I was forwarded a letter, because they thought I might have some knowledge/insight about a German sabre which was captured during the war by a member of the 39th Engineer Regiment. I am uploading the complete handwritten letter, but will put some of the immediate facts below.
The letter was written by Kenneth Klisiewicz, the son of Steve Klisiewicz. Evidently the item in question was signed by over 30 members of the unit (see letter). He states that his dad passed away in 1970 and never really talked about the war, except to mention that the item was confiscated from a German submarine captain. He has no proof beyond this, but says that there must be an interesting story behind this.
I did forward the letter to everyone on my current 39th email list a few months ago, but have not heard anything, so thought I should place it here too.
I was referred to your site by Ken Kopaki who does historical research for Camp Claireborne. I'm the daughter of a Navy Vet and collect WWII Sweetheart jewelry and trench art. A few years back I won in an online auction a very special hand carved box, trench art from the 361st Engineer Regiment also carved inside France 1945. The inscription is -To Meeda. Someone spend a lot of time and love creating this. It has always bothered me that such a personal, romantic item is not still with the family. This is not a store bought souvenir and every time I look at this, it intrigues me more. I would love to find Meeda's family as this is just something I do not see them selling or throwing away. Take a look at the photos and I think you'll understand. Any advice is greatly appreciated. Blessings on your good work.
My name is Paul Kalis, and I’m with Barron’s Educational Series. After coming across your website, I was impressed by your passion for the history of D-Day and WWII. I wanted to let you know about an incredible new edition to our critically acclaimed library; The Illustrated 70th Anniversary Archive Edition of Cornelius Ryan’s classic, The Longest Day.
Widely considered to be the most important book on D-Day ever written, The Longest Day has sold tens of millions of copies in 18 different languages, and inspired a star-studded 1962 film by the same name. This new collector's edition of The Longest Day commemorates the 70th anniversary of the invasion with previously unpublished printed and audio archive material. Inside the beautifully designed slipcase, readers will find an unabridged reprint of the classic text, 120 meticulously researched photographs of D-Day, plus 30 previously unseen and unpublished removable facsimile documents from Ryan’s own archive, including:
Eisenhower’s handwritten note, taking responsibility if the D-Day landings failed
Interview transcripts and handwritten research questionnaires from key D-Day participants
Rommel’s diary excerpts from the lead-up to D-Day in May 1944
Hand-annotated translations of German diaries and telephone logs
D-Day mission weather reports
Ryan’s original book proposal to Reader’s Digest explaining his new approach to military history writing
Six full-color battle maps
An exclusive audio CD featuring Ryan’s previously unheard, original research interviews with many of D-Day’s senior commanders, including Allied Supreme Commander Dwight D. Eisenhower, as well as the soldiers, paratroopers, sailors, and airmen who fought in this most famous and decisive battle of World War II
With the 70th anniversary of D-Day coming up soon, I hope you post and share these photos online and let your followers know this new edition is available.
Got this a while back and I did pass it along to all the members on my 343rd list, but now posting it here.
July 2014
Marion – hello from England. Just making sure you got my message in case it is of passing interest to your members. My book, Home Bases, is out. There is passing mention of the 343rd castle in it. I am now hoping to do a larger article for someone.
I'm told the book has some nice stuff on Facebook – I’m not on Facebook myself but the book is.
I know my book is mostly about bases in London and not lots about the Army but if any of your members are interested in US military history in WWII and the Cold War generally then they certainly may be interested in this. I have taken the liberty of attaching the press release again. Just not sure if you got to saw – I have so many messages going in and out. The book is only out through Bayberry. At sometime it will go to Amazon but probably not until October/November. It won’t be any cheaper but shipping might be. My publisher says it’s a very ‘niche’ book. What!!!!!! He’s right of course, but it’s my baby!
Marion – do you know if anybody has any pictures of the guys either at the actual camp when it was in the woods there or regathering at the Castle. Who would have those?
Regards,
Sean Kelly
London
I hope to take a trip out there to it in the next six weeks.
