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Post by michellorquet on Feb 17, 2010 7:40:11 GMT -5
Dear new friends,
I'm Michel Lorquet. I'm a belgian teatcher of 41 years old and since few years, I have adopted some US soldiers graves at the Henri-Chapelle US military cemetery.
In thoze graves I have adopted the grave of PFC Donald SCHULTZ
424th Infantry Regiment
106° Infantry Division
Killed in action the 16 of december 1944
I should be very happy if I can found any informations about him or the circumstances of his death.
Please, can You help me?
Thank's in advance.
Michel Lorquet
P.S: Please, excuse my bad english, but I'm french speaker.
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Post by gfgrant8443 on Feb 17, 2010 9:43:25 GMT -5
Mr. Lorquet
Check out Carl W's post in the Research Corner section concerning where to write for information on the topics you are interested in. Carl is also in Belgium and has also adopted graves at the Henri-Chapelle cemetary, so you may even be able contact him directly.
You have my sincerest thanks for helping to care for the final resting place of so many brave men.
Frank Grant
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Post by floydragsdale on Feb 17, 2010 11:33:38 GMT -5
Hello Michel:
There was a Pvt. in Co. G, 424th Regt. (my Co. also) by the name of Schultz. He was killed during the evening on 16 Dec. 1944. His foxhole was about 20 or 30 yards from mine.
Several of us from G Co. went out to the foxholes to stand about a two or three hour watch that evening. Schultz and I were part of that detail.
He said to me, "Which hole do you want"? My reply was, "it doesn't make any difference, one is just as cold at the other one." Then, as we approached the foxholes, I decided it would be better to select the one nearest our 60 mm mortar in case someone called for a flare to be fired. I was part of the mortar crew. Based on that decision, we swithced the foxhole locations we were headed for.
Approximately an hour after that, Pvt. Schultz's battle station took a direct hit from a German 88 Artillery projectile that took his life. He lived, after that, for about another 30 minutes or so. He was still alive when taken from the foxhole, yet he died several minutes later.
Pvt, Schultz was a most likeable soldier; a very cheerful person. I'm quite sure he was from Pennsylvania, U.S.A. I believe he was 19 or twenty years old.
My decision, to stay close to our 60mm mortar, spared my life but took his life. I have thought about that incident many, many times over the years.
I do not remember his first name. It was customary for us to call everybody by their last name. We addressed officers by saying Lt. Smith. or Sgt. Smith; always.
This Pvt. Schultz (or Pfc.) may be the one you have inquired about.
Will you let me know the exact location of his grave in Belgium; that is, grave number, name of Cemetery and the closest town, or village?
Thank you,
Floyd,
Co. G
424th Regiment.
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Carl W.
Active Member
Administrator
The Golden Lions
Posts: 265
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Post by Carl W. on Feb 18, 2010 5:36:39 GMT -5
Hello Michel, Glad to see a fellow Belgian on this board. It is great to hear of your interest in the 106th division and your dedication in remembering these brave men. For more information about Pfc Donald Schultz you can send a request to the National Archives in the USA. There is a file for every soldier that was killed during WWII. These files were not harmed in the 1974 fire at the St Louis Records Center. Take a look here for more information on where to send your letter and what to include. 106thdivision.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=research&action=display&thread=99Floyd: The Pfc Schultz you remember is most likely the same Schultz who's grave Michel adopted on the Henri-Chapelle cemetery. I only have knowledge of one soldier of the 424th named Schultz who was killed in action. He is buried at: Plot F Row 15 Grave 29 Henri-Chapelle Military Cemetery The cemetery is located near Liege, Belgium. Greetings Carl |
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Post by wjcolxfile on Feb 18, 2010 18:18:00 GMT -5
Dear Michel Lorquet, I was deeply affected, when I read your request concerning Pfc Donald Schultz. Your kind act speaks volumes about your character. The respect you have shown for the sacrifice given by so many so long ago, as with Pfc Schultz, warms my heart. Thank you so very much, You have taught this grateful American that people in Belgum really care and remember. Sincerely, William J. Colantuoni, son of Cpl. Pasquale Colantuoni 106th/ID 424/AT.
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Post by michellorquet on Feb 19, 2010 13:23:41 GMT -5
Dear Friends,
I allow myself to say "dear friends" because when I read your message, a deep feeling of closeness is in my mind.
I don't know how thank You for all your kindness.
Particularly, the message of Floyd give me what I was looking for since few years.
I will take time in a short future for write a more long message, but You must know that I'm very touched.
In any way, we keep contact.
Very friendly.
Michel Lorquet.
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Post by michellorquet on Feb 21, 2010 3:58:18 GMT -5
A little message for Mister Floyd Dragsdale.
Dear Floyd,
I should be very honored if You agrreed to take directly contact with me for further researches.
Of course, I should understand very well if You are not positive about my request.
Thank in advance.
Michel.
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Post by floydragsdale on Feb 21, 2010 18:49:06 GMT -5
Hello Michael:
What is it that you want me do do? I do not exactly understand what you are thinking, or are asking of me.
Floyd
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Post by michellorquet on Feb 26, 2010 15:10:53 GMT -5
Dear Floyd,
I'm really sorry for my bad english.
In fact, I should be very interested by a direct contact with You if You accept to share and relate to me your personnal experience.
Thank You in advance.
Michel.
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Post by connie on Feb 26, 2010 23:13:45 GMT -5
Michael,
I would like to repeat what others have already said. I, like others, am deeply grateful for what you and others do in tending the graves of American soldiers. I have told others of what you do. It brings tears to the eyes of many to know that these men are not forgotten. Thank you.
A technical note now. If you want to send a private message to Floyd, find the picture of the envelope beside his name (next to what he has written. The window that pops up for writing will say something about private message. It looks a lot like the reply box, but it will not be posted for all to read. If he sends a private message to you you'll see a note at the top of the message board that says "Michael, you have ___ (a number) new messages. Click on the number and you will find your private message. If you two are interested in exchanging e-mail addresses you can do it privately in your private mailboxes.
Finally, you need to know your English is pretty good. I could not begin to write in French what you are able to write in English. It is good to have you on the board. I hope you can understand my directions. I wish I were capable of writing them in French.
It is amazing that Floyd knew the man whose grave you tend. I am pleased you have found someone who could answer your questions.
Connie
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Post by michellorquet on Feb 28, 2010 6:36:02 GMT -5
Dear Connie,
Thank You a lot for your kind message and intruction. I will follow them.
You must know that I'm far to be alone in taking care of the "memory". Here, in Belgium, They are a lot of persons who adopt graves and keep them.
Also, some young people are concerned. In exemple, I'm school teatcher with pupils of 10 years old. With them, we have adopted a grave of a 84th ID US soldier. They are very deeply concerned and talk about that with their parents. In more, we have an extraordinary chance... We are in contact with the son of the soldier and he will be in Belgium in may and june and, of course, we shedule a meeting between him and children...
Like You see, we are at the start of a new time for keeping memory... and thank You to You and your association for your fabulous help in it.
Yours sincerely.
Michel.
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