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Happy Birthday to Trooper Paul Baker (194th GIR) May 18th!
If you want to see your troopers name in the newsletter for a birthday, anniversary or special event send and email to
Scion17th@gmail.com (Patty Bowers)
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Photos Needed for Troopers at
Cambridge American Cemetery
The Cambridge American Cemetery in the UK is the resting place for a number of 17th Airborne Troopers who died while the division was in the final stages of training. Three of the troopers listed below were killed in the crash of a Horsa Glider at Greenham Common airfield on December 12, 1944.
There is an effort to obtain photographs of the following Troopers so that every grave will have a photograph associated with it. This project is similar to the "Faces of Margraten" project at Margraten Cemetery in the Netherlands. If anyone has a photo of the following troopers, please forward it to us at Scionsofthe17thairborne@gmail.com and we will get the photo to those who are coordinating the project.
Thanks for your help in honoring these brave Troopers:
Bejcek, Norman C. Pfc 35058415 12 December 1944 194th
Emory, James L. Pvt 33631942 12 December 1944 194th
Houghtaling, Alwin L. Pfc 33436118 25 October 1944 193rd
Kurka, John Jr. Cpl 33107985 3 October 1944 466th
Mullins, Robert L. Pfc 35657252 12 December 1944 194th
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Peggy Ingram, widow of James Ingram (194/D) sent us these photos of her husband, taken in Switzerland, after the end of the war. Her letter is below:
I recently came across these photos of my late husband, Dr. James Ingram which I know were taken during R&R in Switzerland in 1945. Jim is the man in the top left photo and also the man on the left in the top right photo. I have no idea who the other man is, but perhaps one of the remaining living veterans or his progeny will recognize him.
Jim was in the 194th Glider Infantry, and after the war worked for a while at Brush Creek Ranch in Saratoga, Wyoming, which was instrumental in his deciding to become a veterinarian. After being in private practice for 5 years in Saratoga, he was asked to come on the faculty at Colorado State University where he had a distinguished career, first as a large animal surgeon and then developing the veterinary neurology department at CSU, and finally a professor emeritus. He died at age 94 in May, 2019. His time spent in the 17th Airborne Division played a tremendous part of the man he was.
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New Book
17th Airborne Division at War
Photographs from the National Archives
by Edward R. Siergiej
This new book is the result of research at the US National Archives. It includes over 160 photographs from a collection of the US Army Signal Corp taken in Belgium and Germany.
Each photograph has the original caption by the Signal Corp photographer. Context to the photographs is provided with excerpts from the Division Diary.
$25 each, includes S&H in the U.S.A. Mail your check to:
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Diary of a WWII Gliderman 263 pages indexed with numerous pictures. Jack and Betty Ogden letters (1940-1945) from 17th AB 194th HQ, Camp Mackall, Camp Forrest, Battle of the Bulge, Operation Varsity, plus letters from family and friends in other theaters of operation. Limited copies $40.00, checks only, John Ogden, 102 Adams Avenue, Woodsfield, OH 4379
For orders outside of the USA, contact John for postage.
Editors note: This book gives a great insight into what was going through the mind of one trooper in the 17th during training, combat, and after the end of the fighting in the ETO. Information from the division historical record gives context to the bigger picture that was unknown to the men in the front lines. A great book for anyone who wants to know more about what it was like to be "Airborne" in 1944 - 45. Thanks to Scion John Ogden for making this limited edition book available. (Ed Siergiej Jr.)
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Robbie Rijnmond is interested in locating a photo of Trooper Eugene Ferry (194/K) who was KIA March 27, 1945. Anyone with information can send it to us at Scionsofthe17thairborne@gmail.com
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Great Article From a New Member
Scion Burke Morton, son of Trooper Frederick Morton (194/B) provided a link to an article about his father which was published in VFW magazine in 1948. Click on the link below to read this great story.
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TAPS
IN MEMORY OF THE FALLEN SOLDIER
by Isaac Epps (RIP)
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?
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17th Airborne Memorial
Fort Benning, Georgia
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Standing Guard
Submitted by Dominic Biello
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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.
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Kenneth W Anderson
681/A
Life Member of the 17th Airborne Division Association
Kenneth W. Anderson, Sr., 97, formerly of Hellertown, died Sunday, December 26, 2021 at his home. He is the husband of the late Eleanor V. (Mullen) Anderson who died January 5, 2006. Kenneth was born in Bethlehem on September 26, 1924 to the late Erving, Sr. and Edith (Stiles) Anderson. He served our country faithfully in the US Army during World War II. Ken was a layout operator for Electric Western Electric for 34 years until retiring in 1984. He was a lifelong member of Friedens Evangelical Lutheran Church, Center Valley, Edward H. Ackerman Post 397, VFW Post 3904, and the Dewey Fire Company, all in Hellertown.
SURVIVORS: Children: Tory V. Weaver of Bethlehem, Nadine L. (Matthew S.) Baumann of Chula Vista, CA, Kenneth W., Jr. (Deborah) of Richmond,VA; grandchildren: Jennifer, Jonathan, Kaelyn, Gregory, Shawn; great grandchildren: Amanda, Christopher. Predeceased by brothers: Robert C. Anderson, October 7, 2014, Erving, Jr. in 1938.
SERVICE: Family and friends are invited to call 10-11 a.m. Thursday, December 30th, 2021 at the Heintzelman Funeral Home, Inc. 326 Main Street – Hellertown followed by the service at 11 a.m. The interment will conclude services at Highland Memorial Park, Allentown. Make positive choices following CDC guidelines. Online expressions of sympathy can be recorded at: www.heintzelmancares.com.
CONTRIBUTIONS: In lieu of flowers, memorials to a charity of one's choosing.
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Jack Ancker
680/HQ
Interment Service
The internment at Arlington National Cemetery is scheduled for 13 July 2022 at 11am. It will be a full military ceremony which will include a caisson, riderless horse, military bearers, a small band, bugler, and firing team.
This will be a graveside ceremony only as memorials were previously held in Las Cruces. There will be a military chaplain to conduct the internment service. Both Jack and Casey will be interned at the same time. The service itself will take around 30 minutes.
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George Hanselman
194 AT
George William "Pickle" Hanselman, age 101, of Ottawa, departed this life and entered his Heavenly Home Saturday, March 12, 2022 with his loving family by his side.
Funeral services will be held 1:00 P.M. Saturday, March 19th at Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home with Pastor Sherry Stevenson and Rev. John Paul Robbins officiating. Entombment with military honors by the American Legion Post 33 Veterans Group Honor Guard will be in the Shrine of Rest Mausoleum at Oakwood Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. Saturday at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Tyler and Travis Ailor, Ryan and Chad Holloway, Kyle Hiller, Michael Gregory and Dalton Downey. Honorary pallbearers will be Alex Day, Mitchell Hanselman, Justin Downey, Mark, Christopher and Craig Weihman and Robert Lenac.
George was born November 8, 1920 in Eldorado, Illinois, a son of George Washington and Mary Ellen (Shomate) Hanselman. He married Dora Elizabeth Tyler May 16, 1938 in Morganfield, Kentucky. She preceded him in death August 3, 2003. He later married Margaret "Marge" (Lenac) Weihman December 28, 2006 at the Ottawa First Church of the Nazarene. Surviving are his loving wife, Marge; his devoted son, George (Judy) Hanselman of Ottawa; step-children, Mark (Kellie) Weihman of Loveland, Colorado, Christopher (Michelle) Weihman of LasVegas, Nevada, Renee Winjum of Urbandale, Iowa and Craig (Kathy) Weihman of Fowlerville, Michigan. George leaves ten grandchildren; nine step-grandchildren; eighteen great-grandchildren; seven great-step-grandchildren and sixteen great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by daughters, Donna Downey and Norma Day; a grand-daughter, Velinda Day; brothers, Floyd, Simon, Guy and Earl; and sisters, Mary, Lou, Rose and Cruella.
George was a member of Crossbridge Community Church in Ottawa. He proudly served his country in the 17th Airborne Division of the U.S. Army in World War II and was the recipient of the Bronze Star. George was a life member of the American Legion and VFW in Ottawa. Leisure time would find George camping, traveling or tinkering with a project. He was a "jack of all trades." Affectionately known as "Pop," he dearly loved each member of his family. George was known to be a kind and generous man who would help anyone in need. He will be deeply missed by his family and many friends.
Memorial contributions can be directed to Crossbridge Community Church, Samaritan's Purse or a charity of the donor's choice. To share a memory, please visit www.gladfelter-roetker.com or Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home on Facebook.
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Adolph L. Martinez
513/C
Member of the 17th Airborne Division Association
Adolph Larrue Martinez Jr. passed away peacefully at home on 2/7/2022. He was 98 years old.
He served in WWII as a member of the 17th Airborne, 513th PIR, Company C 1943-1945. A veteran of the Battle of the Bulge, captured and escaped POW.
He had a storied 35 year career with Los Angeles Unified School District, serving on countless community boards and retired as Principal of Haddon Elementary School in Pacoima Ca.
A lifelong athlete, he played tennis until he was 91.
He passed at home with daughters Diane and Jennifer holding his hands, son Rick stoking his brow and granddaughter Devon with her hand over his heart… A fairy tale ending to a life well lived.
The son of Adolph Larrue Sr and Delores Vargas Martinez and loving husband of Eva Blanche Martinez (married 66 years) who preceded him in death.
He is survived by 3 of his 6 siblings and his own 6 children; Adolph III (A Bone Martinez), William (Bill Martinez), Michael (Mike Martinez), Gregory (Greg Martinez), Eva Diane (Diane Morrow), and Richard (Rick Martinez). Who along with their spouses produced;
29-grand, 25-great grand and 4-great great grandchildren (and counting). Quite a legacy.
Until we meet again in Heaven Daddy… Your loving son Mike.
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David Mitchell
193/HQ2 & 194th
Life Member of the 17th Airborne Division Association
David Mitchell, 97, of Solon, died Saturday, April 16, 2022, at Mercy Hospital in Iowa City. Celebration of Life gathering will be from 1 to
3 p.m. Saturday, June 11, at Brosh Chapel and The Avacentre in Solon, located at 100 South Cedar St., lower level, where there will be military rites conducted by the Solon American Legion at 3 p.m. Private family interment will be in Cedar Memorial Cemetery in Cedar Rapids.
David was born July 25, 1924, in Boone, the son of James and Anne (Mercer) Mitchell. He graduated from Cedar Rapids Roosevelt High School and earned an economics degree from Coe College. David served in the U.S. Army during World War II, where he participated in the Battle of the Bulge and Operation Varsity as a member of the 17th Airborne Division. For his service he was awarded three bronze stars, initial assault arrowhead, the good conduct medal, and the one he was most proud of the combat infantryman badge. David was united in marriage to Madeline Hunter on Augu. 2, 1952, at the Little Brown Church in the Vale, in Nashua. He worked as a branch manager with the Insurance Services Office of Iowa for over 32 years. David enjoyed hunting, fishing, watching the Iowa Hawkeyes, Chicago Bears and New York Yankees. He and Madeline spent their winters in Val Vista Village in Mesa, Ariz., for over 26 years.
David is survived by his children, Bill (Cheryle) Mitchell of Phoenix, Ariz., Lizzie (Dave) Riedesel of Wheatland, Jim (Suzanne) Mitchell and Robert (Michele) Mitchell, both of North Liberty; 13 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; a granddaughter, Jesse Flynn; and his sisters, Betty (Jim) Groff and Anne (Winston) Toms.
Memorials may be directed to Solon First Responders.
Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.broshchapel.com.
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Russell Osborne
194/C
Member of the 17th Airborne Division Association
Russell B. Osborn, a born-again Christian, went on to be with the Lord peacefully at the age of 95, on February 19, 2022. Russell was born in Buffalo, NY, the son of the late Alex F. Osborn and Helen Coatsworth Osborn. He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Emma Johnson Osborn (nee Jackson); his children John Osborn, Kenneth Osborn, Elizabeth Fogarty (James), and Daniel Osborn (LeAnne); his grandchildren, Katie, Mary Beth, John, Therese, Grace, and Maia Osborn and William Fogarty; his stepchildren Joseph Johnson (Doris), Sylvester Johnson (Sharon), Vivian Jenkins, Selena Thomas, Donald Johnson, and Wanda Davis (Michael) and many step grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Eileen Osborn (nee Shea); and his second wife, Catherine Osborn (nee Mosely); as well as one granddaughter, Colleen Osborn. Russell was the brother of the late Katherine O. Chambers, Joan O. Bergantz, Marion C. Osborn, and Elinor O. Gartner. Russell was a graduate of Nichols High School and Hamilton College. He also earned a law degree and a Masters in Education from the University of Buffalo. Russ was drafted into the Army during World War II and served as a glider man during Operation Varsity in 1945, in Germany, as part of the 17th Airborne Division. During his career Russ practiced law and taught Math in Buffalo Public Schools before returning to his law practice until his retirement. He served as a Board Member of the Creative Education Foundation for many years. His family and his Christian faith were very important to Russ. He was an active member of the New Life Assembly of God Church where he served as an elder. He also served as an active member of the Gideons International ministry. He participated in many Bible study and prayer groups. Russ had an amazing memory and enjoyed recounting stories from years gone by. He will be dearly missed. Services will be held Friday, February 25, 2022 with a Wake at 11 AM, followed by the Funeral at 12 Noon, at Expressway Assembly of God Church, 260 Eggert Rd., Buffalo, NY 14215. Interment will follow at Forest Lawn. The service will be live streamed on Facebook live: Search New Life Assembly of God, 410 French Road, to stream. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Gideons International, 25 California Dr., Buffalo, NY 14221.
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Edward J. Pawlowski
194th GIR
Edward Pawlowski passed away at 9:00AM on February 18, 2022 at his adult family home, Cherished Acres, in Auburn, WA. He was 98 years old.
Ed was born in a home in Cleveland, Ohio, on August 15, 1923 to Polish immigrants, Alexander and Emilia Pawlowski. He was the 4th of 8 children. Through his early years he was a golf caddie, and a foundry worker.
In 1943, he was drafted and joined the 17th Airborne Division , 194th Regiment. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge and earned 3 Bronze Stars as well as other distinguished honors. While his service ended in 1945, his love of country and freedom was something he carried with him for the rest of his life. He was a hero - the type who defined the Greatest Generation. Later in life he spent many years volunteering at the National Cemetery honoring fellow veterans.
After earning a degree in Metallurgical Engineering he worked most of career at Boeing - the job which brought him, and his wife (our Mom) Billie, to Seattle where they raised a family. He pursued his hobbies - gardening, golf, coaching baseball, tutoring ESL students and fishing. He will be long remembered for his huge rose garden of which he took meticulous care of and gave from it generously to anyone who drove by (unless there was a rose show the next weekend).
He was a man of deep faith - and was devoted as a parishioner and a volunteer at church for as long as he was able. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus
He is preceded in death by his wife, Billie, brothers Alex, Frank, & Chester, and sister Stella (Rutti). He leaves behind his daughters and their families: Amy (and Pat) Sullivan, grand-daughters Katie Sullivan, Maddie (and Ryan, Sullivan, & Alice) Snyder, and Molly Sullivan. Also Patty (and Bill) Swedberg, grand-daughter Emily (and Michael, Noah, Brady, Mason, and Wells Edward) Adams, Benny (& Emma) Swedberg. He also leaves behind his brother, Adam, and Sisters Irene (Cmolik) and Annette (Zagata) and their families.
Donations are appreciated and can be made to the Disable American Veterans. www.dav.org.
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William Ward
513/HQ
Member of the 17th Airborne Division Association
William Ward passed away peacefully on April 18 2022 at age 96. An Army Veteran, Bill served in both the 17th and 82nd Airborne. Predeceased by his wife Ruth Ward. Bill is survived by his children Kathleen Kelly of AZ., Candis (Jim) Nelson of KY., Christina (Jim Williams) Kolankiewicz & Mark Ward; grandchildren Gina (Richard) Blake, William (Melissa) Ward, Alex (Saswati) Ward, Leah Ward & Thomas Kolankiewicz, great grandson Jason Ward, many nieces and nephews.
William's visitation will be held on Saturday April 23, 11AM to 1PM at the funeral home 1411 Vintage Lane, Rochester, NY 14626. Private Interment in Elmira, NY. In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to Honor Flight Rochester Inc at PO Box 23581, Rochester, NY 14692.
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17th Airborne Division "Online Store"
Click here to be directed to the store
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Below are some of the items in 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
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Below are some of the items in 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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
Jeff Schumacher, Son of John Schumacher (194/D & HQ)
Vice President
Skip Greeby, Scion of William Smith ( 466HQ)
Secretary
Ed Siergiej Jr., son of Edward J. Siergiej (194/C)
Treasurer
Dan Aas, Son of Lynn Aas (193/D)
Past Presidents
Adam Coolong, grandson of Charles E. Booth (680th/HQ)
Melanie Sembrat, daughter of Harry Sembrat (513th)
Rose Friday, daughter of Edward Friday (194th)
Committee Chairs
Veteran Outreach / Family Liaison Coordinators - Patricia Bowers, Rose Friday and Sandy Remes
Membership Committee - Patricia Bowers, Chair
Advisory Committee - Melanie Sembrat - daughter of Harry Sembrat (513th)
Legal Council - Chuck Katz - son of John Katz (194th)
Historian - Paul Madden - son of Harold Madden (680th/A)
Memorial Committee - Jerry and Pat O'Brien
Archive Coordinator - Adam Coolong
Thunder From Heaven Newsletter - Ed Siergiej and Carolyn Tuttle
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