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552 Ordinance
Liberation of Beynes, France
Captain Black
Richard (Dick) Blaha
Pvt. Sol Geffner
John Edward Graham III
Bill Hammonds
Corporal Chester W. Horning
Mess Sgt. Roland A. "Skip" Houle
Ralph Jines
James Melvin Kellie
Joseph Kowalski
Lt. Charles D. Lemons
Arthur Nicholas
Charles O'Neil
Wilbert Phillips
Staff Sergeant Victor R. Quaranta
Cade Reno
Sergeant Romich
Paul Schneider
Merritt Worley
Roy Zimmerman

IN SEARCH OF: 552nd Ordinance

"My father was in Heavy Recovery Section of this unit serving on Wreckers and M25 Tank
Transporters throughout Europe from Normandy to Frankfurt. I have had no luck locating records
on this unit either from Nat’l Archives, or US Army Military History Institute. I have been told
I could get all the records I want about the 551st and the 553rd, but for some unknown reason
the records for the 552nd are not there. Most of the information I have compiled thus far has
been from the Internet or fellow veterans that served with my father. All have been very glad to
o hear from me, but most could offer little or no more information than I already have. I have
an album full of pictures he took in Texas and on the Battlefields of Europe, but it’s hard to
know what you are looking at when very few of the pictures are marked.
This outfit was not part of a higher echelon unit, but operated mostly by itself. They were
however attached to the127th Ordnance Battalion servicing 5th Armored for quite some time in
the area of the Falaise trap that was sprung on the Germans. From 2 Aug 44 to 11 Sep 44 they
moved from Carentan, Ducey, Vitre, Viages, Beaufay, Sees, Alencon, Treon, Villiers,
Villiers-le-Mahieu, Baron and finally Fontainbleau. I guess they were hard to keep track of
since they were such a small outfit."

If you have any information about the 552 Oridinance or the men who served,
please contact Thomas F. Dole, Jr. by
clicking here

IN SEARCH OF: James Melvin Kellie

I would like to know how to find information on my uncle who was killed in Luxemborg on Thanksgiving day I am told. He was in the 5th Armored Division. His name was James Melvin Kellie. If I can read his handwriting correctly his service No. was 37466567, ssn-is 500-22-2118. Any information about him would be appreciated.

Contact: James E. Kellie by
clicking here

IN SEARCH OF: Richard (Dick) Blaha

My name is Thomas Burke, an associate member of the 5th Armored Division Association. For years I've been searching for information regarding the 5th Armored Division and especially the 85th Reconnaissance Squad. I finally crossed paths with Mr. Will Clark (ed. note: Will Cook) on the Internet, and he has helped give me direction in my effort. I'm trying to find someone who knew or served with my Uncle. Actually, he was more like a big brother to me than an Uncle. His name was Richard (Dick) Blaha, a 1st Lieutenant in the 85th Cav. Rcn. Sq. (Mecz). I don't know which troop or company. He was reported killed in action August 4, 1944. My goal has been to contact anyone who knew him and could tell me about him during his years in the service, and also could tell me about the duties of the 85th. Of course my ultimate goal has been to find out what happened on August 4, 1944, but I don't know if that's possible after all these years.
I apologize if this request brings back memories and experiences veterans would prefer not to resurrect and revisit, and I do appreciate you taking the time to read this request.
I may be reached on the Internet at Tfjburke@aol.com
My home address is;
Thomas Burke
11169 Blodgett Creek trail
Strongsville, Ohio 44149

Contact: Thomas Burike by
clicking here

IN SEARCH OF: Merritt Worley

I am looking for any information on my Grandfather, Merritt Worley. He served with the 5th Armored from July 1944 Until the end of the war. He was in a different division at Omaha Beach, but there were so few survivors that they had to be transferred to new units. I am looking for anyone that may have served with him, or that may have any information. I do know that he attended a reunion in the late 80's, or early 90's. Mr. Worley was always very proud of having served in this division. I do have some pictures of Mr. Worley, and some of his fellow soldiers. If anyone is interested in seeing them, please let me know.
Thank you!
Jennifer Blake

Contact: Jennifer by
clicking here

IN SEARCH OF: Liberation of Beynes, France

Hello, I do some research about the liberation of Beynes, near Paris, by the combat command reserve of the 5th armored division. Do you have documents on this subject or do you know someone who can help me ?

Thanks

Fabrice Bourrée

Webmaster Note: Beynes is due west of Paris. It appears elements of the 5AD reserve liberated Beynes on or about 26, August and then turned north to St. Germain and to the confluence of the Seine and Oise Rivers on 28-29, August.

The 5AD would have bivouaced south of Mantes (north of Beynes) on 26 August and then pushed on to Paris. If anyone has information, they can contact Fabrice at:

Contact: Fabrice by
clicking here

IN SEARCH OF: Paul Schneider

I'm searching for information on Paul Schneider. He was a medic with the 47th Armored Infantry, possibly B Company. He was wounded 25 November in a mine field along with at least one other soldier. He received a bronze star for his efforts that day. If you remember Paul or have any information, please

contact Warren Kruger by
clicking here

IN SEARCH OF: Wilbert Phillips 2/18/01

Dear Mr. Stilley, Thank you very much for your attempts to help me obtain information on my grandfather's military history. I will try to give you everything I know about him, but unfortunately there isn't much to tell since he died in 1960 when my father was only 12. His full name was Wilbert Phillips (no middle name), he was born 10-8-1908 and died 7-23-1960. He has a military gravestone and below his name it says "Tennessee", and then below that it says, "PFC ENGINEERS. His registration number was 35661622. He was from Huntsville, Tennessee, Scott County, but he may have been living in Cincinnati, Ohio or just across the river in Kentucky at the time of his induction.From the research I have done, I believe the first two digits of his registration number would indicate he was in Ohio or Kentucky at the time, but that would only be a guess. I have scowered what few items have been handed down to my dad and myself. We have a unit history of the 5th Armored Division, and an old photograph of him at Camp Lee, Virginia.Other than that, there isn't much I know. While he was alive, apparently he didn't like to talk much about the war; consequently, very little got passed down.  My grandmother has been dead for about 15 years, and they lived apart about nine months out of the year when they were married, so that potential avenue for information is now gone. Oh, one story that may or may not help. My grandfather had very little schooling, and when he would receive letters, apparently one of his officers (or perhaps it was just a buddy) would read his letters to him. The story goes that this man was killed in the war and my dad--Brown Phillips--was named after him. I don't know if "Brown" was supposed to be this soldier's first or last name (my guess would be a last name), but that's the story. I've inherited it as a middle name. Perhaps there are rolls of those killed within the division and perhaps even within the engineer battalions? Anyway, maybe that little story will help. That is just about the sum total of my knowledge of my grandfather's World War II experiences. If there is any other information you need, please email me. Thank you so much for your trouble. I really do appreciate it.
Sincerely,
Shannon Phillips

Please contact Shannon by
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IN SEARCH OF: Cade Reno 3/10/01

I am seeking information from anyone who may have served with my uncle, Crpl. Cader (Cade) Coates Reno during WWII. He served with Troop C of the 85th Calvary Recon Squadron. My 88 year old mother, Cades sister, is interested in learning about his experience while in the European theater. Any information would be very much appreciated.
Thank you.
Terry Lawrence

Please contact Terry by
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IN SEARCH OF: Sergeant Romich 3/11/01

In searching your site for the above I found my Father in law's name Andy Yurko mentioned as he was seriously wounded in the Hurtgen Forest on Dec 10th 1944. It described his unfortunate experience as he described it to me.A tree weakened by tree bursts from probably German 88 mm's caused it to fall and crush his spine which resulted in his being partially pralyzed the remainder of his life. He passed away at the Long Beach CA. VA Hospital on May 11, 1984. His injury did not prevent him from getting married on his return to the U.S. and having two daughters, the youngest of which I married. I spent time with the 7th Army of Occupation in Germany and so have some service background and a feeling for WW 2 history. I was a medic with the 120th Station Hospital and we were responsible for taking care of the 2nd A.D. stationed in Baumholder. I wonder if I could get some info on the other soldier wounded with Andy - a Sergeant Romich who is also mentioned. Any info or leads would be much appreciated. Needless to say I was quite amazed to find Andy's name on the site since he was only a private tho' there was a reference to the period in the book "A Dark and Bloody Ground" by Edward Miller. I have a picture of Andy on a Harley motorcycle identified as belonging to the 81st Tk. Bn holding a Model 28 Thompson if anyone is collecting pictures for the site. Thank you for your effort-it's quite a piece of work and I'm sure much appreciated by veterans and their families.
J.A. Gottlieb

Please contact Mr. Gottlieb by
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IN SEARCH OF: Charles O'Neil 3/30/01

I've been trying to research the history of my uncle's unit (10th Tk Bn, 5th AD) and came across your site. If you have or could direct me to anyone having info on Charles O'Neil, I would appreciate very much hearing from them. I know he was part of the 5th AD at Camp Cook, CA and was KIA March 31, 1945 near Senden, Gr.

Regards
Jim Kolanek

Please contact Mr. Kolanek by
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IN SEARCH OF: Arthur Nicholas 9/19/01

Charles Bleau is seeking information on the location of Arthur Nicholas. Arthur was attached to the 71st AFA, 5AD during WWII. Arthur's last known address was Edgarton, WV.

Please contact Charles Bleau by
Clicking Here

IN SEARCH OF: Corporal Chester W. Horning 12/02/02

I would like to know how to communicate with your Lost and Found site. I just recently found your web site, and am extremely interested in the ammount of information you have compiled. I am trying to find any information, pictures, or people my father served with in the 5th AD, 46 AIB, Co B. His name was Cpl. Chester W. Horning. He was with the 5th from day one, having been in Ft Knox, Pine Camp, all the way to Berlin. He was wounded on 21 December, 1944, and sent to Holland to recuperate. He left Holland and caught back up to his unit at some point in time, but I don't know much of this. A year ago, I was contacted by an organization in Heerleen, Holland, called Faceless Children. The outcome of this is, I have a brother in Holland. Apparently, my Dad wasn't wounded that bad. My brother has recently visited from Holland, and we have many questions. Maybe someone else from the 5th was there in Holland at that time. According to the book I have, The Victory Division in Europe, there were 18 men wounded on this day in December. Possibly, someone might still remember my Dad.

Frank Horning

Please contact Frank Horning by
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IN SEARCH OF: Joseph Kowalski 12/27/02

My name is Tpr. Scott Henry, and I am a Criminal Investigator with the Pennsylvania State Police/Troop 'F'- Montoursville Criminal Investigation Unit. I am writing your organization regarding assistance in locating any individual who may have served in the Fifth Armoured Division with Joseph (UMN) Kowalski.

The personal information that I have for Mr. Kowalski is as follows: W-N/M, DOB:05/18/18, Serial #33075215, and a resident of Coatsville, Pa. It is my understanding that Mr. Kowalski enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1941, was discharged in 1945, and served in the ETO from 02/04/44 to 10/06/45. In addition Mr. Kowalski passed away in 1998.

I am currently assisting in an extremely important investigation which occurred in 1999, and in which assistance is needed in identifying old photographs of Mr. Kowalski, to identify any service personnel who may have visited Mr. Kowalski in Coatsville, Pa. in the late 1940's or 1950's, etc.

I would appreciate your assistance in posting my request to the members of the Fifth Armoured Division. I can be reached a number of ways which consist of this e-mail address, tel.#(570)368-5700, or by mail: Pa. State Police-Montoursville, 899 Cherry St., Montoursville, Pa. 17754.

I thank you for your assistance.

Tpr. Scott Henry

Please contact Tpr. Henry by
Clicking Here

IN SEARCH OF: Captain Black 05/22/2003

Hi, I'm searching for a Captain Black, known have been with the 5th Armored Division at wars end in 1945.

Would you have any information as to what unit of the 5th he was either in command of or attached to? And, the names and contact information for him, family or other members of his unit?

Any help would be appreciated.

Thank you,

Richard J. Kimmel

Please contact Mr. Kimmel by
Clicking Here

IN SEARCH OF: Sergeant Victor R. Quaranta 05/28/2003

I am looking for anyone who might have known my Uncle Staff Sergeant Victor R. Quaranta, who was killed in Luxembourg on 9-11-44. He was in Co. C - 46th Armored Infantry.

Thank you, Karen

Please contact Karen by
Clicking Here

IN SEARCH OF: Roland A. "Skip" Houle 7/19/2003

I am looking for any information on my father Roland A. "Skip" Houle. He was with the 71st A.F.A. with the 5th AD. He was a mess sgt. I have very little information and would like to know more about him. Please get in touch with me, I so much want to know something, anything about him.

Thanks,

Lori Banks

Please contact Lori by
Clicking Here

IN SEARCH OF: Information on Lt. Charles D. Lemons

I recently found your site and I really enjoy it. My father was in the 5th. armored, 46th. inf. "C" co. His rank and name was Lt. Charles D. Lemons. He was with the 5th.armored all the way from the St. Lo break thru to the very end of the war when his outfit was in Tangermunde, Germany. He was in 5 major battles and was injured nov. 30th. 1944 in the Hurtgan forest and returned to active duty right before the Battle of the Bulge around Dec. 14-18 1944. I am looking for anyone who knew my dad, any info or stories would be greatly apprecited as we were working on writing down his war stories when his passed away on 6-9-03. I also have pictures of the 46th. inf. "C" co. and misc. pictures of those he served with, Cap. Claude Cason, Lt Bill Mackey, Lt. JR, Sgt. Thomas Baines, Company clerk Donald Gasdorf, ect....Thank You from the daughter of Charles D. Lemons, Betty "Lemons" Kaufman

You can contact me at kaufs1@aol.com

Please contact Betty by
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IN SEARCH OF: Information on Pvt. Sol Geffner

I am trying to locate anyone who knew my dad, Sol Geffner, 5th AD, 47th AIB, Company C, Combat Command R who was killed in the Huertgen Forest battles on December 7, 1944 in Bergistein, Germany. He was born in N.Y.C., New York. He was buried in Henri Chapelle, Belgium on December 17, 1944. If you know of my dad or the actions of the 47th AIB, please email me at spilkia@comcast.net. Thank you so much.

You can view a picture of Pvt. Sol Geffner by
Clicking Here

Please contact Art by Clicking Here

Art can also be reached via telephone at (home) 410 - 964 - 3259 and (office) 410 - 965 - 5153

IN SEARCH OF: Information surrounding the death of Ralph Jines

Hello all. I'm 34 years old and my uncle Ralph Jines served in the 5th AD in WWII. He was in the 34th Tank Battalion. He was KIA in August of 1944 but the details of his death are not certain. Any info on my uncle would be appreciated. My mom would especially be pleased with any info on him. My email is jsncrs@charter.net Or if somebody could direct me in the right direction to get more info would be great. Thank you.

Jason Robertson

Please contact Jason by
Clicking Here

IN SEARCH OF: Information on John Edward Graham III

Hello, my name is Ethan Kincaid my Grandfather was a soldier in the AD. His name was John Edward Graham 3rd, from what i understand he was a machine gunner on a halftrack.Unfourtunally he died in 1996 .As a kid he told me stories about the war , I loved listening to his stories and he was my hero it sounds corny i know.I was hoping that by sending this i could find someone or something knowing about his experences.I know he fought in the Hurtgen forest, he had a buddy named Arliegh Branvoled nicknamed the owl I think. My Grandfathers nickname was the Kid. He lived in Providence, Rhode Island. My Grandfather never told me any specific dates, that I can remember. I know its not a lot to go on, and if nothing can be found I will always have those stories he told me. I thank you very much for your time regardless of the results. My e-mail addresses is EKIN454@AOL.COM.

Sincerely,

Ethan Kincaid

Please contact Jason by
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IN SEARCH OF: Information on Roy E. Zimmerman

My father, PFC. Roy E. Zimmerman, served in the 5AD during WWII and I would appreciate it very much if you would post this letter on your Lost & Found site. I would like to correspond with someone who knew him back then. He was close friends with a Julius Csackeney (not real sure of last name spelling) and a Johnny Major, both members of 5AD.(these two gentleman along with my father are now deceased) Any and all assistance will be greatly appreciated.

Thank You,

Rickey E. Zimmerman

Please contact Rickey by
Clicking Here

IN SEARCH OF: Information on Bill Hammonds

I am searching for any information related to the photo that appears on the
47th AIB Page.
It is a photo of five members of the 47th AIB Headquarters Company. My father, Bill Hammonds, is second from the right.
Unfortunately, I do not know the names of the other men in the photo. If anyone knows their identity or has information
related to them, please contact me.

Thank You,

Edward Hammond

Please contact Edward by Clicking Here