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OFFICE DE PROMOTION DU TOURISME WALLONIE - BRUXELLES 1944 - 199450th ANNIVERSARY of theBATTLE of the BULGE
50 years ago, in September 44, after four years of occupation theBelgian people rejoiced as they welcomed their liberators.But a few months later, in December 44, the celebrations were abruptly interrupted by a large - scale german offensive.In 1994 we commemorated the 50th Anniversary of the passed events and the G.I. of the lithography was the symbol of the Battle of the Bulge commemorations:the snow, is a reminder of the tough weather conditions during the '44 winter, and the green firs represent the woods of the Ardennes.In the background, the American flag is proudly floating,triumphant, after the terrible fight, the rip and tears symbolize the roughness of the battle.In the lower part of the poster, the Nazi flag is trampled down by a determined G.I. walking in the tracks left by a tank.This lone soldier may be a relative, perhaps a son or a friend who is courageously showing us, step by step, the way to freedom and victory.

Subj: Thunder From Heaven Website 
Date: 12/19/2002 10:55:07 AM Eastern Standard Time
From: simon@lerenfort.fsnet.co.uk
To: Ben517@aol.com

Hello Friends,
The "Thunder From Heaven" site has been updated with more photos of the groups recent photo dramatisations, including using a Pack 75mm Howitzer.

Have a Happy Christmas and a Peaceful 2003,
Our Best AB regards,
  Simon
Webmaster                                            ***************
We have a link with them on our website  under Paratrooper links. Interesting-good pholtos.
Ben
http://www.thunder-from-heaven.fsnet.co.uk/index.html
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Subj: CREDIT WHERE CREDIT IS DUE 
Date: 12/18/2002 10:57:55 PM Eastern Standard Time
From: grandstadlers@msn.com
To: BEN517@AOL.COM

   HELLO BEN
   JUST A FEW REMARKS IN REFERENCE TO THE POEM BY HARRY SAUNDERS. I AGREE
THAT THE MARINE CORPS DRESS UNIFORM IS AN EXCELLENT ONE WHEN WORN PER
REGULATIONS.
    CONCERNING MILITARY ATTIRE, MARINES WEAR TROUSERS. SOLDIERS, SAILORS AND
WOMEN WEAR PANTS. BY THE WAY, I BELIEVE THE SCORE OF THE NAVY-ARMY FOOTBALL
GAME WAS ARMY 12 NAVY 58. THE BLACK KNIGHTS OF THE HUDSON MUST HAVE BEEN
WEARING PINK CLEATS.
    SOME SAY THAT INTER-SERVICE RIVALRIES ARE A GOOD THING AS LONG AS THEY
DON'T AFFECT DOD APPROPRIATIONS. I AGREE. ANYWAY, ALL IN GOOD FUN.

     REGARDS
     TOM STADLER
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Subj:  
Date: 12/20/2002 9:58:32 AM Eastern Standard Time
From: carlosdavis22@hotmail.com

    Hi every body---A Great and Merry Christmas to you all and have a safe and prosperous New Year....Love, Carlos  ___
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Subj: The 1973 Fire 
Date: 12/19/2002 9:12:05 PM Eastern Standard Time
From: newacct1088254
To: Ben517

National Personnel Records Center
(St. Louis, MO)

The 1973 Fire

On July 12, 1973, a disastrous fire at NPRC (MPR) destroyed approximately
16-18 million Official Military Personnel Files. The affected record
collections are described below.

Branch Personnel and Period Affected Estimated Loss
Army Personnel discharged November 1, 1912, to January 1, 1960  80%
Air Force Personnel discharged, September 25, 1947, to January 1, 1964
(with names alphabetically after Hubbard, James E.)
75%

No duplicate copies of the records that were destroyed in the fire were
maintained, nor was a microfilm copy ever produced. There were no indexes
created prior to the fire.  In addition, millions of documents had been lent
to the Department of Veterans Affairs before the fire occurred.  Therefore,
a complete listing of the records that were lost is not available.
Nevertheless, NPRC (MPR) uses many alternate sources in its efforts to
reconstruct basic service information to respond to requests.
http://www.archives.gov/facilities/mo/st_louis/military_personnel_records/al
ternate_record_sources.html
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Subj: St Louis Records Center 
Date: 12/19/2002 9:14:50 PM Eastern Standard Time
From: newacct1088254
To: Ben517

Some veterans have had trouble finding the new web site for ST Louis
military records center

http://www.archives.gov/facilities/mo/st_louis/military_personnel_records.ht
ml

http://www.archives.gov/facilities/mo/st_louis/military_personnel_records/ov
erview_of_records.html

National Personnel Records Center
(St. Louis, MO)

Overview of Our Records

Official military personnel files including active duty health records,
clinical records and medical treatment records are the primary holdings at
NPRC (MPR).

Official military personnel files (OMPF) including the active duty record
(includes outpatient, dental, and mental health treatment).

Clinical (hospital inpatient) records created for military personnel while
on active duty.

Medical treatment records for military retirees, dependents, and others
created at military health care facilities (includes inpatient, outpatient,
dental, and mental health treatment).

Other records at NPRC include:

Morning Reports and Unit Rosters.

Philippine Army and Guerrilla Records.

Frequently requested records which are not at NPRC (MPR).
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Subj: During this joyous season, we still pause to remember a Christmas 58 years ago that probably wasn't 
Date: 12/20/2002 3:03:23 PM Eastern Standard Time
From: RWINSHIP@glenbrook.k12.il.us
To: Ben517@aol.com

During this joyous season, we still pause to remember a Christmas 58 years ago that probably wasn't very joyous for all you troopers out there.  Just want you to know that what you accomplished  is not forgotten and never will be forgotten as long as members of my generation and beyond keep the story alive.  We owe more to you than we can say.

A Merry Christmas to all Mail Call friends!

Rich Winship
(son of Ed Winship  H Company)
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Date: 12/20/2002 6:26:39 PM Eastern Standard Time
From: RWINSHIP@glenbrook.k12.il.us

Hi Ben

As much as I'd love to be there, I'm actually going to be in Paris that week.  It would be tough anyway, because my dad really can't travel very well, even a relatively short distance like Kissimmee.  He had a major heart attack in early November and though he's made an amazing recovery, travel isn't possible right now.

I was down in Jacksonville to visit him and he's doing really well for a guy who's 85 and been through a rotten experience.  The doctors are amazed by his strength and resilience.  We talked a lot about the war years and he said to pass on his best wishes to all the guys in the 517th.

Have a great reunion!  We'll be there in spirit.  And one of these times, I'll show up!

Merry Christmas to you and your family, Ben!

Rich