Robert J Harris 423 CN

[jayellingson]

Recently my wifes Grandmother passed away taking with her most of the family knowledge of her husband Robert J Harris activities, involvement and POW experiences while serving in the 423 CN. While attending the funerals it became aware to some of the family that I like to study the WW2 ETO and my wifes father and aunt asked me to try and find out some more about their father. This search, while in it's infancy has brought me here. Hopefully I can learn more and one day travel to Europe to retrace Robert's steps. Thanks to all of those who make this place available, to those who keep the memories alive and especially to those of "The Greatest Generation" who set the bar extremely high for future generation and who gave so much for so many. Thanks to all!

[connie]

Hi,
Hope you're having greater success elsewhere in reconstructing your wife's grandfather's past. I can attest to the fact that this kind of project can take over your life. Jim West's Indiana Military site might be helpful if you want to read first hand accounts from others who were in the 423rd. Do you have letters or other info from Robert Harris that can help you in your search? Are you looking for book recommendations?

Connie

[roger]

I would just add my note of support and appreciation for Jim West's website and his work. Both he and Carl have amassed quite an incredible amount of information on the 106th.

My connection to the 106th is that my father was a member of the 6951 Overhead (Prov) Guard Battalion attached to the
division and located at Prisoner of War Temporary Enclosure A-2, Remagen, Germany during the period of May - July, 1945.

Roger Myers, Son
Sgt. William Myers

[connie]

I don't know how far your search has progressed. I presume that by now you know that the 3 infantry regiments of the 106th division were on the front in order from North to South: 422, 423, 424. So the 423rd was in the middle and surrounded by the Germans.

I hope some of the books listed on this site will help in your search. 106thdivision.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=books

The section under the POW Experience should also hold some helpful links. 106thdivision.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=pow

Know that as you read mention of the division's 4 field artillery units (589th thru 592nd), it was the 590th Field Artillery Battalion that was right behind the 423rd Infantry Regiment and supported them with their fire. Most of the men of the 590th also ended up POW's.

Connie
PS Just did a search on the roster on the Indiana Military site and came up with this:
Harris, Robert 1st Sgt 32046319 423/CN CIB
If you didn't have a serial number before this should help in your search.