Heroes: the Army
"...To all those men we lost in combat and to those who have passed away since -- May GOD bless their souls and may they rest in peace..."
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Ben Ganz: Letter - dated 4 July 1988:
From: Ben Ganz, Methuen, Mass.
I wish I could turn back the clock the 43 years since I was with all those fine men in Co. F. I seem to think when the hostalities ended. Lt. Weigand was transfered and promoted to Capt.in either Regimental or Division Hqtrs. Glenn McMillan was with the outfit until it was split up for return to the USA. I can't tell you the feeling of nostolgia came over me at the mention of the names of Thurman Large, Al Hottin, Bill Ryan, etc. What a spirit of friendship and comraderie there existed in Co. F, When the chips were down and we were tested in battle. The picture of Lt. Weigand's dog triggered some long forgotten memories. We were riding in the jeep when Weigand spotted a German in his yard with this beautiful Doberman at his side. Weigand said, "I want that dog". The German didn't want to give her up. We drove back to the orderly room and I typed a letter saying that we were confiscating the dog for military purposes. The German couldn't read the letter, but it looked official so he gave Weigand the dog. Her name was " Fleisha". Shortly after she got very sick. Weigand asked me to take care of her. I don't remember where I took her, but I got some medication. In about 3 weeks she was to have her pups. At that time, Weigand was leaving Co. F. He told me that if I was still in Germany when she delivered -- he would see I got one of the pups. About 2 months later Col. Winder came to visit and in his arms was a Doberman pup. Weigand had sent it to me thru "channells". I remember the names of Greenberg and Arnson -- they came from ASTP -- and weren't thrilled to be in the Infantry. They were younger than most of us. But they were more that equal to the tasks placed before them. Buford Shipley -- When we were pinned down at the Battle for Beeck -- Shipley and I were able to get a wounded GI from E Co. His name escapes me now. We heard a jeep and a weapons carrier behind us and we were able to load the wounded man on it and get him back to the Aid Station. To all those men we lost in combat and to those who have passed away since -- May GOD bless their souls and may they rest in peace.
-------- Ben Ganz
Interested in some background
information?
Check out the related links below...
United States Army, 102nd Infantry Division
History of the 102nd Infantry Division
Attack on Linnich, Flossdorf, Rurdorf - 29 Nov -- 4 Dec 1944
Gardelegen:
April 13, 1945:
Massacre
at the Isenschnibbe Barn
American Battle Monuments Commission: WWII Honor Roll
National World War II Memorial
Information and photographs were generously provided to World War II Stories -- In Their Own Words by Mr. Edward L. Souder of Minneapolis, Minnesota. The subjects of these essays are all members of Co. F., 405th Regiment.Our sincerest THANKS for allowing us to share their stories!
Original Story submitted on 19 September
2002.
Story added to website on 26 September
2002.
