Small town researcher new to the forum

1. My username is in reference to a paratrooper from my hometown who was in the 508th.
2. Age: 30 yrs. Been interested in WWII since I read Stephen Ambrose's Citizen Soldier in high school.
3. Origins: I'm from a small town in Illinois.
4. Specifics: I'm interested in learning about veterans from my hometown. I'll post more specifics later, but their names and units are John Scott, 44th Ordnance, Wilbert "Wib" Brandon, 180th Regiment, 45th infantry, and Lyle Kay Kumler, Co. H. 508th PIR and also Ruby Olive Bidner, WAC
5. Hobbies: I like to volunteer at museums and am working on a paper for my hometown historical society.
6. Other: I'm also interested in women's history

 

Great to have you on board! Stephen Ambrose is also one of the driving forces behind my interest in WWII, I will admit.

 

I'll echo that , so welcome

 

Welcome to the forum.

 

Welcome and make sure you visit the 508th PIR site. 508th PIR Since he was in H Company he was in the same battalion (3rd) as my father who was in the Headquarters Company.

Apparently he was awarded the DSC for actions during Market Garden.

CITATION FOR THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS​

Lyle K. Kumler, 16161859, Sergeant, 508th Parachute Infantry, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy during the period 17 - 22 September 1944, on the Dutch-German frontier. On 19 September, Sergeant Kumler destroyed a German machine gun position which had pinned his platoon to the ground and halted the company advance. Later, in the town of Beek he drew fire from an enemy strong point which was holding up the attack, in order to allow an ATRL [antitank rocket launcher] team to maneuver into position to fire into the building. On 20 September 1944, he established a base of fire in support of a second attack by his company, and moved about his position which was under fire flat trajectory artillery in order to better observe his supporting fire. When one flank of his company was pinned by the fire of an enemy machine gun, Sergeant Kumler ordered his second in command to direct the supporting fire while he led two men in an attack upon the enemy gun. Placing the two riflemen to cover him, he attacked the enemy gun and destroyed it. His aggressive leadership was largely responsible for the final success of his company, and contributed a valuable service to the security of the regimental sector. The conduct of Sergeant Kumler is in keeping with the highest traditions of the armed services. Entered military service from Illinois.

 

I've definately checked out the 508th website, it's a great resource. I've posted some more information about Kay on the information request forum. But I'd really appreciate it if you could share any stories or information about the 508th that you know about your dad. It will be helpful to get an idea what life was like in the 508th.

 

Welcome to the forums!

 

Welcome to the Forum, rd15.

 

Hi RedDevil and welcome. I'm new to the forum too. Does you town or county have a local American Legion post? It's a great way to meet WW2 vets. I'm sure you'll enjoy the discussions here. Gerry

 

WElcom RedDevil !