Hellcat News, (Kirkland, Wash.), Vol. 31, No. 1, Ed. 1, September/October 1976 Page: 4 of 16
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PAGE 4
Armored
CHARLES C. KOTULA B/82nd
Box #423 - Jackson Road
Medford, N.J. 08055
Once again we can kiss off another wonder-
ful Reunion, and that's just what we did too.
Some even came back for seconds! We really
hated to leave, and we didn't! Some of us got
stuck at the airport for about four hours. We
had our tickets re-scheduled several times
before they glued a plane together in St.
Louis (I think) to get us out of there. We
were contemplating calling Geo. Moss but
thought he needed a rest along about that
time. Anyway we had good company, Tom,
Joan, and Mary Finley got to stay over in
Chicago because they missed all planes going
their way. Several others leaving the Re-
union had to re-adjust their schedules also.
The Caravelli's and Kotula's landed in
Philadelphia, Pa. about 1:30 A.M. My
brother-in-law came to meet us at 10:00 P.M.
He said he knows more about our airport
than we do. They never did change us off our
scheduled flight on the Philadelphia end. We
never did receive the telegram the "Ozark"
lines was going to send at 9 P.M. And we
haven't heard from the Finley's since we left
them in Chicago! ???
We had 33 signed in for the big doings.
Louis Hinds signed the roster but we didn't
see him. We called these two numbers and
couldn't reach him (528-2202 and 626-3406)
we had a seat arranged for him for dinner
next to Ken and Stella Zaraco. Sgt. Thomas
and his wife, Louise, didn't stay for the
Dinner Dance, but it was great to see them
again. We had two new faces this year. We
hope they liked us well enough to come again.
Dayton and Ellen Wright from Nashville,
Tenn. They had a room down the hall from us
so we had a chance to get-together often. The
Caravelli's had a wet bar in their room ad-
joining ours so they became Host and
Hostess of the Medics. We missed the
Clemente's this year, but we can truthfully
say, "all you guys sure don't know what
you've been missing."
The Zoraco's had a lovely trip to Illinois
and enjoyed every minute of it. It took two
days to drive out and was worth every mile.
They joined their old friends and also the new
ones. Stella says, "My husband Ken
(The Hellcat) was stretching his neck for four
days trying to find some of his old Buddies
that live in the area, but much to his
disappointment he couldn't find anyone. He
couldn't believe it! But with every disap-
pointment comes something good. After
thirty years he did meet an old friend and
buddie, Lt. Bill Roark. It was a thrill to see
those two guys hugging each other, while the
men talked and reminisced the ladies enjoyed
each other's company, too. Bill's wife, Dutch,
is a most charming and lovely friend." Mr.
George Moss did a splendid job and deserves
a lot of thanks. As always Kenny and Stella.
We were expecting Walt and Eileen Des-
mond at the reunion. They were bringing
Doc. and Mary MacLeod. We received a
telegram from Eileen saying that Walt had
had a slight stoke. We were very sorry to
hear this. Tom Finley got a card and we all
sent Walt our prayers and good wishes.
We received a letter from Walt this week
as follows: — My sincere thanks for the very
nice remembrance coming from Springfield.
You don't realize how we missed attending
the Convention and not seeing all you
wonderful folks. Sounds like you had a ball.
As you know I was hospitalized for a slight
stoke which I weathered beautifully with all
your prayers and good wishes. While I was in
the hospital they discovered a lump in my
right groin. Chemo therapy is the order of
the day, which will commence in a week or
so, and with the Good Lord behind me I hope
to lick this thing. Another disappointing
feature was not getting to bring Doc. and
Mary MacLeod to the Convention. From all
reports they are both doing well and perhaps
we can all be together in Philadelphia. We
received a phone call from Tom Finley and
was glad to hear his voice. Charlie will you
thank all those wonderful people for the card
and assuring comments. Signed; Sincerely,
Walt and Eileen.
We received a letter from Mrs. Beatrice
Fistner (B) as follows: — I am writing this to
inform you that my husband, George Fistner,
suddenly passed away on Memorial Day,
May 31, 1976 of a massive heart attack. We
have two children, a daughter, JoAnn, 22
years and a son, Frank, 19 years. JoAnn just
had a baby girl two days before George died.
I'm sorry we never got to a reunion, various
things always came up. Please inform
members of your organization of Georges
death. Signed Mrs. Fistner, 628 Centre St.,
Easton Pa. 18042.
We received a change of address for
Albert Pounds, it is — 1708 Gillham Dr.,
Brownfield, Texas 79316.
Allen Horowitz verified the death of two
names we had on the "Lost Buddie List" in
the July 1976 News. George Howard, Woods-
town, N.J. died of lung cancer May 18, 1956
and Edward Feron, Floral Park, L.I., N.Y.,
died April 30, 1972. Both were listed in the
H.C. News at the time. That explains why
the card on both men was pink, I guess. That
was before my time of writing the column.
Thanks Allen. Allen goes on to say: It was
good seeing you all again. Ed and Millie, the
Roarks, and all the rest. In spite of the
troubles with the Hotel, I think it was a good
get-together. One that will be good for
memories and recollections in later years.
We have a renewal for James Atherton
(Hq) R 5 - Box 76, Owensboro, Ky. 42301.
Jim enjoys reading the HC News. He has
been disabled 19 months. June 3 he suffered
a very bad coronary. Will take months to
regain his health. (From the Sec. to the Rep.
— This came too late for the last report. We
hope that things are progressing down the
pathway to good health for Jim and that your
good wishes will go flying along with ours to
wish him a speedy recovery.)
Warm Regards;
Charlie
Armored
Artillery
OWEN P. SCHUMACHER B/493rd
R.R. #1 - Box # 1-A
Batesville, IN. 47006
July 22, 23, 24, 25, 1976 a memorable
week-end and a good time were had by all
that attended. Of course, I am referring to
the 30th Annual Reunion of Hellcats at
Forum 30, Springfield, Illinois. We of 493rd
broke our previous record, as we had 33 guys
and gals present. 8 couples from A Battery, 8
couples from B Battery and a singleton from
C Battery. For you Hellcats who didn't make
it, you missed seeing Dorrell and Martha
Moore, Herb and Kay Arenz, George and
Violet Elless, Marion and Hannah Daven-
port, Porter Hamrieck and wife, Harry and
Elizabeth Schultz, Robert and Virginia
Mixell and George and Barbara Carr all of A
Battery. Vernon and Sarah Wates, Til and
Bunny Julson, Walter and Helen Hansen,
Harley and Lela DeGroot, Earl and Helen
Briggs, Mel and Marie Farrand and Joe and
Renee Boland of B Battery, and Paul Zanieski
of C Battery. Oops, nearly forgot Tillie and I
were there. If you doubt we had a good time,
contact any of the above and I know they will
tell you the same. It was grand. All the A
Battery people except Dorrell and Herb were
1st timers and so was Joe for B Battery and
Paul for C Battery. Maybe I better qualify
that as I only know of the reunions I have
made and the more recent ones. Maybe they
made an earlier one, but it was my 1st
meeting with them since Germany and boy,
did they all look good. I just run out of words
when I try to describe the feeling, when you
first meet. It's grand. Being more familiar
with Joe Bohland, he didn't change a bit, and
it was so nice to see him and Renee. I just
hope you guys and gals know what a grand
week-end you helped make for Tillie and the
old bald-headed rep.
Things happened so fast that week-end, I
can't remember who was there when we
arrived or the order in which they got there,
but one by one we made contact and things
got better by the minute. The old regulars
were there or arriving and each looked better
than a year or two ago. Standing out in my
mind was my first contact with Joe Boland.
Knowing that he planned to be there,
naturally we kept looking for him to arrive.
30 years is a long time, and the thought keeps
running through your mind, "will I know
him?" or "will he know me?" and "will he
make it this time?" Well, suddenly the
waiting is over and I see a guy that just has
to be him at top of the steps to the
mezzanine, and you know, it was Joe. He
hadn't changed a bit and it was just like 30
years ago. Joe, it was swell, hope we can do
it again in Phila next year — God willing.
The A Battery guys and gals were arriving
and I still hadn't lined up a face in my mind,
so I didn't know who I was looking for. I
fianlly phoned George Elless room and made
a date with them to meet in the Artillery
Room, to get acquainted. Marion Davenport
was in their room at the time, and nearly
before I hung up, he was knocking at our
door. That picked-up a friendship of 30 years
ago, and we had a nice chat and followed by
meeting the whole A Battery gang in the
Artillery Room later on Thursday evening.
Friday was morning meeting and afternoon
memorial service at Lincoln's Tomb. It was
hot, but most everyone survived. Three
buses shuttled us to and from the cemetery.
Only casualty to my knowledge, was a fall on
rough sod at cemetery by Dorrell, but Thank
God as he said "All that was hurt was his
pride". Jim Moulder was taking care of
reservations for the Artillery Dinner in our
room on Friday night. It started to be a mild
affair and when all reservations were in, we
had 167 Artillery People eat together.
Besides, General Brewer attended and had a
short message for us. I must tell you of my
meeting him. There was a message for me at
the desk, from Herb Arenz and I was leaving
the room to go to the lobby. The corridors
were quite dark, and as I came out of the
room I confronted an elderly gentleman, who
after a cheerful greeting, asked where we
were to register. Pushing my door open
again to shed more light on him, I realized
that it was General Brewer. He accompanied
me to the mezzanine and I left him at the
registration desk. Yes, we attracted atten-
tion all the way from the fifth floor to the
registration desk. I said We, maybe it was
the General that attracted the attention. Just
maybe.
Back to the Artillery Dinner. After dinner
and the General's remarks, all outfits were
recognized and each person stood up and
identified himself by name and battalion and
battery, and introduced his wife. One guy,
who I won't name said, "It was the first time
in 30 years I said B 493rd, and I was proud all
over". I know he was sincere as Joe Boland
never joshes about such a subject. Oops, the
name slipped out. The balance of the evening
was devoted to partying and dancing in the
grand ballroom. Saturday was again meeting
in morning and balance of day for yourself.
Then the grand banquet and dance and as I
said before "a grand time was had by all".
You know, even though there was plenty of
booze available, there wasn't a person to my
recollection, who acted unruly. Our whole
division was and still is a gang to be proud
(very proud) of. Sunday morning the A
battery guys and gals were generally depart-
ing early, but the B Battery guys and gals
and Dorrell Moore and Martha ate breakfast
together and then bade each other the sad
bye-byes. At our age and all, if any of you
guys who weren't there, want to see a buddy,
you better plan on the next reunion at Phila-
delphia, because time keeps marching on.
The 494th gang deserve a lot of credit, as
they hosted the artillery room, mentioned
above, and did a grand job of it. Just to single
out one guy, Jim Moulder, Yuba City,
California. I enjoyed the room, which we re-
ferred to as "the Dungeon" as it was at the
second level below street level. It was a nice
room and right next to the swimming pool,
(or should I say wading pool). The Artillery
Dinner Friday night was tops and it was sure
a lot of work for Jim Moulder to put together.
Thanks, Jim. So much for the Reunion.
You know, after a reunion like we had at
Springfield, there were so many things
happen that would warrant space, I am sure I
will forget something important, but I will
try to put them in as I recall them. Some in
later issues, maybe. Letters and phone calls
were received and I find it hard to scatter my
thoughts together. Friday, July 30, we had a
phone call from Marion and Hannah Daven-
port, who said, "they were just thinking of us
and the wonderful weekend and decided to
call." Hannah was ill after returning home
and she had been to the doctor and had to go
back again. Sure hope it wasn't the "Legion-
naires Disease" like Philadelphia, which
came up after this happened. Thanks both of
you. Tillie and I enjoyed the call.
Had a nice not from Walt and Helen
Hansen, — Detroit. Said they got home
about 9:00 P.M. Sunday night. They rested
up Monday, and then set out for Kings Island
on Tuesday morning with their son and his
boy friend. Kings Island is a large
amusement park just north of Cincinnati,
Ohio and a five hour drive for the Hansens.
They spent two nights and a day there, and
then back to Detroit and the end of vacation
for this year. I will quote the last paragraph,
"I still can't understand some of our fellow
members saying that they retired and do a
lot of traveling, but when we have a reunion,
just a few miles from their home, they can't
make it — So if the shoe fits??" Thanks Walt
and Helen for the note.
I think I finally did something right.
Because I hadn't seen Joe Boland for 30
years, I asked Renee to bring me up-to-date
with personal data, and following is the info.
They live at New Kensington, PA. 15068 at
1238 Woodmont Avenue. It is 30 miles up the
Allegheny River from Pittsburgh and Joe
works for Mine Safety Appliances Co.,
Wilkersburg, Pa., as an Industrial Engineer.
They were blessed with 7 children, ages 13 to
30,4 boys married, and 2 girls and boy still at
home. Seven grandchildren, 5 girls and 2
boys, age 1 month to 10 years. One son in
Dayton, Ohio and all others in New Kensing-
ton area. Joe, Renee and 4 married boys are
all avid golfers. Don't shoot me, Joe, but
Renee said you shoot in low 40's. Joe had a
golf match with son at Dayton on Monday
after reunion. Renee, you did a grand job in
giving us the pertinent info and we all thank
you.
Letter received the other day from George
(Honest John) and Barbara Corr, (A) Box 56,
Davidsonville, Maryland 21035. Their return
home was delayed a day for some reason, at
any rate they visited with Betty and Harry
Schultz who took them to the airport about
3:00 P.M. Sunday. After saying good-bye
they settled down to wait for their flight
which didn't take off till the next day. They
said they missed the gang Sunday night, as
they were lonesome. He sent me dues for
Paul C. Bickling, Vaugh Avenue, Greensboro,
Maryland 21639 and Charles Zincon, 401
Maple Avenue, Westminster, Maryland
21157. Both are A battery men. Real good
work "Honest John", and real nice to hear
that you finally got back home.
Sent a note to Emil Meyer and Elsie
Nelson after reunion and had a nice reply.
Elsie says that Emil has Good and Bad Days,
but sure enjoys hearing from the old buddies.
He especially enjoyed the card sent (I believe
by) Til and Bunny Julson and signed by all
the guys and gals. He wanted to thank the
Briggs, Moore, Boland, Arenz, Wates, De-
Groot, Julson, Hansen, Farrand and us. We
are especially glad if it cheered you up, Emil.
Keep the old tailgate up. Elsie says it is Dry
and Hotter than h— in Minnesota. To think
that Sundberg used to tell me to come to
Minnesota to keep cool, if I didn't like hot
Indiana. It must have changed.
I know I have taken more than my share of
space in Hellcat News, so I better HALT
and right now. More next month. 30 for now.
IN LOVING MEMORY
To the families of the following Hellcats
may we express our Deepest and most
Profound Sympathies on their loss. May they
Rest in Peace.
HERBERT MODROW B/66th passed
away on June 28,1976 after a lengthy illness.
MELVIN TALCOTT D/43rd passed away
on his birthday of a heart attack.
PAUL MONFILS Hq/43rd passed away on
May 10, 1976 of a heart attack.
HENRY BARKER B/17th passed away in
June, 1976.
ERPLE EARL KINCAID Hq/CCA passed
away July 22, 1976.
JAMES L. TODD 66th passed away May
29, 1976, following a long illness.
L.M. HERRING 493rd passed away in
January 1976.
GEORGE FROST Sv/714th passed away
August 18, 1976, after a prolonged illness.
GEORGE FISTNER B/82nd passed away
May 31, 1976 of a heart attack.
GEORGE HOWARD 82nd passed away
May 18, 1956.
ED FERON 82nd passed away April 30,
1972.
CHESTER BOWERS F/92nd passed away
in 1974 as reported by Cliff Mosser F/92nd
PHILLIP T. BODEN B/494th passed away
in 1974 as reported by Ray Owens Sv/494th
EDWARD W. GENT SV/66th passed
away on August 8, 1976.
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Twelfth Armored Division Association (U.S.). Hellcat News, (Kirkland, Wash.), Vol. 31, No. 1, Ed. 1, September/October 1976, newspaper, 1976; (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth410357/m1/4/: accessed June 12, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting The 12th Armored Division Memorial Museum.