Harold L. Daniels
Gentlemen:
I was glad to find your column on the 517th. I have
read all of the letters from other soldiers; trying to get information on my
uncle Cpl Harold Calvin Daniels. I just found out that he was in the
517th. I don't know what unit or platoon.
I never met my
uncle for I was born in '46, but have heard a great deal about him. I do
know he was killed on Feb 8th, during the last battle of the 517th. What a
shame, and I was told he died trying to save other wounded soldiers after being
wounded himself.
I was named after Harold and would like to know if
anyone remembers him. What kind of soldier was he? How many jumps
did he make? What battles was he in? And how did he die? Any
news will help me and my aunts. His sisters are going to try and make it
to the reunion in Aug in Calif.
I also was told he use to hang
with a guy named Duran. I think he was a corpman too, any help? I
know that he received the Silver Star and the Purple Heart, which I hold
dearly.
Thank
you so much for your time. Hope someone can help me out. Thank
you.
Harold L Daniels
email
hd63077@adelphia.net
Entry of Apr 28, 2005 at 08:57 [EST]
Name: Ken Ruland
Unit: 1/10 Inf 4ID
EMail: kruland@troopers.state.ny.us
How I found the 517th page: unknown
Comments: Gentlemen I
salute each and every one of you, and I ask for your help. My daughters school
has taken possession of the Cpl. Frank W Hayes Army Reserve Center and wishes to
honor this great American by keeping his name alive on the school. Unfortunately
we have little information on him. His family that remains are not in any
condition to offer assistance so I beg for any information available on him.
Thank you in advance and "All The
Way"
****************
Can anyone who served with "B" Co. help Ken. Frank Hayes was the last
member of the 517th Killed in action Feb. 8, 1945. --Ben
Ken Ruland
Thank You so very much, it's a huge help, Ken Ruland
***********
I did provide Ken with some information.-Ben
Howard Hensleigh
Note for Eddy Monfort: Dear Eddy:
Thank you for your prompt and considerate response to our invitation to
attend our reunion in Savannah. We are sorry you will not be able to make it,
but appreciate the consideration you are giving your co-workers whose family
needs take them on vacation in August. Our thoughts will be with you during this
time. A goal of our Association is to perpetuate the memory of people like Lt.
Stott and the others who lost their lives in the struggle against powers that
were determined to dominate Europe first and then the world.
We tend to forget how the balance of success in the Bulge hung by a thread.
Recently released documents take us back to the strenuous period following
December 16, 1944. General Marshall, who later as Secretary of State introduced
the Marshall Plan, wrote Secretary of War Stimson, that if the German
counterattack succeeded the US would have to recast the whole war, retreat and
let the American people decide whether they wanted to go on with the war enough
to raise the new armies necessary to do it. The 517th Combat Team,
along with the other units of the 18th Airborne Corps, did its share
at Manhay, St. Vith and elsewhere to avoid those dire consequences, strengthen
that thread, and turn the Bulge wrong side out.
We are grateful to you and your books for helping us preserve these
memories. "Be with us yet, lest we forget".
Highest regards, Howard Hensleigh
Dot Lubic
Andrew was taken off the ventilator yesterday and is doing fairly
well. He is so glad to have the tube out of his throat. He still has
the feeding tube in but that will be removed when he is eating a little
better. He uses nasal oxygen during the day and at night uses an oxygen
mask connected to a small machine that assist/reminds him to breath deep while
he is sleeping. Physical therapy comes in daily and today helped him to
sit on the side of the bed. It really tired him out but he was proud of
the fact he was able to do that. In the next day or so, they will help him
into a chair for short periods. He is talking a little better though his
voice is still raspy. He managed to say that he loves Cathy and me, asked
about the dogs, and reminded me he had some wine in the fridge. Not sure
if he wants me to drink it, take him some, or maybe take some to the
nurses. LOL.
Hotel Registration
Information:
The Biennial 517th PRCT Reunion will be held
in Savannah, Georgia, at the Hilton Savannah DeSoto Hotel, located in the heart of the
Historic District at 15 East Liberty Street, from August 15 - 19, 2005.
Reservations can be made by calling Hilton Savannah (1-800-426-8483). If
this number is busy, it will roll over to the national 800 number. You may also
register online at www.hilton.com code word is
517.
Rates for the rooms are $89.00 per night plus tax, with free covered
parking at the hotel. There are also 7 free RV parking spaces, located close to
the hotel, which are on a "first-come, first-serve" basis. There are also 3 RV
camping areas in the Savannah area, with one being a State Park. If you need
information regarding the camping sites or any other information, you may call
the Beddows at (912) 925-2766 or email HBeddow@cs.com.
Registration
cut-off date at the hotel is July 15, 2005.
***************
More information in later Mail Calls.