Hi,

I'm still going through Mike Kane's wonderful photographs. I've found my Dad, Ed Smith, in a few more: Group 18: Center left, the man on the right and Group 19: Center photo -- the guy mugging for the camera. These are pictures of him we've never seen before. Wow! Sixty years later -- when he was just a 21 year-old. What a terrific website! Thank you.

Shirley Catterson

Shanna Cronquist

Hello Ben,
I'm sending a second request for information about my father, Elam Cronquist. He was in D Company, 2nd Bn. I want to say, that I am extremely appreciative for all that you've done for the 517th. Because of information I found on your website, I was able to obtain replacement medals. My father passed away in 2001, and his awards went to my brothers. I have a copy of a newpaper clipping about my Dad being awarded the bronze star. It reads: "For heroic achievement in action near Trois Ponts, Belgium on January 3, 1945, During an attack, Pfc. Cronquist rushed forward through intense machinegun and mortar fire to the aid of a wounded comrade. After dragging the man to cover and administering first aid, he received permission to assist the wounded and blinded soldier to the battalion aid station. Pfc. Cronquist was also wounded, and over his protests was given aid, but only after he was sure that his comrade was in a safe position. His quick thinking undoubtedly saved his comrade's life." I know the battle in Trois Ponts was a chaotic one, with many casualties, but I would be grateful if anyone could recall this incident, and possibly who his comrade was, and if he's still living. He often spoke of a man named Gooder John? I know this may sound odd, but when I was a young girl, I recall asking my Dad if he had ever fought in a cemetery. He, of course, said yes. Shanna Cronquist

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

We have posted on the website many photos of D company sent to us by Shanna. Suggest that Shanna, Shirley Catterson, Mike Kane, Floyd Polk and other D company members cross check the photos. It might help to identify members. -Ben

Tom McAvoy

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

From: topfare

Sent: Sunday, February 15, 2004 12:56 PM

Subject: Flags

I HOPE THIS GETS TO THE TOP BRASS

Jsmithlittlemonk@cs.com

United States Flag

Today, here at KIRKUK AB, Iraq, we were told that we were no longer
allowed to fly the United States flag. The reason we were given is so we
would not offend the Iraqi people. We were told that we are not
occupying this country! And apparently we are not in charge. Well, my
question is this. If we are not in charge, then who the hell is?
Obviously, the Iraqi people are not. The Iraqi people do not run any of
these bases over here yet, and may not for quite some time.

We at KIRKUK AB, Fire Dept have up to today; both Post and retire the
colors every day. Today in a show of respect and honor especially for
those who have fallen, we disobeyed the order and raised our flag, but
less than an hour later we were ordered to take our flag down. The moral
here is low, but our mission remains in focus. It is a slap in the face
of those families back home that have lost loved ones. It is also a slap
in the face for those who still remain here, not only protecting our
people back home, but trying to make a difference here in the pursuit of
freedom for the Iraqi people. I would appreciate the widest
dissemination of this message. If we are to fly the Iraqi flag with our
flag then so be it. But don't tell us that cant show the respect for our
flag, when so many have died in the name of Freedom. The only people I
think who would be offended are the people who kill innocent women and
children in the name of religion. Thank you for your support and
prayers. Samuel D. Arbuckle, TSgt, USAFR

Boom Boom

http://www.mishalov.com/FBI_False_Medal_of_Honor.html

The investigation into the source of the Medals of Honor that were
illegally being sold and worn eventually led to a company by the name of
H.L.I. Lordship Industries, located in Long Island, New York. H.L.I.
Lordship Industries was the largest manufacturer of military medals for
the United States Government and was the only official manufacturer of
the Medal of Honor. Extensive investigation by the FBI determined that
H.L.I. Lordship Industries was illegally manufacturing additional Medals
of Honor and in turn selling these medals to a friend of the owner of
the company. This individual would then go around the country re-selling
the Medals of Honor to anyone who was willing to pay his price. These
actions were not only a violation of the federal law, but also were an
insult to the brave soldiers who earned their Medals through blood and
sacrifice.

On December 3, 1996, H.L.I. Lordship Industries entered a corporate
guilty plea in United States District Court, Newark, New Jersey. They
admitted to illegally manufacturing and selling at least 300 Medals of
Honor during the time period of 1991 through 1994. H.L.I. Lordship
Industries was fined the maximum amount allowed under Federal Sentencing
Guidelines and subsequent legislation has prevented them from receiving
future government contracts.

Every Medal of Honor that has been recovered from an "imposter" during
the course of this investigation can be traced back to Lordship
Industries. Because of those individuals who have violated Title 18,
United States Code, Section 704, there are potentially more "imposters"
wearing the Medal of Honor than actual recipients. The FBI will continue
to honor our veteran's service to our country by maintaining the
integrity of all the military awards, especially the Medal of Honor.

Your help as a citizen is needed in this endeavor. If you know of
someone that is selling a Medal of Honor, or suspect that someone is
illegally wearing the Medal of Honor, please contact the FBI.