Mr. McMorrow,
     If it is not too late, could you please print this in The Thunderbolt?  Thank you.
Kelly Edwards
 
To the members of the 517th, and especially D Co.:
     During my student teaching, one of my students asked me why my dad didn't come to class and talk about his experiences.  Well, I can't have my dad, so I thought I would do the next best thing.  I will be bringing my video camera and would like very much to record your recollections to share with future classes.  If my former students are any indication, most high schoolers are eager to hear about your experiences first hand.
     I will be arriving in Oklahoma City on June 4.  If you would like to participate in my project, you may contact me via USPS.  My address is 2005 45th Street, Lubbock, Texas 79412.  You may also contact me via e-mail at kedwards@nts-online.net
     Thank you for all your help.
 
Kelly Edwards (Mel Edwards' daughter) 

 "I would rather have a German division in front of me than a French one behind me."
--- General George S. Patton

 "We can stand here like the French, or we can do something about it."
---- Marge Simpson

"As far as I'm concerned, war always means failure"
---Jacques Chirac, President of France

 "As far as France is concerned, you're right."
---Rush Limbaugh,

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Subj: Re: bulge deployment 
Date: 3/5/2003 4:24:00 PM Eastern Standard Time
From: Wild bill 517
To: hhensleigh@earthlink.net
CC: Ben517

I think the 101st & 82nd were actually ordered to
the bulge before the 18th corps was in place. They
were so newly arrived at Werbomont they could not
even give me a map or a guide to Manhay, where
3rd Armored Division CP was then located. Of course
they pulled back later-- that's why the 3rd Bn.
had to get it back for us. The area which the !st
Bn.established a defense in wasalmost due north
of Bastogne, which had already been surrounded.
The combat command we were attached to was
somewhat scattered and had elements cut off
and even out of gas and low on ammo. One
such Task Force had to destroy equiptment and
work it's way back through my lines. During this period
the Bn. was operating as three separate entities.
                                     Bill Boyle
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Subj: Dad Leaves Ailing Son to Serve With Marines 
Date: 3/5/2003 4:27:02 PM Eastern Standard Time
From: GRANDSTADLERS@MSN.COM

BEN HERE IS A STORY THAT SHOULD MAKE THE MEN ON THE ROSTER FEEL PRETTY DARN GOOD IF IT IS SUITABLE FOR MAIL CALL. REGARDS TOM STADLER
Tuesday, March 04, 2003
FOXNews

Click on the URL below for the rest of this story:
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,80172,00.html
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Subj: 517prct.org 
Date: 3/5/2003 5:44:36 PM Eastern Standard Time
From: chrislindner@bellsouth.net

 Hi Ben and Bob: Again I can’t thank you both enough for all of the work you are doing with the web-site.  Bob I think it’s great getting the new site and it sounds like it will be easier for you (all you have done making up this web-site is way over my head) I also wanted to add that I have spoken to two more men, Mr. Hunter McDonald and Mr. Darrell Egner.  I called them both to see if they new my Dad (Nate Rubenstein) and sure enough they did.  It is wonderful that I have been researching my Dads WWII days for about 2 years now and I am still finding people that knew him. Not to sound repetitive but it is because of Ben and Bob that I have been able to make my research so successful. Thanks again. Chris LindnerNate Rubenstein’s daughter
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_Subj: Follow Up 
Date: 3/5/2003 5:57:00 PM Eastern Standard Time
From: hhensleigh@earthlink.net

Dear Ben:I would like to live up to El Harger’s handle of being the living encyclopedia on the 517th, but I can’t fulfill that expectation. To demonstrate that it takes all of us to make a clear composite, he remembers Lt. Shore and I don’t–I should , but I don’t. I remember El from my first days at Mackall when I was assigned as assistant platoon leader of McKillop’s third platoon. I also remember that he, Scruggs and a few more G Company men carried out the patrol that felt out the enemy between ridge X and Mt. Scandeous the night before the attack near Col de Braus where we cleaned out and took most of the Jerry company prisoner that had killed McGeever and Woodcock. Some of the events of the Bulge are just as fuzzy to me as to others. Gene Brissey sums up our deployment about right–"I have always felt that wherever they needed some tough guys they sent at least a part of us there" I think Bill Boyle and others would agree with that.ridgway didn’t change much. According to El, he told G Company to guard his CP and that he wasn’t going to move. (I assume he meant he wasn’t going to move to the rear.) When he arrived in Korea his inherited staff brought him plans to evacuate the peninsula and relocate in Tokyo. He was reported to have told the staff what they could do with those plans and ordered them to bring him attack plans. His troops soon were in control of South Korea. His presence might be needed there even today. Our Al Dearing, regimental S-2, was on ridgway’s staff in Korea. He told me at Albany that ridgway was not too complimentary about the 517th until Al reminded him of a few of our better exploits. We had some tough competition in the 82nd and 101st that ridgway and Taylor had fathered, but we held our own on an even playing field.My best,Howard H _____________________________________
Subj: sgt gerald stark 
Date: 3/5/2003 6:29:04 PM Eastern Standard Time
From: Tbarwalk
To: PRCT517

trying to get some information from anybody who served with Jerry, some stories photos or anything he was in "C"company 1st
                                                     *************
Fred Stark is seeking information about his father Gerald Stark C company.-Ben

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_Subj: Unit org-mail call 434 
Date: 3/5/2003 7:00:12 PM Eastern Standard Time
From: Genesir

Ben and Bob,

     Congratulations on your new “home.” I don’t know whatinthehell you described, however it all sounds great and if it makes your life any easier-great again. You both do such a outstanding job for all of the troopers, family and friends.

     Reference Mail Call 434 and the role of the Airborne units in the Bulge. The 517th was assigned or became involved in the military technique of commanders facing the enemy with the best configured combat force (hopefully) possible in any given engagement against the enemy.

     The military title for what happened to us is deemed “tailoring,” “or task organization.” While sometimes units feel that they have been cast in an unfair role; it does provide the commander to go forward with the best “tailored” force of infantry, artillery, engineer, military police, intelligence, air support and all of the other necessary combat or combat support units that might be available for the mission. Unfortunately, the desired force is frequently unavailable.

     So, we went forward as an Airborne Infantry Company or Battalion as the case may have been, in support of a “tailored Armored Task Force,” or on occasion, in support of another Infantry (Division) unit.

     In reference to allegations about the “unfair” aspect of the above; I have heard several times from individuals units associated with the 517th in our travels; “the 517th placed them in an unacceptable role.” This is not unusual, as subordinate units frequently have a jaundiced attitude about a senior headquarters under the best of circumstances-we know the USMC loves the USN, and the 13th Airborne Division remains dear to our heart.

     Regards,      Gene Frice, F Co.
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