Greeting from the Netherlands

Hi there,

My name is Patrick, 39 years old, and since two years I've adopted a grave at the American Military Cementary in Margraten, the Netherlands. The soldiers name is PFC Bernard J. van der Steen and he served with the 27th Armored Infantry Battalion 9th Armored Division and was killed on 13th April 1945 in Obertitz, Germany.

I'm researching this soldier and looking for any information on the 27th Armored Infantry BAttalion 9th Armored Division. Also I'm searching for information about the Infantry Advanced Replacement Training Center, Camp Livingstone, Louisiana.

What we have found out already:
VAN DER STEEN, Bernard J

 

Welcome to the Forums, Patrick. I have a great amount of respect and admiration for the people of the Netherlands who express their gratitude by adopting American servicemen who died in WWII. Thank you.

Here are a few links that have some info about Camp Livingston, Louisiana:

Camp Livingston, Louisiana - Red Arrow Stories
Remembering Camp Livingston (April 2014) | Archive - 2014 | Rickey Robertson | Local Writers' Columns | Center for Regional Heritage Research | SFASU
Camp Livingston - Wikipedia

Regarding the 27th AIB, try these links:

http://ww2f.com/threads/27th-infantry-battalion-9th-armoured-division.54406/
A Very Dark Day for Members of the 27th Armored Infantry Battalion
The Last Days of the Ardennes for the 27th Armored Infantry Bn

 

Welcome to the forum. Rich A. in Pa.

 

Patrick, welcome to the forum. I fully agree the Dutch not only remember our soldiers buried there but are truly hospital people in all aspects of life. I feel very fortunate to have visited The Netherlands more than a few times due to my job as a teacher. On one visit I got to the American War Cemetery at Margraten. The idea of adopting a soldier's grave is commendable to a high order but does not surprise me from the Dutch I know.

 

Welcome, Patrick. Salute to your efforts for a good soldier. Have fun with your research.

 

Welcome to the forum!

 

Welkom op het forum !

 

Welcome Patrick. I know two families who's sons graves were adopted and cared for in Holland, and your efforts are very much appreciated - I watched a father cry when he saw the flowers on his son's grave. thank you very much.

 

Welcome to the forums!

 

Welcome Patrick. What you and others in your country do to honor the Allied soldiers killed during the war is greatly respected and appreciated. Several years ago I had the pleasure of helping locate information about one of the soldiers who's grave is similarly honored by fine citizens of The Netherlands.