As Per 371-Rec on and J3rdinf, I'll add my 2 cents about the C.I.B.
The 34th. entered combat Nov. 1942 at Algiers No. Africa, then Salerno,
Italy Sept.1943 to May 1945. Over 600 days of combat. I don't remember
when the Lt. came by our pup tents after the Benevento battle. And he said
put it on. I looked at it and thought what a pretty looking pin!!
Then he said clean up there is a presentation of awards soon. I looked at my
clothes, wearing woolens,,so I just got off as much of the mud as I could
got water and cleaned my combat boots. and that afternoon, the 1st Bn. 135th
stood at attention and several of us were awarded medals by our Commanding
General, Charles Bolte. He pinned the Bronze Star on me next to my C.I.B.
Needless to say my most prized medal IS THE C I B. Because it represents
ALL I went thru in WWII. The B/S was a one time thing.
So 371Recon and j3rdinf this old dogface salutes you both. Roque
Rocky and all. When I showed all my dad's medals, etc. that I had stashed away in my possessions, my husband saw the CIB and said, "You know, most of the guys hold that as their most prized award." From all the vets I've talked to, I would have to say he was right!
Rations have come a long way since then. The MRE's (Meals Ready to Eat) we have today really feed the soldier. There are so many different choices. They even cater to the vegitarian!! Can you believe it? Roque, Joe you dont have to hydrate anything anymore!!
Parnell-H: A reserve G.I. on another forum sent me a few packages of the MRE's
about a year ago. While a little improvement on the WW 2 field rations I bet they too
would get boring. That little bottle of hot sause in them was the best part.
So how is the hunting in Germany (or is there any for troops now)? Was great when I
was in Fulda while waiting to go home at wars end. Granted those raebucks aint very
big though, though tasty.
This morning there was an auction on ebay for 3 boxes of the Original type, unopened going for over $1000! Now, from what I've heard the vets here say about them, they weren't worth much when they were FRESH... 
Your right Joe,
After a few months of just eating MREs they do get a little old. But compared to what you had to eat they got a long way. Its amazing what that little bottle of hot sauce will do for food in a pouch.
THe hunting is good here Joe if you can afford to hunt!! The Germans passed a law a few years back that stops us (GIs) from bringing guns into the country. Now we need some special German hunting class then we would have to buy a German gun and they are very expensive.
Then im being told that if I was to shoot a deer or hog that I would then have to pay the farmer for the privlidge of shooting his deer.
I bet tis a far cry from when you were here. I live in a small town and I see deer all the time. Must have saw 40 last night coming home from work.
I actually havent hunted since 99. Thats when I started my overseas tours. Went to Korea first then to England now in Germany. I am ready to go back to the states and find a retirement job.
Kyle
