Guestbook

Wilietta Johnson Uhler Tuesday, 12 January 2021 08:01 | Wooster OH

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Hello: I am looking for information on the 893rd Tank Destroyer Batallion. My mother's father, William A. Prentice, He was from Dayton OH.

I believe was a member of this unit.

Thank you.

Anthony Brainerd Friday, 08 January 2021 16:54 | Bradford, VT

My dad, LT Perley Charles Brainerd was in the 814th at some point, but may have also been a different group. I know nothing about his time at war or where he was. It’s late now but wish there was a way to find out more.

Linda McManus Saturday, 02 January 2021 02:17 | Bel Air Maryland

In Honor of Our Father
Cpl John E Burnham
"B" 817 T.D. Bn
From His Children

James R Yarbrough Friday, 01 January 2021 22:05 | Lexington NC

To James L Reese I found some info on your dad in the roster that my dad gave me years ago.My dad James Foy Yarbrough and your dad where both in company C of the 638th TDB.Also your dad was a corporal.From Greensboro NC.Who knows they probably knew each other.Hope they helps.

James R Yarbrough Friday, 01 January 2021 21:12 | Lexington NC

My Dad James Foy Yarbrough was in the 638th Tank Destroyer Battalion Company C with the 84 Infantry Division.Activation oct 15,1942 to VE Day may 9,1945.He also was in the Battle Of the Bulge.

Richard W. Nason Monday, 28 December 2020 18:04 | Phoenix Md. 21131

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

My dad, Samuel Joseph Nason served in the 631TDBn from August 44 thru May 45. He came home with the 44th Armor Infantry BN, 6 Armor Division. Can anyone help me trace his movement? 410-615-7141 Rick Nason

David Renda Sunday, 27 December 2020 12:47 | 30 Riviera ln Felton Delaware

My dad severed in the 701st tank battalion was wondering if anyone can provide information about him. His name was Peter Renda Jr entered Europe June 1944 thanks

James L Reece Saturday, 26 December 2020 21:18

My Father James L Reece ( sometimes documented as Reese,or Rees was in the 638th attached to the 84th.
If anyone has information on him,I would appreciate it.

Carole Berda thomas Wednesday, 23 December 2020 13:56

My Dad, William Francis Berda, was in this battalion during WWII. I still have the commemorative ashtray and
stein with the 802 Tank Destroyer Bn. logo.

h0ward Sunday, 20 December 2020 16:22 | arizona

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

very important history about these American heroes

Ralph Blatterspiel Sunday, 20 December 2020 16:13 | Montana

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Great website honoring members of the TD Battalions . Thanks for adding my late father , Francis Blatterspiel { 610th } TD Battalion .

Thomas Matlock Sunday, 13 December 2020 03:00

My father, Leon T. Matlock, served in the 692nd TD battalion, reccon company in WW2. I do not know many details, other than knowing he was at the Battle of the Bulge...Does anyone have a source or info, where I can map more details of the operations/battles that they participated in?

AMANDA SAENZ Wednesday, 09 December 2020 22:55

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

My grandfather 4th Tech of the 602 Tank Destroyer Batt Francisco Saenz turns 100 this January. We're interested in photos of hopefully him and his fellow vets. Thank you.

Richard Abbott Wednesday, 09 December 2020 17:49 | Weems, Virginia

805th
My father was Walter Abbott and in Co A 805th TD. Thank you for the website. Like so many, my father's records were lost in the warehouse fire. Unfortunately, his war time memorabilia was lost in a house fire shortly after the war ended. We struggle to find information. Thanks for helping with that effort.

Nancy Wasielewski Wednesday, 11 November 2020 10:46 | Evanston, IL

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

On Veterans Day today, I would like to thank Rob Haldeman for his work in initiating this website with his team to honor the service and sacrifices of so many brave soldiers. Our family is very proud that my dad, Leo R. Norkewicz, who served in the Reconnaissance Company of the 636th Tank Destroyer Battalion, was included earlier this year as one of the honorees. Like many other veterans, my dad did not talk too much about his service during his life. Discovering this website helped to add to our knowledge about his battalion’s military campaigns. Thanks again for keeping the memory of my dad, all these men and the Tank Destroyer Forces alive!

Philip Kinlaw Tuesday, 10 November 2020 10:10 | Supply, NC

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Only recently learned the history of my late grandfather and his time in service. He joined at 17 in 1939 and was in the 813th TDB. Got out 2 months after VE. He died in 1969 and i never got to meet him. Any info on Tec Sgt. Sidney Hewett would be greatly appreciated. I'm a proud grandson and am thankful for all those men did to save our great nation.

EDMOND H ROSEN Tuesday, 27 October 2020 11:18 | Randallstown, Md.

Lovely tribute.
Thanks for creating it.

bonnie ANDERSON Sunday, 25 October 2020 22:56 | maryland

My Father was in the 899th Tank Battalion Hanau Germany in 1955. He passed when I was only 19 but I am trying to get additional information about what the 899th tank destroyer battalion became during The Korean conflict.Thank you for this site and for your service.

Henry Schoepke Thursday, 15 October 2020 14:33

Hi! My name is Henry. I am 12 years old and interested in WWII. I collect WWII autographs. If anyone knows any veterans who would be happy to send me their autograph or share some stories, please contact me. My email is: hgschoepke@madison.k12.wi.us

Tyler Blackmon Wednesday, 14 October 2020 11:06 | Alabama

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

My grandfather is SSGT Bill Brock of the 654th tank destroyer battalion. Lost his arm on 29 dec 44. Looking for surviving members of the 654th. Please contact if you know of any.
205-784-5054
Tylerblackmon41@gmail.com

Mike Sgroi Thursday, 01 October 2020 02:59 | NJ

My grandfather was a corporal in the 661st. I’m trying to find out what company he was in. I recently came across a letter he received from Lt. Col Miller dated 4/20/45. It was a letter Stating how pleased the army was of their recent experience fighting to Leipzig. Can provide a digitized copy of requested.

Samantha Friday, 25 September 2020 19:10 | NY

My grandfather, Charles Ferris, served in the 630th TD and, as I'm going through family files, found a number of photos of the 630th TD and group photo at AP Hill. Also have a platoon diary from either 2nd or 3rd platoon (there's a smudge and can't tell), but it doesn't seem to match any dates for the diary items on this site, so it might be something new. Happy to share and connect this info if this site is still active.

GT Thursday, 24 September 2020 22:12 | VA

Looking for info on 459th TD Bn, one of 4 Bns in 12th TD Grp. I can find no evidence of its existence, to confirm history cited by a veteran.

Anne Woodside Walden Saturday, 19 September 2020 23:37 | Walnut Creek, CA

Wonderful to see pictures of my dad and "Uncle Jerry" Cohen. They were best friends from high school into Cal and then through Europe with the 807th and long after that.

offBK Powell Saturday, 19 September 2020 21:26 | AK

My Uncle served in the 776 TD or TO BN all through Africa, Italy S. France and Austria. His name was Sgt. James Best. He never spoke of the war so we don't really know much about what he did-I doubt there's anyone left from that unit to fill in the blanks- But I thank all that served and fought

Dorothea McAlvin Friday, 18 September 2020 19:28 | Georgia

I am in the editing stage of a family memoir that began with letters from my uncle, Tech 5 Frank S. Wilson, who was in the 691st TD battalion. He was killed on December 13, 1944, just miles from the German border. The History of his battalion, as well as Frank's letters, form the core of the book, and I am so very thankful for this site, which has made that history available. My editor--the second to work on the book--following a lead from her predecessor, has just reminded me that they think the site is no longer active. My reply: "It pops up for me all the time. Maybe that's just because I go there such a lot. However, I think not. I think people are adding content all the time." THANK YOU--all of you--for this remarkable resource.

Daron Fairfax Tuesday, 15 September 2020 04:49 | Canada

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Forgot to mention W R Lally was with the 644th T D Battalion HQ company Camp Hood Texas fortune favors the brave

daron fairfax Tuesday, 15 September 2020 04:31 | Canada

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

trying to find out about T/sgt William R Lally dose anybody have any info.

Walter Holokai Monday, 14 September 2020 22:39 | Youngstown, Ohio

I was a good friend of Myron Brothers and worked with him hauling gasoline for the Lyden Oil Co. Myron was one hell of a man and I’m proud to have known him. He feared nothing and was a mentor to all that knew him. He was also a kind and caring person who would do anything for someone in need. I’m a better person for having known him and blessed to have called him a true friend.

David L. Lamica Saturday, 05 September 2020 17:58 | Ilion, New York 13357

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

I discovered a picture that was taken by Jessie P. Richard of Louisiana kneeling in front of my oldest brother Lester O. Lamica .I would like to thank the person who posted it on the internet. Les was the driver of the tank ",Another Joker" Feel free to contact me via e-mail. Thank You. Dave

Hunter C Bristow Saturday, 05 September 2020 13:46 | Williamsburg, VA

My father Schuyler Coral Bristow served in the 634th TDB. He was a mechanic and a wrecker driver. He had to recover tanks that were disabled or destroyed in battle. The job was gruesome with bodies in the tanks. He hardly ever spoke of it. My brother and I discovered much after in death in 2003. I have a min museum in his honor that includes a model of his recovery vehicle and M-10 tank. Dad was only 5'-3" but stood tall with his mechanical abilities. He didn't have to duck far to get under enemy fire!

Jan Appesland Friday, 17 July 2020 21:42 | Hartsel Colorado

Ray was and is my uncle. There are things that I should have asked but didn’t. My thanks to carol for getting this story to print

April East Wednesday, 15 July 2020 16:51

Hi, this is in regards to a post from 2017 from Donna Ray., concerning the 654th tank destroyer battalion form WWII. My Uncle Albert "Red"Wright was a Sergeant in that battalion. From what I was told from my grandfather and dad the tank went to rescue some fellow soldiers and it ran over a land mine. All were killed except the soldier they rescued. I hope this helps.

Bart Peeters Tuesday, 14 July 2020 10:48 | Echt- The Netherlands

@ Bernie Dobrzykowski
Normally there are no islands in the river. But at the end of winter, melting snow and heavy rainfall flooded a lot of land, creating islands in the river. The Germans also detonated dams to slow down the Allied advance. The river Maas (Meuse) flows where I live. In the attached newspaper article you can read a story about what your father must also have experienced. However, in this case it concerns British soldiers who have surrounded the island. The article is in Dutch, but with Google Translate it should work.

https://www.limburger.nl/cnt/dmf20200214_00147561/roermond-als-frontstad-deel-22-overgave-op-osen

Bernie Dobrzykowski Sunday, 12 July 2020 12:23 | Granger, Indiana

Looking to find info on my Father (Bernard C. Dobrzykowski) 802 TD Co.A involvement with an assault on an Island in a River occupied by Mad German Col. who would not surrender. told to me by my Dad.

Patricia Irvin Friday, 03 July 2020 19:06 | Massachusetts

looking for information on the Reconno., 771St Tank Destroyer Bn.My husband's uncle,John Irvin, served in thid Bn . I have little info on it

Thank you

Bill Fell Monday, 29 June 2020 14:17

My father, William Fell Jr., was ***gned to the 644th TDB, Lt. Ephraim Graham commanding. (Co. C) He was in the service from December 1942 until December 1945 and was involved in the battles of Brest France, Hurtgen Forest, Battle of the Bulge and occupation duty after the war.

Lewis G Allen Sr Monday, 29 June 2020 01:56 | Kentucky

My dad John Wesley Allen was attached to the 811th tank battalion as a black soldier and I’m a retired veteran trying to get information on his service , any help would do , I salute you for your service.

Mark Eppler Saturday, 27 June 2020 12:18 | Milford, OH 45150

I'm pleased this information was made available on your site since we too found a copy of the Muster program in my father-0in-laws war papers. Inside the program opposite the list of guests is a note similar to the one you mention except the Honor Guest is S/Sgt. Don Bush (my wife's father). I believe the members of the Army Brass present were allowed to select someone from their unit to bring as an "honored guest." My father-in-law worked closely with Major General Gillem, and was awarded a Bronze Star by him. A week after this meeting, he was promoted to Master Sergeant by Gillem.

Alberta Waddell Friday, 26 June 2020 13:02 | w. WINFIELD, ny

My dad Alberta Waddell was in this group, I have his dog tags 20 242 328 HQ CO 813 TD BN and I would love more information.

Lynne Adoline Tuesday, 09 June 2020 23:14 | Toledo ohio usa

Awesome found my grandpa cpl emil olwick listed in one of the books you have. He was in one of the hellcats. I found he was in company B. I know he went though africa maybe france to rome trying to find more where he was. He got blown up in a tank outside berlin somewhere but lived.

Susan George Sunday, 07 June 2020 15:21

My father Jerry McCoy served in World War II I am trying to locate records.
His records were destroyed in the 1974 fire in St Louis.

Elaine Terri Svetich Sunday, 07 June 2020 01:02 | Reno, NV

My father, Marvin Gilbert Hall, served as a mechanic at Ft. Hood. I know very little about his time in the Army other than that. I was recently going through some family materials and found a pin and banner with the tank destroyer emblem. This website is fascinating.

Jean Angerhofer Saturday, 06 June 2020 15:54

My father, Milton R. Becker served with the 899th TD Battalion Company B. Wondering if anyone is left from that unit that can give me any information. Thanks in advance.

This is a very nice site and much appreciated.

Robert B. Armstrong Thursday, 28 May 2020 19:52 | Suffolk, Va.

I was looking for the person I was named after in 1945. I found him here on your Tank Destroyers website. I had previously found some photos of him and my father among some old letters of my mother’s.
My namesake was Robert T. Pyle who died of a gunshot to the head during the Battle of the Bulge.
My father and he were best friends throughout the war.
His name was Howard Turner Armstrong from Newport News, Virginia. I will dig out the old letters about Bobby Pyle written by his mother and sent to my grandmother.I will communicate more later.
Bobby Armstrong.

James Belcher Friday, 15 May 2020 13:56 | Waynesboro VA

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Very nice site. I was researching a postcard dated 15 Nov 1943 from Pvt Herman Price 33648851 at Camp Hood TX, Co. B 661 T/D BN, mailed to Schoolfield VA. Hoping to create a Tank Destroyer display in my War Room.

Jim Leahy Sunday, 10 May 2020 04:38 | California

My Dad, Ltd James E Leahy, was picked up by reconn patrol from the 813th TD Battalion on 30 August 1944 as the patrol moved into the town of Mouy, France. Dad's P-38 Lightning went down behind German lines on 25 August 1944, following a mid air collision with a BF109. He was hidden by a French family for 5 days until picked up by the 813th TDB.

It wasn't until 6 September that transportation was available to return him to the 474th FG, 429 FS. At one point during that that time, he was involved hand to hand combat with a German soldier.

After Dad passed away in 1987 I found a letter from the commander of the 813th to the commander of the 474th FG and the 813TH TDB black and orange Patch.

Bill Roberts Tuesday, 28 April 2020 20:03 | Columbus, MS

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

I was Gen. B's aircraft commander in Vietnam. He was a true warrior and didn't hesitate to fly into hot situations. He will always hold a special place in my heart. My deepest condolences go out to the family.

aguthrie16 Wednesday, 15 April 2020 21:22

Testing the guestbook.

Site Manager
Comment Test on the backend.

Thomas W Bray Thursday, 09 April 2020 16:49

I wish to express my thanks to Rob Haldeman for his assistance in organizing and compiling my father Merle W Bray’s story in the Honoree section. He was a proud Army veteran who was awarded a Bronze Star and Purple Heart.

Site Manager
You are very welcome!