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

Volume I Number 13 • June 16, 1945

GENERAL COLLINS COMMENDS 34TH

Brig. Gen. Leroy P. Collins, of Carmel, Calif., 34th Division Artillery Commander from January to June, 1942, has written the following congratulatory letter to Maj. Gen. Charles L. Bolte, 34th Division Commander:

"It is a matter of great pride to me and, I am sure, to all others who have served in the 34th Division, to see the enviable record the division has made in this war, and I wish to send my hearty congratulations.

"Having commanded the artillery of the division from January to June, 1942, and gone to Northern Ireland with it in April of that year. I have followed its operations with great interest since I left it and have always been proud of the record it has made. It has been done under adverse circumstances too, and never got the publicity to which its work entitled it because it was for so 1ong in what was regarded as a secondary theater.

"There are probably few officers and men left in it who were with me, but to those who are I send my best wishes. May the division go on maintaining the high standard of accomplislment it has set for itself is my hope.

- Leroy P. Collins
Brig. Gen., U.S.A. Ret'd.

Saluzzo, Italy - Realizing that trained typists and clerks would have to replace the clerical personnel whose points are high enough to rate in the army's redeployment program, Chief Warrant Officer Connie C. Wood, Assistant Adjutant of thc 168th "Rainbow" Regiment, and Francis B. Wadedo, First Sergeant in AntiTank Company, decided to establish a school which would serve as a pool from which the regiment could draw trained men.

Two men from each company were chosen to attend the school and the entire group was billeted with Anti-Tank Company in the large XXXfario Musso Barracks, which (Continued on page 4) (Continued from page 1) once housed the 44th ltalian Infantry Regiment. Finding enough equipment presented the first big problem when the school was organized. There were more than enough tables and chairs, but only a few typewriters were available . Sgt. Wadedo located a single typing manual which serves as a text for the class. About 36 men were in attendance for the opening classes, but shortly afterward nine of them were sent to fill positions in Regimental Headquarters. Three of that group went to to the Adjutant's office, and the remainder to the Personnel Section.

Soon after the school began Mr. Wood was notified that he would be leaving the 168th with the next quota to the United States. Warrant Officer Wood, a regular army man since 1926,residesin Sargent Neb.

Training with '37mm' Rifle

Ready To Fire upon Command

In four minutes men of the 1st Bn., 133rd Inf. Regt., can set up the 37 mm. pack rifle ready to fire on any objective. In the top picture, the gunner makes a few final adjustments and it is ready to fire. In the bottom picture, a squad leader observes the target through his glasses, while the gunner lies in place behind the weapon ready to fire upon command

(APS photos by Levine)

Capt. Lemen Leads Team

SAVIGLIANO, Italy--Under the warm Italian sun last week were picked the 34th Division trackmen who will represent the "Red Bull" in the Fifth Army meet to be held in Milan June 16--18.

An enthusiastic crowd of 400 watched the track and field events, the winners of which have been training this week for the Army meet. Outstanding performance of the day was turned in by Capt. Robert N. Lemen, Hq., 151st F. A. Bn., who in 1938 was captain of the Purdue University Track Team. Capt. Lemen, who was chosen 34th Division team captain by the other winners, won first place in three of the nlne events.

Dash star was S-Sgt. Joseph J. Dougherty, Co. A., 135th Inf., who won both the 100 and 220 yard dash

The box on the events:

100 Yd. Dash
S-Sgt Joseph J. Dougherty, Co. A, 135th Inf. Regt.; T-5 Walter A. Fountain, Jr., 109th Med. Bn.

One Mile Run
Sgt. Paul O. Ebler, Co. A, 168th Inf. Regt.; T-5 Bryon E. Roy, Btry. A, 185th F. A. Bn.

440 Yd. Run
2nd Lt. R. W. Larson, 151st (Continued on page 4) (Continued from page 1) F. A. Bn.; Pfc. Vincent Horan, AT Co., 168th Inf. Regt.

880 Yd. Run
Pfcs. William McIntosh, Co. C, 135th Inf. Regt., and John J. Radecki, Co. C, 133rd Inf. Regt.

Broad Jump---
Capt. Robert N. Lemen, Hq. 151st F.A. Bn., Pfc. Zack J. Campbell, CO. A, 168th Inf. Regt.

220 Yd. Dash---
S-Sgt. Joseph.J. Dougherty, Co. A, 135th Inf. Regt.; Pfc. Oliver Gasperini, Hq. Btry., 185th F.A.Bn

220 Low Hurdles---
Capt. Robert N. Lemen, Hq. 151st F. A. Bn., S-Sgt. George H. Moore, Hq. 3rd Bn., 133rd Inf. Regt.

High Jump---
Capt. Robert N. Lemen, Hq., 151st F. A. Bn., Pfc. Albert A. Drinkard, Btry. C, 151st F. A. Bn.

Shot Put---
T-5 Robert E. Groth, 34th Quartermaster Co., Pfc. Arthur J. Grundles, Co.E, 133rd Inf. Regt.

Events not run off were the mile medley relays and the three mile run. Only two relay teams were represented at Saturday's meet, both from the 168th Inf., so they will be sent to Milan. Sgt. Joseph McGuire, Co. M; Pfcs. Maurice Martinez, Co. I; Vincent Horan, AT Co.; Alexander Petho and Chester Hibbs, both of Co. A. Charles Cray, Co. D., Sgt. Paul Ebler,Co. A, and S-Sgt. Granville Barlow, Co. M, will compose the two teams.

The Division will be represented in the three mile run by Sgts. McGuire and Raymond C. Laird, Co. A, 168th

4-YEAR-OLD TRUCKS STILL USED BY 125

SAN REMO, ITALY - Five G.M.C. trucks, issued to the 125th Field Artillery Battalion four years ago at Camp Claiborne, La., are still being used by the howitzer outfit in Ita]y.

During the long period of intensive service, tnese two and one half-ton short wheel base trucks have been subjected to the most gruelling use in Louisiana maneuvers, training in Ireland's Sperrin mountains, throughout the African campaign in Tunisia and Algeria as well as the long Italian campaign. They have consistently remained in the hands of the 34th Division artillery organization.

In combat, the trucks were used for more than two years at the (Continued on page 4) (Continued from page 1) front, and. each vehicle ordinarily carried 140 rounds of ammunition, weighing 7,000 pounds; the gun section, consisting of 10 men with all their personal equipment, and in addition, pulled the 105 mm. howitzer.

Sgt. Albert Lipinski, Duluth, Minn., was in charge of three veteran vehicles during four years of use. He served as motor sergeant in "C" battery of the 125th and before his recent return to the states pointed out weldings over shrapnel holes in the bodies of each of the "old timers". One of the trucks has Six Of its original 10 tires," Sgt. Lipinski remarked.

Cpl. Russel Stack of Le Sueur, Minn. who has been with the maintenance section of the 125th since tne pre-Pearl Harbor days in Louisiana stated that the Louisiana maneuvers and the two snowy winters in the Italian Apennine mountains were the hardest on the trucks.

"They have had had three or four motors," Cpl. Stack said, "and they have all bad new axle assemblies, During the Italian winters the mud and sand made it necessary to install new brake linings every four to six weeks."

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 O. Fehlhaber, 135th Inf. Regt.; Pfc. John S. Wellington, 168th lnf. Regt.; T-5 Nathan S Levy, 34th Div. Arty. Secretary: Pfc. Anthony F. Cacciutti. Photographer: Pfc. John J. Ling. Printers: Pfc. Michael 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. 13 June 16, 1945

This Is the Army Education Program

Now that redeployment is under way, what gives with the Army Education Program? Briefly, this is it:

Off Duty phase of Army Education Program

In this off-duty type of education you are able to take some of these extension or correspondence courses you have been thinking about but didn't bave a chance to do while you were busy fighting. Every one of you will have a chance to take practitally any course you want through the United States Armed Forces lnstitute. Now here's what yOU do if you want to take a course. Contact your unit Information and Education Officer and put the finger on him to show you what courses are availaible to you (the has a list of them)-talk it over with him as to what you did in civilian life and what you would like to prepare for, and he can make available to you the list of cuurses you may choose from that will help you with your civilian choice of work'when you get out of the army.

On-Duty Phase of Army Education Program

'Course this one has a catch to it in that our outfit would have to be classified in a category that would allow us to set up a school system of our own-we have made plans for this but can't actually put these plans into effect until we are given the go-ahead light--so until we do, this is on file for future use.

But we have an out in that the Army is going to set up an Army University Center plus an American Institute of Fine Arts over here in Italy, under America control. As soon as the quota is given to us by higher headquarters we will be able to send some of you there. As soon as we get a quota we will make available to you the courses that will be taught and you may go to school like back home. The sweet thing about it all is that should your name come up to go home, you can drop everything and head for thc gang plank.

In addition to this they are going to let a certain number go to civilian universities over here. Two pre-requisites here - (a) you have to speak ltalian, and (b) should your John Henry get on the shipping list for home, you would have to finish your term of school before you could leave.

Anyway, for you new men who are coming into the division now -- don't be backward about this thing. Find Out who your Information-Education Officer is and put him to work, getting you lined up for these Course you have in mind. Determine what he can do for you and then use it.

The Army has set up something here in its Education Program that isn't going to snap back at you but is prepared to help you maybe to get a High School diploma; a brush-up on some courses you had in college; help you to get a slant on a new job when you agakn become a civilian -- and if you're undecided, contact your Information - Education Officer and talk it over with him; he has a Vocational Kit that will give you the highlights on any job you may have in mind.

-- I. and E.

125 CLASSES BEGIN

SAN REMO, Italy - Bivouaced in hotels and villas on the Italian Riviera, formerly occupied by German coastal troops, 125th Field Artillerymen are being given the advantage of several classes including photography and agriculture, conducted by officers of their Battalion.

Capt. Charles Scivetta, Buffalo, N.Y., medical officer, conducts the photography class of 30 men which meets twice a week to study cameras, picture taking technique and developing of films.

Capt. Victor McClure, Wahoo, Neb., 1940 graduate of the Agricultural College at the University of Nebraska, has 25 men enrolled in his agricultural class.

The Battalion's location is ideal for Such a project as San Remo is not only lhe center of Europe's floral cultivation, but is also located near Italian experimerital farms where Capt. McClure is able to take the student-artillerymen on inspection tours.

WITH THE 34TH DIVISION
By Pfc. Jerome Lipsky, Co. H. 135th Inf. Regt.

Think So?

Will I do the things, when I get home,
That I did over here?
Will I get my hash and pie mixed,
As I used to, in my gear?

Will The Squaw greet me with "Come Sta"
Or ask for "Caramelo"?
If she does, will I just smile and say,
"Bay-bee, you're molto bello."

Will I shun my bed and mattress
Lay my body on the floor?
Will I jump into a cellar,
When I hear a motor's roar?

Will I tear my hair and scream,
When someone mentions "Dehydrated"?
Will the Fourth of July find me,
Very deeply defiladed?

Will I do the things, when I get home,
I did in Italy.
The hell I will! Your off your beam--
Just try me, Bud, and see!

• • •

Good Luck!

I'm glad for them, they're going home,
They've been here long enough,
Salerno, Rome, the Arno, Po,
They've had it plenty rough.

But, damn, it leaves an empty space,
Away down deep inside,
When the guys you've cheated Death with,
Are no longer at your side.

- Pfc. Lester Weinstein
Hq. Co., 133rd Inf. Regt.

168th Sends Men To U.S.A. for O.C.S.

SALUZZO, Italy - Since the end of the war has also meant the closing of the MTOUSA Officers' Candidate School, eight members of the 168th Infantry, whose applications had been previously accepted, received the good news that they would return to the United States where they would enter the Infantry School Fort Benning, Georgia. Of the group, four of the men come from Company K of the Regiment, including Sgt. Emmett B. Andrews, Port Arthur,Texas; S-Sgt. Ray Dupere, Plainfield, Connecticut; Cpl. Elegis Balzarini, La Salle, Ill., and Pfc. Carl V. Holmes, Washington, Pa.

Other men who will return to the States for the school include: S-Sgt. Douglas. J. Allen, San Bernardino, California, and Pfc. Joseph A. Baker, Phillipsburg, N. J. both of Company L; S-Sgt. Harold F. Lavender, Bellaire, Ohio, of Company G, and Pfc. Robert Henck, New York City, N.Y. of Company F.

BULL, STRICTLY!

(Pfc. Joseph Hoffmann, "Bull, Strictly!" columnist of the 133rd Inf. Regt., has been transferred to General Mark W. Clark's 15th Army Group Public Relations Section.

The RED BULLETIN is fortunate in obtaining the services of T-5 Wilbur Bornslein, 135th Inf. Reqt., who before enterinq the Army was a writer on the New York Hearld Tribune.)

• • •

Going Home'

We understand that "NonCusser'' clubs are the rage these days. Basic training for the Americans fair sex! Don't worry, they will love you, even if you do slip once in a while.

• • •

Watch out!

And speaking of slips, when you do get home, forget that famous Italian phrase, "Quanta Costa."

• • •

Dreaming!

All those lucky guys with 85's, Oh, to be a Mormom with 3 wives.*

• • •

Morale Bondry?

We felt swell when we saw the picture of those guys being inducted in New York City. It is nice to know that you have more points than a few other guys. 0 down and 85 to go. OUCH.

• • •

Complaint Department

Somehow or other we have lost our taste for tan. And you can add the letter "C" and marmalade jam.

• • •

Geography Lesson

There aren't fewer girls in northern Italy, just a little less of them.

• • •

Nostalgio

Movies that run for two hours without breaking - French toast that tastes like it is supposed to, instead of the cereal into which it usually lands - somebody else getting most of the details - little kids that speak English - that good old Hot Dog in the 7th inning - in other words, HOME

—T-5 Bill Bornstein Hq. Co., 1st Bn., 135th Inf.

EDITOR TRANSFERS

RACCONIGI, ITALY - 1st Lt. Harrison Harding, RED BULLETIN editor and 34th Division Public Relations officer of Des Moines, lowa, is transferring to General Mark W. Clark's 15th Army Group Headquarters to help write the history of the 15th Army Group in the Italian campaign. Lt. Harding has been with the 34th Division for the past 14 years.

34th Dance Bands 'Send Solid Jive'

34TH INFANTRY DIVISION BAND

The official 34th Division Band, photographed at an award ceremony, also play for parades, reviews and church services. The ARISTOCRATS play dances, jam sessions and appear with visiting U.S.O. shows.

168th Sessions Draw Crowds

SALUZZO, ITALY - Although 168th Infantrymen are being highly entertained by the regimental swing band, civilians usually outnumber the Infantrymen in attendance at the daily band concerts here in the town square.

The first evening the band was scheduled to play, an Italian parade had been arranged for the same night at 9:00 p.m. A stand had been arranged for the local citizens' use in making speeches. The 168th band arrived early took over the stand until it was time for the local celebration and received many rounds of applause from the persons who crowded the square attracted by the music.

After the band had been playing half an hour, it was impossible for any vehicle to make its way through the streets except by a slow, laborious process and a constant tooting of horns.

When Cpl. Donald Graham, of Chehalis, Wash., led the band in its first number of the evening's concert, windows in buildings bordering the town square flew open and dubious hcads appeared. A short time later, inhabitants of the buildings displayed flags of all allied nations from their windows until there was an array of color completely surrounding the grandstand. Civilians in the streets cheered the American musicians and enthusiasticallv shot fireworks and flares.

One highlight of the evening's entertainment was the tenor soloing of Cpl. Graham, who has already established himself with the men of the 168th as an able singer. His voice proved to be a delight to the ItaIian population present, also, as evidenced by the volume of applause following each song sung by the blond band leader.

After the band had completed its entertainment for the evening the Italian parade went on as scheduled.

'WISECRACKERS' ARE LINE GRADS

Speak of a GI swing band and the term "rear echelon" pops automaticallv into the doughboy's mind. But not so with the 133rd Infantry Regimenl's "Wisecrackers," a seven-piece combo organized two months ago by Col. Walden S. Lewis, regimental commander.

The "Wisercrackers," all former line company men, were definitely forward echelon, their bandstand was within easy shelling distance of enemy guns. And combat taught tbem that steel helmets served a more useful purpose than mutes for the brass section.

Are they versatile? You bet! Individually and collectively. They're at ease at either a solemn church service or an informal front-line jam session.

LaBruno Leads Band

Leader of the band is Bill LaBruno, an alumnus of Company G. Bill is a pro pianist, having displayed his talents to large audiences at such popular New York spots as "The Famous Door," "Ha Ha Club," "Club 47" and "The Barrel of Fun." Patrons of the "Ranch" in Augusta, Ga., have also applauded his musicianship. Bill is also an excellent composer and arranger.

The man with the hot trumpet is Art Angelilli, who, incidentally, was born in Italy. His mother still lives in Sulmona. Art has trumpeted with many top-notch name bands from Ohio to the West Coast, including Gus Arnheim, Stan Kenton and Ansell Hill. He's a former rifleman in Company C. "

The Face" or "Harpo"

Probably the most versatile musician of all is Sig Orstadius, better known to the men of the One-Three-Three as "The Face" and "Harpo." Sig, who majored in music at Wayne University, excels on the steel guitar, clarinet trumpet and violin. He's capable of anything from Spike Jones to the classics, including a turn at the vocals. "Harpo" hails from Company F.

The drummer man is Hank Winer, ex-radio operator in the Second Battalion Headquarters Company. He was a featured skin beater with Jack Fletcher's band, which played the better night spots in and around Boston's exclusive North Shore. Hank was a student at Boston University before they grabbed him for Army service.

Segner is Band's Sax Star

Charles "Chick" Segner of Wooster, Ohio, is the band's sax star. He worked Chicago niteries before the war and was featured at the Windy City's famed Century of Progress Show. Received his training with the Xenia, Ohio High School cadet band. He's a Company D graduate.

Second trumpet scores are handled by Earl Tyler, formerly of Fox Company and Binghamton, New York. Earl also plays the violin with skill, having appeared with the Cortland, New York, Symphony Orchestra, in addition to swing bands in Western New York State.

The slushpump operator (trombonist) is Harry Mcgrath, also an alumnus of Compamy F. Harry hails from Riverside, California, and has appeared as a trombonist with Lee Miller's fine West Coast orchestra before entering the Army. Alright, men. what'll it be? "Lead Kindly Light" or "One O'Clock Jump?"

The Aristocrats

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More 34th 'Red Bull' Men Decorated

133rd Inf.

RIVOLI, ITALY--Six Silver Star medals, one Oak Leaf Cluster to the Bronze Star and 17 Bronze Star medals were presented by Brig. Gen. Harry B. Sherman, Acting Division Commander, at the 2nd Battalion, 133rd Infantry Regiment's award ceremony here recently.

Silver Star medals for gallantry in action were awarded S-Sgt. Roy J. Bargenquast, Co. E, of Marne, Iowa; Pfc. Mario L. Gallinovich, Brooklyn, N. Y., and S-Sgt. Robert E. McCann, Olympia, Wasb., both of Co. G; S-Sgt. David O. Van Dyke, Co. H, of Lime Springs, Iowa; T-5 Jack Oventhal, Hq. Co., 2nd Bn., of Brooklyn, N. Y., and 1st Lt. Donald N. Dearborn, Co. K, of Lockland, Ohio.

T-4 Joseph E. Hochadel, Med. Det., was presented the Oak Leaf Cluster to the Bronze Star for heroism on Nov. 11, 1944, in Italy.

The following men were awarded the Bronze Star for heroism in Italy: Pfc. James R. Day, Chicago, Ill.; S-Sgt. Stanley Mesee, Waukegan, Ill., and T-Sgt.Joseph C. Yoast, Birmingham, Ala., both of Co. E, Sgt. Donald C. Kranich, Co. F, Dubuque, Iowa; Pfc. John L. Spencer, Co. G. Eaton, Ohio; Cpl. John DiVincentis, Lincoln Park, Mich., Pfc. Robert.J. Garriott, Harristown, Ill.; Sgt. Murray L. Greenberg, Brooklyn, N. Y., S-Sgt. Ambrose W. Hennes, Jordan, Minn.; Cpl. Norman L. HOOpingarner, Sioux City, lowa, and 1st Sgt. Robert Marker, Mason City, lowa, all of Co. H.

And Pvt. Apolinar Neria, Co. M, of Dallas, Texas; T-3 James M. Buell, of Cumberland, Ky., and Pfc. David Sporn, Richmond, Va. both of Med. Det., and Pfc. Robert T. Stott, Hq. Co., 2nd Bn., of Mobridge, S. Dak.

For services performed in Italy, Bronze Star medals were presented to 1st Sgt. James W. Moore. Med. Det., Alix, Ark., and 1st Lt. Ronald C. Davis. Hq..2nd Bn., of Wilmington, Del.

135th Inf.

34th Division Citations for exceptionally meritorious service were awarded recenty to 10 members of the 135th Infantry at a decoration ceremony at San Remo, Italy.

The awards were presented in behalf of the Division by Col. John M. Breit, commanding officer of the 135th Infantry. The citations were awarded to the following men:

Company A
S-Sgt. Ronald A. Neveu, Woonsocket, R.I., and Pfcs. William R. Covington, Shubuta, Miss., Elvin J. Kobilan, Calhan, Colo., and Kenneth W. Martin, Fairmont W. Va.

Company C
Pfc. Richard T.Worrall, Kennett Square, Pa.

Company D--
Cpl. William A. Villerot, Brighton, Mich.

Headquarters Company, Third Battalion--
Sgt. Joseph .J. Bufalo, St. Louis Mo., and Cpl. Philip D. Braun, Bloomfield Hills, Mich.

Service Company--
Pfc. Joseph W. Fitrzyk, Detroit, Mich.

Headquarters Company--
T-5 StanleY E. Brose, New York, N. Y.

34th Div. Hq.

RACCONIGI, Italy --Brig. Gen. Harry B. Sherman, Acting 34th Division Commander. presented five awards to officers of 34th Division Headquarters at an informal ceremony recently.

Maj. Warren C. Chapman, Nevada City, Calif., received the Oak Leaf Cluster to the Bronze Star medal for meritorious service in combat in Italy.

Bronze Star medals for meritorious services in support of combat operations in Italy were awarded to Lt. Col. Deloss I. Marken, Division Chaplain, of Des Moines. lowa; Capt. Junior F. Miller, Assistant G-l, of Wolsey, S. Dak.; Capt. Arthur E. Stewart, 34th Quartermaster Co., of South Brewer, Maine, and 1st Lt. Harrison W. Harding, Division Public Relations officer, of Des Moines, Iowa.

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Copies of THE RED BULLETIN are limited so please pass this copy along when you finish reading it. Sorry, but personal copies will not be available, due to war economy.

Phyllis Stewart