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2013-07-06 - Nathan Schneidewent wrote: I have received further information about the Bronze Star Medal. I uncovered this letter from General Kramer to all members of the 66th Division stating that per General Eisenhower, all members of the 66th Division would receive the Bronze Service Star, a battle decoration that was to be worn with their specific Campaign Ribbon - in my grandfather's case, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Ribbon. When I originally read this letter, I thought it referred specifically to the Bronze Star Medal, but as it turns out, around 2005 the army decided that all WW2 veterans that received both the Combat Infantryman Badge and the Good Conduct Medal were to be upgraded to the Bronze Star Medal. This explains why Grandpa received his Bronze Star around 2008. The reason for the decoration is to be found in the reason for the Good Conduct Medal: not for a specific action, but for meritorious duty throughout the war. Fascinating. I would like to thank the Foundation for Information on the Second World War for clarifying this for me. Their website is www.ww2awards.com.

2013-07-04 - Wanda wrote: My dad, Guy E. Bowles served in company "E", 264th infantry regiment during WII.. He was discharged in 1946 at Fort Bragg, NC. I know nothing else. Any info will be appreciated.

2013-06-23 - Nathan Schneidewent wrote: My grandfather, Robert A. Meyer of Marshfield, WI, was in the 66th Black Panther Division, 264th Regiment, and was on the SS Cheshire on Christmas Eve 1944. Sadly, he passed away two years ago, and upon his death, my family found all the letters he wrote to Grandma while he was stationed at various training camps and overseas. I have been compiling a memoir, letting the letters tell most of the story, but I have also been using Carol Coffee's book "From Tragedy to Triumph" about the Panthers, and also "66th Division in WWII" to find out where he was and what types of combat experiences he had. Grandpa received the Bronze Star just a few years ago - it was delivered via mail haha. He never really found out why he received it - not that he cared all that much. He was an amazing person. From his letters, it is obvious that being witness to the sinking of the Leopoldville had a profound effect on him. My uncle seems to think that ALL surviving members of the 66th from Xmas Eve, 1944 received Bronze Stars. Can anyone corroborate this? Also, is there anyone that might have served with Grandpa? Thanks, and God bless.

2013-06-17 - Terri Haines wrote: I have a copy of "40,000 Black Panthers of the 66th Division. I found it last year when my Grandmother passed away and it has my Grandfather's name in the book. I am ashamed to say that I never really knew much about him as he had a stroke when I was very young and he lived for over 20 yrs in the Veteran's hospital in Palo Alto, CA. He couldn't talk or walk and though I went with my Grandmother many times to see him as a child I never thought to ask questions about his service etc. My Grandmother told stories of him but again shamefully I don't remember. If this book which contains pictures and names from across the US would be of any help, I would be more than happy to send to you just email me. I just would like to know that this book would be a special gift that might answer some questions of your loved one.

2013-05-30 - Jody Bonocore wrote: Looking for anyone who knew my husband's father, Joe Bonocore, from Philadelphia. He was in the 66th panther division, and aboard the Leopoldville when it sunk on Christmas Eve 1944. He survived and went on to France, Germany and Austria. Thanks for any contact!

2013-05-25 - Sue Boucher wrote: Looking for anyone who may have served with my father, Anthony (Tony) Frates, who was in Company E, 24th Regiment, 66th Infantry Division. Dad was on the Leopoldville when it was torpedoed on Christmas Eve in 1944, and he is still alive today to tell his story.

2013-05-20 - Alicia Morris wrote: Looking for someone who served with Laurel Kenneth Morris in the 66th Division from Oregon.

2013-04-26 - Fran Bennett wrote: My father Francis (Frank or Corkey) Bennett, served in the 66th. He's still alive at 88yrs and lives in CT. He never speaks of the war and with time passing I'm afraid he never will. He's a proud man and is a great father. He and the men of the 66th may all be gone soon. But I will never let them be forgotten!

2013-04-16 - Larry Bangs wrote: Looking for someone who served with my father Edward (Ted) Bangs.

2013-04-11 - Harry Waldo wrote: Looking for anyone who may have served with my father, Harry Waldo. He was in France with the 66th Division.

2013-03-05 - TOM LEWIS wrote: LOOKING FOR INFORMATION ABOUT BATTERY C 262ND FIELD ARTILLERY BATTALION. MY FATHER THOMAS W. LEWIS,SR. WAS IN THIS OUTFIT. THANK YOU

2012-12-09 - Peter Perroncello wrote: My dad passed on 1 August 2012. Survivors knew him as PFC Blackie Perroncello.

He was awarded a bronze star in 1984 by virtue of a presidential order of August 24,1962.

Our family is searching for information on the award given to him and likely others almost 40 years after WWII.

2012-11-14 - gary d lemen wrote: My Mother-in-law's husband was aboard the ss Cheshire. I recently found several photographs he took while aboard the convoy with the Leopoldville (at least I think that was when they were taken). I would like to have proof that they were taken at that time. Can anyone give me any help in trying to find out how to figure this out? Gary D. Lemen, DDS

2012-11-14 - Stephen Baker wrote: My father was in the 75th. I met a man who said the majority of the 66th infantry regiments 262cnd and 264th was in the English channel on the Leopoldville on the way to the Bulge when it was hit by a U-boat torpedo killing 763 soldiers. 515 that day and 243 later from injuries. Alot of men survived with the horrible scars of losing thier friends in the ship. This was a sullen fellow who obviously went through battle. Just think about it. They had lost their buddies before the darn battle even took them and they were told to keep their mouth shut. this was classified until 1996. The sinking happened 5 miles off Cherebourg on Dec. 24 1944. In 1998 the History channel broadcast a documentary named Cover-up. The survivors many who almost froze to death were told they would lose their pay and GI benefits after courtmartial if word got out. This ship had made numerous safe troup voyages and the U-boat problem was thought to be under control but mass hysteria and the confusion created by Hitlers counter offensive in the Ardennes would be counter productive and a huge security and morale risk. There is a monument at Ft. Benning but I am unclear why this had to go 40 years when these guys could have been given peace in the 60,s or 70,s Parents and survivors would heal better with the truth. The security risk ended with the war. And embarrassment! not when paratroopers never got out of planes, or my Dad checking Bradley's ID prior to him losing command at the bulge during the bivouac prior to dec 24th battle. So it should have come out in 46. Just like that church steeple my father was almost blown out of by a tiger but history is written that we blew up the church at Colmar. And why was my dad on point when they blew the bridge over the Rhine and him and 3 other buddies spent 3 days on the wrong side. He taught us all to be expert marksmen, my son is state champ. and my late father borrowed the neighbors .280 with scope and took out a groundhog at 400 yards with one shot eating our soybeans every other year for 10 using a half box of shells. I will never know why an MP had 3 bronze stars and the most points to come home. He also Carried 3 guns and drove command Sgt's Jeep. Otherwise, He never spoke much, even less than guys who did not speak. On his deathbed he said Slovik did not deserve what he got and I watched the movie with him. It makes me wonder if he was an observer or involved in his arrest. Apparently, the squad was from the 28th division who was also at Colmar, where the desertion occurred but sometimes he acted like he was in the squad. He had a lot of guilt, because he brought this up a few times. These guys taake these secrets to their graves and it is a shame they are still classified 67 years later.

2012-09-27 - Sarah wrote: Hello, My Uncle was in the 66th Panther Division and he is looking for Harold Forsythe from New Jersey. Any information would be much appreciated.

2012-08-17 - Barry P. Clark wrote: Hello...I am the Brother-in Law of Russell D. Allen of the 66th Division He is in a hospice environment in Ocala, FL. He has always been proud of serving with the 66th. I am writing his obituary now.

Barry Clark East Windsor, NJdog

(Click here to view the obituary)

2012-08-17 - Liam Prior wrote: 66th Infantry Division

My name is Liam Prior, i am currently researching the 66th Infantry Division for a current photography project of mine.

I have 2 images of a Photographer from the 66th and i am trying to find out his identity...

if anyone can help with anything, including images or stories from the 66th please get in contact with me at : info@liamprior.co.uk

I have set up a blog with the information i have gathered up to now which is : http://66thphotographer.tumblr.com/

I hope to hear from you soon.

2012-08-04 - Harold Shull wrote: In answer to Donna Berich's post of 06-10-2012. The 66th Infantry Division was known as the "Black Panther" division active 1943 - 1945. The division's insignia / shoulder patch was the head of a black panther. This was not an african-american division. It was a white division consisting of some 40,000 soldiers. As to a Black Panther Tank Division not sure where that came about. Any tank operations in the 66th should have been under one of the infantry regiments or special operations units not a division unto itself.

2012-07-26 - Jean Linker wrote: My Father's name is Charles A. Linker, he is 86 years old and he served with the Black Panthers. He talks about the time he was in France. He was a photographer and my be know as Charlie or Chuck. If there is anyone that knew him when he served, he would be thrilled to hear from you. Thank you, Jean

2012-07-23 - Daniel Hance wrote: My grandfather Floyd H. Hance was a cook for the 66th Black Panthers during WWII. He was awarded a Bronze Star for something??? He died in 1958 and I never met him. I am looking for anyone that served with him that maybe able to shed light as to what he possible did as a cook to win a Bronze Star. Thanks for any information that anyone can give me.

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