| Name: | Norbert Sablowski |
| E-mail address: | N.blitz@web.de |
| Comments: | My Englisch is not goot soory !
Ich bin aus Gerderath und habe alles gelesen. Ich ferneige mich vor diesen Soldaten der sein Leben für unsere freiheit gab. Ich würde der Familie gerne Bilder von Gerderath über E-Mail senden wenn sie möchte. Mit vielen Grüßen aus Germany (Gerderath) Norbert Sablowski |
| Name: | Jim Chandler |
| Comments: | I regret to inform the Rabbs of the death of Carl L Mock in 2000, at age 78. Carl was wounded in action during the War with the 455th AAA. He was in Battery 'B', 2nd Platoon, gun crew #6 ("Snortin' Bull"). His gun crew was credited with 6 1/2 German aircraft shotdown in WWII. |
| Name: | Jim Chandler |
| Comments: | I regret to inform the Rabbs of the death of Glenn C. Pearson of Gastonia, at age 89. Glenn was a 455th AAA veteran, having served with Battery 'C', 2nd Platoon, gun crew #6 (with John R. Davis). He passed away on October 25, 2009. |
| Name: | Teresa Pittman Burd |
| E-mail address: | dlburd@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | My grandfather was Kenneth Roscoe Pittman. He belonged to B Btry of the 455th. He would never speak of the war and finding this site has given me a look at a part of my grandfather's life that we were never privy to. Thank you to all who served and to the family members who care enough to honor these veterans.
If anyone has photos or knows of my grandfather during the war, please share. |
| Name: | Stella Wray |
| E-mail address: | swray10160@aol.com |
| Comments: | I again enjoyed the reunion 2009. So glad my Dad Edward Peeden didn't miss the whole thing. And was so sorry to hear about Hugh passing away, I missed seeing his smiling face.
Till we meet again, Stella Wray |
| Name: | Jim Chandler |
| Comments: | Sixty-four years ago today, the 455th AAA Battalion sailed from New York City aboard the "USAT Gen. George Simonds", bound in convoy for Scotland. The trip would end 3 days later, when the ship became disabled and wallowed in heavy seas. It almost capsized, before being towed into the Canadian port of Halifax, Nova Scotia. The Battalion would later board the "Queen Elizabeth", to complete their trip to Scotland. This incident almost resulted in the loss of the entire battalion at sea... |
| Name: | Connie Viers |
| E-mail address: | csviers@cox.net |
| Comments: | It was such a privilege to be able to attend this year's reunion. This year it was Wayne and I, his mother Barbara (wife of Battery C's Charlie Field), Amber, and her daughter (and our granddaughter), Audrey Marie making the trip from Chesapeake to Nashville, but well worth it. It was good to see "old" friends, and make some new ones as well. To our remaining vets - thank you for our freedom - and for those vets no longer with us, a thank you as well. We hold fondly the friendships we've made over the years. There were many heartstrings pulled again this year! |
| Name: | Jim Chandler |
| Comments: | This is to inform the 455th family of more deaths of old comrades: Lt. Arthur ('Art')Whittington, Medical Admin. Officer of the Medics, died August 10, 2009 in Charlotte NC at age 90...Captain William D. Prindle, Jr., the commanding officer of Battery 'C' of the 455th AAA, died January 3, 2006, at age 87. I have just confirmed his death today. His wife, Florence Prindle, just died this year (August 14), at age 86. She and Bill came to the 1992 Rabb Reunion...'Art' never attended the reunions, but he helped me a lot with material and photos for the unit history. He was also a lifelong Duke fan, but I forgave him for that...We shall miss them. Bill Prindle was the last surviving Battery Commander of the 455th AAA before his death... |
| Name: | Brenda |
| Homepage URL: | http://455thaaa |
| Comments: | We are having many of our old attendees back this year. It will be great to see everyone again. Anyone else is welcome too!! |
| Name: | Roy Griggs |
| E-mail address: | griggs farms@surfmore.net |
| Comments: | Hope to see you all Friday night and Saturday, Missed seeing everybody the last year or so.
Roy Griggs |
| Name: | 455th Reunion |
| E-mail address: | brenaburch@aol.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://455thaaa.com |
| Comments: | Last Reminder:
Our 455th AAA Reunion is to be held Aug. 27-29 in Nashville, at Guesthouse Inns and Suites on Music Valley Drive (very close to Opry Land). The phone reserve number is 1 615 885 4030 I am leaving for Nashville at noon tomorrow and I hope to see all of you there. The hotel reports that we have a large number of rooms reserved. |
| Name: | Some one who cares |
| Comments: | I have seen a gravestone with a simple inscription upon it.
It says this, ........."I WANT TO STAND WHERE YOU ARE STANDING"........ Underneath those words is the loving ingraving story of an incident that occurred during the War. A soldier only 19 in age was part of a firing squad assigned to execute a man guilty of treason. As the 19 year old closed one eye and took aim down the barrel of his weapon, he was horrified to see that he new the man he was about to execute. He lowered his gun, walked over to his captian, and said "I cannot do this. That man has a wife and children at home. If I shoot him, I not only end his life, but I end there lives too. I will make his wife a widow and I will be robbing the children of there father. I cannot do this." But everyone knew that the punishment for treason was death. However the price had to be paid. So after a short discussion, They came up with a plan. They agreed that the young soldier could take the condemend mans place. The 19 year old marched up to the captive and said simply,"I want to stand where you are standing". The captive removed his blindfold and walked away, back to his wife,his family, his life. But his freedom came at great cost to another, the young man who had choosen to die in his place. A story of how one man lies down his life for another. Rarely found today. |
| Name: | Brenda |
| E-mail address: | brenaburch@aol.com |
| Comments: | Wanda,
Are you coming to the reunion next weekend with your mother? I bet I have some great pix of your dad to share with you. Brenda |
| Name: | Brenda Scalf-Burchfield |
| E-mail address: | brenaburch@aol.com |
| Comments: | It is with great excitement that I look forward to this coming Thursday. On Thursday, I will go to Nashville and see some of my favorite people in the world...the men of the 455th AAA AW (M).
Many 455th children are coming to this reunion who have never been with us before. Jim and Susan Chandler will be back along with the return of Gene Summey and daughter Collette, who is coming as a brand new attendee. We are looking forward to seeing the widows and children along with our veterans. Remember to write us on this guestbook if you know any news. We didn't know about Mr. Turner's death until this year. And I suspect that are others that we do not know about. I cannot emphasize enough to please write me or let us know through this guestbook. See you Thursday or Friday or Saturday (?) at the Guesthouse Inns and Suites in Nashville on Music Valley Drive. Brenda |
| Name: | Phyllis Young |
| Homepage URL: | http://455th AAA |
| Comments: | Wanda, I did not know that your Dad, William R. Turner had passed away. I am so sorry. I remember him very well. I will be sure to tell my Dad, James Kerby. We enjoyed having him at the reunions. I had heard that he was very ill but didn't know of his passing. Thank you for letting us know. |
| Name: | Bunty Sargent Kiley |
| E-mail address: | bunty@metrocast.net |
| Comments: | Congratulations to you all for keeping up such good work on behalf of the 455th. It has come to light that the plane that Flenory Griggs shot down during the war is all restored and on display in a Museum in Europe. I am now searching for the kind guy who donated the flagpole for the Memorial, back in June 2000. I think his name was Bryan Carroll, and he made a tape about this downed plane. If anyone knows how I can contact him, please let me know. I need this tape, or a copy of it. Bremda. could you please help me with this?? Thanks a lot. Bunty
|
| Name: | Wanda Sory |
| E-mail address: | wsory@comcast.net |
| Comments: | My father was William R. Turner and was one of the original members of the reunion group. His last reunion to be able to attend was in 2005 at which time he was extremely sick. He passed away in September 2007. He only missed one reunion in all those years and it was 2006. This was always a very important event for him and he always made whatever effort it took to be there. His mind was at a point in 2006 that he wasn't aware of much so the effort could not be made. I'm sorry I didn't think to post here before so those that knew him would realize that he had passed away, it was very sudden and I just didn't think. |
| Name: | Jim Chandler |
| Comments: | Today we remember the RABBS landing in France (65 years ago today) to become part of the buildup for 'Operation Cobra', the breakout from Normandy. Their first HQ was the French hamlet of Les Ais. |
| Name: | Brenda Scalf-Burchfield |
| Comments: | Hotel is: Guesthouse Inns and Suites
Address is: Music Valley Drive City is: Nashville, TN Reserve Telephone Number 615 885 4030 Dates August 27,28,29 (Thursday, Friday, Saturday) |
| Name: | Brenda Scalf-Burchfield |
| Comments: | Now is the time to contact our hotel and make your resevations. for the August 455th Reunion. (You can always cancel with no penalty...but rooms may not be available later on without a resservation.)
..........Dates are August 27,28, amd 29............. Please mention the 455thaaa Group name and remind them of the special pricing deal we get. The number to call is 615 885 4030. A few are coming on Thursday night (we are), but most are arriving on Friday and spending Friday night and up through Sat. lunch. The main meeting is at the noon hour on Saturday. We will have the chicken dishes we have had for the past two years.Ladies will bring desserts, finger foods, tc. Feel free to bring drinks to enjoy. My family will be arriving on the 27th,28th,and 29th and going home on Sunday morning after breakfast. We are also going to the Grand Ole Opry's 7:00pm show on Saturday. |
| Name: | Brenda Scalf-Burchfield |
| Comments: | The famous American correspondent, Ernie Pyle, was killed on April 18, 1945. He was killed on the island of le Shima by a Japanese machine-gunner. I particularly loved his accounts of the war in Europe, especially his English travels. He had his last "half written" column in his pocket when he was killed. Through Ernie, we felt like we "were there."
Thank you for keeping us all informed, Ernie. |
| Name: | Phyllis Young |
| E-mail address: | phyllis@tommyharper.net |
| Comments: | My heart goes out today to the Griffin family. Hugh Griffin was one of the dearest and sweetest men that I have ever met. If someone could not remember his name, they would just say "you know the guy with the big smile". That was our Hugh. His smile could light up a room when he walked in. Our 455th family will miss him dearly. But what a "455th Reunion" they must be having in heaven now.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Tony and the family as they face the difficult days ahead without him. Rest in peace dear soldier. We will never forget you and will always love you. |
| Name: | Brenda Scalf-Burchfield |
| E-mail address: | the455thaaa@aol.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://455thaaa.com |
| Comments: | Someone very special has left Earth today. His name is Hugh Griffin. After several complications following open heart surgery...he passed on.
No one who knew Hugh will ever forget that famous smile of his. He was everyone's favorite "uncle" and a person that I, personally, will never get over missing. Thank you, Hugh, for being my friend and for all of your wonderful hugs. My heart hurts especially for Tony today. Tony faithfully brought his dad to every reunion.Something he should always be proud of. Hugh was proud of Tony. The entire group gathering in Nashville will miss this special man in August, but heaven is RIGHT NOW giving him a standing ovation while saying, "Welcome, dear friend." With love, Brenda and the 455th |
| Name: | The 455th Memorial Association |
| Homepage URL: | http://455thAAA.com |
| Comments: | We are looking for information on two of our 455th Members
James Keith Battery D, who was a Medic Albert Gagne, Battery C If you have any knowledge, pictures of them,etc., please write to us at: the455thaaa@aol.com or brenaburch@aol.com or brenaburch@hotmail.com |
| Name: | 455th Memorial Association |
| E-mail address: | brenaburch@aol.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://455th |
| Comments: | It saddens me to report the death of Sam Ingram. His daughter wrote that she was clearing his things when she recovered The RABB LEAF and my email address.
Sam passed on February 22 of 2008. Sam was in Battery C and knew my father Andrew. Although I never met him in person, I feel that I knew him through our phone conversations. Rest in peace, dear kind and gentle Sam... Brenda |
| Name: | Brenda Scalf-Burchfield |
| Comments: | On this day, February 27, in 1945, Andrew Scalf was Killed in Action in Gerderath, Germany.
We will always remember and never forget you. |
| Name: | 455th AAA Reunion |
| E-mail address: | brenaburch@aol.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://455thaaa.com |
| Comments: | Important Note:
The dates of the 2009 455th reunion are incorrect in the newsletter. The correct dates are AUGUST 27-30, 2009 Special Reserve number 1 615 885 4030 Guesthouse Inns and Suites on Music Valley Drive (sorry for the mistake...Brenda) |
| Name: | 455th Memorial Association |
| Homepage URL: | http://455thAAA AW |
| Comments: | We lost our beloved Irene Summey, wife of Eugene Summey, Battery "C" over the Thanksgiving weekend. Irene and Gene were a great team and both were greatly loved. They lived their lives in North Carolina.
Gene went on the trip to England to dedicate our 455th memorial and both were present and interested in the summer reunions. Physically, Irene didn't make it to England, but was there in spirit at the dedication. Safe passage, dear Irene. Rest in Peace. Our prayers are with Gene today. |
| Name: | Terry L Woodard |
| E-mail address: | twoodard@citlink.net |
| Comments: | I am a nephew of the late Thomas D. Tucker,cook for D Btry I believe. Thank you for this website and thanks to each for your service. |
| Name: | Brenda Scalf-Burchfield |
| E-mail address: | brenaburch@aol.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://455thaaa.com |
| Comments: | Today on National Veterans Day, we salute our brave 455thAAA Veterans. With gratitude and much respect...we admire and will always remember your bravery.
You are truly, the Greatest Generation to have ever lived. |
| Name: | Brenda Scalf-Burchfield |
| E-mail address: | brenaburch@aol.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://455thaaa.com |
| Comments: | Today on National Veterans Day, we salute our brave 455thAAA Veterans. With gratitude and much respect...we admire and will always remember your bravery.
You are truly, the Greatest Generation to have ever lived. |
| Name: | Guido Brinkmeyer |
| E-mail address: | gliderraider@web.de |
| Comments: | Drear Tennessee-Belle,
when you walk through a storm Hold your chin up high And don't be afraid of the dark. At the end of a storm Is a golden sky And the sweet, silver song of a lark. Walk on, through the wind, Walk on, through the rain, Though your dreams be tossed and blown. Walk on, walk on with hope in your heart, And you'll never walk alone, You'll never walk alone. I´ll be with you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! |
| Name: | Tony |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.455thaaa-rabbs-tribute.freeola.net/ |
| Comments: | Today we send Birthday greetings to Brenda, the girl who always has a smile.
Hope this day is as special as you are. Count your life by smiles, not tears. Count your age by friends, not years. So on this very special day We would like to say to you We hope you'll always find happiness In whatever you may do. Today is your day to celebrate Your day to be the star So let the ones you love all cheer And say how special you are God gave a gift to the world when you were born, a person who loves and cares, who sees a person's need and fills it, who encourages and lifts people up, who spends energy on others rather than herself, who touches each life she enters & makes a difference in the world. May the love you have shown to others return to you and multiplied. God Bless. Love and Hungs from the BROOKS family. |
| Name: | Brenda |
| E-mail address: | brenaburch@aol.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://4555th AAA |
| Comments: | Don't forget to send me any letters or short notes you'd like to have entered in the 2008 Christmas issue of the RABB LEAF. Deadline will be as it was last year, November 15. Thanks to all.
Send to my email address above as an attachment in Word if possible. |
| Name: | Jim Chandler |
| Comments: | Folks, I want you all to know that Susan and I have not forgotten you wonderful guys and gals of the 455th AAA. I am currently working on a DVD movie of the unit and its members in WWII, complete with film clips, soundtrack, etc. and hope to have it ready by the 2009 Reunion--when, the Lord willing, I SHALL RETURN to Nashville!!! I am also currently working to get the 455th a mention in a very excellent AAA web site (www.antiaircraft.org). I am going to provide info and photos to that site's web master. Take a look at it to see what I mean...I have been going through the over 1,000 photos I have accumulated of the 455th and its men and materiale, and have found new photos of some of you that I had never seen before. I hope to have all of these on the DVD...Until I see you all again, know that we love and care for you all. Our hearfelt thanks to Brenda, Phyllis and the others who have worked so far these past few years to keep the Reunions going! |
| Name: | Tony |
| Comments: | UPDATE, 2006 reunion pictures now online, just click on the link at the top of the page " Reunion 2006 ".
Sorry its taken so long, now its to work on the 2007 images. Thank you Brenda for your message below, it was a real pleasure to have you here in England. |
| Name: | Brenda |
| Homepage URL: | http://455thAAA AW |
| Comments: | Tony,
Thanks for getting the pix of the reunion(s) online! And thanks for all your help. You and Tracey were great tour guides this summer in England. |
| Name: | Tony |
| Comments: | Hi all.
Please note that images from the 2008 reunion are now on the tribute site. http://www.455thaaa-rabbs-tribute.freeola.net/ Regards to all..... |
| Name: | Stella Wray |
| E-mail address: | swray10160@aol.com |
| Comments: | I enjoyed being in Nashville for the reunion 2008! |
| Name: | The 455th Memorial Association |
| E-mail address: | the455thaaa@aol.com |
| Comments: | We Remember September 11, 2001. |
| Name: | Guido Brinkmeyer |
| E-mail address: | gliderraider@web.de |
| Homepage URL: | http://de.youtube.com/user/gliderraider |
| Comments: | Tomorrow is the 7th. anniversary of 9/11.
May god blees those guys out there who fight for a better world; hope they will win this fight one day. Regards from Yugoslavia. Guido Brinkmeyer |
| Name: | Brenda Scalf-Burchfield |
| E-mail address: | brenaburch@aol.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.455thAAA.com / |
| Comments: | Pictures of 2008 reunion are up and running. Please check the Community page (opening page) for the address.
Brenda |
| Name: | Guido Brinkmeyer |
| E-mail address: | gliderraider@web.de |
| Comments: | Hello all out there,
I am glad to be able to sign your guestbook now (Thank´s Tony!!! If somebody forget- 4 days ago, 1 Sept. 1939 WW II begun. A real bad date. Regards from Germany to all of you, wherever you are. May God bless you all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Guido Brinkmeyer |
| Name: | Gregory J Protsko |
| E-mail address: | greg_protsko2000@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | For your strength and courage I salute all of you |
| Name: | Brenda Scalf-Burchfield |
| E-mail address: | brenaburch@aol.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://455thAAA.com |
| Comments: | Thank you to all who attended and helped with the 455th Reunion in Nashville the last weekend in August. We are indebted to all who are interested in our WWII Veterans. The reunion was successful and everyone at the reunion said to pass on their good wishes to those who couldn't be there in person, but were there in spirit. We raised a glass to absent friends, (thanks Tony). We have friends all over the USA and many places in Europe. We appreciate you all. Pix should be online soon. I will let you know here in the guestbook how and where to find them.
Brenda |
| Name: | Guido Brinkmeyer |
| E-mail address: | gliderraider@web.de |
| Comments: | Dear Friends,
our minds and prayers are with the people from Louisiana. Hope Hurricane Gustav will pass by without to destroy, and will not deliver another Katrina-style hit on the partially rebuilt city. Guido Brinkmeyer |
| Name: | Jim Chandler |
| Comments: | We lost Clee McCaslin, Battery 'C', on Aug. 11th. He was 90 yrs old. He was with the 455th AAA at Camp Stewart only, then was transferred to the 378 AAATC. He is on the Rabb photo of Battery C at Camp Stewart. He is directly seated in front of Lt. Donald Clark in the photo. |
| Name: | Jim Chandler |
| Comments: | I regret to announce that Clee McCaslin, of Battery 'C' of the 455th AAA (at Fort Stewart only) passed away on August 11th, aged 90, in Gastonia NC. He transferred out of the 455th to the 378 AAATC on 12/30/42. I am attending the visitation tonight. He was known as 'Curly' to his WWII friends. Anyone wishing to send condolences may send to www.McLeanFuneral.com |
| Name: | billy hill |
| E-mail address: | bhillxyz@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | my father was homer w. hill of the 455th |
| Name: | Phyllis Young |
| Comments: | It is with great sadness that I report on July 1st we lost another one of our dear 455th Vets, Freeman Winsett. He was one of our regular attendees at our annual reunions. Johnnie wanted me to be sure and let everyone know how good the VA was to him. She said they had furnished him a wheelchair, built him a ramp for it and put one on his van.
He will be sorely missed. Rest well dear soldier for a job well done. God bless you. |
| Name: | Emily Valdivia-Campbell |
| E-mail address: | tresvaldivias@hotmail.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.xanga.com/Yes_Im_One_Of_Those |
| Comments: | I am Carl Campbell's grand daughter. This is a great great site! I am so happy to have been able to attend these reunions for the past seven years. Hopefully more and more people can come every year. Thanks for putting up the pictures! The young couple sitting at the table is my brother, Jesse and his wife Sara! Anyway, thanks for this awesome site.
-Emily Valdivia-Campbell |
| Name: | 455th Memorial Association |
| E-mail address: | brenaburch@comcast.net |
| Homepage URL: | http://455thAAA AW |
| Comments: | From Brenda:
Just a short reminder to those 455th folks(and others) Remember that the 455th reunion dates are August 28-30....(last weekend) in August. Check COMMUNITY for extra announcements. Remember if you should wish to come only to the luncheon meeting, it will begin Saturday noon. Guesthouse Inns and Suites, 2420 Music Valley Drive in Nashville. 615 885 4030 **special number for our 455th rate until July 28. (The location is near the Grand Ole Opry) |
| Name: | 455th Memorial Association |
| Comments: |
Today, our memorial in Watton, England is eight years old. It was dedicated it on June 6, 2000. |
| Name: | donnie thompson |
| E-mail address: | donniethompson250@hotmail.com |
| Comments: | my dad is Howard W Thompson who served with The Rabbs in C Battery until he was shot in the leg on March 31 1945. He finished out the war, first in a hospital in England and later in Michigan. He retired from Chrysler Airtemp in Dayton Ohio in 1986 and lost his wife in 1998. Currently he resides in a nursing home in Kettering Ohio where he is visited regularly by his loving family |
| Name: | Brenda Scalf-Burchfield |
| Comments: | Correction on the previous entry.
Memorial Day of 2008 |
| Name: | Brenda Scalf-Burchfield |
| Homepage URL: | http://455thAAA.com |
| Comments: | VETERANS DAY of 2008
LET US ALWAYS REMEMBER THEM FOR THEY GAVE UP THEIR YESTERDAYS FOR OUR TOMORROWS............ |
| Name: | Tom |
| E-mail address: | tomfeise@hotmail.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://in-crete.110mb.com |
| Comments: | Safely tucked away in the sweet Emmental in neutral Switzerland, I write to you all to wish you a good time. After a period of some terrible domestic and private problems, which have mostly been resolved (partly through emigration and legal action), the website for the 455th has been reinstated, as a mirror to Brenda's official site, and many of the features such as the 8th and 9th USAAF pages have been uploaded and can be viewed under http://in-crete.110mb.com/tomfeise/8thusaaf The 455th pages are available on http://in-crete.110mb.com/tomfeise/455th and they are still free of commercial advertising.
The Rabbs in Watton - Never Forgotten |
| Name: | 455th Memorial |
| E-mail address: | The455th@aol.com |
| Comments: | We are sad to report that two of our 455th men have passed away this spring.
Bill Greenlee Battery "B" of Texas passed on March 25, 2008. John Dowdle of Battery "C" of North Carolina on May 11, 2008. Safe passage to the other side and may you rejoice with loved ones who've passed over before you. |
| Name: | Brenda Scalf-Burchfield |
| E-mail address: | brenaburch@hotmail.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://455thAAA AW |
| Comments: | Today marks the 63rd anniversary of Andrew J. Scalf's death in the woods in Gerderath, Germany, WWII.
A good friend, Guido Brinkmeyer, has a made a tribute to Andrew that he made in the woods there on the spot. Guido is playing taps in his memory. http://de.youtube.com/gliderraider I'd like to publicly thank Guido for this wonderful and kind gesture he made made to Andrew's family. |
| Name: | The 455th Reunion |
| E-mail address: | the 455thaaa@aol.com |
| Comments: | Happy Birthday to dear James Kerby... James is one of the organizers of the 455th AAA Reunions. We hope you have a good birthday and a wonderful year to come! |
| Name: | billy g. hill |
| E-mail address: | bhillxyz@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | thanks for the rabb web site. my father was homer w. hill and a rabb and very proud of it. |
| Name: | Peter Butler |
| E-mail address: | wbu97303@bigpond.net.au |
| Homepage URL: | http://Bigpond |
| Comments: | A very interesting site especially the story of the seer.
Overall terrific. |
| Name: | 455thAAA Membership |
| E-mail address: | brenaburch@hotmail.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://455thAAA.com |
| Comments: | This is the last day in our lives that we will be able to write 2007. Tommorrow, we will enter into the brand new year of 2008.
Members of the 455th AAA and their families wish all of you a most healthy and happy 2008. AND we hope and pray for peace all over the world and that 2008 will bring a close to this horrible war. God Bless Each of You |
| Name: | from Andrew's Letters home 1944 |
| E-mail address: | brenaburch@hotmail.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://455thAAA...Back in Time |
| Comments: | December 22, 1944
Dear Ruthie and Brena, Just a few lnes to let you know I'm still ok, only have a little cold. I hope you and Brenda are in the best of health and had a nice Christmas. Please write and tell me what Brena (age 3) said and did and how she acted on Christmas morning. Say, you picked out a place for us to build our house? Write and tell me what size and where you want it built. It should be near an electric line. It's been over 18 months since I was home. I want to come home, settle down with you and Brenda and maybe Andy Jr. one day.I read my testament and carry it oer my heart like you asked me to. I wish I could have sent you and Brena something for this Christmas, but there's not much you can buy over here in a foxhole. Well, my darlings.........I will close for now. My candle is out. I hope this all is over and I can come home to see you real soon. Love and Kisses, Drew ........................................................ Andrew James Scalf was killed in Gerderath, Germany February, 27, 1945. He never came home. He is buried in the American Cemetery in The Netherlands. This 455th website is dedicated to him. |
| Name: | 455thAAA Members |
| Comments: | Today is December 7, 2007. It has been sixty-six years.
www.rememberingpearlharbor.org |
| Name: | The 455th Memorial Association |
| E-mail address: | 455th@aol.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://455thAAA AW |
| Comments: | On this Veterans Day, we salute anyone who ever wore a uniform of the Armed Forces. And most especially to those who pressed on through heat, cold, and mud.....never complaining. Those who kept their medals, remembered the clink of the dog tags,say "Yes Sir and No Sir" as a matter of habit, have revisited in peacetime the hellholes of their youth, learned to forgive and to receive forgiveness, never think of Nebraska when they hear "Omaha,"and can still hear the explosions and screams; still smell the stench of death, still taste salty tears cascading down stubby cheeks, still see the vacant look of lifeless eyes decades after Johnny came marching home. And still dream the dreams......
Today we remember and salute our Greatest Generation |
| Name: | Brenda |
| E-mail address: | brenaburch@comcast.net |
| Comments: | I am presently working on the 2007 RABB LEAF.
If you have any greetings, any messages, any deaths, or anything at all, please send to brenaburch@comcast.net or brenaburch@aol.com by November 15th. I would appreciate anything you can send in, since I am running quite thin in the idea department this year. Also, anything I could do to improve it? If you aren't receiving it, please let me know this also and make sure to include your mailing address when you write. Thank you in advance, Brenda |
| Name: | RABB LEAF |
| E-mail address: | brenaburch@comcast.net |
| Homepage URL: | http://455thAAA AW |
| Comments: | This is an open letter to anyone associated with the 455th AAA AW (M) and who wishes to write a greeting or short message to the 455th membership in the upcoming RABB LEAF of 2007. Please send the correspondence to my address above or to brenaburch@aol.com. November 15 is the deadline.
Also, I'd appreciate any ideas for the newsletter. Such as announcements, deaths, interesting news, or anything else I haven't thought of to mention. Please and thank you, Brenda |
| Name: | The 455th AAA Memorial Association |
| Comments: | With much sadness, we report the death of our Faye Greenlee of Lubbock, TX. Faye died with Bill, Jan, Jim, and Austin holding her in their arms.
Until three years ago, Faye and Bill would drive from TX to Nashville to be at the 455th AAA Reunion EVERY YEAR. We are grateful for the preciious time that she spent with us here on earth. Rest in peace, dearest Faye...... |
| Name: | Debbie Pierce |
| E-mail address: | deb1959@bellsouth.net |
| Comments: | Brenda,We had a wonderful time at the 2007 Reunion. Thank you and everyone who helped to make this so special for our veterans, I know getting everything together has got to be exhausting. But It turned out very nice. I will get you the pictures that I made they turned out good.
Ed Peeden's daughter |
| Name: | Brenda |
| Comments: | We are hoping that you are coming to Nashville to meet us for the big 455th AAA Reunion today (Thursday)) through Sunday, August 16-19. We've heard from several who are coming and hope that we'll see you there too. Location: Guesthouse Inns and Suites at 2420 Music Valley Road. You will find it right across from Opryland. Exit 12 off Briley.
See you there! |
| Name: | Jim Chandler |
| Comments: | It is with regret that I announce the passing of another "Rabb". Harold Berry, of the 455th HQ Battery, has passed away in Oregon. He was originally from New York. Here is the e-mail I received from his daughter. Let's all remember Harold and Johnny Dowdle in our prayers at the Reunion this year:
Subject: Command Sergeant Major Harold J Berry, USA, Retired Date: Aug 10, 2007 2:30 PM Hello Mr. Chandler, I am Harold's daughter, it grieves me beyond words to inform you of his passing this past Tuesday, Aug 7, at 10:15 am at OHSU. He was 83 years old. He underwent a brain biopsy and never recovered. There will be a Goodbye Service at Hoodland Luther Church on Rt 26 in Brightwood, Oregon, Aug 17, 2007 at 12:30PM. Therer will be an escorted funeral procession leaving at 1:15-1:30PM to Willamette National Cemetary in Portland, Oregon. Gradeside services begin with full honors at 2:30PM. If you choose to reach me by phone, I am Joann Berry Peterson, 503-622-3569 (Pacific Time Zone). Thank you for being in touch with my Dad, he really enjoyed it! I am sorry we could not make the reunion. I wish we would have known about your group a long time ago, I know he would have loved to be re-united with you all. Please pass this on to anyone that may have known and/or served with him. He always has been, and always be My Hero. Joann |
| Name: | Phyllis Young |
| Comments: | To all our 455th family, if you are planning on attending the Reunion next month, you need to make your room reservations ASAP. We are looking forward to another great reunion this year! For details go to the 455th website. |
| Name: | Jim Chandler |
| Comments: | It is with regret that I announce the passing of another member of the 455th AAA--John Elmer Dowdle, Battery 'C', from Mt Holly, NC has passed on. His obituary was in the newspaper today. This is to let all of his friends and the members of the Reunion committee know. I interviewed John at his home a number of years ago and gathered material for the 455th history. A gracious gentleman! |
| Name: | Phyllis Young |
| Comments: | Happy Birthday America! To all our troops all over the world, we thank you for all you do to keep us safe. You are in our thoughts and prayers always. |
| Name: | Brenda Scalf-Burchfield |
| E-mail address: | brenaburch@aol.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://455thAAA |
| Comments: | I'm looking forward to seeing the 455th AAA Memorial in Watton, England once again this summer. Anyone who would like to get in touch with me for floral tributes, pictures,etc., please get in touch this week. |
| Name: | Brenda Scalf-Burchfield |
| E-mail address: | brenaburch@comcast.net |
| Homepage URL: | http://455thAAA Website |
| Comments: | I was away on Memorial Day this year. I went to the old Liberty Cemetery near my father and mother's home and felt a rush of pride that all deceased veterans had American Flags dancing on their graves. I walked through the cemetery and saw so, so many flags. There were some from the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, WWI, WWII, Korean, Viet Nam, but thankfully none since. I said a silent thank you to so many men who did what they felt was the right thing to do and did it so willingly.
I have a Memorial Stone to both my mother and my father there. In front of Andrew's stone, was a nice American flag standing tall and proud. Even though Andy was left in Holland, his childhood friends had never forgotten him and placed a flag to remember him there. In Holland, The Weijenbergs and the Brinkmeyers remembered my father. They remembered Andrew with flowers, candles, and by giving of their time by traveling and attending the Memorial Service. Thank God for good friends like those two families. I am so very, very lucky. AND...THANK YOU TO ALL OF YOU VETERANS WHEREVER YOU MAY BE! |
| Name: | Don Wells |
| E-mail address: | wellser2001@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | Thank you for this website, My grandfather Jim White was a member. Don |
| Name: | Adry Weijenberg |
| Comments: | Dear friends,
Yesterday at the Memorial Day services at the Netherlands US military cemetery at Margraten we witnessed that still many people DO care about what the USA and its sons and daughters did during World War II. Thousands of people attended the services and many, many flowers were placed on many graves. We met Guido, his mother and his daughter Hannah at the cemetery and talked about you and your deceased family members. We were so glad we met. We hadn't seen each other for 2 years. I think it's good to have friends all over the world. It will make it a better place!! Love from the Weijenbergs from the Netherlands. |
| Name: | Brenda Burchfield |
| E-mail address: | brenaburch@comcast.net |
| Comments: | Have you made your reservations for the 455th Reunion in Nashville on the 16,17,18 of August?? No time like the present. There are still plenty of good rooms rooms, get your name on one of them. If you will go to Brenda's "COMMUNITY" page, you will get directions,costs of the room ,etc.
__________________________________________________________-- Please note my address above is different now. Please put it iN Your address book. |
| Name: | Brenda Scalf Burchfield |
| Comments: | On this day, 87 years ago, Andrew James Scalf was born.
We remember him today. |
| Name: | Tom Feise |
| E-mail address: | tomfeise@hotmail.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://Easter greetings from Crete, Greece |
| Comments: | To all RABBS, a little over 8 years of me first getting contacted and after having made many friends, and lost a few, I would like to take this opportunity to send heartfelt Easter wishes (or KALO PASXA as it is here known)to all you remember me. It looks as if I may either be retunring to Germany or the UK within the next few months, but fate (and a job) might also be taking me to Switzerland, so a lot closer to the area where the 455th was active, and were I have spent many interesting years, where I learnt more than just trivia, and from where I went on a long and difficult journey through time and Eastern Europe as well as the Near East.
I am looking forward to returning if this is what is meant to happen, and I have never forgotten my friends and the RABBS, though I have been more than negligent with keeping in touch. I apologise for that, but then Easter is all about a new beginning... Let's hope that this Easter will be a good new start for all of us. |
| Name: | Starr |
| E-mail address: | stargar@bellsouth.net |
| Comments: | My Dad is John Elmer Dowdle.
I was wondering if any of the 455th Vets or visitors to this book remember John Allen, the owner of the farm where some of the 455th guns were placed? Dad has mentioned him several times. |
| Name: | Ed Rodgers |
| E-mail address: | edrodgers2@verizon.net |
| Comments: | May we never forget our Hero's. My dad was in the 551ST AAA, Bn, WW II. |
| Name: | Brenda |
| Comments: | Rabb Cllinton Rohde from Round Top, TEXAS passed away on Christmas Eve, 2006, on the anniversary of his birth.
Clinton and wife Genelle always remained interested in what the RABBS were doing after all these years. They were married right after WWII and had two children and then...several grandchildren. Genelle and Clinton had a very happy life together and were together to the very end. Rest in peace, dear friend and comrade. Thank you for a job well done........ |
| Name: | Brenda Burchfield |
| E-mail address: | The 455thAAA@aol.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://455thaaa.com/ |
| Comments: | It is with such sadness that we report that our Clinton Rohde, 455th D Battery, passed away on December 24, (his birthday) and was buried on Genell's birthday, 27 December. Genell wants all of Clinton's army buddies to know he thought of them to the end. Clinton was the true love of Genell's life and she cared for him until his last breath.
Clinton, from all of his old comrades and friends of the 455th, rest and be safe on your journey to the other side. Thank you for helping to bring peace throughout the world. |
| Name: | Guido Brinkmeyer |
| E-mail address: | Gliderraider@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | In Memory of Andrew Scalf, KIA February 27, 1945
The war was finally over All the fighting now is done, With help from the Allies The war had been won Homeward bound we now go Our fallen Comrades we leave behind, But we shall meet another day In another place and Time. They are gone but not forgotten They are in our hearts and minds, They will always be a part of us Until the end of time Never again do we wish to see The horrors that we witnessed there, Just thinking about those terrible things Fills our eyes with tears. Let every day be Remembrance Day Show those brave soldiers that you care, And thank him for their courage And the hardships they had to bear ]So if you see a Veteran Please take the time to say "I would like to thank you, Sir" .........That would make his day. |
| Name: | Harold Berry |
| E-mail address: | vaberryman@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | I am now 83 years old and am now living in Welches, Oregon.
After having completed basic training at Ft Eustis, VA, I was assigned to Hq Btry, 455th AAA AW Bn, at Columbus, GA. |
| Name: | Starr Dowdle McCorkle |
| E-mail address: | stargar@bellsouth.net |
| Comments: | Just visited the Dreambook. It is a very good thing.
Just a brief note. My dad is John Elmer Dowdle of "C." He turned 85 on January 9. He has told me and my sons many stories of his experiences during the war. I am going to let him know of the Dreambook. I will continue to check in. We haven't been to any of the reunions, but still hope to. |
| Name: | The Weijenbergs |
| E-mail address: | hermientje@live.nl |
| Comments: | A happy and healthy 2007 to all the RABBS, their relatives and all the people who still care about the things our liberators have done.
God bless. The Weijenbergs from The Netherlands. |
| Name: | Jim Chandler |
| Comments: | Sixty two years ago today (in fact, this minute), the 455th AAA was involved in its greatest combat action---the Luftwaffe air assault (Operation Bodenplatte) on Allied airfields in Western Europe, including two airfields near Metz, France. The 455th AAA was some 20 miles east of Metz, near Buzonville (Butzendorf to the Germans). Between 09:16-09:20 New Year's morning, some 20 ME-109s flew over the 'A' Battery of the 455th AAA near Ittersdorf. Some of the planes tried to strafe the Battery, which was protecting the 739th Field Artillery Bn. A duel was fought between ME-109 "White 13" (piloted by Uffz. Herbert Maxis) and the M51 .50 quad machine guns of Flenory Griggs. Flenory won the fight and the ME-109 belly-landed about 200 yds. away. 'A' Battery claimed 4 shootdowns in the fight. Capt. James Parsons commanded 'A' Battery and drove out in his jeep and brought wreckage to Lt. Col. Charles Sargent's HQ in Bouzonville, for 'confirmation'. Photos of the downed plane show the tail wheel missing from "White 13". That is because Capt.Parsons gave it to the Lt. Col., who sent it home. His daughter owns the relic today. The plane itself was found buried in 1987 and has been beautifully restored and is in an Austrian museum... Between 09:30-09:50 some 25 ME-109s of the same Luftwaffe strike force (JG53) were engaged by 'D' Battery of the 455thAAA. Battery 'D' claimed 10 shootdowns. One ME-109 strafed the M51 quad of Cpl. George Shouse of the 455thAAA and wounded three of his men (T5 Charles Beets, Pvt. J.D. Smith, and Pvt. Michael Kelley). Shouse continued to engage the aircraft and shot one down. Then, he rendered first aid and later received the Bronze Star for his heroic service. 'D' Battery (Sgt. Yale Cohen's 40mm gun) also downed another ME-109 ("Blue 2" piloted by Gefr. Alfred Michel), who belly landed and attempted to run away, but to two rounds of 40mm fired in front of him caused him to change his mind. He sat down and was taken prisoner. The 'D' Battery 1st Platoon commander, Lt. George Batchelder, had his photo taken beside of this ME-109. So, let's remember our unit today and those men we have met at the reunions or had talks or correspondence with--George Batchelder, Flenory Griggs, Yale Cohen, Lt. Art Whittington, J.D. Smith, Charles Sargent, and the rest...In the time it has taken me to type all this out, most of the attack had already taken place, 62 years ago... |
| Name: | Brenda |
| E-mail address: | brenaburch@aol.com |
| Comments: | The deaths are coming too fast.
It is so sad that we are losing those that we love. Reported today is the death of Lt. George Batchelder of "D." Lt. Batchelder has always been helpful and very complimentary as to the Rabb Leaf, the monument, and the reunions. Rest in Peace, dear friend and old comrade. |
| Name: | stefan Arnold |
| E-mail address: | sarnold@home.nl |
| Comments: | Dear friends,
Congratulations with your new, fancy website. Fam. Stefan Arnold, Gronsveld The Netherlands |
| Name: | The 455thAAA Membership |
| E-mail address: | The455th@aol.com |
| Comments: | TAPS for Bert Rowland, C Battery of the 455th, passed on 11/18/06/.
Bert lived near Jim Chandler in Gaston, NC. It was Jim who passed the word to the rest of us. Rest in Peace and know that we owe a debt of gratitude to you, dear Bert. Safe voyage........ |
| Name: | 455thAAA |
| E-mail address: | The455thaaa@aol.com |
| Comments: | DECEMBER 7th...........We remember. |
| Name: | Brenda |
| E-mail address: | The455thaaa@aol.com |
| Comments: | It is with a sad heart that we report the death today of our dear friend and faithful reunion attendee James Thomason of Lawrenceburg. James loved attending the reunions and always looked forward to each one. His wife Brownie, daughter Angela and son Jim and daughter-in-law always came with him.
We will never forget his laugh nor his smile. Rest in peace, dear James and know that your friends wish you a safe voyage to the other side. The flag that flies at the 455th memorial in England at half mast will be for Tennessee's James Thomason. |
| Name: | Brenda Burchfield |
| E-mail address: | The455thaaa@aol.com |
| Comments: | We are saddened to report the death of RABB Elmer Louis Gebhard in July of 2006. "Gib" lived in Duluth, MN. He was a veteran of "D" Battery, 455th AAA. Gib is survived by his daughter Fay. Rest in peace, dear Gib, and thank you for a job well done. |
| Name: | Stella Wray |
| E-mail address: | slw1042@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | Ed Peeden's Daughter |
| Name: | Tony |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.455thaaa-rabbs-tribute.freeola.net/ |
| Comments: | check in on our sister site the newly refurbished 455thAAA official web site.
which is still under construction, please click the link to visit. www.455thaaa.com |
| Name: | Members of the 455thAAA AW M |
| Comments: | http://gunbarrelcityradio.com/InGodWeStillTrust.wmv
|
| Name: | Bill Williams |
| Comments: | If you haven't seen a movie since Saving Private Ryan and are ready for another, there is a new one just coming out. It is called Flag of our Fathers. It will touch your down to your toes! It is brilliant. |
| Name: | Brenda |
| E-mail address: | The 455thAAA@aol.com |
| Comments: | If you wish to have a column in our Winter Rabb Leaf, please send it to Brenda by October 31. (above address)The column should not be over 150 words in length.
I'm trying to get the newsletter out earlier this year because of the 455th hats we're selling as Christmas presents. I'll need more time to process the orders. |
| Name: | Connie Viers |
| E-mail address: | csviers@sentara.com |
| Comments: | Today Lt. Colonel Charles "Charlie" Field of Battery C would have celebrated his 94th birthday. We sure miss Granpa and are proud to be able to honor him by posting this to the 455th website.
Happy Birthday, Granpa! |
| Name: | Connie Viers |
| E-mail address: | csviers@sentara.com |
| Comments: | Wayne, Amber, Barbara and I have received cards from quite a few of our friends of the 455th! We were so sad to miss this year's reunion, but his emergency surgery didn't allow us to attend. There must be a special angel up there watching over us to make sure we weren't on the road when he became so ill. He's recovering slowly but is on the mend.
We sure missed seeing everyone and look forward to seeing the pictures on the website soon. Thanks again, for all of the well wishes! Much love to our RABB friends! Connie, Wayne and Amber and Barbara |
| Name: | Tony |
| Comments: | My sincere apologizes to all for not being in contact, computer problems made it impossible, however i now hope all is fixed, and will be updating the tribute web site in the future.
Truly another sad loss of the Rabbs, Clyde Cantor our thoughts and prayers go to family and friends. God has gained yet another Angel. godbless. |
| Name: | 455th Memorial TAPS |
| E-mail address: | The455thAAA@aol.com |
| Comments: | On September 16, 2006, Clyde Cantor of the 455th AAA AW (M)
passed on. We hope you have a safe journey to the other side. Rest in peace, dear friend. Thanks for a job well done. |
| Name: | 455th AAA |
| Comments: | 455th Reunion in Nashville, Tennessee was a complete success. We had 61 in attendance; however, only 10 of them were Veterans. Pictures will soon follow in the RABBS Community section. |
| Name: | BB |
| E-mail address: | brenaburch@aol.com |
| Comments: | Tony Brooks, please get in touch with me this week. Thanks! |
| Name: | Brenda |
| E-mail address: | brenaburch@aol.com |
| Comments: | September is already here! In a few more days, we'll all be heading to Nashville to our 455th Reunion. We're adding something new this year. Lots of 455th children of the Vets are now requesting souvenirs AND in order to appease them, we ordered extra hats for the 2006 reunion. They are FREE for the veterans, but for everyone else the price is $10 (just covers expenses). I also am taking hat orders from people not coming to the reunion. The hats are white with blue lettering and of course, an American flag. Nice looking too, if I might add... thank you to Phyllis Young who ordered them.
All rooms have now been taken on the second floor. This is a good sign that we'll have a good turnout. There are plenty of rooms left elsewhere in the hotel. Even it is past the 15th August, ask for the group rate anyway when you book. If you want to go to the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday night, you will now have to book directly yourself. Our block of tickets has been completely sold out. You can do this by phone or online. I can help you when we get to Nashville. Bring a gift or gifts for the Grand Auction and for the Male or Female Gift Exchange of (around $15). Serena, Lois, and Tim Campbell and their family members are catering the luncheon on Saturday. We'll keep pricing at a minimum. We wish all of you could be there. See you in a few days! |
| Name: | Connie, Wayne and Amber Viers |
| E-mail address: | csviers@sentara.com |
| Comments: | Everyone - it's getting closer! Don't forget to call the Holiday Inn Select/Opryland in Nashville, TN - toll free at 1-800-633-4427 to make reservations by AUGUST 15TH to get the group rate. Be sure to request to stay on the second floor. Lunch on Saturday is being catered by Lois Campbell and family; the approximate cost is $5 - $10 per person. Don't forget if you want to participate in the gift exchange/swap to bring a man's or woman's gift. Have your kids bring you and enjoy the Fun. WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU ALL THERE! |
| Name: | Carl Jones |
| Comments: | Important day in history, the 1945 Unconditional Surrender of Germany. V-E Day is tomorrow, May 8.
I remember Vera Lynn, who sang these words: "There'll be blue birds over The white cliffs of Dover.." |
| Name: | Brenda |
| Comments: | Happy Birthday to Tracey Brooks, who.....(along with her husband Tony), takes loving care of our 455th Memorial in Watton, England. We thank you and hope you have many more birthdays! |
| Name: | Nan Volpe |
| E-mail address: | Vellia@msn.xom |
| Comments: | Great pages. My brother was a Co-Pilot B-17. 8th. Air Force.
George C. Burger 2nd. L. Occcasionally I go over his things that were sent back. Had to dispose of most of them because of moves I've made. Came upon these pages looking for Vera Lynn recording "We;ll Meet Again." Now I don't feel so bad that I don't have brothers things to go over . Thanks Much. |
| Name: | steve finnigan |
| E-mail address: | stephen.finnigan@navy.mil |
| Comments: | Tony...now...know who you are and your story is great!
You sent me an email at my home e-address ramislcove@sbcglobal.net ref to 555th/352nd FG Major George Preddy Xmas Day 1944 accidental shoot down. And perhaps Lloy Westerberg might know something. 555th AAA Bn (SEE 24th Inf Div) Mr. Lloyd Westerberg 763-428-3134 13024 Brookside Ln N Rogers MN 55374-8004 EMail: hoydlyd@aol.com LLoyds email you gave me said it was undeliverable..did it change? thanks! Steve Finnigan. Be great if you could post out that I am looking for info on your Guestbook page to the tragic accident. The story grows dimmer.... |
| Name: | Brenda |
| Comments: | If Andrew Scalf had lived he would have been 85 years old today. Hard to imagine that handsome young man pictured on this website as being "old." His father, William, lived to be 93 and at 85, was in excellent health.I imagine that Andrew would be healthy also.
Also, Happy Birthday to our website that was started this day as a tribute to Andrew and the 455th who fought alongside him. Thank you to all of you who have helped me get to "know" my dad through your memories and your pictures and your thoughts about my dad. Brenda and Andrew's family |
| Name: | Buford Devers of the 455thAAA |
| Comments: | This message is for the webmaster of this site about the announcement of the 455 reunion.
The date is not correct for the 2006 reunion. Would you please change the date to read September 21-23, 2006? We appreciate it. All of the other information for 2004 is wrong too. Just a short announcement would be enough. I am the person who started our 455th reunions back a long time ago.I still attend and will always go to Nashville as long as I am able. |
| Name: | Amber Marie Viers |
| E-mail address: | zamv6@imail.etsu.edu |
| Comments: | This is my first time signing the RABBS Guestbook, even though I visit the site quite frequently. I hope that everyone is doing well and finding themselves in good health! :D
See you all soon! Amber |
| Name: | Brenda |
| E-mail address: | brenaburch@aol.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://455th |
| Comments: | To all 455th veterans, family, and friends of the 455th AAA:
September 21-23 Reunion in Nashville Holiday Inn Select/Opryland/Airport. Toll free number: 1-800-633-4427 Mention 455th when you register to get the group rate. We hope to see you there! |
| Name: | Brenda |
| Comments: | This week marks the anniversary of the death of Andrew Scalf of this website.(Gerderath, Germany on 2/27/45) It may sound strange, but I still see Andrew everywhere........ in the winter sky and stars, in the wind, on the highest mountain range that stands behind our house in the country, under the maple tree in the front yard, and in my own eyes.
Dear Andrew, you are never far from our thoughts. Rest in Peace and know that you are still loved and will never be forgotten. |
| Name: | Brenda and Sam |
| Comments: | Happy Birthday to Tony Brooks, a fantastic friend.
We hope you have many more. |
| Name: | Roy Clark |
| Comments: | Click on our 1945 dateline today, "John Chandler," and read the diary of his son, Jim Chandler,regarding walking back in time in his father's footsteps in 1999.
Very interesting! |
| Name: | 455th Membership Association |
| E-mail address: | 455thAAA@aol.com |
| Comments: | I just learned today of the passing of Michael Medalia from Pennsylvania. Mike passed away Feb. 25 in 2005. Mike was an avid reader of all things that came his way from the RABBS. He was always curious about what was going on and always wanted to make it to the reunions, but was never able to. He was one of the best baseball players to come to the 455th AAA. He not only played baseball in the army as a member of the RABB Team, but was very active in this sport when he returned in the Berks County area of PA. Mike is missed by his family and by his many friends. Rest in Peace, dear soldier. |
| Name: | Adry Weijenberg |
| E-mail address: | htmal.weijenberg@12move.nl |
| Comments: | Someone in our village of Nyswiller, Limburg, Holland has a Bible that belongs to Cpl. Paris E. Gentry of Mountain City, TN. The Bible was left in their home by Cpl Gentry when he stayed there during the liberation of Holland, WWII. The nearest relative listed was his sister,Mrs. Ray Johnson, of Mountain City, TN. The Weijenbergs are visiting the USA this coming July of 2006, and they would like to present the Bible back to Cpl. Gentry or to his family. If you read this and can give us information, please write to Adry above or Brenda at brenaburch@aol.com. |
| Name: | Brenda of the website |
| E-mail address: | brenaburch@aol.com |
| Comments: | We are looking for information on these men who appear to be "missing" from the ranks.
Clifford Wood, PA William Ryan from PA Nick Diakunik from PA Robert Dickey from PA The Potash Family of Merrick, New York Jim Treagear , Wisconsin Frank Pierce, Alabama Mrs. Claude Williams of Tennessee Theodora Hims of PA Jane Smith (daughter) Memphis, TN Melvina Dadrea of CT We heard from the families of Denver Blevins and James Brown that they had passed away in 2005. If you have information on any of these, let me know so I can update my files and make announcements to all. My email address is above. Thanks! Brenda |
| Name: | G. Brinkmeyer |
| E-mail address: | gliderraider@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | Wish all veterans and familys a peaceful year 2006 in good health and happiness.
Kind regards from the frosty Rhineland and take care of you. God bless you all !!! |
| Name: | The 455th Membership |
| E-mail address: | brenaburch@aol.com |
| Comments: | Merry Christmas to all of our friends visiting this site throughout the world. If your are visiting from outside American, please visit:
http://patriotfiles.org/america.htm and see some of our America, narrated by John Wayne. Today we will say a prayer for the lonesome, the unhappy, the hungry,and the sick people of the world. God Bless Them All. And we will never forget those who have died for the freedoms of the world. As long as we live, they too shall live.. within us. |
| Name: | Frederick Koester |
| E-mail address: | frednjay@msn.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://n/a |
| Comments: | Excellent site, one of the finest memorials! God save the free world! |
| Name: | 455th |
| Comments: | We are saddened to report that during the year of 2005, two of our RABBS departed this life. We remember and say a prayer for Denver Blevins from PA and James Brown of NC. |
| Name: | Connie Viers |
| E-mail address: | csviers@sentara.com |
| Comments: | I had hoped to have the "455th mailing list" sent out to everyone by now. Unfortunately, work efforts and computer issues have delayed me.
If you would like to have a copy of the list sent to you, please feel free to email me at csviers@sentara.com. Please include 455th Mailing List on the subject line and I'll send it out to you as soon as possible. Thanks. |
| Name: | Brenda Scalf-Burchfield |
| E-mail address: | brenaburch@aol.com |
| Comments: | The Christmas edition of the RABB LEAF was mailed last week. If you wish a copy, and you are not on the mailing list, please write to the email address above.
|
| Name: | Rob Wedd |
| E-mail address: | rgwedd@aol.com |
| Comments: | I used to race motorcycles at Snetterton and have always wondered what happened at the base during the war.
One of the corners on the course is called the bomb hole caused by a bomb going off in ww2 and causing a depression in the ground which is still there today. Does anyone know the full story?? We live in a very strange world these days and I realy wish my generation would look back at WW2 and Think! Thank you to all those who took part in WW2. I for one will always take time to pay my respects on rememberance day. |
| Name: | Tony |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.merton.ukgo.com |
| Comments: | Great Britain losses one of its most talented football players EVER. The man who was electric on the pitch,.
The Best of the Best, George Best. Ireland & Manchester United. My Friend George Best, such a sad loss. 22nd May 1946 - 25th Nov 2005 The world losses a great football player, God gets another Saint... |
| Name: | Friends of VFW |
| Comments: | Thank you Veterans Everywhere for a job well done! |
| Name: | 455th Reunion Committee |
| Comments: | Happy Birthday to Buford Devers, the original founder of the 455th Reunion. Buford attended the 2005 Reunion and brought 8 guests along with him. |
| Name: | Brenda..Remembrance Day |
| Comments: | We will remember them
In the rising of the sun and in its going down, we will remember them. In the blowing of the wind and in the chill of winter, we will remember them. In the opening of the buds and in the rebirth of spring, we will remember them. In the blueness of the sky and in the warmth of summer, we will remember them. In the rustling of the leaves and in the beauty of autumn, we will remember them. In the beginning of the year and when it ends, we will remember them. When we have joys to share, we will remember them. So long as we live, they too shall live for they are now a part of us. As we remember them.......... |
| Name: | Connie Viers |
| E-mail address: | csviers@sentara.com |
| Comments: | Reading the information on this website continues to impress me but also continues to stimulate more and more pride in the men and women of "The Greatest Generation". So many of them have left us in the past few years. This makes it even more important for us to continue the Reunion tradition to keep those surviving members together. Remember, this is your families and ancestors' reunion as well. Why do we keep coming even though Col Charlie Field (Battery C) is no longer with us? Because it always feels like coming home again. And, at a minimum we owe Charlie and the other 455th members and families as well for every single ounce of freedom we have every day of our lives. God bless everyone.
Connie, Wayne and Amber Marie Viers |
| Name: | Jim Chandler |
| Comments: | Just a note that today would have been the 84th birthday of John M. Chandler, 'C' Battery of the 455th AAA, and also a Sergeant in the 134th Infantry Regiment, 35th Division. He passed away on April 9, 2004 in a Gastonia nursing home. He was the primary reason I wanted to write a history of the 455th AAA. He didn't live to see its completion (12 chapters were completed or worked on). Some of his buddies, such as Gene Summey and Opal Pleasant are still around, but others, such as Charlie Field and Bud Anthony, etc. are gone now. He received a Purple Heart for a serious wound received during the fight for Weiswampach, Luxembourg, on Jan. 26th, 1944. He had been out of the 455th for just over a month and in the Infantry when he was wounded. Thinking of you today Dad, and glad to see that you are being memorialized with a flag raising at Watton, England. Thanks to Tony and all who keep the tradition going!!! |
| Name: | 455th |
| Comments: | Happy
Birthday Miz Faye...........we surely miss you and talk about you at each and every reunion. We'll never forget you and how you carried on the reunions. Thanks for the memories. |
| Name: | Brenda |
| E-mail address: | This Website |
| Comments: | New report on the 2005 Reunion............
"The Way I See the World" on RABBS Community Page |
| Name: | Brenda |
| E-mail address: | This Website |
| Comments: | New report on the 2005 Reunion............
"The Way I See the World" on RABBS Community Page |
| Name: | 455th Website |
| Comments: | We would like to encourage those of you who visit this site to look our our "Finding People" Page. Perhaps you know of a lead for some of the enquiries. You might be a Godsend to someone looking for a relative or loved one. |
| Name: | Guido Brinkmeyer |
| E-mail address: | gliderraider@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | Hi there,
I am just back from the Huertgen Forest remembrance march, within 6 bladders, and muscle pain. the march route was about 10/20/25 and 30 kilometers. I idiot took the 30 kilometers route, with the according consequences. But however we have had a lot of fun. We were 200 soldiers from Belgium, Germany, The Netherlands, Great Britain, Switzerland, Austria, French and even soliers from the US-Army. We started 8:00 AM with a mess service for the fallen, and startet 8:45 AM with the march, and return at 15:30 PM. The route goes along the former frontline trough the woods.; downhil-uphill-downhill-uphill aso., maybe some of the veterans fought there, he will know were I am talking about. Now I go to restore my legs and feets. Nice weekend and take care of you. United we stand!!! Guido |
| Name: | Phyllis Young |
| Comments: | Thank you Guido Brinkmeyer for such a beautiful poem!
From the daughter of a 455th Vet (James Kerby) |
| Name: | Tony Brooks |
| Comments: | I am not sure how many know the following, but just wanted to let those that do not know and whom use this forum.
Roger Freeman the author of so many books and historian of the 8th USAAF has passed away peacfuly here in England. such knowledge that was shared with so many. ....................May he rest in peace............... |
| Name: | Guido Brinkmeyer |
| E-mail address: | gliderraider@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | Hi there,
my first guestbook signing; hope my English is good enought. If not! I am working on. Youst a little poem of thanks to all veterans and families. Can't shake every hand. I can't put flowers on every grave. I can't console every family member. But I can say thank you. You have given me the freedom I enjoy today. Your blood was shed in place of mine. Your family grieved so mine could rejoice. All I can say is thank you. There are not words big enough. There is not a hug strong enough. There is not a smile wide enough. All I can offer is thank you. God bless you all. Kind regards from the Rhineland, and take care of you. Guido Brinkmeyer |
| Name: | The Viers Family |
| E-mail address: | csviers@sentara.com |
| Comments: | Today we are proud to see the flag of Virginia flying next to our Nation's Flag in honor of the birthday of "Granpa" Charles R. Field. Granpa would have been 93 today. We miss him, but are most certainly proud of his service to his country, and also are proud to be associated with all members of the 455th and their families. Happy Birthday, Granpa!
Love, Nana, Wayne, Connie and Amber |
| Name: | Curtsilee |
| Comments: | I like your web site it is very interesting. I am from The New Eccles Hall School and it is a great school to go to. I like your pictures. Well Done |
| Name: | Brenda |
| E-mail address: | 455th@aol.com |
| Comments: | At reunion this year, we were honored to have a daughter of a 455th Vet attend for the very first time. She discovered us through the 455th Website about a year ago. Welcome, Fay Cantor Leonard. This week we are helping Fay celebrate the 85th birthday of that special 455th father of hers, Clyde Cantor.
Happy 85th Birthday to Clyde. We hope you have much happiness and lots of good health this year. s |
| Name: | 455thAAA Reunion |
| E-mail address: | 455th@aol.com |
| Comments: | If you haven't checked out the pictures added today on RABBS PAGE, please go there and you will find pictures of the 2005 Reunion in Nashville. Thank you, Tony, for your quick response. You only got them yesterday!! Many thanks from all of us. |
| Name: | Phyllis Young |
| Comments: | I could not agree more with the Viers about this year's reunion. It was by far the best that we have ever had! The speech by Sam was so emotional that I was crying like a baby. His heart felt thanks to the Vets and all they did for our country was overwhelming. The food was delicious as usual. The ladies out did themselves. A big thank-you to them all. A special thank-you to Barbara Fields for the delicious fried chicken that we had Saturday for lunch. It was really great to have the new people there as well as our "faithful attendees". Plans are already being made for next year and you don't want to miss it! We look forward to seeing you there. |