Copy
The  Official Electronic Newsletter of the Veterans and Descendants of the
U.S. 17th Airborne Division, WWII 
The mission of the "Scions of the 17th Airborne" is to honor the service of all veterans of the 17th, and to educate others about the history and sacrifices made by the troopers who served in this division during WWII.

We strive to accomplish these missions by holding regional gatherings where troopers and their families can gather, and by sharing their recollections.  We communicate with our membership using this "Thunder From Heaven" newsletter, through our website, and on our Facebook page. Additionally, we collect documents related to the history of the 17th and make them available to our membership.
Issue # 75 - May - June 2019
Please send us your 17th related news items, stories, questions etc., so that we can share them with the entire group. You may direct your mail to the Scions at:
Carolyn Tuttle, Adam Coolong, Ed Siergiej Jr.- Editors
Visit our Facebook page at:

17th Airborne Division Scions (Descendants)

Post your 17th related photos, stories and questions.
In This Newsletter
 
-  Message from President Adam Coolong

-  17th Veterans needed for 2020 Remembrance Trip to the ETO

-  Boston Square to be rededicated to 2nd Lt. John O'Brien 

-  Scion Warren Johnson to Jump into Normandy

-  Memorial Day Ceremonies Honor 17th Airborne Troopers

-  Trooper Jacques Michinezi Returns to Europe for D Day                 Ceremonies

-  Saving our History - By David Shortt

-  New books about the 17th Airborne Division

-  Donations to Memorial & General Funds

-  Welcome New Members


Thunder Mail Call by Bill Tom
 
-  Letters From Home and Abroad

-  Sick Call

-  TAPS

-  17th Airborne Online Store

-  Become a Member of the Scions of the 17th Airborne
 President's Message
by Adam Coolong
 

Greetings, Troopers and Scions! Summer is finally here!  I hope you’re enjoying yours as I am mine.

This month, I want to use this space for a quick book recommendation. Last month a new work came out, by a brand-new author named James M. Fenelon. Called Four Hours of Fury: the Untold Story of World War II’s Largest Airborne Invasion the Final Push into Nazi Germany, the book recalls Operation Varsity in minute detail. I was prescient enough to pre-order a copy, so mine arrived the day it was released. I finished it very shortly thereafter, and I want to recommend it to you all. Mr. Fenelon (himself an Airborne veteran) does a great job describing Varsity, from the planning stages through to the final push to Phase Line Paris, and it’s clear throughout that his research was meticulous.

The book is well-written and easy to read, and it’s as close as we’re going to get to having been there, for those of us who have only heard the stories from our 17th veterans. Especially noteworthy are the passages the author quotes from the many veterans who were involved, not only from the various component units of the 17th, but also from the Troop Carrier Command and Army Air Forces personnel who flew the C-47s, flew the gliders and fought as infantry once on the ground, and delivered the supply drops in the B-24s. Never before have I been able to truly stitch together the “big picture” of the operation from a birds-eye perspective, and this book helped immensely. Do yourself a favor, pick up a copy and learn in detail about what your father or grandfather did on that day so many years ago. Here’s a link to the book on Amazon. You can certainly find it through a number of other online retailers if that’s your preference.

Also, I’m proud to say that Mr. Fenelon is an Associate Member, so if you’re reading this, great job, sir, and thank you for your efforts to ensure the memory and sacrifices of the men of the 17th Airborne Division live on!

Adam Coolong, President
Airborne, All the Way!

 Attention 17th Airborne Veterans!!

 2020 Remembrance Trip to the ETO

by Jeff Schumacher
 
Boston Square to be Rededicated to 2nd Lt. John O'Brien
Hello Scions,
 
Many of you are aware that my father, 2nd Lt. John Lane O’Brien, was killed on March 24, 1945 during Operation Varsity, but perhaps you are not aware that his hometown of Boston erected an “Honor Square” for him in 1949 in his Allston neighborhood which I helped dedicate when I was four years old (photo attached below).
This is my invitation to my fellow Scions to join me and my family on Saturday, August 17th, at 1:30 pm for a re-dedication ceremony of my Dad’s Honor Square. Over the years the original plaque and pole were replaced a couple of times, but recently the existing plaque and pole were removed for construction and a name plaque was attached to a telephone pole that looked like it was about to fall.  After hearing about my discontent with the situation in March, Scion David Saggio, a Bostonian, volunteered to help and promptly visited the Veterans Affairs Office of the City (VAO) to bring to their attention how disrespectful this latest change was.  David’s actions quickly led to a new stanchion and plaque, and the re-dedication ceremony of my father’s Honor Square.  My brother forever!  
 
The VAO has advised me that this new stanchion will also have an additional sign attached with a bar code which will allow you to use your smart phone to learn more about my father.  They will have an honor guard present, will distribute flyers or posters to invite local residents, and will invite local officials (although I have no idea if any will attend).
 
Re-Dedication Ceremony:    August 17, 2019, 1:30 pm, (Saturday)
N. Harvard and Cambridge Streets, Allston, MA
 
Hotel:  We have reserved a block of rooms at the Boston Newton Marriott Hotel where my family is staying that weekend.  It is about 15 minutes from the re-dedication site. 
            2345 Commonwealth Ave., Newton, MA 02466     
$149.00 per night (plus 11.7% tax) for a Standard Guestroom (single/double). Reservations must be made by 5 PM on July 14, 2019 to get this discount rate.  Includes free wifi and parking. Check-in is 4 pm and check-out is 12 noon.    
    Guests can make their reservations by calling directly 1 800 228 9290 and reference the O’Brien Memorial Room Block.
 
 
Here's your reservation link your guests can use to make reservations:
Book your group rate for O'Brien Memorial Group Room Block
You will find the information for your online reservation link below. If you have questions or need help with the link, please do not hesitate to ask. We appreciate your business and look forward to a successful event.
Event Summary:
O'Brien Memorial Group Room Block
Start Date: Friday, August 16, 2019
End Date: Sunday, August 18, 2019
Last Day to Book: Friday, July 12, 2019
Hotel(s) offering your special group rate:
  • Boston Marriott Newton for 149 USD per night
Book your group rate for O'Brien Memorial Group Room Block
 
https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1561569783156&key=GRP&app=resvlink


 
Luncheon Reception Immediately following:         After the ceremony, everyone who attends is invited to a private luncheon at the Asgard Irish Pub & Restaurant,
350 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02139, which is only a few minutes’ drive from the site of the ceremony.
 
RSVP:  If anyone is interested in attending, please contact me because I would like to have your cell phone number and email address to advise you of any changes (none expected) in the plans, and to give the restaurant an updated estimate of guests.
 
Jerry O’Brien
Memorial Day Ceremonies Honor
17th Airborne Troopers
Scion Mike Martinez travelled to the San Bruno National Cemetery to honor Medal of Honor recipient Trooper Stuart Stryker
The Margraten Memorial Group placed this wreath at the grave of
Medal of Honor recipient Trooper George Peters
Scions Jerry and Pat O'Brien honored Medal of Honor recipient
Trooper Isadore Jachman
Scion Judy Foster Holland honored Medal of Honor recipient                   Trooper Clinton Hedrick
Trooper Sidney Levit and Scion Andrea Kormann Lowe placed this wreath at the Cambridge England cemetery where a number of 17th troopers who died while the division was in England are buried.
Trooper Jacques Michiezi (513/G) Returns to Europe for D Day ceremonies

Two World War II veterans now living in North Carolina will be among the those attending the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings in France this week, thanks to six high school students.

'NC to Normandy' began five years ago when a group of Tony Carter's students at Smith Middle School in Chapel Hill formulated a plan to honor those who served in World War II by escorting them back to France for the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings in 2014.

“I watched the students live history through the men who made that history and D-Day took on a whole new meaning for them,” he said. “These men of the Greatest Generation selflessly sacrificed on a scale unseen in human history. Giving them this opportunity is the least we can do.”

Last summer Carter began planning the trip again, but this time for the 75th anniversary of the momentous WWII battle. 

“This is likely the last time many of these aging veterans will be able to have the opportunity to go and looking back at the impact it had, I felt like we needed to do this trip again,” he explained.

Joining the students this time around are Army medic George Chall and retired Army Lt. Col. James  Michienzi.

Micheienzi was an U.S. Army platoon sergeant serving at the Battle of the Bulge with the 17th Airborne Division. He also went on to serve in Korea and Vietnam. 

Chall served in Gen. George Patton’s 3rd Army in four campaigns: Northern France, the Ardennes including Battle of the Bulge, Rhineland, and Central Europe.  

“My main job was saving lives,” recalls the 95-year-old. “It’s very exciting, it’s also very deeply moving and brings back so many memories.”

Fundraising for the trip began last November on GoFundMe and has covered the cost of the veterans’ trips, Carter said. Additional funds raised will help cover the expenses of the teachers and students who are traveling with the veterans and paying for the trip themselves.

“The students gave presentations at school events, held speaking events in the local community, worked concessions at dances and ball games, called, visited and emailed companies to raise money,” said Carter.

For the students, the biggest impact of the trip is yet to come.

“For me as a teacher, this project means everything. It is what every teacher dreams of doing,” he said. “I am giving my students the ability to live history, make a difference in our community through service and civic action, and impact their life in a way that will stay with them forever.”

And, Carter said the veterans themselves have no idea what they are in store for.

“The tears, hugs, and reverence the French people show our veterans is like nothing they have seen in the United States,” he said. “Our veterans deserve this, I wish I could take every veteran still alive because they all deserve this.”
Saving our History # 19

By David Shortt
 
Greetings to our beloved Troopers and Scions!

This month we will profile the uniform of an Italian American Plumber, MARLINO J. BERLONI, of Connecticut. MARLINO entered the US Army in 1943 and Volunteered for the Paratroops. After graduation from The Parachute School, he was sent to England, and assigned to F Company, 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment, as a replacement for the heavy casualties sustained in Normandy, France during the D-Day Drop as part of the 82nd Airborne Division (Many SCION's may not know, the 507th PIR was attached to the 82nd for Normandy, and then to the 17th for Belgium and Germany). 

MARLINO slugged through the "Battle of the Bulge" and his next mission, was participating in Operation "Varsity", the combined parachute and glider assault near Wesel, Germany, 24 March,1945. On that fateful morning, MARLINO found himself on a C-47 Transport Plane with thirteen other Troopers, assigned to the 89th Troop Carrier Squadron, Serial #2, Chalk #83 (83rd aircraft to cross the Rhine). Their destination was DZ "W", on the west side near Diersfordt, to secure a blocking position for the 15th Scottish Division, which attacked over the Rhine River.  MARLINO survived the battles un-wounded, but little is known about him after the war.  The Museum was recently able to locate, acquire and preserve his Eisenhower Jacket, trousers and Overseas Hat for future generations to appreciate. 

DAVID SHORTT/Curator
CWO, US Army Retired

VETERANS MEMORIAL MUSEUM FOUNDATION
123. S. Main St.
Germantown, OH 45327
Office 937-855-4763

Photos:
1. "Ike" Jacket and Overseas Hat
2. Decorations and Parachute Badge with "Jump" Star
3. Right shoulder combat formation insignia-First Allied Airborne Army
 
New Books About the 17th Airborne Division
by Ed Siergiej Jr.
Mrs Betty Scherer has kindly given the Scions of the 17th Airborne Division permission to republish her husbands book, Soldiers & Brothers Under the Canopy. This 280-page collection of stories from Troopers of Company A of the 513th PIR is reformatted for easier reading. Includes many photos, maps and diagrams from the troopers of Co A. It is available for $35 including shipping in the USA. We accept checks or PayPal.

Scions of the 17th Airborne Division, Inc.
62A Forty Acre Mt. Rd
Danbury, CT 06811
This collection of letters written by her father (KIA in Operation Varsity) is edited by Scion Rives Fowlkes Carol. The book is available at Politics and Prose, 202-363-4119
In this viscerally exciting account, a paratrooper-turned-historian reveals the details of the largest airborne operation of World War II—one that dropped 17,000 Allied paratroopers deep into the heart of Nazi Germany.

On the morning of March 24, 1945, more than two thousand Allied aircraft droned through a cloudless sky toward Germany. Escorted by swarms of darting fighters, the armada of transport planes carried 17,000 troops to be dropped via parachute and glider, on the far banks of the Rhine River. Four hours later, after what was the war’s largest airdrop, all major objectives had been seized. The invasion smashed Germany’s last line of defense and gutted Hitler’s war machine; the war in Europe ended less than two months later.

Four Hours of Fury follows the 17th Airborne Division as they prepare for Operation Varsity, a campaign that would rival Normandy in scale and become one of the most successful and important of the war. Even as the Third Reich began to implode, it was vital for Allied troops to have direct access into Germany to guarantee victory—the 17th Airborne secured that bridgehead over the River Rhine. And yet their story has until now been relegated to history’s footnotes.

Reminiscent of A Bridge Too Far and Masters of the Air, Four Hours of Fury does for the 17th Airborne what Band of Brothers did for the 101st. It is a captivating, action-packed tale of heroism and triumph spotlighting one of the most under-chronicled and dangerous operations of World War II.

(Click here to purchase via Amazon.)
Scion Richard Pohanish sent us this review of "Four Hours of Fury". Tooper Calpin's photo is below

I am a member of your organization. My father, Francis Calpin served with Battery E of the 155th A/T A/A Battalion. I was able to obtain an advance reading copy of James Fenalon's new book about Operation Varsity entitled Four Hours of Frenzy. I wanted to report that its an excellent read containing  a lot of nitty-gritty details about life in the 17th as well as exciting stories of the Bulge and Varsity. For various reasons, Varsity was largely ignored by the press as well as many WW2 historians. The author, Fenalon (a former paratrooper and jump master), has done a great job of placing this urgent and important event in its historical context. It will make for great reading on the beach this summer.
Scions Memorial Fund
by Scion Secretary Ed Siergiej Jr.

The "Scions of the 17th Airborne Memorial Fund" is an account with the specific purpose of supporting activities that honor the memory of our veterans who have passed on. Some examples of how these funds will be used are as follows:
  • Providing wreaths for our annual ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery.
  • Providing wreaths for the four Medal of Honor recipients on Memorial Day.
  • Funding for the cards sent to the families of veterans who have passed on.
  • Shipping our Division Flag to funerals for 17th veterans.

Contributions in memory of a 17th Veteran, or any group of 17th Veterans (Such as Co F, 513th, for example)
may be made to this fund by so designating.

Contributions can be made to:
Scions of the 17th Airborne Memorial Fund
62A Forty Acre Mt. Rd.
Danbury, CT 06811

Generous Donations to our Memorial Fund have been made by:

Richard Rheinberger

Nancy Wilkinson
In Memory of Isaac Epps
Donations to Scions General Fund
by Scion Secretary Ed Siergiej Jr.

None This Month
Donations to Dead Mans Ridge Walk Fund
by Scion Secretary Ed Siergiej Jr.

None this month
Welcome New Members

Scott & Theresa Parker
Scions of Edward R. Reynolds (507/HQ1)

Brent Nostrant
Grandson of  John J. Nostrant  (681st GFAB)

Roger Leturno
Associate Member
For many years, Trooper Bill Tom (194/C) was a major contributor to the original hard copy newsletter of the 17th Airborne Division Association, "Thunder From Heaven." After the dissolution of the Association in 2007, Bill began an email version of the newsletter, and continued that publication, "Thunder Mail Call" until the formation of the Scions Organization in 2011. With Bill's help, we integrated his newsletter into this publication. Bill and his wife Linda live in California and follow our efforts to honor the men of the 17th.

WANT ADS AND REQUESTS
FOR INFORMATION


Have a request to make for information, or for research help?  Send us an email and we will post it in a future edition of the Thunder From Heaven newsletter, in this section!
Ken Stern son of Henry Stern sent us this article about his parents. Kens father Henry served in the 550th Airborne Battalion. His mother performed Stand Up Comedy at some of the reunions of the 17th Airborne Division. Thanks Ken, for sharing.
PFC  Martin W. Kiehnhoff, 17th Airborne, 194th GIR, Co. C, from his daughter, Scion Lisa Nery

MARTIN WILLIAM KIEHNHOFF

Martin Kiehnhoff was born on November 30, 1915, in Wathena, Kansas.  He was the only son of Albert & Ada Kiehnhoff.

Kiehnhoff enlisted in the Army April 15, 1943. He went through Airborne & Glider training. Kiehnhoff was assigned to Company C of the 194th GIR of  the 17th Airborne Division. During WW II, he actively  participated in the Battle of the Bulge & Operation Varsity. Kiehnhoff received a Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Badge, Glider Badge, & numerous campaign medals. 

After the war, Kiehnhoff returned to his home in Denver, Colorado to his wife, Floriene, and his son, Thomas, and daughter, Lisa. 

Kiehnhoff passed away in 1979 after battling lung cancer. Floriene passed away in 2012. Tom, an attorney, lives with his wife Tam in Houston, Texas. They have two adult sons, John & Daniel.

Lisa, the youngest daughter, lives in Highlands Ranch, Colorado with her husband Jerry. They have two adult sons, Mark & Matthew who are both married & have three children each.

Martin was extremely proud serving his country. He rarely talked about his war experience. He only mentioned his war wound and frost bitten feet.

Kiehnhoff's family is very proud of his service in the military and the sacrifices he made, along with his fellow soldiers. They will always be remembered.
Looking for the family of Trooper James H. Brown
(139th Airborne Engineer Bn)
 
We have been contacted by a museum in Pittsburgh, PA with the following message.
 
"I have a bible with a background story that belong to James H. Brown from the 17th Airborne. I would like to local the family to give the Bible."

If you have any information on this Trooper, please contact us at 'Scionsofthe17thairborne@gmail.com"
 
FOREVER IS NOT FOR EVERYONE
by Betsy Durkin Matthes
Daughter of Lt. Col. Edwin Ostberg (507HQ1 & 325th GIR)
 
My father was LT. Col Edwin Joseph Ostberg, who served as both the Commander of the 1st Battalion of the 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne, and later assigned by General Gavin to be the Commander of the 2nd Battalion of the 325th Glider Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne.

Since the December 2015 publication of my book FOREVER IS NOT FOR EVERYONE, I have donated all profits from its sales to both the 507th and the 325th Associations. Since they have both recently disbanded, all the proceeds of the book are being donated to the Museum Of Aviation Foundation in Warner Robins, GA. to assist with the upkeep of the museum's 507th exhibition and to the Scions of the 17th Airborne Division.

Since most of the paratroopers from the 507th P.I.R. went on after D-Day to serve with the 17th Airborne Division, I think your members would be interested to read my book. Paratroopers and friends from the 507th, including Paul F. Smith, Roy Creek, Frank Naughton, Roland Daniel, Rufus Broadaway, Earl Geoffrion, Robert Vannatter, and Glen Lapine are mentioned prominently in my book.
 
It is available on Amazon.com in both a printed and digital version. Should any member of the 17th Airborne Division wish an autographed copy, they can obtain one through this website.
Sick Call
Rev. William Keeler  (513th PIR) is now in hospice care, as reported by Scion David Lockard.

Cards can be sent to Rev. Keeler at:
Rev. Wm. J. Keeler
Quarryville Presbyterian Retirement Community
Thompson Building, T-182
Church Street
Quarryville, PA 17566
Ed Siergiej Sr. took a fall at his Assisted Living Facility and broke his right hip. After partial hip replacement surgery, he is recovering at the rehab facility. 

Ed's address is:
Ed Siergiej
c/o Dacier Manor  
P.O. Box 4585
Dowling Park, FL 32064


 

TAPS

 
IN MEMORY OF THE FALLEN SOLDIER
by Isaac Epps
 
   The ones who went
   Were truly sent
   To do a Noble Deed;
   When evil showed
   They took the load
   In Justice, they believed.
   They heard the call
   And gave their All
   And some did not not come back.
   They knew the chance
   But took the stance
   When Liberty was attacked.
   It Speaks of Duty, Faith; and Love;
   It speaks of a respect
   for Country; For Others,
   For the Right of Man;
   To forget would be neglect.
   On this Their Day
   We stop to pray
   Their Memory shall live;
   The sacrifice they made was Life.
   What more can someone Give?
17th Airborne Memorial
Fort Benning, Georgia
Standing Guard

Submitted by Dominic Biello
If you become aware of the passing of one of our 17th Airborne veterans, please notify us immediately. We will make every effort to locate a member of the organization to attend the funeral and support the family in any way possible. Often, by the time an obituary is posted, little time remains to make these arrangements.
Send an email to
Scionsofthe17thairborne@gmail.com.
Our Veteran Outreach Team will also contact the family. 
David Campo
193/HQ1

"Life Member" of the 17th Airborne Division Association
Edward Droste
194/D
 
On May 22 we said goodbye to Edward V. Droste after 94 remarkable years. Ed passed peacefully in his Largo, Florida home surrounded by his family after a brave battle with cancer. 

Originally from Waverly, Iowa, Ed was born to Arthur F. and Marion (Lizer) Droste on February 21, 1925. He was baptized into Christ by St. Paul's Lutheran Church, confirmed in March of 1939, and reared through the 8th grade by St. Paul's Lutheran School before graduating from Waverly High School in 1943. Within moments of his graduation, he joined his 16 million American countrymen serving their country in World War II. Ed was inducted into the U.S. Army on July 17, 1943, completing his basic training at Ft. Benning, Georgia. He continued with Army Specialized Training Program at Northeastern University in Boston before joining the 17th Airborne Division in February of 1944 and earning his paratroop wings that June. 

Next came "the greatest land battle ever to be fought and won by the United States Army," and what would be a defining moment for Ed and our entire country: The Battle of the Bulge. Ed entered the Bulge via Operation Plunder, Airborne's invasion of Germany at the Rhine crossing, and saw the campaign through to its victory in January of 1945. A gifted athlete (he'd tell you he mighta been a Chicago Cub if not for the War), he joined the Armed Forces Baseball League in playing morale-raising games across Europe before being honorably discharged in October from the Army's 82nd Airborne Division, and finally returning home. 

On August 12 of 1946, Ed married his hometown sweetheart Phyllis Jean Holley at Waverly's United Methodist Church. He enrolled at local Wartburg College in 1947, then transferred to Iowa State University where in addition to his studies he competed on the golf team, famously hosting the 1949 NCAA National Championship and a young Wake Forest player named Arnold Palmer. Ed would later reunite with Arnie 50 years later at the 1999 TPC tournament pro-am in Tampa. 

Ed graduated from ISU in the summer of 1949 and accepted a teaching and coaching position at New Hampton (Iowa) High School. He continued to play competitive golf in tournaments throughout the Midwest while nurturing the beginnings of his growing family, daughters, Linda and Sally; and son, Eddie. In 1954 Ed joined his father's publishing company. He rose to VP/GM in 1961, becoming president and co-owner in 1975, and retiring in 1986. 

Ed endeavored to make a constant contribution to his Waverly community. He was a teacher, coach, small business owner and employer. He served for 16 years on the Waverly Planning and Zoning Commission, 12 years as Wartburg Alumni Treasurer, president of St. Paul's Lutheran Church Council, member of the Waverly Chamber of Commerce, the Development Commission, the Parks and Recreation Commission, Kids Kingdom and was awarded the Wartburg Alumni Citation Award. He was also a leading member Waverly Golf and Country Club, maintaining a lifelong love of golf that included seven hole-in-one scores. 

A constant spring of enthusiasm, Ed (who by the early 70's would become "Bumpa," courtesy of his mumble-mouthed first grandchild) loved dancing with his wife, as well as card games, especially his decades-long gin rummy match with Phyllis (now known as "Boom Boom"...see aforementioned grandchild mumblings). In what spare time she allowed him, he cheered proudly for the Waverly HS Go-Hawks (he was a four-sport letterman), the ISU Cyclones (also a letterman), his dear Green Bay Packers (he would finally become a one-share team owner!), and of course the Chicago Cubs. Ed was heartbroken at seven years old when he witnessed the Cubs 1932 World Series loss, later made every effort to help the team by throwing out a first pitch at Wrigley in 1993 and legend has it powered through his 94 years and multiple cancer battles just to see the Cubs reclaim the Series title. 

Ed also managed to find a little time for fishing, duck hunting, mushroom hunting, painting, more golf, international cruising with the family, and keeping up with Phyl's social schedule, which didn't slow the least as retirement brought the couple more frequently to the Tampa Bay area where their son Eddie was working on a new restaurant idea called Hooters. "Bumpa and Boom Boom" ultimately made their permanent home in Largo, Florida, in the vibrant Royal Palms community. Together they proudly supported and were graciously supported by Clearwater Beach's Chapel by the Sea, Morton Plant Hospital, and Moffitt Cancer Center. 

Ed's memory is honored by his loving wife, Phyllis Droste of Largo, Florida; one son, Edward C. (Marsha) Droste of Clearwater, Florida; two daughters, Linda Moon of Ankeny, Iowa and Sally (David) Pitts of Centennial, Colorado; three grandchildren, Ryan, Brian (Robyn) and Kylie (EJ), two step-grandchildren, Stephanie and Mike; three step great-grandchildren, Emily, Jack, and Nick; a newly born great-grandson, James; and a sister, Dorothy Hertel of Waverly. Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Marion Droste, and stepmother Elizabeth; a sister and her husband, Margaret (Rev. Ronald) Braulick; a brother-in-law, Dr. Elmer Hertel; and a son-in-law, Steve Moon. 

A faithful servant of God, "Big Ed" was kind to, and loved by, so many. He will be missed dearly by many...until we all meet again.

Funeral services will be held at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Waverly, Iowa, on Friday, May 31 at 10 am. Burial will follow at Harlington Cemetery in Waverly, with military gravesite rites conducted by the Waverly Area Veterans Honor Guard. Online condolences may be left at www.mossfeasterclearwater.com. In lieu of flowers, donations are appreciated to the Chapel-by-the-Sea (https://www.chapelbythesea.net/give), Morton Plant Hospital (https://www.mortonplantmeasefoundation.org/), or the Moffitt Cancer Center 

www.MossFeasterClearwater.com
 

Published in the Tampa Bay Times on May 25, 2019
Jacob M. Thomas
194th Glider Infantry Regiment

Jacob Michael Thomas (95) was born on June 1st, 1923 to Magdalina and Jacob Thomas in Mandan, North Dakota. He passed peacefully to be with the Lord our heavenly Father on May 10th, 2019 at Landmark Care Center in Yakima, Washington.
He was married to Anna Lois Thomas (Tennessee) for 63 years until her death July of 2008. He was the youngest of 13 children and the last to pass.

Preceded in death by son Jacob (Mickey), daughter Melissa aka Missy LeDent, and daughter-in-law Patricia (Steve’s wife).

Jacob is survived by his 4 children: Steve, Sharon (Dave), David, and Dean (Wendy); 9 grandchildren: Jason, Tyler, Erin, Brent, Nicholas, Jamie, Brandi, Travis, and Amanda; and 6 great-grandchildren: Landon, Lane, Zedikiah, Benson, Emery, and Cohan. He also had numerous nieces and nephews, as well as his wife’s siblings from the South.

Never forgotten, he served overseas in WWII from April 1943 - September 1945. He was of the U.S. Army’s 17th Airborne, 194th Gliders Infantry Divisions as PFC. He was in the Battle of the Bulge in the Rhineland Ardennes region between St.-Vith and Bastogne Belgium. He was decorated with the Purple Heart, Good Conduct Metal, and 2 overseas Bars before being discharged as a wounded warrior. Thank you Dad for your service.

We would like to give a big, heartfelt thank you to longtime family friend and caregiver Corrina (Addus), Memorial Hospice Care, Landmark Care Centers Nurses, and VA Nurses. They provided a tremendous amount of support for Dad throughout his journey.
Scion Jame Cook represented the "17th Airborne Family" at the services for Trooper Droste. Many thanks from all of us, James.
17th Airborne Division "Online Store"
Click here to be directed to the store
New Additions to our "Online Store"
All items include S&H in the USA. Mail your check to:

Scions of the 17th Airborne
62A Forty Acre Mt. Rd.
Danbury, CT 06811

Or use Paypal by sending your funds to us at
Scionsofthe17thairborne@gmail.com
This 280 page collection of stories from Troopers of Company A of the 513th PIR is reformatted for easier reading. Includes many photos, maps and diagrams from the troopers of Co A.

$35 Includes S&H in the USA. Mail your check to:

Scions of the 17th Airborne
62A Forty Acre Mt. Rd.
Danbury, CT 06811
 Show your 17th Airborne pride with this new cap made only for the Scions of the 17th Airborne Division.
Made in the USA !!!
$25 each, includes S&H in the U.S.A.
 These new 22 oz. stainless steel water bottles are made in the U.S.A, and feature the 17th Talon on one side, and the Scions logo on the other.

$17 each, includes S&H in the U.S.A.

Scion Coffee Mugs
 
These new 15 oz. mugs are made in the U.S.A., and feature the 17th Talon on one side, and the Scions logo on the other.

$20 each, includes S&H in the U.S.A.
 

Become a Member of the
Scions of the 17th Airborne!


Our mission is to ensure that the sacrifice and history of the 17th Airborne Division is not forgotten.
 

Distinguished Honorary Members 
All veterans of the 17th are considered as "Distinguished Honorary Members" of the Scions.  We exist to honor you, our veterans. We do not ask for dues from our honored veterans, as we exist to honor you!

Regular membership in the "Scions of the 17th Airborne" is open to any descendant or family member of any trooper who served with the 17th during its existence.

Associate Membership is available to individuals who have an interest in the history of the 17th Airborne, but are not related to a veteran of the 17th. Associate Members do not have voting rights.

 

To join our growing organization, contact the Scions at:  Scionsofthe17thAirborne@gmail.com.

Our website contains a wealth of information on the 17th Airborne and its history, and our Members Section (open exclusively to dues-paying Scions) contains hundreds of pages of documents obtained from the National Archives!  Check it out at www.17thscions.org!
 

We also have a great Facebook page, where there are lots of great posts by friends of the 17th in the U.S. and in Europe. Check us out on Facebook at: 
17th Airborne Division Scions (Descendants).

Please consider passing this on to your children and grandchildren, if they are not already members. As our membership grows, we can take on new projects of value.

President
Adam Coolong, grandson of Charles E. Booth (680th/HQ)

Vice President
Jeff Schumacher, Son of John Schumacher (194/D & HQ)

Secretary
Ed Siergiej Jr., son of Edward J. Siergiej (194/C)

 
Treasurer
Michael Beard, Son of Daryl A. Beard (513/G)
 
Past Presidents
Rose Friday, daughter of Edward Friday (194th)
 Melanie Sembrat, daughter of Harry Sembrat (513th)
 

 Committee Chairs

Michele Smith , Sandy Remes, and  Patricia Bowers - Veteran Outreach / Family Liaison Coordinators
Advisory Committee - Jeff Schumacher - son of John Schumacher (194th)
Legal Council - Chuck Katz - son of John Katz (194th) 
Historian - Paul Madden - son of Harold Madden (680th/A)
Membership Committee  - David Shortt & Tom Chipego
Memorial Committee - Jerry and Pat O'Brien
Scion Facebook Page
Scion Facebook Page
Scions Website
Scions Website
Copyright © *|2013|* *|Scions of the 17th Airborne, All rights reserved.


Our mailing address is:
Scions of the 17th Airborne
62A Forty Acre Mt. Rd
Danbury, CT 06811
Scionsofthe17thairborne@gmail.com
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