Dear Ben.

 

  Hello..  I am trying to find out some information about my father Alvin J. Schultz who I believe served with the 517th..I will try to be as brief as possible. When my mother passed in 1987 my father finally told me that he was in a Special Forces unit in WWII. He would never speak of it much no matter how much I pleaded with him to tell me.  He would become very sullen at times and say that there has to be a better way than war as it is some of the most obscene things another human being can do to another.  There were times he did give me some vague ideas of service. He told me that he worked with a detached unit that worked closely with the French Resistance behind German lines and said that at one time he went after a French Official who was working with the Germans and that they "got" him. I believe this could have been Philippe Henriot the Vichy French propagandist. I have been told that he had a Spanish work permit to work behind German lines and that he could speak fluent German and Spanish as well as something about eating with his left hand.  It is amazing how I found that bit of information and a very long story.  Much too long to mention here. He said things about parachuting, blowing up bridges and being on the other side of a brick wall as he heard German Jack boots marching down a road. He also told me he was on the beach on D-Day with a green stripe on his helmet. I do not know the significance of the green stripe but perhaps you do. I have had his medals replaced and he has a unit citation for the Croix de Guerre and 4 bronze battle stars. Some of the photos he has have writing on the back and in one he wrote "the 517th, a tough bunch of guys." Some of the names written on them mention a Jimmy Peishong ( Pieshong) and Sgt. Hatcher. I guess I am writing to you in hope that you cam perhaps tell me what other specifics, such as unit he may have served with. So I can research further myself.  I have tried every avenue I can think of but because his records were involved in the Fire in St. Louis I have come to a dead end and don't know how to proceed. His DD-214 reflects service in France, Belgium, Rhineland and maybe others. I would like to know what battles he was involved in that merited the 4 battle stars.  Things like why no records were kept of his service. I would like to find some of the other brave men he served with and maybe why he is not mentioned in the 517th's roll call. And what the green stripe on his helmet was for on D-Day. Is it possible to have the Croix de Geurre replaced?  Many other things but I am afraid I have asked to much and have taken up too much of your time now. Sir, any help or advice you can offer me at this point would be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much,

    

                                                                             Kelly Schultz

                                                                             835 Michigan Ave.

                                                                             North Fond du Lac, Wisconsin

                                                                                                             54937

                                                                             Tel. (920) 238-9895

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I'll ask my dad, John Bradovich about Alvin Schwartz.  I'll be speaking to him tomorrow.  Thanks again, Ben, so glad your online!  Mikael Soldi from the Liberation Museum in La Motte contacted me.  He is so helpful.  He has offered to meet with us (my husband and I) when we go to France this spring.   He was responding to my post on the 517th mail call.  I am moved and so grateful to have the opportunity to go to the place my father jumped in France.  He was wounded there, too.  

 Hey Ben, I wouldn't mind reviewing the records and pictures if you can get her to send copies to me. DGentry509@aol.com You didn't provide her email address and I'm reluctant to give a 'cold call'.

 

Somewhere in my archives I have some OSS files with names and areas served during the war. Alvin's reference to the 517th could be from an encounter with the unit rather than an assignment to it. In that case his statement means he knew what he was talking about.  "the 517th, a tough bunch of guys." Had he been a member it would it would go without saying. In any case I feel it worth checking further. 

 

My best to you and yours!

Don

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