I was born in Olyphant, PA and graduated Olyphant highschool in 1939. At
the age of 18, I enlisted PA National Guard. February 17, 1941 inducted into Federal
Service with CO. B. 109th Infantry 28th Division. Trained at
Indiantown Gap, PA, Camp Livingston, LA., Camp Carabela, FL., and Camp Pickett, VA.
Participated in Louisiana and Carolina maneuvers. While bivouacked at A. P. Hill,
Manassas, VA, the Japanese told us of the bombing at Pearl Harbor. Departed for E.T.O.
October 8, 1943. Landed at Swansea, Wales, stationed at Lantwit Major, Wales.
While stationed at Camp Livingston, LA., General Omar Bradley transferred all
non-coms to different companies. I was put in CO. K. 109 INF. Landed in France at Omaha
Beach around the third week in July 1944. Engaged in combat with German forces until
wounded and captured at the Siegfried Line in Germany, September 17, 1944.
To the best of my knowledge I was hospitalized at
Reserve Lazarett Andernach Sept. 19, 1944 to Sept. 21, 1944; Reserve Lazarett Hersfeld
Sept. 24, 1944 to Nov. 5, 1944; Reserve Lazarett Obermassfeld Nov. 6, 1944 to Dec. 19,
1944.
From 12-20-44 to a part of January was spent in a
hospital run by captured U.S. and British doctors. In early part of January I was taken to
Stalag IIB. Advancing Russian troops forced the evacuation of Stalag IIB on January 29,
1945 during blizzard conditions. We were forced to walk westward with no suitable clothing
and very little to eat. Most of the nights were spent in barns or under the skies with no
adequate covers or clothing to keep us warm. Food was just about non-existent. Destination
for 200 of us was Hagenow, Germany. We were put in a stockade and forced to work in and
around a military airport from March 1945 until we were liberated May 2, 1945 by the 8th
Inf. Div. We were flown to Camp Lucky Strike in France and arrived back in the USA on May
16, 1945. Received 60-day furlough after which one week was spent at Lake Placid, NY for
rehabilitation. Reported to Fort Devens, Mass. ad discharged on August 13, 1945.
Married my sweetheart Ann Lazina, who faithfully awaited
my return, on June 1, 1946. Our life together lasted 42 years before my lovely wife passed
away. We were blessed with two fine children, Albert Jr. and Gailann. They in turn
presented us with six beautiful grandchildren. Albert Jr. has one girl and two boys and
Gailann has three beautiful girls.
In 1985 I retired after 30 years with the US. Postal
Service. Right now I’m enjoying life and taking it one day at a time. With the grace
of God I hope to enjoy many more years of happy and healthful times. |