Submitted on December 29, 2003 by Carol Riojas - sea4fun@earthlink.net

My father, Jesus Riojas, trained with Co A 58th BN at Camp Fannin in 1944. I have a company photo of all members, probably taken at the completion of their basic training. If anyone has any photos or certificates, etc.. that we can scan & share please email me at sea4fun@earthlink.net. My dad went on to serve with the 70th Infantry Division. His unit, the 274th Inf Reg., help free over 275 American POW's in Wingen, France and were awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for the capture and liberation of Wingen.  old soldiers never die...

Submitted on December 4, 2003 by Thomas G. Ratliff - tdratliff@siscom.net

My 34 year old father Ova (pronounced "Ovie") W. Ratliff arrived at Camp Fannin about 5:00 PM, Saturday night, April 8th, 1944.  He was assigned to Company D, 65th Battalion, 14th Regiment.  He finished his training and shipped out of Camp Fannin on Thursday morning, August 10th, 1944, headed home.  In his letters to home he talked about Captain Douglas the Company Comander.  He also spoke about "having a tent together" during bivouac with "Purvis" from Paris, Kentucky.  I am telling you this because these are the only two men he called by name in his letters.  I have searched for anyone that might have known my father during his time in the Army, with no luck.  If anyone that reads this, knew my father either at Camp Fannin or while he was in Europe please contact me at the above e-mail address.  I have to add that my father was assigned to the 110th Infantry, 28th Division, Company C. on November 8th, 1944, as an Infantry replacement in the Hurtgen Forest of Germany.  He was killed in the forest on a cold muddy battle scarred hillside a few hundred yards southwest of the village of Simonskall on November 14th, 1944.  I have written a book about his time in WW II - titled:

"I Can Hear The Guns Now".  For more information about him or the book go to: www.icanhearthegunsnow.com  Respectfully submitted by his oldest son, Thomas G. Ratllif   

Submitted on December 2, 2003 by Karen Cucci - cuccikj@hotmail.com

Hello, I am looking for some information on the 654th Engineering Topographic Battalion.  My Father was part of it during WII and was a mapmaker.  I would like to find a map produced by this battalion that I could purchase.  Any help would be appreciated.

Submitted on November 5, 2003 by Raymond E. Moore - rem3710@msn.com
Would like to find a list of the men who served in Company M, 357th Infantry, 90th Division during World War II.
 

Submitted on November 3, 2003 by Michael Green - tavyandmike@peoplepc.com
My father served in WWII in the 42 rainbow div, he landed on Normandy  in the second wave.  I would like to know more about the battle campaigns the 42 was involved in and maybe a roster with my fathers name on it pvt C. A. Green from limestone Al.  my father told me about the  D-day invasion he always talked to me like an adult so the graphic detail was not glorified in his accounts.  I once watched saving pvt Ryan and I liked the movie but I will never watch it again because of the stories my father told me and the movie was too close to his accounts for me to see again.  I served in the Navy and am very pro military but there is no glory in war. I would like to pass the legacy my father shared with me to my children I feel that  any information I can gather would help me in this.

Submitted on November 1, 2003 by Estel Patterson - estel_patterson@msn.com
I was stationed  in Camp Fannin, Co A 56th battalion from July 44 till Dec. 45. Do you have any records of that battalion or soldiers in the 56th?

Submitted on October 29, 2003 by Bobbye Beer - bbeer@ptsi.net
My dad, Ralph W. Kiser, trained at Camp Fannin from Nov. '41 to Oct. 43.   He died June 1, 1987.  I would like to know more about his service and the men he served with.  He had a friend he talked about named 'Davis'.  I don't know his full name or where he might live.  Is there a way that I could find him? 
I am very proud of my dad and would like to know more about his service in the war.  Thank you for your web site it is very interesting.

Submitted on October 29, 2003 by Tom Craig - thomas.craig@uthct.edu
Is anyone familiar with an old horse training apparatus that was used for bayonet practice at Pinedale Lake?  I am also interesting in any other Camp Fannin activities at Pinedale Lake.  Thanks.

Submitted on October 29, 2003 by Nancy Johnson - short1x1@yahoo.com
My uncle was stationed there during WWII his name was James D. Anderson .He wrote a little song called Ragg Mopp while he was stationed there also.  His e-mail address is deacon99@flex.net.  He lives in Conroe, Texas.

Submitted on October 29, 2003 by Richard Rooney - mobyrara@trysb.net

I am wondering if there is a booklet or whatever with pictures of Camp Fannin sites during training days at the Camp? If so, how may I arrange to get such? Thanks

Submitted on October 26, 2003 by Cliff Silverman - gleecsa@yahoo.com

I have an uncle with company A, 14th infantry, 102nd infantry division during the battle of the bulge, he received several medals, a battlefield commission and more. I would like to know more information about what he really did.

Submitted on October 24, 2003 by Jo Laughlin - thecrow5663@hotmail.com

I am looking for anyone who might remember my father, Joe. E. Laughlin, of Gallatin and Jacksonville, Texas who served in the army, navy and merchant marines during ww2. He was a sergeant in the army and
served in France and Italy.  He also served in other countries like the Philippines and Japan.  Any information would be greatly appreciated. My sister and I would like to know more about our father... He also boxed in the military and was a bantam weight...we miss him so much..  Thanks, Jo Sharon and Pamela Laughlin
 

Submitted on October 16, 2003 by Eric Diller - eddiller@earthlink.net

17 week Basic Infantry Training course, finished approx. - date of Certificate Dec. 11, 1943, A Company 81st Battalion.  Served as 30 cal. machine gunner in H Co. 34th Inf. Reg't., 24th Div. - 1944, 1945, New Guinea and Philippines. Survived with Purple Heart, Bronze Star, etc. and malaria.  Our barracks was loaded with ASTP guys - would love to hear from any of them. Would also like to hear from ANYBODY from C.F. who served in the 24th Div. I know at least 7 of them.  Have 4 children, all still married, - probably a Guiness World record - and 9 grandchildren. Celebrated our 55th wedding anniversary last month.
 

Submitted on August 31, 2003 by Matt Whitehead - mustang00@charter.net

I would like to know if anyone remembers my grandfather Robert Whitehead, he landed in Luzon Philippines on April 13,1945 so I’m sure he had to be at Fannin earlier that year or late 44.  Please send any info, Thanks.

Submitted on Monday, August 25, 2003 by Ryan Olds - oldsryan@msu.edu

Dear sirs, I have a picture of the 68th Battalion, which my Grandfather was apart of.  At the bottom of the picture its says... CO. B 68 BN.  I wanted to know if you have such a picture and if you have the positions of the Men in the Picture. I am trying to Identify my Grandfather in the Picture.  His name was John Hacker. Any information would be great. Please feel free to contact me anytime by Email or call me at 847-542-3190. Thank you.

Submitted on August 21, 2003 by Terry Wilhite - doober1959@yahoo.com

My father, Thomas Merle Wilhite, went through training at Camp Fannin in 1944.  I think he was in the 82nd battalion.  He is from Baldwyn, MS.  He was in company D, but I am not sure which battalion.  If you have the battalion he was with would you please e-mail me , along with the list of the other members of his battalion.  He was sent to the European campaign.  He was in the 69th Division in Europe.  If any one can help I would appreciate it.  Thank you.

Submitted on August 19, 2003 by Tanya Banderman - tjband@msn.com

My Great Uncle, Ferdinand R. Swann, went through training at Camp Fannin. He was killed in Normandy on June 22, 1944. Until recently, no one in my family even knew that his body had been recovered. Now we know that he is buried at the Normandy American Cemetery. If anyone remembers Mr. Swann and could tell me anything about him, I would appreciate it. Thank you.

Submitted on August 17, 2003 by Aaron Dawson - elmodag@hotmail.com

My grandpa, James H. Sullivan attended basic training at Camp Fannin.  After basic training he remained at Fannin as an instructor with the 57 battalion, Company B.  He was at Fannin from August 1943 to January 1945. From January 1945 to 1946 he was with the 102nd Infantry Division "The Ozarks." He ended up a platoon leader and stayed on through part of the occupation, mostly at the former concentration camp Flossenburg, in Bavaria.

Submitted on August 12, 2003 by Kayla Castro - young1382001@yahoo.com

Hi, my name is Kayla, and I want information on my great-grandpa. His name is Staff Sergeant Salomon (or Solomon) Castro 3857991.  He served from 1910-1945. He stepped on a mine or something in Germany during the WW2 and later dies (Not because of his leg.

Submitted on August 3, 2003 by William Kohler - wkohler@awesomenet.net

I have my grandfathers pictures of Co. D 52nd Training BN Fourth platoon which trained at Camp Fannin prior to his shipping out. I also have a list of names for everyone in the picture I would Like to send it to you over the internet once I get it copied and will send the names as well. Oh by the way His name was Melvin Ockert from Weidman Mi. He still resides in Fla most of the year, If you would like more Information please feel free to write but please respond soon for I am 2 weeks from My own deployment and we have little chance to email on US Navy ships. My wife will also assist you but she has only met him twice briefly.

Submitted on July 29, 2003 by Tom Craig - thomas.craig@uthct.edu

I maintain the Camp Fannin web page and archives at the Watson W. Wise Medical Research Library at the University of Texas Health Center at Tyler.  I have what I believe to be the largest single archive of material on the Camp, and the Library is open 8:00 - 5:00, Monday - Friday for those who would like to peruse the archives.  A list of our materials and relevant web sites is at http://library.uthct.edu/fannin.htm.  I am presently seeking (without much success) additional documentation from the U.S. Army Military History Institute to augment the archives.  I am also seeking a clipping from the Tyler newspaper in the 1980's about 2 tanks that were found buried on Triton Energy's property.  The clipping included a photograph of one of the tanks.

    I have seen Camp Fannin referred to as a Branch Immaterial Replacement Training Center and as an Infantry Replacement Training Center.  Can someone tell me the distinction, i.e. if these were 2 different concurrent operations, if there was a date that the name changed from one to the other, etc.? 

Submitted on July 11, 2003 by Jo Sharon Laughlin - thecrow5663@hotmail.com

Submitted on June 30, 2003 by Kimberly Nevitt - Kimberly.A.Nevitt@erdc.usace.army.mil

Hello, my name is Kimberly Nevitt.  I've been tasked to do an environmental analysis on the Camp Fannin Infantry Replacement Training Center.  I would like to determine the extent/scope of the Camp Fannin records that you hold.  I'm interested in any maps, photos, etc. -- anything related to the training activity that was performed at Camp Fannin.  If you cannot be of assistance to me, can you please direct me to someone who can?  Thanks so much!  Kimberly Nevitt, US Army Corps of Engineers, Engineer Research and Development Center, Topographic Engineering Center.

Submitted on June 26, 2003 by Jeffrey Blevins - jbhistory@yahoo.com

Hello, I am a World War 2 collector and a history teacher.  I recently bought a print of a group of men from 1943. I wish I had some profound story as to how I came into possession of this Photo, But the fact is, I found it at an Antique Store. Like I stated earlier, I am a historian and love to collect memorabilia from the WWII era. This picture is so profound. It is in Mint condition and the detail of the men are so clear. The officers are seated front and center of the picture, and under them is written (on the photo, but by the photo company) Co B53 TR BN Camp Fannin Texas.  Then in the lower right corner is written: Moorehead and Ward, Gladewater Texas 11/1943 (or 1948?).  I am very interested in learning the fate of these men, and possibly returning the photograph to a man from this picture, but like I stated earlier, I'm stumped.
 

Submitted on June 2, 2003 by Rick Munoz - rramsfan40@msn.com

Hello, my fathers name is Ramiro Munoz he was in the 54th Infantry Regiment. He served from 1944 thru 1946. On his HONORABLE DISCHARGE papers it states he fought in the Asiatic Pacific Theater. His military occupational specialty was a Cannoneer 2601. Can anyone please give me some info? Are there anybody still living that would be part of this
group? How do we find out? Thanks and God Bless.

Submitted on May 29, 2003 by Patricia Tiemann Fabri - lafamiglia@hotmail.com
I am looking for anyone who might have known my dad, Pvt. Edgar Benjamin Tiemann.  He was about 31 years old from Alton, IL with three small children.  He came to Camp Fannin from Fort Sheridan, IL about April of 44 and was shipped out in early September of 44 to the ETO.  He served with the 1st Army, 1st Divison, 3rd Batallion, 16th Infantry, Co. L in England, France, Belgium and Germany.  He was wounded in the Battle of the Hurtgen Forest in November 23, 1944 and sent to a hospital in England.  He was returned to the front in March of 45 and KIA in Tanne, Germany on April 17, 1945.  You can contact me by e-mail. 

Submitted on May 26, 2003 by Robbie Wilkerson Rusher - RLRusher@aol.com

My name is Robbie Wilkerson Rusher and I am trying to find out information on my father Robert T Wilkerson, Jr. (army serial number #18-127-510) who was a military intelligence instructor during 1943-1945.  His Army papers indicate that he "separated" service on 12-31-45 at Camp Fannin.  His place of entry was IND STA, Dallas, Texas on 9-10-42.  I do not know if he was trained at this camp as a private, but do know he was sent to England for counter sabotage school under Col. Rothchild and Col. Cox of the English Intelligence in Nov. 1944.  My father passed away January of 1973 I was 23 years old.  I have children now and would like to know more about my fathers battlefield experiences.  I know he was sent to northern France, the Rhineland Central Europe and also involved with Air Offensive Europe.  His military qualification was Rifle Marksman-Military Intelligence Instructor 659.  I am hoping that someone can give me more information on my father, it would be greatly appreciated.  

Submitted on May 21, 2003 by James D. Scott, Jr. - jcott42@drydenfamily.com
I have been searching for information concerning my father James Dryden Scott, Sr., who I believe took basic training at Camp Fannin.  From there he went to South Carolina for further training in the Glider Infantry.  On your  battalion research page, I find a James D. Scott, JR.  My father's serial number was 38593094.  Is there anyplace on the internet that I can try and trace his serial number.  Your help will be most appreciated.

Submitted on May 13, 2003 by Jason W. Crump - Jasonwcrump@aol.com
My Grandfather was sent to Camp Fannin and I would like to find out about his unit. His name was Lonnie E. Bigham.

Submitted on May 1, 2003 by Frank Eckard - landman@usadomains.net

Submitted on April 27, 2003 by Jerri Nash - deliveryangel@hotmail.com
My grandfather, Rueben Orr, was a guard at Camp Fannin in 1945. He became friends with one of the German POW's. The POW hand carved a wooden inlaid box and lid for my grandfather. My dad, Royce Orr, is wondering if anyone remembers my grandfather, and possibly knows the name or whereabouts of that POW. My dad thinks that the POW worked in the
"refrigeration area". Also, if anyone knows where I could look up names of POW's that were at Camp Fannin at that time I would appreciate the info. Thanks!

Submitted on April 27, 2003 by Evern Steward Mosely - evern1@yahoo.com
I am looking for information on 234th AA BN. Can anyone help?
 

Submitted on April 24, 2003 by Darlene Aguilard Tolar - jade21875@aol.com
My Dad was discharged from Camp Fannin Jan. 26,1946. His name was Levy Aguilard 38499259 PFC Company D 17th Infantry Regiment from Louisiana.  He was in the Philippines - Ryukyus it says on his papers.  Date of arrival states May 29,1944 - Jan. 17,1946. He was a Rifleman 745.  If anyone knows him or can help me please email me.  Darlene Aguilard Tolar, 280 Dillard Dr., Kennesaw GA 30144

Submitted on April 19, 2003 by ronnroy@msn.com
Does anyone remember my father J. C. Roycroft who trained at Camp Fannin or my cousin Walter W. Hayes.  Dad was therein 1945, I believe and Walter took basic there in 1945.  Walter was killed in France in 1946.  Any information would be appreciated.

Submitted on April 5, 2003 by ronnroy@msn.com
Hello, My Dad, J.C.Roycroft (James Clinton) had basic training at Camp Fannin.  I do not know his unit or his serial number or anything else about his military career as he did not say much about it. Is there any way I could track his time at Camp Fannin? Thank you for your time keeping the history of this base alive. .  Thank you... Ron

Submitted on February 18, 2003 by Carol Jumper Mercer - pvtjumper@yahoo.com
My father, Pvt. Isaac Wilmer Jumper, entered the army on May 10, 1944, at Camp Wolters and was transferred to Camp Fannin on May 25th.  He was there until September 27th and was in Company C, 56 & 58 Battalions, 12th Regiment, 2nd Platoon and stayed in Hut #3. He was sent to Fort George Meade in Maryland and then shipped overseas in October, l944.  He fought in the European Campaign and was killed during the Battle of the Bulge on January 17, 1945, in the Bambausch Woods just outside of Schoppen, Belgium.  If anyone remembers him, or remembers the Company or Battalion that he was attached to, please contact me.  He brought several of his buddies to our home in Quinlan, Texas, on week-end passes.  I was only four years old, but I do recall some of them and I  have a list of their names. I have learned from his letters that four other soldiers made this trip to Fort Meade, but my dad never said who they were.  I would like to know the name of the ship that carried these soldiers to the Europe, if possible.  It is very important to me and to my family to find out information about my dad so that we can keep his memory alive.  I want my children and grandchildren to know about "my hero" and the sacrifice that he made for their freedoms.  If you have any information regarding my dad, please contact me at cwmercer@flash.net or pvtjumper@yahoo.com.
 

Submitted on February 16, 2003 by Thomas Dickerson - thomed@qnis.net

Hi, I am a son in law inquiring about one Cpl. Thomas E Fife.  He was in Co D, 62nd Tng Bn, June 13, 1944. He was later shipped out to Europe and was in the Battle of the Bulge, captured in Jan of 1945, wounded and kept as POW. I believe he was a squad leader of a machine gun unit. I am told he was a training officer at Camp Fannin.  Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Submitted on February 11, 2003 by James D. Scott, Jr - jscott42@drydenfamily.com
I was wondering if there is a complete roster of men that were at Camp Fanin and if someone could look up my father - His name is James Dryden Scott and possibly his brother Fred Turner Scott.  My dad would have been there in late 1943 or early 1944.  He was killed in Europe during the time of the crossing of the Rhine.  He was a Glider Infantryman.  He is buried at Margarten Holland, in the US Military cemetary.  If he was there,I would like to know when he was there.  Thank you for any information you might be able to provide me on either my father or his brother.  My home address is James D. Scott, Jr, 938 So Alamo Road, #1, Alamo, TX  78516-9521.  Thank you for any information you might be able to provide.  Jim Scott

Submitted on January 24, 2003 by Janet F. Prather  - jfprather2@msn.com

My father, Emmett Floyd, trained at Camp Fannin.  A large picture has the lettering "CoC 81 Tng BN Camp Fannin, Tx" written on the bottom.  He was from Indiana and was probably at Camp Fannin in 1943 or 1944.  My father survived the war, but died four years later.  I never had the chance to learn about his war experiences, or to appreciated what he (and so many more) did.  I would appreciate hearing from anyone that may have known him or shared similar experience. He was called "Bud" and was 6feet 6 inches tall.  I know he served in the Pacific at Leyete and Okinawa.  Thank you. 

Greetings, My mother and I were going through some old photographs and came across what we believe to be a commemorative handkerchief or hosiery bag that my uncle gave to her when he was stationed at Camp Fannin, in 1946.  It caught our interest because it has the "Pledge of Allegiance" printed
on it. However, it does not contain the phrase "Under God" in it. We were wondering if there is some history and collectability to this beautiful silk bag.  I thank you for any information that you may have.