Hello,
 
We now have on our website under "Soldier Stories" the information about General Seitz receiving the Creighton W. Abrams Medal and also a story that apparently was a secret until Bob found it on the internet.General Seitz was selected as the Grannd Marshall for the 2003 Independence Day Sundown Salute celebration.
 
Ben
 
Website---www.517prct.org
 
Mail Call---Ben517@aol.com

Ben
Bob
Howard
Gen. Seitz

     Thank “yo all” (actually that is supposed to be one word) for your continuing efforts on behalf of all the 517 troopers, kin, friends and supporters. Thanks to your untiring efforts we now have a world wide family.

     I have several items I believe will be of general interest. Will try email-if that does not work will forward the actual documents.

     1.  I came across a letter of thanks from a French family (the Lebarr’s) who are friends of long standing. This is a  family (as there are so many), who were active in the battle against against the Germans in WWII. Today, they  continue their battle in support of American veterans and their units. The grandparents have since passed on, however the children and grandchildren continue to express their mutual thanks. Following 9/11, they expressed their compassion and sympathy for America and the victims of that tragic event. They wrote, “all of France participated in a day of mourning following the attack. Paris traffic came to a standstill at the time of the attack occuring day before.” We must remember the majority of Europe do continue to respect and support the US.

     I will forward to you a copy of the letter. I think the troops would enjoy reading their thanks to us.

     2.  I had mentioned recently that I possess several excellent pieces of art work by a friend, Dick Kramer, who is a most accomplish artist of all the various services of law enforcement and the military.. Two of his many paintings are of troopers. One painting is entitled “jumpmaster,” and the other is “waiting for the green light.” Even tho they look like photographs, these are paintings. I am forwarding copies of his two “troopers” by e-mail. If that does not work I will try another means. I have original size 18” x 24” prints.

     Dick has granted permission for use of his work in our “Thunderbolt” publication, possibly even as a logo. This is with the understanding that the reproduction would be such so that could/should not be copied.  Obviously Dick Kramer should be identified as the painter, and I think it would be appropriate to note his Kramer Studios address. In no way do I represent him in any financial manner-I merely respect him as a as a  long time friend and as a great American supporter of the military and law enforcement. I would think some troopers or family members may desire autographed copies of his work. A catalog is available.

     If we desire to use the material and if you feel we need his written permission to use his work, I will prepare a letter for his signature. What do you think?
    
     Gene Frice

Thanks, Ben
I think Ken Higgenbotham is the guy I'm looking for, although it"s been so long I couldn't be sure from the E-517 photo. Do you know whether he was from Crowder, MS? When I last saw him he was just across the main street from me  at G-511 in Camp MacCall. When I went home
after the war I didn't find him. He's not listed in the Social Security Death Index (a great place for searching) as far as I've searched so far nor in the white pages, but I'm still looking.
By the way, my first platoon leader in G-511 was Lt. Wm. Miley, son of General Miley. He's still kicking around in Starkville, MS. Any kin to your Lt. Miley?
Thanks again, and the best to you and all the Airborne men.
Tom Davis
Yes, please put me on your list.

Thank you for your reply.

Douglas Cowan

Ben:  I have told you many times we appreciate all that you do to keep us informed, so once more, thank you.
I appreciate the picture of Nello and Dorothy Arterburn.  Dallas and I were married while he was at Camp Mac Call on Nov. 6, 1943, so we will be celebrating our 60th anniversary this year.  The children came in yesterday, and we celebrated Dallas 85th birthday last evening.  He doesn't look his age.  He still gets wonderful compliments.  We were very fortunate to have Nello and Dorothy as friends even after they  both started having serious health problems.  The people of the 517th are "part of our extended family."  Dallas has kept all of the printouts, and we need more room, but he throughly enjoys them.  Jerrie, Dallas' Long's lucky wife
Dear Mr Barrett,
 
First of all, please excuse me for my long silence.  I had some problem at home since several weeks... Not to big, except that I brock my car. I was not wounded in the accident but my car is out !
 
The writings of the book is on good way. I hope close all writings next month and put it to an editor to December or January.
 
I'm duly received your CD with the testimony of the men of your unit. Interesting. Thank you so much.
 
Next to, I'm sending you a photo from a helmet. This material is from a friend that found it in a house from a town near Spa !  Next to the helmet, they have a small paper with indication : Souvenir from Manhay - 1946.  In the helmet, we can see the name of the soldier : John S.Penn.   This soldier is not listed in the Morning Report of December 27th but he lost his live in Manhay during the Battle of the Bulge.
 
My friend would like just found some informations about John S.Penn. 
Which was his rank ? -  Do you know his serial number of dog-tag and can you asking if someone remember of him (Maybe with a photo) ?...  
 
Do you know if some of your friends or yourself will be back next year for the 60th Anniversary of the events in Belgium ?
 
I close now my email but I stay in touch. If I can to help you for sometings, do no hesitate to asking me, it will be with a very big joy !
 
Sincerely,
 
Your friend Eddy.
-----------------------------------------
Eddy MONFORT
15, Rue de la Gotte
B-6960 MANHAY
BELGIUM
Email: e.monfort@belgacom.net
                                                                  **************
Can anyone help our Belgian friend, Eddy Monfort. I was in on the Manhay attack in which John Penn was killed but I was in "H" company. John S. Penn was a private in "I" company.-Ben
A guestbook entry of Aug. 13, 2003
 
Entry of Aug 13, 2003 at 09:55 [EST]
Name: James R. Lemaire
Unit: "A' Co. Hq. 505RCT, 82nd A/B (7/44 - 3/45)
EMail: lemairecoa505rct@yahoo.com
How I found the 517th page: A friend told me
Comments: Am searching for anyone who might have been in Co "I" of 517 during WW2 and who might have known JOHN S. PENN.... John was with the 517 Co "I" on Christmas roster 1944 and KIA at Manhay on 12/27/44. A friend in Rochlinval/Trois-Ponts area would like information in regarding his hometown who might have still be around. He has some equipment belonging to the former trooper and would love getting in touch with someone to see if perhaps they would like this to be sent to anyone n his family. I can be reached at the above email address or at : James R. Lemaire, 1499 Chretien Pt. Rd., Sunset, Louisiana 70584-5309. Sincerely, Jim Lemaire