1stDivVet Posted October 10, 2008 #1 Posted October 10, 2008 This is a group of things my sister's father in law gave me.. I talked about it in the $1 Silver Star thread.. T-3 Lowell Edwin (Tim) Whitesel, ASN 35618692, from Union City, In. was born 8-14-22 and was inducted at Ft. Hayes, Columbus, Oh Dec. 15, 42. He was assigned to various companies of the 501st PIR, ending with HHC of the 501st working as personal aide to "Jumpy" Johnson. His first promotion came Jan. 43 at Taccoa, Ga to T-5. Tim jumped with HHC into Normandy and was one of the stragglers who fought with Dick Winters the first few days. At the time, he was carrying a 1911 loaned to him by Johnson that had been given to Johnson by Patton.(I didn't get that.. Ft. Benning Inf. Museum did.). During Market-Garden, which he doesn't consider a campaign since he didn't jump, he was the liason to the Irish Guard Armor from the 101st. He doesn't talk much about Bastogne other than "It was the coldest damn place I've ever been". His award include the Silver and Bronze Stars, French and Belgien Fourage's, Purple Heart, Army Good Conduct, French Croix de Guerre, EAMA, WW2 Victory, C.I.B., and of course Jump Wings. He has given me many things the past few years as he runs across them. I have a few things not pictured I have to dig out such as his battered ruberized muesette bag, French language books, Guide to Paris, 41 edition of the Soldier's Handbook, Guide to England, 1st Edition paperback of "The Longest Day", and a copy of a poem about the 101st he wrote and sent to Ryan's wife. I'll add them when I dig them out. Fins.
1stDivVet Posted October 10, 2008 Author #2 Posted October 10, 2008 His English made jump jacket. He had it made at the end of the war..It's had the zipper replaced once. He wore this at the 50th Anniversary in France and Holland. There is a spot where the ribbon I have that says 'VETERAN' was pinned for years.
1stDivVet Posted October 10, 2008 Author #3 Posted October 10, 2008 The label inside on a small open top 'cigarette' pocket(as he called it). His ID in the neck, and the 'VETERAN' ribbon that was pinned to it(I keep it in a case with other stuff)
1stDivVet Posted October 10, 2008 Author #4 Posted October 10, 2008 Some of the patches he gave me.. The 101 wings, hat patch, and smaller pocket patch are all newer things he had.. The bolo and top 2 patches from the 101st AB Assn, The large pocket patch is older. He didn't remember when he got it. The small name tag is another momento from his trip overseas for the 50th Anniversary.
1stDivVet Posted October 10, 2008 Author #5 Posted October 10, 2008 The bolo and 101 Assn patches. One is from the William Westmoreland Post, The other from the Old Abe Post
1stDivVet Posted October 10, 2008 Author #6 Posted October 10, 2008 The Old Abe and 501st pocket patches
1stDivVet Posted October 10, 2008 Author #7 Posted October 10, 2008 His ribbons, medals, and fourage's. The wings are pewter or lead.. Very neat.
1stDivVet Posted October 10, 2008 Author #8 Posted October 10, 2008 His 40 dated Soldier's manual, and several of his wartime patches. Included are Airborne Command, 2 GHQ patch variations, English made 1st Allied Airborne, and unused 501st oval.
1stDivVet Posted October 10, 2008 Author #9 Posted October 10, 2008 Paratrooper statue and Jump wings plaque with logo's for 101st AB, C.I.B., and commemoration from Eindhoven, Holland
1stDivVet Posted October 10, 2008 Author #11 Posted October 10, 2008 7-43 dated Inland M-1A1 Paratrooper carbine with stock pouch, no lug, and flip site. This was taken off a dead paratrooper on June 6th, 1944. Tim jumped with a Garand and found this and used his M-1 to mark the body and took the carbine and ammo.
Brian Keith Posted October 11, 2008 #19 Posted October 11, 2008 Fantastic Group! Union City is in my backyard! Glad it's all together! BKW
1stDivVet Posted October 11, 2008 Author #21 Posted October 11, 2008 Here's the helmet and some booklets.. First, the helmet.. It sat out in the shed for years.. Liner was long gone..I replaced that with another original.. The sweatband was his and was in his musette bag.
1stDivVet Posted October 11, 2008 Author #22 Posted October 11, 2008 His Pocket Guide to France and 43 dated French Language Guide
1stDivVet Posted October 11, 2008 Author #23 Posted October 11, 2008 His Short Guide to Great Britain and 41 edition of the Soldier's Handbook
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