Dear Ben:
Every time I see anything about the 40 and 8s I think of the Mauldin cartoon where Joe and Willie are examining the chariot to which they are assigned. Joe remarks to Willie, "I wish some of them hommes had cleaned up after them chevaux". As I recall we had a foot or so of straw. I’m not sure what was underneath.
After about 100 days on the lines we were a little undisciplined on that ride north. When the train stopped everyone unloaded and sought any commodity available in the local community. No one knew when the train would leave the station and everyone wanted to enjoy as much time as possible out of the box car. The whistle blew and the train started north. The mad dash for the train left the first few cars almost empty and the last one with standing room only. One guy was cooking his C ration on a Frenchman’s stove. He made the train with stove skillet and the hot chow. As I recall it took some assistance from his buddies to get all on board. He might have had some assistance also in eating the hot chow. I am not sure Col. Graves would have been too happy with us on this trip. Years later I learned that he made the trip by limousine with Albin Dearing as a guide on their grand tour de France. A few years ago Dearing gave us a tour report in the Thunderbolt. Howard Hensleigh
Arlo Mildenstein
You bet your boots Ben! Put me on your list. I just got a letter from Barney Hekkala saying that he was going to stop putting out the A Co. newsletter so news will be be in short supply. Barney has done a great job with A Co. news sure hate to have him stop.Have yourself a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.Arlo
Dear Ben & John Davis (for your father in law, Olen A Hughes of I Co.) We have had a lot on Manhay in Mail Call. Some of it must be on the website. I do not want to repeat too much, but hope we can steer you and Olen to the information you are seeking.
I recently received a letter from Matty Benoit, Rene’s wife, enclosing a letter they had received from Richard Henry, who was Lt. Floyd A. Stott’s radioman.
Richard passed away several years ago. He said Stott told him he did not want him to carry his radio the night we attacked Manhay. We went in in a column of companies with I Company first. Stott’s platoon was the lead platoon for the battalion. He was killed by "friendly" artillery fire along with many of his platoon just as the attack began. I am not sure this will ring any bells in your father in law’s head, but it might. I will put the entire letter into Mail Call when I get it retyped. Howard Hensleigh
Vera Andersen
I would like to receive your mail call.
My husband is deceased, but I am still interested in the 517th. His name is Otto M. Andersen. He was with Company A.
My Email address is: veraand4@aol.com I will be looking forward to hearing from you.
Thank you.
Vera M Andersen
Hemlock,MI
William Smith
Sorry to bother you. My thumb must have hit the wrong button. Thanks for all your good work. Not only do the current members appreciate it, but like a lot of our school teachers, your work will live after you in the hearts and minds of 517 descendents. BILL