Registration due before July 10, 2005!

Ben,

 I just wanted to thank you so much for this wonderful website.  Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would hear from someone so quickly regarding my Uncle Pat Michaels.  From the time I posted my inquiry on the site in less than a week not only did I hear from someone, but I actually heard and have been corresponding with the gentleman that was with my Uncle when he was killed.  If it had not been for this website we would still be wondering what happened.  He has been able to provide us with information that has been missing for 61 years. 

 My hats off to you and others who keep this site going and active.

 Sincerely,

 Jolene Michaels Devaney

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-- Original Message -----

From:

To: hhensleigh@earthlink.net

Sent: 7/18/2005 3:24:26 PM

Subject: Need info on 517th men

We were asked by the mayor of Vence France to try to find the names of the 4 American Paratroopers killed by mines of Aug 27, 28, 29 1944 in Vence. They want to add their names to a monument in the town square.  Research shows that the 517th was within 2-3 miles of that town .Would you be able to look at the casualty list for the 517th and see if it had any KIA men on or near those dates. If you cannot would you please direct me to who may have such information.  We want very much to have these men honored, Thank you for any help you can give our search.
John Coyne
36th Division Association
San Antonio Chapte                                  **********

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Howard Hensleigh

 

Dear Ben:  I called Mel.  He is not able to come which is a disappointment for him and us.  His wife has had a stroke.  Although she is improving, he must care for her and has not been able to make arrangements for others to do it.   He sends his best to all the troopers and looks for a better time.  His health is good and he stays away from the doctors.  We know there will be better days.  Howard Hensleigh

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

Melvin Biddle is a recipient of THE CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR-Ben

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Morris McDowell

 

Bob,
Thanks for the posting of the 'H' company photos. Mr. Athey sent them to me, & I told him I would have some of them posted to the web site. I will phone him & ask him to go to the library, & have them pulled up so he can see them, & all the others also. No, I did not know he was quoted in the Battle of The Bulge. He still has a very sharp mind, I wish he could come to the reunion, but he won't make it. Thanks much, Morris McDowell

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Michelle Sarver

 

Thanks so much Ben, and please give our best to Bill Boyle and "Dog" Jordan.
  Please tell Mr. Jordan that his friendship to my uncle is greatly
appreciated!  Its nice to know that Uncle Andy had someone with him who he
was close to.

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

Michelle is the niece of Andrew Murphy, the first 517 soldier KIA.

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Heather Cowan Riley

 

Dear Ben -

Do you know if Dog Jordan is attending the reunion?

He was great friends with my dad. I am so excited.   I plan on bringing a scrap book of stuff Daddy had, is this appropriate?

Heather Cowan Riley

Ian Cowan Co. B

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Mark Landreth

 

Ben; Can you ask Terry (Birder) Casey to contact me at MarkL@fcul.org? I'd
talked with my father about making a European trip to follow the 517th's
travels, but time didn't permit that to occur. I'd still like to do it. I'm
interested to learn about her trip to Europe, where she's going, the hotels,
which methods of travel she chose and why, etc. Many thanks for all you do
in keeping their memories alive. Best wishes for a great reunion. Thanks!
mark landreth

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Mark Landreth

 

Ben; Thanks for passing along my request to Ms. Casey. I'd love to attend
the reunion this year, but I have to be in Seattle at the National
Conference of State Legislatures August 16-20. I'm making plans to attend 
in '07. Be well. mark

 

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