80 Infantry Division (Blue Ridge) Vet Interview

[Nellis]

I interviewed a 80th I.D. vet a couple nights ago. I met his wife and she arranged a meeting. I was running a few minutes late

when his wife called. I did the usual interview and let him show me what he brought brought. Here is a list:

 

* SS Ring (Picked up from Dead soldier after counter-attack)

* Bronze mothers cross

* Ribbon bar EKII/Army 4 year

* Robert Klass Dress Dagger (nice blade but poor in poor condition)

* German "Watch/clock" made in 1934

* Two good conduct medals

* ETO ribbon bar, 4 campaigns

* Unknown , possible French knife

 

 

 

He carried a camera throughout the war and took many pictures. Over the years most of them had become damaged (water) but he still had two albums. Some were of destroyed Luftwaffe planes, enemy searchlights, and training stateside. He brought home a p-38 but his brother lost it on a hunting trip. Its in the woods nearby and I'm seriously thinking about searching for it. He still had the capture papers, with serial number!! He had a wartime buddy hold a luger for him and had arranged for him to ship it too him once the war was over. He is still waiting!! The most amazing story he told me that night was he noticed a dead German in a field after a battle and walked over to him. He was wearing an impressive ring but decided not to take this one. He came back later and the German's ring finger had been cut off, no doubt by a GI!! He also said the killing of prisoners occurred frequently. A guy in his unit would take groups of 3, 2, or more and shoot them. He knew it was wrong but felt powerless. He understood they didn't have time to take prisoners.

It was a great interview and hope to speak with him again!!

[disneydave]

Interesting...would be neat to see some of the photos if possible.

[Nellis]

Interesting...would be neat to see some of the photos if possible.

 

Sorry, I don't have any photos to share!! I plan on recording him next time

and taking a few pictures. He sold a dagger a couple years ago for $125. He

wasn't sure what is was, I'm guessing Luft or Army!! He asked if he got a fair

price but I didn't have the heart to tell him differently. Of course, it depends on

the condition!

[Jeeper704]

Interesting story.

The Blue Ridgers captured Ettelbruck during The Bulge together with the 702nd Tank Battalion.

 

Erwin

[Nellis]

My friend has been all around your country!! A shame it wasn't for

pleasure.

[Nellis]

I talked to the Vet for the 3rd of 4th time last week. He gave me a shoulder holster

he had made in Germany, towards the end of the war. It was meant for a captured

P-38. His initials are engraved on the front and a rusty clip still in place!! The leather

is in decent shape. A good cleaning, and some saddle soap will do the trick!

Check it out!!! Notice anything about the button?

 

[Nellis]

Ellis ??? Reynolds

 

[Nellis]

[Jeeper704]

That's a great gift.

Would be nice with a Blue Ridger display.

 

Btw, does your friend remember being with the 702nd Tank Battalion in The Bulge?

Or even in the area of Ettelbrück, Luxembourg?

 

Erwin

[Nellis]

I'll have to ask him next visit!! He does remember being in

close proximity to TD units!!