Guestbook

Nancy Wasielewski Wednesday, 11 November 2020 10:46 | Evanston, IL

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On Veterans Day today, I would like to thank Rob Haldeman for his work in initiating this website with his team to honor the service and sacrifices of so many brave soldiers. Our family is very proud that my dad, Leo R. Norkewicz, who served in the Reconnaissance Company of the 636th Tank Destroyer Battalion, was included earlier this year as one of the honorees. Like many other veterans, my dad did not talk too much about his service during his life. Discovering this website helped to add to our knowledge about his battalion’s military campaigns. Thanks again for keeping the memory of my dad, all these men and the Tank Destroyer Forces alive!

Philip Kinlaw Tuesday, 10 November 2020 10:10 | Supply, NC

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Only recently learned the history of my late grandfather and his time in service. He joined at 17 in 1939 and was in the 813th TDB. Got out 2 months after VE. He died in 1969 and i never got to meet him. Any info on Tec Sgt. Sidney Hewett would be greatly appreciated. I'm a proud grandson and am thankful for all those men did to save our great nation.

EDMOND H ROSEN Tuesday, 27 October 2020 11:18 | Randallstown, Md.

Lovely tribute.
Thanks for creating it.

bonnie ANDERSON Sunday, 25 October 2020 22:56 | maryland

My Father was in the 899th Tank Battalion Hanau Germany in 1955. He passed when I was only 19 but I am trying to get additional information about what the 899th tank destroyer battalion became during The Korean conflict.Thank you for this site and for your service.

Henry Schoepke Thursday, 15 October 2020 14:33

Hi! My name is Henry. I am 12 years old and interested in WWII. I collect WWII autographs. If anyone knows any veterans who would be happy to send me their autograph or share some stories, please contact me. My email is: hgschoepke@madison.k12.wi.us

Tyler Blackmon Wednesday, 14 October 2020 11:06 | Alabama

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My grandfather is SSGT Bill Brock of the 654th tank destroyer battalion. Lost his arm on 29 dec 44. Looking for surviving members of the 654th. Please contact if you know of any.
205-784-5054
Tylerblackmon41@gmail.com

Mike Sgroi Thursday, 01 October 2020 02:59 | NJ

My grandfather was a corporal in the 661st. I’m trying to find out what company he was in. I recently came across a letter he received from Lt. Col Miller dated 4/20/45. It was a letter Stating how pleased the army was of their recent experience fighting to Leipzig. Can provide a digitized copy of requested.

Samantha Friday, 25 September 2020 19:10 | NY

My grandfather, Charles Ferris, served in the 630th TD and, as I'm going through family files, found a number of photos of the 630th TD and group photo at AP Hill. Also have a platoon diary from either 2nd or 3rd platoon (there's a smudge and can't tell), but it doesn't seem to match any dates for the diary items on this site, so it might be something new. Happy to share and connect this info if this site is still active.

GT Thursday, 24 September 2020 22:12 | VA

Looking for info on 459th TD Bn, one of 4 Bns in 12th TD Grp. I can find no evidence of its existence, to confirm history cited by a veteran.

Anne Woodside Walden Saturday, 19 September 2020 23:37 | Walnut Creek, CA

Wonderful to see pictures of my dad and "Uncle Jerry" Cohen. They were best friends from high school into Cal and then through Europe with the 807th and long after that.

offBK Powell Saturday, 19 September 2020 21:26 | AK

My Uncle served in the 776 TD or TO BN all through Africa, Italy S. France and Austria. His name was Sgt. James Best. He never spoke of the war so we don't really know much about what he did-I doubt there's anyone left from that unit to fill in the blanks- But I thank all that served and fought

Dorothea McAlvin Friday, 18 September 2020 19:28 | Georgia

I am in the editing stage of a family memoir that began with letters from my uncle, Tech 5 Frank S. Wilson, who was in the 691st TD battalion. He was killed on December 13, 1944, just miles from the German border. The History of his battalion, as well as Frank's letters, form the core of the book, and I am so very thankful for this site, which has made that history available. My editor--the second to work on the book--following a lead from her predecessor, has just reminded me that they think the site is no longer active. My reply: "It pops up for me all the time. Maybe that's just because I go there such a lot. However, I think not. I think people are adding content all the time." THANK YOU--all of you--for this remarkable resource.

Daron Fairfax Tuesday, 15 September 2020 04:49 | Canada

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Forgot to mention W R Lally was with the 644th T D Battalion HQ company Camp Hood Texas fortune favors the brave

daron fairfax Tuesday, 15 September 2020 04:31 | Canada

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trying to find out about T/sgt William R Lally dose anybody have any info.

Walter Holokai Monday, 14 September 2020 22:39 | Youngstown, Ohio

I was a good friend of Myron Brothers and worked with him hauling gasoline for the Lyden Oil Co. Myron was one hell of a man and I’m proud to have known him. He feared nothing and was a mentor to all that knew him. He was also a kind and caring person who would do anything for someone in need. I’m a better person for having known him and blessed to have called him a true friend.

David L. Lamica Saturday, 05 September 2020 17:58 | Ilion, New York 13357

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I discovered a picture that was taken by Jessie P. Richard of Louisiana kneeling in front of my oldest brother Lester O. Lamica .I would like to thank the person who posted it on the internet. Les was the driver of the tank ",Another Joker" Feel free to contact me via e-mail. Thank You. Dave

Hunter C Bristow Saturday, 05 September 2020 13:46 | Williamsburg, VA

My father Schuyler Coral Bristow served in the 634th TDB. He was a mechanic and a wrecker driver. He had to recover tanks that were disabled or destroyed in battle. The job was gruesome with bodies in the tanks. He hardly ever spoke of it. My brother and I discovered much after in death in 2003. I have a min museum in his honor that includes a model of his recovery vehicle and M-10 tank. Dad was only 5'-3" but stood tall with his mechanical abilities. He didn't have to duck far to get under enemy fire!

Jan Appesland Friday, 17 July 2020 21:42 | Hartsel Colorado

Ray was and is my uncle. There are things that I should have asked but didn’t. My thanks to carol for getting this story to print

April East Wednesday, 15 July 2020 16:51

Hi, this is in regards to a post from 2017 from Donna Ray., concerning the 654th tank destroyer battalion form WWII. My Uncle Albert "Red"Wright was a Sergeant in that battalion. From what I was told from my grandfather and dad the tank went to rescue some fellow soldiers and it ran over a land mine. All were killed except the soldier they rescued. I hope this helps.

Bart Peeters Tuesday, 14 July 2020 10:48 | Echt- The Netherlands

@ Bernie Dobrzykowski
Normally there are no islands in the river. But at the end of winter, melting snow and heavy rainfall flooded a lot of land, creating islands in the river. The Germans also detonated dams to slow down the Allied advance. The river Maas (Meuse) flows where I live. In the attached newspaper article you can read a story about what your father must also have experienced. However, in this case it concerns British soldiers who have surrounded the island. The article is in Dutch, but with Google Translate it should work.

https://www.limburger.nl/cnt/dmf20200214_00147561/roermond-als-frontstad-deel-22-overgave-op-osen

Bernie Dobrzykowski Sunday, 12 July 2020 12:23 | Granger, Indiana

Looking to find info on my Father (Bernard C. Dobrzykowski) 802 TD Co.A involvement with an assault on an Island in a River occupied by Mad German Col. who would not surrender. told to me by my Dad.

Patricia Irvin Friday, 03 July 2020 19:06 | Massachusetts

looking for information on the Reconno., 771St Tank Destroyer Bn.My husband's uncle,John Irvin, served in thid Bn . I have little info on it

Thank you

Bill Fell Monday, 29 June 2020 14:17

My father, William Fell Jr., was ***gned to the 644th TDB, Lt. Ephraim Graham commanding. (Co. C) He was in the service from December 1942 until December 1945 and was involved in the battles of Brest France, Hurtgen Forest, Battle of the Bulge and occupation duty after the war.

Lewis G Allen Sr Monday, 29 June 2020 01:56 | Kentucky

My dad John Wesley Allen was attached to the 811th tank battalion as a black soldier and I’m a retired veteran trying to get information on his service , any help would do , I salute you for your service.

Mark Eppler Saturday, 27 June 2020 12:18 | Milford, OH 45150

I'm pleased this information was made available on your site since we too found a copy of the Muster program in my father-0in-laws war papers. Inside the program opposite the list of guests is a note similar to the one you mention except the Honor Guest is S/Sgt. Don Bush (my wife's father). I believe the members of the Army Brass present were allowed to select someone from their unit to bring as an "honored guest." My father-in-law worked closely with Major General Gillem, and was awarded a Bronze Star by him. A week after this meeting, he was promoted to Master Sergeant by Gillem.

Alberta Waddell Friday, 26 June 2020 13:02 | w. WINFIELD, ny

My dad Alberta Waddell was in this group, I have his dog tags 20 242 328 HQ CO 813 TD BN and I would love more information.

Lynne Adoline Tuesday, 09 June 2020 23:14 | Toledo ohio usa

Awesome found my grandpa cpl emil olwick listed in one of the books you have. He was in one of the hellcats. I found he was in company B. I know he went though africa maybe france to rome trying to find more where he was. He got blown up in a tank outside berlin somewhere but lived.

Susan George Sunday, 07 June 2020 15:21

My father Jerry McCoy served in World War II I am trying to locate records.
His records were destroyed in the 1974 fire in St Louis.

Elaine Terri Svetich Sunday, 07 June 2020 01:02 | Reno, NV

My father, Marvin Gilbert Hall, served as a mechanic at Ft. Hood. I know very little about his time in the Army other than that. I was recently going through some family materials and found a pin and banner with the tank destroyer emblem. This website is fascinating.

Jean Angerhofer Saturday, 06 June 2020 15:54

My father, Milton R. Becker served with the 899th TD Battalion Company B. Wondering if anyone is left from that unit that can give me any information. Thanks in advance.

This is a very nice site and much appreciated.

Robert B. Armstrong Thursday, 28 May 2020 19:52 | Suffolk, Va.

I was looking for the person I was named after in 1945. I found him here on your Tank Destroyers website. I had previously found some photos of him and my father among some old letters of my mother’s.
My namesake was Robert T. Pyle who died of a gunshot to the head during the Battle of the Bulge.
My father and he were best friends throughout the war.
His name was Howard Turner Armstrong from Newport News, Virginia. I will dig out the old letters about Bobby Pyle written by his mother and sent to my grandmother.I will communicate more later.
Bobby Armstrong.

James Belcher Friday, 15 May 2020 13:56 | Waynesboro VA

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Very nice site. I was researching a postcard dated 15 Nov 1943 from Pvt Herman Price 33648851 at Camp Hood TX, Co. B 661 T/D BN, mailed to Schoolfield VA. Hoping to create a Tank Destroyer display in my War Room.

Jim Leahy Sunday, 10 May 2020 04:38 | California

My Dad, Ltd James E Leahy, was picked up by reconn patrol from the 813th TD Battalion on 30 August 1944 as the patrol moved into the town of Mouy, France. Dad's P-38 Lightning went down behind German lines on 25 August 1944, following a mid air collision with a BF109. He was hidden by a French family for 5 days until picked up by the 813th TDB.

It wasn't until 6 September that transportation was available to return him to the 474th FG, 429 FS. At one point during that that time, he was involved hand to hand combat with a German soldier.

After Dad passed away in 1987 I found a letter from the commander of the 813th to the commander of the 474th FG and the 813TH TDB black and orange Patch.

Bill Roberts Tuesday, 28 April 2020 20:03 | Columbus, MS

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I was Gen. B's aircraft commander in Vietnam. He was a true warrior and didn't hesitate to fly into hot situations. He will always hold a special place in my heart. My deepest condolences go out to the family.

aguthrie16 Wednesday, 15 April 2020 21:22

Testing the guestbook.

Site Manager
Comment Test on the backend.

Thomas W Bray Thursday, 09 April 2020 16:49

I wish to express my thanks to Rob Haldeman for his assistance in organizing and compiling my father Merle W Bray’s story in the Honoree section. He was a proud Army veteran who was awarded a Bronze Star and Purple Heart.

Site Manager
You are very welcome!

Barbara Cripps-Friedrich-Russell Saturday, 04 April 2020 21:44

Uncle Burt wasn’t my uncle but my first cousin Earl Zanoya’s uncle. I can remember Christmas’ at the Zanoya farm outside Madison. I can remember Uncle Burt giving me rides on his motorcycle. I thought he was the most handsome guy I knew!

Eric Haider Saturday, 04 April 2020 06:25

Looking forward Edward Haider record pictures anything or anyone relevant
Thanks for this site
God Bless America

Greg Goldsmith Ret. CW4 Sunday, 22 March 2020 23:10

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PFC McAtee, Milton G. was my Grandfather and PVT McAtee, Mervin E. "Buddy" E., his brother, was my Great Uncle. They were from Centralia and KIA in the 803rd BN, Company C. I appreciate this sight. It was an honor to read the many documents. Thank you. Please contact me if anyone has additional pictures.

Shawna Dunn Friday, 13 March 2020 02:40

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My grandfather Sgt. Leon Wardlow was in B co 629th unit. I have many pictures from the was as well as an article currently not on the website. If anyone knows him, or has additional photos of his unit please contact me.

FRED HART Tuesday, 10 March 2020 10:24

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Passing of a 656th member
A long time family friend and WW II Vet RET CSM Bernard E. Bentfield passed away 7 Marach 2020 in Columbus GA. Ben was a member of the Recon Plt 656th TD BN and crossed the Rhine River at the Ludendorff/Remagen Bridge on 8 Mar 1945. RIP CSM Bentfield

SSG Peter Bordelon Wednesday, 19 February 2020 10:58

My grandfather was 2lt. Wesley J. Schmidt I’ve read some excerpts from this site per my mother does anyone have pictures of my grandfather and kinda of pathway leading to how he was injured and replaced and when was brought back in he died of cancer 1986 not sure when he entered service he started in the Louisiana guard as an E5 in artillery bn that I actually served in and he went active duty and was commissioned as a LT but not knowing my mother said he was field promoted if there is anything out there I’m a soldier my self and would like to put his history of events together

David Johnson Saturday, 15 February 2020 13:28

My Dad,PFC Albert E. Johnson, was a radioman assigned to the 771tank destroyer unit Company C. He was wounded on or about November 20, 1944 near Apweiler, Germany. He was sent to a hospital in Belgium for a few months and them reassigned to the Army Air Corps, still in radio communications.

Brenda Gaunt Saturday, 01 February 2020 21:17

My uncle Glenn A Granquist of Wayne, Nebraska served with the 636th Tank Destroyer Battalion. According to his obituary, he drove the lead tank into Rome. Thanks to the information I discovered at this site, I now know that would have been in June 1944. Fortunately Uncle Glenn survived the war and returned home to raise a family and to farm.

Peter Timinelli Saturday, 11 January 2020 13:53

My Dad, Corporal Clarence Timinelli, was a member of the 806th Tank Destroyer Battalion, Company C. He said that he had been ready to deploy on numerous occasions, but all were cancelled. As per the presented documents, and my Dad’s own words, the 806th was deployed to invade Japan, and the war ended while the men were at sea en route to Pearl Harbor. Dad always stated how lucky he was. He finished his service as an MP in the Philippines. Dad passed on May 3, 2018.

Allen Haschke Tuesday, 07 January 2020 22:58

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My great uncles, Adolph & Albert Haschke served in the 692nd TD Battalion "B" Company. Albert Haschke was on Jack Myers tank crew and, unfortunately didn't make it home. He was a casualty of the Rhineland Campaign in early March of 1945. The pictures and information provided here on tankdestroyer.net has been a great help in learning more about my uncles and the great men they served with.

John Kukitz Tuesday, 31 December 2019 20:07

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My father, John F. Kukitz was a Hellcat. He passed many years ago and I don’t have much information about his time in the military. Any help / suggestions as to where I could find some of his history would be greatly appreciated.

David Corrie Saturday, 21 December 2019 16:12

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My Great Uncle is Eugene Carr, who served in Co. A, 702nd in Jan/Feb 45 until the end of the war. Any information about his service?

Jacob Fraker Friday, 22 November 2019 09:11

My grandfather served in 817 company c. He is in the photos close to the flag. Mustache and ears.

Pedro Vigil Martinez Wednesday, 20 November 2019 10:36

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My grandfather Pedro L. Martinez served with the 90th Inf.Div. At some point he was assigned to the 807th Tank Destroyer Bn.
Pedro Vigil Martinez