Hello folks,

I am co-authoring a book about immigrant soldiers in the US military during World War I. It will be published by Schiffer Publishing, probably next year. I am asking for information from Forum members who might have relatives who fit this category. Specifically, I'd love to see photographs of the men in uniform, diaries, letters, or even oral history memories that members might remember. Of course my co-author and I will give credit in the book for anyone who can help. This is my third book, please see my Amazon author's page for more info!

Thanks very much!

Pete Belmonte

Greetings, I am seeking anyone who may remember my father, Lynn H. Harris. He was a Tech 5, and as I recall, the 282nd arrived in France on Christmas Day, 1944, and moved into place in Luxembourg in January 1945. Thanks.

Well, even though these topics are interspersed throughout the forum, thought is was time I touched on this topic and compared the two, for this is a constant point of contention and confusion. I can't tell you how many letters I get from people telling me that their father received four Bronze Stars during the war, etc. Well...

Leave it to the Army to confuse the hell out of ya! Couldn't we have come up with another name, etc. for these? C'mon now!!!

There are two different types of Bronze/bronze stars.

• The first one is actually an awarded MEDAL -
  
  For heroic or meritorious achievement of service, not involving aerial flight in connection with operations against an opposing armed force.
  Authorized on February 4, 1944 the Bronze Star Medal is awarded to members of all branches of military service and may be awarded either for combat heroism or for meritorious service.

• The 2nd kind were worn on the ribbon bar. For example if you see three bronze stars:
  They are "ribbon devices" for participation in major campaigns
  The three stars on an ETO ribbon means a veteran served in 3 campaigns in the European Theater of Operations. If a vet was in more than 5 campaigns - the bronze stars would've been replaced by one silver star.
  
  

Hope that helps clarify the confusion.

Who ever knew this would turn into a full time job???

Long story short; I have been playing catch up again with all my correspondence. In the last few weeks, including five hours this morning, I have answered over 150 emails/letters, etc. that were in my inbox. I am now down to less than 20 as of 8 AM. Whew! I simply can't keep up with the volume of mail I receive and this is what happens.

I have vowed to try and do better and we will see what occurs. I can only give it my best shot! Essayons!

Hmmm, strange inquiry. You never know what will pass my desk!