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From Breckenridge to Bastogne by Merle McMorrow

Follow the real life story of WWII veteran Merle McMorrow in his own words as he goes from Breckenridge, MN to Bastogne, Belgium the site of the "Battle of the Bulge."

Order from Rightman's Press

John Alicki

ON THE MEANING OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE

This painting shows the signers of the Declaration of Independence quite literally putting their lives "on the line" at the signing ceremony . Their signatures on the document would authenticate the charge of treason for any of these men. Image courtesy of the Library of Congress.
It was a bold move that the framers of the Declaration chose to make. But they were convinced that it was the sole choice that remained for them. Thomas Jefferson was appointed to draft the document, and it was his task to express the convictions in the minds and hearts of the American people after many years of frustration and oppression.

Because they believed that the British Crown had no right to tax them so brutally, the "self-evident truths" of which Jefferson spoke were born out of the religious views of the Founding Fathers-that God is the giver of our human rights, not a king, and that it is His intent that His people enjoy those rights, including the right to self-government and taxation as well as religious freedom.

In signing the Declaration of Independence, they were genuinely putting their lives at stake, for any of them could have been captured and tried for treason. But this did not hold them back from declaring their allegiance to this just cause. John Hancock is said to have signed his name in such large letters that the King could read it without his spectacles. Stephen Hopkins of Rhode Island is said to have guided his right hand with his left, due to a nerve disorder. His words as he signed: "My hand trembles, but my heart does not."

Marie-Louise Spencer

Hi, Ben!
Joe and I thoroughly enjoy receiving the "Mail Call".
May I help re: calling France.
To call the Museum in So. France you must dial thusly:
0 11 33 4 94 45 12 79.
Thank you, Ben, for all your work.
Marie-Louise Spencer (460th HQ)

Bill Boyle,

I will try to give some description of the battle for Mount Peloso later. I did not get

to the top as I was hit in the leg by mortar fragments(2 I think) but know the plan

of attack. In fact I stayed around until I knew we were to be replaced. The 442

replaced us.

Rich Winship

Hi, Ben.

Hope all is well with you.

I was wondering if you could send me Eddy Monfort's e-mail address. We
might be visiting the Manhay area this Christmas and I'd like to get
some info from him.

Thanks.

Best wishes,

Rich

Rich Winship

Thanks for getting back to me so quickly, Ben. This trip is in the
early stages, but I hope to make it happen. I've always wanted to trace
my dad's (and the 517th's) footsteps through Europe, but with the 60th
anniversary of your taking Manhay coming up, I'll put the rest of the
itinerary on hold and just go to Belgium this time.

As the planning continues, I would love some advice and input from you,
if that's OK.

Thanks, Ben.

Rich

John Alicki

was a Soldier.

http://www.angelfire.com/il2/VeteranIssues/

Inspired By “Creed” I am an American by Hal Borland

Bill Boyle

The 1st bn. took Mt. Peloso. Same inquiry asked about Folonica. I believe the 2nd Bn

did that so I think Seitz would be the one to say. The Bn moved from a ridge line south

of Peloso with B Co leading, As we approached the base we received about six rounds

of mortar fire. When I got up I found I had gotten some in my right leg. I sat down to apply

first aid. A platoon came by and I asked where they were going. After some talk I found

that they had been told that fire was coming in (the S-3 had done this but they did not

say so.) I found out later. C Co. was to go around the left flank and A Co. to follow them.

I notified Bowlby that he was practically speaking in command as I was relatively immobile.

Joe Williams the aidman who saw me wanted to evacuate me but I said no He got Sullivan in the act and I again said no but agreed that I would go when a jeep could

come into the area. By the time a jeep could come in We knew that the 442 was

to replace us. Possibly Fraser, Hillsdale or someone from C Co. could tell more,

someone who occupied the hill.

Bill Boyle

PS I accidentally erased that Email so I cannot answer directly