I received a phone call from Major John Ladd this week looking for historical info on the 253rd Combat Engineers as the unit is being re-activated as a National Guard unit in Phoenix, Arizona. He is the operations officer for the unit. If anyone would like to contact him, please email me and I'll provide the info.
Also, if anyone would like a DVD of the film of the 253rd C E in WWII that was shot by one of it's men in A company, let me know. It is around 25 minutes and is silent. We believe we know who shot it but haven't been able to confirm that yet. This is an extremely rare look at the travels of the 253rd from basic training and in Europe from 1943-46. I'll make them available for a very low price to cover the costs of the disk and mailing.
And, I have a second DVD which is an interview with Mr. Normal Russell (Pvt Russell back in WWII) who's memory is perfect and has excellent recollections of his time with the 253rd. I runs an hour and 34 minutes.
Jim Herron
Phone 813 932-3887
Email removed for privacy