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Call Me SPEARHEAD The Official Publication of the Association of 3d Armored Division Veterans July
15, 2001
Volume 01, Issue 3
23rd Engineer Battalion SPEARHEAD SAPPERS! By Chuck Markham The
motto “SPEARHEAD” is synonymous with the 3rd Armored Division.
The term “SAPPER” is synonymous with combat engineers.
When put together, SPEARHEAD SAPPERS can only stand for the 23rd
Engineer Battalion. Though known
for its support to 3AD during World War II, the Cold War and Desert Storm, the
23rd Engineers began its service to the nation during World War I. Constituted
in the National Guard as the 23rd Engineer Regiment (Highway) on 15
August 1917, it consisted of six battalions and 31 companies with an overall
strength of 6,600 men. It was the
largest regimental sized unit in the American Expeditionary Force.
The regiment deployed to France in November 1917 and served in support of
various allied actions, earning for itself the title “The Road Builders.”
It earned three campaign streamers and acquired its distinctive unit
insignia, a mountain from the Arms of St. Milhiel and green oak tree of the
Meuse-Argonne. The 23rd became a part of the 3rd Armored Division at Camp Beauregard, Louisiana by General Order Number 1, Headquarters, 3rd Armored Division dated 15 April 1941 as the 23rd Armored Engineer Battalion with six companies. Following the Division in training throughout the United States, the battalion departed New York in September 1943 putting in at Liverpool England ten days later. There on the historic Salisbury Plain the 23rd went into its final phases of training in preparation for the cross channel attack into France. The battalion landed over Omaha Beach on 23 June 1944 in support of the 32nd and 33rd Armored Regiments. It provided combat engineer support to the Division from the Normandy hedgerows to the Elbe River. Some of the highlights of its operations included the assault river crossings/bridging of the Seine, Marne, Aisne, Meuse, Erft, Rhine and Malde Rivers; the honor of being the first engineers to breach the Siegfried Line; and commitment as infantry at Mon’s and in the Ardennes. As the veterans of the Division shipped home, the battalion was inactivated on 10 November 1945 at Aalen, Germany. Reactivated with the 3rd Armored Division on 15 July 1947, at Fort Knox, Kentucky, the Spearhead Sappers once again were called on to perform a myriad of combat engineer missions. Deploying with the Division to Germany in 1956, the battalion settled into Hessen-Homburg Kaserne in Hanau, were they would remain until 1992. Participating in numerous exercises during the Cold War, to include “Summer Stock,” “Saber Knot,” “Caravan Guard,” and REFORGER, the 23rd Engineers trained throughout Germany. Training at Lamboy Woods, Camp O Pond, Wildflecken, Grafenwehr, and Hohenfels (to include the Combat Maneuver Training Center) was routine to keep their combat skills honed. Deployments to their GDP positions and rehearsals of their obstacle plans along the Fulda Gap brought their important mission of the defense of Germany to reality. Upon the collapse of the Berlin Wall and the Soviet Union, this critical mission would vanish over night in November 1989. However, one year later the battalion would have a new mission; deploy with the 3rd Armored Division to help defend Saudi Arabia and drive Iraqi military forces from Kuwait. In December of 1990, the battalion deployed in total to Saudi Arabia. The battalion supported the 2d Brigade during the ground war, with companies also supporting 1st Brigade and the Division Cavalry Squadron. Once again the Spearhead Sappers provided combat engineer support to the division’s maneuver forces. Following the cease-fire, the sappers destroyed hundreds of Iraqi equipment throughout Kuwait and southern Iraq. In addition, the battalion helped clear and mark roads for the incoming United Nations Observers and transport refugees from Iraq to Saudi Arabia. The battalion then stayed with the Ready First Brigade and helped establish Camp Doha next to Kuwait City. The battalion re-deployed to Germany in late June 1991. Upon return to Germany and deactivation of the 3rd Armored Division, the battalion put on the 1st Armored Division patch and moved to Friedberg and Ray Barracks in January 1992. The battalion was deactivated later in 1992, as the 16th Engineer Battalion once again became the divisional engineer battalion for 1st AD. Spanning
seventy-five years of dedicated service to the United States of America through
World Wars I and II, the Cold War and Desert Storm, veterans of the 23rd
Engineer Battalion were there when called.
These “Road Builders” and “Spearhead Sappers” emblazoned the
engineer motto “Essayons! (Let us try!). “NOUS SERVIRONS DE NOUVEAU” (We
will Serve Again) 2nd Battalion 67th Armor “Iron Dukes” Excerpt
from Desert Storm Diary
By Brad Gericke 23
Feb 91
FAA Butts Today began as G-2 and finished as G-1. The Brigade/Battalion order was briefed this morning. Originally everything was to be on hold until 2000, but that soon changed and we proceeded with the plan. Our operations order immediately followed dinner to the Tank Commander level. No maps, no overlays, just and operation sketch and a matrix. Common sense has prevailed over peacetime Hohenfels doctrine. It has been a week of adversity within the battalion. Maintenance became the greatest source of frustration I have witnessed so far. It has taken 2 or 3 days to energize our maintenance leaders about the gravity of the situation. The Battalion Commander has been all over us, as always happens when tanks go down; I began receiving plenty of help from the Battalion XO and the new Battalion Motor Officer. We soon picked up the ball, but then the trains began failing us. The LTC kept the heat on regardless. I had to monitor the entire maintenance process personally: 2406’s, parts run, checking on the trains, etc. On top of it, the maintenance team is growing resentful. As usual, they feel “abused.” In reality, they are simply bearing the brunt of a round-the-clock schedule and must adjust.
We
floated the old A31 several days ago. It was a good decision to do so. I believe
there was an inherent electrical problem within that system. We stripped quite a
bit from the tank before we surrendered it to the real vultures at the Field
Trains. In return we drew a new M1A1 straight. We now possess extra weapons,
radios, BII etc. It is amazing how healthy we have become in terms of equipment.
Yesterday we put in all new V-packs air filters. We can no longer carry our
serviceable II and IX. A good quantity was left on the burn pile. 24 Feb 91 FAA Butts This morning at 0830 we departed for desert war—at the tail of a driving rainstorm. Actually we are lined up on our tanks, the battalion in three columns, the company in column, waiting for the word to move. And the rain, which fell all night has stopped, replaced by the ever-common winds, blowing clouds, and bright sunshine. I had planned on sleeping in an hour this morning according to our company rest plan, but I was awakened to execute stand-to. Just as well. I did not sleep too much nor too deeply last night anyway. It wasn’t the prospect of the upcoming mission, which kept me awake, but rather events of a more practical nature. Someone came into my tent wanting to know if I heard a large explosion outside. I hadn’t but my loader had. Still don’t know what it was. It probably was a “daisy cutter”. Then company maintenance NCOIC came by to report that the new A-31 was up and ready. It had gone down earlier in the evening with the exact same symptom as the old A31: normal mode inop. My turret mechanic, CPL Macfarland, suspects foul play. Initially I demurred, but after some reflection I am not certain. One of our NCOs has been talking for weeks about “ripping the heart out of a dead Iraqi and drinking his blood.” He even wrote a letter to Saddam. Those are the kinds of guys we have to watch.
While
I was in the Hummer making the net calls for stand-to, I opened the rest of my
mail. I’ve received a lot of packages recently. Two nights ago company supply
NCO woke me dragging an entire garbage bag of seven or eight boxes into my tent.
My tank crew and me have consequently been on a frantic snack binge. Anyway,
today I opened a box from Mom & Dad with a fantastic gift: the Sports
Illustrated swimsuit issue. Wow! What a distraction, and it is worth a fortune
in this environment. I’ve only glanced at it once. I’ll ‘study’ it later
when I have more time. If I don’t keep it somewhat of a secret it will be
“borrowed” immediately. Our Unit Basic Load (UBL) for the M1A1 for this operation follows:
·M829A1:
27 Sabot Main Gun Rounds ·M830:
13 Heat Main Gun Rounds ·7.62:
11,400 Coax & Loader Machine Guns ·.50
cal: 900 Tank Commanders
Machine Gun ·Smoke
Grenades: ~18 (3 boxes) ·.45
cal: 21 ea. ·5.56:
~100 ·Flares:
3 ·Claymores:
6 ea. Per platoon ·M203
40mm 40 rounds each
The
Loran is called a “game boy” over the net.
The
current plan is to move some 20 or 30 km to an attack position. Today is G Day.
The Marines, 18th Airborne Corps, and 1st ID are apparently moving virtually
unopposed. Tomorrow we are to advance some 200 km to OBJ Collins. The main
threat of contact as briefed is dug-in infantry south of the town of Al Bassaya.
My
early suspicion was correct. As I write this we are laagered within sight of the
berms defining the Iraqi border. We bypassed the attack position and went
through PL’s Purple, Silver, and Gray, a total of 49 km.
At
1300 we began taking NAP pills. From 1345 to 1515 we halted for fueling while
the Brigade brought itself on line. At approximately 1720 the battalion
approached the LD. Our scouts crossed, but were pulled back as the lead brigades
became congested on the far side of the berm. We refueled and are laagering for
the night. I think is a smart move to hold up during darkness. Operations at
night are doable but difficult. There really is little need to do so as we enjoy
air superiority.
All
day we have marched north enshrouded in an ominous pall of dust. Visibility of
only several hundred meters, the constant rumble of machinery, and the pounding
rhythm of the tanks lent a surreal quality to the scene.
I
know very little of what is happening outside of our unit. This morning we heard
that a radio intercept indicated an Iraqi division requested chemical release
authority, and that a missile had been launched at KKMC. Tonight we picked up a
little news: reports of advance across the board by the attacking forces with
numerous EPW’s.
The
full Desert Storm Diary by Brad Gericke can be accessed in the Desert Storm
Section of the A3ADV Website under the 3rd Brigade, 2-67 Armor,
Personal History Page. Association
News Our
First Reunion The
Association polled the membership as to reunion plans for our first reunion.
80% of the people desired to come to a reunion this summer in
Pennsylvania while there was a core group who wanted to attend the 3rd
Armored Division Association reunion in Peoria in September.
We are happy to announce that both options are going to be available to
people. You will find an
application for our reunion at the end of this newsletter. We have been informed
that we are also welcome to attend the Peoria reunion.
Specific details of both reunions will be available at the reunions
sections of our website. There are
also downloadable forms for the reunion. If you are not able to access the
website and would like information, please contact Steve Depuy at 717-336-0185.
Please consider supporting these events.
Your support will have much to do with the success of our organization in
the future. Membership
Renewals For many members, the end of your first year of membership is rapidly coming to an end. In the coming weeks, we will be mailing out your membership renewals notices. We hope that all of our annual members will continue to support the Association by renewing their membership. We would also like to encourage all veterans to find other 3AD veterans and bring them into the association. Store
News The
Association Store has a small quantity of winter parka’s and sweatshirts
arriving for the reunion. Pictures will be posted on the website of these new
items and they will be made available some time in August. Reunion Raffles The
Association has raffles we are going to be holding for different things at the
Reunion this summer. So far, we have a rare 3AD CCB crest, a copy of Spearhead
in the West, 1945 printing, a can of Lischer Beer and a copy of Elvis
Pressley’s GI Blues record album. We understand that not all of you will be
able to attend the reunion but might be interested in items we are raffling off.
The items will be listed in the reunion section of the website and you may
purchase tickets by writing to the Association Store. Association
Funds Projects There
have been two new funds established for the Association Members. Anyone wishing
to donate towards these funds should contact the Treasurer at couline@ptd.net
and details will be sent to you. Kutz/Gentry
Scholorship Fund – This fund was
established to give an annual scholarship to the most qualified applicant each
year. Qualifications will be more to do with being related to a 3AD veteran than
grades or other qualifications. The fund will need to reach a balance of at
least $10,000 in order to begin to pay out scholarships. The current balance is
$275.25. This fund is being done in the memory of two 3AD veterans who were
killed during Desert Storm. Having this fund established will help the
Association qualify for IRS tax exempt status which will make your donations tax
deductible in the future if we qualify. Association Future Expenses Fund - This fund has been established to pay the future expenses of the Association when the bulk of the membership no longer has to pay dues. The board of directors has decided that all dues from Lifetime Memberships received will be placed in this fund along with any donations from the members. The current balance of this fund in $1,424.75, in order for the Association to be able to pay its bills off the interest of this fund, it will obviously have to grow much higher.
New
Members NAME
Unit
NAME
Unit David
C. Feller
HHC 4/67AR
Kenneth F. Bradfield
A Co 1/32 AR Daniel
Edgar
HHC 2/36 IN
Anthony Gartner
3/6 FA Thomas
G. Webber A Co 45
MED George A.
Sweeten
391st FA John
P. Prater
A Co 2/36 IN
Thomas D. Sheridan
A Co 3/36 IN Charles
N. Wright
HHC CCC
Henri LeBorgne
A Co 1/48 IN Kenneth
R. Shaffer D
Co 1/36 IN
Anthony F. Rice
HHC 23 ENG Ivy
Palmer
HHB 2/3 FA
Last
Round Email versus U.S. Post Office
The Association of 3rd Armored Division Veterans is in the process of compiling a comprehensive email contact list. We will use the list for publishing the Quarterly Association Newsletter. The ability to publish the newsletter through email will save the Association over of $1.00 per copy in publishing, postage and printing costs. I have sent a test email out to check the operation of all the current email address that we have on file. Please update your email address with the publisher of the newsletter Kevin Colson at kcolson@3ad.org. 2001 A3ADV Reunion Registration Form July
25-29 2001, The Clarion Hotel Carlisle
Pennsylvania Schedule of Events Wednesday
1600-1900
Registration
1900-2400 Social gathering in Main Meeting Room Thursday
0900-1100
Registration
1000-1600 Trip to Carlisle Army Barracks or
Gettysburg
1500-1700 Registration
1900-2400 Social gathering in main meeting room Friday
0900-1100
Registration
0900-1800 Trip to Aberdeen Proving Grounds 1200-1300
The Sandwich Deli Lunch
1500-1700 Registration 1800-1930
Hot Buffet Dinner 1900-2400
Social Gathering in main meeting room Saturday
0900-1000
Registration 0900-1500
Ladies Shopping Trip 1000-1100
Memorial Service 1200-1300
The Sandwich Deli Lunch
1300-1400 Business Meeting
1800-2100 Banquet
There are major airports located at Harrisburg Pa, and
Baltimore for people who desire to fly. Hotel Cost
$77.00 per night (Single or Double Occupancy) Each room comes with two double beds. Cots are available for
rent from the hotel for children. A maximum of two adults per room is allowed. To reserve your room, call the Clarion Hotel at
1-800-692-7315. Please send your
application and payment to: A3ADV Store C/O Steve Depuy 2 East Main Street Reinholds, Pa
17569 If you have any questions
regarding the reunion, please contact Steve at sdepuy@3ad.org Reunion Application Name _______________________________________________________________________ Address 1:
________________________________________________________________ Address 2:
________________________________________________________________ City: ____________________________
State
_______________ Zip
____________ E-Mail Address: ________________________________________________________________ Telephone Number:
(_________) ______________________________________________ Registration Includes
Admission to Reunion 1 – Drink ticket per day
Chips and Pretzels in meeting room 1 – Ticket to Saturday Night Banquet $50.00 per Adult
_______ Number
of Adults
Total Cost ______________ $34.00 per child (9-21)
_______
Number of Children
Total Cost ______________ $18.00 per child (3-8)
_______
Number of Children
Total Cost ______________ Children 2 and under are free Meal Tickets Banquet Boxed Lunches Thursday
_______
Number of Meals $12.35 each
Total Cost ______________ Friday
_______
Number of Meals $12.35 each
Total Cost ______________ Saturday
_______
Number of Meals $12.35 each
Total Cost ______________ Luncheon Buffet Friday
_______
Number of Meals $13.60 each
Total Cost ______________ Saturday
_______
Number of Meals $13.60 each
Total Cost ______________ Hot Buffet Dinner Friday Night
_______
Number of Meals $23.60 each
Total Cost ______________ Total
Cost ______________ To pay by credit card, please fill in the information below. Credit Card Discover/Visa/MasterCard
_________ _________
_________ _________
Exp Date ______
Month _______Year I authorize the above charges to be applied to my credit card ____________________________________________________
_____________________ Name
Date Board of Directors Election
The
following members of the Association of 3rd Armored Division Veterans
(A3ADV) have volunteered to run for election to the A3ADV Board of Directors.
Each newly elected Director will serve a 3 year term. They may run for
reelection at the end of their term. 1. Daryl Gorden Entered
the US Army on July 3, 1967 and took Basic Training at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.
After basic training, was then assigned to Fort Polk, Louisiana for 36K
(Wireman) training, graduating at the top of the class and received his PFC
stripe. Arrived at the 3rd Armored
Division 1 December 1967 and was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 6th Field Artillery
at Coleman Kaserne in Gelnhausen. Served
as the Battalion Commanders Driver & later managed the Battalion message
center. Daryl was promoted to
Sergeant February 1969. He was
released from active duty in June 1970 & discharge from the army July 1973. Daryl lives & works in Indianapolis, Indiana as full-time professional firefighter. He currently is a Battalion Chief in charge of a shift crew of 44 firefighters. My department serves a 44 square mile area with a population of 75,000. Daryl
is married and has two teenage children 2. Halford M.
Dudley, Command Sergeant Major (R) ·
Spearhead Service o
June 1981 – June 1984 3d
Squadron 12th Cavalry, Budingun Germany o
June 1984 – Sep 1987 G-3
Training NCOIC, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3d Armored Division o
Sep 1987 – Dec 1990 First
Sergeant, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3d Armored Division o
Dec 1990 – Apr 1991 DTAC
Sergeant Major, G-3, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3d Armored Division ·
Army Service:
21 Aug 1972 – 30 Sep 1996 ·
Current Employment: STAMIS
Logistics Assistance Representative (LAR), CECOM working with the LAO, 1st
Cavalry Division, Fort Hood Texas o Halford is married with 2 sons 3. Carl Erickson Carl
joined the 2nd Armored Rifle Bn of the 48th I Infantry at
Gelnhausen in 1962 after graduation from the Citadel. He served as a rifle platoon leader and mortar platoon
leader. He was reassigned to HHC
under the ROAD reorganization, and was a nuclear weapons convoy officer for the
Day Crockets and PBO until leaving active duty in December 1964.
Carl stayed in the active reserves with the 317th Infantry
until 1968. His
25 year civilian career was in banking where he was a senior vice president of
corporate planning at two large banks. For
the last eleven years he has been a strategic planner for the Federal
Government, most recently with the US Department of Treasury.
Carl
is the Webmaster for 48th Infantry site for the A3ADV
Carl
is married and has two grown children. Board of Directors Election Ballet
Your Name
___________________________ Ballets must be returned by
20 July 2001
Please
return the Ballet to Kevin Colson at the following address: Kevin Colson PO Box
526, Isle of Palms SC 29451 or email your votes to Kevin at kcolson@3ad.org. If you would like to serve on the A3ADV Board of Directors in
the future please submit your name to Kevin. |
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