97^th QUARTERMASTER COMPANY . .                                               

                                                 97^th INFANTRY DIVISION

                                            CARGO JOCKEYS IN THE ETO 

18 FEB 1945
On this memorable date the 97^th QM Co., left Camp Kilmer via the  Toonerville Trolley, to the coast of New Jersey and boarded a ferry which took us to Staten Island, New York, where the troopship was waiting for us. From then on the outstanding events were, coffee and doughnuts, packs and barracks, helmets and rifles, and noise and confusion. At last we were going to visit Mauldin. We boarded the USS Monticello  (Conte Grande) that same day.

19 FEB 1945
We set forth from the NYPE this date. Outstanding events of the trip were, poor chow, cramped quarters drills, inspections, seasickness and rumors galore which all added up to an unpleasant voyage.

2 MAR 1845
We arrived at Le Havre, France and all of us were certainly glad to see land again. Ike’s last hope had finally arrived and in all due respects to the prospective conquering heroes we were gently but firmly loaded into the semi-trailer trucks, taking turn to breathe in the cramped space and then gently whisked at about 45 miles per to Camp Lucky Strike by our chauffeurs.

2 MAR-26 MAR 1945
Camp Lucky Strike (another Santa Maria in canvas). The company  was  kept busy as usual, de-processing, drawing equipment etc. We were all luxuriously billeted in Squad Tents reclining every evening on the G.I. version of a beauty-rest mattress, (a cot).

28 MAR-30 MAR 1945
During these inclusive dates, the company was located at Lovenich, Germany, having set-up in a large convent, but alas, no girls. The attitude of the civilian population showed  a remarkable change as to the friendly way we were treated during our stay in France.

 31 MAR-4 APR 1945
Kleinenbroich living in civilian homes. During their  stay in Kleinenbroich  the division was officially committed to battle. The Graves Registration section was established and the company was kept pretty busy carrying out the QM activities required. And don’t forget all those dark nights with plenty of rain. We still haven’t located Mauldin, but be patient!

5 APR-14 APR 1945
Buehl, Germany, our first taste of spring. Ordinarily a young man’s fancy should turn at this time, but the non-fraternization policy was still in existence. The company kept convoys rolling day and night bringing supplies up forward, and hauling prisoners back. Sleep became something our drivers vaguely remembered. What are we doing ahead of our artillery? Mauldin couldn’t be that far front. Luckily enough we had access to hot showers and it sure helped a lot.

15 APR-17 APR 1945
Berg-Gladbach, Germany. We occupied a large paper mill at this place easing the stationery shortage for a while anyway.

18 APR-20 APR 1945
Solingen, Germany. Here was the steel center of Germany with knives, razors and swords galore. Reports came in from several sources that the service Platoon had  found a “well-stocked” home. Ahem!

22 APR-29 APR 1945
Wunseidal , Germnay. The company moved into a large textile mill, assuming responsibility of the building and its boss who was a SS Trooper. German snipers kept the company alert. There was plenty of work for everyone and a ersatz platoon of German PW’s and was utilized to its fullest extent. The greatest highlight was the additional duty of handling the division stock of liquor.

30 APR-7 MAY 1945
Weiden, Germany. The company lived in a hotel and several apartments. The war news was excellent, and the morale of the company was pretty high in spite of the order to pour all liquor down the drain. War trophies were plentiful.

8 MAY 1945
  Meis, Czechoslovakia, The company spent only one night here, at a German ammunition dump. A large cache of flare guns was discovered and the display of pyrotechnics that ensued would have put any celebration to shame.

9 MAY-16 MAY 1945
Tachau, Czechoslovakia. The war in the ETO was over. Mauldin  still wasn’t anywhere to be found.. German hospital trains passing through caused quite an attraction. The non-fraternization policy was still unchanged, and you can take it from there.

31 MAY 1945
Kaiserlautern, Germany The company bivouacked in a large pine forest, along the Autobahn

 1 JUNE 1945
Metz, France. We were billeted in an old German barracks. The entire company got a pass for the evening. Everyone returned that night and all complained  of our feet  from walking so much.                                                                         

2 JUNE 1945
Still traveling. Bivouaced in a transient camp overnight.

3 JUNE-15 JUNE 1945
Camp Old Gold. Still sweating it out. The company turned in equipment and drew new clothing. Passes to Paris was the highlight and the civilians were friendly and came to see us every night.

16 JUNE-24 JUNE 1945
Aboard the USAT “Brazil”. Sighted the coast of England. Seasicknes at the minimum. Sixty one hundred men and six WACS aboard ship. Everyone looking forward to seeing land, getting furloughs and trying to find Mauldin in the CBI.