Guestbook

Robert W Burdick MD (Donnerstag, 05 September 2024 22:11)

Just found your web site
my father Reuben W Burdick also just missed the Colmar Pocket and Jebsheim.
He was in 363rd medical battalion company D of 63rd US Army Division and may have crossed the Siegfried Line and The Rhine(the 83rd division was first to do this).
His company passed through Wurtzberg/Wittenburg/Sulzdorf(??SIC) where he obtained a diary of the grandfather of the president/owner(2002) of a company called Gottlob Schaffitzel((in Sulzdorf,Kreis Hall(Wurtt.) )) a Kistlenfabrik/Holzhandlunk---he, the grandson contacted me then but I tried to reconnect recently with him but the company was bought out or went of business.
Does anyone know of this company or it's descendents and how i can contact them?
My father's company was part of the liberation of the subcamps of Dachau/Kesselring and the division is honored in the Holocaust Museum in New York City.
Does anyone know remember my Dad?
PLEASE contact me @ rburdic2@gmail.com

Mark Rogers (Mittwoch, 18 Mai 2022 19:59)

Found your website. I was on the Pathfinders tour in 2009 also. Enjoyed the trip. Richard Ladd passed away in 2015. It was a pleasure to spend a week with him and everyone on the trip. Mark Rogers Benton, TN USA

james A Kaminski (Donnerstag, 14 Oktober 2021 18:43)

Thank you for all the wonderful information on the battle for the Colmar pocket. My father was at Colmar with the 286th Combat Engineers Battalion, A Co, 3rd platoon and the 286th received their first battle star there. The battalion was attached to the 7th Army, 36th Division and the 28th Division at the time so again Thank you for all that you do.

James Kaminski
Canon city, Colorado

Jon Whitesell (Montag, 27 April 2020 02:05)

Thank you for your attention to the Colmar Pocket actions. My father, Don Whitesell was a sergeant in the US Army 7th IR, 3rd ID, 7th Army from the landing at Cavallaire thru the end of the war. But, this one battle was the only combat action he ever spoke of more than once, however briefly. Mostly of the brutal cold and damp conditions. He was proud to be attached to the 7th IR and the 3rd ID. He was truly a fine example of the Greatest Generation, the most upright man I'm proud to have known, and fortunate he was my Dad.

Thanks Again,
Jon Whitesell
Wichita, KS

Anthony Tripolone (Montag, 13 April 2020 17:50)

I last wrote (see #63below) about my Father Amerigo. During the last two years my wife and I went to Europe. In 2018 we toured Italy and went to Monte Casino, Anzio, and Rome to see and walk some of the places my Father served during the war with A Company141st Reg. of the 36th Div.
In 2019 we went back to Europe and I walked through Sigolshiem where A Company was captured in Dec 44. It was a heartfelt experience.
I know from my Father telling me years ago the he was kept in a POW camp that was a big barn in a small town outside Schwinefurt Germany. But I never knew the name of the small town. My wife and I did spend a couple of days in Schwinefurt area and traveled through some small towns in the Schwinefurt area but really couldn’t find any information to follow to try and find where the POW camp that my Father was held in.
I feel blessed and honored to have had the opportunity to be able to walk in some of the places my Father and the rest of the men of the 36th fought in during WWII.

Bret Walker (Donnerstag, 06 Februar 2020 21:24)

Thanks for all of your efforts. I'm researching my Great Uncle Marion Earl Duncan KIA in Herrlisheim, France 2/3/1945. 36th Div. 141st inf. reg. k co. and your site has given me insight into battles he fought preceding his death.

Steven Corotis (Donnerstag, 22 August 2019 08:56)

Juerg; Thanks again for the opportunity to tour battlefields with you in the Vosges mountains where the 36th Infantry Division fought in the autumn and winter of 1944 - 1945. Your thorough understanding and depth of knowledge of both the military engagements and the stories of individual soldiers involved is truly impressive. It is hugely impactful to stand on steep mountain slopes in the dense forrest and see the remnants, scars, and artifacts of battle almost as they were when the actions took place. Signs of battle are also still evident in the towns of Bruyeres and Biffontaine. It is fascinating to see photographs taken during and after the engagements, to stand where the photographer stood 75 years later, and to hear your accounts of the progress of the fighting. Thanks too for your recommendations regarding outstanding books written on the subject.

Westwallmuseum Bad Bergzabern (Montag, 29 Juli 2019 13:22)

We have a tip for you
Breaking the Siegfried 1945 by the 103rd, 36th and 14th AD.
Have a look at our museums website.

www.Otterbachabschnitt.de

Michael Doonan (Mittwoch, 23 Januar 2019 00:31)

Good morning Sir,
I found your outstanding site through a link with the 103rd Inf Div website. I have been researching my Father's cousin: Pvt Thomas J Doonan, 103 Inf Div, 410 Inf Reg, 1st Btl, B Company, KIA in the Selestat area. I will be visiting the Colmar area as part of a Viking river cruise tour. Your site has provided me with a wealth of information. Thank you very much.
Respectfully submitted,
Michael J Doonan, Col, USAF(ret)

Christine Hosea Young (Mittwoch, 03 Oktober 2018 21:38)

My father was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his action at Sigolsheim. Pfc Ernest W Hosea Infantry Company F 15th Inf Regt. The letter reads:" For extraordinary heroism in action. At 0600 on 26 December 1944, near Sigolsheim, France, Sergeant Hosea left the cover of a ditch and ran 50 yards through furious crossfire to destroy one of three machine guns which had halted his company. Although enemy fire clipped the brush all around him, he charged into the first emplacement, killing the gunner and wounding the three remaining enemy with M-1 fire. Disregarding exploding hand grenades, Sergeant Hosea engaged a second machine gun twenty five yards away, killed the gunner and forced the surrender of the crew. As he wheeled on the third machine gun, the crew fled." My hero Dad was 5 ft 1 1/2 inches tall and weighed 112 pounds. He used to tell people he was 125 pounds of walking hell!

Steve Corotis (Dienstag, 04 September 2018 15:04)

I would like to take this opportunity to express my deep appreciation for an outstanding tour. At the end of August, we visited the battlefields, villages, cemeteries and memorials marking the battle of the Colmar pocket that took place from the end of 1944 to the beginning of 1945. Your thorough understanding and explanations of the events, people, military units, and engagements is impressive. I especially appreciated the research you have done to bring together then-and-now photographs; and to follow-up and investigate the actions of various individuals during and after their individual encounters. I only wish my father was still around to attend with us as I am sure it would have helped him to recall his own experiences. Again, much appreciation to you.

Susan Jordan (Donnerstag, 28 Juni 2018 02:38)

I have taken several trips in Normandy with a private guide and just recently returned from the Battle of the Bulge tour. Your pictures and explanations bring more meaning to the places I have recently visited. It cements the history and relevance of this most sacred ground. Thank you so much.

Chris Gustafson (Montag, 21 Mai 2018 17:31)

Juerg is a world class WWII historian. While most historians rely on secondary sources, Juerg’s research also incorporates primary sources. He walks the battlefields – he touches and unearths the artifacts, he engages with those who survived and fought the battles including the French, German and Americans. His knowledge of the battle strategy and tactics of the Colmar Pocket and surrounding battles are detailed and personal.

My father, Donald B. Gustafson, was captured in December of 1944 during the Battle of Selestat. My father contacted Juerg several years ago, dad always hoped to return to Selestat, but never made it. I was fortunate to visit the area in May. Juerg graciously gave us a tour of the area; we visited the amazing Turckheim WWII museum – a must for any visitor. I can’t say enough about the museum and its staff. Juerg took us to the French national War Cemetery and the US Memorial on Hill 351 where we had a panoramic view of the battle field. Juerg described the battles and showed us before and after pictures. Finally, Juerg took us to the area where Audie Murphy fought. The experience was moving and profound; on my return home, I spent many hours reflecting on the young men that spent that cold winter of 1944/1945 fighting for our freedom.

I cannot thank Juerg (and his cousin Martin who drove) enough. This was a once in a lifetime experience, I only wish I had more time to spend with this amazing historian – there is so much to learn and experience. We must never forget, or we are doomed to repeat our history. Juerg – thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Chris Gustafson

KRZYWANSKI Jean-Marie (Dienstag, 22 August 2017 10:47)

Nice site. I will be pleased to collaborate ( metal detecting round Bastogne=where I am born= since 45years . Many Artifacts found . KRZYWANSKI Jean-Marie Bras 323 6600 Bastogne

Ann Tardif (Sonntag, 02 April 2017 03:23)

Thank you for sharing these images. My dad was with the 601st TDB and fought in the Colmar Battle. I plan to visit there soon.

Lee R Cressman (Dienstag, 20 September 2016 19:47)

Thank you for posting this information. Checked with my genealogical site for "Cressman," and Erwin Kressmann spelling is accepted, so he is some long distance relations. But I always wondered if any of the German relatives fought in the war for the Wehrmacht. Now I know.

David Buchanan (Sonntag, 18 September 2016 23:42)

Very informative and organized info.......thanks for sharing. My uncles and father all fought in WWII and my lest uncle was killed in the ETO during the winter of 44-45.

Obat Kuat Herbal Untuk Mengobati Disfungsi Ereksi (Dienstag, 20 Oktober 2015 11:02)

Thank you still share articles and information

Roland Laich (Samstag, 10 Oktober 2015 14:20)

Dear Peter Cosgrov,
you might ask Beate Kalbhenn from "Volksbund Deutsche Kriegsgräberfürsorge e.V." in Kassel/Germany (http://www.volksbund.de/service/ansprechpartner/alle-ansprechpartner.html). The cemetry in Bergheim is managed by Volksbund. I know Mrs. Kalbhenn as a very friendly and helpful lady. She admninisters the files of all Bergheim gravesites and she took time for lookup these files together with me in research for Walter Laich (see article "The battle of Sigolsheim") - even if in vain. Ask for her at the Volksbund main desk: tel: +49 (0) 561-7009-0, info(at)volksbund.de
Good look!

Obat Kuat Hubungan Seksual Terpercaya (Freitag, 25 September 2015 04:55)

the information is very interesting and inspiring , I am glad to read this information , thank you for willing to share information

Obat Herbal Agar Orgasme Berkali kali (Mittwoch, 23 September 2015 05:23)

information which is very interesting to read , I was delighted to read this information

Bill Leonard (Freitag, 21 August 2015 08:43)

Wow! I am an amateur WWII historian, and finding this great web site with all the information from another enthusiast just lit me up...

AAAAAAAAAAAA

Peter Cosgrov (Freitag, 07 August 2015 10:09)

A mystery? Buried in the German Military Cemetery at Bergheim in Alsace near the top left hand corner is a headstone with the name ROSEMARIE BAUST born 21 January 1938 died 20 November 1944. Not quite 7 years old when she died. Can anyone shed light on the reason this small girl was interred along with over 5000 German soldiers. Someone had left a beautiful wreath there, but as there are 3 graves in one perhaps it is there for one of the soldiers. Paul Nirk 9 Sept 1899 died 30 Nov 1944 or Josef Tekath born 14 Oct 1909 died 30 Nov 1944. There is no other person in the cemetery with the name BAUST. My wife and I visited Bergheim in early May 2015. We live in Jebsheim for a few months every year. Right in the heart of the village where the Battle of Jebsheim took place.

Federico Ramirez (Dienstag, 02 Juni 2015 19:48)

Thanks for such a well documented and presented website, I have enjoyed every bit of it. I tour around Europe on motorbike and try to include visits (or at least a ride-thru) to as many significant WWII historical sites that I can.
Last week, it was a ride through the Futa & Giogo passes, and that trip was much more significant thanks to the information si kindly provided by you.
Well done and thanks again. FR

Phil Howard (Dienstag, 02 Juni 2015 18:02)

Awesome website my friend

Joseph F.Loomis (Donnerstag, 21 Mai 2015 20:38)

My father was 2nd Lt William F. Loomis. He often told us the story of meeting Himmler, just the way it is described on your site.

Joenaba@aol.com

tank tops for men (Freitag, 15 Mai 2015 07:26)

It is amazing and wonderful to visit your site. I've learn many things from your site.

Impianto fotovoltaico (Montag, 13 April 2015 13:41)

Hi, nice website ;-)

Kathy Calder (Sonntag, 12 April 2015 21:28)

Love the pictures, maps, and detailed descriptions of various units' movements in the Vosges Mts. I just shared the link to your site with a friend whose father served in the 143rd regiment of the 36th division, and I know he'll appreciate the mention of his father's regiment's movements and position in the fighting around Bruyeres. The map of the battle area and the pictures of the hills, etc., are awesome! This is the sort of detailed information I know a lot of descendants of WWII veterans are thirsty for. My own father was a replacement in the 254th regiment, Co. B, of the 63rd division and just missed the Colmar pocket and Jebsheim actions. However, I was privileged to attend a reunion of Co. B in Asheville, NC 1999 (they used to meet annually)--the men there were incredibly generous with telling stories of their experiences at Jebsheim and other sites. They didn't remember my dad (though they put me in touch with someone who did). Dad didn't talk much about the war, but told one story of a battle experience; those men were able to tell me at which battle that incident undoubtedly occurred (a Danube river crossing and subsequent battle to take the town of Leipheim, the 254th's last fighting of the war). The 63rd Division Association (recently disbanded) did a terrific job of collecting materials--pictures, recollections, histories, morning reports, etc.--which are available for examination for free on the Fold3.com website (affiliated with the National Archives), as well as the 63rd Division website (63rdinfdiv.com).

Donald B. Gustafon (Samstag, 11 April 2015 19:52)

I am a survior of the battle of Selestat. I served in the 409th Infantry, 103rd Deivision,Company B. I was captured by the Germans the early morning of December 3rd (approx 2 or 3 am). I was evtually moved to a German POW Camp in Bohemian Liepa (Czechoslovakia). At the POW camp we were used as forced labor working on the German Railroad. We were treated worse than animals. We were physicaly and emotionally abused. We suffered from malnutrition, frostbite, exhaustion, and had little to no sanitation. Are there any other survivors?

y back tank top (Freitag, 06 März 2015 05:29)

Thank you for your so cool post,it is useful,i love it very much. Please share with us more good articles.

Hotels near Stade 5 Juillet 1962 (Mittwoch, 22 Oktober 2014 04:48)

great site

Golden Age Comic Books (Montag, 21 Juli 2014 06:45)

This is very essential blog; it helped me a lot whatever you have provided.

Anthony Tripolone (Sonntag, 20 Juli 2014 03:32)

My Father Amerigo Tripolone was in the 36th Div 141st Reg Able Company and was one of the soldiers taken POW on 10DEC44 in Sigolsheim. The account my father told me of the events of that day and what Lt. Higgins said to his men when the decision was made to surrender is exactly as you told it in the writing of your article.
I had the honor and privilege to personally talk with Lt. Higgins and Eddy Guy a number of years ago by phone along with some other members of Able Company.
Thank you for putting this information out for all to learn of their war experiences and their courage.
Very Respectfully,
Anthony Tripolone

Aymee Laurain (Samstag, 14 Juni 2014 23:54)

This was a fantastic collection of information on such a small town. I returned from France three days ago in which three days were spent in Sigolsheim. The owner of place we stayed explained briefly what happened and how it affected the vineyards in the area. I was shocked to see we stayed only a block from Walter Laich's position. I have ancestors who were from Alsace and while I don't know where it's still nice to know I've been to such a place of history not just for France and the U.S. but also for myself.

olivier (Freitag, 21 März 2014 01:55)

Hello
I am located in lorraine near many battelfields ww1 and ww2.
Born in 1965 but still interested in these période.
To those who would like to relive the true story of several ww2
battle, you should take the time to read at least one of the " green book "
entitled " three battles ".
Far from Hollywood movies.
To those who served.
Best regards.

Robert Kirkland Smith (Samstag, 08 März 2014 17:28)

I was very pleased to find the story "B-17 Flying Fortress Crash in Trimbach, Switzerland / February 27, 1945" on this website. My father was Alvin F. Smith, the "Mickey" operator - navigator on that flight and he is listed with the crew. I knew that the plane was shot down and that Dad had to bailout and was captured and spent the rest of the war as a POW. I did not know, and I don't think that he did either, that Dottie actually made it to Switzerland. If they had stayed on the plan they might have avoided the prison camp experience, much of which was in a camp near Moosburg, Germany. I have visited Moosburg twice on business since my company has a customer there. It has always felt very strange to spend nights in a nice hotel or gasthaus when I know that Dad was nearby over 50 years before as a POW. Dad came home and went to Drexel in Philadelphia and became a Mechanical Engineer, a big contrast to being a crane operator in shipyard in Camden, NJ before the war. Hooray for the GI Bill. I was born in 1948 and attended Drexel myself earning an Electrical Engineering degree and then a Ph. D. at Pitt. My wife and I have two children, Sam, who entered the comment below, and Heather. Both of our kids grew up knowing their grandfather, Al, and he lived to be 80.

Samuel K Smith (Donnerstag, 06 März 2014 16:53)

Thank you for this site. My Grandfather Alvin F. Smith was a 1st Lt. On the B-17 "Dottie". I have heard some of the story from family about his tour of duty in WWII. This is incredible information. Thank you. I am Alvin's Grandson from his 2nd child Robert K. Smith. He had 3 children. My Grandfather died August 22, 2001.

Jo-Ann Jahant (Samstag, 18 Januar 2014 19:03)

I enjoyed looking through the photos and reading about the Battle of Jebsheim. My brother-in-law's ancestry comes from Jebsheim. It's a bit confusing because on the U.S. census, (1900), their country of origin is Germany (so they probably spoke German). The Germans won Alsace-Lorraine in 1871 from the French after the Franco Prussian (May 10, 1871). When they emigrated to the U.S., they were speaking German. Then after 1918, the area was given back to the French, after WW1, so now the inhabitants are speaking French. My b-i-l contacted his cousins about 7 years ago and they all are speaking French.

My husband was USNR, LST 500, Lt. j.g., Utah Beach, 6 June 1944. He survived and lived to be 86.

Roland Laich (Dienstag, 24 Dezember 2013 21:31)

Regarding to "The battle of Sigolsheim - The Story of Grenadier Walter Laich" I would like to ask any site visitor who can give testimonial what of happened on 1944/12/27 resp. 1944/12/28 with the wounded or dead german soldiers at the former school building in Sigolsheim to get in contact to me: mail@laich.info. It was reported Walter Laich had two badges for tank killing at his uniform sleeve. Any confirmed information about this particular issue ist higly appreciated.

Peter Dossing (Freitag, 06 Dezember 2013 22:57)

Best source of Colmar Pocket photos I've run across. Many thanks!! My father, Elmer R. Musil, T5, (Chicago) was in Co. D, 756 Tank Bn,, 3rd Inf. Div. He drove an M5A1 Stuart Light Tank and was killed with two of his crew in Biesheim on 3 February 1945 after they were hit by an anti-tank shell. They had finished fighting their way through Colmar and the crew was staging at the battalion command post about 1/2 mile west of Biesheim when a solider, T5 Forrest E. Peden, who was a forward artillery observer, came running back to their area for help in a firefight which was not going well in Biesheim. They had lost communications and there where 45 infantrymen who were outnumbered 4 to 1 by the Germans. Two light tanks from Co D responded and headed toward Biesheim. Peden was riding on top of the lead tank, (my father's tank) to show them the way. They got to Biesheim to fight the enemy where the tank was destroyed and Technician Peden also lost his life before reinforcements could arrive. Peden was personally responsible for numerous acts of heroism that day before he ran for help. Peden was given the Medal of Honor for his actions that day.

Ken Hoose (Montag, 28 Oktober 2013 04:44)

Thanks for doing this, my Grandpa Was in L Company 15 Reg. He never spoke of any of his activities to my dad or uncle after the war. We have pieced together a lot, but a lot remains unknown. After comparing what records we have, to the Battle of Bennwihr, it seems he was definitely there. He was wounded Dec. 24, 1944 when a bomb went off behind him. I'm so glad you put this together, it really helped piece a bit of our family history together. Thanks

carsforsales (Mittwoch, 23 Oktober 2013 16:19)

Well done on accurately documenting the remains of yesterdays battle. This reminded me of my holiday to France last year, when you are greeted with the sobering reminder of an old American tank parked at the side of the border crossing - one neat hole through the turret.

Tracy Wiant (Sonntag, 20 Oktober 2013 21:49)

Awesome site. My father served in the 7th Regt, 3rd ID during the Colmar Pocket. He was wounded near Biesheim and Le Haute Jacques in the Vosges. Keep up the good work on this.

Jeff MacGregor (Montag, 26 August 2013 20:45)

Juerg:
Thanks you for this site. My father served Company I of the 15th Regiment and fought in the Colmar Pocket. He had a $10 bill upon which he wrote the names of the towns in the Alsace in which he fought. I have finally fulfilled a life promise to travel to the Alsace and "stand where he fought". It was quite a moving experience for me to see these sites and your website was an excellent guide.

Mark Zemke (Freitag, 14 Juni 2013 04:29)

Hi Juerg got to here from Mr Bandos Triggertime site Nice to read about Reichswier , I was there in 1975 on a daytrip from Metz and was surprized to see as much shell damage as was still there .

Larry Sabadini (Dienstag, 11 Juni 2013 22:24)

I just read your entry about the battle at Selestat. My brother-in-law, Arthur Rochefort served in Company B of the 142nd regiment. He participated in this battle and was taken prisoner by the German army on 12 Dec 44. Fortunately he was liberated by Russians in April of 1945. Thank you for providing this information. I am on the 36th website as LARRY S.

Simone Ambrosetti (Dienstag, 21 Mai 2013 16:04)

I just discover your site, really amazing! Thank you very much for sharing!

Anne Sauvie (Mittwoch, 08 Mai 2013 19:31)

I came across this while researching family history. I had a great-uncle who was a Capuchin Priest at the monestary in Sigolsheim during these battles. I have a written account from his perspective from Dec. 6, 1944 to Feb. 2, 1945. The American soldiers where going to bomb the monestary to kill the Germans inside but my great-uncle, Father Ernest Herrgott, was able to convince the Germans to surrender. He was also harboring 360 civilians in the monestary at the time so he saved their lives. The dates and information in this account match those from my great-uncles. This helped me see the soldiers side of this. Nice work. Thank you.

Matthew L Weidemann (Mittwoch, 01 Mai 2013 20:55)

Hello, I really appreciate your efforts. I think you did a fine job and I enjoyed the tour.

Juicer Review (Sonntag, 21 April 2013 16:47)

This is a great write-up! Thanks for sharing!

Juicer Reviews (Donnerstag, 11 April 2013 15:55)

I just shared this upon Twitter! My buddies will really enjoy it!

Arthur (Sonntag, 07 April 2013 02:08)

Fantastic site, thank you for all your meticulous research and hard work putting this together

newboys3652 (Montag, 01 April 2013 15:52)

nice site! Thanks.

William Hanley (Donnerstag, 28 Februar 2013 22:40)

Thank you for hthis heart felt and concise description. This gives more understanding of the horrific couragous fighting the Nisei went through.

danisch ingrid (Sonntag, 09 Dezember 2012 12:36)

battle of Jebsheim: des unter offizier Karl heinz Danisch war mein vater
vielen Grüsse

Graham Benham (Montag, 01 Oktober 2012 23:42)

Read and viewed your website from top to bottom and lapped it up. Absolutely love the way you bring the facts alive. I have recently done similar wandering around Normandy and the Ardenne recreating photos that I have. Great job, well done.

Brian's Military Jeeps of WWII (Mittwoch, 19 September 2012 09:45)

Hello,
I was following links from the google and ended up on your website. I really enjoyed looking over your site and have added it to my Links Page. I operate 2 WWII websites - WWII Squadron Patch Archives at www.WWIISquadronPatches.com and Brian's Military Jeeps of WWII at www.WWIIJeepParts.com

I have always loved the THEN & NOW type magazines, Books, websites (WWII History as well as USA Wild West/Gold Rush Ghost Towns) so I appreciate your efforts.
Best regards,
Brian

Russ (Mittwoch, 05 September 2012 17:30)

Found your entries on German individuals very interesting. I enjoy autobiographies & biographies of German soldiers in WW2. Thank you.

Dave (Samstag, 01 September 2012 01:24)

Outstanding work in honoring those who fought.

Oriflame (Dienstag, 28 August 2012 20:35)

THX for info.

Matthew (Montag, 20 August 2012 10:58)

Great site, full of interesting and well-researched information. I particularly enjoyed the then-and-now photographs. I will definitely be coming back here to do more reading and learning. Congratulations!

V-Energy, moduli fotovoltaici (Mittwoch, 01 August 2012 15:28)

Complimenti! ;-)
Tramite Google ho trovato questo blog, e tanto che ero quì ho pensato di lasciarvi un saluto!
Ciaooooooooo

Ulrich (Sonntag, 29 Juli 2012 16:40)

Very interesting site. I live since 2 years in Breisach/Germany which is only some chilometers away from the battle sites in Alsace. Because of your site I was able to learn more about the battles here in this region at the end of WW2 and I have visited them during the weekends with my family.
Congratulations for your very good work.

Josip (Donnerstag, 12 Juli 2012 05:06)

Fine info dude

Nigel Rigg (Sonntag, 08 Juli 2012 23:08)

Fantastic! I have really enjoyed your website i would love to visit the battlefield sites. In the meantime i have your webssite which almost makes me feel i have visited already.

Many Thanks

Lisa Hogan (Mittwoch, 20 Juni 2012 22:04)

What a great website! My father fought in the Battle of the Bulge and I found that site very interesting especially since I just visited that area. But, I also enjoy reading about all the other battles particularly in the Pacific. You make it very easy to understand. I now understand the basics of the Battle of Peleliu.

David Jeffers (Montag, 07 Mai 2012 23:05)

I really appreciate the work you have put in on this web site. My father was a Sargent Erlie Jeffers, 141st Infantry, 36th division, Company F (2nd battalion). The photos of these battle sites are something I've wanted to see for a long time. Thank you so much.

Ralph Stephens (Freitag, 04 Mai 2012 07:10)

Thank you so much for putting this together. My Dad was in the 321st Regimental Combat Team 81st Inf Div.

Elvis (Australia) (Montag, 13 Februar 2012 13:17)

Hi Juerg,
Spent hours looking through your wonderful and informative site. Facinating looking at photos of a time lost to a time today. The most chilling of the lot was the one of the fallen German soldier on the footpath, and a today photo of people ambling by with probably no idea what happened at that exact spot to allow them to amble by at all.... Brilliant. Looking forward to my own Ardennes invasion in late 2012 and follow the pied Pieper...

Nick Trommelen (Freitag, 13 Januar 2012 23:14)

Hi Jürg,

I finnaly got the change to take a good look on your website. What can I say... wonderfull job, hats off to you!

Kind regards, Nick

Bill T (Samstag, 31 Dezember 2011 20:55)

Jurg, you do an awesome job my friend from WAF! You have set this site up perfectly, and I could only dream to have been to all of the places you have visited! Thanks from your American Friend Bill T

Nick (Samstag, 19 November 2011 21:03)

I've found some interesting articles on your site, Juerg. Thanks!

Paul R (Freitag, 11 November 2011 12:44)

Excellent site.... wish I had known about this when I lived in Basel for 5 years! I visited many of the sites in the Alsace but did not have the grasp of history that this site shows!

Vielen Dank.....

ww2ushelmet (Montag, 17 Oktober 2011 15:20)

Superbe site avec des photos incroyables....
Merci de nous faire partager votre passion et vos voyages.
Un travail tout simplement remarquable.
Teddy.

Superb website with amazing pictures ....
Thank you for sharing your passion and your travels.
Work simply outstanding.

Brad Johnson (Sonntag, 09 Oktober 2011 05:31)

Great site! You have occupied several evenings now.

Lisa (Mittwoch, 28 September 2011 17:52)

Jeurg,
wonderful site and nice nod to our 36th Infantry Division's Lost Battalion.

Bernhard (Freitag, 02 September 2011 03:43)

wow, very interessting and informative homepage - good work!

Peter (Dienstag, 02 August 2011 11:12)

Hi Jürg
Great job. The "Tintange pictures" will, one day, fall into place!
Keep up the good work!

Küenzi Erich (Sonntag, 05 Juni 2011 23:05)

Lieber Jürg Herzig
Wirklich eine interessante Website mit vielen Informationen, auch für den durchschnittlich Interessierten in Sache Militäthistorik. Auch ich bin den Allierten Truppen sehr dankbar für die Befreiung des damaligen Europas aus Hitlers "Fängen" und erinnere mich noch sehr wohl an den Film "Der längste Tag", welcher mich durch die Opferbereitschaft der kämpfenden Truppe sehr beeindruck hat. In diesem Sinne können wir dem morgigen Tag (6.6.2011)noch eine spezielle zusätzliche Bedeutung geben.

Herzliche Grüsse

Erich Küenzi

Gary W Scribner (Samstag, 02 April 2011 17:37)

My father, Walter E Scribner, Jr, (Baltimore, MD) served in the 397th Regiment, 100th (Century) Division. He was awarded the Bronze Star, along with 6 others, for his actions in Bettviler, France December 30, 1944. This action was a precursor to the larger action that occurred at Rimling, France - which preceded Operation NordWind. I have been to Bettviler, and have some pictures, taken during the summer of the area. I was unable to determine thru my research, or during the visit, where, what I will term "the Battle of Bettviler" occurred. During your documentation of this campaign, I would be curious to hear about any reports of actions during the Bettviler and Rimling actions.
I lost Dad in 1971 - he was a silent veteran who rarely talked about the war. His war diary, which, along with many other artifacts, including a Luftwaffe helmet, is brief, but chilling. Thank you for documenting what should never be forgotten.

I am very interested in being contacted by anyone (veterans and or family) who served in the 397th, either Cannon Company, or C company - or anyone who knew my father.

Nancy Schimkat (Freitag, 18 März 2011 14:23)

I'm an American living in SW Germany. I came across your website because my brother, a history teacher in Texas, wants to visit some WWII battle sights when he comes over here to visit, and I had a look on the internet. I've used your site to plan a trip over to Alsace to see the Colmar Pocket area. I've already learned a lot from reading this, but I really look forward to standing at these battlegrounds. Thank you for all your work.

frank shelton (Mittwoch, 16 März 2011 17:43)

What a gift you give us with this site!! Will you be able to do this with the Eastern Front battlefields?? Your website title is the greatest description of your hard and complete work that you have shared with us. Thank you from North Carolina, USA

Brian Rich (Samstag, 05 März 2011 16:49)

Excellant work. I wish all of you involved nothing but the best.

Trevor (Mittwoch, 02 März 2011 22:15)

Hey I found your site by accident looking for pics about Marimon Farm, but I'll take my own pictures since I live in Ravenoville and I then I saw you wrote about Paul Woodadge ( I worked with battlebus in 2010 ) he's downscaled since, so I'm doing my own thing now, hence the website name.
Anyhow I'll look at site more later but, Angoville-au-plain's church doesn't hold services they have the occasional funeral now and then and you forgot to mention the sisters names in Graignes Marthe & Odette Rigaux ( 19 & 12 at the time ) If you wrote that stuff from scratch or memory that's great but you've left out quite a few things. Hey then again you're not a guide but probably could be. I like looking at other battlesites even thought Normandy is a very interesting campaign.

James(Jim)Hennessey (Samstag, 19 Februar 2011 16:03)

Your devoted interest and time on WW2
history gratefully appreciated.
Thank You-Stay Well
Jim H-Co.E-345th-Inf.Div.
Bayonne-New Jersey U S A

Moellendorf (Sonntag, 23 Januar 2011 10:01)

Well put together. A little too Heavy on the USA love for me though. From my personal exp. 99% of the surviving vets that actually return to the grounds and are willing to share their stories, are telling fables. Jedem das seine though.

Alvin (Sonntag, 02 Januar 2011 18:01)

A good page with lots of useful information and good photos. A great place for anyone seeking information about the places where some of historys thoughest battles were fought.

Hideki Obayashi (Montag, 20 Dezember 2010 20:39)

hi juerg. will purchase and send "442" dvd today. record rains here in los angeles; will continue thru this weekend.

bis bald,

hideki

Lee Olson (Donnerstag, 09 Dezember 2010 23:26)

Excellent site, thanks for all the detail!
LmO
Another one of Carlton Joyce's Normandy "Stand Where They Fought" tour guy's

Gary Mueller (Donnerstag, 09 Dezember 2010 18:58)

Absolutely outstanding

Ed Stevenson, M.D. (Donnerstag, 09 Dezember 2010 01:50)

Great, great stuff!

Robert Doll (Mittwoch, 08 Dezember 2010 22:48)

It would be a great priviledge to visit these battle sites in Alsace!

Charles C. Hays, Jr. (Mittwoch, 08 Dezember 2010 22:07)

(Wednesday, 08 December 2010)
I have enjoyed a brief cursory visit to what is an astounding array of historical data -- data that will serve to hone anyone's interest in the subject(s) covered. Congratulations and profound thanks to Mr. Juerg for his labor of love addressed to the present generation and to generations as yet unborn!

Tim (Mittwoch, 08 Dezember 2010 22:07)

Great site. Never been to where Murph earned the medal. He came very close to not making it back home. "Enemy within 10 yards". How daring a soldier, as was Leonard Funk of the 82nd Airborne.

Tim
www.ww2dday.com

Carlton Joyce (Dienstag, 07 Dezember 2010 00:10)

A remarkable achievement that encompasses two theaters of WW 2 operations and numerous battlefields and militaria sites within each theater. My three hour tour, of the website, needs more time it justly deserves. Juerg:Russia next ???