Blue Ridge
Official Publication of the
80th Division Veterans Asssociation, Inc.

Summer 2005 - v86, #345

Company H 319th Post #33
Summer is upon us and it is time to get a newsletter off to the Blue Ridger. The Columbus, Ohio reunion should be a very good one. I still remember the last one (years ago). The visit to the German Village was unforgettable, of course, Clem Fujawa, for some reason was frequently struck with the bill. Thanks Clem!! Ed Crook, the master at the key board always found a piano and pepped up the group with sonic good ol' oldies, most of them clean. Ed not only entertained Co. H, but also members of all the Division units. We miss you Ed.

I heard from Nick Grossi. He and Ginny moved from Mercer Island to across the bridge to Bellevue, Washington. Both plan to join us in Columbus.

Reggie and Karol are still in Iowa, awaiting a new home in Arkansas. I do not think either is in a hurry to move, as the golf course is almost a daily visit.

Lola Kudrna, Karol's mom, has returned from her hide out in Florida to her home in Iowa.

Orin Ledbetter says he and Debbie are planning to join the group. Orin says his part of li'l Texas is as dry as a day-old spit ball and that his stock is not developing into Big Mac's.

PNC Irv Robinson and Hilda plan to attend and that Irv is ready to swap yarns with anyone interested. We are all ears, Irv!

I do hear from John and Kate Beebe. They like most of us are running on Doctor's advice and Rx's. John lives near Joe Reichle. Joe was a 2nd platoon machine gunner. John reports that Joe has planted 15 pound of onion sets. Yes, you read right, fifteen pounds! The Reichles, having eight children need the large garden.

Bill and Wilma McKinzie will join us to greet all the in coming members in Ohio. Wilma plans to visit the Basket Company. Does she have any company?

Jerry, Penny and John, at the present time, are planning to attend the gathering and join in the company merriment.

Sad news, C.D. Clements passed away. C.D is well remembered to all Co. H members and many other in the Division. Before induction he took time off to marry his high school sweetheart, Louise Stetler. The marriage survived until his passing. They have three children. He climbed the ladder of success from private to 1st Lieutenant and, later in the Army Reserves to the rank of Major. While servicing in Company H, he was assigned to the position of reconnaissance Sergeant. C.D. and I had PNC Frank Sacamandi as runner and Vito Donofrio as Driver. The mission of the reconnaissance group was to select positions and targets for the machine gunners and to assist the Mortar Platoon FO's in selecting targets in support for the rifle companies.

I may have been the Lieutenant in charge but some how always got the short end of rations and any other convenience. No, I was very proud to have had everyone in my command.

I would like to hear of any information leading to the contact of Donofrio. Hope to see Ken and Barb and would like from them to join Company H in the festivities.

Cincinnati Post #34
As Commander of Cincinnati Post # 34, I have finally got around to giving my report. Our ‘Get Together" for the breaking of bread, indulging in good food, friendship and hospitality. We met at the Greyhound Grill, Fort Mitchell, KY with the following in attendance. The Obels, Wettig's, Benzinger's (?) Mel Schmidt, for a total of six people. We had expected PNC Russell Sick of Hamilton, OH but for whatever reason he didn't show. I know he wasn't at the Reds ball game as they were out of town.

We would like to say "hello" to all our members that could not make the meeting we missed you.

Our meetings bring back memories of long ago train ride across the US with induction into the Armed Forces, evenings spent at the PX, traveling across the Atlantic and returning from the service. What memories of past happenings. I imagine our stories are just about the same as the other Posts of our Association.

News is scarce these days and I know we are old and fail to contact our fellow brothers in arms and I apologize for such action.

We should make every effort these days to remember those who have passed on and those that are disabled and cannot attend our "Get together" no matter where they are located wherever that may he.

Now may I say "God Bless all of you.' Keep faith in our great country and may we that still survive always remember those that made the Supreme Sacrifice. I'll get off the soapbox and say Vie and I are now at home. Vic was hospitalized for a couple months and we thank God for her recovery. As for myself, I am still going strong. I am able to get up each morning with no pain so to all members of our Association I wish all of you Good Health, Long Life, and pleasant memories of times passed.

Sincerely, John Wettig, Sr. Commander

305th Engineers Post #40
Most of my mail arrived around Christmas time, but there's been nothing recently. So, this hello is to all who have not written and I'll be brief because all I can say is, I've been to a couple Florida Post meetings, and have been to all the monthly Cincinnati Post dinners, but the annual 80th Division reunion may be my only opportunity to visit with the 305th Engineers that may attend that affair. The invitations are out for Columbus August 24/27, 2005. We all have to make an effort to get there so PLAN now and don't ask WHY? If sixty years of comradeship isn't reason then I can't answer "WHY?" The Engineers hospitality room will be waiting for you.
Russ Sick

Rcn Post #37
Word from Eleanor Schonely is that her neighbor had a fire, after workmen left some hot tools causing her to have a lot of smoke and water damage and the settlement of the claim.

In addition she still is on a walker after a Hip Replacement and Colon Cancer, thank Heaven was not cancerous. Says with all her problems, she needs to tie a few loose ends up and get her boxes in order.

Post #44 Company M 318th
Happy to report I have had a phone call from both Jack Stumcke and Lloyd Jonnes. Jack reports he is doing very well and still needs to have someone with him whenever he leaves his room. Said to tell all his Buddies Hello. Lloyd works tracing Ancient Head Stones and fines the history of them. He is working on some Volume #70 something or other. He and his wife Lynn are doing fine. I have also heard from Allen Waller, he and Tommie want everyone to know they are doing fine.

Had a surprise 89th birthday gift of a dinner for Doris and I at the Oakmont Country Club, from a couple of people who are working overseas at the Stryker Supply Base. We then on 26 May went back to IN and KY see our folks. Doris people had called 22 people and all were there for a mini reunion while I had some thirty cousins I haven't seen in over forty years. Good times were had on both sides of the family.

Bob M

3rd Battalion 317 Post #36
A few notes from our members: Bob Smith (K) attended the Legion of Valor Reunion in California. Angelo (I.) and Kay Barone and Bob Smith were at the New York Post meeting in Albany, May 26-30. Bob Moorhead (I,) had knee replacement. We wish Bob a speedy recovery.

We are saddened to report the passing of three faithful and supportive wives of the 80th and extend our most sincere condolences to the family. We are sorry of Nancy Ann Pierce death notice did not arrive in time to be included in the previous issue of the BLUE RIDGE.

Nancy Arm Pierce (Leroy K. Pierce - L) January 31, 2005. Nancy was a nurse at Morning Sun Community School. She started the Louisa County Public Health Nursing Service and served as nurse/administrator in this public health agency from 1967 to her retirement in 1992. Nancy was an accomplished vocalist, singing solos as well as duets, trios, quartets and choirs. She is survived by her husband, Leroy, three son's grandchildren and a great-grandson. Leroy K. Pierce, 200 S. Church Street, Box 37, Morning Sun, IA 52640-9420.

Lucille Clark (0. E. Clark - I) February 20, 2005. Lucille was in a Nursing Home for a year. Notice from Niece, Susan Clark Williarrs, 441 Gentlemen Ridge Road, Blairs, VA 24527.

Elsie McGrath (Donald McGrath - I) April 23, 2005. Elsie was in a Nursing Home for two months. Ellie Schaub received notice from daughter, Mrs. Nick Smith (Beckey), 4983 Deis Hills Road, N. W., Dover, OH 44622.

Our prayers and good wishes are with those who are ill and have physical problems. Please send any news so I can include it in the column. My address is: Newtown Towers 204-B, 3400 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square, PA 19073.
Have a great reunion in Columbus!, Bob Nathason Sect.

New York Post #43
By the time you have received this we would have held our annual Spring meeting at the Tuff Inn, Albany NY.

All officers were re-elected and things went well. We finally had our trip to New York State History Museum in Saratoga, NY, a few miles up the interstate. This goes back to state of our great USA Country. Fran and Harry Nutting were our hosts.

Next meeting is Geneva, NY one of the Finger Lakes in the area. This is Monday through Thursday gathering, October 10-13, 2005. This is right in the great wine country. Around these lakes are over 50 successful wineries along with many great fruits. I know many stock up on both at this time. We will hold a short gathering and our usual White Elephant Raffle. We will have our noontime luncheon followed by our gathering in our hospitality room. We need your support or we will not continue receiving these Free Hospitality Rooms. We must have good numbers so, mark your Calendars -plan in advance.

I am sad to report the loss of one of our long-time post members, and a real active member in our National, Dominick Palmietto, Company G-317th, from Croton-on-Hudson, NY.

Hope to see a good reply for our meeting in Geneva next October.
Ed Bredbenner Sect

Lane Hall Post #42
It was quite a winter we had and I am sure all of you are really happy to be in the Spring/summer weather by now. I have my fill of shoveling snow and trying to keep the place in order but I guess we all had it this year. Let's hope the next winter will be a little better.

I did not get this news until I had already mailed my copy in to the Blue Ridge. Mary Brinker's son Jim, who is such a great part of our group and has been attending reunions for so many years, had a stroke in February. Jim has always enjoyed being with all of us and does look forward to our get-to-gathers. Let us all say a prayer that will be o.k. and be able to join us again.

In a later note I received from Mary, she told me Jim was able to go home, he was talking now where as when he first had the stroke he wasn't able to speak, he is working with a speech therapist and is doing much better.

Audrey Blocker also was operated on in February and is recovering at her children's homes in Ohio. Audrey hopes to be with us in August.

Charlie Noxon was in the hospital in February, Alice wrote that he had to have a pacemaker put in. He is home now and we can add him to our prayers. On March 1, Alice called and told me Charlie was doing fine, she said the doctor's say he can do everything he used, to do before this happened. Charlie, we love you and take care.

Also heard in March, that Jerry Tristano fell and fractured his ankle. Sue says he was in a cast. Jerry, we want to see you at the reunion you're one of us now.

April 16, 2005 receive a card from Lou Shirey that Charles Kingsolver, one of our members from Indiana had passed away. Our sympathies go out to his family.

Late Easter Sunday received a call from Walter Stec, he has not been feeling well, and while driving, his leg stiffened, and he had to have someone else continue the driving. I told him to see his Doctor as soon as possible, to find out why that was happening, and he promised to do that, and get back to me on the results. I do hope he is feeling better, and the thought maybe some of his friends could drop him a line.

Received E-mail from Ann Hatcher on 3/3 1. Lee has had a new pacemaker-defibrillator battery installed. She said l,ee was doing better after being monitored for a few hours, and even though he had gained 6 pounds of water in 5 days, they had been working on getting rid of that. Our love Lee, and see you at the reunion.

Was sitting with my little dog, reading the paper on Sunday, April 3rd and the phone rang and it was Dom Ahhruzzese calling. It was good to hear from him, he told me about some of his plans he has been making, and some of them were to go to Henderson, NV to visit Arthur Skinner one of his old friends from the Army. I thought that was great, Arthur was a very good friend of my husband. I am sure Dom will enjoy visiting with him. Also, Dom and his family will be visiting the area in Europe where the 313th was active during the war, I am sure they will enjoy the trip. I made that trip with Ed many years ago, and enjoyed seeing the various cities and towns. Dom will see all of us at the reunion in August. 1 am sure everyone is looking forward to it this year.

Received a letter from William Hanson in I.argo, FL today, April 12, 2005 and was sorry to hear that he would not be attending the reunion in August. He has not been feeling well, and the Doctor does not think he should travel. Bill also sent a generous check to he forwarded on to the 80th Memorial Fund. Thank you Bill for the check. I will send it on for you, and we hope you are feeling better and get to see you at the next reunion.

Jim Phillips called during the last week in April and said to inform everyone that we will be having a Hospitality Suite for four nights. It will he nice hanging out together and getting to know what everyone has been doing etc. See you there.

I hope that all of you are doing well. I want to remind you, if there is anything to report, or you would like to have printed here, please call or write me. Francis E. Poletti, 28 Arnold Lane, Rowayton, CT 06853, 203-855-1928, until next time keep well and let me hear from you.

I came across this when I was looking at some old albums of the 313th, and I don't know if everyone has a copy, so I thought I would include it in my write up this month:

THE 313TH FIELD ARTILLERY BATTALION
"The 313th FIELD ARTILLERY BATTALION is cited for outstanding performance of duty in action against the enemy on 12-21 September 1944. The 313TH FIELD ARTILLERY BATTALION supported the attack of the 317th Infinity Regiment" in crossing of the Moselle River the morning of 12 September 1944. At 1800 on that date the 313TH FIELD ARTILLERY BATTALION crossed the Moselle to positions in the vicinity of Bezaumont. That night and the following 4 days the forces that crossed the river were repeatedly attacked by tanks and infantry supported by artillery, mortars, and machine guns. These attacks were in all cases repulsed, on two occasions only after penetration of the firing positions of the 313TH FIELD ARTILLERY BATTALION. On 14 September 1944 the situation became critical. An attack by enemy infantry and tanks supported by heavy concentrations of mortar and artillery was directed against our lines. This attack succeeded in penetrating deep into our positions. Without hesitation, and based upon a sound plan, all men of the 313TH FIELD ARTILLERY BATTALION, including Service battery and Headquarters personnel, except the minimum necessary to serve the pieces, were deployed as infantry. Making use of bazookas, machine guns, carbines, and their primary weapons, the 313TH FIELD ARTILLERY BATTALION, from their defensive positions, repulsed the attack without the loss of material. Two enemy tanks were destroyed in this action. The 313 FIELD ARTILLERY BATTALION was the only artillery unit east of the Moselle River during the period 12-16 September 1944. During these 4 days, the battery positions were repeatedly subjected to small-arms machine-gun, mortar, and artillery fire. During the early morning hours of 16 September 1944 an attack by tanks and infantry, directed principally against the left (north) of the front lines, was repulsed by the infantry supported by 313TH FIELD ARTILLERY BATTALION and some infantry elements had been forced back across the river. The 313TH FIELD ARTILLERY distinguished itself in battle by extraordinary heroism, exhibited such gallantry, determination, and esprit de corps as to set it apart and above units participating in the same engagement. The magnificent courage and devotion to duty displayed by all members of the 313TH FIELD ARTILLERY BATTAI.ION are a credit and inspiration to the armed forces of the United States.

Florida Post #47
Our March meeting in our relocated hotel is now history. It was a new facility to us. They had sufficient facilities, poo1, exercise room, restaurant etc. The staff was not familiar with us so a few glitches were bound to happen but nothing to ruin our pleasure. The Florida Chamber of Commerce let us down this year the temperature was a little cool. ~1he total attendance was comparable to last year. We missed a few of our regulars but we picked up several new people and quests. One of the high lights of the function was the banquet, the food was excellent. A number of pleasant compliments were addressed to the appropriate personnel. Our drawings were held with ample prizes and money.

We had our usual music group it is always good but at this gathering it was better, we were provided with an additional member, it improved their performance. We hope it will be a permanent addition.

I am sorry to report the loss of two members of our group Dominick Palmietto and Marcella Haley, PNP. We extend our sympathies to their families. On our sick list is George West who is home from a stay in the hospital, Hope he will be back to his old self soon.

Before leaving Florida for our more pleasant summer up north, we along with George and Jean Bell checked on the progress being made on the Holiday Inn Oceanfront, the one building most of the extensive hurricane damage seems to be repaired. The other building is still being worked on. We will check again as soon as we get down this fall. We expect it to be completed by the end of this year. We are still planning our March meeting there next year.

At our place in Florida we could only get one estimate and it was ridiculously high. Workers in the area are coming from as far as Wyoming and paying $200 a night for motel rooms. Most motels in the area are filled to capacity. Just before heading north we finally got the small amount of inside damage repaired, the outside which was not as bad as first reported to us will wait until this fall when we return.

Now to more pleasant things, Our Fall Meeting will be October 27, 2005 to October 1st, 2005. It will be at the Hampton Inn, 3434 College Road, Ocala, FL 34474. Phone (352) 854-3200. Our code when making reservations will be D80.

Hoping to see you all in Columbus, Ohio in August at the National Reunion.
Francis Rajnicek Sect.

Company L, 319th Infantry
How quickly the days go by as we age. Seems like it was only yesterday and we were welcoming in the New Year 2005 and here we are already in June. In just a few short weeks we will be together again greeting old friends and reliving our experiences in World War II.

This report starts out on a sad note as we all mourn the passing of our dear friend Helene Soloninka who passed on to her new life on April 10th. Maria and I represented the company at a wake service held on the 17th of April at the Beck-Givnish funeral home in Levittown PA. I know you all join me in offering our sincere condolences to Frank and his family on the occasion of this great loss. Pattie Garran, Frank's daughter will be soon moving to Florida to take care of her dad.

Betts and John Flynn were caretakers for two of their Ethiopian grand kids for 10 days and had a visit from a Vermont friend just after the grannies left. Betts said she and John are exhausted from the ordeal.

Bill and Billie Krehbiel are feeling fine and are doing catch-up work on the lawn and garden. They have been on the go again and have been to Michigan and the Ozarks and have been attending several graduations, one north of Columbia Mo. for a niece. Bill and Billie are eagerly awaiting the reunion in August.

Rudy and Carol Berman passed on the good news that their oldest daughter Karen is to be married in July. Rudy said he and Carol are well and enjoying the beautiful spring weather. They are looking forward to being with us in Columbus.

I received a nice letter from Bill Siebert and he said he can sympathize with Lou Blatz. Bill also lost his microwave and thinks there is a virus going around.

John Balas E-mailed that he and Helen celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary with a quiet dinner. He said the marriage has lasted 57 years because they learned to give and take. Helen is still suffering from leg and back pain and dizziness from the medicine she must take for the leg and back pain. (A vicious circle). John is having foot problems and suspects he may have a heel spur. John said he is limping around on tired old legs. If heath does not get worse for them, they expect to be in Columbus for the reunion.

Fred Eckelmann Jr. has been bringing his dad to the reunions for the last few years and we hope they will be joining us this year.

No word from Lou Blatz but he is a tough old bird and I'm assuming he is well and will be coming to Columbus with Richard.

Sylvia Salesby, Jim Young's right hand "man" advised me that Jim is out of town so I have nothing to report regarding the "boss" it is very difficult to write this report with little input from Company L membership. I would appreciate it if any Company L members reading this report would take a few minutes each quarter and drop me a note regarding their activities and health status. My address is 9218 Twin Hill Lane, Laurel Md. 20708-2507.

We want to hear about you. Hank Einolf