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Post by tmayer on May 7, 2013 7:47:31 GMT 8
George Montoya (SN 18119913) 503d Company F Mortar Platoon 3rd Squad George Montoya was born on February 24, 1924 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. George passed away on Sunday, April 22, 2012 at the age of 88. George proudly and honorably served in the United States Army, in the Pacific Theater during World War II, and as a Paratrooper with the 503rd. George worked as a window glazier. George is survived by his sons, Raymond and Michael Montoya; by his daughter, Melanie Torres; eight grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; other family members and friends who loved and will miss him. The burial service will take place at the Santa Fe National Cemetery on Friday, April 27, 2012 at 9:00 a.m. with United States Army Honors. Burial: Santa Fe National Cemetery Santa Fe Santa Fe County New Mexico, USA Source: Albuquerque Journal Obituaries
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Post by tmayer on May 12, 2013 9:44:10 GMT 8
Notice the water turbulance in the bottom right corner. It appears this photo may have been taken from a landing craft.
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Post by tmayer on May 23, 2013 10:44:08 GMT 8
Henry P McCrory (SN 39268594) 503d Company F Mortar Platoon 1st squad K.I.A. April 21, 1945 Negros Island, Philippines A picture of him can be found in the TN group photo taken on Mindoro after Corregidor. Photo by Janice Hollandsworth Find A Grave Memorial# 3195279 Buried on 09/02/1948 Plot 1, 330 Nashville National Cemetery Davidson County, Tennessee, United States 503rd PRCT Honor Roll has the following listed; Henry F McCrory Pfc. F Co SN # 39268694
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Post by tmayer on May 27, 2013 12:40:49 GMT 8
In rememberance of those Men of the 503d PRCT who gave their lives.
I came across this photo in my grandfather’s photo collection. It was taken by him a few years before he passed away, while visiting his sister. It speaks volumes to me.
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Post by chadhill on May 27, 2013 14:17:05 GMT 8
Great research on your grandfather's behalf, tmayer. I'm certain he would be proud and most appreciative of your efforts. The photos are very good also. Please keep up your fine work. Chad
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Post by tmayer on May 29, 2013 1:44:47 GMT 8
Chad,
Thanks for the kind words. It's been a wonderful journey.
Todd
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Post by tmayer on Jun 11, 2013 2:37:59 GMT 8
My Grandfather had told the family he saw General McArthur during the war, however, to my knowledge, he never said where or that he had a photograph of the General Himself. Below is the photo he has (it appears to be a non-professional, close up photo). I’ve been trying to find references to when and if the General made any visits to the 503d outside of Australia, the morning of the Nadzab Jump or Corregidor. Well, I found a reference in the “Adjutant’s Journal”. I believe this photo may have come from the visit General McArthur made to the 503d on 3 September 1943. The following entries were taken from BLESS’EM ALL by Calhoun & Whitman BLESS’EM All The history of 2/503 Parachute Infantry Regiment The Adjutant’s Journal 2nd Lieutenant Jerry B. Riseley 1-4 September 1943 2 September 1943
“The 503d Prcht Inf fell out on parade with full battle equipment, jump suits, jump boots, helmets, covered with camouflage nets, special ammunition pouches made especially for this outfit. We are inspected by Major General Blamey. Gen. Blamey is tall, lean, lined faced, and speaks more like an Englishman than an Australian. He said he was proud to have us with him. He paused and appeared to be reading. The 503d will jump, take an airfield, clean the field and hold it for the airborne landing of the 7th Australian Div. Then the general waxes bitter against the Japanese.” I have never seen a man in so high a position so bitter. “Kill them all,” he said. Received a warning order that Gen McArthur might possibly inspect tomorrow. 3 September 1943
“At 1017 telephone call was received saying that General McArthur was in the regimental area and that all men would put on coveralls. At 1019 General McArthur and party ambled alongside the CO S-3 tent wherein is the famous sand table. And within were the Bn Cmdr, the Ex, S-3 and 4 Co cmdrs. They smell him coming and came out as fast as possible for people pretending to accidentally come out. Lt Richmond, the combination actg S-4, asst S-3, and general duties officer had to edge all the way from the CP tent, about 30 yds, but he made an admirable edge and arrived in time to have his picture taken along with the aforementioned. General McArthur is very publicity minded and always is accompanied by a corps of photographers.” *The above entries were made before the Nadzab-Markham Valley Jump that took place on 5 September 1943.
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Post by tmayer on Jun 15, 2013 10:45:40 GMT 8
My Grandfather passed away 19 years ago this week. Like many Veterans, his service with the 503d was never really acknowledged at the time of his passing. I’m very proud of his service, so a couple of months ago I decided that I would run a memoriam in his home town paper to give him his proper recognition. Today being Flag Day, I though it very fitting. Best $52 I ever spent. The Marion Star June 14, 2013 Marion, Ohio
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Post by tmayer on Jun 24, 2013 10:50:43 GMT 8
I commend the EXO’s ambitious efforts and fortitude of bringing about THE 503D PRCT Heritage Battalion website. The 503D PRCT Heritage Battalion website has definitely lived up to its first two website policy objectives as stated below. “To support, preserve and propagate the Heritage of 503d PRCT of WWII by gathering together and publishing materials which might otherwise disappear in the “mists of time”. “To make educational quality information available to the fresh generations such that there will never be a American generation which cannot readily research, access and share in the history of the 503d PRCT of WWII and its successors of Heritage” For those who have a desire to learn, The 503d PRCT Heritage Battalion website is invaluable. My grandfather’s time in the 503d and this website have inspired me to teach myself how to build static web pages using HTML and CSS, with the hopes of someday learning how to create dynamic pages. Like anything worthwhile, it takes time and practice. Below is a sample of my beginnings.
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Post by tmayer on Jun 26, 2013 8:57:04 GMT 8
Until I started doing some research, I though this was just another photo of some village in New Guinea.
But the more I look at it, I think this could be a picture of Lake Sentani?
In June 1944, the 503d landed at Cyclops field (by airplane) to spend a month in the surrounding area to perform what appears to be a "mop up" action after the main assult on Hollandia . The field was one of several airstrips located between the Cyclops Mountains and Lake Sentani, east of Hollandia. From here they set up a bivouac and patrolled the area for a month until they received their orders for the Noemfoor Operation.
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