2005 Biennial Reunion
August 15-19, 2005
Savannah, GA

Registration due before July 10, 2005!

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

Copies of Paratroopers' Odyssey can be purchased for $22.50 from Bob Christie. 390 301 Blvd. W. Unit 10C, Bradenton, Fl. 34205

Recent website additions:
Ed Athey and H Company
Patrick L. Michaels, 596th
biography of John M. Pastalenic, H Co.
Mortaro and Moles, I Co, at Camp Mackall

Tom Reber

Dear Ben,

I am looking forward to seeing everyone in Savannah very soon. I was reminded how thrilling it is to hook up with people who knew my father when I read about Ms. Devaney's recent successes in learning about her uncle (last Mail Call). It really means a lot to the family members when the surviving troopers can help us learn more about loved ones.

I just finished reading Major Richard Winters' new book, "Biggest Brother". He was the CO of Easy Company of the 506th. The appendix of the book cited Major Winters' feelings about leadership, and it sounded remarkably similar to many things my father used to explain to me about combat leadership. I am sure the qualities discussed, were instilled into my father by the great leaders of the 517th. Leaders like Gen. Walsh, Col. Graves, Col. Boyle, Gen. Seitz and Gen. Zais.

I wish everyone a safe journey to and from the reunion.

Jim Lathers

THE FINAL INSPECTION

The soldier stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, you soldier,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?"

The soldier squared his shoulders and said,
"No, Lord, I guess I ain't.
Because those of us who carry guns,
Can't always be a saint.

I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough.
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.

But, I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime,
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God, forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place,
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fears.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't, I'll understand."

There was a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod.
As the soldier waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.

"Step forward now, you soldier,
You've borne your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell."

~Author Unknown~

Jay Sutcliffe

Mr. Barrett, Bob

Thanks to the 517 website, I was able to make contact with Mr. Fred Harmon. It was a thrill for me to hear the stories this man had to tell. His mind is in great shape.

I have a question. A few years back there was a segment; on I believe the “60 Minutes” show. It dealt with a paratrooper company that somehow got lost from their unit. They came to a town that was taken over by Germans. The troopers took the town back, the towns people were so enamored with the troopers, one of the ladies who was a young girl at the time, had one of the paratrooper’s parachutes made into a wedding dress. She appeared on the show with three troopers. Was this the 517?

Again thanks so much for all the hard work

Jay Sutcliffe

Mr. Barrett,

I work for Lockheed Martin, I am constantly on the internet, I can tell you 1^st hand that your website is 2^nd to none. I can’t tell you how appreciative I am for all the hard work you do. The 1^st thing I do in the morning is open the site to see if any pictures have been added. I know no one in any of these pictures, but I still enjoy seeing all of them.

Speaking of accents, I enjoyed the audio on “Attack on Manhay”, One of the more enjoyable aspects was not only listening to the stories, but the different accents of the speakers. I believe it covered most parts of the USA if not all, South, North, Midwest etc. This also makes the 517 all the more special, knowing that the men were from all over the country.

It’s a shame Mr. Harmon does not have a computer. I told him he should consider buying one. I also suggested that he get a biography together to place into “Meet the Troopers”. He told me he had started to write an auto biography some time ago. Please encourage him to put one on the site when you see him..

Thanks again, and I’ll talk to you later

Jay

Entry of Jul 20, 2005 at 15:52 [EST]
Name: SGT Greg Silva
Unit: A Co 1/185th INFANTRY 40th ID
EMail: greg.silva@ca.ngb.army.mil
How I found the 517th page: From a search engine
Comments: I'm looking for information about my uncle CPL Lawrence A. Holly who was in HQ Co 1st Battalion. As far as I know, he served from the start of the 517th until the war ended. I was wondering if anyone remembered him or had information about him. He was killed in a car accident in AZ after the war.