U.S.Army Tank Destroyer Brigades and Groups in World War II

[miker]

Thanks for the correction. The Lost Battalion of WWI was in the 77th.

[Elwood]

Mar 5, 2023 4:27:18 GMT quincannon said:

Okinawa I think, although I think I would rather fight on Okinawa than live in Oklahoma.

Good one! And I’m with you there.

[quincannon]

Oklahoma Elwood, has become West Mississippi in recent years. They do not seem to understand the basic concept of equal means equal. Equal rights, equal opportunity, equal justice, equal treatment for all. In a democracy everyone is in, or no one is really in.

[Elwood]

I’m from Texas, just north of Ft. Worth, dont need to tell me about Okie, I hear ya. Still spending some time on west coast but I have officially moved back to Texas.

[quincannon]

I am an old fashioned guy Elwood. I believe in the dreams and the possibilities we have in these United States. That dream, and those possibilities are meaningless rhetoric, if every one of us, Black, White, Asian, Brown, Gay, Straight, Man Woman, Trans, and Queer, Catholic, Protestant, Muslim, Agnostic, Atheist, and every other belief system under the sun do not all share in them. We are one nation, all in the same boat, and if we all do not learn to row together the goddamned boat will run upon the rocks and shoals

[Elwood]

Finally got a package from the New Mexico National Guard. Arrived today. Well over 100 pages. She's going thru them now, I am in Texas, Will see her in a few weeks. She's already texted a few pages to me on his awards, based on this and the history of the 804th I've read, I'm certain the Silver Star award was for action in Italy between August 44 and April 45. These are the dates the 804th was attached to the 91st Infantry Division which is listed as the "authority" on the SS. Will take her awhile to go over the papers, I'll report on whatever we find. Specifically, I'd love it if there is an actual write-up included on his actions surrounding the awarding of the Silver Star. It could possibly be from the crash of the recon plane he was in which was on March 8,45. The timing would be about right I suppose. Very well could be other actions tho, seems he was out in front on many occasions. In addition to the Silver Star, he received a purple heart, Bronze Star, Air Medal and Legion of Merit.

[quincannon]

Very happy you got this material. If you find any little gems in this stuff be sure to post it.

[Elwood]

Apr 1, 2023 1:24:12 GMT quincannon said:

 If you find any little gems in this stuff be sure to post it.

Will do!

[Elwood]

Arrived last night in Sausalito and finally began going over the pile of information, over 100 pages, from the New Mexico National Guard re: girlfriends grandfather, General Fred G. Rowell, Army National Guard, who saw action in Italy as the XO, then commander of the 804th Tank Destroyer Battalion. What had spurred most of this interest is that we had found out he was a Silver Star recipient but no info on any of the action involved. He only had a single offspring and as many veterans will, apparently didn't talk much about the action he saw. Was not really expecting any real success but this morning . . .

Found a copy of the Order award. I'll quote directly from the text;

"For gallantry in action 19 April 1944 near Mt Sabbino Italy. When his armored column was stopped because the roads were believed to be impassible, Lt. Col Rowell went forward under heavy mortar, artillery and machine gun fire to reconnoiter a route of advance for the Tank Destroyers. Having moved the armor up behind the Infantry, Lt. Col Rowell exposed himself continuously to enemy fire in order that he might direct the fire of his guns. His courageous act resulted in the destroying of three enemy machines guns and one self propelled gun, thus allowing the infantry to take its objective and 30 prisoners. The gallantry shown by Lt. Col Rowell in this action exemplifies the fine leadership and the highest traditions of the Army of the United States."

Date of Order, 9 June 1945

I believe we were quite fortunate to find this in the records. The NG historian I spoke to, while quite helpful, was also doubtful that the Silver Star narrative would be included.

Still going over the rest of the paperwork. Will post anything interesting I find soon.

Thank you again Sir for your help in this!

[colt45]

Chuck,
What do you know about the Abrams-X? Just saw a brief blurb about it. Seems very interesting.

[Elwood]

Just sent off to the curator/webmaster of Tank Destroyers.net info on career of Gen. Rowell. He is interested in putting up a memorial page as many of the veterans have on that site, will post a link when it happens.

I read that Rowell's Purple heart was awarded at the battalion aid station, just like you'd expect I suppose. His observation/spotter plane was hit by enemy fire and had to make an emergency landing, struck a bomb/mortar crater and overturned. Beat up pretty good but no broken bones although he had back pain for the rest of his life. He made 35 flights over enemy territory spotting for artillery earning him a an Air Medal.

[quincannon]

Colt: To answer your question, nothing more than you do, having watched the same blurb a week or so ago.

Interesting stuff Mister E. Keep me posted if and when you find more.

[colt45]

thanks, QC.

[Elwood]

I’d like to invite everyone here to head over and read the memorial page I gave some assistance in setting up for Brig General Fred Rowell. I have to give most of the credit to Rob Haldeman, creator of the site, Tank Destroyers.net.

www.tankdestroyer.net/honorees/r/1480-rowell-fred-g-804th

[quincannon]

Terrific tribute Elwood. Great work.

I had some very good similar news a few weeks ago. I was notified that the brand new administration building at the Colorado Centre Metropolitan District is being named for my late wife Joan. She served for fourteen years on the board which governs the metro district and was still serving at the time of her passing. They broke ground last week and the building will be complete in November. The dedication will be late that month, around Thanksgiving.