Ok... so I was contacted by the Archival Records and they said that Grandad's records were infact destroyed in the fire. A file had been reconstructed but it didn't contain anything I didn't already know. The very nice man said that since they charge for copies, he was advising me that it wasn't worth my money. He was able to give me a discharge date for Grandpa over the phone which I did not have. This date is fishy to me for several reasons. I am wondering now, was it at all possible for a soldier to be home for sometime before being discharged and given his papers? I am going to contact the VA as he said they would have a copy of his original discharge papers when (if) Grandad filed for benefits, but in the meantime, if someone can answer that question for me, it would be most appreciated. Thanks!
I am writing a Find-A-Grave bio on PFC Thomas S. Durham, Sn# 38357551, who was KIA in January 1945. He was serving with the 312th Engineer Comabt Bn when he was killed. I understand there was a book on the unit published in 1946 to include a little bio on it's KIA's. Can someone tell me what it may have said about htis man? I especially need to know where he was killed (and circumstances if known), date of birth and place of birth (home of record was Franklin County, Ark). And of course, a photo or two would be nice but I am not holding my breath. Any other info would be greatly appreciated!
The event ruled from the 25th (Italian Liberation Day) to the 28th of April 2013. Starting from Verona, the convoy followed the Adige River until Riva del Garda and back to Verona along the East side of the Garda Lake in touching Torbole, Malcesine, Costermano and Perschiera del Garda. We was in Verona in 2011 and as a rule, the Column does not revisit past locations so soon, but we have determined to make an exception this year, as a tribute to the wonderful people of Verona, putting together the event as an ideal continuation of the 2011 edition. Our initial intention became even more firm when a few new developments took place, as if reality wanted to point out to us what had to be done: the submerged wreck of a 10th Mountain Division DUCKW sunk in Lake Garda at the end of April, 1945, drowning many of the unfortunates onboard, was located by researchers after several failed attempts in the past; and, the mortal remains of several presumed victims of an air bombing raid were found in Verona during renovations works at the Porta Nuova railway station, which caused us to be summoned by legal authorities to help with the recovery and cataloguing of evidence found on site.
The Column of Liberation 2013 was under the aegis of the High Patronage of the President of the Italian Republic.
Some figures: 153 vehicles and 450 reenactors participated to the event.
Pictures: the DUCKW float again on the Garda lake, Shermans and Helcat in Piazza Bra in Verona, the road next to the Garda Lake.
Okay, since this is My SITE, I can post whatever the heck I want.
So I am here this morning to plug my friend's soon-to-be released book called, But Dad by Jay Fiondella. Of course I have a stake in this, for I am the designer, editor, publisher, and website designer.
I can post whatever the heck I want.