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Knife of Matthew Golec Knife of Matthew Golec
Knife once belonging to Matthew Golec given to his nephew. Photo courtesy of John Tiltges.
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809th Association group 809th Association group
A small group photo from the unit's 1973 reunion, in Greensboro, Tennessee. These men are all from Headquarters Company. Carl Konesky is sitting in the front row, holding the tank destroyer emblem. Photo courtesy of Pat Morrison.
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809th Member Artwork 1 809th Member Artwork 1
A painting by artist John Mogus, shows a pontoon bridge, constructed by the 149th Engineer Brigade, located in the area of the collapsed Remagen Bridge. The painting also shows men of the 809th preparing to cross. Photo courtesy of Pat Morrison.
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809th Member Artwork 2 809th Member Artwork 2
A second painting by artist John Mogus, shows the Remagen Bridge in the distance. John was from the Clairidge area of Pennsylvania. Photo courtesy of Pat Morrison.
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809th Member Artwork 3 809th Member Artwork 3
Carl Konesky and BJ Thomas, both of HQ Company, visited artist John Mogus, at his home in Claridge, PA. The visit took place sometime in 1994 or 1995. John painted a number of military subjects, including one of a pontoon bridge, constructed by the 149th Engineer Brigade. This same photo includes men of the 809th. BJ is show on the left with John shown on the right. Photo courtesy of Pat Morrison.
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809th Members shipping home 809th Members shipping home
A group of men from Headquarters Company, taken at an unknown location. Most likely taken while still in Europe but certainly after the war had ended. Carl Konesky is shown in row two, second from the left. Photo courtesy of Pat Morrison.
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809th Reunion Display 809th Reunion Display
BJ Thomas, of HQ Company, is shown at the Blairsville, Pennsylvania Armory. He is standing with a small display of memorabilia from his time in the service. BJ lived in Clairidge, PA, and donated a number of items to the Patton Museum. Photo courtesy of Pat Morrison.
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809th.35 Lt Col Lawson at camp 809th.35 Lt Col Lawson at camp
Photo of the unit's commanding officer, Lt. Col. Walter Ralls Lawson Jr. He was a graduate of West Point and commanding of the unit throughout their time overseas. His father served in WWI, initially as an infantryman and later as a pilot, receiving the Distinguished Service Cross and Croix de Guerre for repeated acts of heroism in action, in France. Lawson Jr. retired as a Colonel. Both men are buried in Arlington National Cemetery. Courtesy of Karen Alcott.
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809th 1.SGT RichardsA 14 809th 1.SGT RichardsA 14
The unit was re-equipped with M36 tank destroyers, like the one seen here, in April of 1945. This particular unit was commanded by Sgt. Richard. Photo courtesy of Karen Alcott.
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809th 2.AdamsHughsKing 809th 2.AdamsHughsKing
Shown sitting on their M18 tank destroyer named "Margaret" is T/4 John Adams who was from Vincennes, Indiana, Cpl. Hughes and Sgt. Nick D. King. Margaret was the name of John Adams' wife. Photo courtesy of Karen Alcott with additional information from Patrick King.
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809th 3CompanyA 809th 3CompanyA
The first platoon of Company A to see action when they fired an M18 towards a target in Roormood, Holland. Shown L to R in top row are Tolliver, Halloway, Dedman Shields and Rusk. Middle row is Kilgove, Woolever, Jennings, Harris and Johnston. Front row is Bovela, Hughes, Myron Leonard, Reeves and Baker. Photo courtesy of Karen Alcott.
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809th 4.DieppeFrance 809th 4.DieppeFrance
A photo of the coastal area at Dieppe, which is located in the upper Normandy region of Northern France. Courtesy of Karen Alcott.
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809th 5.ChowtimeFrance 809th 5.ChowtimeFrance
While traveling through France to Holland, the men stop along the road to get some food. Myron Leonard is shown on left. Photo is dated 1945. Courtesy of Karen Alcott.
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809th 7.MRI Boys 809th 7.MRI Boys
The photo is labelled "My boys" which would indicate that these men were part of Myron Leonard's platoon. Shown L to R is Baker, Wilhusan, Holden, Richards, Jennings, Holloway, Kroniers and Shields. Courtesy of Karen Alcott.
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809th 8.OfficersQuarters 809th 8.OfficersQuarters
Officer's quarters in Clausthal-Zellerfeld, Germany. Photo courtesy of Karen Alcott.
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809th 9.King 809th 9.King
Pfc. King and Sgt. Tolliver go for a joy ride while the unit is stationed in the Harz Mountains. Photo courtesy of Karen Alcott.
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809th 10.Soldiers with a family 809th 10.Soldiers with a family
Staff Sergeant VanWyke spends a few moments with a family from Holland. Photo courtesy of Karen Alcott.
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809th 11.McDonald 809th 11.McDonald
Bob McDonald transports what looks like milk in large cans, which may have come from a local supplier. The photo is labeled Eland, Germany. Photo courtesy of Karen Alcott.
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809th 12.McDonald.Sellett 809th 12.McDonald.Sellett
Bob McDonald, "Doc" Sellett and Myron Leonard pose for a shot while stationed in Portland, England. The date is January 1945, which is just before the unit crossed the English Channel. Courtesy of Karen Alcott.
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809th 13.Unknown Church 809th 13.Unknown Church
The twin spires of the Cologne Cathedral are clearly seen in this photo from 1945. The spires were used by pilots as a navigational aid during the many bombing raids on the city, which is probably why they were not destroyed. This photo was taken from a vantage point near the Rhine River. Courtesy of Karen Alcott.
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809th 16.Red Cross Truck 809th 16.Red Cross Truck
Shown is one of many American Red Cross Clubmobile vehilcles which were a mobile service club created during World War II to provide servicemen with food, entertainment and a connection home. This particular truck is servicing men of the 809th in Gottingen, Germany. Photo courtesy of Karen Alcott.
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809th 17.Red Cross truck Gottingen Germ 809th 17.Red Cross truck Gottingen Germ
Another shot of the Red Cross Clubmobile and the long line of soldiers waiting to benefit from its services. Courtesy of Karen Alcott.
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809th 18.Cpt Chet Walsher on ship 809th 18.Cpt Chet Walsher on ship
Captain Chet Walsher is shown aboard the Marine Devil, which transported members of the 809th home from La Havre, France. The ship left Le Havre on July 1, 1945 and landed in New York on the 10th. Photo courtesy of Karen Alcott.
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809th 19.Lt Bill Bland with jeep 809th 19.Lt Bill Bland with jeep
Shown is Lt. Bill Bland with one of the unit's jeeps. Photo courtesy of Karen Alcott.
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809th 20.Cpt Gus Henson 809th 20.Cpt Gus Henson
Captain Gus Henson sports a pair of aviators sunglasses. Photo courtesy of Karen Alcott.
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809th 21.T5 Haas and Sgt Starback 809th 21.T5 Haas and Sgt Starback
T/5 Haas on left with Sgt. Starback at one of the unit's tracked transport vehicles. Photo courtesy of Karen Alcott.
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809th 23.American P47 809th 23.American P47
An American P47 airplane that had been captured and re-labeled for German use. Photo courtesy of Karen Alcott.
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809th 24.Myron Leonard w German Planes 809th 24.Myron Leonard w German Planes
Lt. Myron R. Leonard stands with a few captured German aircraft. Photo courtesy of Karen Alcott.
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809th 25.Joe Golesenski 809th 25.Joe Golesenski
Lt. Joe Golesenski poses for a photo. Courtesy of Karen Alcott.
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809th 26.Myron Leonard and Chet Walsher 809th 26.Myron Leonard and Chet Walsher
Myron Leonard is shown on left with Chet Walsher on right, who in this photo is still a Lieutenant. Photo courtesy of Karen Alcott.
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809th 27.Cpt Dick Betts 809th 27.Cpt Dick Betts
Shown is Captain Dick Betts. Photo courtesy of Karen Alcott.
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809th 28.Lt Fred Harding and dog SS 809th 28.Lt Fred Harding and dog SS
Lt. Fred Harding and the company pet named "SS". Photo courtesy of Karen Alcott.
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809th 29.Cpt George Frost 809th 29.Cpt George Frost
Capt. George Frost who was pulling MP (Military Police) duty. Photo courtesy of Karen Alcott.
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809th 30.Chet Walsher 809th 30.Chet Walsher
Chet Walsher is posed with his gun and cigarette in hand on what looks like a portion of the German Autobahn highway. Photo courtesy of Karen Alcott.
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809th 31.Lt. Ray Boyer and Lt Carrol Fox 809th 31.Lt. Ray Boyer and Lt Carrol Fox
Lt. Ray Boyer and Lt. Carrol Fox take a moment for a photo. Courtesy of Karen Alcott.
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809th 31.Lt Bob Pramer and Lt Myron Barfty 809th 31.Lt Bob Pramer and Lt Myron Barfty
Lt. Bob Pramer and Lt. Myron Barfty aboard the SS Marine Devil. Photo courtesy of Karen Alcott.
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809th 33.Lt Eugene Snyder in Jeep 809th 33.Lt Eugene Snyder in Jeep
Lt. Eugene Snyder looks slightly upset that he is being disturbed. Note the M48 dash mount for the .30 cal 1919A4 machine gun and the Browning automatic rifle .30, bolted directly to the Jeep dash. Courtesy of Karen Alcott.
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809th 34.Lt Dick Kennedy wbuilding behind 809th 34.Lt Dick Kennedy wbuilding behind
Lt. Dick Kennedy stands at a building possibly used as a command post or possibly living quarters. Many of the windows are blown out. Photo courtesy of Karen Alcott.
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809th 36.Lt Charles Nye on ship 809th 36.Lt Charles Nye on ship
Lt. Charles Nye aboard the SS Marine Devil. Photo courtesy of Karen Alcott.
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809th 37.First Sergeant Catt along road 809th 37.First Sergeant Catt along road
First Sergeant Catt cracks a smile for the camera. Photo courtesy of Karen Alcott.
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809th 38.Lt Joe Goebel at fence 809th 38.Lt Joe Goebel at fence
Lt. Joe Goebel poses at a white picket fence, which looks like it could be from a yard back in the U.S. Photo courtesy of Karen Alcott.
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809th 39.Unit in formation Gottingen Germ 809th 39.Unit in formation Gottingen Germ
While stationed at Gottingen, Germany, the unit is still required to perform drills to keep them in top condition. Photo courtesy of Karen Alcott.
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809th 40.PFC Cartner T5 Bridges Co. A Medics 809th 40.PFC Cartner T5 Bridges Co. A Medics
Pfc. Cartner on left and T/5 Bridges, functioned as Medics for Company A. Photo courtesy of Karen Alcott.
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809th 41.Myron Leonard on the Marine Devil 809th 41.Myron Leonard on the Marine Devil
Myron R. Leonard relaxes aboard the SS Marine Devil. Photo courtesy of Karen Alcott.
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809th 42.Band welcomes ship at Le Harve France 809th 42.Band welcomes ship at Le Harve France
A photo taken from on-board the Marine Devil, while the ship was still tied in port at Le Havre, France. The small grouping of personnel at the dock seem to be one of the band units, probably playing a medley to see the ship off. Courtesy of Karen Alcott.
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809th 43. Chow provided from train 809th 43. Chow provided from train
The train stops to allow personnel to get a meal while the unit was moving cross-country. Photo courtesy of Karen Alcott.
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809th 44.Plane unloads Jeep Gottingen Germ 809th 44.Plane unloads Jeep Gottingen Germ
Personnel unload a Jeep from a plane. Photo courtesy of Karen Alcott.
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809th 45.Fred Harding 809th 45.Fred Harding
Fred Harding posed for a photo. Courtesy of Karen Alcott.
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809th 46.Myron Barfty 809th 46.Myron Barfty
Myron Barfty seems pleased with the attention he's getting. Photo courtesy of Karen Alcott.
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809th 47.Bridge down at LeHarve France 809th 47.Bridge down at LeHarve France
Another image of the area near the docks at Le Havre, France. One end of the bridge seems to have been destroyed, leaving the rest of the bridge now laying on the train tracks. Photo courtesy of Karen Alcott.
Knife once belonging to Matthew Golec given to his nephew. Photo courtesy of John Tiltges.
A small group photo from the unit's 1973 reunion, in Greensboro, Tennessee. These men are all from Headquarters Company. Carl Konesky is sitting in the front row, holding the tank destroyer emblem. Photo courtesy of Pat Morrison.
A painting by artist John Mogus, shows a pontoon bridge, constructed by the 149th Engineer Brigade, located in the area of the collapsed Remagen Bridge. The painting also shows men of the 809th preparing to cross. Photo courtesy of Pat Morrison.
A second painting by artist John Mogus, shows the Remagen Bridge in the distance. John was from the Clairidge area of Pennsylvania. Photo courtesy of Pat Morrison.
Carl Konesky and BJ Thomas, both of HQ Company, visited artist John Mogus, at his home in Claridge, PA. The visit took place sometime in 1994 or 1995. John painted a number of military subjects, including one of a pontoon bridge, constructed by the 149th Engineer Brigade. This same photo includes men of the 809th. BJ is show on the left with John shown on the right. Photo courtesy of Pat Morrison.
A group of men from Headquarters Company, taken at an unknown location. Most likely taken while still in Europe but certainly after the war had ended. Carl Konesky is shown in row two, second from the left. Photo courtesy of Pat Morrison.
BJ Thomas, of HQ Company, is shown at the Blairsville, Pennsylvania Armory. He is standing with a small display of memorabilia from his time in the service. BJ lived in Clairidge, PA, and donated a number of items to the Patton Museum. Photo courtesy of Pat Morrison.
Photo of the unit's commanding officer, Lt. Col. Walter Ralls Lawson Jr. He was a graduate of West Point and commanding of the unit throughout their time overseas. His father served in WWI, initially as an infantryman and later as a pilot, receiving the Distinguished Service Cross and Croix de Guerre for repeated acts of heroism in action, in France. Lawson Jr. retired as a Colonel. Both men are buried in Arlington National Cemetery. Courtesy of Karen Alcott.
The unit was re-equipped with M36 tank destroyers, like the one seen here, in April of 1945. This particular unit was commanded by Sgt. Richard. Photo courtesy of Karen Alcott.
Shown sitting on their M18 tank destroyer named "Margaret" is T/4 John Adams who was from Vincennes, Indiana, Cpl. Hughes and Sgt. Nick D. King. Margaret was the name of John Adams' wife. Photo courtesy of Karen Alcott with additional information from Patrick King.
The first platoon of Company A to see action when they fired an M18 towards a target in Roormood, Holland. Shown L to R in top row are Tolliver, Halloway, Dedman Shields and Rusk. Middle row is Kilgove, Woolever, Jennings, Harris and Johnston. Front row is Bovela, Hughes, Myron Leonard, Reeves and Baker. Photo courtesy of Karen Alcott.
A photo of the coastal area at Dieppe, which is located in the upper Normandy region of Northern France. Courtesy of Karen Alcott.
While traveling through France to Holland, the men stop along the road to get some food. Myron Leonard is shown on left. Photo is dated 1945. Courtesy of Karen Alcott.
The photo is labelled "My boys" which would indicate that these men were part of Myron Leonard's platoon. Shown L to R is Baker, Wilhusan, Holden, Richards, Jennings, Holloway, Kroniers and Shields. Courtesy of Karen Alcott.
Officer's quarters in Clausthal-Zellerfeld, Germany. Photo courtesy of Karen Alcott.
Pfc. King and Sgt. Tolliver go for a joy ride while the unit is stationed in the Harz Mountains. Photo courtesy of Karen Alcott.
Staff Sergeant VanWyke spends a few moments with a family from Holland. Photo courtesy of Karen Alcott.
Bob McDonald transports what looks like milk in large cans, which may have come from a local supplier. The photo is labeled Eland, Germany. Photo courtesy of Karen Alcott.
Bob McDonald, "Doc" Sellett and Myron Leonard pose for a shot while stationed in Portland, England. The date is January 1945, which is just before the unit crossed the English Channel. Courtesy of Karen Alcott.
The twin spires of the Cologne Cathedral are clearly seen in this photo from 1945. The spires were used by pilots as a navigational aid during the many bombing raids on the city, which is probably why they were not destroyed. This photo was taken from a vantage point near the Rhine River. Courtesy of Karen Alcott.
Shown is one of many American Red Cross Clubmobile vehilcles which were a mobile service club created during World War II to provide servicemen with food, entertainment and a connection home. This particular truck is servicing men of the 809th in Gottingen, Germany. Photo courtesy of Karen Alcott.
Another shot of the Red Cross Clubmobile and the long line of soldiers waiting to benefit from its services. Courtesy of Karen Alcott.
Captain Chet Walsher is shown aboard the Marine Devil, which transported members of the 809th home from La Havre, France. The ship left Le Havre on July 1, 1945 and landed in New York on the 10th. Photo courtesy of Karen Alcott.
Shown is Lt. Bill Bland with one of the unit's jeeps. Photo courtesy of Karen Alcott.
Captain Gus Henson sports a pair of aviators sunglasses. Photo courtesy of Karen Alcott.
T/5 Haas on left with Sgt. Starback at one of the unit's tracked transport vehicles. Photo courtesy of Karen Alcott.
An American P47 airplane that had been captured and re-labeled for German use. Photo courtesy of Karen Alcott.
Lt. Myron R. Leonard stands with a few captured German aircraft. Photo courtesy of Karen Alcott.
Lt. Joe Golesenski poses for a photo. Courtesy of Karen Alcott.
Myron Leonard is shown on left with Chet Walsher on right, who in this photo is still a Lieutenant. Photo courtesy of Karen Alcott.
Shown is Captain Dick Betts. Photo courtesy of Karen Alcott.
Lt. Fred Harding and the company pet named "SS". Photo courtesy of Karen Alcott.
Capt. George Frost who was pulling MP (Military Police) duty. Photo courtesy of Karen Alcott.
Chet Walsher is posed with his gun and cigarette in hand on what looks like a portion of the German Autobahn highway. Photo courtesy of Karen Alcott.
Lt. Ray Boyer and Lt. Carrol Fox take a moment for a photo. Courtesy of Karen Alcott.
Lt. Bob Pramer and Lt. Myron Barfty aboard the SS Marine Devil. Photo courtesy of Karen Alcott.
Lt. Eugene Snyder looks slightly upset that he is being disturbed. Note the M48 dash mount for the .30 cal 1919A4 machine gun and the Browning automatic rifle .30, bolted directly to the Jeep dash. Courtesy of Karen Alcott.
Lt. Dick Kennedy stands at a building possibly used as a command post or possibly living quarters. Many of the windows are blown out. Photo courtesy of Karen Alcott.
Lt. Charles Nye aboard the SS Marine Devil. Photo courtesy of Karen Alcott.
First Sergeant Catt cracks a smile for the camera. Photo courtesy of Karen Alcott.
Lt. Joe Goebel poses at a white picket fence, which looks like it could be from a yard back in the U.S. Photo courtesy of Karen Alcott.
While stationed at Gottingen, Germany, the unit is still required to perform drills to keep them in top condition. Photo courtesy of Karen Alcott.
Pfc. Cartner on left and T/5 Bridges, functioned as Medics for Company A. Photo courtesy of Karen Alcott.
Myron R. Leonard relaxes aboard the SS Marine Devil. Photo courtesy of Karen Alcott.
A photo taken from on-board the Marine Devil, while the ship was still tied in port at Le Havre, France. The small grouping of personnel at the dock seem to be one of the band units, probably playing a medley to see the ship off. Courtesy of Karen Alcott.
The train stops to allow personnel to get a meal while the unit was moving cross-country. Photo courtesy of Karen Alcott.
Personnel unload a Jeep from a plane. Photo courtesy of Karen Alcott.
Fred Harding posed for a photo. Courtesy of Karen Alcott.
Myron Barfty seems pleased with the attention he's getting. Photo courtesy of Karen Alcott.
Another image of the area near the docks at Le Havre, France. One end of the bridge seems to have been destroyed, leaving the rest of the bridge now laying on the train tracks. Photo courtesy of Karen Alcott.