Rob,

I don't know that specific restaurant, but Trois Ponts was our central HQ for a week during the recent trip to the Ardennes.  I now know my way around there well.  The 517th has some very close friends in Trois Ponts.  We had a commemoration ceremony at the Major's office, signed the Mayor's ceremonial 'Gold Book" of special guests, and had a lunch hosted by the townspeople.  See a few photos in:  http://517prct.org/photos/2009_europe/2009_europe.htm

And here is a first-hand account of the Bulge:  http://517prct.org/irmas_story.htm


Bob Barrett

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Bob,
 
Yes - I actually meant to say "your Mother" Mary Lawlor.  My youngest children are 5 & 6 which probably makes me a little older than your Dad is to you.  I get confused easily speaking of generations as my Dad was only 18 years older than me.
 
I've already started circulating the 517th's website among my WWII buff friends & co-worker's.  One of the guys has already read through most of the bio's & directed me to Gene Brissey's - WOW!  
 
Speaking of your Dad's bio... was he actually wounded on Jan 5th, 1945?  This section of the bio refers to the Battle of the Bulge (Dec 16, 1944 - Jan. 25 1945) & then talks of Jan. 4th, 1944 & being wounded by a German shell on the night of Jan. 5th?  I told you I was interested in this stuff ;-) .
 
One more interesting note... I married an English woman that I meet in Brussels, Belgium ~ 13 years ago.  Coincidently we've been hiking & sight seeing in the Ardennes and were actually engaged at a restaurant in Trois Pont, Belgium - "Le Jardin Vert" (The Green Garden).
See you on the Battlefield Sunday... should we parachute in the night before with 70 lbs. of gear & camp out on the pitch in honor of the 517th?  Yikes
   
 
See you Sunday,
Rob

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Sent: Wednesday, October 14, 2009 4:47 PM
To: Robert Trent
Subject: Re: 517th Parachute Regimental Combat Team website

Thanks, Rob.

The web site didn't start with much, but it has over time become the Unit's history repository.   As I mentioned, since the unit was dissolved in 1945, there is no active Army unit to maintain their history like most of the larger units.  So we've collected it while there are still a few guys left.

Most importantly, it has brought together these guys, many of whom haven't seen each other in over 50 years, yet they retain that intense connection that only comes with "sharing a foxhole".  Those who are able now get together for reunions up to 3 times a year, plus trips to European battlefields and ceremonies.

PS:  I see that you found my Dad's bio page.  Mary Lawlor is actually my mother (we should probably point that out), who served in the Philippines in WWII.  They both went to college at BU under the GI bill and met there.

See you on the battlefield Sunday.

Bob Barrett

Bob,
 
Great website!  Awesome pictures, stories, & info.  Thanks a lot for sharing this with me I absolutely love WWII history & especially when there is some sort of personal connection.
 
Is it safe to assume that Army Nurse Lt. Mary Frances Lawlor is either your Grandmother or the nurse that treated your dad after he was wounded in combat Jan. 5th, 1944... or both?
 
See you Sunday.
 
Thanks again,
Rob

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