Hellcat News, (Seward, Neb.), Vol. 45, No. 9, Ed. 1, May 1992 Page: 1 of 28

                                
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★ Ardennes-Alsace
★ Central Europe
HELLCAT NEWS
VOL 45
MAY 1992
Published by the
12th Armored
Division
Association
NO. 9
PRESIDENT'S THOUGHTS
Some of you have asked how I'm feeling. To answer your
queries, stop rumors, suspend speculation and put the First VP
at ease: I'm up and about, taking the nourishment now allowed,
feeling with my hands and not up to the speed the Cardiac
Rehabilitation Unit would like. I'm at two miles at an 18 minute
per mile rate. They would like three at 17 before I progress to a
more sophisticated program.
We regret our April travel plans were discontinued due to my
myocardial infarction. We send our apologies to the members
of the Midwest, Western, North Central, Smoky Mountain and
Northwest Chapters. (The Eastern may still be a possibility.)
Most of you realize your Unit Representatives are the glue
which holds this great Association together. They do their job
best when they have abundant material for your news (gossip)
column. (Orphia says men gossip more than women.) A couple
of months ago I found the Representatives were either not re-
ceiving all the news coming to the Association or were not
receiving it promptly. To correct this I again urge you to send
your news directly to your Unit Representative and not to the
Editor or the Executive Secretary.
If you procrastinate in making your Louisville hotel reserva-
tion you could end up two to four blocks or more away from the
festivities. Why not do it NOW?
Your hard working reunion committee would appreciate early
registrations. Help make their work easier. Please register
NOW.
Over 550 Anniversary watches have been ordered, received,
wrapped and shipped by the Hoeweler, Bruemmer and Head
Fine Watch Company. We are getting ready to curtail future
orders. If you want to join us on Hellcat time, better order
NOW. Don't be disappointed when this prestigious item is no
longer available.
The 50th Anniversary Convention of the American Ex-Pris-
oners of Wars will be held in Evansville, Indiana 22-26 Sep 92.
Many of their members are living on very modest, fixed in-
comes. To defray part of the expenses they would appreciate
your buying space in their souvenir convention program. A
business card listing is $30.00. Booster or Memorial listings are
$5.00. (Ex-POW 1992 Convention, 623 Walnut St, Evansville,
Indiana 47708.)
The American Gold Star Mothers will have their National
Convention in July. They are having a fund raising
' 'give-a-way.'' A donation of $5.00 may be made for chances on
cash prizes. A donation of $1.00 will pay for a chance on a
handmade Quilt. Contact Project Chairman, Jeanne Penfold,
2889 Arnold Ave., Oceanside, NY 11572.
Mark your calendar for Saturday, 7 Nov 92. You have been
invited to participate in the Abilene, TX Veterans Day Parade
which will be followed by the dedication of the 12th Armored
Division Memorial. Come and show your pride in being a Hell-
cat and having fought for our country. Accommodations are
limited. Contact Maurice L. Glover NOW.
In 1868 General John A. Logan, Commander in Chief of the
Grand Army of the Republic issued an order designating a day
in which the graves of soldiers would be decorated. Originally
this was to honor those who fell in the Civil War. Today it is
dedicated to the memory of all war dead. This day is sacred
with the almost visible presence of those who have gone before
us. We honor the memory of over 600,000 who gave their lives
so we could keep America free.
This is not a day to be sad. This is not a day to sorrow. This is
not a day to regret that they died. It is a day to thank God they
continued on page 2
BACK TRACKS
Kenneth G. Bradstreet
Historian-Past President
1018 Prairie Street
Emporia, KS 66801
Phone (316) 342-8373
Debacle at Herrlisheim continued
It came off in great style with planes going to battle in pairs.
They flew through the blackened, exploding shell-filled sky,
guns blazing and leaving a trail of gun smoke behind. When
they got a few feet from the ground, they released their bombs.
I was told they released the bombs two at a time, one to either
side of the road, this was calculated to catch a tank in the
middle. Reports came later that in this raid three enemy tanks
were knocked out.
The 2nd Platoon was filing past me now. They were going up
the canal to guard a bridge where the enemy counter-attack was
expected to try to cross. This left me in what I thought was the
closest foxhole to the enemy. I found out later Sgt. Forkham
still had his heavy machine gun squad in the same position on
the canal bank. The friendly artillery barrage was directly be-
tween us and Herrlisheim now. We were cut off on three sides
now. Our only avenue of escape was covered by so much artil-
lery it would have been suicide to make a break for safety. All
we could do is wait. I thought I saw some running figures about
a thousand yards up the canal, but as I looked the area was
enveloped in a sheet of flame and smoke and flying debris.
When the dust settled there was no sign of life. Our artillery
was doing a remarkable job.
When things quieted again I surmised our artillery had either
given up hope of beating off the attack or had beaten back the
attack. I was glad to find it was the latter. The firing had ceased
but I still had the old feeling all was not well. I didn't know what
was wrong. The sight of the knocked-out tanks in the field and
the smell of burnt powder in the air was anything but
reassuring.
I sat on the edge of my hole thinking and nibbling on a dry
ration biscuit.-The day was getting late and the sky overcast,
looking again like snow would fall. Occasional enemy mortar
shells came whispering in and burst in the area around the CP.
continued on page 25
LOUISVILLE
ANDYOU
IN '92
SEPTEMBER 13-17