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Major Ben A. Goodin was responsible, in the capacity as S-3, for the operational recommendations to the Artillery Commander that made Division Artillery an effective unit. Prior to his assignment, Major Goodin had wide field experience. In the campaigns of Normandy and Northern France he served as S-3, Executive and Battalion Commander of the 231st Armored F. A. Bn. His ability, as a leader did not go unrewarded. He was the recipient of the Silver Star, the Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Purple Heart, and the Croix-de-Guerre. Members of the Operations Section will always associate Major Goodin with his daily question, „Have you seen my children today?" His pride and joys await him at 1907 W. State St., Lawrenceville, Illinois.
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Major Lloyd C. Gilman left his medical practice in Willmar, Minn., in 1941 to answer the call to arms. He is a graduate of the Medical School, University of Minnesota. Prior to his assignment as Division Artillery Surgeon, he served as Division Medical Inspector. Major Gilman was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious achievement. Being an enthusiastic amateur photographer, the Major contributed all of the photographs to the Battle Book. The doctor will hangout his shingle at 406 West 11th St., Willmar, Minnesota. If you are passing through, drop in and have a few sulfa-diazine pills for old times' sake. |
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Major Claude H. Long has perhaps had more varied service within the 6th Armored Division than any other of Division Artillery's staff officers. He was originally assigned to the 128th Armored F. A. Bn. where he served as Executive Officer of Battery B, and Commanding Officer of Battery C. From these assignments he went to CC A as Liaison Officer and then to Division Headquarters where he served as Ass't G-3, Provost Marshal, and Headquarters Commandant. In December, 1944, he came back to the artillery units as a staff officer in Headquarters Division Artillery. For meritorious service as Anti Tank Officer and S-4, he received the Bronze Star. Before coming into the Army, Major Long was an assistant manager for a farm machinery agency in his home town, Mexico, Missouri.
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Major John M. Schwalm, a graduate of Purdue University, and amateur photographer followed a successful career as an engineer in Chicago. He utilized his engineering skill to design many little gadgets which eased the rigors of campaigning. The Major's military activity was wide and varied including assignments as an instructor at the Armored Force School, Fort Knox; S-2, Headquarters Battery; Commander, and Ass't S-3 of the 212th, Armored F. A. Bn.; S-1 and S-4, and Anti-tank Officer of Division Artillery. In all of these offices he displayed a unique efficiency, gaining himself the Bronze Star Medal. Major Schwalm keeps a well gadgeted home in Reinerton, Pennsylvania. |
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Major Samuel R. Ross, ex-student from the University of Missouri, entered the military service from Perry, Missouri, his home town. Prior to his assignment as S-2 with Division Artillery, he was a Battery Commander and Ass't S-3 in the 231st Armored F. A. Bn. Major Ross received considerable recognition as an intelligence officer. It was through his efforts and planning that a full appreciation of the artillery as a primary source of enemy information was developed. Major Ross has been awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster.
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Major Joseph H. Peck of the Tooele, Utah Pecks, is the commander of Division Artillery Wing Command. Under his capable direction the Pillsbury Bombers and their crews achieved fame above and beyond the recognized limits. Within the limits of recognition, however, the Air Medal was awarded to the Major. Before Major Peck became chief birdman, he had served as Liaison Pilot with the 128th Armd. F. A. Bn. The Major isn't entirely air minded; he is at home on the ground as well as in the air. His Master's degree in geology from the University of Missouri testifies to that.
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Captain Robert S. Nagle was the was the Yankin' Yank of Division Artillery. For the short time that Captain Nagle was with us he earned for himself the esteem and high regard of the men of Headquarters Battery. His ready wit and painless dentistry made a visit to him a profitable means of whiling away a few lonely hours. Recently, he left the command to join a convalescent hospital somewhere in Germany. Captain Nagle hails from Union City, New Jersey.
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Chaplain (Capt.) Charles F. Pitts, a minister from Harrisburg, Arkansas, promises to be a legendary character in the annals of Division Artillery. Literally, he is a fighting chaplain. He was originally commissioned a 2nd Lt. of the Infantry in 1941 and assigned as a line officer to the 759th Tank Battalion. Captain Pitts was later transferred to the Chaplain's Corps and assigned to the 9th T. D. Group. From there he came to Division Artillery. His pleasant ways, good cheer, and concern for the men have endeared him to all. He will always be remembered as the movie mogul who made the cinema possible at Schloss Tonndorf. |
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Captain Chester W. Crater's easy going disposition, calm manner, and ready wit served as escape valve for tense nerves in the Operations Section. He, as a member of this section, served as Assistant S-3. Prior to his assignment to Division Artillery, the Captain was Survey Officer with the 128th Armored F. A. Bn. In recognition of his invaluable aid to the Artillery Commander, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster. Captain Crater comes from Budd Lake, New Jersey. |
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Captain John L. Quaday, Battery Commander, and Communications Officer of Division Artillery came from the 128th Armored F. A. Bn. where he served as Forward Observer and Battery Executive. Prior to military duty, Capt. Quaday was an athletie coach and physical instructor. Headquarters Battery received the benefits of his experience in a well organized athletic program. Just as soon as he can return to his home in Blue Earth, Minn., the captain plans to study for a master's degree at the University of Minnesota. Capt. Quaday was the recipient of the Silver Star and Bronze Star Medals. |
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Captain Robert C. Marshack is one of the more versatile members of the Division Artillery staff, being Ass't Air Officer, Pillsbury Bomber pilot, pianist, and mathematician. Throughout the five major campaigns his keen powers of observation and technical ability as an airman not only aided in the efficient operation of the Air Section but also in the excellent coordination of air O. P.'s and operations sections. Captain Marshack has been awarded the Bronze Star Medal and the Air Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters in recognition of the work he has done. Prior to his coming to Division Artillery he was assigned to the 231st Armored F. A. Bn. as a Liaison Pilot. North Main Street, New Baltimore, New York, is the place the Captain calls home.
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1st Lieutenant William S. Battersby, an officer of diverse talents, came from the 212th Armored F. A. Bn. to Division Artillery where he has been especially successful as Survey Officer, completing with his crew, many hazardous miles of survey during the five major campaigns. The exploits of the blond Lieutenant, however, were not confined to survey. He served also--and simultaneously--as Reconnaissance Officer, Metro Officer, Air Observer and Liaison Officer. Meritorious service in each of these assignments earned for him the Silver Star, Bronze Star and Air Medals. Lt. Battersby's wife and daughter await his return to Lake Lucille, New City, N. Y.
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1st Lieutenant Allen G. Bryant, convivial Special Service Officer, doubles as Ass't S-1 for the Division Artillery. In combat, however, the Lieutenant lays aside personnel matters and plans for entertainments, to assume the duties of Liaison Officer with the Division. Many have been the cold nights that Lieutenant Bryant in the wee hours, dashed to our headquarters with the latest revision from Division. Even when the enemy tried to slow him down with shell fragments, inflicting wounds, he persevered. When he returns to 1226 Williams St., Jackson, Michigan, Lieutenant Bryant will be able to show the neighbors his Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart award. |
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1st Lieutenant Robert W. Houston, Liaison Pilot with Division Artillery, won fame, if not fortune, for himself as bombardier extraordinaire when he routed a machinegun nest by dropping hand grenades without the aid of the Norden bomb sight. The tricky flier came to Division Artillery from the 720th F. A. Bn., 65th Division. Prior to that assignment the Lieutenant was a student who did his homework at 304 East Eighth St., Hutchinson, Kansas. Lt. Houston has been awarded the Air Medal with the Silver Oak Leaf Cluster.
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1st Lieutenant Carroll R. Dant, like Christopher Columbus, made his discovery on October 12--the day when Headquarters Battery--of new fields to conquer. Unlike the blue grass fields at 806 Cecil Ave., Louisville, Kentucky, they were, however, no great obstacles to the Lieutenant. As Ass't Communications Officer and Battery Officer, he rendered service so meritorious that he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal. Prior to his assignment with Headquarters Battery, Lieutenant Dant was with the 272nd F. A. Battalion.
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2nd Lieutenant Carl L. Knappe, Jr. is the fledging pilot in the Division Artillery Air Corps, having joined the unit in February, 1945. In the short period he has been with the Division, Lieutenant Knappe has distinguished himself in numerous tactical missions, earning for himself the Air Medal. Prior to May 1, 1942, when the Lieu- tenant wanted to rest from his day's work as sales correspondent, he hung his hat on a rack in the hall of 13832 Clifton Blvd., Lakewood, Ohio. |
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2nd Lieutenant John W. Chisholm is the man who fulfilled all the big promises of Texas. He has been a member of Division Artillery since his induction into the Army. As an enlisted man, his rise has been a steady one. During the five major campaigns in which the Division participated, he served as Master Sergeant of Operations. Lt. Chisholm's work and gallantry in action earned for him the Silver and Bronze Star Medals. Further recognition came in the form of a direct commission on June 4, 1945. Prior to induction, he was one of the leading oil scouts of Texas. In the period of post war affluence, when you want to invest in oil, write to Mr. Chisholm, 1412 Polk St., Wichita Falls, Texas. |
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W. O. (j.g,) Thomas D. Shriver is the Mr. Fixit of Headquarters Battery. He left the 231st Armored F. A. Bn. to accept his appointment as W. O. (j. g.) with Headquarters Battery, Division Artillery on April 1, 1944. It was no foolin,' however, for ever since his appointment he has had a heavy job which he has done well. It comes naturally to him, however, for he was a crackerjack mechanic in Centerville, Missouri, prior to his enlistment in January, 1941.
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