Multiple Successes: 331st Medic Bn

[Jim West - Indiana Military Or]

Note from Connie
The exchange below was posted on the original site for the discussion board during its early days. When Jim West found us a better site for the forum, he moved the posts. They are listed under his name on the side bar, but are by the people who signed them:

I have been trying to find any one who served with me in the subject unit of the 106th from Atterbury through the Bulge. I have been on this quest for three or more years with no results. I have the names of many of the men but haven't been able to make contact. Can you help me?
Ed

[Jim West - Indiana Military Or]

Ed, the only medical personnel I know is Dr. James Yamazaki, who
served as a surgeon in the 590th Field Artillery Battalion. He
reported for duty with the 106th at Camp Atterbury shortly before they
shipped out, became a POW on 12/19/44 and was liberated at the end of
April. He lives in Los Angeles and I last saw him a year ago at the
local reunion. Perhaps Jim can help you in your search?
Larry Heider

[Jim West - Indiana Military Or]

Larry,

I just read your note mentioning that you knew Dr. James Yamazaki and
had contact information. I was elated! He is mentioned in one of my
father's letters home -- during the channel crossing. My Dad -- Lt.
Gerald Pratt -- was in the Service battery of the 590th FA BN. I have
Dad's account of "'Doc' Lt. Yamazski being lowered in a small boat
from the LST (on what must have been Dec. 2, 1944) when there was a
rush order for a medic on another boat. If you can let him know that
I exist and am interested in connecting, that would be great!

Connie
Daughter of Lt. Gerald Pratt

[Jim West - Indiana Military Or]

Connie,
I will try to get in touch with Jim Yamazaki tomorrow. He was having
health problems the last time I spoke to him. He has a very
interesting history - including a book he wrote called "Children of
the Atomic Bomb". It details his experiences in Nagasaki following
the dropping of the A-Bomb there. He also recalls his experiences in
the 106th and as a POW. A fasinating man. If I can't reach him I will
forward his phone number and address to you.

Larry Heider

[Jim West - Indiana Military Or]

Thanks, Larry,

I do know that health can be a concern at this point. If Dr. Yamazaki
is not up to contact at this point, please give him my greetings.
And, let him know that I have an account of his Dec. 2nd transfer from
the LST. I would be glad to send that along to him and would honor
whatever his requests are regarding further contact...

I will look for his book.

Connie
Daughter of Lt. Gerald Pratt
590th FA BN

[gfgrant8443]

There was a vet from the 331st Med Bn at our last local reunion. I don't recall his name, but the sponsor of the reunion would probably know who you mean. His E-Mail address is [e-mail]. His name is Jack Roberts and he is having problems with his vision so please use at least 14 point bold type.

Franklin Grant, Associate Member
Son of S/Sgt Kenneth Grant
Hq Co. 3rd Bn. 422nd Inf. Reg.

[edward]

Frank, Did you ever come up with the name of the medic who you mentioned attended a mini-reunion hosted by Jack Roberts? I'm still looking for guys, alive, from the 331st MedBn/C.
I just noticed that your dad was in the Hq Co 3rd Bn 422nd Inf Reg.
My first assignment to the 106th was to the same outfit, I served with them from April '44 to Sept '44. Shortly before we left Atterbury I was transfered to the Medics because I did basic training as a medic in TX. I didn't remember your dad but I have a neat picture of the men in my platoon and if you send your USPS address I will send it to you. Ed Christianson

[Jim West - Indiana Military Or]

I'm now working on the Unit History of 331/C, provided by Ed Christianson. Should be on the site in a couple of days - (today is 6-11-2007)

Thanks to Ed for sharing his info.

Jim West

[gfgrant8443]

Edward

Sorry, but I was never able to get the name of the Medic that was at the mini reunion. I know he was there because at the begining of the dinner everyone introduces themselves. The best I can recall he said he was from the Batallion Clearing Station of the 423rd.

I would be very interested in gettin a copy of the picture you mentioned. My USPS address is as follows.

Franklin Grant
33050 Forest Park Drive
Wayne, MI 48184

Thanks, Frank

[connie]

SUMMARY OF SUCCESSES

Reading through the posts, you get part of the picture. There were additional private messages flying.

This initial exchange took place when the 106th message board was in its infancy and located on another site. Numbers add to the amazement over the success of inquiries here: At the time the initial inquiry was posted, there were only about 7 people using the message board.

Ed posted his note looking for someone -- anyone he had known in the 333rd medical battalion. I read it as I was leaving for vacation and thought (knowing the numbers), "good luck!"

When I returned from vacation there was a note from Larry. He had taken a shot in the dark and offered the name of a doctor he knew. This doctor would not be able to offer any help on the 333rd. But, Larry's stab in the dark nearly blew me away. This doctor had been in my father's battalion and had been mentioned (with an interesting story) in my father's letters. I had tried unsuccessfully to locate him through the 106th Association. Now suddenly, here was his name in front of me. Larry paved the way for contact and I was soon talking with (and have since met) this fascinating and amazing man.

Once the connections were underway, with adrenaline still running high, I paused and thought. Larry's shot in the dark had not answered the original inquiry, but it had helped me. I realized that I knew a medic from the 331st. I had not met him through the 106th but after discovering other links, this one had revealed itself. It was a long shot, but Larry had risked a long shot. So, I contacted Ed, told him the name of the fellow I knew, and said I would make contact and see if he knew Ed. It didn't take long for a response. Ed had known someone by that name and he rattled off the hometown of that person. I happened to know that the person I knew was indeed originally from the little New England hometown mentioned. So, I confirmed that. Ed had been looking for several years. Needless to say, this chance find meant a great deal. The two have also been able to connect each other to others.

And, back to my doctor find. Another fellow I knew remembered this doctor and got in on this find. In the end, a minimum of four (and probably more like 6) connections came as a result of this single inquiry.

[gemcmeg]

Connie you always say we have a hand from above! I truly believe that!