Ben came across some old correspondence ref: War Correspondent's Notebook by Hal Boyle report ; "With the 517th Parachute Combat Team, Western Front. Jan 26-(Delayed-UP). Covering the mission of Lt. Spencer' attack on some German pillboxes on Col de Braus. Back in 1945 this item was published in the Kalamazoo Gazzete, Michigan. If not on our Website, I will be more than glad to send you the copy together with a typewritten copy.
John Alicki

One more rather sad piece of information about Lt. Ridler: I found a website from Floyd Johnson & Paine auctioneers, an auction house which specializes in selling medals and decorations. In May 2000, they sold the following:

Silver Star "Arthur W. Ridler", 517th Para Inf; Price $750

Bob

In November 1943, Art served as executive officer of G Company. When Capt. Hooper went on leave Art was capable as a CO. He was a stocky, well built sandy haired guy. I seem to remember that he lived in New Jersey and sold insurance before his Army service. Hooper was CO of G Co. until he became S-3 by trading places with a Captain John W. Pyzinski (sp?) who came to us fresh from the States and was given the Bn. S-3 slot at Peira Cava. Bill Pencak moved from S-3 to command Hq. Co. 3^rd replacing Joe McGeever who became Bn. executive officer . This musical chairs operation started when Bob McMahon was called to serve in First Battalion. At some point back in Mackall Lt. Steele become G Co. executive officer and Art was 2^nd Plt. leader.

Art was killed in the first attack on Ridge X just to the right of Col de Braus as you face the enemy. The Germans threw a lot of nebelwarfers (sp) at the G Co. attackers, but Art was hit in the forehead by a small arms round. He undoubtedly died instantly and never knew what hit him.

All the information given by Bob Barrett in #641 refers to this Art Ridler as do Caylor’s notes. I do not recall the details of Art’s being seriously wounded in the Italian mine field. Olen A. Hughes through his son-in-law John Davis and Mail Call have added more detail and human interest to the history of the Combat Team.

Howard H.

Lou Holsworth

Very interesting story..it really brought back some good memoire Alfred ( Alfredo Vorshirm ) was in our 40 and 8 cattle car.s...He made this trip with most of the troopers mentioned and was assigned to Regal S-2 when we went to the bulge...Do you have his e mail address? or I would his other address. the Sarge Lou Holzworth

Tassie Gomez

Hi Ben,
Thought I would drop you a note just to say hi. Haven't heard from anyone who might have known my father in law that was in the 517c co. He went by the name of P.J. Gomez. I understand from my husband that he was injured in Germany by scrapmetal. Rec'd the purple heart. Hope that someone will get back to me that might remember him. He died in 1965. Thanks again.
Tassie Gomez

John Alicki

Great story by Alfredo F. Vorshim.Made a copy of it.
I did identify Sergeant Peter Sturgeon and Tech 5th Grade Leroy H. Childs demolitionist assigned to the Third Battalion. Sturgeon now lives in Austria and is sent the Thunderbolt. Childs is not any of our current rosters.
John Alicki

Boom Boom

How many you old troopers recall every memorizing the following General Orders before going on Guard Duty?

1. Take charge of this post and all government property in view.

2. To walk my post in a military manner, keeping always on the alert and observing everything that take place within sight or hearing.

3. To report all violations of orders I am instructed to enforce.

4. To repeat all calls from post more distant from the guardhouse than my own.

5. To quit my post only when properly relieved.

6. To receive, obey, and pass on to the sentinel who relieves me, all order from the commanding officer, officer of the day, and officers and noncommissioned officers of the guard only.

7. To talk to no one except in line of duty.

8. To give alarm in case of fire or disorder.

9. To call the Corporal of the guard in any case not covered by instructions.

10. To salute all officers, and all colors and standards not cased.

11. To be especially watchful at night, and during the time for challenging to challenge all persons on or near my post, and allow no one to pass without proper authority.

Entry of Feb 14, 2004 at 21:15 [EST]
Name: Shirley J. (Smith) Catterson
Unit: My Dad: 517, 2nd Battalion, D Company
EMail: NoshCat@aol.com
How I found the 517th page: From a search engine
Comments: I'm enjoying this site very much and was thrilled to find my Dad's name on the 1944 Christmas roster. He was Edward J. Smith -- passed away, sadly, in April 2001. Over the years, he shared so many stories about parachute training and World War II. Does his name ring a bell with you? I'd love to hear from you if you knew him

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Howard Hensleigh

Ben, I still have no vivid recollection of this guy, (Alfredo Vorshirm) even though he had to work hand in glove with

Bn. S-2. I will ask red Meline, Jack Castiglione and Rene Benoit to bring back some detail if they can. Howard

Bud Wyatt

Ben need help, Trying to locate home address of a William Goldsmith, assigned to Hq. & Hqs Co., 2nd Battalion, 5l7th Prch, ON l944 Roster. Do we still have contact with him.? Try put his name in search on 5l7 Prch Roster, got nothing, did I do it wrong? Bud Wyatt

*************

Willaim Goldsmith is not on any present rosters. He is listed on the website under "Decoration"-Bronze Star and in story about Afredo Vorshirm.-Ben

Bob Hart

Ben, All these years, I thought the password for our jump was liberation&
France. I can't believe someone can't remember the correct one. Also, I
have no recollection of a cricket. I think we have seen The Longest Day
too many times. Bob Hart , Co, D. P.S. Your doing great.

Jim Lathers

Jim Lathers, C Company

Hi Ben, Yes please add me to the mailcall list you mentioned in mailcall NO. 642. Although not much into writing these things I am highly interested in reading them.

email address: bocojimbo@aol.com

This website and your effort is awesome -- thanks. Jim