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Tuesday 05/13/2003 Name: anna elisabeth rosmus
usaE-Mail: researchaer@hotmail.com 65th Div. Assn. Status: I am a member of the 65th Division Association Relationship/65th Vet: honorary member since 1995 Comments: When I started to ask questions about the Holocaust and World War II, I was 20 years old. I was a freshman at Passauıs University, an eager student, determined to dig up the past, and I was going to try to present our resistance fighters to the public.
But all of a sudden I encountered problems... Only a few people had any understanding for why any young woman would want to know what happened there during the time of the Nazis. Only a few people understand why I, a non-Jew, have an interest in the fate of Jews and devote my work to this idea. And hardly anyone understands why I feel solidarity with minorities, especially since I belong to the establishment by birth and upbringing.
Since I began in 1980 to search for the true identity of some prominent citizens of my hometown, the resistance to my work has increased steadily. Formerly close friends of my family gave my parents an ultimatum that either I would stop this research or they would break off their friendship. That was bitter, especially for my family, but they had raised me to love the truth more than taking the easy way, and to hold justice in higher regard than just to be an insider. My family continued to support me when I decided to continue with my research.
What I found was terrible: Adolf Hitler spent a part of his childhood in my hometown. Ernst Kaltenbrunner grew up nearby, and from here he organized the annexation of Austria - together with Adolf Eichmann, who lived and married in Passau. Julius Streicher grew up nearby. ³We² in Passau were the first to start an anti-Jewish campaign and the first to employ boycotts.
Seven hundred infants were fed spoiled milk so that they would die a painful death. There were 220 forced abortions performed in one of our hospitals alone. All this because their mothers and fathers were Poles, Russians, or Ukrainians who had been brought to Germany to do forced labor, and because their children would be ³useless consumers of food², from whom the German would have no profit.
Also near my hometown, about 2,000 concentration camp inmates were murdered, some burned alive.
In addition to that, almost 2,000 helpless Russian prisoners of war were massacred in the last few hours of the war, just before your Division entered the town. The prisoners were forced to dig their own graves. The officers had to take off all their clothing. Then they were shot or beaten until they were almost dead. Skulls were smashed, genitals cut off, also tongues and ears. Eyes were gouged out. The graves were covered with a thin layer of earth, and it was not uncommon for arms or legs to stick out. All of this because they were Russian soldiers.
Of course, there were other people, too. In each town you went through. My own family is just one of them: My fatherıs father was killed after he had resisted a series of temptations and rejected a number of awards - that were to have been awarded for denouncing Polish partisans. My fatherıs father was fluent in polish and the so-called ³water-Polish², but he wouldnıt do it... He paid with his life.
My motherıs mother was a rescuer. She offered a hiding place to an innocent persecuted neighbor. She organized an open protest march to the City hall in 1941 - in defiance of the local Nazi authorities. And when the first camp opened at the edge of town, she didnıt close her eyes: She looked at the scared, walking skeletons in their striped suits. She saw them pointing at their mouths and begging for food in a language she would not understand. She was a widow herself, and all three of her sons were at the front. She couldnıt help either one of them. But she helped those men from Russia. Every evening, she locked her small apartment and she collected food in the neighborhood. Every evening after work, she left with a big bowl under her coat and begged for leftovers, bread crumbs, potatoes, vegetables. Every evening she walked one hour on foot to that camp and threw the food over the fence. Every evening, one hour there and one hour back. Twice she got caught - and she was told she would be locked up herself. But she went on. Hoping, some day, some other people might help her sons. Only one of them finally came back.
The example of the Nazi regime has taught me how easy it is to violate human dignity and to curtail freedom. I could see, literally, how quickly truth and justice can lose their value, and peace can be endangered. I finally understood that the uncaring attitude of the many gives nearly unlimited power to the few, that a lack of vigilance opens wide the gates to abuse and oppression. And so Iım going on.
I am working on some new projects: Iım setting up a regional museum in Lower Bavaria to commemorate the Holocaust, World War II and the post-war period - including you. And among the books Iım working on right now, one is about the liberation of Passau and the surrounding area. For 18 months I have been searching for files, photos and other information. Several boxes with xerox-copies are already piled up, the ³hard data² are not unknown anymore. Who I still do not yet know well enough, is you. You are not just ³a division², you are not just numbers. The war you fought did not just consist of dates, orders, missions and statistics. And it ended not just as a ³result². The war you fought was tough. Often, it already caused problems, when you were drafted. Some of you had to support a family, some of you had to quit your education, some of you didnıt want to kill other people. And some of you were afraid not to return alive... But you went out to fight. It was not just ³a duty² you did, it was not just an obligation you fulfilled. You made a difference. And you made that difference not just inside your army, inside your outfit, you made a tremendous difference - all over in Germany and Austria.
You helped to liberate us, over there, from an evil dictatorship. You helped us to get rid of a brutal and murderous government that had killed and massacred not just millions of foreigners, but also tens of thousands of our own citizens. You helped us at a point where we were no longer able to help ourselves. It was too late. As a nation we did not realize early enough where those ³leaders² would take us. We were blind for too many years. We didnıt stand up and speak out in time - to save ourselves and other nations, too.
When you came over to Europe, you faced a lot of trouble, you witnessed atrocities, you met stubborn people and arrogant SS-units. But you risked your own lives - while saving others. All that took place nearly 60 years ago.
As a German from the next generation, it means a lot to me to be with you, because Iım very well aware of how much we all owe you. It also means a lot, because I have an opportunity to thank you. Half a century later, it is belated to be sure. And of course, words can never equal what you did for us. But I want you to know that there are many people in Bavaria and Austria who will never forget you. People who witnessed your courage, your struggle, and your fighting spirit in a war that wasnıt yours. I want you to know that there are also many people, who remember a very different aspect. People, who experienced your charm, your good hearts, your friendly and forgiving nature. People, who remember you as ³fraternizing² neighbors, as friends, as partners, and as lovers, too.
Iım going to portray you in a new book. It is my goal that Iım not just precise in my historical research, but that I describe you also as individuals, as human beings with all your feelings, with your expectations, with your hopes and dreams, with your disappointments - and with your fears. I do hope to portray you as being as nice and as natural as you seem to me. And I want the next generation to know about you and to value what you did - for all of us. I want all the schools in the Passau area to teach your ³story². This should give you the credit you deserve. It should remind us of what we regained 58 years ago: Our freedom. And it should remind us, never ever to gamble with that again.Referred By: www.65thdiv.com
Saturday 05/10/2003 Name: Andre Frenchy Salaun
Putnam Valley NY 1057965th Div. Unit: hq 261st reg E-Mail: n2qle@optonline.net 65th Div. Assn. Status: I am a member of the 65th Division Association Comments: new e-mail Referred By: www.65thdiv.com
Sunday 04/13/2003 Name: Harvey K. Smith
Hope, Arkansas 71801E-Mail: hds@arkansas.net 65th Div. Assn. Status: I am a family member of a 65th Division Veteran Relationship/65th Vet: brother Comments: I am researching the war record of my deceased brother, Sgt Wayne H. Smith, who was in Cannon Company of the 260th Infantry. I would like to correspond with anyone who knew him. Referred By:
Monday 04/07/2003 Name: Bethany Rubin Henderson
New York City (formerly Baton Rouge, LA)E-Mail: bethanyrubin@hotmail.com 65th Div. Assn. Status: I am a family member of a 65th Division Veteran Relationship/65th Vet: Granddaughter of Louis R. Liss Comments: My grandfather was a proud and active member of the 65th Division up until his death in January 2001. He would have enjoyed this website very much. Referred By: www.65thdiv.com
Saturday 04/05/2003 Name: HOWARD P. (BUD ) HENDERSON
OCEAN PARK, WA. 9864065th Div. Unit: CANNON CO, 259TH INF. REG`T E-Mail: bigjoe@willapabay.org 65th Div. Assn. Status: I am a member of the 65th Division Association Comments: I am proud to be a member of the 65th
Inf.Div. It is nice to be alive and enjoying life. Using this site is a wonderful way to contact fellow vets from the 65thReferred By: www.65thdiv.com
Monday 03/31/2003 Name: Michael Liss, grandson of Lou Liss
New York City65th Div. Unit: A Company, 265th Combat Engineers E-Mail: modhottie@hotmail.com 65th Div. Assn. Status: I am a family member of a 65th Division Veteran Relationship/65th Vet: Grandson of Louis R. Liss Comments: I am currently researching the experiences of my grandfather during the war, as well as at the various reunions he attended or other dealings he had with the 65th Div. Assn. If anyone knew him and remembers any stories from either the war years or from reunions, etc., I would love to hear from you.
Also, if you have any research materials such as letters, articles, books, etc. that you think may be of interest to me towards this research, or be good background information, I would greatly appreciate hearing about it.
I know my grandfather spoke highly (and frequently) of all of his war buddies and loved attending the reunions.
Thanks,
Michael Liss
212-598-9158Referred By: www.65thdiv.com
Sunday 03/30/2003 Name: Steve Rakosi's daughter Carol Park
Walsenburg, CO65th Div. Unit: Company I, 3rd Bn, 260th Infantry Reg. E-Mail: carolandrich@starband.net Homepage: http://carolandrich.mystarband.net 65th Div. Assn. Status: I am a family member of a 65th Division Veteran Relationship/65th Vet: daughter Comments: Please visit this website homepage listed above. It is a very small photo journal of some of the things the 65th encountered during WWII, including the liberation of ORDRUF. These are from my Dad's WWII scrapbook that I found a few months ago. Referred By: www.65thdiv.com
Wednesday 03/26/2003 Name: Carl Schell
Scranton, PA65th Div. Unit: M Co. 260th Inf. Regt. E-Mail: ser764@juno.com 65th Div. Assn. Status: I am a 65th Div. Veteran but not a member of the Association Comments: Would enjoy hearing from other members of M Co. 260th. Referred By: www.65thdiv.com
Monday 03/24/2003 Name: John Winwood
Los Angeles, CAE-Mail: mldgbox@hotmail.com Homepage: http://www.lonesentry.com/ 65th Div. Assn. Status: Other Comments: I have put online a photo album from a 65th Infantry Division veteran at:
http://www.lonesentry.com/S8/index.html
I am seeking any further information on the names on the back of several photos (Hy Marinoff, Harold Pinkston, George Misuriello) and the places mentioned (Passau, Germany and
Enns, Austria).
I hope the photos are of use to some of the group.
Thanks.Referred By: www.65thdiv.com
Thursday 03/20/2003 Name: Carol Park daughter of Stephen Rakosi
Walsenburg, CO USA65th Div. Unit: Company I of the 260th Inf. Reg. E-Mail: carolandrich@starband.net 65th Div. Assn. Status: I am a family member of a 65th Division Veteran Relationship/65th Vet: daughter of Stephen Rakosi Comments: My father passed away 18 Oct 2001. He, like so many soldiers, never spoke of the War, except for a few nicer times. He received 2 Bronze Stars. I never knew this until after his death. Is there anyone who knew my Dad who would be willing to share some stories of some of the things that happened. I would greatly appreciate any information I can get. I have a photo of him in uniform before shipping out, and another photo of him a day or two after returning home. The change in him haunts me. Any information or stories would be welcome. Thank you. Referred By: www.65thdiv.com
Tuesday 03/18/2003 Name: Sibyl Sharp Ream
The Woodlands, TXE-Mail: ssream@hotmail.com Relationship/65th Vet: Daughter of William Bane Sharp Comments: My dad passed away May 20,2002. He lived all of his life in Washington, PA. He never talked about the war except that he was injured March 18,1945. I would love to hear from anyone who might remember my dad. Referred By: Search Engine
Sunday 03/16/2003 Name: Dallas Brent Hyden
Rt 1 box 333 Kermit, WVa.65th Div. Unit: 259th Regt. Company M E-Mail: cabh28@yahoo.com 65th Div. Assn. Status: I am a member of the 65th Division Association Comments: I am a member of the Association, and a
subscriber to the "Halbert" I love this Website, and all that is in it.Referred By: Friend
Saturday 03/15/2003 Name: David Basile son of Eugene Basile
Lynnfield, Massachusetts65th Div. Unit: Company E, 261st Infantry Regiment E-Mail: dm_basile@msn.com 65th Div. Assn. Status: I am a family member of a 65th Division Veteran Relationship/65th Vet: Son of Sgt. Eugene Basile Comments: My father passed away thirty years ago. I have kept his enlistment papers and some records waiting for the opportunity to "connect" with anyone who may have known him or served in his Regiment. He was from Allentown PA. He graduated from Girard College in Philadelphia PA. He died at the age of 52 and really never spoke of the War. Please help if you can. Referred By: www.65thdiv.com
Monday 03/10/2003 Name: Peter J. Kruppenbacher
Fishkill, New YorkE-Mail: pjk@bestweb.net 65th Div. Assn. Status: I am a family member of a 65th Division Veteran Relationship/65th Vet: Grandson Comments: My grandfather, Karl Kruppenbacher, was in the 65th and I am trying to find out whatever I can about his experiences and where he went. My grandfather did not talk much about his experiences and has been deceased for more than 10 years. If anyone could provide some information on Pvt. Kruppenbacher I'd greatly appreciate it.
Thanks to all the vets who served! We who enjoy the benefits of your service cannot thank you enough!Referred By: www.65thdiv.com
Saturday 03/08/2003 Name: Steven W. Leech
Ellicott City, Md 21043E-Mail: swleech@hotmail.com 65th Div. Assn. Status: I am a family member of a 65th Division Veteran Relationship/65th Vet: son Comments: Son of Sgt. John J. Leech. Would like more info on his service. He was a Squad Leader in G Company, 259th Inf. Reg. Please send an e-mail to my attention if you have any info. Referred By: www.65thdiv.com
Thursday 03/06/2003 Name: Edward D. Santillanes (son)
Sacramento65th Div. Unit: 261st E-Mail: ed_santillanes@msn.com 65th Div. Assn. Status: I am a family member of a 65th Division Veteran Relationship/65th Vet: Son Comments: Just wondering if anyone knew my father (don't worry, he's still kicking) and would share some stories with me. Referred By: Search Engine
Saturday 03/01/2003 Name: John Steger
Kingman AzE-Mail: jjcs@citlink.net 65th Div. Assn. Status: I am a family member of a 65th Division Veteran Relationship/65th Vet: Son Referred By: Other
Monday 02/24/2003 Name: Pete Martin
Sohren -Germany65th Div. Unit: Refugee as an 8 Year old boy in Czechosl E-Mail: focuspm@t-online.de 65th Div. Assn. Status: Other Comments: I have read the entire pages, pictures I could however not find that your unit was close to the Czech-Town of Cerna, near the Moldau river, where I have met the first American, as an 8 year old boy, a refugee ! God bless America ! I just finished a 47 years of US Civil service in support of the US Army in Europe ! Sure would like to meet a former soldier (s) that would remember those days, time 2 April 45 thru 7 May 45 !? Could you give some assistance/guidance !?
Thank you so much and God bless you all !
PeteReferred By: www.65thdiv.com
Saturday 02/22/2003 Name: JOSEPH M. BLASSIE
ST. LOUIS, MO65th Div. Unit: COMPANY B, 260th Inf. E-Mail: blassie1@netzero 65th Div. Assn. Status: I am a member of the 65th Division Association Comments: ENJOY THE REUNIONS AND HALBERT VERY MUCH
LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING EVERYONE IN MACONReferred By: www.65thdiv.com
Tuesday 02/18/2003 Name: Robert C. (Bob) Steger, Jr
Brownwood, TX 7680165th Div. Unit: Co. G, 259 Inf E-Mail: bamsteger@bwoodtx.com 65th Div. Assn. Status: I am a member of the 65th Division Association Comments: Certainly enjoyed the recent reunion in Biloxi. Referred By: www.65thdiv.com
Saturday 02/15/2003 Name: George R. Osborne, Jr.
Cape Carteret, NC 28584E-Mail: gosbornejr@ec.rr.com 65th Div. Assn. Status: I am a family member of a 65th Division Veteran Relationship/65th Vet: Son Comments: Bob,
Robby and I enjoyed the mini-reunion in Mississippi. We arrived home this afternoon about 5PM. Thank you for a wonderful time.Referred By: www.65thdiv.com
Saturday 02/08/2003 Name: Rose Huff-Walls
Columbia, Tn65th Div. Unit: 2ND BN 259th Inf. Regt. 65th Div. E-Mail: boston1900@aol.com 65th Div. Assn. Status: I am a family member of a 65th Division Veteran Relationship/65th Vet: Daughter Comments: My Father was S. Sgt. Robert Huff. He died in 1984. Glad to see that the guys of the 65th are not being forgotten. Referred By: www.65thdiv.com
Saturday 02/08/2003 Name: CPT (P) Carlos E. Lopez E-Mail: carlos.e.lopezguzman@us.army.mil 65th Div. Assn. Status: Other Comments: Great history and you have brought it with pride through this outstanding webpage!
Keep up the good work!!
CarlosReferred By: Other
Wednesday 02/05/2003 Name: Gordon A. Richardson
Lansing, MI65th Div. Unit: Company I 261st Infantry Regiment E-Mail: fredbear@aol.com 65th Div. Assn. Status: I am a family member of a 65th Division Veteran Relationship/65th Vet: Grandson Comments: My Grandfather was a rifelman in the 261st regiment. His name was Sergeant Gordon A Richardson. If anybody knew him please contact me at my e-mail address above. Referred By: www.65thdiv.com
Saturday 02/01/2003 Name: Robert (Bob) C. Steger
Brownwood, Texas 7680165th Div. Unit: Co. G, 3rd Plt, 259th Inf. E-Mail: babsteger@bwood.com 65th Div. Assn. Status: I am a member of the 65th Division Association Comments: Looking forward to seeing you at Biloxi week of Feb.10.
Dave Gronen, Let Me hear from you.Referred By: www.65thdiv.com
Friday 01/24/2003 Name: Elizabeth Willoughby
Clinton Twp, MI65th Div. Unit: 260th E-Mail: missusliz@yahoo.com 65th Div. Assn. Status: I am a family member of a 65th Division Veteran Relationship/65th Vet: grandfather Comments: Is there a way for me to find out what company my grandfather belonged to? His name was Orville Sulflow, and all we know is that he belonged to the 260th infantry. Thanks for any assistance you may be able to give me.
Liz WilloughbyReferred By: www.65thdiv.com
Wednesday 01/22/2003 Name: HOWARD P. HENDERESON
OCEAN PARK WA. 9864065th Div. Unit: CANNON CO , 259TH INF, REG`T E-Mail: bigjoe@willapabay.org 65th Div. Assn. Status: I am a member of the 65th Division Association Comments: OK you cannon guy`s 259th, I know there are more of you out there besides LARRY DAVIS & myself, we would like to hear from you. My E mail bigjoe@willapabay.org
Mail P. O. Box 502 Ocean Park WA.98640
ph 360 665 6144Referred By: www.65thdiv.com
Saturday 01/18/2003 Name: Sgt. Wayne William Bullard
Whitesboro,Texas65th Div. Unit: 261st Company E E-Mail: jack@bullardec.com 65th Div. Assn. Status: I am a family member of a 65th Division Veteran Relationship/65th Vet: Son Comments: My father, Sgt. Wayne Bullard, passed away on January 14th, 2003; he was 82. He entered the military on 1/28/1941 prior to Pearl, was a drill instructor at Camp Shelby, and fought to Enns Austria. I would be pleased to hear from anyone who knew my father. God Bless. Referred By: www.65thdiv.com
Saturday 01/18/2003 Name: Arnold Cordova
1817 Medford Dr., Montebello, CA 9064065th Div. Unit: 365th Medical Batallion E-Mail: arcordova@cox.net 65th Div. Assn. Status: I am a 65th Div. Veteran but not a member of the Association Comments: I was a sergeant in the 65th Division-365th Medical Battalion, Company B, second echelon. My duties were medical assistant in charge of shock for the wounded behind enemy lines. I was stationed in Camp Shelby, Miss.; departed from Shanks, N.Y.; landed in Le Harve, France; and followed the division through Germany. I am 83 years old. Please let me know how I can contact my buddies in the 365th Medical Battalion. Thanks. Referred By: www.65thdiv.com
Friday 01/17/2003 Name: Robert C. (Bob) Steger,Jr.
Brownwood, Tx65th Div. Unit: Co. G, 259 Inf. 65th Div. Assn. Status: I am a member of the 65th Division Association Comments: Thank you for keeping us posted. Referred By: www.65thdiv.com
Sunday 01/12/2003 Name: Ked Kirkham
Sunset, UT65th Div. Unit: Company D, 1st Battalion, 259th Regiment 65th Div. Assn. Status: I am a family member of a 65th Division Veteran Relationship/65th Vet: Son Comments: This past holiday my father Jim Kirkham gave us- his 7 children- the first of his written War Stories. He- and each of you do indeed have the Right to be Proud. Thank you for serving. Referred By: www.65thdiv.com
Wednesday 01/08/2003 Name: Robert A. Peterson
Danville, CA65th Div. Unit: Co. K 260 Infantry Regiment 65th Div E-Mail: Petepapa@webtv.net 65th Div. Assn. Status: I am a 65th Div. Veteran but not a member of the Association Comments: I would love to hear from any Company K members Referred By: www.65thdiv.com
Monday 01/06/2003 Name: Elizabeth Sulflow
Clinton Township, MI65th Div. Unit: 260th Infantry Division E-Mail: missusliz@yahoo.com 65th Div. Assn. Status: I am a family member of a 65th Division Veteran Relationship/65th Vet: Granddaughter Comments: Looking for anyone who may have known my grandfather, Orville Sulflow. Naturally, he didn't talk much of the war, but my father and I are interested in where he had been, etc. Thank you all, "The Greatest Generation",
E. SulflowReferred By: www.65thdiv.com
Friday 01/03/2003 2:09:14pm Name: William E. O'Neill
Irvine, CA65th Div. Unit: 260th Infantry Regiment E-Mail: celtfire1@cox.net 65th Div. Assn. Status: I am a family member of a 65th Division Veteran Relationship/65th Vet: Father Comments: My father, William E. O'Neill, 260th Regimental Adjutant, passed away on 1/7/2000. He was proud of the 65th Division and its part in the defeat of Germany.
William J. O'Neill, son.Referred By: www.65thdiv.com (BACK TO TOP)
Wednesday 01/01/2003 Name: David Camp
Ventura, CA. USA65th Div. Unit: 261st. E-Mail: dhc2124@pacbell.com 65th Div. Assn. Status: I am a family member of a 65th Division Veteran Relationship/65th Vet: Son Comments: Thought I would let you know about the passing of my father,Jurl D. Camp (Jerry), on Sept. 23rd, 2002.
He was very proud to be a part of the 65th Div. He always felt that he led a full life, and never forgot those who sacrificed so much.Referred By: www.65thdiv.com
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