Entry of Sep 28, 2003 at 23:14 [EST]
Name: Jacob Koehnen
Unit:
EMail: ffjakek@aol.com
How I found the 517th page: From a search engine
Comments: Dear Members, My name is Jacob Koehnen. My grandfather is PFC Donald Vaughn, he was a member of A company with the 517. Unfortunately I'm writing on the sad note that my grandfather has passed away. It happened on September 25th. I was lucky enough to recently spent time with him, and to hear the stories and see pictures of his time in the war. He was infinately proud of his involvment with the 517. I consider myself lucky to have his name in my bloodline. I would like to share with you a story about my grandfather that forever has changed my life. On memorial day of 2003 I made a trip to see my grandfater. He had been very sick at the time. I was very privelaged to have been able to spend that holiday with him. We went to the services at the local cemetery. My Grandfather had been confined to wheelchair on his outings due to his weakness. When the tune "Taps" began I watched my Grandfather struggle to stand up out of his wheelchair and put his hand over his heart. I broke into tears and at that moment realized just what his time in the war and this country meant to him. He was a part of something that shaped this country. I am forever thankful for what he and all of you sacrificed; and what continues to be sacrificed by today's military. A lot of people changed the way they viewed this country after the Sept. 11th tragedy, myself included, but the way I view this country and the flag will forever be impacted by the simple feat of watching a man stand up out of his wheelchair. So for all of the members of the 517, I am the grandson of a Battling Buzzard and his venture into WWII has touched me more than anything in my life. God Bless all of you, and God Bless America.

 

________________________________________________________________________

Ben

            I just returned from the 60^th Reunion at Toccoa Ga.  There were three 517^th troopers in attendance my father, Bud Curtis, HQ 1^st Bn,  Russ Brambi, E Co and Bill Shortt of Reg. HQ. (See attached photo)  It was a wonderful reunion that honored all paratroopers.  At the banquet, the mayor of Toccoa made every paratrooper an honorary citizen of the town and then a LTC Forher from the Ranger School (spelled wrong) gave a wonderful speech honoring all paratroopers.  He really was a great speaker.

On Friday, September 26, 2003, my father wanted to go see Fort Benning.  I had made arrangements to meet with the jump school cadre and they rolled out the red carpet.  As we toured the practiced jump towers we found out they are the same ones that were there when all of you went through jump school.  We also found out that the electric motors that pull the cables up to the top of the towers are the same original motors.  (Boy can the Army get their money’s worth out of equipment).  Next we ate lunch in the mess hall.  A company of jump school students were lined up in a column of fours.  As my father approach, a sergeant hollowed.  “MAKE A HOLE”.  The students backed up and stood at attention while he passed.  The sergeant announced, “There goes a real American hero.” And shook his hand.  I tell you this story because these men were really honoring all WW II troopers, especially the 517^th.  What an honor for all of you.

Next we ate lunch with the Battalion Commander, 1/507^th PIR.  He asked my dad which Regiment he was from.  He stated “517^th”  The Bn Cdr was stunned because he has directed “C” Company to represent the 517^th in their company.  The Bn Cdr told us he has each company represent a WWII Regiment.  He said he has been having trouble obtaining information about the 517^th.  He asked if we could help.  My dad said of course.  Just by chance, my dad brought books about the 517^th and articles with him on this trip.

The Bn Cdr had us link up with CPT Dennis Terry, Commander of “C” Company (see photo).  We gave him the 517^th web site and this email address.  CPT Terry took us on a tour of his barracks.  He is having a display case made that covers an entire wall, approximately 20 feet wide.  He is planning a dedication ceremony in March 2004.  It would be great if some 517^th troopers could go to that dedication.  He needs information about the 517^th and artifacts to put into those cases.  He needs your help.  He is trying to get Trooper Biddle’s uniform to put in one the cases.  I am in the process of getting him photo copies of “Paratrooper Odyssey so they can read that information about the unit.  But if someone knows how to get him copies of that book and others it would be wonderful.  CPT Terry also wants his company to have the same motto as the 517^th.  On the patch it says “ATTACK”  If this is not the motto someone needs to let me or CPT Terry know so they can have the right one painted above the door of the barracks.  CPT Terry is also having the 517^th patch painted on a wall of his barracks. 

Now this is how you get a hold of him.  Phone 706-545-6935/3006.  His email is TAZ411@aol.com.  Ben if there is anything you need me to do to help this process please let me know.  I stand ready to make this dedication to the 517^th work

                                                     *******

Photos are in download and will be placed on the website.-Ben

_____________________________________________________________________________________. 

From Jerrie Long

 

Entry of Sep 28, 2003 at 21:45 [EST]
Name: LYNNE RAKER
Unit:
EMail: LRAKER@NC.RR.COM
How I found the 517th page: Heard from a member of the 517th
Comments: WILLIAM LEE WATKINS' DAUGHTER ASK ME TO RESEARCH THIS UNIT FOR HER. MR. WATKINS DIED THIS PAST WEEK IN A DURHAM, NC HOSPITAL.