Hello. I am looking to find members of the 106th or family members of veterans that could help me find out more information if possible about my grandfather's WWII service. His Seperation papers list him in the 424th Infantry Regiment in the 106th Infantry Divsion (Golden Lions). And his discharge papers list him in the 16th Engineer Combat Battallion, Company C, and that he was involved in the Rhineland, Ardennes, and Central Europe Campaigns. The little he did talk about the war was of the Battle of the Buldge. Place of entry into the service was in Boston, Massachusetts, and place of seperation was at Fort Devens, Massachusetts. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Hi Karrie:
It's been great to exchange emails with you. I'm hoping any members of his unit, or their family members, will see your post and get in touch with you.
To everyone here, I have already instructed Karrie on how to obtain further information, including writing to NARA in Maryland to obtain the documentation on the 106th.
She also has found some general information on the 106th, but I will post any links I find for her benefit, as well for any reader who happens upon this topic.
Theron wrote this morning:
The poster can find a history of the 106th; Lions in the Way. Publishedin 1946 by the Infantry Journal Press. Interlibrary loan should be able to
find a copy. It would be a good starting point.
theron
Karrie:
I also wanted to tell you to look through the archives of newspapers from you grandfather's hometown. Many times during the war, the newspapers would insert short articles about their hometown "boys". It's worth a shot!
Just so we don't get a duplication of answers, Karrie and I touched base (via email) on the following:
Karrie:
The 16th Engineers only served in Italy right up to the end of the war in May 0f 1945. It may be your grandfather was transferred to their unit here in the states, and then discharged.
But it's sounding like he did he stint with the 106th Infantry Div, 424th Infantry Regiment, since they began their service in the ETO in the fall of 44, which would correspond with his discharge papers. This would also fit in with the stories he related during the Battle of the Bulge.
Have you tried contacting the man listed here:
http://www.military-network.com/ben/Associations_Detail.cfm?ID=2732
If he is still alive, he may have the company rolls.
I would suggest getting in touch with NARA in Maryland (not St Louis), and finding out what records they have for the 106th Inf Div, 424th Inf Reg. This is where I obtained my dad's unit's records. This includes daily, weekly and monthly army records.
I have some other suggestions too, but this may get you started in the right direction.
You didn't give his name, so am not sure if you share his last name of Bennett. If so, there are several Bennett's listed.
Karrie:
Their site also lists many of the wartime documents I told you about, including after-action reports.
I sent an email off to the webmaster this morning, telling him I added their link to my main site.
Hello. I am looking to find members of the 106th or family members of veterans that could help me find out more information if possible about my grandfather's WWII service. His Seperation papers list him in the 424th Infantry Regiment in the 106th Infantry Divsion (Golden Lions). And his discharge papers list him in the 16th Engineer Combat Battallion, Company C, and that he was involved in the Rhineland, Ardennes, and Central Europe Campaigns. The little he did talk about the war was of the Battle of the Buldge. Place of entry into the service was in Boston, Massachusetts, and place of seperation was at Fort Devens, Massachusetts. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
***Forgot the name - My Grandfather's name is Alfred J. LeBlanc. Most military records so far list his last name as LE Blanc (2 seperate words)**
Good guess, but Bennett wasn't his name though That was my other grandfather, who's time in the army during WWII needed no research, he was in the 101st airborne, and is a life time member even though also deceased in the New England chapter. Anyway back to Grandfather LeBlanc, I checked out the above links, unfortunately on the roster there were 2 LeBlanc, not him though. I signed up to be able to post on the 106th message board, waiting for acceptance. Over a month ago found a link to the 106th actual newsletter/site to which you could submit a request to locate someone that served in the 106th, but no response at this time My link. I also sent an email to the New England contact person of American Legion to see what info may have been listed maybe on his application, and also to there general customer service email box, again with no replies. I will keep plugging along