From the Valley City (North Dakota) Times-Record: September 4, 1943
Jeep Also Carries The Mail
Another first for the 817th Tank Destroyer battalion, stationed at Valley City during the harvest season, was the first recorded delivery of mail on rural mail route by an army jeep.
The test trip, looking forward to post war use of jeeps for rural mail delivery service, was successfully carried out last week at the request of the Rural Letter Carriers of the United States through the Valley City post office.
The battalion commander, in full cooperation, furnished Corporal James A. Burk, above, of Shippensburg, PA. Seated with him is rural carrier Odell G. Amundson of Valley City. The report of corporal Burk was simply, “Mission completed.” When asked for his opinion, Mr. Amundson answered cryptically, “Jeep-ers.”

September 7, 1943
Rose Busche of VC is Crowned Wheat Queen
The nation’s first wheat queen was crowned here Saturday night when the gala event was performed by the men of company C. of the 817th Tank Destroyer Battalion stationed here. From a bevy of 14 beauties Miss Rose Busche of Valley City was chosen the outstanding one by the men of the company to be crowned.
Following the crowning ceremony the queen was escorted to the dance floor of the auditorium by Col. Canlett and Sgt. Powers and she was introduced to the guests present.
Miss Rose Busche is the daughter of Mrs. Mildred Busche. Miss Busche who had been working in an air-craft factory at Burbank, Calif., recently returned to the city. She also has two sisters who are employed in aircraft factories and has two brothers who are with the armed forces. One of her brothers, Melvin G. Busche was killed in action early this year.

Sept 10, 1943
Queen To Help
Barnes County’s Wheat Queen is going to help in the war bond sale! When the Tank Destroer Battalion of some 800 men parade in Valley City next Friday afternoon, Sept 17, Miss Rose Busche of Valley City will have a featured spot in the parade. Arrangement for her appearance have been made today by Col. Canlett and Secretary Tom Hutchinson. The pulchritudinous Rose will be garbed in her dress of wheat straw which she ware at the coronation last Saturday night. Col. Canlett can tell you how the dress is made as he was stationed on the Hawaiian Islands on two different occasions and made some interesting observations on the subject of Hula Skirts. Anyhow, Rose makes and eyeful in her dress.

From the Valley City (North Dakota) Times-Record August 31, 1943
Tank Destroyers Balloting on Girls They Would Like to Go Shocking With

September 1, 1943
Girls from all parts of the county entering contest
Hollywood atmosphere, complete with microphones and the flashing of press photographers lights, will prevail at the municipal auditorium Saturday, when the men of the 817th Tank Destroyer Battalion, crown the Barnes County Wheat Queen.
Girls from all parts of the county are entered in the contest, according to a partial list released today, which includes, Arlene Kjolseth, Sanborn; Ruth McFadgen, Rogers; Charlotte Larsen, Valley City; Olive Picullel, Valley City; Dolores Dehn, Enderlin; Geneva Colville, Rogers; Beverly Colville, Rogers; Grace Hannig Oriska; Eleanore Vandrovec, Rogers; and Mabel Pelzman, Valley City; Arlene Adcock, Cuba; Leotta Batesole, Leal; Rose Busche, Valley City.
Photographs of the girls entered in the contest will be displayed where the soldier farmers have temporary headquarters, and all the men will have ample opportunity to select their favorite. Balloting will close shortly before the crowing ceremony Saturday.

September 2, 1943
Phil Mark
Gentlemen:
With the town full of soldiers, anyone might think that they might get out of line, but not the Army- They’re gentlemen! The streets have been full of ‘em ever since their arrival. They have hob-nobbed with civilians, been friendly and respectful. Said Chief of Police Harold Stenshoel: “If they shocked as good as they behaved, they did a lot of shocking.” A real tribute to their behavior.

Farewell
Before the army moves out of the North Dakota grain fields, they are scheduled to appear in one grand spectacle-a giant parade. Plans are still in the tentative form but we understand that some 800 men will be assembled in Valley City from the surrounding territory on Saturday, September 11. This will be the greatest military gathering Valley City has seen , and should attract thousands of spectators. It will be a grand farewell gesture by the army to their North Dakota hosts of the past few weeks.

From the Valley City (North Dakota) Times-Record August 19, 1943
Troops Shock 1,078 Acres of Grain in First Day of Work Here

August 20, 1943
Phil Mark
That Shocking Chore
To the soldiers it’s a lark. To the Mississippi farm workers it’s a new adventure and a chance to earn some money. To labor officials it’s a big headache. To the farmers it’s the same old grind with new faces to contend with. The reaction of some of the farmers is peculiar. Take the case of a farmer living south of Eckelson: After two southern lads had put in a full day, the farmer drove them as far as No. 10. After docking them a half-hour, pointed them in the direction of Valley City and let ‘em hoof it. That was nice northern hospitality. Bet those boys think the Civil War isn’t over yet. We hope that is an exception, however. Another farmer was in Tower City and told the labor office he was very please with his four men. “When you get two more, send them out,” he said. That’s the way it should be, and if the Mississippi boys and the army appear a little unfamiliar with these new surroundings, just be a little patient. They’ll come through.

We are funny
The dialect of the cotton and sugar cane boys may be amusing but did you ever stop and consider some of our own words and phrases, asks a newcomer to the city. For instance, a majority say “Yah” instead of “Yes,” he says. The one that knocks them over, however, is “That’s for sure.” To be more emphatic we then say, “That’s for dam sure,” he adds. And for even greater emphasis we say, “That’s for certain.” Ouch!

August 21, 1943
Soldiers Doing Outstanding Job
One group still talking about Ice Cream and Fried Chicken Served.

August 24, 1943
Wheat Queen?
Soldiers may pick one here
“How about a Wheat Queen for Barnes County?” This question has been put to the Civic and Commerce association by Col. Canlet, who is in charge of the Battalion of soldiers stationed here. Col. Canlet was quite sure that the boys in the company here would be delighted in the selection of such a queen and plans are now being considered by the entertainment committee of the Civic and Commerce association for such an event before the soldiers leave.

August 27, 1943
Soldiers making plans to select own wheat queen

Something new’s been added to the Valley City and Barnes County harvest this year, and the addition is strictly G.I.
The county, which boasts enough pretty farmeretts to warm the heart or quicken the pulse of any soldier boy, will have its own Wheat Queen, and the men of C. Company of the 817th Tank Destroyer Battalion will do the choosing.
The company, stationed here with headquarters in the Armory here during the harvest labor emergency, will play hosts to the local belles and beauties at a dance tomorrow night , when the plans for the Wheat Queen contest will be announced.
They plan to ask the girls to submit pictures, complete with names and addresses, from which a committee of officers attached to the company will select a representative group of candidates for the title.
Then the men of the company, who throughout week got out in crews to shock wheat and other grains, will be given a chance to vote for their favorite on a percentage basis. The crew which turns in the best production rate in the daily tallies will be given the most votes. The men in each crew will have a chance to cast their share of the crew’s votes individually, or the whole crew may elect to swing its votes behind one candidate.
C. Company put on its first dance last Saturday and the happy G.I.’s were agreeably surprised to find and approximate ration of four girls to each soldier- almost exactly the reverse of the situation which obtains at their home station, Camp Phillips Kansas.

From the Valley City, (North Dakota) Times-Record August 17, 1943
296 Troops and 221 Mississippi Farm Workers Invade Valley City.
Men for Barnes County Harvest Fields Housed in Armory and City Hall.
Valley City was invaded yesterday afternoon but only by the army and 221 southern farm laborers from Mississippi. The long awaited farm help has arrived and everyone seemed happy over the deal except local labor leaders who worked far into the night calling and placing the laborers with Barnes County farmers.
The Army is composed of men from the 817th Tank Destroyers, came here from Camp Phillips, Kansas.

My dad was in the 817th Tank Destroyers. Arthur F. Grabowski.

I ran across this site after learning my uncle, Edward Russell Birch was KIA Dec 1944 while serving with the 807th and is buried at Lorraine in France.

My dad, Alvin Cornelison< a motorcycle messenger in wwII and proud of the 804th. He is, at this moment lying in his bed with probably very few days left on this earth. The war has never ended for him. He speaks of it every day. Proud of him and the rest of the 804th. He's proud it was "Tank Destroyer", not tank containment, or tank degrader.

I served the the later day version of the 894th when it was a tank battalion stationed at Fort Knox as part of the school troops contingent. I was a tank platoon leader in Co. C in 1957.

I came across your site researching my uncle's Pete's service in the 636 TD BN. His full name is William P. Rutledge and served in Co. C. He passed away in 2012, I would like to thank you guys and acknowledge your work for putting this site together.

My father Horace Cayen was Sergent Tank Commander in the 645th Tank Destroyer Battalion . He passed away in 2002 . Just wondering if there is anyone visiting the site who may have known him or has photos . He never spoke much about the war . God bless all you Vets . Ron Cayen

My dad, Donald Cooley, from Seneca Falls, NY served with the 661st TD Company B. He passed away in September 1980. I'm wondering if anyone on here knew him. I remember Dad telling some pretty good stories about some things but he also had some pretty bad nightmares about other things.

Please let me know if you have any information about Major Nash O Thompson who served in the 5th Tank Destroyer Group in 1943, 1944, and 1945. Following VE Day, he was transferred to Ft. Sill, OK, for field artillery training and, later, sent to Camp Drew outside of Tokyo near Koizumi, Japan as part of the U.S. Army Occupation Force in 1949. His family - wife-Mary, dau-Marsha, son-Nash accompanied Lt. Col Thompson to Japan. An American tank ran over LtCol Thompson's jeep killing his driver immediately, and pinning my dad in the jeep for 14 hours pending delicate removal of metal penetrating his back and pressing on his spinal column.
In 1950, LtCol Thompson was transferred to Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas where he was an inpatient for almost two years. Later he was in outpatient service for two years also at Brooke Army Medical Center.
If you have any information concerning my dad, please contact me at 703 440 8070.

My Dad, Robert L. Martin was with the 807th. He is in 2 of 2001 reunion pics on this site. I was lucky enough to attend several reunions also. Sadly, he passed away on April 12, 2015. GOYA!!!!

My father, Capt Charles G. Wagner, was HQ CO with 802nd. I am also a veteran so I am very interested in his military history. Among my father's belongings I found the ribbons for Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. I cannot find any evidence to support if these belonged to my father. He passed away in 1986. If anyone remembers my dad and can verify that these ribbons belonged to him, I would greatly appreciate it.

My dad was in the 602nd tank battalion company B in WWII. He went to the reunions for years but now lost all contact with that group. He would love to hear from anyone from that group or relatives. He is still doing well at the age of 92.

My father, Otto Sidenstricker Jr., served in the 775th Tank Battalion from July 1943 to january 1946. My only record is his Separation Qualification Record that states he served in the battle of Luzon and New Guinea. The VFW Post 534 refuses to allow my mother to join the ladies auxiliary because his separation paper does not list his medals. I contacted the records department and they say his records were destroyed in a fire in St. Louis many years ago. Can anyone advise me as to where I might find documents making my mother eligible for joining the VFW Ladies Auxiliary?

My father, Robert King was with the 774th TD battalion. He was also the president of the 774 reunion group for a number of years in the mid eighties. I am pretty sure this group kept him going for the last few years of his life. He passed away on December 1st, 1989. My mom died on July 28, 2004. My husband and were able to attend several of the reunions and learned more about his time during the war in those few days than in all the years before. I still have his unit history and original patch.

My father, William Panciroli, served with the 802 in World War 11. He stared with the National Guard in Hempstead and went to all the reunions. He was very proud to serve and always talked about his buddies, especially Joe Loeffler and Al Hutner. He trained at Ft. Shelby and many others. He was a tank mechanic. He is alive and well at 96. Does anyone have knowledge of this group from Long Island?

My father, Frank J Mackey Jr died February 24, 2015. He was very proud of his service with the 807. And was fondly known as "one shot Mackey".

Great site. I have been able to tie up several loose ends in the research I am doing with all the great info here.

My father James Yeager served with the 817th unit in WWII. I am interested in finding anyone who served with him. His buddies called him "Pop" because he was the oldest enlisted man in the unit.

My step father, George G. Ahart of the 809th passed away March 2, 2015 at the age of 92. He treated my like a son and I would like to know more about this wonderful man. If anyone knows him or trained with him at Ft. Hood or served with him in Europe during WWII, please contact me. Charles Parks

Looking to see if anyone would have any info on NICHOLAS OPITZ, 807 tank destroyer Unit, Recon or 'C' company. From Minnesota

My Grand Father, Robert Breeden passed away Saturday afternoon 28 FEB 2015

Been a little over a year since I last posted. Still hoping to hear something on my uncle SGT John S. Cwikla 635th TD. Found out he was in the same unit as a LT Von Ende. They were getting pounded by artillery in the battle of the bulge all through December. Rick Cheaney was part of this unit as well. If anyone has a photo or a story I would love to hear it or see it. My email is puplic and I appreciate it.

What an amazing collection of TDBN records Rob and his team have created. In 2000 I was entrusted with a comprehensive collection of the records of the 820th. Rob and his team have included them here. This website is a debt of gratitude, repaid by honoring the men who fought and died for the cause of freedom. Thanks, Rob, and on behalf of the memory of the service of the men of the 820th, Forte et Fideli.

My father Geroge Grawe of Quincy, IL, served in the 601st from 1943 to 1945. Not sure of the months, but I know he came up from North Africa through parts of Italy, France and then into Germany. Their Tank was hit in January of 1945. Some of the men who were in the tank with him I have met, such as Mr. Harold Claycomb. I would love to know if any other pictures may exist of my father. Thanks Paul Grawe

To whom it concerns:
Seventy years after the Battle of the Huertgen Forest and the Roer River, the younger people becomes more interest in the history of these battles. We are searching for information from all Tank Destroyer Battalion, which was attached to the 1st, 4th, 8th, 9th, 28th, 78th, 83rd and 104th Infantry Division during the period of September 1944 - March 1945. We are also searching for some memoriable for our WWII museum n the Huertgen Forest at Vossenack. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Joseph G. DiPane

AGE: 93 • Old Bridge, NJ

Joseph G. DiPane died Saturday, February 14, 2015, at the Reformed Church Home in Old Bridge. He was 93.

Born in New Brunswick he had lived in East Brunswick for over 60 years before moving to Old Bridge five years ago. He had worked as a machinist for Triangle Conduit and Cable Company in New Brunswick before his retirement.

Mr. DiPane was a veteran of the United States Army, 671st Tank Destroyer Battalion. He drove an M-18 tank in the Asian Pacific Theater during World War II. He was lifetime member of the St. Sebastian Post #405 of the Catholic War Veterans in New Brunswick.

He was a communicant of St. Mary of Mount Virgin R.C. Church in New Brunswick where he had served as an usher and was a member of the church's Golden Age Club. He was an avid gardener and enjoyed bowling.

He was predeceased by his wife Rose (Fiorello) DiPane in 2010. Surviving are two sisters - Rose Feulner of Old Bridge and Janet Manginelli of East Brunswick; three sisters-in-law - Josephine Farnan of Arkansas, Irene DiPane of New Brunswick and Norma DiPano of Cranbury; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be 9:45 AM Friday from Selover Funeral Home, 555 Georges Road, North Brunswick followed by a 10:30 AM Mass at St. Mary of Mt. Virgin Church in New Brunswick. Entombment will follow at Holy Cross Burial Park in South Brunswick. Friends and relatives may call at the funeral home Thursday from 4 PM to 7 PM. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675 or online at woundedwarriorproject.org.
- See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/app/obituary.aspx?n=joseph-g-dipane&pi d=174172974&fhid=27098#sthash.EYm0KA7p.dpuf

Just got my Grandfathers discharge papers today and found out he had served in Co A.
609th. His name was Goldie Lee Brown I will be adding his pics and info to the people section soon.

I have studied the war all my life. I was on here doing some research for a young lady whose grand dad served in a TD unit. This is a great site. Since I was a kid, I have been in awe of tanks. Thank you all for the service and sacrifice.

My Father PFC Daniel F. Ellison was with Co. B within 893rd TD Bn. I have an original Battalion history brochure (54 pgs) listing complete campaign history, Company awards, individual awards by name, Co rosters, etc. I would like to donate to a worthy entity, but am not sure whom or what would be the best.

Hello, Not sure of the outfit my dad was in but I know he was in the tank destroyers because of the emblem on his Ike jacket. I donated it the the WWII museum in New Orleans. His name was Otto R. Loewenthal. Was in Normandy for D Day.

My father SGT Orba Sumner was assigned with the 894th TD Bn.

This is a great website. I found a few photos of my grandfather who served in the 817th Battalion Company C. I think my father may still have some of his photos from the war.

I need help finding my brother's regiment or company. He was with the 630th TDB and the 28th Inf Divison. His name was Pvt. Clayton Moser from North Carolina.

My father, Robert E. Johnson drove a tank destroyer through to the Bulge in 1944-1945. Thank you for maintaining this site!

Just looking for info on my Father. I have his discharge papers and he is listed a Co A
656 TD BN recon car driver. Just wondering if anyone had any info on recon drivers for the TD's.

My grandfather, Col. Burrowes G. Stevens, Sr., was the CO of 1st TD Group from 1943-1945 during campaigns in Africa, Normandy and Germany. I will gladly share a picture I have of my grandfather meeting my dad, B. G. Stevens, Jr., at St. Lo, Normandy, on 11 July, 1944, the day my dad arrived in France to take command of Co. B, 357th Inf Bn, 90th Inf Div. Both men were graduates of the USMA, West Point, classses of 1918 and June, 1943, respectively.

My Father, Charles W. Anderson, served in the 772nd TD BN. He was 94 years old and passed away on Dec 23, 2014. He didn't talk much about the war, but I know he was proud to serve. I remember going to some of the army reunions and him and my mom going to some reunions for the 772nd TD BN.

My grandfather, Henry "Johnny" Meyer was a tech sargeant in the 807th. He passed away in 1998. I attended two 807th reunions, Colorado Springs and Joplin, in the 90's. Really cherish hearing their stories and seeing the friendships that they established.

I've been doing some research on my great uncle Ignatz Pawlowski who was in the 703rd. Thanks for the information on his unit.

My name is Raymond Francisco - I am the grandson of Saul Anthony Francisco who was in the 645th tank destroyers I'm trying to find out as much info as possible or any photos that may have him in them . He passed about 10 yrs ago but I'm trying to preserve and document as much as possible for future generations of my family thank you

Our great-uncle was Private Gene V. DeRocchis. He was KIA on Sept. 22, 1944 in Holland and is buried in a private cemetery in Veroli, Italy. He was part of the 823rd Tank Destroyer Battalion, Company A. His younger sister (our grandmother) is still alive. This website has been very useful in finding out information on his unit and for that we are grateful.

My dad is currently 93 years old and served in the HQ 640th and left in 1945. He was wondering who might be left in the team and if they wanted to talk or exchange discussion through email. Please respond to this email and I will get you in contact with my Dad! You can contact directly by my email skern757@gmail.com or Mom's email lealynn632@gmail.com. He would love to chat to any one in that team.

My father-in-law was Carl B Mellinger, Sr. and servied in the 817th Tank Destroyer Battalion under Lt. Col. Wm. Bardes. My husband says his father rarely talked about the time over there...but we are certainly proud of him. Thank you for this excellent website!

My uncle Jack Crowe was in 801st TD Bn. He passed away after a battle with cancer. A great man a hero to me. Always there for me and anyone who needed a helping hand. I was trying to find more about his war time experience. A great place to look.

Hello,
I am Rich,59 and had a friend ,Mr. Robert Hodges,667 tank destroyers passed away on Veterans day, he was a great friend and will be remembered, I just wanted those who possibly knew him to know, he was just about to turn 95,God bless everyone

My Uncle Manferd Oscar Driesel was with the 701st Tank Destroyer Battalion I have photo of him if you would kike please contact me thru email

My Dad (Mark Cobb) is at the bottom right in the 2001 Kentucky reunion picture.
He spoke fondly of these reunions and really loved going with my brother who lives in Franklin, Indiana. Unfortunately he is no longer with us. But I really appreciate this site in remembrance of his often mentioned Army unit.
—Stephen Cobb / Ithaca, NY
Nov. 17, 2014