Sorry,should have posted an introduction first. I am new to this. My name is Les Gift I live in Pa. My dad was a member of Company F 157th infantry 45th Div from 5/44 until the end of the war. He was a scout and was involved in the fighing from the breakout at Anzio until the capture of Munich. On 7 July 1945 he was transfered to E Company 18th inf 1st Div and served until sent home in Feb 1946. I am interested in all things pertaining to WW2 but primarily VI Corps of the 7th Army. I would like to learn more about thier movements and the actions they took part in. Dad never talked much about the war he died in 2010. I was able to have his medals and awards reissued and get his OMPF from St, louis. I have most of the morning reports from F co during his service. I would like to get the after action reports for the 2nd batt 157th also. I enjoy reading the threds This is a great site, wish I would have found it sooner.
Welcome to the forum lesgift ! Anxious to see your posts about your father and maybe some of those "Morning Reports" !?. There are a few other relatives of 45th Div. on here who I'm sure you'll hook up with soon.
Welcome to the forum. Saw your post earlier and thought it was ironic that we just helped a guy who's grandfather was in the 18th. Can't help with the AAR and GO's but there are some real experts here that can. Seems NARA would also have that information. Good luck.
Glad to have you on our little corner of the internet. There are plenty willing to help. We look forward to whatever you care to share.
I did a quick search of the Forum and found this thread: 157th Infantry Regiment After Action Reports The link in that thread is for a Yahoo Group. If you can't find what you're looking for there, I would send Dave (kerrd5) a PM asking if he has the journals for the 2nd Bn or just the Regiment.
Les, Per General Orders 188, HQ, 45th Infantry Division, dated 31 May 1945, your father was awarded the Bronze Star: "DONNEL E GIFT 33897889, Infantry, Private First Class (then Private), Company F, 157th Infantry Regiment, for heroic achievement in action on 28 November 1944 near Ingwiller, France. When Private Gift's company became engaged in a fire fight before a hill which afforded the enemy excellent observation of our positions, two men were wounded and unable to make their way to the rear. Private Gift, a messenger, volunteered as a litter bearer and completed two trips across several hundred yards of open terrain and a deep swamp to carry the wounded to safety. Entered the military service from Cavetown, Maryland." Google Maps Dave 45thinfantry : 45th Infantry Division (Thunderbirds)
