Robert Nichols - 160th Engineer

[Walt's Daughter]

A gentleman recently wrote to me looking for specific info:

 

My uncle Robert Nichols was killed on February 7, 1945 in Echternach, Luxembourg.

I am trying to contact anyone who may have served with him. Please contact

Wayne Nichols

 

 

Thanks!

 

Wayne

 

I then wrote back requesting more info:

 

Robert was killed on February 7, 1945 in Echternach, Luxembourg along

with several other engineers on the Sauer River. I have been to Echternach

and found a plaque on the Sauer River where that were killed. I have

been trying to locate a book on the history of 160 Engineer Combat Unit

which I know exists. My uncle was from Kannapolis, North Carolina

and was 21 on December 31, 1944.

 

Please respond with any information relating to Robert's death, etc.

 

Thanks!

 

Wayne Nichols

 

 

Wayne,

 

In the meantime you can gather more info on the unit. Please see these previous posts on our forum, while you are still searching for specifics on Robert:

 

http://www.6thcorpscombatengineers.com/engforum/index.php?showtopic=3399

 

http://www.6thcorpscombatengineers.com/engforum/index.php?showtopic=1445&hl=160th

[SonofaMP]

Here is an excelent account of of the crossing of the Sauer River on 7 Feb 1945.

http://76thdivision.com/WRF/w-r-f_022.html

 

There is a 160th book listed on amazon.com, used $125. from a reseller.

 

If Wayne wants the details of his uncle`s death, he needs to obtain his I.D.P.F. , Individual Deceaced Personel File.

 

Requesting an IDPF

Write a letter addressed to:

US Army

Human Resources Command

Attn: AHRC-PAO(FOIA), Room 7S65

200 Stovall Street

Alexandria, VA 22331-0400

 

Include the text:

Pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, I hereby make a request for the Individual Deceased Personnel File for (Enter the name of the serviceman or woman). (Enter the name) died or was killed-in-action while serving in the military during (Enter the name of the War).

Provide as much of the following information as is known:

•Full name

 

•Military service (serial) number

 

•Division, unit information

 

•Date and place of birth

 

•Date and place of death

 

•Branch of the service

 

•Relationship to the deceased

[Jean Jacobson]

Wow, Lee, I just sent the above info to someone. I have never pursued that location.

 

Thank you,

Jean J

[AlaskanGal]

Marion,

 

I didn't see a way to get a hold of Wayne. If you would be kind enough to let him know, I have a Xerox copy of the 160th Engineer Combat Unit book I'll give to him. His uncle's name appears as one of the twenty three men the book was dedicated to.

 

Also, thanks for the "other information" Marion. I had a good laugh!

 

Nancy

[Walt's Daughter]

I will send you his info. Sorry, didn't realize it wouldn't be a direct connect. Glad you got a kick out of my email.

[glen blasingim]

Wayne, I am posting a few pictures from my copy of the 160th Engineer Combat Battalion book. These pictures do not have a lot of detail. The best that I can tell, the group pictures were taken around March 1945. These group pictures of Company B would be men that Robert served with and that he probably was at least aquainted with most of them, some close friends. I will be posting more soon.

Glen Blasingim

[glen blasingim]

Wayne, these are some pictures that have a remote possibility of having a recognizable picture of your uncle Robert L. Nichols in them. If you do see him in any of these pictures please let me know and describe which one is him so that I can put a name to a face.

[CaptO]

That is a good tribute.

[Walt's Daughter]

Thanks for your efforts!!! Great job!

[glen blasingim]

Thanks, Marion. Wayne is still trying to find a copy of the 160th Engineer Combat Battalion book. I haven't seen a copy anywhere, any ideas?