CHECKERBOARD

Make plans for convention in St. Louis

The cut-off date is fast approaching for the 60th annual 99th Infantry Division Association convention in St. Louis MO. The convention will be June 24-27 at the St. Louis Marriott Hotel. The hotel has undergone a major renovation in the past 12 months and promises to be a fabulous venue for hosting an unforgettable 60th convention.

Convention will be memorable

Reservations alert

The block of reserved hotel rooms for our St. Louis convention is the best estimate, primarily based upon attendance trends of previous reunions. The hotel contract requires room night usage to be within a relatively narrow range, or “window” of the estimate. Special lower convention rates are available for those rooms inside the “window.” The contract permits the hotel to charge the higher prevailing hotel rate, on a space available basis, for rooms outside the “window.” The higher rate could apply if the upper “window” limit is reached before the reservation deadline of May 23, due to a greater demand than originally anticipated. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that room reservations be made as early as possible to lock in the lower 99th Convention rate.

Brochure and registration form

New association to be discussed

Families, friends and veterans of the 99th Infantry Division Association will meet June 25 during the 60th annual convention at the St. Louis Marriott West, St. Louis MO, to discuss the organization of a new 99th Infantry association. Many people have asked about the future of the current association and how the 99th veterans will be honored and remembered. This meeting will give those interested an opportunity to express opinions and ideas. The purpose of a new organization would be to help maintain continuity and communication of the 99th. Membership would be open to family, friends and others interested in the veterans of the 99th Infantry Division.

Johnson resigns as chaplain

Joe Johnson, past president and chaplain of the 99th Infantry Division Association, has announced his resignation as chaplain of the organization. In a letter to President B.O. Wilkins, Johnson said, “After considerable thinking and continual discussion with Betty, we have come to the conclusion that my time as chaplain must come to an end. Both my body and mind have lost ability to do it as it should be done. After 50 years or so, it is no surprise.”

"Digging for remains, burying the past"

ELSENBORN, Belgium 0151 — The human remains were found in a shallow grave by some old foxholes near an unpaved logging road that cuts deep into a coniferous forest north of this border town in eastern Belgium. The area is remote. Quiet. The sounds of humanity — a passing car, the chime of a nearby church bell, the lyrical laughter of kids at play — don’t carry this far.

99th MIA search team scores again

Since the last MIA recovery, Pvt. Odell Sharpe of Company H, 393rd Infantry, in September 2003, the 99th Division MIA Project continued its long and meticulous work on the battlefield. From time to time, the Diggers – Jean-Louis Seel and Jean-Philippe Speder — unearthed elements that generated foolish hopes of a new recovery but unfortunately all came to a dead end. Stateside, Bill Warnock, chief researcher of the team, wasn’t waiting for developments in Belgium. He also was doing his part of the search, digging in the National Archives and conducting interviews. It wasn’t all useful, but the information provided pieces to the puzzle. Early in September 2008, Bill went to Belgium to review some of the cases, inspect new sites and bring the Diggers his latest developments on several cases. He accompanied the team to different sites to “feel” the terrain – a much needed feeling for this type of search.

99th Regional Support Command leaves Pittsburgh

The checkerboard flag of the 99th officially left Pittsburgh April 19 for its new home at Fort Dix NJ. The 99th Regional Support Command, the unit's latest incarnation, said goodbye to the city that's been its home since 1921.

Battlefield tour of Ardennes and Normandy planned for June 4-15

A 99th Infantry Division Association veterans’ battlefield tour is planned for June 4-15. This tour will be under the capable direction of Eddie Polk of Battlefield Tours, Slidell LA, and will include the Ardennes and Normandy. A tour scheduled for 2008 was canceled because Polk underwent surgery and was recovering.

Taps

Clifford Savage, 89, M/393, Olive Branch MS, died March 6, 2009. He served as a machine gunner during the Battle of the Bulge. He was captured Dec. 16, 1944, and liberated April 29, 1945. As a prisoner of war, he was wounded and received the Purple Heart and POW medal for his service. He proudly carried the U.S. flag in the 2006 and 2007 Memorial Day parades in Washington, D.C. After the war he worked for Southern Painting Company and later founded Modern Painting Company in Memphis TN, with his brother. Survivors include five children; 17 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren. James Y. Sedlecky, H/395, Garfield Heights OH, died July 18, 2008.

Humphrey publishes WWII book

War is hell. Most Americans understand that as a concept, if not a reality. There are a small number of Americans that understand the concept well beyond the glamorized version depicted in books, films, and newspapers. Robert Humphrey, a communication studies professor at Sacramento State, interviewed 350 of these Americans to better understand what it means to serve in the infantry during a foreign war.

Review: Remarkable and controversial

Robert E. Humphrey’s “Once Upon a Time in War: The 99th Division in World War II,” (University of Oklahoma Press, Norman OK 2008) is a remarkable piece of journalism that has stirred up controversy among some 99th vets. The author interviewed, or otherwise communicated with, 350 veterans of the 99th who served in the division in World War II. Notable is the large number of men he reached and obtained stories from. Notable also is the apparent fact all but about five percent of them served in the nine infantry battalions of the 99th.

'Once Upon a Time' feeds the memories

Every December just before and after Dec. 16, I think back to 1944, and how incredibly lucky those of us were and are to have survived the Battle of the Bulge. In a 1994 letter, John Veneklasen, formerly captain, M/393, gave some stark numbers: “Out of our 170-plus M Company soldiers, only 29 survived. The rest were killed, wounded or missing. Many of the 29 were also wounded but not evacuated.” Other units of the 99th reported similar tolls.

Humphrey's book draws more favorable reviews

Robert Humphrey’s, “Once Upon a Time in War,” went on sale in November and is nearly ready for its third printing. The book reached number one on amazon.com in December and has drawn favorable praise from readers. “I never anticipated having this kind of response from readers,” Humphrey said. Some of those reviews are shared here. “Once Upon a Time in War” is a smash hit in the Anderson clan! [Family] members are rushing to bookstores to get more copies. Brother Luther is overwhelmed by your autographing and dedication. I’m beginning to feel like a “prodigal son” returning home at last. I’m too old for “celebrity status” but humbly thankful for their newfound self-esteem – whether deserved or not. I know my family’s response will be typical of many 99th families and the general public. —Maltie Anderson E/394

More kudos for Humphrey

In his history of the 99th Division in World War II, “Once Upon a Time in War,” Robert Humphrey has brought into being a marvel of recreating the events and feelings that we GIs experienced in those distant days of exuberant youth. I served as a bazooka carrier for L Company, 395th Infantry regiment, and I can attest to the veracity, dedication and enthusiasm with which Humphrey, as a talented historian, reconstructs the history of our division. From the accounts of my days as a student at Occidental College in Los Angeles, Humphrey faithfully follows our journey from college, to basic training at Camp Wolters TX, to our ASTP days at John Tarleton Agricultural College in Stephenville TX, to our incorporation into the 99th Division at Camp Maxey TX, to England and on to Germany.

Author gives 'unbalanced' account

The last issue of the Checkerboard announced the publication of another book about our division, “Once Upon a Time in War,” by Robert E. Humphrey. Like many, I bought the book. The effort made to record the experiences of the infantry GIs of our division was impressive. Hundreds of interviews were woven into a narrative of our battles and our living conditions. I am grateful to the author for focusing on the importance of the infantry and its heroism and suffering. Unfortunately, the author, while giving the frontline troops the praise the deserve, pretty much overlooks the hundreds of others who supported them. When he describes the organization of the division he goes into great detail explaining regiments, battalions, companies, platoons and squads of the infantry portions of the division but totally neglects adding the artillery and other supporting elements. I have no problem giving the infantry most of the glory and honor but as a forward observe I spent enough time with my infantry buddies to know role the role of the artillery was vital to any victory. The author interviewed hundreds of infantrymen but only a half dozen artillerymen.

Looking for...

Raymond Emmer I am looking for information about my cousin, Raymond P. Emmer. He grew up in St. Louis MO, and was an Eagle Scout.

Son needs help proving father's service

I wanted to contact your publication to inform you of the passing of my father, Jonathan Kauffman Hostetler. He served as a sergeantinthe 394th Infantry Regiment as a communicationsradio operator. His ability to speak German was very important when intercepting transmissions from the enemy and translator. After the end of the war he was chosen to serve as a Military Policeman at the Nuremberg Trials assigned to Hermann Goering. Most importantly, I am writing to ask a favor. Since my father’s discharge documents (Form DD214) and serial number have been misplaced, the family is unable to receive a veterans’ headstone for his grave.After contacting the National Personnel Records Center for Military Personnel Records, I was informed that all military records from1912 to 1959 were destroyed in a fire in July 1973.They are unable to provide proof of my father’s service in the U.S. Army. A secondapplication was sent with the same response from the records division.

Daughter's interest in 99th is revived

My father, Albert Gojmerac, served in the 99th during World War II. We used to go to every 99th reunion when he was alive. We went all over the U.S. What do I have to do to become a member of the 99th Infantry Division Association? I was looking at your website and it seems that this might be the last of the reunions. If that is the case, myself and other family members would feel strongly about attending. Is it possible to get a list showing places and timelines of when and where the 99th had been in Europe during the war? One day I would like to go to Europe and see the places where the 99th fought. Will there ever be a tour to the battlefields? If there was a map and timeline I might be able to rent a car and see these places by myself.

Writer identifies photo, speculates about book's author

It has been awhile since I corresponded regarding the 99th, and that was with the late Bill Meyer. I recently found a photo on the website of another son of a 99th Division veteran, David Gettman, and was able to identify both men in the picture he asked about. The picture was taken in the office at Camp Maxey. The man on the left is my father, A.C. (Cedric) Gordon and the guy holding up the Maxey Times is one of his assistants, Joe O’Malley. My dad edited the newspaper and also was the editor of the Checkerboard both in Texas and overseas.

Son plans trip to retrace father's route

My father, T/Sgt. Lawrence (Larry) Lubben, died Dec. 17, 2008. He was a member of the 799th Ordnance Light Maintenance Company and he told me of his exploits during the Bulge. He kept longhand records of all the munitions expended during the Bulge. I have many items of his from his days at Camp Maxey and would like to share them with someone. My wife and I want to take a trip this summer, visiting and traveling his route during the Bulge up to VE-Day. I have the itinerary of his service in the ETO. I am interested in advice as to how to put together such a trip. It is expensive in Europe, I am sure, but I wish to honor my dad.

Were you there?

On March 4, 1945, at Sinsteden, Germany, I was injured, possibly with several others, when our Jeep exploded a road mine. I was a part of Headquarters Company (communications), 3rd Battalion, 395th Infantry. Since I was a replacement and only joined the unit Feb. 4, I didn’t know many men so am interested in hearing from anyone who was a part of the group in the Jeep or anyone who was a part of those who came to our rescue and saw to our medical needs.

What was General Order 97?

My father, Raymond Ritter was in the 99th Recon. Today, he lives in Westlake OH. He is seeking information about the 99th Division General Order 97. He was awarded the Bronze Star for action during the Battle of the Bulge and it refers to General Order 97. Any information would be appreciated. His address is 29379 Lansing Dr., Westlake OH 44145, phone 440-871-0093. David Ritter
heyudontknowme@yahoo.com

Monument project needs funds

The committee of the Associates of the 99th Infantry Division Inc. has selected a monument design for a monument that will be placed on the front lawn of Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall, Pittsburgh PA. The outline will be in the shape of the 99th Infantry Division patch with blue and white coloring, with front and back design similar to that shown here. This monument will be placed on the lawn along with the War on Terror Memorial and the bow ornament from the USS Pittsburgher.

Wilkins answers question about Fourragere

Don LeGore of Hanover PA, wants to know which country, France or Belgium, presented the green and red forage cord displayed on the uniform of a combat veteran of the 99th Infantry Division. President B.O. Wilkins answered the question by saying the Fourragere award, two citations, were given by Charles, Prince of Belgium, to members of the 99th.

Have you been awarded the Combat Infantrymen's Badge?

Those who received the Combat Infantryman’s Badge (CIB) are invited to become members of the Combat Infantrymen’s Association. This is a national organization with headquarters in Asheville NC. To become a member of this group or receive additional information, write to J.A. Bourgeois, CIA H-1-1-WA, 8103 Steilacoom Blvd., PMB 164, Lakewood WA 98498-6102, jabemk32@aol.com.

Purple Heart stamp needs support

Support is needed from the public to get the U.S. Postal Service to continue to issue the Purple Heart stamp. A bill has been introduced in Congress to have them continued, but stamps can no longer be issued via legislation by that body of government. Government reform can no longer consider such bills. The public is encouraged to send letters to the Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee, c/o Stamp Development, U.S. Postal Service, Suite 5013, 1735 North Lynn St., Arlington VA 22209.

Sending regrets

Please find enclosed my check to cover my support for our 99th convention. I am sorry, but due to health conditions, I will not be able to attend. Give my best regards to all and best wishes for a great convention.

99th officers

Elected Officers President B.O. Wilkins K/393 722 Bison Dr., Houston TX 77079 Vice President Herbert Knapp 3/394 105 Brightwood Club Dr. Lutherville MD 21093 Treasurer J.R. McIlroy F/393 PO Box 98, Celina TX 75009 Past President Joe Johnson B/393 150 Pomeroy Dr., Crossville TN 38558 Appointed Officers Legal Adviser Phil Benefiel A/393 Auditor Harry Clifton M/395 Chaplain Joe Johnson B/393 Checkerboard Editor and Executive Director Donna Bernhardt PO Box 99, Marion KS 66861 Board of Directors Elected Members: Until 2009 Ron Kraemer Kent Stanger Until 2010 Lawrence Apple Charles Eubanks Until 2011 Arnold Taylor H.C. Sullivan Association Life Members Joe Johnson J.R. McIlroy

Audit report

I have made an audit of the fiscal records of the 99th Infantry Division Association Inc., for the period from July 1, 2007 to June 30, 2008. This examination was made in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and included tests and any other procedures deemed necessary under the circumstances. The following statements are presented:

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