Plankowner
Posts: 9165
Location: Upper lefthand corner of the map. | Subject: Met Heros today
While waiting for the 4th of July parade to begin in Kirkland, Washington this morning I met an older gentleman in an US Army uniform of a Major. He had a stack of ribbons that told part of his story but not all. All the bubbleheads were milling around our float waiting for the parade to begin when he walks up and told us that his late son-in-law had been aboard subs during Korea and made patrols off her coast. I got to talking with him and turns out he is also an author of "Hell's Folly". His name is William Moody and was with the 103rd Infantry Division.
Established in 1942, the 103rd Infantry Division landed in southern France in late October 1944, a few months after the Allied invasion of western Europe on D-Day (June 6, 1944). From the port of Marseille, the "Cactus" division advanced northward, eventually crossing into Germany in December 1944. The swift German offensive into the Ardennes during the Battle of the Bulge that month forced the unit to take up defensive positions in the area of Alsace-Lorraine. In March 1945, the 103rd advanced into the Rhineland, then moved southward into Bavaria. On May 3, 1945, the division captured the city of Innsbruck in Austria. As the 103rd moved into Bavaria, its troops uncovered one of the Nazi subcamps attached to the Kaufering camp complex in the Landsberg area. The Kaufering, a network of subsidiary camps of the Dachau concentration camp. Landsberg-Kaufering, Germany, April 29, 1945.
He said the stink was terrible and even going back in the 70's he said he could still smell the place.
Bill Moody started his Army career as a boot E-1 and retired a Major. He fought in WW II, Korea and Viet Nam.
It was a real pleasure to talk with him ans an honor to shake his hand.
We also got to meet astronaut Bonnie Dunbar and talk with her. Another honor.
Hope you are all having a good 4th.
Ric
|
Met Heros today
