the photo you will search for was taken in april 20-28? 1945 in the
area surrounding gartow, a german town on the elbe river, in the 9th
army sector held by the 84th railsplitter divn. if necessary, 3rd
battalion 335th reg't.
one morning I was instructed to bring my squad to the m.p. compound
holding thousands of german soldiers who crossed back to evade the
russians. when m.p.s cut a wedge of thousands for us, i yelled there
are only 7 of us.no matter march them down this road about 10-12km. to
r.r siding.this was a back road not autobahn. since i was the
ranking n.c a corporal, i led the walk.
at that time i was approx 5'11"-6'ft, thin and wore a raincoat so long
it touched the top of my combat boots. i
I wore an o.d.towel wrapped
around my neck, collar up. my helmet had bazooka goggles attached, I
carried a carbine, wore a webbed belt around the raincoat holding
canteen, cartridge pack. not having stopped in days to clean up,
might have had short beard. as we marched replacement trucks came up
with cheering troops and correspondence in jeeps. all shooting
pictures. I am 77 I don't tell combat stories, just human interest as
this. before it is too late, my "kids" and grandchildren would love
to see the picture |