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THE LAMPETTE
Winter 2007
1.
PRESIDENT’S CORNER:
To all of our members and friends of the
Association, welcome to the winter issue of The
Lampette. As we mentioned in the last publication,
we are celebrating the 50th Anniversary
of the Association on 9 December 2007. A number of
our members have already participated in the “quiet”
celebration of this occasion by sending in their
checks in the amount of $50.00 or more so that we
may continue to support the Association’s goals
which focus on the preservation and history of the
77th Infantry Division and successor
units. Thank you for your support. If you have not
already done so, please consider sending in a
contribution.
As we reported in the summer issue,
we developed a position paper regarding the Army
Transformation Program and its effects on the future
77th Regional Readiness Command (RRC) and
a number of subordinate units. The position paper
and a covering letter were sent to over 300 public
officials at all levels of government and
individuals of influence. The letters were
followed-up by telephone calls and meetings with
some officials. Unfortunately, it was determined
that nothing could be done to reverse the Army
Transformation program. The plan had been included
in the fine print of BRAC, which became law in
2005. As of October 2008, the 77th RRC
will be deactivated and the General Officer command
positions will be eliminated. A new unit, the 77th
Sustainment Brigade, has been activated at Fort Dix,
NJ. This unit will inherit the lineage of the 77th
Infantry Division, along with all of the battle
streamers and the Liberty Patch. We will keep you
apprised of future developments.
The 77th Officers’
Association (77th ARCOM, 77th
RRC) held their last Military Ball on 26 October. A
total of fifteen members and spouses from our
Association attended. MG William F. Ward was the
guest of honor.
Our annual meeting was held at the
Swan Club on 10 October. Following the brief
business meeting and election of directors and
officers, LTC Gene Grossman and his wife, Rae,
conducted a giant raffle of great gifts to raise
funds for the Association’s memorial services.
Thank you Gene and Rae.
The thirty-first Memorial Service was
held in the Chapel and at the World Trade Center
Memorial site at Fort Totten on 4 November.
Eighteen members of the 77th family were
honored at these very touching and emotional
ceremonies. COL Seymour Kaplan and his committee
did an outstanding job with the arrangements.
As we approach the New Year, the
board has agreed to focus on the following
initiatives on which we believe that we can have a
positive affect: (a) The refurbishing of the 307th
Infantry Regiment Memorial Grove, Central Park, NY.
COL Logan and his committee have time-lines in
place. (b) The 77th Infantry Division
Expressway – erecting two additional signs and
resolving whether or not the Liberty Patch can be
added to the signage. COL Braverman and the
committee will resolve the issues with the DOT. (c)
The refurbishing of Kaine Hall. Plans have been
completed and we are awaiting funding in order for
the committee to proceed. (d) Obtain official
recognition of the 77th Grove at Fort
Totten as a memorial site. (e) Expanded use of our
website to enhance communications with members and
visitors to the site. We will continue with the
posting of The Lampette and arrange to have more
information and pictures of events. COL Larry
Bellman has the lead on this initiative. (f) We
have appointed a committee chaired by COL Al Nadler
to develop a “fund raising” program. (g) Finally,
we are talking with the 77th Association
about their members who will be having a change of
status in the USAR. Some may wish to affiliate with
us, to help with our work in perpetuating the
history of the 77th. As you can
appreciate, our ranks continue to thin-out. We need
the assistance of the next generation in order to
support us in accomplishing our missions and
celebrate future milestone anniversaries.
Best wishes to
all of you for a great Holiday Season, and good
health in the New Year.
2. MEMORIAL
SERVICE ON 4 NOVEMBER 2007
Our association’s 31st
Annual Memorial Service was again conducted in the
chapel at Ft. Totten. This year the deceased
soldiers honored included 14 Division members and 4
members of the 307th Infantry Regiment.
Those honored of the 77th
were: LTC William Antoniacchio, TSGT William G.
Bornmann, MAJ James M. Catterson, Jr., COL Frank J.
Domiano, BG James P. Harley, COL Theodore N.
Hunsbedt, CWO Robert A. Lindell, SGT Thomas Lund, BG
James P. Noonan, CW4 Gerome O. Primm, CPT Lewis E.
Saunders, CW4 Anthony J. Tortora, CW3 Gerald J.
White, and COL William G. Winston.
Those honored of the 307th
Infantry Regiment were: SGT Ralph P. Baker, SGT
Donald J. Cooney, MSGT Richard Bristow, and MSGT
John P. Smith.
The program was opened by President
Sudholz. Other speakers included: MG William F.
Ward, MG George Barker, BG Harry J. Mott and BG John
Cornelius. Chaplains COL Midura, COL Beach and LTC
Stadtmauer gave inspiring sermons. As always, the
services were solemn and impressive. Several family
members of those honored expressed their deep
appreciation for the program and for the thoughts
expressed by the various speakers.
The colors were posted by the Fordham
University Color Guard. BG Mott led the assembly in
the Pledge of Allegiance. Ms. Pam Phillips,
accompanied by Jackie Washam, beautifully rendered
“The Lord’s Prayer” and “Ave Maria.”
At the conclusion of our chapel
service, attendees gathered around the Monument
dedicated to honor the six soldiers from the RSC who
perished during the World Trade Center tragedy on
September 11th , 2001. A wreath donated
by our association was placed at the site by COL
Allen Nadler and LTC John Peterkin. MG Colt
addressed the gathering and noted that these were
the first to be killed in action under his command.
The congregation then proceeded to the Bayside
Historical Society building where refreshments were
served.
The Association again thanks MG
Terpeluk and his staff at the 77th
Regional Readiness Command for their continuing
outstanding support and assistance in helping
properly to honor our comrades with a fitting
memorial service. Special thanks belong to Mary Lou
Bornmann for her dedication and support in all
phases and aspects while preparing for this event.
3. 307th
INFANTRY VETERANS SOCIETY
On June 14th, the 307th
IVS hosted a ceremony at the 307th
Infantry Regiment Memorial Grove in Central Park.
The dual purpose of the program was to commemorate
the 232nd anniversary of the founding of
the U.S. Army and to honor the soldiers of the 307th
Infantry Regiment who made the supreme sacrifice in
WWI and WWII. MG William Terpeluk, Commander, 77th
Regional Readiness Command, and Mr. Cal Snyder, a
U.S. Marine Corps veteran and author of “The War
Memorials of New York”, delivered very appropriate
remarks for the occasion. The program was enhanced
by outstanding renditions of the National Anthem and
God Bless America by Ms. Pam Phillips. The ceremony
concluded with the placing of a wreath at the WWI
monument by three post-WWII members of the 307th
Infantry Regiment, and buglers playing Taps.
Special thanks go to MG Terpeluk and
the soldiers of the 77th RRC for the superb
logistical support that they provided for this
endeavor. Also, to Ms. Phillips for her very
welcome contribution to our service.
Unfortunately, the Grove has fallen
into disrepair. Therefore, we have developed a plan
for the restoration of the site which we will
present in the near future to appropriate
authorities having jurisdiction over Central Park.
Included in our proposal is an additional monument
to recognize and honor the losses of the 307th
in WWII. We will keep you posted.
4. ANNUAL
BUSINESS MEETING AT THE SWAN CLUB THIS YEAR.
We had a beautiful day, weather-wise,
as ordered by COL Marty Dawson. Present were: BG
Harry (and Mary) Mott, COL’s Lou (and Joan) Sudholz,
Martin (and Renee) Dawson, Larry Bellman, Richard
Cochrane, Ralph Torino, Robert Brenner, Robert
Braverman, Sy (and Harriet) Kaplan, Al (and Mariam)
Nadler, Richard Boyle, LTC’s Gene (and Rae)
Grossman, John (and Ann) Peterkin, John Weaver,
Thomas Robb, MAJ Ed Nemeth, CPT’s Doug (and Beverly)
Wilke, Wes and son Oscar Johnson, and Mr. Malcolm
(and Cherie) Schade (welcome home Cherie). Our
guest was Master Sergeant (Ret) Mary Lou
Bornmann.
Once again we were joined by the
FTMOC COL Carmine Perrotta and two guests, LTC
Harold (and Pearl) Dorfman, LTC Harry (and Ivy)
Richardson, and the Peaschels. The Memorial Fund
grew by $60.00. Once again, thanks to donations by
LTC Grossman’s daughter and son-in-law, Marta and
Murray Kowalsky, from their gift business, our
raffle raised $215.00. We wish to thank all who help
keep our organization alive and able to continue the
good work it does!
The program began with COL Richard
Cochrane bringing the group current on the
organizational changes taking place and their time
schedules. Next 30 Sept 2008 should see the
completion of the transformation. We were then
given a Treasurer’s report for the end of our fiscal
year, 31 Aug 2007. The final order of business was
the election of those directors and officers whose
terms were expiring. This was handled by COL Al
Nadler. The function ended with member Chet Marcus
showing a video he had made for the RRC. Especially
if you missed this Swan Club function, please mark
your calendar for our next event, the Spring Social,
on 21 May 2008.
5.
FLORIDA DETACHMENT
The Florida Detachment regretfully
reports that COL William Winston passed away at age
85 on 31 July 2007 after a long battle with cancer.
The Colonel was a long time member of the 77th
Infantry Division and served until his death as a
member of the ROA Board of Directors. He was also a
Charter Member of the Florida Detachment and had
been very active in planning and participating in
each annual meeting. Bill was laid to rest at South
Florida VA National Cemetery, a new and beautiful
cemetery just opened earlier this year. It was a
very moving and respectful burial service supported
by the participation of a six person Army Honor
Guard. The 77th Division was represented
by BG Russell Wright and his wife Hildur, and COL
Manny Schechet and his wife Virginia. We were
honored and pleased to show our respect for a good
friend and a great Army Officer. COL Winston is
survived by a sister Jenny and her two children.
Donations in his memory can be made to the 77th
Infantry Division Memorial Fund.
6.
FORMER 353 CA COMMANDER DIES
BG James P. Harley was the victim of
a tragic accident in May. The General was
exercising in his pool when he lost his grip on a
floatation device and drowned. Gen. Harley was an
ardent supporter of the Civil Affairs Branch and
worked diligently to help bring it to its current
prominence. His funeral at Arlington Cemetery on 6
September was attended by MG’s Boyd and Campbell,
both former Commanders of the 353, and COL Braverman.
Gen. Campbell said that full military honors were
rendered. Gen. Harley is survived by his wife,
Mimi, daughter Catherine, and three
brothers.
7. MEMBERSHIP
NEWS
CW4 Leonard Polikoff
writes he is still recovering from the “simple”
surgery he had in May, which should have
hospitalized him for about four days. However,
complications set in and he never “invited Mr.
Complications into my body.” It put him in ICU for
two weeks. He only got real worried when all his
children showed up at bedside. Thanks for your
donation, Lenny, and stay out of ICU. MAJ
Herbert Goldberg had a fall in June 2006 and
fractured his pelvis in three places, which put him
in rehab for a month and a half. He’s walking with
a cane now and staying close to his doctors. Thanks
for that donation, Herb. It will be applied as you
requested. LTC Robert Hein says he has moved
to Lewes, DE. His e-mail address is
rlhein@comcast.net. He found his copy of The
Lampette “most interesting.” He hopes some
organizations will remain in NY with the 77th
banner and “keep tradition alive.” Thank you for
your vey generous donation, Robert. Our thanks also
to COL Ronald Blau for his donation. You
might recall in the last issue we reported Ron was
recovering from a heart attack. Glad to hear from
you, Colonel. MG James Grimsley, Jr, a
member of the 307th Infantry Veterans
Association, also sent in a donation. Thank you,
General. Much appreciated. LTC David Saltman
took note of our 50th anniversary and we
thank you, Dave, for your check. The best to you
and Elaine. You are both due for a good year.
The exuberant and irrepressible
MAJ Ric Santiago reports he and Florence are
doing “GREAT.” Ric will be 88 soon, but we’ve
classified Florence’s age as “Top Secret.” Thanks
for your very generous check, Ric. BG David
Yonis wishes one and all a “Happy 50th
and many more.” His donation was sent, “with fond
memories.” Thank you Dave, we all have them. They
are what keep us going. MAJ James Healy also
remembered our 50th with a generous
donation. Thank you, James. Your support is
appreciated. COL Larry Bellman took one out
of his wife, Eileen’s, playbook and had an operation
on his knee. Unfortunately, it has led to some
complications. Larry is still pursuing his thespian
opportunities when he is not teaching
entrepreneurship at Touro College. Larry is our
information technology guru. You can find The
Lampette, and other 77th info, on our
website. If you would like to receive The Lampette
that way or by email, please let us know. It would
help reduce our mailing costs. COL Marty Dawson
and his wife, Renee, are planning a trip to Jamaica.
No, not Queens, the Caribbean. It is a marine
biology group trip.
COL’s Sy Kaplan and Al Nadler
and their wives recently went on a 12-day trip to
the Mediterranean with ports of call in Italy,
Greece and Turkey. They all made it back. COL
Ralph Torino proudly reports that his son,
Kenneth, a vice president of IBM, was inducted into
the Cornell College Hall of Fame on 9 Nov. Ken was
captain of their fencing team for four years and a
two time all-American. Ken will address the student
body at the Saturday football game. Margot, who is
recovering from back surgery, and Ralph provided
transportation for Mary Mott during BG Mott’s
recovery from pneumonia and open heart surgery. The
77th still takes care of its own. MAJ
Bud Nugent, our own Natty Bumppo, took five
grandsons and a son on a bear hunt in Canada. They
all got a black bear. Bud, a bow hunter, went out
the last day to try for a second and took along a
shotgun, just in case, because black bears can climb
trees, fast. It wasn’t until he got back to camp
that he discovered the shells for the gun were in
his other jacket. Could have had a bare behind,
Bud.
MSG (Ret) Mary Lou Bornmann,
our loyal long time administrative helper, lost her
husband Bill. Bill, an Army veteran, had a bad fall
last year and never fully recovered. MG William
Terpeluk, CG of the 77th, COL Sudholz and
several members of the Board attended the wake.
Mary Lou, our condolences to you and your family.
SG Jeffrey Mott, a member of the 307th
Board, was transferred from the 77th to
FEMA, Region II, which is located in downtown
Manhattan. CPT Doug Wilke has made another
trip to China as he continues to try and help them
to employ solar energy to reduce their air pollution
problem. CPT Kasmir Jukas, the best supply
officer you could ever hope for, sent in a very
generous donation for our 50th. Thank
you, Kasmir. COL Howard Ford passed away
last August and his wife, Madeline, a month later.
They are survived by their daughter, Dorothea, and
niece, Margaret. Our condolences to the family.
COL Richard Boyle sadly reports his lovely and
talented wife of 53 years, Lorry, passed away after
a long illness last December. Lorry was a noted
Long Island preservationist. Our condolences to
Richard and his family. COL Joseph Stefan
reminisced about his role in the organization of the
77th Inf. Div. after WWII. We also thank
COL Stefan for his 50th anniversary
remembrance donation which he said is “worth
observing.” Yes it is! LTC Gene Grossman and
his lovely wife, Rae, will be celebrating their 60th
Wedding Anniversary on 25 January 2008 by taking
their family away for a week in the Poconos. Next
year, Gene will celebrate 64 years since the D-Day
invasion by the 29th Inf. Div. on 6 June 1944 and
his participation, as a 20-year-old newly-made
shavetail from OCS at Infantry School, Ft. Benning,
GA, Class 314. LTC John Peterkin’s son, CPT
James Peterkin, is serving back-to-back tours in
Iraq, this time on Gen. Petraeus’ G4 Staff. John
has 2 stars on his CIB, Korea and Vietnam. The best
to both of you, John.
8.
POTPOURRI
a)
Quiz Results:
(1)
When the Tomb of the
Unknown was dedicated on 11 Nov 1921, COL Charles
Wittelsey (CO of the 77th’s “Lost
Battalion”), SGT Alvin York of the 82nd
Div., CPT Samuel Woodfill and Ernest Janson, all of
whom had been awarded the MOH, were pallbearers. I
have no information on Ernest Janson, but, then, 1LT
Woodfill was a member of the 5th Div.
and, on 12 Oct 1918, leading his company, he
personally took out three machine gun nests, killed
18 enemies, one with a pick, and captured three.
Gen. Pershing referred to him as “an
up-from-the-ranks Officer, the war’s top ‘Old
Soldier’.” If anyone has information on Ernest
Janson, please send it to The Lampette.
(2)
The first army battle
streamer was awarded for the battle of Ft.
Ticonderoga, 10 May 1775. COL Ethan Allen was the
commander of the 150 “Green Mountain Boys”, and
about 70 others from Mass. and Conn. COL Benedict
Arnold presumed to contend for the command of the
force and subsequently became co-commander, but
never received any credit. See “Voices of 1776”, by
Richard Wheeler.
(3)
A spontoon is a long,
spear-like weapon used by NCO’s in the Revolutionary
War to direct Soldiers and keep lines straight. You
can see one today, if you see the 3rd
Infantry (Old Guard), Colonial Company, and Fife and
Drum Detachment perform at a ceremony.
b)
New Quiz:
(1)
What was the weapon
used by the Japanese to kill civilians on the US
mainland during WWII? How many were killed?
(2)
Who said: “No terms
except unconditional surrender can be accepted. I
propose to move immediately upon your works”?
(3)
What is an
“aiguillette”?
c)
LTC David Saltman
reports in his newsletter,“Veterans of the Battle of
the Bulge”, that the Weather Channel has a new video
documentary: “When Weather Makes History.” It
includes several interviews with veterans of the
battle and will be shown sometime in 2008.
d)
THE REAL ESTATE
CORNER. (Borrowed from MOCLI.) In regard to the
issue of bargaining for the commission to be paid
for listing a home, the commission rate is a number
which is divided by four: the listing broker,
listing agent, selling broker and selling agent. The
limited service brokers that offer low commission
rates will generally put a very low percentage out
for the selling side. Common sense dictates that if
an agent has buyers he will take them to the homes
with higher commission rates. Homeowners should
have their home inspected by a professional before
putting it on the market. It is best to have any
critical items taken care of as it gives the buyer a
sense of confidence that they know what they are
buying.
e) SBP: The final increase will
take place Apr. 1, 2008, when all SSBP annuitants
will receive 55% of the base amount elected,
regardless of age. Nice of them, finally, to give
back what we signed up for originally.
f) From Director Edward Aulman’s
Vets Service Agency Newsletter:
Shingles Vaccine Available to VA
Patients
A vaccine for shingles, which
Department of Veterans Affairs researchers helped
develop, is available to veterans who are patients
at VA medical facilities. VA physicians will offer
the vaccine to patients with appropriate medical
conditions, usually those who are 60 years of age or
older and have a healthy immune system. A single
dose of the vaccine offers protection against
shingles.
Combat
Related Special Compensation Easier
Military retirees (20 years active or
active and reserve) have been reluctant to file for
disabilities because in the past a disability award
would offset their military retirement. The
Department of Defense has made it easier for
military retirees who were injured in combat, or in
training that simulates combat, to receive both.
Combat Related
Special Compensation (CRSC) provides tax-free
compensation that a military retiree can receive in
addition to his/her regular military retirement
pension. A retiree with a 10% or more VA related
disability can apply for CRSC by calling
1-866-281-3254 or can go online at
www.crsc.army.mil.
Military retirees who
have disabilities related to their service should
contact the Veterans Service Agency at 516-572-8452.
g)
Riddle for grandkids:
What can go up a chimney down but
can’t go down a chimney up? See the answer below.*
h) The most common remark made by
seniors in antique shops: “I remember these.”
i) Avoid toxins when using the
microwave, a John Hopkins’ doctor advises, by not
using plastic containers to heat food in the
microwave. Use glass or ceramic containers to heat
foods, especially those containing fat. The
combination of fat, high heat and plastic releases
dioxins into the food. Remove TV dinners, etc. from
plastic containers and do not cover food with
plastic wrap in the microwave. Use a paper towel.
j) Veterans may now use the hand
salute when not in uniform, during the national
anthem or to render honors to the colors.
k) “Then join hand in hand, brave
Americans all! By uniting we stand, by dividing we
fall.”
John Dickman’s “The Liberty Song”
* An
umbrella.
9.
77th HISTORY
The original story, “Diamond in the
Rough”, was written by Bruce Hill of the 77th
PA Office. It has been edited. It was a stone
that, at first, looked like any other stone. It was
completely smothered in dirt and mud except for a
few spots that turned out to be crucial. Frank Urso,
a New York City Parks Department employee, happened
to notice the stone’s glitter sparkling in the
sunlight. It was a diamond in the rough. He
decided to inspect it further. During a renovation
project on Fordham Road, somehow the stone had been
lost. “When I noticed it was a memorial stone, I
cleaned it off and read the inscription”, Urso
said. The wayward stone had been dedicated to a WWI
veteran named SGT Charles J. Johnson. He was a
member of the 306th Infantry Regiment,
and a fire fighter with Engine Company Number 58 in
Harlem, NY. It was almost 30 years since the stone
was lost and then found again by Urso.
In a memorial service held on October
14, 1998, exactly 80 years after he was killed,
Johnson was posthumously honored as a double hero
who devotedly served his country as a soldier and
his community as a fireman. Urso said, “I had to
return the stone to the fire department because I
knew that’s where it belonged.”
Fortunately, because of Mr. Urso, it
will have a permanent place at the doors of the fire
academy. Johnson entered the Army on September 23,
1917. A little more than a year later, he was
killed in a furious and intense battle that led to
the capture of Cote Dame Marie, France, and more
than 500 German troops. The offensive led directly
to the Armistice that ended the war which claimed
117,000 American lives.
10.
2006/2007 FINANCIAL REPORT
RECEIPTS:
2006
2007
Interest 135.39
434.07
Memorial Fund
334.00
220.00
Voluntary
Donation 2,160.00
1,845.00
50/50 &
Raffle
135.00 310.00
WTC Memorial
Fund
125.00 775.00
307th
Reimbursement
2005
314.05 0.00
307th
Reimbursement 2006
799.67
300.00
TOTALS
4,003.11 3,884.07
DISBURSEMENTS:
2006
2007
Military
Expense 1,289.38
1,146.70
Administrative
Support
25.00 0.00
Annual Meeting
Guests
80.00 90.00
Spring Luncheon
Guests
0.00 60.00
Florida
Subsidy
0.00 200.00*
Memorial
Services 762.00
518.03
Web
Site
59.28 251.81
307th
Program 799.67
0.00
77th
Liberty Patch
Run
150.00 0.00
WTC Memorial
Fund 118.08
2,676.38
M. Schade, Esq.
Plaque 81.00
0.00
Remembrance
Wreath 0.00
71.47
Bank
Charges 0.00
16.30
TOTALS 3,364.41
5,030.69
NET RECEIPTS/EXPENSES (--)
638.70 -1,146.62
* Florida
Detachment imprest fund dissolved.
11.
307th
INFANTRY VETERANS SOCIETY
1)
The following veterans
of the 307th have answered the last roll
call:
Mr. Victor
Acocella, Mr. Ralph Baker, Mr. Richard Bristow, Mr.
Carmelo Caruso*, Mr. Alfred Defontes, Mr. Samuel
Davis, Jr., Mr. Richard O. Klebsattel*, Mr. Phillip
Muller, and Mr. Herman Sambora.
* Notice
received after the 4 November 2007 Memorial
Service.
2)
Looking for information
about a WWII veteran:
PFC Emelio (Leo) A. Randazzo
Co. A, 305th Inf.,
KIA 8 May 1945 at Okinawa.
12.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
We would appreciate receiving your
email address. Having this, we could more promptly
communicate to you: items of interest regarding the
77th, what’s going on with Army reorganization, new
laws and regulations that affect you, up-to-date
rosters of 77th buddies, and, sadly, news of those
who have passed away. We could even send you The
Lampette electronically, if you would like. Please
send your email address to
lbellman1@aol.com (COL Larry Bellman.)
13.
DATES TO REMEMBER
21 May 2008 –
Spring Social – Swan Club (Ladies invited)
15 Oct 2008 –
Annual Meeting – Swan Club (Ladies invited)
9 Nov 2008 –
Memorial Service – 32nd Annual Service
14.
77TH INFANTRY DIVISION
ROA WEBSITE:
www.77thinfdivroa.org
15.
TELEPHONE CONTACT
Should you need
to contact us, you can call Master Sergeant (Ret)
Mary Lou Bornmann at (718) 352-5077. She will pass
along your message.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!
Louis H. Sudholz, Jr.
Colonel, Ret.
President
“We few,
we happy few, we band of brothers.” W.
Shakespeare |
