(250 Pages) Compiled by Robert H. Cardinell, Division Historian
INTRODUCTION
Over the past 15 years (89-03) I have compiled 9 books full of 65th Division history plus personal stories and shared
them with the men. These volumes total 2,680 pages and 1,390 copies printed. The first 4 books were sold and the
last 5 mailed free. Donations for the latter were appreciated.
There were many great stories in my files that I never used in the books because the writer did not know when or
where that event took place. With some of those stories as a starting point, realizing the official history and
unit reports were informative but boring, I thought it would be great to compile a book of just great stories by
division men and that is what you have here. The 65th Division history summary is provided as a refresher for
those not familiar with the 65th Infantry Division in WWII.
After scanning through my 9 books, the 65th Halbert newsletters from 1965, and letters in my files, I realized I
would have to compile a book of 1,000 or more pages to do justice to everyone. Instead I have picked out good
representative samples written by 152 different men covering all of our combat days and early occupation into this
volume. I realize it slights many great stories by other men.
Note also these are often extracts copied from copies, and cut and pasted together. Many photos are of poor
quality, but at least give an impression of places or events. Stories don't always progress from one thing to
the next, but overall you can get a feel for the action and progress of the fighting. Note also 450 65th Division
men are named in the book.
If I have apologized enough for this compiling job at home & use of local quick print facilities, I trust you will
enjoy the book. It should be the most interesting review of our combat days of 1945. My hope is that these books
will be of value to either newly joined members of the 65th Division Association or to those who have not received
other of my books in the past.
Robert H. Cardinell
65th Inf. Div. Assn. Historian
Former S-2, 3d Bn, 261st Inf.
