TSGT Morris Griffin, 424th G

[olen]

Hello all,
Does anyone have any insight on my wife's paternal grandfather? We have an old trunk with some paperwork, insignia, books, etc and a couple stories but we don't know a whole lot more other than the after action reports I have found here and elsewhere on the web. We know he had horrible frost bite on his feet as they were blackened, and he had corresponded with George Armstrong of New Jersey- we have a letter from Mr. Armstrong where he wrote of being hit in the ankle and buttock by 88 fire. He didn't speak much to my father in law and we would love to know more.

Thank you all,
Olen Kuhr
Sharpsburg GA

[connie]

Morning, Olen,

(Well, it's still morning where I am anyway...)

I have just finished adding your wife's grandfather's name with a link to this post to the Site Soldier Index-- both the general listing and under the 424th. I've also added George Armstrong's name to these places.

I checked to see if they are in the roster being constructed by Jim West, founder of this site and of the Indiana Military Site. They are both there.
I don't know if you've checked this roster. Links to it and to the index to source numbers can be found near the top of the general Site Soldier Index: 106thdivision.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=index&action=display&thread=413
If you go to the Roster, click on Search, and type in Griffin, you will find the name with some info. I checked the first source listed. It was a listing of those receiving the Combat Infantry Badge.

The fact Morris did not speak much to his son about the war is a phrase that we should set to music. It is the story of most of us. I am also an offspring of a 106th member.

The good news is that Floyd Ragsdale, a member of 424 G is active on this site and usually checks in on week days. If you find one of his postings and click on his name you can gain access to many postings. I'll eagerly await his next postings to see if he remembers your wife's grandfather specifically. He could certainly answer many questions about the unit for you.

I had the privilege of having Floyd as a travel companion a few years back in Belgium. A Belgian member of this site helped us find the spot in the woods where G company of the 424th was camped when the Bulge broke out. I have seen that spot, the indent of Floyd's foxhole, and the place where the kitchen, etc. were located. So, while this was not my father's unit, I feel a connection.

I look forward to reading of your discoveries and questions. Keep asking and others will pitch in on the search.

Connie

[Jim West - Indiana Military Or]

I added the Frostbite info to TSgt Griffin, and the WIA to SSgt Armstrong. The reconstituted roster can be found at

www.indianamilitary.org/106ID/Rosters/RosterZOHO.htm

[olen]

Thank you both so much. I sent Mr. Ragsdale a private message as well. Additionally I know Mr. Griffin had a purple heart, I held it over Thanksgiving, and I believe it was awarded due to the extent of his frozen feet.

[olen]

Hello folks I have been private messaging with Mr. Ragsdale and wanted others to see some of the pictures my wife's dad sent of his father from the unit.
-Olen



Mr. Ragsdale thank you so much for taking the time to reply to us. My father in law sent me some of the pictures I told you about.

Here is my wife's Grand dad in uniform.



Morris Griffin and his wife Ina Lee back in Mississippi a few years after he returned home I believe.



Morris Griffin and fellow Company G soldiers. TSGT Griffin is front row, third from the left hand side.



My father in law read over names, here they are left to right. Front to back. Some spellings may be off. They're tough to read.
1st row: s/sgt Labrewski; s/sgt Lord; t/sgt Griffin; 1st sgt Davis; Capt Cohen; 1st sgt Hicks; t/sgt Lingerfelt; t/sgt Lewis; s/sgt Thornley; s/sgt Chaplin.
2nd row: s/sgt Armstrong; s/sgt Kommer; s/sgt Campbell; s/sgt Astorio; s/sgt Thompson; s/sgt Wyatt; s/sgt Hurteds; sgt Tribout; sgt Rossman.
3rd row: sgt Sarich; sgt Lague; sgt Wood; sgt Westfall; sgt Dalman; s/sgt Colton; t-s Philips; s-c Lingis;
Top row: t-5 dePasquale; cpl Hereford; t-5 Ferris; sat Katz; sgt Wilson; cpl Fisher.

I was sent some additional pictures as well, I'll work at uploading them.

Thank you,
Olen Kuhr

[connie]

Thanks for letting us know that you and Floyd are in conversation...

These photos are a great addition to the board. I'm sure you and your wife are enjoying having them, too. A photo with names labeled is a rare and priceless treasure. Who knows... Someone else may find a relative there.

Connie