Website                       www.517prct.org
Mail Call                     Ben517@aol.com
Mail Call Archives   www.517prct.org/archives
Roster                        www.517prct.org/roster.pdf

 

Howard Hensleigh

Dear Ben:Great news about Jesse Darden and Joe Miller. I trust those Baptist (and maybe some Presbyterian and other denomination) prayers helped. This is another splendid example of the benefits we receive daily with Mail Call. Lou Darden said it right. We are one band of brothers, irrespective of the squad, platoon, company, battery or battalion in which we served. Except for a little sibling rivalry, that is the way it was then. It shall remain ever since. Joe and Jesse, we aren’t going to stop praying just because you guys are out of the hospital. Rehab is tough work, but you guys got used to that a long time ago. A note for George Arrendarno: We had a lot of good, solid Hispanic troopers in the Combat Team. The mortar platoon of Hq. 3rd was a good example. Sgt. Chico had a bunch of Hispanic base plate carriers. They were a good bunch. Their letters home were touching. Sometimes letters to their mothers would begin with, "When this letter reaches your loving hands". How do I know? Some of my boyhood was spent in South Texas and I took a couple of years of Spanish in the University. The powers that be decided that this qualified me to censor their mail. All mail was censored. I never had to cut anything out. There was a private in G Co. named Cervantes. Dick Spencer had dozens of rib splitting Cervantes stories. Cervantes played dumb, but he always won in poker which occupied a good share of his off duty time. In combat he always did his part. The Hispanic troopers stuck together some because of the language, but they melded in, did their share, and were an integral part of their units. Hope you all enjoyed the CA mini and welcome home, Ben. I’m still putting drops in my eyes after what seems to be successful surgery. Soft landings, Howard Hensleigh
 

Lory Curtis

Dear Ben            May I and my father, Bud Curtis extend our warmest greetings to all of those who are attending the West Coast reunion.  We are sorry and regret that we could not attend.  We hope everyone has a great time in the sun in Palm Springs.  Maybe while everyone is there they can stir up some conversation about my question about the extra $10 you troopers may have gotten for the Combat Infantry Badge (CIB)?  I have read some of the responses here on email and it looks like there might be agreement on $50 base pay (for a Pvt), $50 jump pay, $10 overseas pay??? Is that correct? And $10 for the CIB???Also I have been looking at some old pictures of my dad in his dress uniform, with his hat on.  I noticed the same thing on the dress uniform hats on the movie “Band of Brothers” this past week.   I see in a 1943 picture of my Dad his paratrooper hat had only a round light blue disc with a white parachute in it.  Later, maybe 1944 or 45 there is another picture of my Dad and his hat now included a blue disc with a red outline around it, with the white parachute, and a glider on the patch.  Can anyone explain why there was a change. My Dad does not remember.   I believe today’s Army paratroopers where the patch on their hats with the glider and parachute together.  Sorry for my ignorance.  Please let me know.Lory Curtis, son of Bud Curtis, HQ, 1st BN
 

Randolph Coleman

Ben, there have been several inquiries by George Arredondo concerning a relative of his in E Co. He wanted a list of the members of the 517 to check further on someone who may remember his relative. It seems he is in San Antonio going to school. I cannot find a telephone number for him; so if he sees this he can call me and I will help him out. I'm in the book, as they say. Randolph

Bob Barrett

Dad,
 
In answer to George Arredondo's question about Hispanics in the 517th, we have heard from several Mexican Americans who were with the 517.  He should talk to Beaver and Michael Carrillo, that we all know.  On the web site, under "Soldiers Stories", we have articles on Tony Campos and Virgilio Roel.  And don't forget Nila Gott's book about Nacho Vasquez. 
 
Back in MailCall #432 Tom Reber talked about Nacho and the other Hispanics in his Dad's squad.
 
I'm sure there are many more.  I see plenty of Texans with names like Martinez, Ramirez, Gomez, Fernandez on the current roster.
  
Bob

Tom Reber

Dear Ben,
 
Good to have you back home and I appreciate the news of the fellas with the health challenges. 
 
I'd like to point out to George Arrendondo Jr. that he should read Nacho Vasquez's (by Nila Gott) book which is listed on the website.  George should also contact Howard Hensleigh to get some personal anecdotes of his knowledge of the many contributions of the Hispanic members of the 3rd battalion.   I believe Jim Royer and Silas Brown may also be able to contribute some stories as well.
 
My Dad had several key members of his platoon who were Hispanic and being that his platoon handled the 81mm mortars, and had to keep up with the fleet-footed rifle companies on a daily basis, they were all tough and reliable troopers.  My Dad was far from bi-lingual (he could swear in Spanish!) and relied very heavily on Sgt. Gonzalo Chico (picture on the website) to help translate and lead the less English fluent members of the platoon.  I am certain that there were many, many vital contributions made within the 517th and other outfits by the Hispanic community.  Dad had the utmost of respect and admiration for all of the men under his charge.
 
Best wishes to all, especially those with special challenges.
 
Tom Reber
son of Lt. Bob Reber HQ 3rd
 

Claire Giblin and Allan Johnson


Hi, Ben -
 
Thank you so much for good news on Joe Miller and Jesse Darden.  Our continued good wishes and prayers go out to Joe and Edith and to Jesse and Lou.   We are so glad for them and their families, and hope that they continue their recoveries, all the way to Jesse's grilled cheese and Savannah.
 
Claire Johnson Giblin and Allan Johnson (596)

Howard Hensleigh


Dear Ben:Got a letter from Larry Stedman of B Co. Larry has had a fight with cancer for a couple of years. It is now in remission. He is heading for Northern Ontario as soon as the ice goes out of the lakes. He should have an interesting summer.Soft landings, Howard Hensleigh