Okay, this is what I am finding for this period. This should help us narrow down where "Joe's" was located.

 

Mannheim was battalion HQ for the 2832nd (originally 1st bn for the 540th). For those reading this, John C O'Brien was C.O. of the 2832nd. Looks like several officers and enlisted men were being sent to the 14th Reinforcement Depot at Neufchâteau, France on their way to the states.

 

Todd, your grandfather states that he left Thionville (and was heading back to Mannheim for forgotten documents) and stopped at GI Joes about an hour and half later. Of course depending on driving conditions, etc., that would put him approximately in the location of Saarbrucken, Germany, which is near the French and German border. Of course it could be anywhere in French/German vicinity, but again, we are narrowing down the location for the greatest cup of coffee. Now that we know the route, that limits the area.

 

Here's a revised public map I made up, so everyone can follow along...

 

 

Wow - great detective work!!

Ah, now if I only got paid to do this stuff.

Hey, Mike, had a chance to take a good long look at your original map from the 284th and indeed, it looks like I'm on the right track for "Joe's", as they made a few stops on their way back west right around the German/French border. So much fun.

Ah, now if I only got paid to do this stuff.

Ever think of talking to the Army Center of Military History? They might even have something you could do online. You never know.

The thought has crossed my mind before...who knows. Right now I put out an idea (not telling yet) to the WWII museum in New Orleans. Let's see where it goes... Details hopefully to follow in the future. That's all I'm saying for now. LOL!

Right now I put out an idea (not telling yet) to the WWII museum in New Orleans.

Okay, I'm super excited to report that I have exact locations for each of their stops on the trip south from Nuremberg to Marseilles and that tells us where all the rest stops were on the way. I have some of their maps and after carefully reviewing a map of France I discovered that it was actually marked!!!! I edited to add a image of the map cover just in case someone was looking for the exact same map (and I did see one on posted eBay).

Hopefully this will also help others who might be researching this topic!

Woo-hoo!!!! I am excited for you too. What a great feeling of satisfaction to find the exact points of their travels. I just love this!!!!