The Red Bull in World War II 34th Infantry Division Resources 1941-1945

Volume I Number 1 • March 17, 1945

9th Medal of Honor Won by 34th
Private Furman L. Smith Awarded Medal Posthumously

Killed Ten Krauts; Wounded Many More

The ninth Congressional Medal of Honor won by soldiers of the 34th Division in World War II has been awarded posthumously to Pvt. Furman L. Smith, of Central, S. Car.

The nation's highest military decoration was presented to the 135th Infantrymanís parents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles L. Smith, at their home by Maj. Gen. John H. Hester, Camp Croft, S. Car.

Pvt. Smith, 19, died facing the assault of nearly a company of Germans in an effort to save two wounded buddies. The action occurred on May 31, 1944, near Lanuvio, Italy. Before he died, Pvt. Smith killed 10 Krauts and wounded many more.

GERMAN ATTACK BROKEN

His wounded comrades were XXing in the path of the German advance. Pvt. Smith carried them to a shell hole, then crawled to another hole to carry on the fight. His rifle fire was so intense that the German attack was broken. The enemy reorganized and overran his position.

Other 34th Division Medal of Honor winners include:

Pvt. Robert D. Booker 133rd Inf. Regt. For action at Fondonk, North Africa, on April 9, 1943. Medal was awarded posthumously and presented to his mother, Mrs. Mattie C. Booker of CallowXXXXX.

Pfc. Leo J. Powers, 133rd Inf. Regt., for action at XXXXXX, Italy, on Feb.3, 1944.

(Continued on Page 3)

Medals of Honor
(Continued from page 1)

presented by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Using four grenades, Pvt. Powers knocked out three German pillboxes, killed five men and wounded 12, forcing the enemy to retire from a hill defending the entrance to Cassino.

AWARDED POSTHUMOUSLY

2nd Lt. Paul Riordan, 133 Inf. Regt., for action at Cassino, Feb.3 and 8, 1944. Medal of Honor was awarded posthumously and presented to his father, Mr. H. F. Riordan, Kansas City, Mo. On Feb. 3 Lt. Riordan knocked out a pillbox with a hand grenade; then on Feb. 8 he led his casualty riddled platoon into Cassino and single-handedly shot it out with Germans in the jail house.

S-Sgt. George J. Hall, 135th Inf. Regt., for action at Anzio, Italy, May 23, 1944. Volunteering to eliminate three German machinegun nests, he killed seven Krauts and captured four, using hand grenades. He was hit by artillery fragments and lost his right leg.

2nd Lt. Ernest H. Dervishian, 135th Inf. Regt., for action at Cisterna, Italy, May 23, 1944. Capturing 39 Germans and eliminting three machinegun positions, Lt. Dervishlan played a big role in the Anzio breakthrough.

1st Lt. Beryl R. Newman, 133rd Inf. Regt., for action at Cisterna, Italy, on May 26, 1944. Medal of Honor was presented by President Roosevelt. Using a Tommy gun, Lt. Newman singlehandedly knocked out three machinegun positions killed two Krauts, wounded two and took 11 prisoners

KILLED 40 GERMANS

Capt. William W. Galt, 168th Inf. Regt., for action at Villa Crecetta, Italy, May 29, 1944. Awarded posthumously. Capt. Galt Jumped on a tank destroyer, and manning its machinegun, 1ed a company of riflemen. He trapped and killed 40 Germans before an 88 shell struck the TD, killing the occupants.

Lt. Thomas W. Wiple, XXX Inf. Regt. for action in the XXX Line, Sept. 14, 1944. Awarded posthumousy and presented to his widow, Mrs. Margaret Wigle, of Detroit, Mich. Volunteering to a platoon, he drew and returned enemy fire so his men could climb three stone walls, then drove the foe from three houses. He was mortally wounded during this action.

MISS COXE COXXXXXX

Miss Betty Coxe, 34TH Division Red Cross worker, is enroute to her home in the United States for a brief furlough. Miss Coxe has been with the Division for 18 months. She joined the organization in Africa in August, 1943, prior to the invasion of Italy and has been with the ìRed Bullî ever since.

2nd Lt. Ernest H. Dervishian, winner of the Congressional Medal of Honor, receives the congratulations of Lt. Gen. Mark W. Clark, 15th Army Group commander, who presented the Medal recently in Italy. Of the nine 34th Division Medal of Honor winners, Lt. Dervishian is the only one who was presented the Medal in this theater.

WELCOME!

WELCOME!
It is a great pleasure for me to welcome THE RED BULLETIN into the fighting team
of the "Red Bull" Division.

The purpose of the newspaper is to inform all members of the Division about the accomplishments and news of their fellow members, and to help weld an even greater fighting team.

The newspaper is getting under way after overcoming a great many mechanical difficulties, but it is hoped that the information you will gain of the other units of the Division will be well worth the time and energy expended.

CHARLES L. BOLTE
Major General U. S. A.
Commanding

He Gets The Most Out Of A Book!

What with people finding out they can keep bullets out with a pocket Bible, or pocket edition of something or other, this had to happen, so here it is: T-5 Robert Davidson, 109th Engr. Combat Bn., was reading a bit of American history one night. It was a book of short biographical sketches of candidates who had been defeated for the Presidency. Suddenly a shell whistled in.

While one GI grabbed for his shoes, another for his helmet, T-5 Davidson grabbed for his trousers.

In the dugout he found that the book had somehow gotten into the seat of his pants. He insists it was an accident, but no one believes him. The title of the book was THEY ALSO RAN by Irving Stone. T-5 Davidson recommends it highly for reading also!

T-5 George I. Friedman
Unit Correspondent

MP Platoon Never Has Complete Formation

There is a unit in the 34th Division which has never had a formation with all of its members present. It's the Military Police platoon.

S-Sgt. Fran Howard is authority for this statement. "From the time we hit Camp Claiborne, La., four years ago last month, men of the company have been on duty day and night. Even when we sailed overseas and later to Africa and Italy, the platoon was split up into duty details and assigned to different ships.

It Wasn't A Mirage;
Boss WAS in Foxhole

Auld Lang Syne recently occurred for Cpl. Clyde Manley, 185th F. A. Bn. A member of a forward observation crew, Cpl. Manley was proceeding on foot at he front, looking for a new position, when the Nazi shells started pouring in. He lost no time in jumping into the nearest foxhole. Who should he find there but his former civilian boss - now an infantryman!

MAJ. WILLIAMSON FLIES MORE THAN 210 MISSIONS

Major Stanley A. Williamson as just been awarded his fifth bronze Oak Leaf Cluster to be added to his Air Medal and four previous Oak Leaf Clusters.

The additional decoration represents another 35 flying missions for the artillery of the 34th "Red Bull" Infantry Division. Major Williamson has flown more than 210 missions since going into combat.

This first edition of THE RED BULLEIN is made possible by the cooperation and help of units and individuals. Especially helpful in getting the newspaper started were the following men and units:

T-3 Harold D. Evans, T-4 Larry H. Lillibridge, T-5 Steve H. Reicker and Pfc. Larry M. Bringenberg, all of 734th Ordnance (I.M) Co.; members of the Wrecker Section, 734th Ordnance (I.M)Co.; Capt. Ray S. Sawyer, 34th Quartermaster Co.; Pfc. Eddie Hansen and Lt. Col. Ivan G. Walz, both Division Headquarters; 109th Engineer Combat Battallon, THE STARS AND STRIPES, Mediterranean edition, and PWB (Psychological Warfare Branch).

Their work and technical advice are deeply appreciated.

The Staff

News Material Wanted

THE RED BULLETIN is your Division newspaper and your suggestions and material are always welcome. If you have stories, letters, poems, cartoons, sketches or photographs for use in the newspaper,
send them by Message Center to the Public Relations Section Hq.,34th Inf. Div. (Fwd).

____________

XXX the 34th Division was XXLarized" from a "square" XXX in January, 1942, the XXX Infantry Regiment became
xxx of the Americal Division xxxx much service in the South XXXX.

____________

In November, 1942, the 168th Regimental Combat Team and the 3rd Battalion, 135th Infantry, participated in the first Allied landings at Algiers, North Africa, as a part of the Eastern Assault
Force, which was commanded by Maj. Gen. Charles W. Ryder, the XXXXX Division commanding general.

734th Ordnance Co.

The 734th Ordnance Light Maintenance Company is devoting its entire time to the inspection, repair and rehabilitation of Division equipment.

Two enlisted men were transferred to this organization recently. Originally members of the 133rd Infantry Regiment, these two enlisted men were assigned to this company as clerks. They are assigned to the Division Ordnance Office. Pfc. Thomas I. Allen was formerly a gunner in the Anti-Tank Company of the 133rd Inf. Regt. and Pfc. Calvin V. Atwood, was a member of a mortar crew in the 133rd Inf.

1st Sgt. Clarence P. Jendro
Unit Correspondent

FOES' MATERIEL APPRQVED BY JOE

German materiel is serving to improve the life of Pfc. Joseph W. Kelley in a number of ways.
When Pfc. Kelley of the l85th F. A. Bn., dresses in the morning, he seiects his clothes from a light weight metal case which once held German demoiition charges. The box is waterproof.

If he wants to look over the situation on the Fifth armv front after breakfast, he reaches for a pair of German binoculars.

In the afternoon he selects his writing paper and possibly a pack of cigarets from a handv German 88 millimeter shell container and at night he curls up in a German bed roli which he prefers ta his issued bedding.

CAMERA ATTRACTS ITALIAN FAMILY

By using his camera, Cpl. Melvin E. Ekelund, 151st F. A. Bn., plays the role of a goodwill ambassador in Italy.

Recently, Cpl. Ekelund befriended an Italian family by taking individual pictures of the eight members and presenting them with the prints.

"They were the first prints they were able to get in some time," Cpl. Ekelund sald. "They certainly were grateful"

YOUR OPPORTUNITY DO YOU WANT...

To increase your efficiency as a member of the armed forces?
To prepare for a desirable job when you return to civilian life?
To continue an educational program which may have been interrupted by military service?
To satisfy a personal interest in study of some subject?

If your answer is "yes" to any of these questions then read the fO11owing facts. You will find that a whole parade of educational opportunities marches before your eyes.

1. Facts about the Armed Force Institute:
a. It is an official War Department school operated for your benefit.
b. One S2 enrollment fee entitles you to study as many Institute Courses as you like as long as your work is satisfactorv.
c. Courses you complete may be submitted for credit in High School or College back home.
d. Nearly a hundred thousand members of the Armed Forces are already enrolled.

2. Types of Courses Offered:

a. Correspondence Courses include subjects on the high school, technical, vocational and college levels. Text materials and lessons are furnished. As lessons are completed they are mailed to the Armed Force Institute where a teacher corrects and grades them, giving any necessary assistance or suggestions which might aid the student in his work.
b. Self Teaching Course: If an individual desires to study entirely on his own, it is recommended that he apply for this type of course. The text-books furnished for these studies have been written in such a manner that it is possible to study a subject without a teacher. Detailed instructions, complete explanations and work books guide the student step by step. The texts also contain self-checking tests, drills and problems so that the student mav discover his weak points before going on with the new work. If unusual difficulty is experienced, samples of work may be submitted to MTOUSA Branch where a teacher will give any necessary assistance.
c. University Extension Courses: The University Extension Course is similar to the Institute Correspondence Course in the type of material and method of procedure used. Correspondence service, however, is received directly from the college or university that offers the course. Completed lessons are returned directly to the college or university for correction and grading.

Now,if you want advice on courses to study, ask your Information Education Officer. He will be glad to help you get started.

OFF THE RECORD
By Ed Reed

Lt. French, 168, Wipes Out Machineguns XXX

4 Nazi Grenades Silence Enemy

2nd Lt. DeWitt H. French, Jr., 168th Inf. Regt., recently killed a two-man German machinegun crew, then using enemy grenades' wounded three more Nazis and forced several to surrender.

Lt. French and his men had been pinned down by heavy enemy machinegun fire. Firing from the hip, the lieutenant killed the enemy gun crew of two. Having expended his ammunition, Lt. French picked up four German grenades lying nearby and, although exposed to fire of other machineguns and riflemen, threw the grenades through the window of an enemy held building. Three Germans were wounded and several surrendered.

After clearing the building, Lt. French grabbed a German machine pistol and aided his platoon in clearing the enemy from the area.

Formerly a technical sergeant, Lt. French was commissioned recently by Lieutenant General Mark W. Clark, commanding general of 15th Army Group.

The Red Bulletin
Combat newspaper of the 34th “Red Bull" Infantry Division.
Published under supervision of A.C. of S, G-1.

Editor: 1st Lt. Harrison Harding, Public Relations Officer. Reporters: Pfc. George Molnar, 133rd Inf. Regt.; Pfc. Elmer 0. Fehlhaber, 135th Inf. Regt.; Pfc. John S. Wellington, 168th Inf. Regt.; T-5 Nathan S. Levy, 34th Div. Arty. Secretary: Pfc. Anthony F. Cacciutti. Photographer: Pfc. John J. Ling. Printers: Pfc. Miichael Guman, Pfc. Raymond L. Bailey, Pfc. Raymond H. Dietz. THE RED BULLETIN is published weekly in the field in Italy by and for the men and officers of the 34th Infantry Division, United States Army. Address all communications to THE RED BULLETIN, 34th Infantry Division, APO-34, United States Army. Member of Camp Newspaper Service, New York City, N. Y. Contents may be sent through the mail. No subscriptions accepted.

VOL. 1—NO. 1
March 17, 1945

The 34th was inducted into federal service on Feb. 10, 1941.

SLAYS 2, BAGS 8 IN NIGHT ATTACK

S-Sgt. Daniel C. LeFebvre, 133rd Inf. Regt., killed two Germans and captured eight in a recent action in northern Italy.

S-Sgt. LeFebvre, a machine gun section leader, requested and received permission from his company commander, Lt. Louis Lawrence, to investigate an enemy held house 200 yards in front of the company's lines.

The sergeant disappeared into the darkness and advanced toward the house. Thirty yards from his objective, he observed a lone Kraut sentry. Crawling cautiously toward the Nazi, his pistol ready, Sgt. LeFebvre captured him and escorted him to the company command post. There the prisoner revealed that 11 Germans still occupied the house.

Leading a section of riflemen, Sgt. LeFebvre approached the house for the second time and ordered his men to surround it. He then kicked the door open and quickly threw two grenades into the room. Concussion and fragments killed one German and wounded seven. Three others dashed from the room during the confusion, but Sgt. LeFebvre killed one with his pistol and the others escaped into the night.

The objective was taken without a Yank casualty.

The next day the sergeant participated in another attack on a house and flushed a tall, husky paratrooper from the building.

"The Kraut clipped me on the jaw so I shot him," Sgt. LeFebvre said.

2nd Lt. Hollis E. Collum, Co. "C" 168th Inf. Regt., is typical of a group of former noncoms who were recently appointed Second Lieutenants on the battlefield. Here Lt. Collum explains the functioning of the new carbine to men of his platoon.

Medical Officer's Skill, Compassion Save Life Of Wounded Nazi Soldier

The German soldier was seriously wounded in fighting in the snowcovered hills south of Bologna. The aid men who brought him into a 109th Medical Battalion clearing station doubted if he would live. After plasm had been administered, it was found necessary to give him a transfusion of whole blood. Captain Archibald Fishberg asked for volunteer blood donors. They were readily obtained.

The wounded man was in deep shock and it WaS only after an hour or more of patient attention and care that he regained consciousness and asked if he were going to live.

"Yes,you're going to be alright," said the surgeon.

"Thank God.. " sighed the soldier.

"Don't thank YOUR God," said Captain Fishberg, "thank a Jew."

The German prisoner of war was speechless from shock of the abrupt statement, but in his pain-filled eyes were humility and gratitude.

T-5 Mllton 0. Larson
Unit Correspondent

Pet Porcupine Gets Gun Crew Brush Off

Pfc. Oscar Carlson's attempt to introduce porcupines as mascots for howitzer crews on the Italian front has failed.

Pfc. Carlson, a member of the 175th Field Artillery Battalion, found the baby porcupine in a haystack. He took it to his gun pit and although the prickly little animal didn't balk at the huge gun, he also failed to show any interest in dehydrated carrots, potatoes or beets.

"I thought it would be comfortable for Porky to cuddle in one of the other fellow's blankets, but he didn't stay there long," related Pfc. Carlson. "Some way or other he got into a box of fuses. We had a fire mission during the night and there was a terrible scream when a gunner picked up Porky instead of a fuse in the dark. The only thing Porky liked about our place was the stove, but after the mistaken fuse incident, he made his demise the following day."

Gale Storm

HE'S ANNOYED SHELL HITS HOLE

Pfc. Edward Annoye, of 125th F. A. Bn., returned recently from the hospita1 to his artillery position where he had been hit while burning letters near his howitzer.

"Where is my musette bag and bed roll?" he asked his comrades.

"Ten minutes after we put you in an ambulance, a shell came in and got a direct hit on your foxhole," answered a buddy. "You needn't be concerned about the stuff you left behind."

34th Signal Co.

T-Sgt. Donald R. Murdoch of Radio Section, S-Sgt. Conrad Erickson of DSO Section and T-4 Ivan P. Sisk of Construction Section, all of 34th Signal Co., are aiming for Officers Candidate School and have taken preliminary exams already. We all wish them the best of luck and we hope they will make it.

This week, for movie entertainment, we saw "Conflict" with Humphrey Bogart and Alexis Smith, a mystery, which Was a novelty and quite interesting.

Pfc. Alfred W. Torraca
Unit Correspondent

NEW CHAPLAINS JOIN DIVISION

Three new chaplains have recently joined the 34th Division, replacing veteranS who have been transferred to other commands or other units within the division.

They are Chaplains James L. Carraway, Thomas B. Bracken and Francis J. Fish. Capt. Carraway has been assigned to 168th Infantry Regiment: Capt. Bracken to Division Artillery, and 1st Lt. Fish to Division Headquarters.

Chaplains Carraway and Bracken were formerly with hospital units, the former in Italy and the latter in Egypt. Capt. Bracken also served in the Aleutians with elements of the 10th Mountain Division, now in Italy. Lt. Fish came to the division from Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Maryland.

NOW WITH MEDICS

Chaplain Kenneth L. Ames, formerly with 168th, has been transferred to the 109th Medica} Battalion. He served in Ireland, Scotland, made the initial landings at Algiers, continued through Tunisia and through most of Italy with the rainbow regiment.

Capt. Rupert Stadtmiller, who has been with Division Headquarters as assistant division chaplain since November 1943, has transferred out of the theater. He joined the division at the close of the Tunisian campaign and was assigned to the 135th Inf. Regt. during the early phases of the Italian campaign.

Headquarters Ccmmand, MT0USA, claimed Capt. Karl G. Kumm, veteran 109 Med.Bn.chaplain who has served with that unit of the division since Ireland.

RETURNS FROM U.S.

Sent to the theater chaplain's office on exchange, Capt. Edward F. Maciejewski became ill, was hospitalized, and lost to the division. He had been with Division Artillery throughout Italy.

With the return from the United States of Lt. Col. Deloss Marken recently, Major Warren R. Hall, Jr., returns to his duties as Special Troops chaplain. He has been acting Division chaplain in the former's absence.

34th QM Company

According to reports from the rifle range, Pfc. Thomas C. Countryman, 34th Quartermaster Co., continUe to maintain his reputation as a crack-shot with 27 hits out of a possible 30 on the silhoueite target at 200 yards range. In all trips to the range during the past three years, Tom has either led the Company or at least has been among the top scorers.

T. Sgt. James B. Dailey
Unit Correspondent