This is not specifically WWII, but thought you would like to see this.

U.S. Army Engineer School Commandant’s Reading List

Happy 89th to dear WWII veteran, John McAuliffe! You are such a joy. So glad we became friends.

All the best,

Marion

Almost ten years ago I started researching Operation Husky, the capture of the island of Sicily by the Allies from the Axis powers. Since then I have read numerous books about it and the Italian campaign.

Many times have I seen references to Ernie Pyle, the US war correspondent and his book Brave Men.

At last I have a copy, in fact a fairly new paperback print - Bison Books, 2001. Not only did my local library get me a copy but in order to do so it bought one to add to the Wiltshire catalogue.

I am now in the process of reading it, as it was awaiting my return from the 2012 36th Combat Engineers reunion in the USA (a nice coincidence). I am about to start on chapter three titled -The Engineers War - relating to Sicily. I will come back here when I finish my read and give my thoughts.

Coilin.

It happens pretty regularly, the return of my letters about the Reunion and today I got one back that I mailed in the middle of August. I don't know what the PO does with them for that length of time. Today it was the letter to Donald Wheeler of Illinois who is no longer with us. He was not active but he was a Seahorse and that made him valuable. May he rest in peace

 

36 Engineers are rugged......John Fallon II. Capt. USA Ret.

Another farewell to a fine Seahorse. RIP!

Dear Marion,

It is with great sadness that I tell you that my husband, Alexander L Kinbaum, MD has passed away. He was very proud of having served in WW II for three years in the European African and southern France theater. He was a proud member of the 36th combat engineer regiment. He had many great stories to tell me. At this time I want to express Alex’s and my thanks to all veterans who fought for the American freedoms we all enjoy today. I fly a flag in his honor in front of the house.

 

He died with poor vision, poor hearing , and debilitating arthritis. But he cherished that old flag that flies yet today. It is at half mast in his honor.

I am sorry I found you so late in his life. We could never come to a reunion. I read him all your letters and he kept hoping he would hear a familiar name.

Keep up your good work for all the veterans out there. I wish you health and strength to continue.

God bless all veterans and God bless America,

 

Mary Ann Kinbaum, proud to be the wife of Capt. Alexander L Kinbaum, MD. retired / deceased.

Mary Ann and I have been corresponding for years and I have been helping her get info to her husband, and even sent them a Seahorse patch, which made him very happy. I'm glad I got to play a role in his rediscovery of his unit. Thank you for your service sir. My sincere condolences to Mary Ann and her family.