I am again putting out the word for anyone who can fill in some gaps about my grandfather. I have gathered some info but hope to learn more. A few things I can tell you about my grandfather that might helps are:
His name is Francis J. Ryan, born and raised in Stamford, Connecticut.
His service number is 31 338 193.
Dates of service were from August 3, 1943 to January 3, 1946.
The papers I recieved from the records department in St. Louis listed him as assigned to the 276th Engineer Battalion and his Enlisted Record and Report of Seperation listed him as Headquarters and Service Company 370th Engineer Combat Battalion. I have been told stories from my father that he also drove a general around for some time. I have may photos that he left me and will post them on the website when I can. I hope this name rings a bell with someone. Thanks to the forum for helping me get the word around. Attached is a photo of him just for starters.
Have you contacted the Army Corps of Engineers, Office of History yet? That is your best bet. They may not have personal records regarding him specifically, they will have regimental records which will tell you a lot about the two units in question.
Please see our Research Section for specific links and addresses and phone numbers to assist you.
There are also links for NARA in Maryland etc., . They have unit records.
Here's a contact. Have you tried this gentleman yet?
276th Engr (Combat) Bn
Mr. L. Sharp
RR 1, Box 433
Jay OK 74346
918-854-3082
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Have you talked with Dick Fietz from the 370th yet? If not, let me know and I will send you his contact information.
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"
Great photo, btw. Looks like he was on the Siegfried Line.
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"
Great photo, btw. Looks like he was on the Siegfried Line.
I have many more photos and will post some more, I will try again to contact the groups you mentioned and see where they take me. Thanks. Here are a few more photos. One is from the Eagles Nest.
I merged both of these topics, as they should be together.
Thanks for posting even more photos. We sure love seeing them.
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"
Hello everyone, here are a few more photos from what my grandfather took in Europe for your enjoyment. He labeled the first photo Dijon, France 1945. The last four he has labeled Col. Dunbar Bridge, Mannheim, Germany 1945. Hope you like them, if anyone sees anything familiar please share.
Bridge photos are very impressive. Look at all that mud! Can you imagine working in that stuff?
Thank you for taking the time to post them here. I surely appreciate your efforts. I LOVE bridge photos!
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"