Freilinger, Clifford 424 F

[spfreilinger]

My father is Clifford Freilinger he was a pfc in the 106th Division, 424th Infantry Regiment, Company F. He was wounded near a town called Manhay on December 24, 1944. Dad is currently living in an Assisted Living Facility near me. His health is on the poor side and his war injuries continue to be a challenge. He is 83 and still fighting! I am so proud to be his son. I would welcome correspondence with anyone who might remember Dad or recall any experiences they shared. Steve

[connie]

Sorry for delays. I've checked with Jim West, and the roster should now reflect your input. Thank you.

I hope that your dad is still hanging in there. At 83 he is part of that large group of young fellows in the division.

Hope that someone from the 424th emerges who knew your dad at that time. I know what that can mean. I'll try to beat a few bushes for you and keep fingers crossed.

Has your Dad told you anything about when he was wounded near Manhay? I'm slowly working toward researching division activity around that date. I'm tracking the path of a Field Artillery Unit. I know they were about 15 minutes north of Manhay on that day. Many of them spent Christmas Eve in a barn. It doesn't sound like a particularly nice Christmas eve for your dad. Was he evacuated at the time or was he able to remain with the unit?

Connie

[floydragsdale]

I was with Co. G, 424th Regiment, and well remember Christmas eve 1944. We were bedded down, supposedly for the night in a tiny village, yet were rousted out of houses & rushed back into action. I became seperated from the Company & spent the night wandering in the forest trying to find my way out. Will not write the rest of the story here, however Xmas eve and Xmas day 1944 was a nightmare, to say the least. - - - Floyd

[Larry Heider]

My uncle was in the 424/E and earned a Silver Star during the fighting at Manhay on Christmas day. I have collected quite a bit of history concerning that battle. Company E and Company F were in the same regimental combat team, so they fought side by side. I would be happy share any information you may be interested in.

[spfreilinger]

Thank you for the response! It has been a while since I checked. I had a major fact wrong when I stated the day Dad was wounded. He was wounded on Christmas Day near Manhay. He was not picked up and evacuated until the morning of Dec. 28th. I am trying to put together an accounting of Dad's experiences in 1944 for our family so any information related to the fighting at Manhay and the 424 would would be appreciated. What I know. His squad was advancing toward a barn when a tank machine gunner opened up on them. Dad was hit. He and his buddy Howard Bryant were pinned down in a small ravine and they were both hit again by shell fragments. It is unclear how, but the tank was put out of commission. Howard could walk and was able to head out for help. When they picked Dad up, he was told there was no one else alive. Like so many Dad has never spoken much of his experiences so now sometimes the facts can be a bit of a challenge. He is doing well. Thank you,
Steve