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Post by connie on Apr 19, 2014 8:43:15 GMT -5
Where were you on Easter?
A few members of the 106th found release from their POW Camps around Easter-- April 1, 1945
Where were you?
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Post by floydragsdale on Apr 19, 2014 19:57:53 GMT -5
Good evening Connie:
Easter 1945, G Co, (& the 424th Regiment) was in St. Quinten, France. I remember that distinctly. The day began with sunshine and mild temperatures. Easter morning church services were held in a ware-house type building. Easter dinner was served about noon and at least G Company men men consumed their dinner along the streets of St. Quinten. As usual there was a gathering of children anticipating a hand out. One G.I. from our platoon gave his piece of cake to a little French boy who raced home with it. Soon the lad came back with his father who wanted to thank the Soldier for being to kind to his young son. I still remember that Soldiers name and where he was from in the States.
The skies turned hazy, hiding the sun that afternoon, yet is was a pleasant day, so this Soldier went for a long walk.
Shortly after Easter Sunday the 424th Regiment moved on to Rennes, France in the Brittany Peninsula. How wonderful it was to out of the shooting war for a while.
Floyd
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Post by connie on Apr 21, 2014 7:58:53 GMT -5
Floyd,
Touching story... one that, with variations, I am sure was repeated many times in the ETO. From what I hear American soldiers were good to the kids.
I'll bite. You say you remember the name and hometown of the man who gave out the cake. Are you willing to share that info?
Have a good day!
Connie
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Post by floydragsdale on Apr 21, 2014 9:09:18 GMT -5
Hello Connie:
The name was Luke Sewell and was from Georgia. Im no sure of the spelling; however phonetically it sounded like sue-well was a Rifleman in one of our (G Co.) platoons.
Floyd
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Post by engineercutoff44 on Apr 22, 2014 2:06:00 GMT -5
Has Anybody heard of the American St Nick?it can be found in youtube the 28th Inf div threw a party for the children of wiltz on 5 dec 1944,I have been given the task of recreating the party for the 70th anniversary and wrote to hersheys if they would kindly assist by donating chocolate to the children as that is primarily what they got back then they blew me off but still wished me good luck the soldiers who had nothing back then scrounged everything together for the children and a multi million dollar corporation reduces everythin down to what they can earn from it so sad!
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Post by connie on Apr 22, 2014 8:20:19 GMT -5
I have heard and seen photos of this event... I can visualize a newspaper clipping somewhere-- maybe in the Stars and Stripes?
Good luck on staging the re-enactment. I hope you find some generous donors who can help you make the memory ( and the taste buds) come alive! But hope that no child there ever again understands the privations that made this celebration so amazing.
Connie
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Post by floydragsdale on Apr 22, 2014 10:25:04 GMT -5
I recall the we (Company G Soldiers) donated candy for the Belgian Children. Pieces of candy came in our rations and that is what we donated for the children. I believe the candy was in, or included in with our K rations. G Company HQ people collected the candy and delivered it to a collecting point. Where that was, I don't know. However, I do remember that it made the children happy.
Floyd
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