Guestbook

Kommentare: 95
  • #95

    Mark Rogers (Mittwoch, 18 Mai 2022 19:59)

    Found your website. I was on the Pathfinders tour in 2009 also. Enjoyed the trip. Richard Ladd passed away in 2015. It was a pleasure to spend a week with him and everyone on the trip. Mark Rogers Benton, TN USA

  • #94

    james A Kaminski (Donnerstag, 14 Oktober 2021 18:43)

    Thank you for all the wonderful information on the battle for the Colmar pocket. My father was at Colmar with the 286th Combat Engineers Battalion, A Co, 3rd platoon and the 286th received their first battle star there. The battalion was attached to the 7th Army, 36th Division and the 28th Division at the time so again Thank you for all that you do.

    James Kaminski
    Canon city, Colorado

  • #93

    Jon Whitesell (Montag, 27 April 2020 02:05)

    Thank you for your attention to the Colmar Pocket actions. My father, Don Whitesell was a sergeant in the US Army 7th IR, 3rd ID, 7th Army from the landing at Cavallaire thru the end of the war. But, this one battle was the only combat action he ever spoke of more than once, however briefly. Mostly of the brutal cold and damp conditions. He was proud to be attached to the 7th IR and the 3rd ID. He was truly a fine example of the Greatest Generation, the most upright man I'm proud to have known, and fortunate he was my Dad.

    Thanks Again,
    Jon Whitesell
    Wichita, KS

  • #92

    Anthony Tripolone (Montag, 13 April 2020 17:50)

    I last wrote (see #63below) about my Father Amerigo. During the last two years my wife and I went to Europe. In 2018 we toured Italy and went to Monte Casino, Anzio, and Rome to see and walk some of the places my Father served during the war with A Company141st Reg. of the 36th Div.
    In 2019 we went back to Europe and I walked through Sigolshiem where A Company was captured in Dec 44. It was a heartfelt experience.
    I know from my Father telling me years ago the he was kept in a POW camp that was a big barn in a small town outside Schwinefurt Germany. But I never knew the name of the small town. My wife and I did spend a couple of days in Schwinefurt area and traveled through some small towns in the Schwinefurt area but really couldn’t find any information to follow to try and find where the POW camp that my Father was held in.
    I feel blessed and honored to have had the opportunity to be able to walk in some of the places my Father and the rest of the men of the 36th fought in during WWII.

  • #91

    Bret Walker (Donnerstag, 06 Februar 2020 21:24)

    Thanks for all of your efforts. I'm researching my Great Uncle Marion Earl Duncan KIA in Herrlisheim, France 2/3/1945. 36th Div. 141st inf. reg. k co. and your site has given me insight into battles he fought preceding his death.

  • #90

    Steven Corotis (Donnerstag, 22 August 2019 08:56)

    Juerg; Thanks again for the opportunity to tour battlefields with you in the Vosges mountains where the 36th Infantry Division fought in the autumn and winter of 1944 - 1945. Your thorough understanding and depth of knowledge of both the military engagements and the stories of individual soldiers involved is truly impressive. It is hugely impactful to stand on steep mountain slopes in the dense forrest and see the remnants, scars, and artifacts of battle almost as they were when the actions took place. Signs of battle are also still evident in the towns of Bruyeres and Biffontaine. It is fascinating to see photographs taken during and after the engagements, to stand where the photographer stood 75 years later, and to hear your accounts of the progress of the fighting. Thanks too for your recommendations regarding outstanding books written on the subject.

  • #89

    Westwallmuseum Bad Bergzabern (Montag, 29 Juli 2019 13:22)

    We have a tip for you
    Breaking the Siegfried 1945 by the 103rd, 36th and 14th AD.
    Have a look at our museums website.

    www.Otterbachabschnitt.de

  • #88

    Michael Doonan (Mittwoch, 23 Januar 2019 00:31)

    Good morning Sir,
    I found your outstanding site through a link with the 103rd Inf Div website. I have been researching my Father's cousin: Pvt Thomas J Doonan, 103 Inf Div, 410 Inf Reg, 1st Btl, B Company, KIA in the Selestat area. I will be visiting the Colmar area as part of a Viking river cruise tour. Your site has provided me with a wealth of information. Thank you very much.
    Respectfully submitted,
    Michael J Doonan, Col, USAF(ret)

  • #87

    Christine Hosea Young (Mittwoch, 03 Oktober 2018 21:38)

    My father was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his action at Sigolsheim. Pfc Ernest W Hosea Infantry Company F 15th Inf Regt. The letter reads:" For extraordinary heroism in action. At 0600 on 26 December 1944, near Sigolsheim, France, Sergeant Hosea left the cover of a ditch and ran 50 yards through furious crossfire to destroy one of three machine guns which had halted his company. Although enemy fire clipped the brush all around him, he charged into the first emplacement, killing the gunner and wounding the three remaining enemy with M-1 fire. Disregarding exploding hand grenades, Sergeant Hosea engaged a second machine gun twenty five yards away, killed the gunner and forced the surrender of the crew. As he wheeled on the third machine gun, the crew fled." My hero Dad was 5 ft 1 1/2 inches tall and weighed 112 pounds. He used to tell people he was 125 pounds of walking hell!

  • #86

    Steve Corotis (Dienstag, 04 September 2018 15:04)

    I would like to take this opportunity to express my deep appreciation for an outstanding tour. At the end of August, we visited the battlefields, villages, cemeteries and memorials marking the battle of the Colmar pocket that took place from the end of 1944 to the beginning of 1945. Your thorough understanding and explanations of the events, people, military units, and engagements is impressive. I especially appreciated the research you have done to bring together then-and-now photographs; and to follow-up and investigate the actions of various individuals during and after their individual encounters. I only wish my father was still around to attend with us as I am sure it would have helped him to recall his own experiences. Again, much appreciation to you.

  • #85

    Susan Jordan (Donnerstag, 28 Juni 2018 02:38)

    I have taken several trips in Normandy with a private guide and just recently returned from the Battle of the Bulge tour. Your pictures and explanations bring more meaning to the places I have recently visited. It cements the history and relevance of this most sacred ground. Thank you so much.

  • #84

    Chris Gustafson (Montag, 21 Mai 2018 17:31)

    Juerg is a world class WWII historian. While most historians rely on secondary sources, Juerg’s research also incorporates primary sources. He walks the battlefields – he touches and unearths the artifacts, he engages with those who survived and fought the battles including the French, German and Americans. His knowledge of the battle strategy and tactics of the Colmar Pocket and surrounding battles are detailed and personal.

    My father, Donald B. Gustafson, was captured in December of 1944 during the Battle of Selestat. My father contacted Juerg several years ago, dad always hoped to return to Selestat, but never made it. I was fortunate to visit the area in May. Juerg graciously gave us a tour of the area; we visited the amazing Turckheim WWII museum – a must for any visitor. I can’t say enough about the museum and its staff. Juerg took us to the French national War Cemetery and the US Memorial on Hill 351 where we had a panoramic view of the battle field. Juerg described the battles and showed us before and after pictures. Finally, Juerg took us to the area where Audie Murphy fought. The experience was moving and profound; on my return home, I spent many hours reflecting on the young men that spent that cold winter of 1944/1945 fighting for our freedom.

    I cannot thank Juerg (and his cousin Martin who drove) enough. This was a once in a lifetime experience, I only wish I had more time to spend with this amazing historian – there is so much to learn and experience. We must never forget, or we are doomed to repeat our history. Juerg – thank you from the bottom of my heart.

    Chris Gustafson

  • #83

    KRZYWANSKI Jean-Marie (Dienstag, 22 August 2017 10:47)

    Nice site. I will be pleased to collaborate ( metal detecting round Bastogne=where I am born= since 45years . Many Artifacts found . KRZYWANSKI Jean-Marie Bras 323 6600 Bastogne

  • #82

    Ann Tardif (Sonntag, 02 April 2017 03:23)

    Thank you for sharing these images. My dad was with the 601st TDB and fought in the Colmar Battle. I plan to visit there soon.

  • #81

    Lee R Cressman (Dienstag, 20 September 2016 19:47)

    Thank you for posting this information. Checked with my genealogical site for "Cressman," and Erwin Kressmann spelling is accepted, so he is some long distance relations. But I always wondered if any of the German relatives fought in the war for the Wehrmacht. Now I know.

  • #80

    David Buchanan (Sonntag, 18 September 2016 23:42)

    Very informative and organized info.......thanks for sharing. My uncles and father all fought in WWII and my lest uncle was killed in the ETO during the winter of 44-45.

  • #79

    Obat Kuat Herbal Untuk Mengobati Disfungsi Ereksi (Dienstag, 20 Oktober 2015 11:02)

    Thank you still share articles and information

  • #78

    Roland Laich (Samstag, 10 Oktober 2015 14:20)

    Dear Peter Cosgrov,
    you might ask Beate Kalbhenn from "Volksbund Deutsche Kriegsgräberfürsorge e.V." in Kassel/Germany (http://www.volksbund.de/service/ansprechpartner/alle-ansprechpartner.html). The cemetry in Bergheim is managed by Volksbund. I know Mrs. Kalbhenn as a very friendly and helpful lady. She admninisters the files of all Bergheim gravesites and she took time for lookup these files together with me in research for Walter Laich (see article "The battle of Sigolsheim") - even if in vain. Ask for her at the Volksbund main desk: tel: +49 (0) 561-7009-0, info(at)volksbund.de
    Good look!

  • #77

    Obat Kuat Hubungan Seksual Terpercaya (Freitag, 25 September 2015 04:55)

    the information is very interesting and inspiring , I am glad to read this information , thank you for willing to share information

  • #76

    Obat Herbal Agar Orgasme Berkali kali (Mittwoch, 23 September 2015 05:23)

    information which is very interesting to read , I was delighted to read this information

  • #75

    Bill Leonard (Freitag, 21 August 2015 08:43)

    Wow! I am an amateur WWII historian, and finding this great web site with all the information from another enthusiast just lit me up...

    AAAAAAAAAAAA

  • #74

    Peter Cosgrov (Freitag, 07 August 2015 10:09)

    A mystery? Buried in the German Military Cemetery at Bergheim in Alsace near the top left hand corner is a headstone with the name ROSEMARIE BAUST born 21 January 1938 died 20 November 1944. Not quite 7 years old when she died. Can anyone shed light on the reason this small girl was interred along with over 5000 German soldiers. Someone had left a beautiful wreath there, but as there are 3 graves in one perhaps it is there for one of the soldiers. Paul Nirk 9 Sept 1899 died 30 Nov 1944 or Josef Tekath born 14 Oct 1909 died 30 Nov 1944. There is no other person in the cemetery with the name BAUST. My wife and I visited Bergheim in early May 2015. We live in Jebsheim for a few months every year. Right in the heart of the village where the Battle of Jebsheim took place.

  • #73

    Federico Ramirez (Dienstag, 02 Juni 2015 19:48)

    Thanks for such a well documented and presented website, I have enjoyed every bit of it. I tour around Europe on motorbike and try to include visits (or at least a ride-thru) to as many significant WWII historical sites that I can.
    Last week, it was a ride through the Futa & Giogo passes, and that trip was much more significant thanks to the information si kindly provided by you.
    Well done and thanks again. FR

  • #72

    Phil Howard (Dienstag, 02 Juni 2015 18:02)

    Awesome website my friend

  • #71

    Joseph F.Loomis (Donnerstag, 21 Mai 2015 20:38)

    My father was 2nd Lt William F. Loomis. He often told us the story of meeting Himmler, just the way it is described on your site.

    Joenaba@aol.com

  • #70

    tank tops for men (Freitag, 15 Mai 2015 07:26)

    It is amazing and wonderful to visit your site. I've learn many things from your site.

  • #69

    Impianto fotovoltaico (Montag, 13 April 2015 13:41)

    Hi, nice website ;-)

  • #68

    Kathy Calder (Sonntag, 12 April 2015 21:28)

    Love the pictures, maps, and detailed descriptions of various units' movements in the Vosges Mts. I just shared the link to your site with a friend whose father served in the 143rd regiment of the 36th division, and I know he'll appreciate the mention of his father's regiment's movements and position in the fighting around Bruyeres. The map of the battle area and the pictures of the hills, etc., are awesome! This is the sort of detailed information I know a lot of descendants of WWII veterans are thirsty for. My own father was a replacement in the 254th regiment, Co. B, of the 63rd division and just missed the Colmar pocket and Jebsheim actions. However, I was privileged to attend a reunion of Co. B in Asheville, NC 1999 (they used to meet annually)--the men there were incredibly generous with telling stories of their experiences at Jebsheim and other sites. They didn't remember my dad (though they put me in touch with someone who did). Dad didn't talk much about the war, but told one story of a battle experience; those men were able to tell me at which battle that incident undoubtedly occurred (a Danube river crossing and subsequent battle to take the town of Leipheim, the 254th's last fighting of the war). The 63rd Division Association (recently disbanded) did a terrific job of collecting materials--pictures, recollections, histories, morning reports, etc.--which are available for examination for free on the Fold3.com website (affiliated with the National Archives), as well as the 63rd Division website (63rdinfdiv.com).

  • #67

    Donald B. Gustafon (Samstag, 11 April 2015 19:52)

    I am a survior of the battle of Selestat. I served in the 409th Infantry, 103rd Deivision,Company B. I was captured by the Germans the early morning of December 3rd (approx 2 or 3 am). I was evtually moved to a German POW Camp in Bohemian Liepa (Czechoslovakia). At the POW camp we were used as forced labor working on the German Railroad. We were treated worse than animals. We were physicaly and emotionally abused. We suffered from malnutrition, frostbite, exhaustion, and had little to no sanitation. Are there any other survivors?

  • #66

    y back tank top (Freitag, 06 März 2015 05:29)

    Thank you for your so cool post,it is useful,i love it very much. Please share with us more good articles.

  • #65

    Hotels near Stade 5 Juillet 1962 (Mittwoch, 22 Oktober 2014 04:48)

    great site

  • #64

    Golden Age Comic Books (Montag, 21 Juli 2014 06:45)

    This is very essential blog; it helped me a lot whatever you have provided.

  • #63

    Anthony Tripolone (Sonntag, 20 Juli 2014 03:32)

    My Father Amerigo Tripolone was in the 36th Div 141st Reg Able Company and was one of the soldiers taken POW on 10DEC44 in Sigolsheim. The account my father told me of the events of that day and what Lt. Higgins said to his men when the decision was made to surrender is exactly as you told it in the writing of your article.
    I had the honor and privilege to personally talk with Lt. Higgins and Eddy Guy a number of years ago by phone along with some other members of Able Company.
    Thank you for putting this information out for all to learn of their war experiences and their courage.
    Very Respectfully,
    Anthony Tripolone

  • #62

    Aymee Laurain (Samstag, 14 Juni 2014 23:54)

    This was a fantastic collection of information on such a small town. I returned from France three days ago in which three days were spent in Sigolsheim. The owner of place we stayed explained briefly what happened and how it affected the vineyards in the area. I was shocked to see we stayed only a block from Walter Laich's position. I have ancestors who were from Alsace and while I don't know where it's still nice to know I've been to such a place of history not just for France and the U.S. but also for myself.

  • #61

    olivier (Freitag, 21 März 2014 01:55)

    Hello
    I am located in lorraine near many battelfields ww1 and ww2.
    Born in 1965 but still interested in these période.
    To those who would like to relive the true story of several ww2
    battle, you should take the time to read at least one of the " green book "
    entitled " three battles ".
    Far from Hollywood movies.
    To those who served.
    Best regards.

  • #60

    Robert Kirkland Smith (Samstag, 08 März 2014 17:28)

    I was very pleased to find the story "B-17 Flying Fortress Crash in Trimbach, Switzerland / February 27, 1945" on this website. My father was Alvin F. Smith, the "Mickey" operator - navigator on that flight and he is listed with the crew. I knew that the plane was shot down and that Dad had to bailout and was captured and spent the rest of the war as a POW. I did not know, and I don't think that he did either, that Dottie actually made it to Switzerland. If they had stayed on the plan they might have avoided the prison camp experience, much of which was in a camp near Moosburg, Germany. I have visited Moosburg twice on business since my company has a customer there. It has always felt very strange to spend nights in a nice hotel or gasthaus when I know that Dad was nearby over 50 years before as a POW. Dad came home and went to Drexel in Philadelphia and became a Mechanical Engineer, a big contrast to being a crane operator in shipyard in Camden, NJ before the war. Hooray for the GI Bill. I was born in 1948 and attended Drexel myself earning an Electrical Engineering degree and then a Ph. D. at Pitt. My wife and I have two children, Sam, who entered the comment below, and Heather. Both of our kids grew up knowing their grandfather, Al, and he lived to be 80.

  • #59

    Samuel K Smith (Donnerstag, 06 März 2014 16:53)

    Thank you for this site. My Grandfather Alvin F. Smith was a 1st Lt. On the B-17 "Dottie". I have heard some of the story from family about his tour of duty in WWII. This is incredible information. Thank you. I am Alvin's Grandson from his 2nd child Robert K. Smith. He had 3 children. My Grandfather died August 22, 2001.

  • #58

    Jo-Ann Jahant (Samstag, 18 Januar 2014 19:03)

    I enjoyed looking through the photos and reading about the Battle of Jebsheim. My brother-in-law's ancestry comes from Jebsheim. It's a bit confusing because on the U.S. census, (1900), their country of origin is Germany (so they probably spoke German). The Germans won Alsace-Lorraine in 1871 from the French after the Franco Prussian (May 10, 1871). When they emigrated to the U.S., they were speaking German. Then after 1918, the area was given back to the French, after WW1, so now the inhabitants are speaking French. My b-i-l contacted his cousins about 7 years ago and they all are speaking French.

    My husband was USNR, LST 500, Lt. j.g., Utah Beach, 6 June 1944. He survived and lived to be 86.

  • #57

    Roland Laich (Dienstag, 24 Dezember 2013 21:31)

    Regarding to "The battle of Sigolsheim - The Story of Grenadier Walter Laich" I would like to ask any site visitor who can give testimonial what of happened on 1944/12/27 resp. 1944/12/28 with the wounded or dead german soldiers at the former school building in Sigolsheim to get in contact to me: mail@laich.info. It was reported Walter Laich had two badges for tank killing at his uniform sleeve. Any confirmed information about this particular issue ist higly appreciated.

  • #56

    Peter Dossing (Freitag, 06 Dezember 2013 22:57)

    Best source of Colmar Pocket photos I've run across. Many thanks!! My father, Elmer R. Musil, T5, (Chicago) was in Co. D, 756 Tank Bn,, 3rd Inf. Div. He drove an M5A1 Stuart Light Tank and was killed with two of his crew in Biesheim on 3 February 1945 after they were hit by an anti-tank shell. They had finished fighting their way through Colmar and the crew was staging at the battalion command post about 1/2 mile west of Biesheim when a solider, T5 Forrest E. Peden, who was a forward artillery observer, came running back to their area for help in a firefight which was not going well in Biesheim. They had lost communications and there where 45 infantrymen who were outnumbered 4 to 1 by the Germans. Two light tanks from Co D responded and headed toward Biesheim. Peden was riding on top of the lead tank, (my father's tank) to show them the way. They got to Biesheim to fight the enemy where the tank was destroyed and Technician Peden also lost his life before reinforcements could arrive. Peden was personally responsible for numerous acts of heroism that day before he ran for help. Peden was given the Medal of Honor for his actions that day.

  • #55

    Ken Hoose (Montag, 28 Oktober 2013 04:44)

    Thanks for doing this, my Grandpa Was in L Company 15 Reg. He never spoke of any of his activities to my dad or uncle after the war. We have pieced together a lot, but a lot remains unknown. After comparing what records we have, to the Battle of Bennwihr, it seems he was definitely there. He was wounded Dec. 24, 1944 when a bomb went off behind him. I'm so glad you put this together, it really helped piece a bit of our family history together. Thanks

  • #54

    carsforsales (Mittwoch, 23 Oktober 2013 16:19)

    Well done on accurately documenting the remains of yesterdays battle. This reminded me of my holiday to France last year, when you are greeted with the sobering reminder of an old American tank parked at the side of the border crossing - one neat hole through the turret.

  • #53

    Tracy Wiant (Sonntag, 20 Oktober 2013 21:49)

    Awesome site. My father served in the 7th Regt, 3rd ID during the Colmar Pocket. He was wounded near Biesheim and Le Haute Jacques in the Vosges. Keep up the good work on this.

  • #52

    Jeff MacGregor (Montag, 26 August 2013 20:45)

    Juerg:
    Thanks you for this site. My father served Company I of the 15th Regiment and fought in the Colmar Pocket. He had a $10 bill upon which he wrote the names of the towns in the Alsace in which he fought. I have finally fulfilled a life promise to travel to the Alsace and "stand where he fought". It was quite a moving experience for me to see these sites and your website was an excellent guide.

  • #51

    Mark Zemke (Freitag, 14 Juni 2013 04:29)

    Hi Juerg got to here from Mr Bandos Triggertime site Nice to read about Reichswier , I was there in 1975 on a daytrip from Metz and was surprized to see as much shell damage as was still there .

  • #50

    Larry Sabadini (Dienstag, 11 Juni 2013 22:24)

    I just read your entry about the battle at Selestat. My brother-in-law, Arthur Rochefort served in Company B of the 142nd regiment. He participated in this battle and was taken prisoner by the German army on 12 Dec 44. Fortunately he was liberated by Russians in April of 1945. Thank you for providing this information. I am on the 36th website as LARRY S.

  • #49

    Simone Ambrosetti (Dienstag, 21 Mai 2013 16:04)

    I just discover your site, really amazing! Thank you very much for sharing!

  • #48

    Anne Sauvie (Mittwoch, 08 Mai 2013 19:31)

    I came across this while researching family history. I had a great-uncle who was a Capuchin Priest at the monestary in Sigolsheim during these battles. I have a written account from his perspective from Dec. 6, 1944 to Feb. 2, 1945. The American soldiers where going to bomb the monestary to kill the Germans inside but my great-uncle, Father Ernest Herrgott, was able to convince the Germans to surrender. He was also harboring 360 civilians in the monestary at the time so he saved their lives. The dates and information in this account match those from my great-uncles. This helped me see the soldiers side of this. Nice work. Thank you.

  • #47

    Matthew L Weidemann (Mittwoch, 01 Mai 2013 20:55)

    Hello, I really appreciate your efforts. I think you did a fine job and I enjoyed the tour.

  • #46

    Juicer Review (Sonntag, 21 April 2013 16:47)

    This is a great write-up! Thanks for sharing!