Mary Ann Turner - Daughter of John Lissner

Bear Ben,

I thought I would pass along the wake and funeral arrangements that have been made for my dad. I realize the travel to Arlington may be difficult, however, I feel like this information should get to as many people as possible especially those who may consider attending.

The wake/viewing will be held on Friday December 12th from 2-4 p.m. & 6-8 p.m.

Arlington Funeral Home

3901 N. Fairfax Drive

Arlington, VA 22203

(703) 522-1441

On Saturday December 13th there will be a service at 10 a.m. in the chapel at Arlington Funeral Home. We hope this will also give people the opportunity to hear some great stories about my dad. We will follow with a luncheon at the Fort Meyer Officers Club starting at 12:00 in the Devers Room where we hope to share more stories.

We have reserved several rooms at:

Quality Hotel Courthouse Plaza

1200 N. Courthouse Rd.

Arlington, VA 22201

(703)524-4000

If making reservations, please do so after 3pm on 12/5 to get the group rate and mention the "Lissner Party".

My dad requested that in lieu of flowers, donations should be made to:

The American Life League

PO Box 1350

Stafford, VA 22555

(540) 659-4171

As most of us are aware, there is usually a wait for a burial at Arlington National Cemetery. The earliest date we could get is January 2, 2004. Therefore, the mass will take place at 12:45 in the Arlington Cemetery Chapel followed by a procession to the columbarium (dad requested that he be cremated). This too, will be followed by a luncheon at the Fort Meyers Officers Club starting at 2:30 in the Abrams Room. We will once again have rooms reserved at the Quality Hotel Courthouse Plaza.

Thanks to all for your kind words and thoughtfulness at this time.

With Regards,

MaryAnn Turner

Howard Hensleigh

Dear Merle,

Thanks for the update. Col de Braus is still a clear picture in my mind, although I have not had the pleasure of revisiting it. Paxton had his forward CP there. When those enormous Jerry mortars came in over Ridge X they shook everything in town (if you can call that picturesque wide spot in the road a town). As far as I know, the mortars never killed or wounded any of our men. They did get two Jerry prisoners we were sending back to regiment. We shed no tears over that. The mortars did shake soot down into the food Frank Longo was cooking for Paxton. Both Frank and the Lt. Col. survived that.

John Lisnner was the kind of a company commander who took his objectives with as few casualties as possible. His remembrance of those who fell in taking that interesting terrain in Southern France is a typical Johnny Lissner good deed.

Keep in touch, Howard H.

----- Original Message -----

From: MMcmor8391@aol.com

To: hhensleigh@earthlink.net

Cc: Ben517@aol.com

Howard:

The last time we were in southern France we stopped up at Col de Braus for lunch. Philippe and Elizabeth Barralis were the proprietors of the cafe. One of their prized possessions was the plague John Lissner gave them which contained the names of F Company men killed in action. A picture of the two proud recipients is contained in the Thunderbolt-4th Qtr. 2002 (incorrectly labeled 2003)

John will be missed by many people for many different reasons.

Merle

_Gene Frice

Dear Bob and Tom:

Please send Joseph R. Pastran, 1187 NE Rose Road, Bend, OR 97701 the Thunderbolt. He is the nephew of Fernando Olivas, an avid paratrooper until his death in March 2000. Joseph is looking for information about his uncle from A Co. men so he can pass it on to interested gamily members.

God bless you guys, Howard H.

My father inlaw is 83 years, he served with the 517th. when I found the web site I printed him some info, and pictures, He seemed very happy to read the info, and look at the old pictures. But he wanted to know if I could get more information about i company. I don,t know if you could help in that reguard, If so it would much appreciated.

While we were both in the 2nd Battalion all through the war I didn't know John well then. We became reacquainted in the 80's and 90's at reunions. John traveled from Florida to Arlington National Cemetery to give a wonderful eulogy for his good friend Dorothy Mackinzie when Sgt. Jim Mackinzie was laid to rest several years ago. Knowing the two of them they are probably planning a party when the rest of us arrive.