Dagwood Dispatches 2015-10 - 16th Infantry Regiment Association

Dagwood
Dispatches
Vol. 25-No. 4
October 2015
Issue No. 85
NEWSLETTER OF THE 16th INFANTRY REGIMENT ASSOCIATION
Mission: To provide a venue for past and present members of the 16th Infantry Regiment to share
in the history and well-earned camaraderie of the US Army’s greatest regiment.
News from the Front
Department of Defense
Commemorative Partner
No Mission Too Difficult
50th Anniversary
of the Vietnam War
No Sacrifice Too Great
Duty First!
Governing Board
Other Board Officers
Association Staff
President
Steven E. Clay
307 North Broadway
Leavenworth, KS 66048
(913) 651-6857
[email protected]
Board Emeritii
LTG (R) Ronald L. Watts
Robert B. Humphries
Woody Goldberg
Chaplain
Bill Rodefer
(941) 423-0463
[email protected]
Emeritus & Founding Member
Jerry Griffin
First Vice President
Bob Hahn
11033 Thrush Ridge Road
Reston, VA 20191-4719
(202) 360-7885
[email protected]
Honorary Colonel of the Regiment
Ralph L. Kauzlarich
137 Waters Edge Drive NE
Milledgeville, GA 78234-2682
(478) 295-0196
[email protected]
Veterans Assistance Officer
Scott Rutter
(845) 709-4104
[email protected]
Second Vice President
Phil Hall
208 Hunters Glen Lane
Johnson Creek, WI 53038
(920) 699-2862
[email protected]
Honorary Sergeant Major
William B. Arthington
3555 Appleyard Road
Wamego, KS 66547-9366
(785) 456-2339
[email protected]
Adjutant
John Schatzel
2527 South 25th Street
Leavenworth, KS 66040-4313
(913) 684-2146
[email protected]
Treasurer
Doug Meeks
1745 Belmonte Avenue
Jacksonville, FL 32207
(904) 396-7132
[email protected]
Commander, 1st Battalion
LTC Trent D. Upton
Administrative Note:
The Dagwood Dispatches is the newsletter of the 16th Infantry Regiment Association. It is
printed quarterly on the first day of January, July, July, and October. Articles regarding
members, activities, and history of the Association and our Regiment are solicited for
publication. Please send all articles to the Editor, Steve Clay, via mail or e-mail at the
addresses above at least 30 days before the scheduled date of printing.
Recruiter
Doug Meeks
(904) 396-7132
[email protected]
Wounded Ranger Program
Bob Hahn
(202) 360-7885
[email protected]
DD Editorial Staff
Steve Clay, Managing Editor
(913) 651-6857
[email protected]
Technical Webmaster
Fred Tolson
4563 South Richfield Street
Aurora, CO 80015
(720) 231-0600
[email protected]
For membership card issues, please contact Phil Hall at (920) 699-2862 or [email protected] The membership fee for all Regular members of the Association is $25.00 per year, due on 1 January.
From the Desk of the President
Fellow Rangers:
The summer has been largely quiet after our very busy spring quarter. About the only development
has been the bad news regarding the reduction of our Army by another 40,000 troops which, in
turn, has made the inactivation of our 2nd Battalion permanent, at least for the foreseeable future.
On the other hand, the Board has been busy with plans for future events and activities. First, 1st
Vice President Bob Hahn has been laying plans for two wounded Rangers to participate in this
year's Wounded Warrior Hunt. The hunt will take place in late November at the LBJ Ranch in
Texas. Next, John Schatzel, our Adjutant, has been developing plans for the dedication of the 16th
Infantry's memorial for the 25th Anniversary of Operation DESERT SHIELD/DESERT STORM.
Steve Clay
The monument will be placed at the National Infantry Museum at Fort Benning and will be dedicated on, or about 28 February 2016. See page 5 for details. Next March is also the 100th anniversary of the 16th
Infantry's participation in the Punitive Expedition into Mexico. The Board is engaged with having a bronze plaque
designed and created for placement at Pancho Villa State Park in Columbus, NM, the site of Villa's famous raid in
March 1916. The State Parks Division of New Mexico has approved the placement and design of the plaque. Again, see
page 5 for details. Last, we are once again fast approaching our annual fund drive to support the various Association
programs. I would ask you all to consider generously donating to one or more of the Association's worthy causes.
Semper Paratus! Always Ready!
Steven E. Clay
President
October 2015
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Dagwood Dispatches
FROM THE DESK OF THE HONORARY COLONEL
Fellow Rangers and Iron Rangers!
I trust this note finds each of you in good health and spirits as the season of Fall
descends upon us again. The focus of this note is an announcement that our Army is
reducing its troop strength by another 40,000 Soldiers in the near future. The impact
of that reduction might seem trivial to the general populace of America, but it will
have an immediate impact on our Regimental Association and our active duty
battalions.
As all should know, on 1 May 2015 the 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment,
Ralph Kauzlarich
“Rangers,” encased its colors. It was a solemn ceremony, but all in attendance were
encouraged by the fact that the “Rangers” would reactivate by mid-September at Fort Benning, Georgia.
The Army in its infinite wisdom recognized that inactivating its most decorated Infantry battalion would
not bode well. Unfortunately, with the 40,000 Soldier decrease, the existing which was to be reflagged,
the 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, “Black Panthers,” was identified to inactivate as part of the
40,0000 troops cuts. With that being said, our Rangers’ colors will remain encased until our nation calls
upon them again. Given the state of peace in our world (or should I say lack thereof?), it is only a matter
of time when our Regiment will be brought back to a higher level of strength and capabilities.
In the meantime, the Association, the Honorable Sergeant Major and I must wrap our arms around our
remaining active duty battalion, the “Iron Rangers” and provide them any necessary support and/or
mentorship they might require. Our Regiment takes great pride in taking care of one another. We can
now double down on the “Iron Rangers,” but continue to reach out and assist our “Ranger” Veterans,
both young and old.
In closing, nominations for the Class of 2016 Distinguished and Honorary Members of the Regiment
should be submitted over the coming months with a deadline of 15 January 2016 (see page 15 for
instructions). I ask that we 2015
focus onDMOR/HMR
individuals this yearNominations
whose contributions in combat and/or servant
leadership clearly set them apart from their peers. I sincerely appreciate all that each of you do for our
Regiment, the Association, and our Veterans. May God’s blessings fall upon each of you and your
Families.
Semper Paratus!
Ralph L. Kauzlarich
Colonel, U.S. Army (Retired)
Seventh Honorary Colonel
Annual Warrior Fellowship and Hunt
The Annual Warrior Fellowship and Hunt will be held 4-6 December
2015 at the LBJ Ranch at Stonewall, TX. Started in 2013, the annual
hunt provides an opportunity for wounded Soldiers and members of
Gold Star families to gather for a weekend of camaraderie, outdoor
adventure, and fellowship at the ranch. Each year the 16th Infantry
Regiment Association sponsors the participation of 1-2 Wounded
Rangers in the program. This year, the Association will sponsor Life
Member and DMOR Dave Sterling. Dave served with C/1-16 IN in
Iraq in 2004 and was seriously wounded when his vehicle was struck
by an RPG. SGT Sterling was awarded a Silver Star for his actions
2014 hunt
participant that day. If you would like to help sponsor his participation in the LBJ Life Member Mike
and DMOR Ron Ryker
Fradera with his Axis
Hunt, please contribute to the Wounded Ranger Program through the
with his Fallow Deer.
Deer at the 2014 hunt.
Association website.
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October 2015
Actions Taken By Your Association
TAPS
LTC (R) Larry E. Scott
March 25, 2015
Raleigh, NC
D/2-16 IN, VN 1967-68
Thomas E. Avery
Greenwood, IN
6 August 2015
A/2-16 IN, VN 1965-66
Edward E. Emmons
New Gloucester, ME
8 September 2015
C/1-16 IN VN
Thomas E. Avery, R.I.P.
July-September 2015
In July the Board agreed to donate $1,000 for 2015 to the
Society of the 1st Division for maintenance support to the
division’s monument in Washington, DC.
Steve Clay submitted the results of a staff study, which was
approved by all other Association presidents in the 1st
Infantry Division, explaining the reasons why our
Associations should be allowed to provide alcohol in reunion
Command Posts. The study was submitted to Buddy
Wallace who will establish a date to discuss the issue with
the Association presidents.
Adjutant John Schatzel is working with the National Infantry
Museum for the placement of a small monument at Fort
Benning to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the
Regiment’s participation in Operation Desert Storm in
February 2016.
The New Mexico Department of Parks approved the
placement of commemorative plaque at Pancho Villa State
Park celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the regiment’s
involvement in the 1916 Punitive Expedition. The Board
voted to approve the purchase of the plaque in September.
The Association is planning to send one of our Wounded
Rangers to the annual Fellowship of American Patriots LBJ
Ranch Wounded Warrior Hunt in December.
Former Association President Thomas E.
Avery passed away at his home in
Greenwood, Indiana on 6 August 2015. Tom
served with A Company 2nd Battalion, 16th
Infantry in Vietnam in 1965-66 and was one
of the original “boat people.” After service
in the US Army, he was employed by
General Motors for many years. Tom served
as our Association president from the late
1990s until 2005. Under Tom’s leadership,
the Association grew to over 1,000 members
at one point. Tom also worked with Jerry
Griffin and the Association Board to
establish many of the early Association
monuments to be placed in England and
France.
Tom
was
designated
a
Distinguished Member of the Regiment in
1992 and as an Emeritus in 2013.
DMOR John Copeland Attends Avery Funeral
DMOR John Copeland attended Tom Avery’s memorial
services in Greenwood, IN, in August on behalf of the
Regiment and the Association. John reported that 200
friends and family members gathered to remember Tom
October 2015
Governors Island National Park has requested that Steve
Clay provide a presentation next July on the history of the
Regiment’s stay at Governors Island during 1922-41.
The Board has voted to submit the Association for
membership in the World War I Centennial Commission
Commemorative Partner Program. The application was
submitted in late September.
The Association has commemorated Tom Avery’s passing
by donating $100 to the Alzheimer’s Association as
requested by his family.
Association E-Mails
As you may know, our Association uses a mass e-mail
system to communicate information to our members of a
more urgent or timely nature and that can’t wait for the
Dagwood Dispatches. Right now only about 65 percent of our
members have provided us an e-mail address with which to
communicate with them on these messages. If you wish to
receive these notices please provide your e-mail address to
[email protected]
Note that sbcglobal, att.net., and americtech addresses block
these e-mails and will not work.
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Dagwood Dispatches
Punitive Expedition Plaque
Upcoming
Reunions
in 2014
2015
Schedule
of
Events
Desert
Storm
Plaque
The 16th Infantry Regiment has two important
anniversaries coming in 2016: The 25th
anniversary of Operation DESERT STORM and
the 100th anniversary of the Punitive Expedition
into Mexico. In August, the New Mexico State
Parks Division authorized the placement of the
plaque design shown above at Pancho Villa
State Park in Columbus, NM. The park is the
location of Camp Furlong and was the site,
along with Columbus, of Villa’s famous raid in
March 1916. The plaque celebrates our
Regiment’s assembly at Columbus under the
command of then Brigadier General John J.
Pershing and its movement into and operations
in central Mexico with Pershing’s expedition
there in 1916-1917. The Governing Board voted
in September to have the Franklin Bronze
Company of Franklin, PA, to cast the plaque for
the event. It will cost about $1300. It is the same
company which cast the plaques for the
Chancellorsville and Vietnam monuments. The
Board is developing plans to dedicate the
plaque on 12 March 2016 during the annual
“Camp Furlong Day” activities next year.
In February 2016, the US Army will mark the
25th anniversary of Operation DESERT STORM
and the 16th Infantry Regiment Association is
preparing to help celebrate that event. The
members of the 16th Infantry can proudly
boast that our Regiment participated in that
operation with three battalions (the 2nd, 4th,
and 5th Battalions), one of the few US Army
Regiments that can make such a claim.
Moreover, two companies of the 1st Battalion
also received campaign credit for their
participation
as
well.
Therefore,
the
Association
desires
to
recognize
the
participation and sacrifice of the Rangers of
those battalions by placing a
monument,
similar in design to the one above, at an
appropriate location. Currently, the plan is to
place the monument at the Infantry Museum’s
“Walk of Honor” at Fort Benning. For more
information on this project, please contact
John Schatzel at 913-680-1913 or e-mail at:
[email protected] (Note: the inscription
above is tentative and may change in accord
with Infantry Museum requirements)
Did You Know?
Captain James Madison Cutts, the Regiment’s third Medal of Honor recipient, had an interesting—and
checkered—career in the US Army. He was the grandson of Maine Congressman Richard Cutts, who was
married to a sister of First Lady Dolly Madison. Cutts himself was married to the daughter of Senator
Stephen Douglas of the famous “Lincoln-Douglas debates.” In May 1861, Cutts was appointed as a
captain in the 11th US Infantry but initially served as the judge advocate for Major General Ambrose
Burnside where he served as prosecutor of Clement Vallandigham, an infamous Ohio politician and
Copperhead agitator. Cutts himself was court-martialed for conduct unbecoming an officer in 1863. He
received his punishment—a letter of reprimand—personally from President Lincoln at the White House.
Cutts later displayed great gallantry with the 11th Infantry at the Battles of the Wilderness, Spotsylvania,
and Petersburg between 5 May and 18 June 1864 and was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions on
2 May 1891. After the war, Cutts was transferred to the 20th Infantry Regiment but resigned from the army
on 19 June 1868. He died on 24 February 1903 and is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
Dagwood Dispatches
5
October 2015
Easy Company, 16th Infantry, 1944-45
Some of our Association members are aware of “Easy Company” in England, but most have never heard of
the organization. Easy Company, a band of WWII reenactors, portrays Captain Ed Wozenski’s E Company,
16th Infantry during 1944-45. It has been around for nearly 20 years and is a member of the British Living
History Association. The plethora of films like Saving Private Ryan and Band of Brothers in the late 1990s
generated as much interest in England as here and as a result, many young men over there have flocked to
the ranks of organizations portraying WWII units. As the current commander of the unit, Ian Malugani,
stated, “We all take part in this hobby to make sure the sacrifice of the millions of US servicemen that came
through England is kept alive and remembered. There is no town or city in the UK that was not affected by
the allied ‘occupation.’” The unit participates in 10-15 events a year which range from 48-hour training
exercises to living history demonstrations to show members of the public the equipment, uniforms, and
living conditions that the average infantryman used, wore, and endured. Malugani remarked that, “We really
consider ourselves more living historians rather than reenactors. We pride ourselves in the authenticity of
everything we do from our boots, to the food we eat, and everything in between.” Some of our older
Association members will likely remember marching alongside E Company in 2000 when we dedicated the
plaque in Beaminster and when we laid a wreath at the 1st Division Memorial at Omaha Beach for the 60th
anniversary. Ian wanted us to know that he impresses on all his new recruits that, “When they put the
uniform on they have a lot of responsibility and should be proud to wear it.”
The boys of Company E on patrol in the Hürtgen Forest.
Chow and rest in the mortar pit between fire missions.
A Dorset forest memento left by a 16th Infantryman in 1944.
The company in Class A uniform at the Walditch dedication
ceremony.
October 2015
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Dagwood Dispatches
From the Desk of Iron Ranger 6
Fellow Rangers,
As Summer draws to an end, the Iron Rangers have been busy as always here a Fort Riley.
Over the last few months, the battalion rapidly transitioned to garrison operations and got back
into building readiness for future operations. Focusing on individual to squad level training
throughout the Summer, we also deployed D Company to support our US Army National Guard
and Reserve teammates during the 91st Training Brigades Warrior Exercise (WAREX) at Fort
Hunter-Liggett, CA. Providing Opposing Force support to the training audience, the Wolfpack
represented the Regiment and the Division well, earning high marks and praise across the
board. The Summer also triggered a period of transition of Soldiers and Leaders, as the
LTC Trent D. Upton battalion entered its normal post-deployment phase of personnel turnover, which will continue
over the next few months.
As we head into the Fall, our training tempo will increase rapidly with combat vehicle crew gunnery, infantry squad live
fires, and Expert Infantryman Badge training and testing featured as our major training events. Additionally, with the
new school year we'll also re-initiate community partnership activities with local schools throughout the greater Fort
Riley community. Of note, we recently received partnership responsibility for the Kansas State University Football
Team. This partnership is the "crown jewel" of 1st Infantry Division Partnerships, for which we're very excited to be
selected to assume. Accordingly, with the upcoming Kansas State University Fort Riley Day and Military Appreciation
Game this November 5th, you'll be able to catch shots of the Iron Rangers on the sidelines and in the stands cheering
on the Wildcats during ESPN's live coverage of the game.
Finally, as I enter into the final phase of my time in Command I wanted to make everyone aware that my replacement
has been named. LTC Jon Meredith will replace me as the 1st Battalion Commander this winter, most likely in the
February 2016 timeframe. Accompanied by his wife Ann and two children, Jon and I served together as Company
Commanders in Iraq over 10 years ago, so when the time comes it will be good to be able to pass the colors to an old
friend. We'll keep you posted on the particulars of our transition in the coming months, especially for those interested
in attending the change of command ceremony and associated activities.
In the meantime and in closing, as always thanks for what you do every day to support our Soldiers, Families, and
Regiment. Your efforts truly make the battalion and the Regiment a special organization in which to serve.
With great respect,
Semper Paratus!
LTC Trent D. Upton
Iron Ranger 6
1st Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment
Légion d’Honneur
Created to honor extraordinary contributions to the country, the Legion of Honor is France’s highest
distinction. It can be awarded to US military personnel and veterans who risked their life during the
World Wars while fighting on, or over, French territory. To be eligible today, a veteran must have
fought in at least one of the 4 main campaigns of the Liberation of France: Normandy, Provence,
Ardennes or Northern France. Actions having taken place in Belgium, Germany, Italy or any other
neighboring European country are not taken into consideration. Since only a small number of
Legion of Honor medals are awarded each year in the United States, care is taken to nominate
only those with the most distinguished records. To date, the known 16th Infantrymen awarded the
Legion of Honor are:
Gerald M. “Andy” Anderson
Ralph Ardito
Joseph L. Argenzio
LTC (R) John B. Beach
Eiba H. Begaman
John E. Bistrica
COL (R) John M. Brooks
Dagwood Dispatches
Ernest J. Deeds
COL (R) Bryce F. Denno
Benjamin Franklin
COL Frederick M. Gibb
LTC (R) Fred Hall
Orbie Harris
Edward W. Johnson
Steven M. Kellman
Arnold R. Lambert
Demetrius Lupka
MSG (R) Stanley C. Lester
John MacPhee
Walter Mehlhaff
Robert L. Mitchell
7
Angelo Monaco
Earl R. Parker
CPT Anthony J. Prahl
Harley Reynolds
CSM (R) Bill Ryan
Lt. Col. Charles W. Ryder
Roy Scow
Charles N. Shay
Arthur Schintzel
Norman Superstein
Jess E. Weiss
Edward Zukowski
October 2015
Society of the 1st Infantry Division Reunion 2015
Bill Powell, Bill Thomas, and Roger Meadows enjoy
their visit to the 1st Infantry Division Museum.
On Thursday, Greg Murry gave an excellent
presentation on the Battle of Xom Bo II.
Renowned Irish singer and humorist Seamus Kennedy
kept us in stitches Thursday and Friday evenings.
Don Husky, Trevor and Shirley Howard, and Peggy
and Ken Cassels in the CP awaiting the
DMOR/HMOR presentations.
Our members immensely enjoyed the entertainment
provided by Seamus and his various “helpers.”
October 2015
Bob and Judy Humphries are shown here helping
Seamus send a subtle message to the audience.
8
Dagwood Dispatches
Society of the 1st Infantry Division Reunion 2015
Lining up to congratulate the new DMORs/HMORs on
Saturday evening.
John Chrenka, B Company in WWII, paid a surprise
visit to the CP before the banquet.
Doug and Sharon enjoy their “rubber chicken” at the
banquet.
Bill is still surprised and Becky takes a break from
taking pictures.
Some of our newly minted HMORs visit with new
comrades in arms.
John Chrenka (r) served from North Africa to
Germany with B Company.
Dagwood Dispatches
9
October 2015
Ranger Profile
Ranger Profile
1
5
Captain Erik J. Anthes
LTC Paul Davis
Captain Erik J. Anthes earned a commission in the
Transportation Corps at the University of Central
Missouri in 2007. He was assigned to the 1st Brigade
Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division with which he
served in Ramadi during the Surge in Iraq. He was
deployed to Iraq again in 2009 where he served as a
company Executive Officer and Brigade Transportation
Officer. Captain Anthes was next assigned to the 1st
Infantry Division where he commanded the Forward
Support Company for 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry..
During his command the company received the
Commanding General’s Saber Award for reducing
misconduct to zero. Erik most recently served with the
1st Infantry Division Headquarters during Operation
INHERENT RESOLVE in Baghdad where he served as
the Deputy J4 (Sustainment) Officer. There he
managed sustainment of US and Coalition forces,
equipped Iraqi military forces, and provided
humanitarian assistance to refugees. He is now
assigned to the Army’s Advanced Civil Schooling
program at the University of Missouri. Captain Anthes’
awards include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious
Service Medal Joint Service Commendation Medal,
Army Commendation Medal (1OLC), the French
Medaille de la Defense National, and the Combat
Action Badge. In 2014 he was named the Army Officer
of the Year for the Transportation Corps and is the
recipient of the Order of Saint Christopher. Captain
Anthes is a Life Member of the 16th Infantry Regiment
Association and a Life Member of the Veterans of
Foreign Wars.
LTC Paul Davis was commissioned in the infantry in
1987 at Eastern New Mexico University. His first duty
assignment was at Fort Riley where he served in
various positions in C and HQ Companies, 5th
Battalion, 16th Infantry. After serving with the Devil
Rangers during Operation Desert Storm, Paul left
active duty in 1992, but remained active in the US
Army Reserve. From 1992 to 2001, he served in
various command and staff assignments with the
413th Civil Affairs Battalion, 159th Corps Support
Group, the 1st Brigade, 91st Training Division, and
383rd Quartermaster Battalion. After 9-11, Paul
returned to active duty and was assigned as the
Operations Officer, Fort Bliss Installation Operation
Center until being reassigned successively in various
positions in the Supply & Services Directorates of V
Corps in Germany and the Multi-National Corps-Iraq.
Between 2011-13, he was assigned as the Chief,
Materiel Readiness Branch, USARPAC G4, at Fort
Shafter, HI, and in 2014 he came to Fort Leavenworth,
KS, as an instructor with the Department of Logistics
and Resource Operations, US Army Command and
General Staff College, His awards include the Combat
Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge, Bronze Star
Medal (1OLC); Meritorious Service Medal (2OLC);
Army Commendation Medal (3OLC); and the Army
Achievement Medal (1OLC). Paul is a Life Member of
the 16th Infantry Regiment Association and of the
Veteran of Foreign Wars, a recipient of the Order of
Saint Barbara, and has served many years as an adult
leader in the Boy Scouts of America.
2015 Membership Renewal
Just a reminder that the membership year now runs from 1 January to 1 January and dues are $25.00 per year. Please
take the time now to write a check for $25.00 to the “16th Infantry Regiment Association” and send it to:
Doug Meeks, 1745 Belmonte Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32207, H: 904-396-7132
You can renew also renew on line at: http://ww.16thinfassn.org/Members/join.php
October 2015
10
Dagwood Dispatches
Presidential Unit Citations—The Stolberg Corridor
Closing in on the German frontier in the second week of September 1944, elements of the 1st Battalion, 16th
Infantry succeeded in penetrating the Siegfried Line in the Aachen Municipal Forest on the 12th and became the
first US Army unit to enter Germany in World War II. From there, units of the 16th Infantry fanned out to the right of
the 26th Infantry to help isolate the city of Aachen. That city, once the seat of King Charlemagne’s Empire, fell to
the Blue Spaders on 21 October. During the siege of the city, the 16th Infantry was heavily engaged along the
ridgeline line of Verlautenheide—Eilendorf—Stolberg. The 2nd and 3rd Battalions defending along that line were
frequently probed or attacked, and shelled heavily on an almost daily basis. Many companies were ground down
to almost platoon strength, but the regiment held. Captain Joe Dawson’s G Company and Captain Kimball
Richmond’s I Company were almost overrun on 15 October but held on and both were awarded the Presidential
Unit Citation for their actions. After much additional fighting and a shift of the 1st Division sector to the east, the
Regiment was given the mission to seize the town of Hamich and Hill 232 to drive away German artillery units
wreaking havoc on US units in the Hürtgen Forest area. On 16 November, the 1st Battalion jumped off from
Schevenhütte only to run into fierce resistance from the German units defending Hamich. After two days of stiff
fighting, the battalion was not even close to taking the town and had sustained heavy casualties. On 18 November,
the 2nd and 3rd Battalions joined the attack. The former succeeded in taking Hill 232 and the latter flanked Hamich
and drove into the town itself. The Germans counterattacked for two days, but failed to retake Hamich. For its
actions at Hamich, the 3rd Battalion was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation. Over the next 3 weeks, the 16th
Infantry drove northeast and seized Heistern, the Rösslerhof, and Langerwehe, and culminated its operations in
the Hürtgen Forest on 3 December by taking Luchem. For their efforts during the period 16-26 November 1944, the
1st and 2nd Battalions were also awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for their actions during the Hürtgen Forest
fighting. In short, within a roughly seven week period, the men of the 16th Infantry earned two company and three
battalion Presidential Unit Citations in some of the heaviest fighting of World War II.
Dagwood Dispatches
11
October 2015
The Evolution of the 16th Infantry Regiment
With the advent of the Spanish-American War, Congress enacted legislation to modernize and expand the Army’s infantry
regiments. The changes reorganized the regiment into a three-battalion structure. Each of the three battalions consisted of four
rifle companies and each rifle company was expanded to 106 enlisted men and five officers. These changes doubled the prewar regimental strength. Due to its actions in Cuba, the 16th Infantry was not able to fully implement these changes until it had
arrived back in the United States in late summer 1898. In 1901 rifle companies were further increased to 127 enlisted men, but
the actual strength fluctuated over the next 15 years based on presidential executive orders. A provisional machine gun platoon
of 22 men and two Maxim-Vickers machine guns was added in 1906 and expanded to a company-size organization two years
later.
On the 16th Infantry’s return from Mexico in February 1917, America was preparing to enter World War I on the side of the Allied
Powers and the War Department was wrestling with how the expeditionary U.S. Army would be organized. Though much of the
rest of the Army, at least in terms of field units, went through major changes over the next year, the infantry regiment organization
evolved little from that of the model of 1916 and before. One of the major changes included the permanent addition of a supply
company. This organization was mostly horse-drawn but partly motorized, reflecting the advent of the mechanical age. Another
change was the huge expansion in the size of the rifle and machine gun companies. The wartime rifle company was over 200
men in strength which again doubled the size of the regiment. The final change was the addition of large numbers of machine
guns, which expanded the Machine gun platoon into a full company, and an automatic rifle added to each squad.
October 2015
12
Dagwood Dispatches
DMOR/HMOR Honorees at Chicago
Bill Arthington, Gail Francis, Jordan Edelstein, Elizabeth Klapowitz, Loupie Francis, LTC Roger A. Crombie, and Steve Clay
As has been the case in recent years, several of our new DMORs and/or HMORs could not make it to the Fort Riley
investiture ceremony and 2015 was no different. In such cases we have made it a custom to make the
presentations at the annual reunion instead. This year in Chicago, the Regiment was able to induct three new
DMORs and three new HMORs into the hallowed ranks of this selective group. Saturday night before the banquet
the following new members were added: Gail Francis-HMOR; Jordan Edelstein-HMOR; COL Charles E. TegtmeyerDMOR (Deceased) represented by his daughter Elizabeth Klapowitz; Loupie Francis-DMOR; and LTC Roger A.
Crombie-DMOR.
DMOR/HMOR Honorees in California
Robert Nietzel, Bill Arthington, Frenchie Sauvegeau, and Odas Flake
For the second year in a row, Honorary Sergeant Major of the Regiment Bill Arthington and his wife Becky traveled
way out west to induct new DMORs into the fold. This year, he and Becky flew out to Los Angeles, California to
induct Sergeant Alfred Nietzel (deceased) and “Frenchie” Sauvegeau. Sergeant Nietzel is our latest Medal of
Honor recipient and was killed in action at Heistern, Germany, in November 1944. Accepting the honor for Alfred
was his nephew Robert Nietzel (left). Frenchie (center right), well known to our reunion goers, was unable to travel
to Fort Riley in April due to much needed knee surgery.
Dagwood Dispatches
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October 2015
October 2015
14
Dagwood Dispatches
2016 DMOR/HMOR Nomination Instructions
The following requirements apply to submission of DMOR/HMOR nomination packets. Nomination packets may be found on
the Association website or requested from John Schatzel, Association Adjutant at [email protected] The Nominator is
responsible for seeing that all information is complete. Incomplete nominations will be returned to the Nominator for action.
Nominations will be forwarded to the Honorary Colonel of the Regiment (HCOR) no later than 15 January of the year of
nomination. Any packets received after that date will be returned to the Nominator without action. State whether or not the
Nominee will travel to Fort Riley for the Investiture Ceremony. Letters of recommendation are authorized, but not required.
Nomination packets should stand on the strength of the Nominee’s record of service.
l. Service with 16th Infantry Regiment Units. Provide Nominee’s assignments with the Regiment and significant
accomplishments including combat experience, if any (may be continued on a separate sheet).
2. Other Military Service. Provide the date/assignments with other units and accomplishments including combat experience.
3. Military Awards. List all military [US & foreign] medals & badges awarded. Provide copies of orders for any military
awards not stated on the DD Form 214.
4. Military/Veterans' Organizations. List membership(s) and duties, if any, held in such organizations such as the 16th
Infantry Regiment Association, VFW, DAV, MOPH, American Legion, etc.
5. Civilian Career. State positions held in civilian life with brief description of job assignments.
6. Community Service. List and discuss performance of Nominee’s volunteer community service (i.e., specific charity work,
church groups, veterans assistance, community assistance, Boy Scouts, Little League, etc.).
7. Current Service to the 16th Infantry. State how the Nominee has supported the Regiment and/or its active duty soldiers.
8. Attach a copy of DD Form 2l4, 2l5 (or equivalent) for Nominees in the rank of colonel and below. For active duty, please
submit current ORB or ERB. Nominations for general officers can be accompanied by a DD 214 or an official biography from
the Army Knowledge On-Line (AKO) website. Redact any personal information that might compromise personal identity
such as SSN/Service Number.
Membership Application
Name: __________________________________________________________________________________
Address: ________________________________________________________________________________
City: _______________________________________ State: _________ Zip: ________________________
Telephone: _________________________________ E-Mail: ______________________________________
Unit (Co., Bn.): ______________________________ Dates of Service w/Regiment: __________________
Spouse’s Name: _____________________________ Highest Rank while with the Regiment: __________
If a new member, recruited by whom? ________________________________________________________
Dues: ________________________
Donation: _____________________
Total Enclosed: $_______________
Please fill out all information requested so we can verify or update our database entries. Annual dues are $25.00 per year
payable on 1 January of each year. The dues year runs from 1 January–31 December. If a new member joins the
Association after 1 September of any given year, they are credited with the next year’s dues. If they join prior to 1
September, they are credited with the current year’s dues only. We established this practice because we do not
have any paid staff, nor the capacity to track dues by the month in which a member joins. Tracking dues on an annual
basis is the most economic method for the Association. If you are paying more than 1 year’s dues, please make note on
your check and the form.
Please send applications and money to:
Doug Meeks
1745 Belmonte Avenue
Jacksonville, Fl 32207
(904) 396-7132
[email protected]
Dagwood Dispatches
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October 2015
16th Infantry Regiment Association
307 North Broadway
Leavenworth, KS 66048
Inside
Chicago Reunion 2015 ..…........................................................................ 1
Association Officers ................................................................................. 2
From the Desk of the President................................................................ 2
From the Desk of the Honorary Colonel…………........................................ 3
Annual Warrior Fellowship and Hunt …………...………..…….…..................... 3
Taps ...........................................................................................................4
Thomas E. Avery, R.I.P. …………………………………....................................... 4
John Copeland Attends Avery Memorial ………………………………………..…..4
Actions Taken By Your Association …………………....................................... 4
Association E-Mails …………….………………………………………………………….…… 4
Punitive Expedition Plaque ………………………............................................. 5
Desert Storm Plaque ………………………................................................. 5
Did You Know? …………………………………….………………….…….……................. 5
Easy Company, 1944-45 ………………………………………………………………………6
From the Desk of Iron Ranger 6................................................................ 7
Legion of Honor ........................................................................................7
Reunion of the Society of the 1st Infantry Division …………...................... 8
Reunion of the Society of the 1st Infantry Division …………...................... 9
Ranger Profile, CPT Erik Anthes ………………........................................ 10
Ranger Profile, LTC Paul Davis ……………………………………….…………….……10
2015 Membership Renewals .................................................................. 10
Presidential Unit Citations—The Stolberg Corridor ……………….……………11
Evolution of the Regiment ...................................................................... 12
DMOR/HMOR Honorees--Chicago ……..…………………………………………….. 13
DMOR/HMOR Honorees--California .....…………………………….…………….... 13
The Quartermaster Store Order Form ………………………………................. 14
2016 DMOR/HMOR Nomination Instructions ....................................... 15
PRST STD US
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