I got a letter a few hours ago, mere seconds before I was heading out the door with my husband,. Just got back home and as much as I was dreading this, have horrible news to share with my forum members this evening.

It is with much regret that I inform you that Larry "SonofMP" passed away this week. Here is the message from his dear wife:

Marion,

 

I wanted to let you know that Larry passed away on January 7th. His heart failure had gotten worse over Christmas and New Year's. He slipped away at 2:58 in the morning. I remember our visit at home with such pleasure and Larry very much enjoyed working with you and conversing with everyone on your website. He still has the board he was given by the Pennsylvania group that made him an honorary member of their group.

 

He is sorely missed by myself and our sons. I hope you will let others know of his passing that knew him as well.

 

God Bless,

 

Sandi Duzal

A few weeks ago, he sent me a personal message, and asked me to call him, because he was not doing well. I can't tell you how I dreaded that phone call, and it took me three days to gain my composure, in order to do so.

I knew Larry had some heart problems over the past few years, but had no idea how bad it was until then. So it was a very difficult phone call, to say the least, but he remained composed and told me that is was not over and that he planned on being around. That made me smile, but I knew how sick he was. Larry, I said, you are such an integral part of this forum, what will we do without you. And it was no exaggeration.

So even though I knew what was going on, it was still a huge shock this evening to receive the notice.

I went to the bar and raised a toast to him. Larry, you certainly helped make this forum what is was and you will be sorely missed. I miss you already.

Jean - :I promised Larry I would not say anything to you or anyone else. I wanted him to be the one who had the power. But you know what he said to me? "Jean will be crushed when she hears the news", and I know he was so right, because he played such an instrumental role in parlaying all the news about your dad. He was thinking of you.

So, let's bow our head tonight and raise a toast to long time buddy, researcher-par excellence and just pain ol good friend.

I miss you.

I have a book in my possession from an Inter-Library Loan pertaining to the 138th Engineer Combat Battalion Unit History. As such, I am willing to post information from the book on the forum by request. Since the book is not Copyrighted, I can scan pages and send as attachment files. I will have the book until 2-10-2014. The book: 138th Engineer Battalion A History (March 1944 - October 1946) was compiled by John W. Hammersmith and came from the Clarke Engineer School Library, For Leonard Wood, MO 6573-5000.

The book basically contains information from After Action Report No. 2 for 1-30 April 1945, Company B History, a name index, history and company contributions from the Drag Line, miscellaneous group pictures with names, chronology of evens.

Hope this helps someone in a small way,

John

Hi everyone, Just like to say hello, hope you are ALL in good health and have a great 2014. Moose.

Photo...'Xmas Bash' 2013....LEFT TO RIGHT. GRANNY, SCOTTY and MOOSE.

Attached Files

  1483396_243304135830897_644495439_n.jpg (Size: 47.25 KB / Downloads: 0)

Just won an issue of Stars and Stripes on EBAY, dated March 27th, 1945. That's when the 7th Army crossed the Rhine. This will be a very special issue for me. Can't wait to get it.

A couple of months ago, I received a great phone call from Johnny Thompson, a WWII 341st engineer. Since then we've chatted a couple of times and he sent me a package with the following materials. Johnny also informed me that he used to be a Nascar driver, so being a fan, it naturally peeked my interest too.

I really enjoyed his keen sense of humor and even after all these years, he still retains his fighting spirit. God bless ya Johnny and thanks for getting in touch with me.

From Johnny Thompson - WWII poster.pdf

Johnny Thompson - business card.pdf

Johnny Thompson - Daytona Beach 1954.pdf

Johnny Thompson - Jacksonville 1950 - Nascar.pdf

Johnny Thompson - recounts misisons - Nov 2013.pdf

Johnny Thompson - WWII vet angry over closed memorial - Oct 2013.pdf

Attached Files

  From Johnny Thompson - WWII poster.pdf (Size: 704.63 KB / Downloads: 0)
  Johnny Thompson - business card.pdf (Size: 91.52 KB / Downloads: 0)
  Johnny Thompson - Daytona Beach 1954.pdf (Size: 499.92 KB / Downloads: 0)
  Johnny Thompson - Jacksonville 1950 - Nascar.pdf (Size: 310.84 KB / Downloads: 0)
  Johnny Thompson - recounts misisons - Nov 2013.pdf (Size: 1.05 MB / Downloads: 0)
  Johnny Thompson - WWII vet angry over closed memorial - Oct 2013.pdf (Size: 1,013.01 KB / Downloads: 0)