*Byrnes, Vincent J., 423rd Service Company

[kmbfuoco25]

Dear Sirs/ Madams :

I am the daughter of a former POW, Battle of the Bulge. His name was Vincent J. Byrnes, with the 106th Division, 423 regiment/service company. Thus far this is the information I have obtained through Camp Atterbury, and Indiana Military.org. ( See Below) Which does not tell me much as to my Father's time in combat. What I do know is my Father was driving a truck, when gunfire erupted, the soldier sitting next to my Dad was shot, and died instantly. I do not know his name, my Dad never said.

From that point, little else is known, other than he left the truck, and grouped with some other soldiers. I am searching for further information as to his involvement in the battle, capture, the exact date etc.. He is listed as captured on Dec 19, 1944. But, my question, is this his actual date of capture,at the time of the surrender per Col. Cavender.? Or was this the date he was registered as a POW at the first Stalag he entered??What Stalag was that? Cold it have been Stalag IVA or StalagIIIB. From here he was moved around according to his accounts, at best the info provided was very limited.He spoke very little, and not often regarding his time in service. He eventually was permanently encamped in Stalag IIIa, Luckenwalde. There are a few things I am interested in finding out to complete my Dad's story.

(A) Did he avoid capture on the first date of this Battle Dec 16, 1944.and carry on with the rest of the men from the 422 & 423 regiment??

(b) Is there any actual history or stories pertaining to him and the men he was imprisoned with. IE: where they were quartered, who he was with etc.?
(c) On my Father's insistence he would often tell us he was not a Hero. To us his 6 children, he was. As per information we were recently provided with, from stories told by other POW's, and articles we have read.

We have these few details:
First they were surrounded and left to fight without any reinforcement. Another words quit literally abandoned. They were rapidly running out of supplies and ammunition, with no chance of receiving any more. With little to no choice this led to their surrender per Col. Cavender, in his best judgement to many men were killed or being killed.

(d) Correct me if I am wrong, but I have found several articles , and stories from former POW's. stating these POW's were told not to speak of their time in, and events surrounding their involvement in the Battle of The Bulge. These men being captured under surrender were considered a disgrace, and eventually stripped of their company colors. These are bits and pieces of speculation gleamed from other POW's.

(e) It is stated, and recorded my Dad was repatriated on April 15,
1944, and returned home by April 29, 1944. This does not correspond with other information we have.
We have letters sent to my Grandmother, dated in May 1944 stating he could not receive packages, his whereabouts was unknown. What is unusual about this is other POW's were held until May mid month at Stalag IIIa, app then released.. One of these letters dated in May 1944 states he had been repatriated and once again his whereabouts was unknown.
One story tells when they knew the Russians were on the way, The German's began to leave, and some Soldiers tried to walk away, and were immediately shot and killed. This was in early to late April 1944.

( f ) What I wonder is. How many were able to get away earlier than
May, and is it certain my Dad was one of them? As well how they managed to do so?
What happened to him from his date of repatriation, where he went, what locations, until his time of discharge at the convenience of the military. What happened to him in all this time.?? All we have is he was discharged HONORABLY from Ft Fanning from the 432 Co. In Nov 1945.

( g )Also would there be any possibility as to how we might obtain any history at all as to the location of his POW photograph.
The information regarding my Dad is below. I would more than appreciate anything you may be able to help with in completing the story of my Dad's time in service, in country, in combat, and some events as close as possible to his life in
Stalag 111a.
My Dad did not talk of this time, We as his children are doing all we can now to find out. He was a good and decent man, father of 6, hardworking in construction and contracting all his life, a quiet soft spoken Irish descendant, but a bull of a man when necessary, and above all Our Hero.

Sadly, he passed on Nov 25 2009. At the age of 87.
In his memory ,we would like to document his story for us, his 6 children, and the next and upcoming generations of our family.
If there is anything further I can do, in researching further please let me know.

My sincerest thanks,
Karen M. ( Byrnes) Fuoco
MY Dad's Prison Information Below:
31241892 BYRNES VINCENT J Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated Stalag 3A and work camps (Also Oflag 3-6) Luckenwalde (was originally interrogation center) Brandenburg, Prussia 52-13

View Byrnes, Vincent J. Pfc 31241892 423rd/SVC StalagIII-A & work camps CIB 27,62,

[connie]

Karen,

While your information is limited you have much more than many begin with.

You ask good questions. Unfortunately, it will probably take finding the right person or linking up with the right account to get an answer. This takes patience and luck, but you have found a good place to get your questions out there.

As you've probably discovered things were chaotic at the time your father first encountered enemy fire. No one was taking notes. Carl on this site has done a lot of research. If anyone who was not there knows the history of units and men within them it would be him. Beyond that it is a waiting game.

There are some lists of POW camp rosters available. If you haven't run across these on this site, I can do some looking and get back to you.

Connie

[floydragsdale]

Hello Karen:

This ex G.I. (me) was with the 424th Regiment of the 106th Division when the Battle of the Bulge began on 16 Dec. 1944 until I was wounded 15 January 1945.

The 1st eight days of that battle, the visibility at ground level was very limited. The sky was overcast and the clouds were “low hanging’ over the ground. This condition prohibited Allied Aircraft from “air dropping” much needed supplies to 106 Division Soldiers on the front lines.

For some reason, ammunition was in limited supply (48 rounds per man.) The German Soldiers out numbered us by ten of them to one of ours; thus it didn’t take very long to run low on ammunition, also, food and water.

I served with G Company of the 424 Regiment. Standing in a foxhole, at night, on the 17th of December, I witnessed a German Armored outfit advance directly toward our battle positions. When they were about 100 to 150 yards from us they made an abrupt turn to their right and eventually disappeared into the darkness of the night.

There was a 2,000 yard gap between our Regiment (424th) and the 423rd Regiment. The German Army had located this hole (gap) and was in the process of surrounding our other two Regiments, the 422nd and 423rd Regiments.

The Regimental Commanders of those two Regiments (422nd & 423rd) could, I'm sure , envision wholesale slaughter of their men if they did not surrender at that time. Low on ammunition, food and water was a very brutal situation for them to be in. Surrendering to the German forces was simply a humane thing for them to do. By doing so, thousands of American soldiers lives were saved. This was not a case of disgrace for those two Regiments, it was a case of common sense by their Regimental Commanders.

I do know an attempt was made to save the 422nd 423rd Regiments, however, at the time, the odds of ten to one against American Soldiers was simply to great to accomplish the effort. Also, because of very poor weather conditions, our Air Force was powerless to be of use during the early days of the Battle of the Bulge. The sun finally came out the day before Christmas.

This is just conjecture, however, since your Dad was assigned to the Service Company he probably was not with his Company when they surrendered. He very likely was driving his truck; trying to find supplies for his regiment. Yet, who knows; the early days and weeks of the Bulge Campaign were very, very hectic, to say the least.

Good luck to you with your search for information on your Dad.

Floyd
424th Regiment

P.S. Although I'm 86 years old, I recall many of the Battle of the Bulge days & weeks as if they were just a short while ago. My age in 1944 was all of 19 years. That battle made quite an impression on me It sticks to my memories like glue.

[kmbfuoco25]

Dear Floyd: I thank you for your information. It means a great deal to me. Since my first posting I have had a copy of my Dad's story published in the AX-POW bi-monthly magazine. The response was overwhelming. As of this date I have spoken with at least 15 men who were with the 106th Division 422rd, and of course my Dad's Company the 423rd/Service Co. In all of these stories I have been able to piece together a reasonable semblance of information regarding my Dad and his time in the B.O.B. Indeed it may well be true he was not with his company at some point. But, in one story from another POW he witnessed my Dad's truck being blown up and on fire, after my Dad's comrade in the seat beside him was shot and killed, and my Dad managed to escape the inferno. From here his whereabouts is assumed from stories told to me. He was able to find his way and join up with the men of the 423 & 422 that were left to fight. I believe their location at their time of capture was Schnee Eiffel or Snow Mountain. On Dec 19,1944 sometime around 2:00 PM these men were surrendered per order of Col Cavender. I have obtained information as to my Father's journey, through Sy Lechtenfeld -President of the CUB magazine, from this point forward until his final destination of Stalag 111A. My Dad was assigned to work on the railroad along the route to Magdeburg app. on the Elbe River. Thus I believe since it was an immensely long trec between Stalag111A to this area perhaps my Dad was held in one of the work camps outside of Magdeburg. From here is where I can only ascertain by my Father's DD214 on April15 he was repatriated or liberated, some 19 days before the Russian forces liberated Stalag 111A.
How he managed this is a mystery to me. Some reports given to my husband tell of some Amercan Forces on the opposite side of the Elbe River managed to cross before the order was given to pull back. These men may have been detrimental in the rescue of my Dad and those nearby working on that end of the railroad. Alternatively, did these American POW's just walk away knowing the Russians were on a rapid advance?? From here I can only guess where my Dad was taken. One can only assume he was sent to Camp Lucky Strike in France. His DD214 tells me he departed LeHavre, France on April 29th 1945 and arrive home on May 12 1945. He was not immediately sent home to his Family. However I do not know where he was sent until he was given R & R in N.Hamphire perhaps in June 1945.Some facts, some onlu speculation based on stories told to me from other former POW'S and information my husband has been able to obtain. So as I gradually begin to find my answers, so many, many questions remain. I intend to put this together in my words, in an attempt at a biography of my Dad's time, dring the B.O.B, his capture, and eventual release. But, I cannot in good faith do so, unless I have actual facts that are true to his time in the European Theater. ie: What happened to him, how did he become liberated, and by whom if anyone?? Where did he go from there, and with whom?? Did he just walk away, or was he rescued by the American Forces who managed to cross the Elbe River?? I hope and pray somewhere there is someone who can answer these questions. In this I can truthfully and with all honesty complete My Dad's Story. The story he never told. Please if anyone was in this area around this tme, I beg you please write me back. I can be reached through this site or privateley through my email address:[e-mail], or my home phone [phone].
Thak you from the bottom of my heart.
Karen Byrnes Fuoco

[7678ronald]

hello karen,

great story about your dad,i hope you find all your answers.

ronald

[floydragsdale]

Hello Karen:

Thank you for your message. I'm thankful that my information, concerning the first few days of the B.O. B., were meaningful to you.

Following is what I remember about the last few weeks of WWII. Our nation was sort of in a state of shock, as President Roosevelt died, the 11th of April, in Warm Sprigs, GA.

The 424th Regiment was in, or near, Rennes, France. We (Co. G) were hiking on a country road when a U.S. Army jeep went by, slowly, waving an Army Paper (Stars & Stripes) with the headlines, "PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT DIES".

This was in the area of France that we (the 424th Regiment) were re-constituted (brought up to full Division Strength); also, the Regimental Colors had been "re-captured" from the German Army and given back to the newly formed 422nd and 423rd regiments.

I recall that day very well. At the airport there, Rennes, France, a ceremony was held, a very formal one at that. There was a parade. At one point during the proceedings, the 423rd & 422nd Regimental Colors (Regimental Flags) were returned to the 106th Division. Then the newly formed division passed in review in front of all the “Army Brass” who were attending the ceremonies.

A few days after that the 106th Division was rushed back to the front lines. By then the German Army was in full retreat. Our Company was forming an offensive pattern and an Officer, pointing with his finger said, “The enemy is over there!” No sooner had he said that, and a Corps Artillery outfit went zooming by.

Word was passed around within the German Army the U.S. Soldiers were treating prisoners of war much better that the Russian Army were treating tem. Thus a rush was on, by German Soldiers, to Surrender to the American Army.

The job of the 106th Division now was to receive and guard the German Soldiers as they surrendered.

With these conditions, the war on the Russian front was deteriorating, rapidly. I vividly remember hearing stories about American P.O.W’s simply walking away from their prison compounds near the end of the war. Some of them fell into the hands of, Russian Soldiers, and others into the American side of the front.

What I have written here does not inform you of what you want to know. However, these words will give you an idea of the situation at the time.

The 106th Division, in early May of 1945, had their hands full, up and down the Rhine River, trying to bring a sense of order out of the chaos that masses of Germans Soldiers were causing by fleeing the Russian Army and surrendering the Americans Soldiers.

The peak P.O.W. population at the compound we (Co. G & others) were responsible for was 96,000 men. I can almost smell the stench from that place. It took some time to get field sanitization under control. Finally, we gave up one meal a day so the P.O.W.’s could have something to eat.

In all, the 106th Division processed and discharged 910,000 German P.O.W.'s from early May to sometime in August 1945.

Floyd,
424th Regiment

[kmbfuoco25]

Dear Floyd: Once again I thank you for furthering the story of those horrifying days of war in relatioship to my Dad's Story. It dismays me to hear of the chaos and confusion. Leaving me to think I may never really know how or where my Dad managed to be liberated or repatriated. One man amongst so many thousands is quit literally impossible to track. It saddens me to think I may have to accept this based on speculation he may simply may have walked away. This was suggested to me by Sy Litchenfeld who was also in Stalag111a. Thinking if my Dad were further along in his work on the railroad, closer to Magdeburg and knowing the Russians were advancing rapidly, and knowing the man my Dad was, this perhaps may be his route to escape. He just walked away. His date of liberation or repatriation seems to fit this assumption, as it was so early in the month of April, and well before the others held in Stalag111a were liberated. Yet, it leaves an ache in me, as I wonder where did Dad go, was he with anyone, and God willling a prayer he fell into the hands of the Amercian troops as opposed to the Russians. My one last hope is a publication I have coming out in the next edition of the EX-POW magazine as well an article in the Cub.
One can only hope.
I work on this sporadically, and not to avoid more research, but simply because in wondering about my beloved Dad in those times, what he went through, how it affected him his entire life often throws me into a state of immense sadness. It's the not knowing that hurts as I think of him each and everyday.
This is but a small piece of the man he was, but it defined his entire life. He remained silent only discussing very little with any of us his family.
He came home, and continued on with life working ech and everyday of his life, marreid and had 6 chidren. I can remember times he would be hurt on the job, and yet get up the very next day and go to work. He was a quiet man of few words. Yet a bull of a man, powerful and strong, and when he did speak you listened. Many admired him, many respected him, and many did not dare cross him.
He was plaqued with stomach issues his entire life. As time went on health issues began to manifest up to and including heart surgery.
In 2001 he was stricken with a relatively unknow Neuro muscular disease, which had no cure and no hope for recovery, yet his mind remained intact. I began caring for him at this time, I studied this disease, took him to the best doctors I knew and in some ways found a course of action to lengthen his life. Buut, it was terribly heartbreaking to watch this once powerful man slowly lose all muscle usage widespread throughout his body. This was my time with Dad, doing all I could to be his advocate, his care giver, and the good daughter i had always wanted to be. It was at this time I came to truly know him. He was a quiet and gentle spirit, fought with all he had to beat his illness in the best way he knew how. We would talk often, and it was at this time I realized I had missed out on so much I never knew about my Dad. I did on occassion ask him about his time in service, He would say very little, and generally end the conversation abruptly with "That's enough Karen." He would always tell us he was no "Hero". Yet, to all of us he was. I quess there were many who may have felt the same way due to circumsances of the B.O.B.
My Dad left us on Nov 25, 2009. I knew he would not be happy with the choices I made. But, to honor him for all he had suffered, and good faith as a member of the U.S. Army, I chose to have a Military Honor Guard with Irish Bagpipes accompanying. He never thought his time in service was anything spectaclular, but yet today he as so many others were and are due these honors. He was my Dad, My Forever Hero. This is why I pursue his story, to say once and for all "Yes, Dad you were and are a True American Hero."
Karen "BYRNES" Fuoco

[karenmbf]

I am now 2 years into recreating my Father's Military service in the United States Army 106th Infantry Division 423 SVC.
I have come so far, learned much, actually more than I ever thought I would. But, each day is a new day, and each day something new comes to me. I have just finished a story which gave me further insight. I now have had almost every question I asked answered by the many who reached out to me to tell me their story. And Yes, there were many who shared much with me. Some through tears, with the pain written on their faces. But, grateful someone came to them and asked. I will be forever grateful to them for their bravery, service to our country, and their generosity in helping me on my quest.
Recently, I came across a site on Facebook, Its title Veteran's of The Battle of The Bulge. In it I found a great deal of information & very helpful and kind people.
I am now awaiting the arrival of reconstructed records, and other information regarding my Dad's history in service to his country through a researcher. I am praying, I will with this finallly have all there is to complete "MY DAD'S STORY"
If you see this , and would like to come to the facebook site to see this thread. Please be sure to read this man's story. It is simply one of the very best depictions of the B.O.B I have ever read. He types here 422 106th, but when you open the file please note his Dad's regiment is in fact the 423rd.
This is his information on the group Veteran's of The Battle Of The Bulge found on Facebook.
******Steve Brendlinger uploaded a file.
June 6 at 7:58pm
Hello all-thank you for admitting me
This is my first post here, I hope I'm not being redundant but here is the story of my Dad's regiment-the 422nd 106th division.
His name is Robert Brendlinger***********
Eternally Grateful,
Karen M. Byrnes Fuoco
[e-mail]

[connie]

Karen,

So good to hear from you and to learn a little about what's been happening in your research!

Connie

[karenmbf]

Hi and Thank you Connie. As I mentioned Steve Bredlingers story gave me more information than I expected. From there I proceeded reading the book " A Time For Trumpets" Complicated and difficult to understand in so many places, but eventually it did bring me to the events atop the Schnee Eiffel and my Father's capture. Or should I say due to a decision by Col Cavender & Col Descheneaux a surrender of the men in their command.
I am still awaiting my Dad's personel file, which from what I understand at best is minimal due to the fire of 1973.
But, I have been fortunate enough to contact a reasonable researcher who is tracing my Dad backwards from his time overseas to hopefully where he trained in the states, but certaintly trace his overseas time. As well he is trying to locate morning reports.
With this I may have as much as there is. But for some reason as I read through book after book, and hear other servicemen's stories I somehow feel there is always more for me to learn.
Thanks,
Karen M. Byrnes Fuoco

[karenmbf]

I have tried several times to begin my Father's time in service and with the 106th Infantry Division 423SVC. To begin and to write is still difficult for me. As the time since his passing is short, and I find myself becoming emotional. As I know the story, so do I envision the man and the suffering he as so many others endured. My research took over a year, and yet I still came up short in a few areas.
What I do know for certain is he entered the U.S. Army Dec 29, 1942 left for Basic Training on Jan 2, 1943 to Ft Devens, Ma.. From here according to discussion my Dad held with my husband he was next assigned to Fort Jackson, SC. After getting field experience in combat -alike- conditions during the Tennessee manoeuvres in January 1944, the division was transferred to Camp Atterbury, IN on March 30th, 1944 for advanced training.Although it is documented the men of the 106th shipped out aboard the Queen Mary on November 10th, 1944. My Father's DD214 indicates he left at an earlier date. Oct 17, 1944.
Which is documented in information I received from former 106th members. The purpose of these men entering the European theater earlier than the bulk of the 106th is not known to me. I did learn however, once they arrived they had much down time, and little to do while awaiting the arrival of the complete company. I believe the location they arrived and waited was Cheltenham, England.
Where upon the arrival of the complete division,began more intense training for their soon to be transfer to the Ardennes.
After a brief period of consecutive training in Great Britain, the 106th Division crossed the English Channel and entered the European Theatre of Operations at Le Havre.
After a devestating truck ride the men entered the area of St. Vith, Belgium on December 11th, 1944. The 106th was ordered to relieve and take over the positions of the 2nd Infantry Division stationed on the "Schnee Eifel" AKA "Snowy Mountains". This was an area of rugged, pine covered hills on the border between Belgium and Germany. The men of the "Golden Lion" division took over the positions one by one, mostly old German Bunkers of the West Wall that were now reinstated as "US Army Property". There was one drawback. When the men of the 2nd Division pulled out, they were smart enough to take all the stoves with them. So, it would be a cold winter for the men of the 106th.
This area was known as a relatively quiet area. But, according to information obtained from others, the men of the 106th did not find it to be so. Many heard sound and movement and on some occasions the voices of German soldiers. Although it was reported, (in my opinion), it obviously was not taken as seriously as we now know was the beginning of the end for many who were lost, captured, and wounded. They were literally over run beginning on Dec 16th in the Battle of their lifetime. The men of the 422nd were literally wiped out along with many from the 423. The 424th was further back. They retreated to fight another day.
I can only tell you from here what little I know. As the Germans attacked and advanced, my Dad was driving truck with his partner when all hell broke loose. They were fired upon, and the man seated next to my Dad was shot and died instantly. This was on Dec 19, 1944 as they approached the Schnee Eiffel. My Father escaped the truck,only to face the barrel of a German soldier"s rifle. My father called him a " F***en son of a (expletive deleted)", for which the German solder who spoke English punched my Dad in the nose. On Dec 19th 1944 my Dad became on of the thousands of men of the 106th captured and imprisoned on that day. The truck, after it was ransacked,which as I have documented from another member, was then blown up. Leaving me to forever wonder, who the soldier in the truck with my Dad was.
From here the rest is history. what was left of 422nd and 423rd where also on Dec 19, 1944, after three days of battle, little to no ammunition, no food, no means of reinforcements or air drops due to weather, they were surrendered. A decision as history dictates was made in an attempt to save the lives of these few, proud, and brave men. Excerpt from the "History of The 106th Infantry Division" (Over the next three days, the 422nd and 423rd Regiments became completely cut off from the rest of the division. Reinforcements from the 7th Armored Division weren't able to break trough and an ammo drop failed to arrive. On the 19th of December the ammunition reserves for the two Regiments were exhausted and the commanders, Col. Descheneaux and Col. Cavender decided that further fighting would do more harm than good. To save what was left of their men, they gave up the remainders of their Regiments.
Over 7000 men of the 106th went into German captivity and would spend the duration of the war in a series of POW camps. The 106th Division had been on the line for only five days.)
From here my best information is my Dad began his journey with the men he served with. They were marched for miles, railroaded in box cars, and marched again.(The boxcars as you may know were used for cattle, the men were jammed in these cars at app. 100 men per car. They had no room to move, sit, or lie down. They would take turns sitting,and shifting around at the very least to lean upon a wall. Their helmets became their facilities, as well as their means to drink what little water they were given. Thus the immense outbreak of dysentery and the likes of diseases which eventually took some of their lives, or at best a lifetime of stomach ailments. As well the train was bombed, many were killed. One story tells of the men leaving the train and forming in the field the letters P.O.W. How my Dad journeyed from here is not known to me. But at best I assume he was marched, or in some cases as I've read they were held in a freight yard until another train was made available.
They slept in fields in bitter cold weather. No covering, of course no blankets, only the warmth of each others bodies lying side by side in a bitter winter known to be one of the worst in German history.
They were warned to march only. There were a few who attempted to pick up an turnip or any means of food source, water or nourishment in this attempt they were shot dead on the spot or left to die by the side of the road.
My Dad being and these men who bore this less than humane treatment made one stop during this horrendous journey where they were stripped of their personal belongings and clothing. Fed a watery version of what they called soup. Told to redress, and in doing so grabbed whatever they could find, as they were being moved out again.
Eventually, they arrived at Stalag IV-Muhlberg,Germany. Here the were tagged, registered as P.O.W''s, fed for what it was worth.
After a short period, my Dad was transferred to Stalag 111 A Luckenwalde, Germany. The conditions here were as bad as those in Muhlberg. On this site a tent or tents were constructed for the overflow of prisoners. They slept on hay in a field under these tents. Cold, lice, dysentery, and numerous other issues plagued these men. There were few to no drops of essentials for these men. Being told in most cases the German's kept much of what was dropped to the Prisoners by the American Rd Cross.
My Dad worked on the railroad, building the tracks that would eventually connect ( my summation one area of Germany, vital to the War effort to another). In my Father's words, he eventually devised a way to break the hammers, in a fashion the German's would not comprehend, thus limiting their time working on the railroad. At this point we assumed from words of another P.O.W. they were in a work camp somewhere in the vicinity of Magdeburg near the Elbe River.
The only fact in words from my Dad's mouth, the men were working one day and found a cabbage in a field nearby. This one single cabbage became the mainstay for these men at least for a day. They made a feast of it as best they could.
My heart breaks to think and now know as much as I have found. As you can see all I have found is based upon the very few words my Dad expressed of his time in service, and articles I published based upon my limited information in the AX-POW Magazine, and The Cub Magazine- The 106th publication of The Golden Lions. The response I received was over whelming from many men who served in WW11 with the 106th Infantry Division, and other divisions. I visited a few of these men, I spoke with them on the phone. I was even blessed to receive publications and books they had written.
For these men & and the many others who brought me through my journey of my Dad's days in service to his country I am eternally grateful.
I now know much of what my father lived, understood more now than ever why he was the man he was, and how proud in my entire lifetime I was to always call him "My Hero".
My Dad release from this horror came on April 15, 1945.
I have no definitive facts as to how he was liberated/ repatriated. However I do know Magdeburg was liberated on or near these dates by the 30th Infantry Division. They split into 3 groups, so the information I have is at best vague and uncertain. My hope would be that this was his and the men he was with, liberated by the 30th.
This informaton I received from Carl Wouters- Historian for this page. ***The Magdeburg area where your Dad´s Arbeitskommando was based was liberated by the US 30th Infantry Division. The town itself was liberated on April 18, 1945. An honest assumption is that he was then taken to the town of Halle, where there was a large collecting point for liberated POWs. The men where then flown out on C-47´s to cigarette camps in France or hospitals in England.****
He arrived home on April 29, 1945. Which tells me he was in relatively decent physical health. However due to his imprisonment and the conditions (Food, sanitary status etc) my Dad was plaqued with serious stomach issues for the rest of his life.
His Mother and siblings were not notified until May of 1945 and at that time in a letter to my grandmother his whereabouts were listed as unknown
I do know he received R & R but where is unknown.
I had been told upon his arrival home, he was then being prepared to continue his time in the Pacific Theater of WW11. I find this abhor-able, after he had been held as a P.O.W in a German prison camp. But, as is dictated they do what they are called to service to do. Fortunately the war came to a close after Hiroshima, the peace treaty was signed, my Dad and many others like him were saved from facing more battle.
From this point he served the remainder of his 3 year tour of duty at Ft Fanning, Texas..Obviously known as a holding center for German P.O.W's.
After WW11 the 106th was disbanded, and my Father received his Honorable Discharge on at the Convenience of the Government (RR-1 demobilization AR 615-365 15 Dec.,1945.
** I have edited Dad's Story regarding his capture, due to new information I have received from other family members.As well assumptions supplied to me by Carl Wouters regarding his liberation.repatriation**
Vincent Joseph Byrnes-WW11
106th Infantry Division 423SVC
Battle of The Bulge- P.O.W.
My Dad -Left side Bottom row.
Vincent Joseph Byrnes-App1944
Camp Atterbury, Indiana.
10th Infantry Division, 423 SVC
Dad and his truck. Camp Atterbury, Indiana
106th Infantry Division, 423SVC
Vincent Joseph Byrnes.
My Dad's awards and Medals. I obtained these after his passing. At this time we found he had been eligible for the Bronze Star. Something we did not know about until this time.
All men who wore the Combat Infantry Badge were automatically eligible for this great honor.
I had these medals his Flag, which draped his casket his Army Military photo, as well his most recent photo prior to his passing encased in this Memorial to him. It is done in Mahogany Frame with gold outline on each medal as well as his photos.
I remember the day I received these medals as his originals were lost many years prior. I sat and cried to think he was not here to see them. Most of all his Bronze Star,
A true honor,signed by President Barack Obama in memory of my Dad. Vincent Joseph Byrnes.
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[connie]

Karen,

I'm still in the fog that comes with a nasty cold. So I haven't yet made my way coherently through your detailed account. But it is obvious you have done a lot of research, and many inquiries have paid off. Congratulations!

I can shed some light on one of your questions-- regarding the dates of the Atlantic Crossing. I have seen happen so I know the source of the confusion. While (not including the advance parties) it took 3 ships spanning a month's time (from the sailing of the first ship to the arrival of the last) to carry the bulk of the troops of the 106th Infantry Division across the Atlantic. But I've seen some historians take a shortcut and simply use the sailing of the final ship as the sailing date for the division. That's the date you have-- November 10 to 17.

That final ship ( The Wakefield) carried the Division Artillery, Division Band, Division Medical Unit, and other special forces. Your father would not have been on this final ship. He would have sailed earlier with the infantry and he would have been in England longer than this final shipment. The two earlier sailings were on the Queen Elizabeth and the Aquatania. I believe that all the memberes of the 423rd (plus a few from the 424th) were aboard the first ship to sail with division troops (not counting the advance parties): the Queen Elizabeth. According to the info I have this sailing of the Queen Elizabeth lasted from October 17-27. I believe that both the Queen Elizabeth and the Aquitania sailed from NYC and landed in Scotland.
For more info check out the Dates and Places in Division History section or go directly to this list in that section: 106thdivision.proboards.com/thread/354/chronological-index-locations

Connie
PS I'm most familiar with the sailing of that last ship, the Wakefield (which your father wasn't on) since that's the one my dad was on. Others may be able to tell you more about your father's sailing. But you are right. He arrived in England long before those who sailed on November 10 on the Wakefield.

[kmbfuoco25]

Sept 29, 2014 11:58:46 GMT -5 karenmbf said:

I have tried several times to begin my Father's time in service and with the 106th Infantry Division 423SVC. To begin and to write is still difficult for me. As the time since his passing is short, and I find myself becoming emotional. As I know the story, so do I envision the man and the suffering he as so many others endured. My research took over a year, and yet I still came up short in a few areas.
What I do know for certain is he entered the U.S. Army Dec 29, 1942 left for Basic Training on Jan 2, 1943 to Ft Devens, Ma.. From here according to discussion my Dad held with my husband he was next assigned to Fort Jackson, SC. After getting field experience in combat -alike- conditions during the Tennessee manoeuvres in January 1944, the division was transferred to Camp Atterbury, IN on March 30th, 1944 for advanced training.Although it is documented the men of the 106th shipped out aboard the Queen Mary on November 10th, 1944. My Father's DD214 indicates he left at an earlier date. Oct 17, 1944.
Which is documented in information I received from former 106th members. *I have learned from Carl Wouters, this was the advance and beginning of the journey to the European Theatre of the 106th Division*, and from Connie of this page, the first of three ships that carried the 106th. I did learn however, once they arrived they had much down time, and little to do while awaiting the arrival of the complete company. I believe the location they arrived and waited was Cheltenham, England.
Where upon the arrival of the complete division,began more intense training for their soon to be transfer to the Ardennes.
After a brief period of consecutive training in Great Britain, the 106th Division crossed the English Channel and entered the European Theatre of Operations at Le Havre.
After a devestating truck ride the men entered the area of St. Vith, Belgium on December 11th, 1944. The 106th was ordered to relieve and take over the positions of the 2nd Infantry Division stationed on the "Schnee Eifel" AKA "Snowy Mountains". This was an area of rugged, pine covered hills on the border between Belgium and Germany. The men of the "Golden Lion" division took over the positions one by one, mostly old German Bunkers of the West Wall that were now reinstated as "US Army Property". There was one drawback. When the men of the 2nd Division pulled out, they were smart enough to take all the stoves with them. So, it would be a cold winter for the men of the 106th.
This area was known as a relatively quiet area. But, according to information obtained from others, the men of the 106th did not find it to be so. Many heard sound and movement and on some occasions the voices of German soldiers. Although it was reported, (in my opinion), it obviously was not taken as seriously as we now know was the beginning of the end for many who were lost, captured, and wounded. They were literally over run beginning on Dec 16th in the Battle of their lifetime. The men of the 422nd were literally wiped out along with many from the 423. The 424th was further back. They retreated to fight another day.
I can only tell you from here what little I know. As the Germans attacked and advanced, my Dad was driving truck with his partner when all hell broke loose. They were fired upon, and the man seated next to my Dad was shot and died instantly. This was on Dec 19, 1944 as they approached the Schnee Eiffel. My Father escaped the truck,only to face the barrel of a German soldier"s rifle. My father called him a " F***en son of a (expletive deleted)", for which the German solder who spoke English punched my Dad in the nose. On Dec 19th 1944 my Dad became on of the thousands of men of the 106th captured and imprisoned on that day. The truck, after it was ransacked,which as I have documented from another member, was then blown up. Leaving me to forever wonder, who the soldier in the truck with my Dad was.
From here the rest is history. what was left of 422nd and 423rd where also on Dec 19, 1944, after three days of battle, little to no ammunition, no food, no means of reinforcements or air drops due to weather, they were surrendered. A decision as history dictates was made in an attempt to save the lives of these few, proud, and brave men. Excerpt from the "History of The 106th Infantry Division" (Over the next three days, the 422nd and 423rd Regiments became completely cut off from the rest of the division. Reinforcements from the 7th Armored Division weren't able to break trough and an ammo drop failed to arrive. On the 19th of December the ammunition reserves for the two Regiments were exhausted and the commanders, Col. Descheneaux and Col. Cavender decided that further fighting would do more harm than good. To save what was left of their men, they gave up the remainders of their Regiments.
Over 7000 men of the 106th went into German captivity and would spend the duration of the war in a series of POW camps. The 106th Division had been on the line for only five days.)
From here my best information is my Dad began his journey with the men he served with. They were marched for miles, railroaded in box cars, and marched again.(The boxcars as you may know were used for cattle, the men were jammed in these cars at app. 100 men per car. They had no room to move, sit, or lie down. They would take turns sitting,and shifting around at the very least to lean upon a wall. Their helmets became their facilities, as well as their means to drink what little water they were given. Thus the immense outbreak of dysentery and the likes of diseases which eventually took some of their lives, or at best a lifetime of stomach ailments. As well the train was bombed, many were killed. One story tells of the men leaving the train and forming in the field the letters P.O.W. How my Dad journeyed from here is not known to me. But at best I assume he was marched, or in some cases as I've read they were held in a freight yard until another train was made available.
They slept in fields in bitter cold weather. No covering, of course no blankets, only the warmth of each others bodies lying side by side in a bitter winter known to be one of the worst in German history.
They were warned to march only. There were a few who attempted to pick up an turnip or any means of food source, water or nourishment in this attempt they were shot dead on the spot or left to die by the side of the road.
My Dad being and these men who bore this less than humane treatment made one stop during this horrendous journey where they were stripped of their personal belongings and clothing. Fed a watery version of what they called soup. Told to redress, and in doing so grabbed whatever they could find, as they were being moved out again.
Eventually, they arrived at Stalag IV-Muhlberg,Germany. Here the were tagged, registered as P.O.W''s, fed for what it was worth.
After a short period, my Dad was transferred to Stalag 111 A Luckenwalde, Germany. The conditions here were as bad as those in Muhlberg. On this site a tent or tents were constructed for the overflow of prisoners. They slept on hay in a field under these tents. Cold, lice, dysentery, and numerous other issues plagued these men. There were few to no drops of essentials for these men. Being told in most cases the German's kept much of what was dropped to the Prisoners by the American Rd Cross.
My Dad worked on the railroad, building the tracks that would eventually connect ( my summation one area of Germany, vital to the War effort to another). In my Father's words, he eventually devised a way to break the hammers, in a fashion the German's would not comprehend, thus limiting their time working on the railroad. At this point we assumed from words of another P.O.W. they were in a work camp somewhere in the vicinity of Magdeburg near the Elbe River.
The only fact in words from my Dad's mouth, the men were working one day and found a cabbage in a field nearby. This one single cabbage became the mainstay for these men at least for a day. They made a feast of it as best they could.
My heart breaks to think and now know as much as I have found. As you can see all I have found is based upon the very few words my Dad expressed of his time in service, and articles I published based upon my limited information in the AX-POW Magazine, and The Cub Magazine- The 106th publication of The Golden Lions. The response I received was over whelming from many men who served in WW11 with the 106th Infantry Division, and other divisions. I visited a few of these men, I spoke with them on the phone. I was even blessed to receive publications and books they had written.
For these men & and the many others who brought me through my journey of my Dad's days in service to his country I am eternally grateful.
I now know much of what my father lived, understood more now than ever why he was the man he was, and how proud in my entire lifetime I was to always call him "My Hero".
My Dad release from this horror came on April 15, 1945.
I have no definitive facts as to how he was liberated/ repatriated. However I do know Magdeburg was liberated on or near these dates by the 30th Infantry Division. They split into 3 groups, so the information I have is at best vague and uncertain. My hope would be that this was his and the men he was with, liberated by the 30th.
This informaton I received from Carl Wouters- Historian for this page. ***The Magdeburg area where your Dad´s Arbeitskommando was based was liberated by the US 30th Infantry Division. The town itself was liberated on April 18, 1945. An honest assumption is that he was then taken to the town of Halle, where there was a large collecting point for liberated POWs. The men where then flown out on C-47´s to cigarette camps in France or hospitals in England.****
He arrived home on April 29, 1945. Which tells me he was in relatively decent physical health. However due to his imprisonment and the conditions (Food, sanitary status etc) my Dad was plaqued with serious stomach issues for the rest of his life.
His Mother and siblings were not notified until May of 1945 and at that time in a letter to my grandmother his whereabouts were listed as unknown
I do know he received R & R but where is unknown.
I had been told upon his arrival home, he was then being prepared to continue his time in the Pacific Theater of WW11. I find this abhor-able, after he had been held as a P.O.W in a German prison camp. But, as is dictated they do what they are called to service to do. Fortunately the war came to a close after Hiroshima, the peace treaty was signed, my Dad and many others like him were saved from facing more battle.
From this point he served the remainder of his 3 year tour of duty at Ft Fanning, Texas..Obviously known as a holding center for German P.O.W's.
After WW11 the 106th was disbanded, and my Father received his Honorable Discharge on at the Convenience of the Government (RR-1 demobilization AR 615-365 15 Dec.,1945.
** I have edited Dad's Story regarding his capture, due to new information I have received from other family members.As well assumptions supplied to me by Carl Wouters regarding his liberation.repatriation**
Vincent Joseph Byrnes-WW11
106th Infantry Division 423SVC
Battle of The Bulge- P.O.W.
My Dad -Left side Bottom row.
Vincent Joseph Byrnes-App1944
Camp Atterbury, Indiana.
10th Infantry Division, 423 SVC
Dad and his truck. Camp Atterbury, Indiana
106th Infantry Division, 423SVC
Vincent Joseph Byrnes.
My Dad's awards and Medals. I obtained these after his passing. At this time we found he had been eligible for the Bronze Star. Something we did not know about until this time.
All men who wore the Combat Infantry Badge were automatically eligible for this great honor.
I had these medals his Flag, which draped his casket his Army Military photo, as well his most recent photo prior to his passing encased in this Memorial to him. It is done in Mahogany Frame with gold outline on each medal as well as his photos.
I remember the day I received these medals as his originals were lost many years prior. I sat and cried to think he was not here to see them. Most of all his Bronze Star,
A true honor,signed by President Barack Obama in memory of my Dad. Vincent Joseph Byrnes.
LikeLike ·

[connie]

Karen,

The line in your writing that I was referring to regarding the Atlantic crossing is:

"Although it is documented the men of the 106th shipped out aboard the Queen Mary on November 10th, 1944. My Father's DD214 indicates he left at an earlier date. Oct 17, 1944."

The Queen Mary has been mentioned, in some accounts but it was the last ship carrying members of the 106th -- the Wakefield-- that sailed on November 10. This ship carried members of the field artillery, band, division medical group, and other special forces. All of the division's infantry (including your father) sailed on 2 earlier ships.

The dates listed in your father's DD214 correctly reflect the sailing date of the ship that 423rd Infantry Regiment sailed on. I believe that all the memberes of the 423rd (plus a few from the 424th) were aboard the first ship to sail with division troops (not counting the advance parties): the Queen Elizabeth. According to the info I have this sailing of the Queen Elizabeth lasted from October 17-27.

Here's a spot on the board with more info: 106thdivision.proboards.com/thread/141

You did not make an error. You were misled by your research source. There are some histories out there that oversimplified the movement of the 106th by just listing the last sailing date. Your dad did not arrive ahead of his outfit as this source may have led you to believe. Indeed your date confirms that he sailed with his unit.

Connie

[karenmbf]

Thank you for this information Connie. I cannot revise the story now. But I assume since my Dad's sailing date is correct it will have to suffice as best I knew at the time. I have already sent it to the Cub for future publication as welll the AX-POW magazine to be published sometime in June perhaps. It never ceases to amaze me, that once I think I have everything I need to know, I continue to learn more and more. As far as Dad's story, much to my amazement I have come so much further than I ever thought possible. The small personal day to day events would have been a true gift, but that source is gone now, and in his lifetime, he rarely spoke of it. I can only glean bits and pieces of his journey from the tales and stories of others Dad was with. I guess I must be satisfied with this.
Sadly we approach the 5th Anniversary of his passing. I can only hope and pray he is happy to see an interest was taken, a story was written for and about him so few in in this family knew.
Karen

[connie]

Karen,

Isn't that the way? I, too, have found that as soon as I think I have the details of a segment of Dad's journey nailed down, I learn something new. I'm beginning to expect the unexpected.

With you, I have to believe that there are a lot of fellows "up there" now who appreciate the fact that their offspring and grandkids, nieces, and nephews are now piecing together their story...

Have a good day!

Connie

[connie]

Karen,

Thought you'd like to know. I've been working to upgrade the info on this discussion board on the POW Camps. I'm currently working on the information and links under Stalag III- A where your Dad spent much of his time. I've added your father's name and a link to your posts here as well as to the same account with photo now posted on the Indiana Military site.

Here's the link to the thread on III- A: 106thdivision.proboards.com/thread/1031/stalag-iii

Wishing you the best in the New Year!

Connie

[kmbfuoco25]

Connie it has been a while Since publication of My Dad's story and in speaking to you. . I have had moderate feedback. But always in vain. Never able to locate anyone who knew my Dad Vincent J Byrnes. Yesterday on Feb 3, 2016 I received a letter from the son of a man who served with my Dad and knew him from S. Carolina during training, and also Camp Atterbruy. He was with the 106th Quartermaster. His name is Joseph Garety, and he is 95 years old. I have tried to search him out on the roster listed for this site. His name does not appear in the roster anywhere.
Can you help me in anyway. Is there an accurate list of these men from the 106th Quartermaster that might indicate this man was part of that company.
I am over whelmed, elated, and beyond shock that after all this time I have, God willing, found someone who knew my Dad.
Yet at the same time I am cautiously optimistic. His son's name is Dan Garety.
Also Connie in reviewing the roster of enlisted men. My Dad's information has been changed. It no longer lists his place of imprisonment, Stalag111b Luckenwalde Germany. But more so. It only shows his receiving the CIB, and the mention of his Bronze medal has been removed. Also no mention of his POW medal. I have these medals. They were awarded to me posthumously after my Dad had passed. Can his roster information please be changed back to it's original standings.
I have worked tremendously hard to research and have an accurate history of my Dad service record. This is terribly painful to see information pertaining to Dad has been removed.
Please let me know
Thank You
Karen M. Byrnes Fuoco

[connie]

Karen,

I'll read your note more carefully and get back to you soon... I'm on the way out the door at the moment.

But I did want to share your elation! Finding someone who knew your dad is wonderful!!!

Connie

[connie]

Back again briefly...

I know that you have been in touch with Jim West and he is planning to restore your dad's info to the Indiana Military Site roster, if he has not already done so. I can say with assurance that no information would have been deliberately removed. Jim is the major worker on that site and he would not have done so. The other 2 people who have access to that site (me included) would not remove information. This information is too valuable and painstakingly gathered. I do know that back before anyone else had access to the site, some information on my father disappeared too. I let Jim know and it was restored. I chalked it up to the things that sometimes happen unintentionally in an electronic world. I'm glad you spotted it and all will be restored.

As far as division records go, most were lost during the war in the midst of rapid evacuations, etc. There was no handy dandy division roster for Jim to post. He has worked for many years (and continues to do so) collecting information wherever he can find it. It is a huge help and a tremendous labor of love. But it is not complete. Families who have information are one great source. It looks like you found one such family. Hopefully you can suggest to the son that he contact Jim West with the info he has on his father's service.

Hope that helps...

Connie

[connie]

Karen,

Good to see your name on the discussion board yesterday. Hope you have been able to discover more useful information surrounding your dad's time in service.

Connie