We just learned of the deaths of Albert R. Panebianco and Jim Bird, veterans of the 45th. Mr. Panebianco had created his own website which was a useful resource for many people researching the division: http://www.45thinfantrydivision.com/ Albert Panebianco Obituary: Albert Panebianco’s Obituary by the The News & Observer. James Bird Obituary: James Bird’s Obituary by the Courier-Post. Dave
Sorry to hear of their passing. Dave, do you know what will happen to Mr. Panebianco's website now that he can no longer maintain it? I'd be happy to host it here for good it need be. I'm a bit busy these days with work and other demands, so I can't follow this up, but if someone can contact the concerned parties I can arrange hosting on this server.
according to the main page of the site Hello Friends - My grandfather once wrote in this very introduction; "As we age, the chance to tell our stories becomes less and less." Indeed, this sentiment spares no one - on January 1, 2010, my grandfather passed away at a hospital near his home in Cary, NC. While a saddening event, his passing warrants a celebration of an incredible man's life - a man than I am fortunate to have known and spent much time with over the years. I struggle to find appropriate words to explain the impact that my grandfather has had on our lives. Simply and seemingly inadequately, he was a decorated war veteran, loving husband, and charismatic human being with close personal friends and family members who respected and loved him a great deal. As a service to his memory and the many site visitors he appreciated so greatly, the site will remain active and updated as necessary going forward. Similarly, his email address will remain the primary address for contact purposes. I do appreciate all of your well-wishes and will pass them on to his wife and other family members. Among other publications, his obituary appears in the Philadelphia Inquirer here. Best, Mike MacDade Grandson of Albert R. Panebianco so it seems like they plan to keep it active.
Good to hear they plan to keep it up. If anything changes, let me know, I'd be glad to maintain his legacy here if necessary.
The Albert R. Panebianco's World War II Website is unfortunately MIA. I sent an email to his grandson seeking info. As yet, no reply. Dave
The website is back on line: Albert R. Panebianco's World War II Website Mike, Mr. Panebianco's grandson, told me they had a glitch with the hosting company. It has been resolved. Very good news indeed. Dave
The 45th is probably one of the most interesting and battle tested divisions of ww 2. I think they saw more combat days than any other besides the 36th.
We should all by now realise as Peppy says what a grand fellow Otto is for all his work and offers of keeping ww2 alive. We are all indebted to him and this cannot be said often enough and in enough threads.
My sympathies to the family... My deceased father-in-law, Cpt John H. Kilmer, M.D, was assigned to the 120th Medical Battalion as a front-line surgeon, mostly treating men of the 179th Infantry Regiment of the 45th Infantry Division. Cpt Kilmer went through the entire war with the 45th and won a silver star for his actions in the fighting around Rome. It would be ironic if he knew Mr. Panebianco and Mr. Bird...