Dear Joanne
Supko:
My name is Robert R.
Cooper CO D. I was in that battle Anthony was just to my left he was running up
to throw down the machine gun Tri pod as he was a machine gunner he was hit by
fire from the Germans I got to him and rolled him over he was hit by two bullets
in the stomach. I can tell you he never suffered. I was able to take his pulse
and he was gone. I have always remembered Anthony he was a good
Paratrooper. If I remember right after all these years I think Anthony spoke a
little French. I hope this will answer some of your questions. I am sure there
must be some of the other guys will remember some more about Anthony. as
Anthony was not in my Squad during training some of the men his squad will
remember more details of Anthony.
Respectfully
Yours
Robert Cooper Co.
D
Jim Royer
To Gene Frice, President, Officers, Board Members, Friends of
517.
June and I are very sorry to report that we will not be able to
attend
the Fla. reunion this year. It breaks our heart. June is recovering
from
her back surgery and the doctor did not think it was very wise to
travel
to Fla. this year. He thought that the long drive would be too much
for
her. She has her six week follow-up on January 24. After she
has
recovered sufficiently, I must go in for the removal of my gall
bladder.
My doctor said if I do it as soon as possible, it should be
fairly
simple, but if I wait until I have another attack, it could be much
more
serious.
We know that Bob and Mildred will do, as usual, an excellent
job. We
will miss all of you who do attend. Bob, your message that this will
be
your last reunion was a shock. You have always been a great asset to
the
517, and hope you will continue to contribute in what any way you
will
be able.
So, until we meet again, have a wonderful time.
God's
blessing to all.
Jim &
June Royer
p.s. We were also planning to make two stops after the reunion.
June's
brother lives to New Port Ritchie, and my nephew lives in
Oldsmar.
Tom McAvoy
Ben; I have been trying to find out who the Medic was for H
Co. in Italy Degnan who had been shot in both knees, along with this medic
that had been administering to Jim and an arterial shell went off near them and
cut the medics thigh so so bad you could see his leg bone, I ask him how
and where the closest Aid station was so I could run and get an ambulance. He
told me and I ran about 6 miles to get the ambulance, brought it back, took
stretchers out of the back and up the mountain to where Jim and the medic were
and with the help of 3 other guys carried Jim down to the ambulance and went
back and got the medic. brought him down to the ambulance and we took off for
the hospital (The Ambulance driver and I ) The medic died before we could get
to the hospital. I was never able to find out his name and have wondered
often who he was? Do we show any medics having died
in Italy in combat? Also a friend of mine from Indianapolis
Ind. was killed in France by the name of Jack Hitchcock I
company, I don't see his name listed in the KIA's in France or Italy. I
just happened to be home in Indianapolis (from my combat injuries) ran into a
former 517 trooper (Bob Nye) that also knew Jack we went together to Jacks
Mother's house for a friendly visit (since we both had been in the same outfit
with Jack??) That very day his Wife and Mother had been notified of his
death? Thank you for any information. Tom McAvoy
*********
Entry of Dec 24, 2005 at 12:38 [EST]
Name: Robert Van Ness
Unit: Navy / AirTevronOne
EMail: vturbinator@
aol.com
How I found the 517th page: From a search
engine
Comments: My uncle was Joseph F. Van Ness of B/517. He was killed on
August 31 of 44. We don't know much about him. Thanks for all you have done and
continue to do. I salute all the vets who were in this outfit. Thank you for
your sacrifices.
Entry of Dec 25, 2005 at 17:38
[EST]
Name: Charles A. Zamorski
Unit: I Company
EMail:
How I found the 517th
page: A friend told me
Comments: Happy Holidays to all from my unit and may
peace be with you all. Charlie
Entry of Dec 27, 2005 at 08:56
[EST]
Name: Michael Hucal, Staff Sergeant
Unit:
EMail: rupiper@
localnet.com
How I found the 517th page: From a search
engine
Comments: My name is Chris Rupiper, and Michael Hucal was my
grandfather. He passed away in March of 2000, but I've been doing some
researching to find out any stories or tidbits of information from his military
service. I appreciate anything that you guys can provide. Chris
Rupiper
Entry of Dec 30, 2005 at 21:20
[EST]
Name: Dan Dinneen
Unit: N/A
EMail: fc51@
mlode.com
How I found the 517th page: Heard from a
member of the 517th
Comments: I have a friend that was in the 517th A
company Vic Quarante
Entry of Jan 01, 2006 at 21:37
[EST]
Name: forrest
Unit: USCG
EMail: ragsdale
How I found the 517th page: From a search engine
Comments: Looking for
any info on my Father ww2 service. He joined at 17 years of age in Atlanta Ga.
He was in the 17th airborne. I tried to get his records, but the government told
me they were destroyed in a fire some where in Washington. He did not talk a lot
about it to my mother. She thinks he trained in N.C. and fought somewhere around
the Rhine river. His name is James Byron Ragsdale. If anyone one has any info on
him or history of his unit please let me know. Thanks to all the Men who served
their Country in all our Wars.
FK Ragsdale
frags1@alltel.net
Entry of Jan 03, 2006 at 16:13
[EST]
Name: David M. Gassman Jr.
Unit: Grandfather = 517
EMail:
dgassman@newequitymortgage.com
How I found the 517th page: From a search engine
Comments: Gentlemen,
Hello, my name is David Gassman. I am the grandson of a 517
veteran... Charles "Nick" Gassman from Louisville KY.
Grandpaw died when I was a very young man. I have now come of
age and gained an appreciation and interest in the history of the 517. Any
information you could provide me would be greatly appreciated. Rest assured any
information or stories of the 517 will be passed down to my son.
Best Regards,
David Jr.
502-396-1375
dgassman@newequitymortgage.com
HAPPY NEW YEAR
to all of you
from Patricia and Roland Orengo
Sospel, France
Happy New
Year to all of you !!
Bonne Année
à tous !!
Monique & Roger
Marquet
Roger Marquet
COBRA
Chenogne, 1d
B-6640 Sibret
+32 (0)
61.21.91.51