Dear Ben and
517th Friends,
I have so enjoyed reading the last
few mail calls in particular. I am touched and overwhelmed by the kind words
from several of you and honored that you remember my work. (Maybe its time that
Ben run the article in Mail Call about himself and the 517th website
again, don’t you think?? There have been many, many people added to the email
list since it was first published who would probably love to read the story of
the renowned Mr. Barrett!)
I have also loved reading about the
various efforts taking place across the country that are helping younger
generations learn about WWII and the 517PRCT.
I am giving more thought to some
possible projects to develop with kids and will keep you all
posted.
One idea I did have that I thought I
should mention was the great resource we have in the many friends of the
517th who live in Europe. I wondered if
there might be any modern language teachers who would consider a “pen pal” type
project with any of our friends “across the pond” who might be
interested.
I know many of these wonderful folks
speak French, etc. but it might be a great learning experience both as an
exercise in language as well as culture and a first hand account of the general
appreciation of the Europeans for Americans. It would also be a chance for
people in this country to learn about the great hospitality and fondness our
European friends have for our country….right down to the children! It’s
certainly not something that will be learned in the mainstream American media
these days!
When I wrote my story about Ben, I
had the honor of corresponding with Irma T. of Belgium. Her contributions
to my project were immense and though she speaks beautiful English, her charm
and warmth jumped off the page as though we were enjoying a cup of tea
together!
Her perspective as a child in
Europe during the War is
a fascinating one and I’m sure there are dozens more like her who would love to
be part of helping younger American generations learn of that time in history
and the tremendous heroism of our soldiers.
Ben and all, thank you for all you
do. You are providing a priceless service to so many.
Mary Jane
Mary Jane
Hanron
Irma Targnion's
Story
Battle of the Bulge
Bob Barrett
It's probably not worth
digging through, but I just ran across this info on a Web search. In the
official archives of the State of North Carolina, they include a box of
materials relating to the 1964 reunion of the 517th in Raleigh, NC.
http://www.archives.ncdcr.gov/ead/eadxml/sa_gov_sanford_terry_sanford_517th.xml
Biographical and Historical Note
[See collection
description for a biographical sketch of Governor Terry Sanford.]
The 517th Parachute Regimental Combat
Team was created when the 51th Parachute Infantry Regiment, which had been part
of the 17th Airborne Division, was combined with 460th Parachute Field Artillery
Battalion and the 596th Parachute Combat Engineer Company. During World War II,
the 517th Parachute Regimental Combat Team saw combat in Italy, Southern France,
and the Battle of the Bulge. After the war, the unit became part of the 13th
Airborne Division before being deactivated in 1946. Governor Terry Sanford was a
former member of this unit, and was instrumental in bringing the reunion
activities to Raleigh. In addition, members of the Governor's staff assisted in
the planning and execution of the reunion in 1964. [For more information about
the 517th Parachute Regimental Combat Team, please consult the file "History of
the 517th Parachute Combat Team" in this series or the online version of
Paratrooper's
Odyssey - A History of the 517th Parachute Combat Team on the official 517th Parachute Combat Team
website.]
Back to Top
Collection Overview
Records concerning the reunion of the
517th Parachute Combat Team ("Battling Buzzards"), which was held in Raleigh,
North Carolina on August 14-16, 1964. Includes correspondence, information on
Fort Bragg events, a file on the history of the 517th Parachute Combat Team,
itineraries, lodging and transportation information, newsletters and press
releases, programs and other materials.
Chris