I'm new to this forum and quite new to the search for information regarding my beloved grandpa (I called him Bumpa) - Pfc. Claude Bernard Andresen. I recently came across information found after doing alot of digging, that he served with the 344th Engineers in Italy. I have *some* photos, one of them a photo of his camp in Rocco Mafina, where he says he first joined up with his outfit. I am working on getting the photos I have scanned so I can share and hope someone has some info or tidbits to share. Unfortunately my grandpa passed away in 1973, when I was 3 years old, so his stories are lost. Anyone who has info to pass along, photos, memories, history or anything at all, it is enormously appreciated. I have already learned so much from this forum - it has to be the best I have seen.
Welcome. You've come to the right spot because we have ALL kinds of contacts and info for the 344th. Here's the search link that will pull up everything on our forum:
I will also send you a private link with email addresses to other associated with the 344th. Please let us know what happens. I wish you the best with your research and sure look forward to the photos and more.
Warmly,
Marion J Chard
Proud Daughter of Walter (Monday) Poniedzialek
540th Engineer Combat Regiment, 2833rd Bn, H&S Co, 4th Platoon
There's "No Bridge Too Far"
Thank you SO much Marion for your help! Today has been very productive already and I've got more information about my grandpa's regiment than I've had before. My mom is thrilled and is looking forward to more things I hope to uncover about her dad.
This is a photo of my grandpa, Pfc. Claude Bernard Andresen. I don't know where it was taken, unfortunately.
I am not sure about the time or location of this photo. My grandpa is almost in the center; looking at the man holding the sign that reads "1024" he is behind him to the left.
Excellent. I have a similar photo of my dad when he was at Camp Custer in Michigan
He is eighth from right in top row.
Marion J Chard
Proud Daughter of Walter (Monday) Poniedzialek
540th Engineer Combat Regiment, 2833rd Bn, H&S Co, 4th Platoon
There's "No Bridge Too Far"
Darlin' I believe IT IS. Look at them side-by-side. They are the same exact building. Whoo-hooo!!!
Marion J Chard
Proud Daughter of Walter (Monday) Poniedzialek
540th Engineer Combat Regiment, 2833rd Bn, H&S Co, 4th Platoon
There's "No Bridge Too Far"
Glad to see someone else is looking for info on the 344th. My father Nicholas Joseph Mastrangelo was a sargeant in WWII 344th Combat Engineers A Company that debarked on July 7, 1942 arriving in Gremock Scotland July 14th on the SS Monterey. His travels in Italy were as follows (in his own handwritting) Naples, Bagnoli, Capua, Sparaise, Caprotti, Fornelli, Isernia, Roccamonfina, Castleforte, Coreno, Vallecorsa, Pastena, Capenito, Frascotti (Rome), Isole Farneses, San Lorenzo, Pitigliano, Radicofani, Civitavecchia, Teano, Pasestum, Aversa then to France. His Separation Center was Fort Devens MA on Sept 25,1945. I also have a booklet that shows the travels of the 344th. I don't know how many men make up a "Company" so I don't know if your Grandfather would have been to the same cities at the same time??
I would love to hear from you or any other Engineers families of the 344th. My Dad would not talk much about his experiences, but I do have bits and pieces of information.
Welcome. Delighted to see your FIRST post. Let us know if we can be of service and a Happy Valentine Day to you!
Marion J Chard
Proud Daughter of Walter (Monday) Poniedzialek
540th Engineer Combat Regiment, 2833rd Bn, H&S Co, 4th Platoon
There's "No Bridge Too Far"
Today has been very productive already and I've got more information about my grandpa's regiment than I've had before. My mom is thrilled and is looking forward to more things I hope to uncover about her dad. 
