George Cole

ASN:0-512843

working copy

George Southward Cole registered for the draft on October 16, 1940. Born August 16, 1917, he was from Chicago, Illinois and at the time of his registration was employed at Baird and Warner, a real estate and title company. This twenty-three-year-old was 5-8, 145 pounds with a dark complexion, brown eyes, black hair, and no other obvious physical characteristics.

black horse

May 25th - 1945

Lubtheen, Ger.

My dear Gaga and Baba -

At last I can write more or less what I want. I can safely say, however, that I have only broken he censorship rules once. That was in a letter to the parents of a friend who was killed working with me. I told them everything; and I hope to tell you much in this letter that I would have liked to tell at the time it happened. I am a very poor correspondent in that I am a factual writer and seldom write what I feel - - - so here are some of the facts.

After Fort Meade we entrained for Camp Kilmer, L.A., which was a secret port of embarkation for New York. On the 24th of September I boarded the Queen Elizabeth on the advance party. The advance party spent two days on board before sailing time learning the ship and how to handle troops 'cus that was to be our job. Each of us was given a portion of the ship to control during the drills. At the time I never realized how differently troops are handled at sea. It can be expected however when you crowd 20,000 men on one ship (more than two airborne divisions). A pretty expensive cargo.

Most of us were replacements, however. There were nurses, USO shows, field artillery battalions etc. The trip was uneventful - we had a grand time and grand food (officers only-too bad but it's true). Zig-zagged down to the Azores and a 40° change in water temperature. Then zigged up to the Firth of Clyde in Scotland near Glasgow. We made the trip in six davs - could have been four in peace time. The Queen Leso was never used for civilians as she was finished as the war started - the largest and fastest afloat.

Down through Scotland (beautiful) to Birmingham - a few days there and then to

Tidworth Barracks between London and Salisbury. I was able to tell you of London.

From Tidworth to the 82nd base camp at Leicester Then from there by C47 over the  the

channel to the new base camp at Suippes near Reines in France. At the time the division was fighting in the Holland invasion. The division returned soon after I arrived in no time at all we were suddenly – 12 hours noticed – called to Belgium. The only reason we went north to the ???????, St. Vith sector and not to Bastogne was ww were ready and started before the 101st. I was in one of the last vehicles and the Germans were so close that we were not able to pick up our road workers (men who point the way). If they had been ten minutes sooner they would have cut our column in half. The next day the line ??? CG sent me back to France to pick up several things that we had forgotten. I made the trip in two days – having to take a more western route each way – the Germans were moving so fast. I was successful on the first trip so they sent me again on Xmas day but I ran smack into the enemy as they were capturing Rockefort. Got out by the skin of my teeth and headed back. This was the most dangerous adventure because I didn’t know the ????? Of the German drive I was successful in getting out alive. The Americans and Germans were so mixed up that the civilians didn’t know which was coming down the road. Me alone in a keep with a driver. I was interrogated ???? By the other arms divisions to determine whether I was a German spy.

The day after Xmas I was doing my first time as a forward observer with the infantry. That is a long long story – that through long period, and I proved to myself many things. Three men and myself the first time for all three of us. A “party” is supposed to be comprised of a sergeant, a corporal and a private. I had three privates. Now one is a Sargeant, (radio man – wire, telephone man and helper) -one is a corporeal and the other has a leg off and is back home. We were so new we didn’t know enough to be afraid. The second day up one of my men noticed – even before the infantry – the Germans amassing for a counter – attack. I was able to mass artillery fire in the right place and luckily completely wiped them out. The above might seem a bit far fetched but I wasn’t’ and I didn’t realize what I had done or the largeness of the counter attack until it was all over and the patrol (infantry) had brought back the results. The infantry commander called up our colonel and thus the combat promotion. I put my radio operator in for the silver star for his part. That was the first time up of many such times and I will tell you more when I see you. After driving into Germany east of the Arden my last position was overlooking Cologne and Drunen before we left for a rest in France – back at Camp Suippes. You know that eventful few weeks – Paris, etc. 

They threw us back just before the big final push. We went to Cologne and spent the first night in the sports palace. Our division relieved four divisions and we held a 30 mile front on the Rhine facing the “pocket” So many interesting things happened in Cologne. My driver (Paul Cook) was hoosgowed for rape – we did some high class “looting” etc., etc. The “pocket” was wiped out and we crossed the Rhine and headed north to Hamburg and the Elbe. You heard about our crossing the Elbe. You heard about over 7,000 capturing 500,000.You heard about our dashing 40 miles in one day – could have gone 80 but we had to wait for the Russians. What a time – what a sight – I shall never forget it. We are screening, cleaning up the enemy material that is littering the roads, feeding the DP (displaced persons), liberating slaves, parading, etc. etc. I have some fancy gadgets – including one convertible sedan, I drive in Style, One Luger – one $300 German camera (Zeiss-Kron?) and a number of worthless trinkets. So the rumors fly and we are still way east of the Elbe and I have 76 points – what next – 

Please forward the letter to mother right away and let outsiders read this as it tells the truth and only a fraction of a long long story and they might not understand the pride a fellow gets when he knows he has done his bes for his country and been told that he has done a good job. I’ll tell you it all when I see you – about the people – about the stinking concentration camps we discovered – about how everything I was taught at home has helped me in a thousand different ways Love to you both – 

Your devoted grandson – George.

did have time to go to the famous "Femina" in downtown Berlin. A Lt. Clarry and myself took two unlisted men as interpreters - a corporal and a master sergeants who had shown us the Second Armored Divisions installations. They got a Russian captain at our table - the captain had the vodka - the Fermina had the colored water. We had one of the best tables. Robert Capa the famous "Life" photographer was there on an advance tip of a raid on the club in which all civilians were searched for black market bad credentials. He also photographed the floor show and some of the guests. He had several drinks at our table and photographed us from all angles - more fun1 So get all the "Life's" and see when his pictures appear.

Have seen Berlin and it is bombed out badly in the center of town. Hand witnessed black market square and all the sights with an interpreter. Have had the chance to make hundreds of dollars in the black market - $15.00per park of cigs - but I will never do such a thing. My driver thought - 18 years old - he was very smart - having made $500 - I gave him a verbal lashing and he feels pretty badly. One 2nd armored man made over $15,000 on watches.

My office is the 1st floor of a beautiful home in the best residential district and you ought to see my quarters. Besides my section, have a very fine girl for an interpreter and steno and a male civilian who is a great help. hate the Russians. So much to tell you when I see you. Much love and bear with my lousy corresponding. I pray for you both every night.

Your devoted son,

George

P.S. Send this letter the rounds, eh?

August 21, 1945

Yes, the men of the 82nd are considered a tough lot. They are all young, even the high rankers. Most of them still need a spanking. In other words they haven't had a mother to tell them when to stop. But they are wonderful men with a lot behind them. I am an officer who gets along with all of them. They will be all right as soon as they see their families again. Just as one of our girl interpreters said, "You can't expect a person who jumps out of an airplane or someone who flies through the air in a box to be very mild." When we are alone and there is none to show off to they are the same as any group of soldiers. Our uniforms are so flashy with our red artillery scarfs, white shoe laces, and jump boots - the men really strut their stuff.

The pictures enclosed are taken in my office. Had on my Eisenhower jacket which we have to wear in garrison on duty hours. Notice the leaded windows. The shiny ones are those that were replaced. Concussion does not break leaded windows so easily. The hand painted panes you see are all over the house and are very fine.

The man who owns the house is a soap manufacturer. I don't like him as he is a typical Nazi. He didn't like to leave at all.

more if you will. We can't get "T shirts over here - maybe you could show this to an army PX or somewhere and get me a few. Red + might help.

My ego has been blown up lately. I seem to have luck in handling morale problems of the men. Upon arrival in Berlin my job will be to keep more than 2000 men of our division happy. I am being transferred to the Division Artillery Staff as Div. Arty Special Service Officer. I have free reign in organizing it to suit myself and can choose the men I want to help me. It is a very hard post to fill but in garrison it is harder. With no more "F.O.ing" it is the job I will like best. It will be my job to either get or convert a theater for movies and USO shows - take over shops for film developing - get the men beer and liquors ice cream every three days at meals and every day in some instances.

Acquire beer halls for the men - and run all of these things. Handle the Stars and Stripes etc. And last, supervise all discussion classes under the I & E program. I always have liked being my own boss, and in this job I am, 100%.

Well mom and Dad so much for now - your son is happy and knows that the both of you are too. Lots of love -

Your devoted son,

George

9 August, 1945

Berlin!

Sept. 11, 1945

Tues. P.M.

Dear George,

Well expect you are sort of surprised to hear from me, but I was just looking through some letters of Rod's and run across yours, so thought I would write you a line.

Well the last gun has sounded - yes, we're glad, but kinda sad. It is just hard to get through our minds that we will never see Rod (Renfrew) again, but he is closer to us now than ever before.

He had so many things & experiences he wanted to tell us when he arrived back, but I guess we will never know them.

I suppose you are in the occupation forces. Do you think you will get home soon?

We never heard from Lt. Kerman. Is he back in states? Received Chatman's pictures as my dad told you I think.

We have pictures of Rod's grave at Henri Chapelle in Belgium. Dad's friend, Mr.

Timmons from Cosh. Was one of ten manufactures from U.S. to tour European battle fields and he took pictures of it.

We have received Rod's cigarette lighter & ring but that is all so far. You know, I was just wondering if Rod's map board is the same one I gave him when he left Ohio State to go to Ft. Sill. I was at State then and it was just the thing he wanted.

We received a card from Gov't. saying they would send complete details of Rod's rank and decorations, but have heard nothing more.

Near Nancy, Fr.

June 29th - 1945

Dear Mom & Dad -

Received your last letter in a record six days. Regular mail takes well over two weeks. I didn't realize my writing was so small. Surely no need of conserving paper.

I have 76 points and another six months at the latest should find me home. We haven't gone to Berlin as yet as our division is still redeploying its over 85ers. Contrary to the army's first plan, officers are getting out with over 85 points except for a few as the artillery is short of officers. Remember that the men are deployed from the division and even though the division may stay two years - don't think it will be more than six more months for me.

I am saving almost $250.00 per month. I missed sending home $200.00 this month as I loaned the money to Capt. Torgensen (good pay) for his leave in England. I have a fairly large account a the City National in Lawton. Would like you to deposit my money I send you in a separate account in your name if you will. How much do you have of mine now?

I am busy as usual and the division is getting all "spit and polish" for Berlin. The men are getting the "transfer" from airborne men to sharp paraders. We haven't received any new uniforms yet - so don't know just what is up their sleeve.

I hope and know you will find your happiness soon in the right locality mom.

What you need is your own home. The picture was taken with one of our many multi-decorated enlisted men (corporal). Our men are as sloppy as they are sharp. Much love to my fine parents.

AIR MAIL

dangerous adventures; - because I didn't know the vastness of the German drive I was successful in getting out alive. The Americans and Germans were so mixed up that the civilians didn't know which was coming down the road. Me alone in a jeep with a driver.

I was interrogated several times by other arms divisions to determine whether I was a

German spy.

The day after Xmas I was doing my first time as a forward observer with the infantry. That is a long, long story - that three day period, and I promised to myself many things. Three men and myself. The first time for all three of us. A "party" is supposed to be comprised of a sergeant, a corporal and a private. I had three privates.

Now one is a sergeant, radio man - wire telephone man and helper, one is a corporal and the other has a leg off and is back home. We were so new we didn't know enough to be afraid. The second day up one of my men noticed - even before the infantry - the Germans massing for a counter-attack. I was able to mass artillery fire in the right place and luckily completely wiped them out. The above might seem a bit far-fetched but it wasn't and I didn't realize that I had done or the largeness of the counter-attack until it was all over and the patrol (infantry) had brought back the results. The infantry commander called up our colonel and thus the combat promotion. I put my radio operator in for the silver star for his part. That was the first time up of many such times and I will tell you more when I see you. After driving into Germany east of Aachen my last position was overlooking Cologne and Duren before we left for a rest in France - back at camp Suippes. You know that eventful few weeks - Paris etc.

They threw us back in just before the big final push. We went to Cologne and spent the first night in the sports palace. Our division relieved four divisions and we held a 30 mile front on the Rhine facing the "pocket". So many interesting things happened in Cologne. My driver was hoosgowed for rape - we did some high class "looting" etc. etc. The "pocket" was wiped out and we crossed the Rhine and headed north to Hamburg and the Elbe. You heard about our crossing the Elbe. You heard about over 7,000 men capturing 500,000. You heard about our dashing 40 miles in the day - could have gone 80 but we had to wait for the Russians. What a time - what a sight - I shall never forget it. We are screening, leaning up the enemy material that is littering the roads, feeding DPs (displaced persons), liberating slaves, parading etc. etc.

1 have some fancy gadgets - including one convertible sedan, I drive in style - one larger - one $300 German camera (Zeiss-Ikon), and a number of worthless trinkets. So the rumors fly and we are still way east of the Elbe and I have 76 points - what next -

Please forward this letter to Mother right away and don't let outsiders read this as it tells the truth and only a fraction of a long-long story and they might not understand the pride a fellow gets when he knows he has done his best for his country and been told that he has done a good job. I'lI tell you all when I see you - about the people - about the stinking concentration camps we discovered - about how everything I was taught at home has helped me in a thousand different ways. Love to you both -

Your devoted grandson,

George

May 26th - 1945

Lubtheen, Ger.

Dear Mom & Dad -

Censorship has been lifted. Consequently I wrote a long letter to Gaga yesterday (as I haven't written her in so long) and told, pretty, much, everything that might be interesting in the way of proper nouns. She is forwarding that letter to you immediately so I won't repeat in this letter.

General Gavin left today for the states. He is to participate in the present War Bond Drive. Before he left he said that we were leaving soon for France and that the high point men would be let out. However the division would go home as a unit in six or nine months. - And that we would not go to the Pacific. There hasn't been much said so far on officers getting out - and after my Paris training - I guess I'm stuck for a while.

But at least we have the consolation of not being shunted off in this non-frat hell hole for

much longer. I like to pat little children on the head and it is rather a peculiar position for me to be in. However I have done my part on this non frat. policy.

Took our glider rides today - so am set for another $300 in glider pay. We have to take four a year at least - I have had about six in nine months so I don't have to worry on that score. They are keeping us combat equipped for an emergency I guess.