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

Volume I Number 7 • April 28, 1945

Gen. Bolte awarded Silver Star

General Mark W. Clark Presents Medal to C.G.

Cited for Gallantry In Action April 20

General Mark W. Clark, 15th Army Group commander, presented the Silver Star medal to Maj. Gen. Charles L. Bolte, 34th Division commander Apr. 22 for gallantry in action on Apr. 20, leading to the capture of Bologna, Italy.

The official citation on which the award was made reads:

"Since the 16th of April troops of 11 Corps had been attacking to break through the German defenses in front of Bologna. The fighting troops after five hard days were slackening the pace.

"General Bolte, realizing the importance of speed when the enemy was breaking, did with total disregard for his own safety drive over roads that had not been checked for mines, picked his way through known mine fields past mine casualties in the face of small arms fire and through mortar barrages to impress upon the attacking troops the need for speed and the importance of making a renewed effort to drive the Germans from the approaches to Bologna

"His display of courage and devotion to duty inspired the attacking forces and by their renewed effort resulted in a rapid advance over the rough terrain and the early occupation of the city of Bologna."

Willing - But Unable!

Lt. Edward Greene, Hq. Co., 135th Inf. Regt., was pleased when he drew two letters at mailcall. He had not been drawing many letters from home.

Eagerly opening the first one, he found it was a summons for jury duty at home in Brooklyn, New York.

The second was an invitation to wedding. The lieutenant was sad. I'm willing but unable," he said.

168TH MAN KEEPS 2 GUNS IN ACTION

During a recent attack by Co. C, 168th Inf. Regt., on an enemy held Italian hill, Pfc. Florentino A1varez kept two machineguns firing to support the assault.

Alvarez, supporting C company's attack with a machinegun, was near the crest of the hill, when enemy fire pinned down most of the platoon to which he was attached. He kept up his fire, and noting one of his comrades who was trying to operate a jammed muchinegun half way up the hill, turned the gun over to his assistant and ran to the other gun position to put it into operation.

During the remainder of the attack, Alvarez continued to run from one gun to another when they Jammed, maintaining the maximum fire power. In addition he carried ammunition from the dump to each gun, all the time exposing himself to enemy fire. As a result of his work the men who had been pinned down moved safely when A]varez fire attracted the enemy fire to his guns.

Meets Hometown Girl

Pfc. "Tony" Paradiso, 34th Div. Band, met a girl from his hometown, Davenport, Iowa, in the Division area recently. The girl is Miss Billie Joyce, who is singing with D'Artega and his all girl orchestra, a U. S. O. group now giving shows and concerts in this theater of operations.

Miss Joyce formerly sang over Radio Station WOC in Davenport, lowa. This was the first meeting of the two lowans in more than three and a half years.

General Keyes Congratulates Division on Fine Achievement

3rd Bn., 133rd Inf., Rides Tanks Into City

WITH THE 34TH DIVISION, Apr. 21 (Delayed)-- The 34th Division received the following telegram today from Maj. Gen. Geoffrey Keyes, II Corps commander, on the capture of Bologna:

"CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR FINE ACHIEVEMENT. MY COMPLIMENTS TO THE ENTIRE 34TH INFANTRY DIVISION. GENERAL KEYES."

This is the third highly complimentary telegram the veteran 34th has received since it started the current attack on its 500th day in combat, Apr. 16.

On Apr. 19, General Keyes sent the Division the following message: "CONGRATULATIon ON THE FINE PROGRESS. MY COMPLIMENTS TO HiNE AND THE ONE SIX EIGHT AND LEWIS AND THE ONE THREE THREE. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK. KEYES."

("Hine" is Col. H. C. Hine, Jr., commanding officer of the 168th Infantry Regiment. "Lewis" is the commanding officer of the 133rd Infantry Regiment Col. Walden S. Lewis.)

Troops of the 168th Infantry captured the church and cemetery at Gorgonano; Hill 394, including the Sevizzano Ridge; Poggio Del Mori and many other key terrain features that had been thorns in the Allied side for more than six months, to enable the 34th Division to capture Bologna.

Apr. 20 the 34th was again congratulated by General Keyes with the following message:

"CONGRATULATIONS UPON THE CAPTURE OF M. CA DELL' ALBERO. MY COMPLIMENTS TO LEWIS AND THE ONE THREE THREE. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK."

Infantrymen of the 133rd (Continued on page 4) (Continued from page 1 ) Infantry riding tanks of the 752nd Tank Battalion took the German key city in Italy, against enemy self-propelled and small arms fire. Lt. Col. Bruno G. Marchi, Commanding officer of the 3rd Battalion of the 133rd Infantry, and Major Corydon M. Woodbury, commanding the 752 Tank Battalion, together with Ist Lt. August Frank Carioto, of the 3rd Battalion, 133rd, rode the leading tank into Bologna, preceded by a platoon of Infantrymen. The 1st and 2nd Battalions of the 133rd followed the 3rd Battalion, advancing on highway 65 to Bologna. The 135th Infantry Regiment was the second regiment of the Division into the city.

The Germans blew a bridge on Highway 65 south of Bologna just before the lead tank reached it, but the infantrymen and tankers bypassed the blown bridge successfully.

UNSUNG HEROES OF DRIVE

Unsung heroes of the successful drive are the 34th Division Artillerymen--the 125th, 151st, 175th and 185th Field Artillery Battalions, which gave close support to the fighting infantrymen, the 109th Engineer Combat Battalion which cleared minefields and built bypasses around blown bridges; the l09th Medical Battalion which evacuated casualties; the 34th Cavalry Recon Troop, one of the early units into Bologna, the 34th Signal Company which maintained communications with the rapidly advancing troops; the 34th Quartermaster Company which kept ammunition, fuel and food rolling to the frontline fighting elements; the 734th Ordnance (Light Maintenance) Company which repaired and maintained vehicles and ordnance during the drive and the 34th Militarv Police Platoon which directed exceptionally heavy traffic in the fast-moving advance.

GETS NEWS

Mr. Howard Norton, Baltimore Sun War Correspondent, interviews two members of the 133rd Infantry Regiment in Italy. Shown in the photograph are (left to right) Mr. Norton, Pfc. Casper W. Kecken, Jr., CWO Andrew J. Wishart.

CONTEST ENDS MAY 12

Division Special Service announces that entries for the Father's Day V-Mail Greeting contest should be submitted not later than May 12. Prizes will be awarded the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners. Sketches should be drawn on V-Mails and sent to Special Service Section, Hq., 34th Inf. Div. (Rear).

Contest judges will be Enlisted Men of the Division. The winning sketch will be reproduced on V-mails and distributed to all members of the Division.

Share This Copy

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.

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: Pvt. George Molnar, 133rd Inf. Regt.; Pfc. Elmer O. Fehlhaber, 135th Inf. Regt.; Pvt. John S. Wellington, 168th Inf. Regt.; T-5 Nathan S. Levy, 34th Div. Arty.; Pfc. Stanley F. Cann, Special Troops, 34th Inf. Div. Secretary: Pfc. Anthony F. Cacciutti. Photographer: Pfc. John J. Ling. Printers: Pfc. Michael Guman, Pfc. Raymond L. Bailey Pvt. 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 passed by Field Press Censor and may be sent through the mail. No subseriptions accepted.

VOL. 1 NO. 7 April 28, 1945

CARDS ON THE TABLE

In a recent survey, it was found that a vast majority of men in this Division, as well as in this theater, actually believe that they will be on their way back to the United States shortly after VE Day (Victory in Europe).

Now, in order to keep a lot of us from being too disappointed, let's put the cards on the table.

First of all, we will still be at war with the Japs and the Pacific Theater needs will be number one on the priority list. This means tbat a certain per cent of troops and supplies from the European Theater of operations must be transferred direct, just as fast as shipping permits. Who will be sent to the Pacific? We don't know, but we all agree that the war has to be fought and won.

Secondly, a percentage of us must remain in this theater as occupational troops. This will require shifting and transferring of troops and supplies, as shipping and transportation permits.

Next, comes the number of troops that will be returned to the States to be retrained, re-equipped and generally prepared to be shipped to any active theater, on call--this also puts a strain on our shipping.

Last, but not least, are those of us who will be returned to the States and released from the Army. Who? How many? We don't know, but we do know that all this moving around will require shipping which will be used mainly in the Pacific theater.

After the last war, it took better than nine months to return our army (half the size that it is today) from Europe to the States and we weren't at war with Japan either.

True, we have many more ships today than we had then, but we must remember that Kaiser and other builders have been building cargo ships and not troop transports and we use many more supplies and equipment in fighting a war than ever before. Sure there is a limited amount of space for transporting troops, but that will be used to carry troops to the Pacific first.

You can rest assured that our Government will do all within its power to return as many troops to the States just as soon as possible, but we must be patient and remember--the war with Japan--the great burden on vital shipping--and the necessity of protecting and guarding Europe by keeping our hands around Hitler's throat. All of these things must come first before Uncle Sam can start returning any surplus troops to the States.

--I. and E.

PRAYER FOR THE WEEK

Our heavenly Father, we thank Thee for all Thy blessings of today and every day. We thank Thee for the privilege of defending the cause of freedom against the forces of evil. Help us always to be on the offensive for the things that are high and noble and right.

Bless those we love, those who fight side by side with us in this war. Bless the sick and the wounded, the hungry, and the discouraged souls everywhere. Bless those of our comrades who have finished their work here and have now reported to Thee for duty.

Help us to be proud of the uniform we wear, loyal to the flag we love and faithful to God our Creator and Redeemer. Amen.

Fred R. Edgar
Chaplain, (Capt.)
133rd Inf. Regt

"We Gals You Left Behind"

Listen, all you boys in Service who are facing hardships rough:
There's no doubt your job is toughest, we'll grant you sure 'nuf;
But although you have your troubles, won't you try to bear in mind
Life is no bed of roses for "we gals you left behind."

We're working like the devil for the good old U. S. A.
And having bonds and taxes all deducted from our pay,
Everything we have is rationed from our clothing to our chow
But the searcity of male sex puts a cramp in our morale.

Gosh, our town is like a graveyard since you boys have gone to fight
So, how's a gal to keep in practice sitting by herself each night?
Now we have a few poor examples who have dodged the draft with lies
And we have the kind called slackers that females all despise.

The only thing that's left for us are those past forty-five

And pray tell me "who the hell wants birds who are only half alive?"
Why if we would even consider to accept them for a date
They would call around seven and start rushing home at eight

And if we but mention dancing just imagine how they'd rave
For one night of "jitterbugging" would send them to their grave.
We agree with General Sherman when he said that " war is hell"
For kissing we are missing proves that statement pretty well.

So you fellows if you're grievin' for the joys you've been denied
Try to think of us poor damsels who are darned near suicide;
And when you've won your freedom and you're through with war-time grind,
Hurry back with affection to "WE GALS YOU LEFT BEHIND."

Mrs. Evelyn Clowe
(Wife of Pfc. E. Clowe 34th Div. Hq. Trans. Platoon)

A G. I. Dream

Pvt. L. A. Pace
Co. L, 135th Inf. Regt.

Yes, I want to go back, it will be a happy day for me
And I'd like things like they used to be
On the homestead where I was born
With its hillsides green and fields of corn.

With my own little house and garden there
And my pretty little wife with her coal black hair
Yes, my wife who's waiting for me
And Faye, my baby, who's just turned three.

War all behind me and once again free
How I'll love to be working where I used to be
Yes, back on the old farm where I was born
Raising fine cows and hogs, cotton and corn.

I Think of You

I'm sitting high on a hill top, Way up in the blue,
And through the mist and clouds, Your pretty face shines through.

It gives me such strange feelings, To see your face up there,
Which just goes to show you, That your face follows me everywhere.

I think of you at breakfast time, At dinner and supper too,
And also all through the night, And the day that follows too.

Pfc. Meyer Fradkin, Co. H., 135 Inf. Regt.

FRESH FROM THE FRONT
By Lipsky

Cartoon by Pfc. Jerome Lipsky, Co. H, 135th Inf. Regt.

Mess Sgt. Scores Hit

Although S-Sgt. Chester Hammond is a comparatively new replacement in the veteran 34th Division artillery headquarters he arrived loaded with new ideas which have spiced up the menus of Hq. Btry. in which he serves.

Among Hammond's innovations are jellyrolls, fresh vegetable soup, deviled eggs and spanish omelettes made from dehydrated eggs.

He recently scored a big hit with his outfit by arranging to have ice cream made at an evacuation hospital nearby.

Dirt accumulated in your cartridge belt may cake on your ammunition and cause stoppages. Be sure to clean all cartridges and clips before starting off on a mission.

Dugout Doggerel

There's no need to embellish: War is molto hellish.

• • •

There'll Come A Day

When we won't have to take blackout precautions. . . When we can walk on the skyline. . . When we can be awakened by an alarm clock, not by an alarm...When we can eat from plates, and use napkins instead of our pants . . . When a shell will be something a nut comes in. . . O happy day!

• • •

Short Rounds

Looks as if the Germans in the East are being Czechmated.

Nazi Bigwigs Fleeing to Norway.--News headline. Probably figure that cold comfort is better than none.

• • •

Recommended

The late Ernie Pyle's books about us. . . "Mail Call" in YANK Magazine . . . Chicken for chow. . . Or pork chops... Good results from the San Francisco conference of the United Nations on Apr. 25... The girl you left behind.

• • •

I wish to disclose some information
To all my friends and relation
In that faraway nation
I am NOT up for rotation

Pfc. Ernest L. Cook
Co. B, 109th Med. Bn.

Invitation

Add your two million cents' worth to this column.

Pvt. Joseph Hoffmann
133rd Inf. Regt.

M. P.s' SKILL AND EFFICIENCY CITED

The 34th Military Police Platoon was recently awarded the War Department Meritorious Service Unit Plaque for efficiency and skill during six months of service between the battles for Cassino and Rome, Italy.

Maj. Lester M. Brown, 34th Division Provost Marshal who commands the M. P.s, received the plaque on behalf of the 77-man organization. Presentation was made by Maj. Gen. Charles L. Bolte, Division commander, at a formal ceremony in the Division area.

LANDED ON D-DAY

The platoon sailed to Europe in February, 1942, having previously traveled in two trans-Atlantic convoys, served in Northern lreland and Scotland and landed in North Africa in two groups, the first group going in at Algiers, Northern Algeria, on D-Day, November 8, 1942, and the remainder of the outfit landing at Oran, Northern Algeria, in January, 1943.

The M. P.s directed traffic feeding the fighting front at Fondouk Pass, Hill 609, Ferryville and Bizerte in Tunisia.

The platoon lost all its vehicle and sustained one casualty when its ship was torpedoed enroute to the invasion of Italy.

The 34th M. P.s directed traffic across the Volturno River bridgeheads at four points and went on to the stalemated Cassino front, where its personnel often served under German fire. There, where they handled 1,200 of the 10,000 prisoners of war who have come their way, the M.P.s directed traffic across the Rapido River via a bridge that was under constant German observation and shellfire.

The M.P.s crawled along communications lines between two traffic control posts on four successive nights to repair the lines, which were continuously being broken by enemy fire. Four of the platoon's jeeps were destroyed by enemy artillery fire during the Cassino siege.

GUARDED 8 BRIDGES

Several of eight bridges guarded by the 34th M. P.s on the Anzio beachhead were frequently under fire of German small arms, and one crossroads where one of the platoon's guards was stationed was the target of 150 German artillery shells during a single morning.

The platoon found itself with great responsibilities when during the advance on Rome unprecedented traffic converged on the capital city from all highways from the south.

2nd Bn., 168th Medics Upset Regt'l Medics

The 2nd Battalion Medical Detachment, 168th Inf. Regt., upset a tall team from the Regimental Medical Detachment, 168th Inf., in volley ball recently to the tune of 2 out of 3.

The first thriller was really packed with excitement from start to finish. The battling 2nd Battalion had to come from behind and gain 8 straight points for a 21-19 victory.

The second game substitutes, Radford, Blake and Putman, couldn't catch Regimental as they won 15 to 21. Green and Voorhees (6'5") sparked the boys from Regimental.

The final game saw the 2nd Battalion Battlers come from behind, just as in the first game, and snatch victory from the Regimental team. Seven straight points threw the game into overtime. Here time was called for verification of the home team's (Regimental) rules. Play was finally resumed and 2 straight points gave victory and the championship to 2nd Battalion by the score of 22-20.

The 2nd Battalion team was composed of the only volleY ball playing coach in the M.T.O. (Lt. Leroy Schumacher, battalion surgeon). Besides the lieutenant, the spiking line included Kersting and McCabe. SettIng'em up in back were McEachen, Krass and Poley.

These boys want some more games, so anyone interested contact 2nd Battalion Medical Detachment, 168th Inf.

T-5 Howard A. Kersting

Wins in Volleyball

A six-man team from the Adjutant General's Section won the volley ball tournament held recently in the 34th Div. Hq. Rear Echelon. Members of the winning team are: T-4 Bob Carlson, T-5 George Holtel, T-3 Eigel Madsen, Pfc. Charles McCharen, Pfc. Herman McClanahan and T-3 Jack Wagner.

The A. G. team went through the intire touranment without being beaten a game. Proud of their team, they are willing to challenge anyone wanting a game.

1st Sgt. Orvald A. Olson
Unit Correspondent

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.)

34th Launches New Drive!

In conjunction with the 7th War Bond Drive being conducted in the United States from Apr. 9 to July 7, the 34th Division announces its plans to support the campaign:

DIVISION GOAL - 10 percent of monthly gross pay of personnel

PRESENT SALES OF WAR BONDS IN THE GROSS PAY OF PERSONNEL DIVISION - 3 per cent of monthly

DIVISION OBJECTIVE - Increase War Bond sales an additional 7 per cent of monthly gross pay of personnel

PICK A WINNER

$10 Bond Costs $7.50
$25 Bond Costs $18.75
$50 Bond Costs $37.50
$100 Bond Costs $75.00

War Bonds may be paid for in cash or by payroll deduction.

SAVE FOR YOUR FUTURE AND BACK YOUR ATTACk!

See Your Unit War Bond Officer

Showers and Clothing Exchange Service Handles More Than 20,000 Men Per Month

34th Quartermaster Co. Operates Popular Unit

34th Div. Originated Shower-Exchange Idea

More than 12,000 units of clothing were exchanged through the facilities of the 34th Division Showers and Clothing Exchange Service during the month of March, 1945, according to T-Sgt. Arthur M. Anderson, 34th Quartermaster Co. An additional 8,000 units of clothing for Infantry unit showers were handled during the month, Sgt. Anderson stated.

A unit of clothing includes wool O. D. trousers, O. D. shirt, underwear and socks.

Pfc. James J. Casey, who is now in charge of the shower unit's operation, states that the shower has handled as many as 700 to 800 men per day, with an average of 400 men per day during the month of March. The unit may be used by all members of the the Division plus attached units, and casuals from other divisions and Corps organizations, Casey pointed out.

The 34th was the first combat Division to set up a combined shower and clothing exchange service. The Division's 109th Engr. Combat Bn. operated the unit until the battle of Cassino when operation of the showers became a function of the 34th Quartermaster Co.

An average of seven Return-To-Unit men from the Division Reception Center help with the issuing of clothing and other details around the installation for a two week period before returning to combat units.

1st Sgt. James B. Dailey
Unit Correspondent

PAT O'HAIR RETURNS

After an absence of four and one-half months, Mr. Pat O'Hair, American Red Cross Field Director, has returned to the 133rd Infantry Combat Team.

Mr. O'Hair left the 34th Division on Dec. 5, 1944 and after a convalescent leave was assigned to the American Red Cross Office at Fifth Army Forward. He was later transferred to the MonteCatini Red Cross Club where he served until his return to the 133rd Infantry on Apr. 14,1945.

A World War veteran, Mr. O'Hair served with the 151st Field Artillery in the first World War.

He replaces Mr. William B. Steis who has been given another assignment in this theater.

Returning to Irish Rose

The 34th Signal Co. has always been noted for its outstanding romances, but the romance to top them all is that of S-Sgt. Virgil H. Meenk.

Sgt. Meenk found a Rose in Ireland and has been living in the clouds since, until a few weeks ago he found that it is possible to get a furlough to that Garden of his Irish Rose and now it isn't safe to speak to him.

When all necessary papers have passed through proper channels and the month for his furlough rolls around, the Signal Company will wish one of its most popular Staff Sergeants au revoir and once more life will settle back to normal, awaiting another inevitable romance.

1st Sgt. Bryan W. Gay
Unit Correspondent

Motto of the 168th Infantry "Rainbow" Regiment: "On Guard."

135TH INF. HAS SO MANY DOGS SERGEANT MUST KEEP ROSTER

Tippie's An AWOL From the K-9 Corps

Dogs,not men are causing 1st Lt. Paul E. Norris, Svc. Co. 135th Inf. Regt., a lot of headaches.

Norris, wbo never did care much about making out morning reports, finds that he can't account for all the dogs his company has collected on the front in Italy and in North Africa.

The sergeant keeps a roster of the canines.

"It's not very accurate," he said "There's Jughead, formerly of Headquarters Company, Who we had for a while to train, who's gone back. Buster went home on rotation with Sergeant LeRoy Rogers of Minneapolis. Smokie is on temporary duty to Cannon Company. We've put Lady in the gas sectiOn.

"Sheba, the oldest, has just had another set of pups, eight of them, and we've assigned Paychee to give ihem basic training.'

Pfc. Charles E.Costin just constructed a special pup tent for Sheba and her offspring.

"Cleo was found out of uniform by a visiting general, and Scottie is up for a courtmartial" Sgt. Norris continUed. "Then we've got Tipple who's an AWOL from the K-9 corps. Bobbie's been assigned to the courtmartial section,and we've shifted Lily to the kitchen."

The men of Service Company claim that Norris will permit any stray dog to crawl in with him at night.

BULLETIN BEAUTY

Evelyn Keyes