My second visit home after turning soldier was an emergency furlough due to the passing of my Grandfather. While the reason for being home was a sad one, I still took advantage of the time I was able to spend with Marie, and of course, some photographs resulted.
Shortly after returning to camp after my emergency furlough we left Fort Jackson for two months of winter maneuvers in Tennessee. We had been at Fort Jackson for just about one year. It was a three-day truck convoy to the hills of Tennessee and our two months stay out in the open with only a tent for a roof over our heads. Looking back now I realize that the Tennessee maneuvers were worse than actual combat, although of course, the danger was not present. In Europe, I always had a building of some kind to sleep in, but in Tennessee a tent was the best we had.
Pfc. Preston, jeep jockey. Tennessee, 1943.
Pfc. Preston, jeep jockey. Tennessee, 1943.
In between maneuver problems, we lugged army manuals which were never read. Tennessee, 1943.
Higher headquarters sent us piles and piles of Army manuals which we had to deliver. They usually were so wet and muddy by the time we delivered them that they couldn't have been read even if the infantry boys had wanted to, and they didn't. Tennessee, 1943.
Higher headquarters sent us piles and piles of Army manuals which we had to deliver. They usually were so wet and muddy by the time we delivered them that they couldn't have been read even if the infantry boys had wanted to, and they didn't. Tennessee, 1943.
The Tennessee dirt roads were in pretty good condition when we arrived, but we soon changed that. I hope I never see that much mud in one place again. Tennessee, 1943.
Although the weather was cold, the mud was our worst enemy. My jeep was constantly covered with a thick coating of mud, and it seemed that it would never stop raining. On one of the few sunny days, I took these pictures of my jeep. Tennessee, 1943.
Although the weather was cold, the mud was our worst enemy. My jeep was constantly covered with a thick coating of mud, and it seemed that it would never stop raining. On one of the few sunny days, I took these pictures of my jeep. Tennessee, 1943.
Although the weather was cold, the mud was our worst enemy. My jeep was constantly covered with a thick coating of mud, and it seemed that it would never stop raining. On one of the few sunny days, I took these pictures of my jeep. Tennessee, 1943.
Although the weather was cold, the mud was our worst enemy. My jeep was constantly covered with a thick coating of mud, and it seemed that it would never stop raining. On one of the few sunny days, I took these pictures of my jeep. Tennessee, 1943.
Although the weather was cold, the mud was our worst enemy. My jeep was constantly covered with a thick coating of mud, and it seemed that it would never stop raining. On one of the few sunny days, I took these pictures of my jeep. Tennessee, 1943.
Although the weather was cold, the mud was our worst enemy. My jeep was constantly covered with a thick coating of mud, and it seemed that it would never stop raining. On one of the few sunny days, I took these pictures of my jeep. Tennessee, 1943.
As a Message Center driver, I spent most of my time in my jeep, bouncing along the Tennessee backroads, which we soon turned into a quagmire of mud. Tennessee, 1943.
As a Message Center driver, I spent most of my time in my jeep, bouncing along the Tennessee backroads, which we soon turned into a quagmire of mud. Tennessee, 1943.
As a Message Center driver, I spent most of my time in my jeep, bouncing along the Tennessee backroads, which we soon turned into a quagmire of mud. Tennessee, 1943.
As a Message Center driver, I spent most of my time in my jeep, bouncing along the Tennessee backroads, which we soon turned into a quagmire of mud. Tennessee, 1943.
As a Message Center driver, I spent most of my time in my jeep, bouncing along the Tennessee backroads, which we soon turned into a quagmire of mud. Tennessee, 1943.
Camouflaged. Tennessee, 1943.
The boxes in the jeep contain pigeons. Tennessee, 1943.
The Tennessee dirt roads were in pretty good condition when we arrived but we soon changed that. I hope I never see that much mud in one place again. Tennessee, 1943.
The Tennessee dirt roads were in pretty good condition when we arrived but we soon changed that. I hope I never see that much mud in one place again. Tennessee, 1943.
The muddy road as I saw it through the windshield. Our windshield wipers had to be operated by hand and the flying mud kept us constantly busy keeping a cleared area to see through. Tennessee, 1943.
The muddy road as I saw it through the windshield. Our windshield wipers had to be operated by hand and the flying mud kept us constantly busy keeping a cleared area to see through. Tennessee, 1943.
The muddy road as I saw it through the windshield. Our windshield wipers had to be operated by hand and the flying mud kept us constantly busy keeping a cleared area to see through. Tennessee, 1943.
The muddy road as I saw it through the windshield. Our windshield wipers had to be operated by hand and the flying mud kept us constantly busy keeping a cleared area to see through. Tennessee, 1943.
Trying to dry out the equipment was a waste of time. It was soon soaked again. Tennessee, 1943.
Trying to dry out the equipment was a waste of time. It was soon soaked again. Tennessee, 1943.
An infantry company moves towards "enemy" along a road. Tennessee, 1943.
We had light snow falls, but the mud never froze up. Tennessee, 1943.
The snow merely changed the surface appearance of the mud. Tennessee, 1943.
The snow merely changed the surface appearance of the mud. Tennessee, 1943.
Our Motor Pool, in a sea of mud. Tennessee, 1943.
Our Motor Pool, in a sea of mud. Tennessee, 1943.
Our Motor Pool, in a sea of mud. Tennessee, 1943.
We certainly looked a wrinkled mess when we went to Nashville on pass, but it was the only way to get a shower and see something of civilization.
After two months of sleeping, eating, and living in the mud of Tennessee, we were mighty glad to hear that we were going to Fort Bragg in North Carolina where we would have real beds with a floor and roof between us and the elements.
Back at Fort Bragg again, and back to the old routine of drill and army life. Again weekend passes came to be my only contact with civilian life, and I took off to see North Carolina every time I could get a pass.
Many a bed felt TOO soft after two months of sleeping on the ground.
We lived in two-story barracks, much different than the small huts of Fort Jackson. Fort Bragg, North Carolina, 1944.
We lived in two-story barracks, much different than the small huts of Fort Jackson. Fort Bragg, North Carolina, 1944.
We lived in two-story barracks, much different than the small huts of Fort Jackson. Fort Bragg, North Carolina, 1944.
Fort Bragg comprises of hundreds of barracks just like these. Fort Bragg, North Carolina, 1944.
Our company area at Fort Bragg. Fort Bragg, North Carolina, 1944.
Our company area at Fort Bragg. Fort Bragg, North Carolina, 1944.
Our company area at Fort Bragg. Fort Bragg, North Carolina, 1944.
Interior views of the Fort Bragg barracks. Fort Bragg, North Carolina, 1944.
Interior views of the Fort Bragg barracks. Fort Bragg, North Carolina, 1944.
Interior views of the Fort Bragg barracks. Fort Bragg, North Carolina, 1944.
We put on so many Division Reviews for various visiting notables that we began to think we were a "show Division," and would never see any action. Fort Bragg, North Carolina, 1944.
We put on so many Division Reviews for various visiting notables that we began to think we were a "show Division," and would never see any action. Fort Bragg, North Carolina, 1944.
We put on so many Division Reviews for various visiting notables that we began to think we were a "show Division," and would never see any action. Fort Bragg, North Carolina, 1944.
In front of the U.S.O.
The nearest town to Fort Bragg is Fayetteville, a small place offering little to the G.I. except for a couple of fairly good U.S.O. Buildings, this one being the best. Most of these pictures were made in the darkroom of this U.S.O.
The Old Slave Market, a famous landmark in Fayetteville, N.C.
Another view of the Slave Market where slaves were once sold on the block.
North Carolina State Capitol Building in Raleigh.
Former troopship "S.S. J.W. McAndrew" which took the Signal Company to France. This ship was one of about 15 in the convoy carrying the 100th Division.
On October 6, 1944, I sailed from New York City, and after a hectic crossing, landed in Marseilles, France on October 20th. We were the first fighting troops to land there and after the city was captured, so our assembly camp was a nicely prepared field of mud. And then the rains came. I had little opportunity to take pictures, as K.P. and Guard duty kept me pretty busy.
Marseilles, France-double trolley trains, and overloaded wood-burning buses drew our interest along with the local "Frogs."
Marseilles, France-double trolley trains, and overloaded wood-burning buses drew our interest along with the local "Frogs."
Marseilles, France-double trolley trains, and overloaded wood-burning buses drew our interest along with the local "Frogs."
The Nazis had used this Baccarat church as a radio depot, so the French underground destroyed it. Baccarat, France, November 1944.
The Nazis had used this Baccarat church as a radio depot, so the French underground destroyed it. Baccarat, France, November 1944.
The Nazis had used this Baccarat church as a radio depot, so the French underground destroyed it. Baccarat, France, November 1944.
Wingen, France - I lived in this house about two weeks. Later, after we had moved on, the Krauts recaptured the town and destroyed every house as punishment to the French for letting us live in their houses.
Wingen, France - I lived in this house about two weeks. Later, after we had moved on, the Krauts recaptured the town and destroyed every house as punishment to the French for letting us live in their houses.
Wingen, a typical French village until the Germans destroyed it.
Wingen, a typical French village until the Germans destroyed it.
G.I. Henry Klein and I became friendly with druggist Robert Klein and family of Baccarat.
G.I. Henry Klein and I became friendly with druggist Robert Klein and family of Baccarat.
A 100th Division infantryman eats his Thanksgiving Day turkey.
We saw a good deal of snow during our three month stay in Butten. This was during the "Big Push" of the Germans.
Two views of my jeep. The wire cutter was for protection against beheading wires, a favorite German trick.
Two views of my jeep. The wire cutter was for protection against beheading wires, a favorite German trick.
Entering a French house.
Strictly posed picture of me "taking" a pill box in France.
G.I. Roxy Movie Theater. Sarreburg, France, February 1945.
Young French girl about to be confirmed. Sarreburg, France, February 1945.
Street Scene. Sarreburg, France, February 1945.
Taken in Sarrebourg. February 1945.
Winter clothing. February 1945.
My winter clothing and winterized jeep.
Relaxing on the hood of my jeep. February 1945
About once a month this sight met the doughboy when he came to chow.
A group of 100th Division doughboys relax while they can
The division magician entertains an injured man.
The American Red Cross girls brought doughnuts and coffee to all the men of the Division on a regular schedule.
Notice the shoes! Butten, France, March 1945.
The dog belonged to the French people. Butten, France, March 1945
Cloyd Marrs, my assistant driver.
We were called the "Pony Express Riders" as we delivered the Division's messages by jeep. Butten, France, March 1945
Earl Hearn, screwball and poet extraordinary
Stanley Papkin, one of the message center drivers.
The Citadel was built on a top of a high and abrupt hill. Bitche, France, March 1945.
The centuries-old Bitche Citadel Fortress was a mainstay in the German defence line, and tough nut to crack. Bitche, France, March 1945.
The only way into the Citadel was by this road which tunneled up thru the fortress itself. Bitche, France, March 1945.
The view from atop the Citadel. Bitche, France, March 1945.
The town of Bitche as seen from the Citadel. Bitche, France, March 1945.
Looking down from the entrance road. Bitche, France, March 1945.
These are pictures of the Maginot Line. I found them while in France.
These are pictures of the Maginot Line. I found them while in France.
These are pictures of the Maginot Line. I found them while in France.
A group of the Signal Co. boys pose for their picture.
100th Div. Band plays to celebrate the liberation of Bitche, France. Bitche, France, March 1945.
The liberation of the fortress Bitche was a real cause for celebration, as it took three months, due to the German's "Big Push." Bitche, France, March 1945.
Liberation concert for the Bitche citizens. Bitche, France, March 1945.
The Stuttgart-Munich autobahn, one of a network system covering all of Germany. Munich, Germany, May 1945.
Junk pile of German planes found along the autobahn. Munich, Germany, May 1945.
Junk pile of German planes found along the autobahn. Munich, Germany, May 1945.
We found these wrecked German jet-propelled planes along the Munich autobahn, which had served as a landing strip. Munich, Germany, May 1945.
A tour inspects jet planes. Munich, Germany, May 1945.
German jet plane on Autobahn. Munich, Germany, May 1945.
We gave the jet planes a once over but found them thoroughly stripped by those who got there first. Munich, Germany, May 1945.
We gave the jet planes a once over but found them thoroughly stripped by those who got there first. Munich, Germany, May 1945.
Bill Engels of Hackensack, N.J.. Munich, Germany, May 1945.
Another jet plane on the autobahn. Munich, Germany, May 1945.
Self-service army refueling point on the autobahn. Munich, Germany, May 1945.
The American Red Cross had set up a doughnut stand in a former gas station on the Stuttgart-Munich autobahn. Munich, Germany, May 1945.
Ben Marley. Munich, Germany, May 1945.
Most of the large bridges on the autobahn were blown up to block the highway. Munich, Germany, May 1945.
Army Engineers have built a wooden bridge to replace the autobahn bridge blown up by the Germans. Munich, Germany, May 1945.
The tour group taken while giving Munich the once over. Munich, Germany, May 1945.
Munich railroad station. Munich, Germany, May 1945.
The Munich post office. Munich, Germany, May 1945.
The tour stops to look at a fountain in the Munich square. Munich, Germany, May 1945.
One of the gates of the ancient city wall at Munich. Munich, Germany, May 1945.
Munich. The war was still in progress when this picture was taken. Munich, Germany, May 1945.
The Munich City Hall was not damaged very much. Munich, Germany, May 1945.
Munich ruins. Munich, Germany, May 1945.
The German Super-Man! Munich, Germany, May 1945.
The German Super-Man! Munich, Germany, May 1945.
The German Super-Man! Munich, Germany, May 1945.
The German Super-Man! Munich, Germany, May 1945.
The following pictures were taken by other fellows on their tours of Germany and Austria. I di not visit these places, unfortunately.
German jet propelled plane along the Munich autobahn. The dual highway had been united to form a wide concrete landing strip.
The following pictures were taken by other fellows on their tours of Germany and Austria. I di not visit these places, unfortunately.
The jet planes had been concealed in the brush along the converted autobahn.
The following pictures were taken by other fellows on their tours of Germany and Austria. I di not visit these places, unfortunately.
Examining German jet-propelled planes.
The following pictures were taken by other fellows on their tours of Germany and Austria. I di not visit these places, unfortunately.
No army trip is complete without at least one flat tire.
The following pictures were taken by other fellows on their tours of Germany and Austria. I di not visit these places, unfortunately.
The "Brown House"- a Munich beer hall made famous by Hitler at the start of the war.
The following pictures were taken by other fellows on their tours of Germany and Austria. I di not visit these places, unfortunately.
Rottach, Germany - an overnight stop for one tour.
The following pictures were taken by other fellows on their tours of Germany and Austria. I di not visit these places, unfortunately.
A familiar scene anywhere in Germany or France.
The following pictures were taken by other fellows on their tours of Germany and Austria. I di not visit these places, unfortunately.
A pile of human ashes outside the Dachau Concentration Camp furnaces.
The following pictures were taken by other fellows on their tours of Germany and Austria. I di not visit these places, unfortunately.
Shoes of Dachau victims.
The following pictures were taken by other fellows on their tours of Germany and Austria. I di not visit these places, unfortunately.
These are shoes removed from the victims of Nazi butchery.
The following pictures were taken by other fellows on their tours of Germany and Austria. I di not visit these places, unfortunately.
Pile of shoes taken from Dachau victims before cremation.
The following pictures were taken by other fellows on their tours of Germany and Austria. I di not visit these places, unfortunately.
The gas chambers for executions.
The following pictures were taken by other fellows on their tours of Germany and Austria. I di not visit these places, unfortunately.
Felix Ortega outside the Dachau Crematory building.
The following pictures were taken by other fellows on their tours of Germany and Austria. I di not visit these places, unfortunately.
These are wooden mock-up models of jet-propelled Messerschmitts the factory was conducting experiments on. Oberammergau, Germany.
The following pictures were taken by other fellows on their tours of Germany and Austria. I di not visit these places, unfortunately.
The Allies did not know this model existed until this factory was taken. This is only a wooden model of the plane. Oberammergau, Germany.
The following pictures were taken by other fellows on their tours of Germany and Austria. I di not visit these places, unfortunately.
One of the entrances to the partly finished underground factory. Hundreds of machine tools were in operation in the completed sections. Oberammergau, Germany.
The following pictures were taken by other fellows on their tours of Germany and Austria. I di not visit these places, unfortunately.
The office of the factory was a mess from much souvenir hunting by soldiers. Oberammergau, Germany.