Hi there. I am hopeful that you wise ones may be able to help me find some info. about my grandfather's WWII experience.
A few years ago I found his separation papers. Marvin Smith, 34 166 097, Date of service: 17 Jan 42 to 9 Oct 45. He had already passed away, and I am still kicking myself that I do not have a taped interview of his experience. Anyway, he had lots of awards: Bronze Star, Good Conduct, American Campaign, European African Middle Eastern Campaign w/ triple bronze star attachment, WWII victory medal, Combat Infantry Badge 1st Award, Honorable service lapel button and Marksman badge with rifle bar. I wrote to the army. They informed me that all of his records burned in a fire in 1973 (I think that is the year). They asked me to send a copy of his separation. I did and the army, one year later sent all of his medals to me. My grandfather did not take his medals after the war. He always said, "It would not have been right to take the medals." I think he had a great deal of remorse for his fallen friends.
Anyway, here is my question. I have no info. on his division, regiment, battalion or company. I would love to trace his footsteps through the war. After reading hundreds of blogs and websites I think he may have been in the 5th Division, 11th infantry regiment, 1st battalion, Company D. I know for sure he served under Patton at some point during the war. He was with him during the Battle of the Bulge. From a letter he wrote to my grandmother I have the date July 13 1944 as the day he, "went in." The address my grandmother had to send him letters was 11th infantry, company D. However the 11th infantry division was a ficticious division made up to throw the Germans off. I am guess the 5th Division because he entered service at Ft. McClellan, AL. His base is listed as United Kingdom Base APO 413, but this base was a top secret intelligence base. So I think this is wrong. They also have the year of his birth wrong. His ASR score was 85 (why so high?) Why did he stay so long? He was also AW 107 for 17 days.
Because of the fire the army has told me that I actually have more info. than they do. However, I have written to them again asking for more information. I think my grandfather was awarded a purple heart. He was blown from a fox hole and the man with him was KIA. Is there anyway I can confirm the purple heart. It is not on his separation papers, but I understand it would be listed with the hospital and not on his papers.
Clearly I am obsessed with this and would appreciate any help that anyone can offer. I would love to take my children to the places where he fought for them.
Thanks a million,
Tammy
Cornelia, GA