2014.
LTC Schwartz thought it might be of interest to fellow Currahees to know that LTG Roberts' grandson, Jake Roberts, was recently awarded, and accepted, an appointment to the US Military Academy Class of 2013. Jake's younger brother Pierce, is a candidate for the Class of 2014.
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