Hello,
Last Mail Call should have been numbered 391 and not 301. Senior moment?
December 7 is Pearl Harbor Day . A special member of the 517 was in Pearl Harbor Dec. 7, 1941. He is John Alicki also known as Boom Boom.
The 517 Website is getting to be well known on the internet so that now all you have to do is type in "517 parachute" and it will lead you to our website.
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The download in this Mail Call is a photo of Matt Greene and his grandson sent to us by his wife Delores.
Ben
Website--prct517.home.attbi.com or members.aol.com/prct517/
Mail Call--Ben517@aol.com
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Subj: Its Christmas Time
Date: 12/5/2002 8:38:00 PM Eastern Standard Time
From: newacct1088254 (Boom Boom Alicki)
To: Ben517
~*~ Home For The Holidays ~*~~*~ A Christmas Wish For You~*~
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Subj: Hello From Florida
Date: 12/5/2002 8:51:54 PM Eastern Standard Time
From: NHerren
To: fysh@tampabay.rr.com
BCC: Ben517
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL and
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
This time of the year is special to each of you!
Enjoy Good Health and Happiness!
From Naomi Herren
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_Subj: obtaining information on relatives during WWII
Date: 12/5/2002 1:35:44 PM Eastern Standard Time
From: chrislindner@bellsouth.net
Hi Ben:
I just wanted to drop a line to the 517th PRCHT Family to tell everyone to have a wonderful Holiday Season this year. I use the word “Family” because that is the way that all of you in the 517th have made me feel.
I have noticed in the Mail Calls lately that there are many more children and grandchildren writing in for information on their relatives that served in WWII. I just wanted to tell them that you and your wonderful web-site have been a fantastic help to me. Clark Archer has also been so much help. But the fact remains that when it comes down to obtaining the medals, certificates and other items it all has to be done through several processes with written applications. As you know I have been doing the research on my Dad (Nate Rubenstein) for about 1 ½ years now. I am down to obtaining one item and trying to fill in the blanks about the Purple Heart (the only originally medal my family has). The problem being that we cannot find any documentation for the issuing of the Purple Heart. As you properly have figured out when I get interested in something I usually do not quit until I get the answer. My Dad’s discharge papers are incorrect as well, they have him listed as being in the Normandy invasion and we all know that he was not there. After going through filling out many documents and making phone calls I have found a break in the Personnel Records Center in St. Louis. They now have a clerk going through the war library trying to get this information regarding the Purple Heart together. I have finally found the right person who is actually helpful and understands how important this is to me. I have also had good luck obtaining information through the Congressional level.
The point I am trying to make is that anyone who is looking for information on their relatives can get it done with time and being persistent. I would be very happy to help anyone that would like to know some of the things I have done to obtain many of the documents and information that I have but they must understand that it is a long and time consuming project but the reward of doing it is well worth it.
I have to say that the best information I have gotten is from the men of the 517th that knew my Dad and were able to tell me different stories about him. Of all the research I have done I have enjoyed the comments, pictures and descriptions of events that all of the men have told me that they went through during WWII.
Again, I wish all the families of the 517th a very Happy Holiday Season.
Chris Lindner
Nate Rubenstein’s daughter
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Clark Archer has referred members with questions on this subject to Chris. Nough said !
Ben
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Entry of Dec 5, 2002 at 02:25 [EST]
Name: Michael Sumrell (Raeford, NC)
Unit: 1/319th Airborne Field Artillery, 82nd A/B 1984-87
EMail: d_e_militaria@hotmail.com
How I found the 517th page: From a search engine
Comments: Great site. I have a huge interest in the 517th after reading "Battling Buzzards" Keep up the good work, webmaster. I recently had the pleasure of acquiring some momentos of former 517th member William Faltysek for my personal WWII Airborne momentos collection from one of his family members. I have a copy of the Christmas 1944 booklet, the war end "Blue Book" and a 3 record narrative history of the 82nd A/B Division, which was produced by the 82nd A/B Div. Association. Feel free to contact me if you have an interest in similar items.
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Entry of Dec 5, 2002 at 08:20 [EST]
Name: Rae B. Faltysek
Unit:
EMail: catz74066@aol.com
How I found the 517th page: A friend told me
Comments: Great site! My Dad, William H. Faltysek fought in the 517th. His name is in the 1944 Christmas Greetings Booklet under Headquarters, Privates, First Class. It's nice to see all this information about the 517th.
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Subj: Re: 517th Guestbook
Date: 12/5/2002 2:27:20 PM Eastern Standard Time
From: d_e_militaria@hotmail.com
Ben,
Thank you and thanks for your service to out country.
I don't know if you can edit my guestbook posting, but I forgot to include
that Mr. Faltysek was a member of Rgt. HQ Co. 517th. He is listed in the
X-mas 1944 booklet. If you can include that, I would appreciate it.
Please check out my website at your convenience:
http://members.aol.com/demilitaria
Kind regards,
Mike Sumrell
Down East Militaria
Raeford, North Carolina
Phone: 1-910-527-9417
Email: d_e_militaria@hotmail.com
Webpage: http://members.aol.com/demilitaria
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Check out this website. He has a special insigna to enter his website.
Ben
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Subj: Re: 517th Guestbook
Date: 12/5/2002 3:05:40 PM Eastern Standard Time
From: d_e_militaria@hotmail.com
Mr. Barrett,
For an "amateur" operation, you and your son have created a great place to
honor your friends and comrades. I am honored to be on the frindge of your
group.
I am reading your "Recollections" page and I am almost moved to tears with
some of the passages. I spent 8 1/2 years in the army (84-92). I never saw
combat but did spend 3 years on Airborne status as a Forward Observer with
1/319th FA, 82nd A/B, so I understand the pride you feel for being
"Airborne". Reading about the FO's in "Battling Buzzards" was inspiring.
Thanks for your link and best of luck to you. I look forward to reading
everything in your site.
Kind Regards,
Mike Sumrell
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