Ben: Reference Gene Brissey's comments regarding our cruise from Naples to Civittavecchia: I believe Dick Seitz and I were transported in a LCI (L) which is quite a bit smaller than an LST. Assumed the rest of the Battalion used the same kind of transportation but I noted on Page 22 of Paratroopers' Odyssey that all references stated that the LST was the type used. Any way you slice it these were not cruise ships. Regards, Tom Cross
Ben Dick Seitz called early the morning to go over some of our recollections of the message Gene Brissey recounted in Mail Call No. 538 of 09/05/03. About the cruise from Naples via Anzio to Civittavecchia. We agreed that the ships that were used for this deployment from Naples were LCI I (L) types with the troop ramps (Ladders, gangplanks or whatever) located on the forward side of each ship. It will be noted on page 22 of our Paratroopers' Odyssey that in Pars. 5 and 6 that "ramps" were used for embarking at Naples and debarking at Civittavecchia. The LST (Landing Ship Tank) has bow doors that open at the bow to load and unload tanks. The LCI (L) (Landing Ship Infantry, Large) has bow ramps that are raised and lowered for quick embarkation and debarkation of troops. Our original destination was Anzio but enroute we were told that our final destination would be changed and we were to enter Anzio to receive further orders before proceeding. We put into Anzio and Dick Seitz and I went ashore to the CP of Hq IV Corps and were told our final destination and what our mission would be upon arrival. We went back to our ship and proceeded up to Civittavecchia. The Anzio troops had broken out and were already enroute to Rome when we arrived at Anzio. Upon arrival in Civittavechia we again started to augment our transportation requirements from various unwary sources. I recall picking up at least one 2 1/2 Truck that an Armored unit had left unattended and our Companies managed to meet their needs too. I vividly recall waking up the following morning and watching Capt. Dave Armstrong drive up in his newly acquired jeep. It created some interesting comments from Dick Seitz and others for Dave had acquired a rather tan colored British RAF jeep that had rather large RAF insignias prominently displayed. At Dick's suggestion he transformed the RAF coloring and markings to the US Army standards and added a name which was painted on each side entitled "Reverse Lend Lease." The name "Reverse Lend Lease" was appropriately named by Dave Armstrong. I believe we took a picture of this jeep when it arrived in the 2nd BN. CP area. If anyone has a copy please let Ben know so we can show Dave's prize to all. Regards,
To Linda Schlab......In ref. to your uncle, the best course to follow when the military will not or cannot provide you with information you're seeking is write to your Senator. Explain in detail exactly what your are seeking and why. Be sure to mention that your uncle was cited with the Silver Star for bravery. Boom Boom
I enjoyed seeing Mr. Brissey's recollections regarding the LST trip. I would consider being on deck, a much better position to be in than below decks in the bunk sections of one of those things. And yes, they were designed to haul tanks (and other vehicles) and they had very large ventilation shafts to vent the tank exhaust. Apparently, it was SOP to warm up the tanks for 30 minutes prior to landing. I attached one of my photos of the LST's main hold area. By the way, the fella with the kerchief on his head, served on one of these craft in WWII.
Mr. Brissey, this is one descendant that enjoys hearing every bit of history from you fellas.
Great news about Mr. Fraser. One of my favorite photos in my Dad's collection is with Don Fraser, Mel Biddle, Terry Sanford and others at a reunion.
