Posted on 2005-06-18 14:56:00
Jim Small 14th ACR 1967-1968 26/10/09 11:59:20 Gaither-I figured it was time I finally wrote something on this. First, thanks for all you've done to keep it all going for the guys who served a lot of time in Bad Hersfeld. Jim Protteau and I arrived in BH in December of 1967, and we were both assigned to Commo platoon of Headquarters Troop as radio teletype operators. I was almost immediately put in place to replace Ron Johnson as the guy in the comm center who kept the security items up to date, as well as making sure that schedules were updated and SOI's built each month. I remember Sargeant Wahlen, Lt Urse, later Capt Urse, Bill Davis, Ray Englert, Dave Grames, Gaither Deitz (the one and only), Ted Van Dine, John Torres, Williams, AKA "The Kid", John Armstrong, Stan Logan, Kenny Sablon, Bill McNiel, Harry Haring, Ian Seaton, and "Short Round". I also remember my German friends, Fritz Sandner and Pete Mikat. A great story, not to be told by me, is the one of Armstrong and Haring going taking their leave to Copenhagen. Another is the night exercise that we "played" and Englert and I were the very last ones back to the baracks about 3:00 AM. Sarge was pissed! We couldn't help it that we both got separated from everyone and ended up falling asleep under the huge pine trees. Yes, I have some happy memories of my 15 months in McPheeters baracks and around Germany. I've forgotten most of the army's BS though. Thanks for the memories, guys. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX 26/10/09 Jim speaking of the guys, we just returned from a trip to the Blue Ridge Parkway (North Wilkesboro, Boon, Blowing Rock, N.C. etc. While attending a birthday party near Wilkesboro I met a local that may be able to get us in touch with Robert ‘Bob’ McNeil. I’ll be sure to let all know if Bob calls. FYI Bob is from N. Wilkesboro. Thanks for your post, Gaither