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Call Me SPEARHEAD

The Official Publication of the

Association of 3d Armored Division Veterans

15 January 2002                                                                                           Volume 02, Issue 1

A Company

36^th Armored Infantry Battalion

John Andler joined Company A of the 36th Armored Infantry Regiment on 29 December 1944 and wrote the following in the spring of 1988. John passed away on 27 March 2000.

 I was first introduced to Captain Berlin of A Company of the famous 3rd Armored Division during the month of December 1944 at the German breakthrough called the "Battle of the Bulge".

I was a 25-year-old replacement who didn't have any idea what a real war was like.  It was during the night, and with only a small candle burning in a small room, I was greeted by a reduced squad of soldiers, the first rifle squad of the first platoon.  I had an eerie feeling being in a situation like that and among all those strange fellows.

We soon became a very closely-knit squad that relied on each other.  We ate, slept, expressed our feelings openly and, in just a couple of weeks together we could even tell what each other was thinking about.  I've had numerous friends since May of 1945, but I never had the same feeling with them as I shared together with my buddies of Co.  A.  In fact to this day, many nights I lay and think of our buddies and events that took place during the war.  I am still not able to talk about some of the unpleasant events that happened without getting all choked up.

It was the things that happened around the Stolberg and Bastogne areas that left a lasting impression of the horrors of war in my mind.  I remember the snow and cold weather in the Ardennes where we laid in the snow.  Many time I thought my feet were frozen and took every opportunity to keep them as dry as possible.

When I first heard the sound of a buzz bomb I thought it was one of the German Luftwaffe with a miss in his motor.  The first time I saw a Mark V tank it sent a chill down my spine.  We came across many German dugout enclosures with trees laid across to protect the Jerries from our artillery.  Nearing the end of December I thought things looked quite bleak for us--we had Germans all around us.  At this time it seemed that our Sherman tanks were not too much of a match up against the German tanks.  The German's 88mm gun out performed our 75's and 76's.

We became friendly with a tank crew of the 32nd Armored Regiment and relied on them quite a bit.  They gave us overhead fire, which I didn't care for at first, but later we became used to it and depended on it greatly.

There were times at night when we were pinned down and would hear calls for help but we learned it was a ploy of the Germans to lure us out so they could machinegun us.  But I have often wondered since if it was always a hoax.

It was around the beginning of January in the Ardennes that I was issued a Bronze Star.  It was for the firepower of my BAR that got us out of a tough situation.  It was at night in a wooded area in January when I was hit by a piece of shrapnel.  I was hit in the right shoulder and didn't know until morning how bad.  When daylight came I could see the hole with the dried blood around it.  My arm was stiff and numb so I carried my BAR in my left arm.  A medic sprinkled it with sulfa powder and put on a bandage.

There were times when we were told that we would not encounter much opposition and it was just the opposite.  The same happened when we were told to expect heavy opposition and experienced very little.  Thus we prepared ourselves for whatever might come.

When I first got into combat I wondered how I would react when I confronted a Jerry.  I got a funny feeling in my stomach, but as time went on it was either kill or be killed.  There were three things a combat infantryman could look forward to during the war.  Number one was a million dollar wound, which sent you home, the second was death and the third was the end of the war.  There were times when I was so frightened that I thought my heart could be heard yards away from me.  I have never encountered anything like it since the war.

It was always a sad time when we got new replacements.  The question was, first will they be a good buddy as the men they were replacing, second will they be as dependable as my buddies they are replacing and can one rely on them?  But in a short time they learned to depend on us and us on them.

The following is not in Mr. Andler's word but are a shortened version of his memories.

John Andler continued on with his story about the mud slogging of spring and the continued resistance they met as they move through the German countryside and the cities where the German had to blast out by the air force and the artillery as the infantrymen moved in to secure the areas.  He tells of the destruction he saw and the horror of the death camps they passed by and through.  His memories have been with him all these years and we should appreciate him sharing them.  He tells us of the deep feeling he had as the ship bringing him home passed the Statue of Liberty just as a ship carrying his Mother and Father had passed this very same spot on November of 1907 bringing them from Yugoslavia.  He speaks of seeing the Statue of Liberty and of feeling like a small, frightened, lonely child being taken to the bosom of its mother.  This man, Andler, must have been a very fine American and a compassionate human being.

Thank you, John Andler

This was reprinted from A/36th ARB Newsletter.

3^rd Battalion 5^th Cavalry

Black Knights

By:  Dan Edger

Always Recycle

While serving on perimeter guard duty in Saudi Arabia in the Gulf, my
partner and I heard some weird clanking noise in the aviation squadron
sector bordering our assigned post.  We would hear this sound every night
for about a week and were curious as to what it was.  Even though it wasn't
in our responsible area, we always took our guard duties very seriously and
thought we would go over and check it out anyway.  When we got to the
aviation squadron perimeter, we found about 6 white pick-up trucks that
belonged to the locals.  They were loading the large green painted aluminum
panels that normally interlocked to make a field tarmac or runway for the
helicopters.  It turns out that they were systematically stealing the large heavy
aluminum panels each night from the leading edges of this temporary tarmac.  I don't know where the aviation squadron's security was, but they were nowhere in sight.  We entered the perimeter and ran up on them yelling with
weapons drawn and the locals dropped what they were doing and bugged out.  Aluminum is a very valuable recyclable source of income for the locals and
these heavy panels must have been worth a mint to them to risk the typical
Saudi punishment of chopping off a hand.  I always wondered if any of the
pilots ever noticed their ever-shrinking runway when they would make their final approach to the field.

In a related story, I remember a Bedouin coming up to an M113 Armored
Personnel Carrier I was doing maintenance on and testing its camo poles in the
bag on top with a large magnet to verify that they were aluminum.  They were
and he offered me a big wad of Saudi and Iraqi cash (souvenir money for the
school kids) for the poles.  I hate to admit it, but the track driver and I
sold those guys 2 camo net poles (we didn't use them anyway) for his wad of
cash, which was probably worth nothing, and a Saudi headdress and robe, which
I sent to a group of school children that wrote to me.  He also placed the
magnet on the side of the (all aluminum) M113 APC and his eyes bulged out of
his head when he saw the multi-ton vehicle was itself all aluminum!  I said, "Sorry Abdullah, I can't sell you this."

4 Squadron 7th Cavalry

Desert Storm Reunion

1-3 June 2001

The 4^th Squadron, 7^th Cavalry held a 10-year Desert Storm Reunion 1-3 June 2001 in Radcliff, Kentucky.  Over 100 troopers and their families attended.

Organized around a theme of “Together Again”, reunion events were free flowing and designed to allow all attendees a chance to catch up after such a long absence.  There was a golfing tournament, hiking at Otter Creek State Park, tours of the Patton Museum, and lots of sharing stories.  A Squadron Lounge was open both Friday and Saturday nights; many beers were drunk and many stories were told.  An adjoining room was used for flags, photos, and other souvenirs.  One of the oldest souvenirs was the Squadron Lounge sign itself, drawn and painted by Clint Schweidert and saved by BG Terry Tucker (then-Squadron Commander) from the Hohenfels rotation of October 1990.

A memorial service was held Saturday afternoon for all fallen comrades, from Desert Storm to the present.  Mike Skardon emceed the ceremony that featured readings by commanders and soldiers, and was supported by an honor guard and the 113^th Army Band.  As taps was played, a wreath was laid at the 3^rd AD memorial in Armor Park, adjacent to the Armor museum.  It was a very emotional and moving ceremony for all.

Following the service was the Squadron banquet held in the Patton Museum.  After remarks by Troop Commanders, BG Terry Tucker, the Desert Storm Squadron Commander, gave a rousing keynote speech about his feelings for the Squadron and what he felt for all of his troops.  While speaking about the Squadron’s achievements, he also publicly recognized many in the audience for personal bravery.  The banquet was adjourned after a slide show and short movie of the war.

Ray Starmann, the former Assistant S-2, was able to get the History Channel interested in a program on the 7^th Cavalry.  The crew taped interviews with several Squadron members to get Gulf War recollections from all views, and also taped the Memorial Service and Banquet.  These will be part of a special to be released in the future.

After a Sunday brunch, most of the attendees headed home.  The reunion was a great success overall, and many who attended made plans to get together again.  Until next time!

Store News

NOW AVAILABLE

A3ADV Flags

3’ by 5’ Nylon

$65.00 plus shipping and handling

Contact Steve Depuy to order your flag

New Members

The following new members have joined since our last newsletter:

NAME                            Unit                    NAME                            Unit

Mathew Calvin              2-6 FA               Robert Dingman           83^rd Recon

Arnold Smith                 Svc Co 3 AD    Ray Lyons                     HHC Supp

Robert Denari               65^th AFA           Ira Williams                   HHC Supp

Lester Cohen                1-32 Armor       Kenneth Carter             2-3 FA

Robert Baum                                           Greg Mode                   Discom

Bryant Lonecker           3-12 Cav           Moreno Rimmaudo      2-27 FA

Peter DeMicke             122 Sup Bn       Eugene McInerney       2-48 Inf

Sylvester Brown           143 Armor         Carl Garack                  HHC Supp

Stephen Lacoff             Sup Com           Clifford Guard               23^rd Eng

Wayne Deneke            3-36 Inf              Regan Lutzko               2-3 FA

Kasey Thornton            122 Maint          Clifton Mitchell              1-33 Armor

Association of 3^rd Armored Division Veterans

Reunion 2002

17-21 July

Name:            ___________________________________________

Address:       ___________________________________________

City:               _________________  State:                        _______  Zip: _______

Telephone:   (______)__________________

Email address: _________________________________________

Full Reunion Registration Includes:

                                Registration Fee/Admission to Reunion

                                Friday Ft Knox Trip Transportation

                                Friday Night Hot Buffet Dinner

                                Saturday Deli Lunch

                                Saturday Night Reunion Banquet

___________      Full Reunion Registrations at $89.00 each.                                                                       Cost  ____________

(How Many?)

Arriving on (check one):   ______Wed    ______Thurs    ______Fri    ______Sat

Ala Carte Registration:

___________      Registration Fee/Admission to Reunion, $25.00 each person                                       Cost  ____________

(How Many?)

Arriving on (check one):   ______Wed    ______Thurs    ______Fri    ______Sat

___________      Thursday Louisville Tour Options, $30.00 each person                                                   Cost  ____________

(How Many?)

___________      Friday Ft Knox Transportation, $25.00 each person                                                          Cost  ____________

(How Many?)

___________      Friday Night Hot Buffet Dinner, $20.00 each person                                                         Cost  ____________

(How Many?)

___________      Saturday Deli Lunch, $15.00 each person                                                                          Cost  ____________

(How Many?)

___________      Saturday Night Reunion Banquet, $25.00 each person                                                   Cost  ____________

(How Many?)

                                                                                                                                                                           Total Cost  ____________

                                                                                                                                                Check Amount Enclosed:  ____________

                                                                                                                                          Credit Card Charge Amount:  ____________

Card (circle one):     DiscoverCard         VisaCard         MasterCard

Card Number:                      __________  __________  __________  __________

Expiration Date:                   __________  Month    ___________  Year

Authorization Signature:   ________________________________________    Date  _______________

17-21 July 2002

Best Western Brownsboro Inn, Louisville, Kentucky

Schedule of Events

Wednesday                           1600-1900                 Registration

                                                1900-2400                 Social Gathering

Thursday                                0800-1000                 Registration

1230-1730                                  Optional Louisville Guided Tour

                                    (Recommending Tour 1 or 2)

                                                1900-2100                 Optional German Dinner

                                                1900-2400                 Social Gathering

Friday                                     0800-0900                 Registration

                                                0900-1800                 Trip to Fort Knox

                                                                                          Static Display

                                                                                          Tank Driving/Combat Simulator

                                                                                          Optional Lunch- Leader’s Club

                                                                                          Memorial Service

                                                                                          Patton Museum      

                                                1830-2000                 Hot Buffet Dinner

                                                2000-2400                 Social Gathering

Saturday                                 0800-1000                 Registration

1130-1230                                  Deli Lunch

1230-1730                                  Optional Ladies Tour

(Recommending Tour 3)

                                                1300-1400                 Business Meeting

                                                1800-2100                 Reunion Banquet Buffet

                                                2100-2400                 Social Gathering

Louisville’s Airport is just minutes from the hotel. The hotel operates a courtesy shuttle for transportation between the hotel and airport.

The Best Western Brownsboro Inn has blocked fifty guest rooms for our reunion. The association’s room rate is $75.00 per night (plus tax) and includes a free continental breakfast (0700-1030am). Each room has two double beds or one king bed.

To reserve your room, contact the hotel directly at 1-502-893-2551 and specifically ask for the association’s rate (regular hotel rates are much higher for Friday and Saturday nights).

Early registration is advised as there will be a large convention in Louisville over this same weekend and other accommodations may be scarce and costly!

Send application and payment to:        A3ADV

                                                                  PO Box 68148

                                                                  Indianapolis, IN 46268-1486

LOUISVILLE OFFERS ATTRACTIONS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY:

The Am. Auto. Assoc. "Top Points Of Interest Offering Great Experiences For Members"

Farmington, designed by Thomas Jefferson, this Federal-style house, completed in 1816, is filled with period antiques on 14 acre grounds with a re-creation of an early 19th-century garden.  It was the 14 room home of John and Lucy Speed on their hemp plantation.

Kentucky Derby Museum, the jewel in horse racing can be examined through interactive films, exhibits and a tour of Churchill Downs.

Locust Grove Historic Home,  this restored 1790's Georgian mansion was the retirement home of Revolutionary War general George Rogers Clark.  It is furnished with portraits, and articles belonging to the family.  The "hands-on" history center features areas where children can try on clothing reproductions and rifle through the contents of a Revolutionary War soldier's trunk.

Louisville Science Center, this former 5 story warehouse now stores 40,000 sq feet of tools to explore space, ancient Egypt and the human body.

Louisville Zoo, filled with many creatures including the largest spider exhibits in the nation.  The Islands Pavilion is home to orangutans, Sumatran tigers, tapirs, and siamangs, while the Petting Zoo allows visitor interaction with African farm animals.

The Speed Art Museum, has distinguished collections of 17th century Dutch and Flemish painting, 18th century French art, Renaissance and Baroque tapestries, and significant holdings of contemporary American painting and sculpture.  African and Native American works also represent a growing segment of the museum's collection.  http://www.speedmuseum.org/collection.html

List Of Other Louisville Attractions

See http://www.kytravel.com/shop1.htm for details

Riverboats; there are four to choose from which offer tours along the Ohio River:

Belle of Louisville Riverboat, Spirit of Jefferson, Star of Louisville, and Caesars Indiana
Kentucky Bourbon Distillerys To Visit:  There are 4 distillery to visit:

Jim Beam’s American Outpost, Labrot & Graham Distillery, Buffalo Trace Distillery, Maker's Mark Distillery

Nature/Parks/Outdoors: The Forest Discovery Center, Gheens Science Hall & Rauch Planetarium, Louisville Science Center & IMAX Theatre, Louisville Zoo, Marengo Cave National Landmark, Falls of the Ohio Interpretive Center, Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom.

Museums/Historic Sites: The Historic Brown Hotel, Howard Steamboat Museum, Joseph A. Callaway Archaeological Museum, Cathedral of the Assumption, Kentucky Art & Craft Gallery, The Little Loomhouse, Louisville Slugger Museum & Bat Factory, Louisville Visual Art Assn. at the Water Tower, Museum of the American Printing House for the Blind, Portland Museum of the history of the Falls of the Ohio, Sons of the American Revolution Historical Museum, The Speed Art Museum, Cathedral of the Assumption, West Main Street Walking Tour.

Antiques & Shopping: Kentucky Art & Craft Gallery, Lionheart Gallery Hyatt Regency, Louisville Galleria, Hadley Pottery, Joe Ley Antiques, Inc., Louisville Antique Mall, Louisville Stoneware, Derby City Antique Mall, Head House Antiques & Uniques, Lyndon Antique Mall & Gallery,

Last Round

Board of Directors Meeting

The A3ADV Board of Directors held their annual meeting in Raleigh, NC during the weekend of 5-6 October 2001.  The following Directors were present: Kevin Colson, Daryl Gordon, Steve Depuy, Rich Carlson, Carl Erickson & Dave Feller.  The Directors had a busy agenda to cover in a short amount of time. After reviewing and making minor changes to the A3ADV by-laws, the Board completed a thorough review of the entire organization.  After much discussion, the Board decided to focus its full attention on three main areas to ensure the A3ADV continues to grow and prosper.  The three areas are membership, reunions and financials.  Membership includes ways to actively recruit new members and retain the existing membership.  Reunions are our primary activity for the membership of the A3ADV.  We currently have our 2002 Reunion set for 17-21 July 2002 in Louisville, KY.  Exact dates for the 2003 Reunion to be held in Seattle, Washington are still to be determined.  Membership and attendance at reunions will greatly be affected by the expanded national advertising campaign that started January 2002.  The final area in need of attention is the financial standing of the A3ADV.  The Board of Directors made some tough decisions so that the organization can survive the critical first five years of existence.

History Channel Project Update

The 2-hour documentary on the 3^rd Armored Division by the History Channel is in final editing.  It should be ready for viewing on the History Channel in March-April 2002.

Editorial Notes

Look for the next edition of “Call Me Spearhead” to be published in April.  Anyone wishing to submit material for the newsletter may do so by e-mailing Kevin Colson at kcolson@3ad.org.  Anyone who would be interested in working on the staff to create and publish the newsletter should please contact Kevin.  All material published here is the intellectual property of the Association of 3d Armored Division Veterans or the individual author as noted.