| United States Army 1939-1945 |
Although my main passion is in collecting and preserving WWII aviation items, occasionally, I have come
across items that were non-aviation related that I just could not pass up. This page is dedicated to all of the
men who fought and died on the ground, who were forced to remain cold, hot, wet and exhausted for days and
weeks at a time, sometimes without the benefit of a hot meal or a warm shower. To the infantry, armoured
corp, artillery men and others who literally walked across Europe, may you always have a hot meal, a warm
shower and a comfortable bed to sleep in. Thank you for your service. (Click on any of the photos below for
a more detailed view.)
across items that were non-aviation related that I just could not pass up. This page is dedicated to all of the
men who fought and died on the ground, who were forced to remain cold, hot, wet and exhausted for days and
weeks at a time, sometimes without the benefit of a hot meal or a warm shower. To the infantry, armoured
corp, artillery men and others who literally walked across Europe, may you always have a hot meal, a warm
shower and a comfortable bed to sleep in. Thank you for your service. (Click on any of the photos below for
a more detailed view.)
Pictured above is an original, WWII, Rawlings manufactured tank crewmans helmet. This is the M-1938 model tanker
helmet, complete with proper receivers, throat microphone (not shown) and leather neck lanyard (not shown) for the
microphone. The helmet is also shown displayed with an original pair of M-38 Resistol goggles. This model of
helmet was produced by companies that still thrive today as sporting goods manufacturers including:
- Rawlings Manufacturing Corporation
- Wilson Athletic Goods Manufacturing Company
- Sears Saddlery Company
- A.G. Spaulding & Brothers
helmet, complete with proper receivers, throat microphone (not shown) and leather neck lanyard (not shown) for the
microphone. The helmet is also shown displayed with an original pair of M-38 Resistol goggles. This model of
helmet was produced by companies that still thrive today as sporting goods manufacturers including:
- Rawlings Manufacturing Corporation
- Wilson Athletic Goods Manufacturing Company
- Sears Saddlery Company
- A.G. Spaulding & Brothers
WWII bullion 7th Armoured shoulder patch and original tank destroyers
shoulder patch.
shoulder patch.
"No bastard ever won a war by dying for his country. He won it by
making the other poor dumb bastard die for his country."
- General George S. Patton, Jr
making the other poor dumb bastard die for his country."
- General George S. Patton, Jr
WWII cartoon art of Bill Mauldin - A true view of the common infantryman.
"Luger, $100 ... camera, $150 ... Iron
Cross, $12 ... it is good to be captured by
Americans."
Cross, $12 ... it is good to be captured by
Americans."
"Now that you mention it, it does sound like
th' patter of rain on a tin roof."
th' patter of rain on a tin roof."
***** I recently came into possession of a grouping of artifacts relating to a gentleman who
served in the 3rd Army, 712th Tank Battalion, 10th Tank Division (subsequently attached to the
90th Infantry Division). This gentleman was a tank crewman of a reconnaissance unit using the
M5 Stuart light tank. Included in this grouping was a large number of personal photographs, a
small captured German flag, "yard-long" unit photos, original patches and other personal items.
It is an honor to have been entrusted with these items to preserve what this gentlemen and
his comrades accomplished and experienced during the war. (See some of the items pictured
below.)
served in the 3rd Army, 712th Tank Battalion, 10th Tank Division (subsequently attached to the
90th Infantry Division). This gentleman was a tank crewman of a reconnaissance unit using the
M5 Stuart light tank. Included in this grouping was a large number of personal photographs, a
small captured German flag, "yard-long" unit photos, original patches and other personal items.
It is an honor to have been entrusted with these items to preserve what this gentlemen and
his comrades accomplished and experienced during the war. (See some of the items pictured
below.)
| 712th Tank Battalion and the 90th Infantry Division - A Brief History |
The 712th landed in France on D-Day + 23, and went into combat on 3 July 1944 on Hill 122, known as "the most
expensive piece of real estate in World War II," in terms of casualties. In the 11-day battle that lasted from 3 July to 13
July, the 90th Infantry Division suffered 7,000 casualties. The 712th fought its way through France crossing the Moselle
River and then the Saar River. They came back across the Saar and plunged into the Battle of the Bulge, after which they
crossed the Saar again, then the Rhine River. They had broken through the Siegfried Line and were penetrating into the
heart of Germany to Amberg by the time the war ended.
expensive piece of real estate in World War II," in terms of casualties. In the 11-day battle that lasted from 3 July to 13
July, the 90th Infantry Division suffered 7,000 casualties. The 712th fought its way through France crossing the Moselle
River and then the Saar River. They came back across the Saar and plunged into the Battle of the Bulge, after which they
crossed the Saar again, then the Rhine River. They had broken through the Siegfried Line and were penetrating into the
heart of Germany to Amberg by the time the war ended.
The first elements of the 90th Infantry Division saw action on D-Day, 6 June, on Utah Beach, Normandy, the
remainder entering combat, 10 June, cutting across the Merderet River to take Pont l'Abbe in heavy fighting.
After defensive action along the Douve, the Division attacked to clear the Foret de Mont Castre, clearing it by
11 July, in spite of fierce resistance. An attack on the island of Seves failing, 23 July, the 90th bypassed it and
took Periers, 27 July. On 12 August, the Division drove across the Sarthe River, north and east of Le Mans,
and took part in the closing of the Falaise Gap, taking Chambois, 19 August. It then raced across France,
through Verdun, 6 September, to participate in the siege of Metz, 14 September-19 November, capturing
Maizieres les Metz, 30 October, and crossing the Moselle at Koenigsmacker, 9 November. On. 6 December
1944, the Division pushed across the Saar and established a bridgehead north of Saarlautern, 618
December, but with the outbreak of the Von Rundstedt drive, withdrew to the west bank on 19 December, and
went on the defensive until 5 January 1945, when it shifted to the scene of the Ardennes struggle. It drove
across the Our River, near Oberhausen, 29 January, to establish and expand a bridgehead. In February, the
Division smashed through Siegfried fortifications to the Prum River. After a short rest, the 90th continued
across the Moselle to take Mainz, 22 March, and crossed the Rhine, the Main, and the Werra in rapid
succession. Pursuit continued to the Czech border, 18 April 1945, and into the Sudeten hills. The Division was
en route to Prague when the war in Europe ended.
remainder entering combat, 10 June, cutting across the Merderet River to take Pont l'Abbe in heavy fighting.
After defensive action along the Douve, the Division attacked to clear the Foret de Mont Castre, clearing it by
11 July, in spite of fierce resistance. An attack on the island of Seves failing, 23 July, the 90th bypassed it and
took Periers, 27 July. On 12 August, the Division drove across the Sarthe River, north and east of Le Mans,
and took part in the closing of the Falaise Gap, taking Chambois, 19 August. It then raced across France,
through Verdun, 6 September, to participate in the siege of Metz, 14 September-19 November, capturing
Maizieres les Metz, 30 October, and crossing the Moselle at Koenigsmacker, 9 November. On. 6 December
1944, the Division pushed across the Saar and established a bridgehead north of Saarlautern, 618
December, but with the outbreak of the Von Rundstedt drive, withdrew to the west bank on 19 December, and
went on the defensive until 5 January 1945, when it shifted to the scene of the Ardennes struggle. It drove
across the Our River, near Oberhausen, 29 January, to establish and expand a bridgehead. In February, the
Division smashed through Siegfried fortifications to the Prum River. After a short rest, the 90th continued
across the Moselle to take Mainz, 22 March, and crossed the Rhine, the Main, and the Werra in rapid
succession. Pursuit continued to the Czech border, 18 April 1945, and into the Sudeten hills. The Division was
en route to Prague when the war in Europe ended.
Above: Original photos, small captured German flag, and other items brought back as souvenirs by this
712th T.B. soldier. All are original items in excellent condition. Note the photograph showing a knocked
out German Panther!
712th T.B. soldier. All are original items in excellent condition. Note the photograph showing a knocked
out German Panther!
This booklet, "Tough 'Ombres!" is a
small booklet covering the history of the
90th Infantry Division. This booklet is
one of the series of "G.I. Stories"
published by the Stars & Stripes in
Paris in 1944-1945. This booklet is in
my collection as part of the grouping
shown.
small booklet covering the history of the
90th Infantry Division. This booklet is
one of the series of "G.I. Stories"
published by the Stars & Stripes in
Paris in 1944-1945. This booklet is in
my collection as part of the grouping
shown.
Above: An original, WWII issue combat medics, three panel, front seam
helmet. The helmet is complete with the interior liner and original straps.
helmet. The helmet is complete with the interior liner and original straps.
Destroyed by the 712th T.B.:
426 Trucks 26 AA Guns
253 Horsedrawn Vehicles 20 Armoured Cars
136 Half Tracks 11 Peeps
126 Artillery Pieces 7 Airplanes
116 AT Guns 6 Nebelwerfers
112 Command Cars 4 120mm Mortars
103 Tanks 2 Locomotives
57 SP Guns 2 Ammo Dumps
54 Motorcycles 1 Motor Boat
426 Trucks 26 AA Guns
253 Horsedrawn Vehicles 20 Armoured Cars
136 Half Tracks 11 Peeps
126 Artillery Pieces 7 Airplanes
116 AT Guns 6 Nebelwerfers
112 Command Cars 4 120mm Mortars
103 Tanks 2 Locomotives
57 SP Guns 2 Ammo Dumps
54 Motorcycles 1 Motor Boat
This is a small booklet obtained from
the same 712th T.B. veteran entitled,
"History of the 712th Tank Battalion".
The book itself is in fair condition, but
is complete and has a complete roster
listing of every member of the 712th
Tank Battalion along with several
photographs taken during the war.
the same 712th T.B. veteran entitled,
"History of the 712th Tank Battalion".
The book itself is in fair condition, but
is complete and has a complete roster
listing of every member of the 712th
Tank Battalion along with several
photographs taken during the war.
Ammunition Expended by the 712th T.B.:
3,000,000 rounds .30 cal.
100,000 rounds 75 mm
100,000 rounds .50 cal.
40,000 rounds 76 mm
25,000 rounds 37mm
100 Hand Grenades
3,000,000 rounds .30 cal.
100,000 rounds 75 mm
100,000 rounds .50 cal.
40,000 rounds 76 mm
25,000 rounds 37mm
100 Hand Grenades
| Above, two photographs taken from the above History of the 712th T.B. booklet. (Click on the photos for an enlarged view of each photo.) |
"Despite its proximity to the enemy and constant exposure to hostile artillery fire,
this organization kept the entire battalion supplied at all times."
Meritorious Service Unit Plaque
Service Company
this organization kept the entire battalion supplied at all times."
Meritorious Service Unit Plaque
Service Company
The origin of the "Tough Ombres" patch. The website of the 90th
Infantry Division provides the following explanation of the origin of
the patch shown to the left: Originally, the red T-O stood for Texas-
Oklahoma, since the division was made up almost entirely of men
from those two states. Later however, men were drawn from every
state in the nation, and the T-O came to represent, by common
consent, “Tough ‘Ombres”. Visit the 90th Infantry Division website at
www.90thdivisionassoc.org.
Infantry Division provides the following explanation of the origin of
the patch shown to the left: Originally, the red T-O stood for Texas-
Oklahoma, since the division was made up almost entirely of men
from those two states. Later however, men were drawn from every
state in the nation, and the T-O came to represent, by common
consent, “Tough ‘Ombres”. Visit the 90th Infantry Division website at
www.90thdivisionassoc.org.
| 8th Armored Division: 7th Armored Infantry Battalion: "The Thundering Herd" |
I had the tremendous opportunity to meet an American, WWII veteran who served in the 8th Armored Division: 7th
Armored Infantry Battalion, Company C, otherwise known as "The Thundering Herd." During my visit with this veteran, I
was given the honor and possession of a small WWII era German flag or small podium banner, that this veteran and a
number of other soldiers in his unit had captured, along with a booklet about the unit history of the 8th Armored Division.
The small flag is signed by several men from this unit and will forever hold a cherished position in my collection. The
following names appear signed on the flag: (See photographs below for more details.)
Raymond Nelson Emmett Segrue Vincent Spina Oscar B. Call Calvin Boyd
Thomas E. Adamchick Julian Apsel Michael Ostaffy Jimmie L. Hogg Lt. ??? Lane
Dwight Helfenstein Alvin E. Kerr "Blood and Gus" Gorna Bob Mott Charles V Burgert
If anyone has any additional information about any of these gentlemen or the circumstances behind the capture of this flag,
I would love to hear from you. If you happen to have a photograph of any of these gentlemen, I would really like to receive
a scan of the photograph and add their photo to this page. Thank you.
Armored Infantry Battalion, Company C, otherwise known as "The Thundering Herd." During my visit with this veteran, I
was given the honor and possession of a small WWII era German flag or small podium banner, that this veteran and a
number of other soldiers in his unit had captured, along with a booklet about the unit history of the 8th Armored Division.
The small flag is signed by several men from this unit and will forever hold a cherished position in my collection. The
following names appear signed on the flag: (See photographs below for more details.)
Raymond Nelson Emmett Segrue Vincent Spina Oscar B. Call Calvin Boyd
Thomas E. Adamchick Julian Apsel Michael Ostaffy Jimmie L. Hogg Lt. ??? Lane
Dwight Helfenstein Alvin E. Kerr "Blood and Gus" Gorna Bob Mott Charles V Burgert
If anyone has any additional information about any of these gentlemen or the circumstances behind the capture of this flag,
I would love to hear from you. If you happen to have a photograph of any of these gentlemen, I would really like to receive
a scan of the photograph and add their photo to this page. Thank you.
Pfc. Julian Apsel
8th Armored Division Statistics: WWII
The 8th Armored Division spent a total of 63 days in combat, fighting in three campaigns. During that 63
days, their casualty figures were as follows:
Killed 260
Wounded 1,015
Missing 38
Battle Casualties 1,313
Non-Battle Casualties 1,141
Total Casualties 2,454
****Also during that time, a number of awards were given individually to soldiers of the 8th Armored Division
for actions in combat. The break down of the awards is as follows:
Legion of Merits: 3
Silver Stars: 149
Bronze Stars: 560
Air Medals: 27
For more information about the 8th Armored Division, click on this link to go to a terrific website about these
great men: www.8th-armored.org
The 8th Armored Division spent a total of 63 days in combat, fighting in three campaigns. During that 63
days, their casualty figures were as follows:
Killed 260
Wounded 1,015
Missing 38
Battle Casualties 1,313
Non-Battle Casualties 1,141
Total Casualties 2,454
****Also during that time, a number of awards were given individually to soldiers of the 8th Armored Division
for actions in combat. The break down of the awards is as follows:
Legion of Merits: 3
Silver Stars: 149
Bronze Stars: 560
Air Medals: 27
For more information about the 8th Armored Division, click on this link to go to a terrific website about these
great men: www.8th-armored.org
1944 published booklet about the 8th
Armored Division - "The Thundering
Herd".
Armored Division - "The Thundering
Herd".
| John J. Bevec Hometown: Johnstown, PA |
M22 (Locust) M24 Chaffe M3 Stuart
Below are pictured items which I obtained from the esatete of John J.
Bevec, pictured to the left. Mr. Bevec proudly served his country during the
war. Below is a small German flag he and his fellow soldiers captured,
along with numerous technical manuals relating to light tank operations. All
of these items are part of my permanent collection.
Bevec, pictured to the left. Mr. Bevec proudly served his country during the
war. Below is a small German flag he and his fellow soldiers captured,
along with numerous technical manuals relating to light tank operations. All
of these items are part of my permanent collection.
The C.E. Daniel Collection
| Have a question or a comment, please feel free to contact me at: webmaster@danielsww2.com |
| Brigadier General George Haywood Young Jr. 1921-1996 WWII Korea Vietnam |
I recently obtained a German Army Officer's dagger which had once belonged to Brigadier General George Haywood Young Jr.
Young began his military career during WWII, serving as a lieutenant in the United States Army in the European theater. Young went
on to continue his military career serving in both Korea and Vietnam.
Documentation along with the dagger indicates that Young obtained this dagger following his first combat encounter with a small unit
of German soldiers. Following the deadly encounter, Young obtained this dagger from the body of a German lieutenant and kept it
as a reminder of the encounter. The WKC marked dagger is shown complete as it was obtained, with the original, DRGM marked
dagger hangers and portepee.
Anyone with any additional information regarding General Young or this dagger, please feel free to contact me.
Young began his military career during WWII, serving as a lieutenant in the United States Army in the European theater. Young went
on to continue his military career serving in both Korea and Vietnam.
Documentation along with the dagger indicates that Young obtained this dagger following his first combat encounter with a small unit
of German soldiers. Following the deadly encounter, Young obtained this dagger from the body of a German lieutenant and kept it
as a reminder of the encounter. The WKC marked dagger is shown complete as it was obtained, with the original, DRGM marked
dagger hangers and portepee.
Anyone with any additional information regarding General Young or this dagger, please feel free to contact me.
| A Brief Overview of Young's career: Second Lieutenant 1942 Brigadier General 1966 Battalion Commander, 3rd Infantry Division 1949-50 Served with the Army General Staff 1952-54 & 1958-61 Chief of Plans Branch (DCOS Logistics), US.Army-Europe 1962-64 Commanding Officer, 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division 1964-66 Chief of Staff, Army Communications-Zone, Europe 1966-67 Deputy Chief of Staff (Plans & Operations), US.Army, Viet-Nam 1967 Assistant Division Commander, 23rd Infantry Division 1967-68 Commanding General, Da Nang Support Command 1968 Assistant Division Commander, 24th Infantry Division 1968-70 Director of Maintenance, Army Materiel Command 1970-71 Retired 1971 Distinguished Service Medal - Silver Star - Legion of Merit - Bronze Star Medal - Purple Heart - Air Medal |
BrigGen. George Haywood Young Jr.
Above: Several photographs of General Young, with the two end photographs appearing to be official United States Army
photos. The center photograph shows General Young standing with two cadets at the Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina,
believed to have been taken in the 1980's.
photos. The center photograph shows General Young standing with two cadets at the Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina,
believed to have been taken in the 1980's.
 |  |
Of interest among the numerous signatures on the captured German flag above, is the signature of Sgt. Emmett J.
Segrue. Segrue was awarded the Silver Star during his service time with the 7th Armored Infantry Battalion for his
courageous actions on March 28, 1945. The Silver Star citation reads as follows:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Emmett J. Segrue
(20900518), Technical Sergeant, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with Company C,
7th Armored Infantry Battalion, 8th Armored Division, in Germany on 28 March 1945. Sergeant Segrue led a squad into
enemy territory under heavy artillery and mortar fire, locating a bridge suitable for use of troops and vehicles. When
enemy action destroyed this bridge, he volunteered to lead another patrol and succeeded in locating an alternate
crossing. Later the same day Sergeant Segrue led a squad across the new crossing, securing a bridgehead on the
other side. During the day he also saved two vehicles by driving them out of danger when a vehicle loaded with
ammunition was set afire by artillery. Later he assisted in evacuation of three wounded from a tank which had been hit
by direct artillery fire. His actions were carried out without regard for his own safety and reflect great credit on himself
and the Armed Forces of the United States.
Headquarters, 8th Armored Division, General Orders No. 24 (May 3, 1945)
Segrue. Segrue was awarded the Silver Star during his service time with the 7th Armored Infantry Battalion for his
courageous actions on March 28, 1945. The Silver Star citation reads as follows:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Emmett J. Segrue
(20900518), Technical Sergeant, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with Company C,
7th Armored Infantry Battalion, 8th Armored Division, in Germany on 28 March 1945. Sergeant Segrue led a squad into
enemy territory under heavy artillery and mortar fire, locating a bridge suitable for use of troops and vehicles. When
enemy action destroyed this bridge, he volunteered to lead another patrol and succeeded in locating an alternate
crossing. Later the same day Sergeant Segrue led a squad across the new crossing, securing a bridgehead on the
other side. During the day he also saved two vehicles by driving them out of danger when a vehicle loaded with
ammunition was set afire by artillery. Later he assisted in evacuation of three wounded from a tank which had been hit
by direct artillery fire. His actions were carried out without regard for his own safety and reflect great credit on himself
and the Armed Forces of the United States.
Headquarters, 8th Armored Division, General Orders No. 24 (May 3, 1945)