First Reunion

FIRST REUNION
	Knoxville, TN 1974

August 18, 1974 comrades in arms of the 275th Armored Field Artillery Battalion in World War Two met for the first time as a group in almost thirty years. The unit which distinguished itself during the Battle of the Bulge had been inactivated September 8, 1945.

Organizers included: David Cleary, Bob Schnulle, Donald Herman, Albert Weisberger, Roy Agee and Ray Richerson. Detailed preparation for this reunion was reflected from the start. Held at Deane Hill Country Club, Knoxville, Tennessee old friends enjoyed a menu of dishes named to remind veterans of their wartime locations in Europe. Dishes included Chilled Melon Coetquidan, Capon Kiev-Belgique, Rice Rhineland, Green Beans Venlow, Salade St. Vith. On the back of the menu the following verse was printed:

	A strange Noel, in a strange, strange land But we Joes, remember and understand; Next year, perhaps, our job will be done, Then home to our loved ones, the victory won.
	(The above verse is taken from the 1944 Christmas card of the 275th Armored Field Artillery Battalion, printed in Belgium.)

A special guest was General Bruce Clarke who took command of the St. Vith, Belgium area at the outbreak of the Battle of the Bulge. For many the importance of their efforts had never been explained. As Commander, Combat Command B, 7th Armored Division, General Clarke thanked the battalion for the efforts that earned them the Presidential Unit Citation and the Belgian Fourragere.

Chick on Thumbnail photos for Larger size.


John Owen (at Clarke's left) listens intently to General Bruce Clarke, forever the trainer.	General Clarke shown here with Sal Oliva ( at his Right) who came from Louisville, KY to the Reunion get a history lesson.

A fine tradition started -The 275th has held bi-annual reunions since 1974.

Cecil Nanney (A Battery), Gen. Bruce Clarke
and Lisa Bowen [Photo provided by Frances Nanney]

Alex Bernhard and Mrs. David Cleary
welcome Mrs. Bruce Clark.

"C" Battery friends get together, L to R: Winfred Hallman, Wilfred King, James Pesaro, Albert Weisberger, Alex Bernhard & George S. LaPorte

Wives too became close fast friends even though most had never met. Over the years they came back to support their brave husbands.

Pictured in back row from left to right are:
?, Frank Brundage, Jo Bernhard, Edna Cooper, ?, Dorothy Reynaud, ?,
In front are Isabel and Albert Weisberger.

If you know any unidentified ladies above e-mail [email protected]

Photos on this page graciously provided by:

Marcy Kula (Albert Wiesberger's daughter), Leroy Johnston & DeLoyd Cooper

Hosted by www.Geocities.ws

August 18, 1974 comrades in arms of the 275th Armored Field Artillery Battalion in World War Two met for the first time as a group in almost thirty years. The unit which distinguished itself during the Battle of the Bulge had been inactivated September 8, 1945.