From Patrick Brennan, 8/30/03:
I was a 2nd LT with the nucleus of the 504th Signal HQ when it formed at Tobyhanna Signal Depot in Pennsylvania in 1961. The HQ was formed with some existing personnel already in other units at the Depot (myself, Jim Fitzpatrick, Sam Jenkins, Richard Campbell and about 20 enlisted). Others came in to supplement: MAJ Luis Romeu (Temporary Battalion Commander), Paul Tomes, Bill Buck, Leigh Cheney, and others.
We trained during the summer of 1961 at Tobyhanna (built our own little obstacle course) and, as part of the Berlin Build-up, headed, via the USNS Gordon (a whole other story), to Germany to assume command of various signal supply and maintenance companies already there. Everywhere we were to establish our commands was a fight for space.
Leigh Cheney, myself, Jerry Iacomino, Richard Schwartz, First Sgt Hansel Beane, Sgt Tom Kane, and a group of other NCOs and enlisted personnel went to Giessen in late fall of 1961 to start a Signal Depot Company from scratch. We were offered unheated storage buildings at the Quartermaster Depot. We built the storage racks from Dexion steel and stocked them all during that winter. We also had a maintenance activity, radar/radio repair, etc. Our people (including Tech reps) had to take the test equipment back to their rooms at night so they would be operable the next morning.
I personally stayed there a year, then (being a bachelor and easily transferable) went back to Battalion HQ in Mannheim, where I assumed command of Headquarters / Headquarters Company and was Battalion Adjutant. Stayed there about 7 months; then was offered command of the 504th Signal A Company (old 176th Signal Co) in Boeblingen when their Commanding Officer, CPT Donaldson, got quick orders back to Fort Monmouth NJ. I commanded A Company until September, 1964, when I was sent to Monmouth to attend the career course.
I knew mostly everyone in the 504th from early 1961 to August, 1964. Knew Leo Shoemaker well. He died some 15 years ago in Sacramento CA. His wife, Joyce, is still selling real estate there. Leigh Cheney is in Augusta area. I correspond with him weekly via e-mail, as well as Sgt Tom Kane and Sid Faress.
I retired as an LTC in 1982, and came to Austin, Texas. Worked with TRACOR Aerospace until 1989, then worked for the State until 1996. Have my own consulting company and am a realtor in Austin now.
Very glad to stumble across the web site. I have many memories, too numerous to mention.
From Larry Hood:
Thanks for the pictures. I remember those two years very well, and I do remember you, although vaguely. Carl Vitatoe and I tore around together for most of those two years. Some other names I remember.... Sullivan, Leavell, Tobias, Goodpastor, Keen, Golden, Green, Hamby, Zimmerman, Nicholson. I'll think of more in time.
Remember Mrs. Sorghe? She ran the civilian section of the 7th Army Depot for Cheney. I think he left before I did. The 504th disbanded before I left. Were you still with us then? I can't remember. We ended up in, I think, Spinelli or Taylor Barracks at the end. The 504th came back again in the 90s. I sent an e-mail but the reply didn't show much interest. Too young for our memories.
After leaving Germany in October, 1965, I left the service after my three years. About a month after getting out, I got a job with Olin Corporation as a machinist working on the Minuteman Missile program. That program lasted until 1984 so then I worked on the 105 mm, 20 mm, 30 mm, and a 40 mm round. I ran the computerized Mannurhin Loader for all but the 105. In 1996 we started refurbishing the Minuteman gas generators that we had been making all the previous years; cutting them apart and reloading with new grains and igniters. This should last 'til 2008 and then I can hang it up.
I got married in November, 1965 and we had two girls and a boy. Our son died in 1995. One daughter lives in Tennessee and the other lives around here in Illinois. Not a real exciting life, but it's been a full one. I play golf on Sundays and bowl on Wednesday night and play with the computer all the time, so I stay busy and enjoy what I do.
Thanks again. I really didn't expect any contact from anyone from the old 504th so this was quite a surprise. I have some pictures of people and places if you’re interested.
From Byron Christian:
Got your note. I have some pictures we took of our life in Mannheim as well as some large pictures we took of the maintenance depot. I will send them along as soon as I can round them up. Hopefully I can find them. Haven't looked for or at them in years.
I made Captain while working at Coleman Barracks in early 1967 and worked as the Signal and Computer Officer for 7th Army Support Command. Guess that is where I got into computers – it"s been a lifelong love affair with computers since.
I worked for a few years in the oil business as a scientific computer programmer before joining Bell Helicopter, got my Master's Degree in Management Science from TCU (Texas Christian University) - the same one who almost made it into the BCS football rankings this year.
Larry Engel is living in Colorado somewhere. Bill Eriksson went to Vietnam for a tour and was stationed at Fort Hood for a time afterwards. He came several weekends to be with us. He has two sons - David and Drew. Last I heard we got a letter from Henry Simpson's wife and they were living in Warner Robbins, Georgia. Henry was still into race cars and was an Electrical Engineer for some outfit there.
Guess your website may prove Jim Topple's last words to us were wrong. He said he hated saying goodbye as it was like going to a mass funeral and never expected to see or hear from any of us again. Wrong.
Thanks, Bob, for this pleasant walk down memory lane.
From Ramey Brandon:
I guess the one thing I remember from Germany was Byron and Dixie Christian keeping our kids while we traveled to France, Belgium, etc., with my wife Suzanne's parents. We stayed at a little Inn near Waterloo and the girls took the tram into Brussels to buy lace, etc. A few months later Byron & Dixie went to Belgium and came back telling us the story about how lucky they were to run into this extremely nice man when they got into Brussels on the tram. He took them to this "special shop" for the finest lace in Belgium. The same man and the same shop that Suzanne and her Mother had been guided by/to months earlier. Only Americans wouldn't have realized he was a "plant" to hustle up business.
We lost Suzanne to cancer in 1973. She'd been sick for about 5 years. I was left as a single Dad with kids 11, 7, 5. Due to the situation, I seriously considered getting out of the Army at that point. I saw no way to take care of my family and respond to what the Army was sure to ask of me in the coming years. However, when I contacted MILPERCEN they reviewed my record and encouraged me to remain on active duty. They said my record was one they wanted to retain and they would work with me to the maximum extent to make it possible. Consequently, I stayed on active duty for 26 years and retired as a COL in 1989. The highlight of my career was being selected to command the 1st Signal Brigade in Korea (2d tour) from 86 to 88. I concluded my career as the DCSOPS of Information Systems Command at Ft Huachuca, AZ in 1989.
Bob, I hope your site grows, with other people signing in to fill out their years and profiles so we can all stay in touch. I don't know how many of us realize what a unique experience we enjoyed together in the early 60's.
From Melvin Magnuson:
I am a former member of HHC & "D" Co. 504th Signal Battalion. Prior to that it was the 545th Signal Co.. I was there at Sullivan Barracks from July 61-Feb 65. Best 4 years of my 20 year career. I was the Unit Clerk for HHC. Remember several of the officers in your pictures. Really enjoyed the pictures of Sullivan Barracks and the surrounding area, brought back lots of memories. Used to hang out back then at the Bambi and Atlantic Bars downtown Mannheim. Those were the days. Thanks for having this wonderful site.
From Don Cagle:
I served with the 504th in Giessen (E Company) from its inception there until December 62. I worked for SP5 Rawls and Sgt Tickle. I worked in an electronic instrument repair van until we got situated in an upstairs building. I was transferred from the 545th Signal (that was there before the 504th arrived) that was located in Mannheim. That was quite a while ago and brings back very fond memories. Lt. Iacomino was my Platoon Leader. I recall that he was a flyer as he had wings on his cap and shirt. I have to say my military training and skills have taken me a long way in my technical career. Now as a 64-year-old former SP5 I still talk about my service with my friends and reminisce about the way we got things done then.
From Robert McCall:
On Feb 4, 1963 I arrived in Germany assigned to 54th Signal Company, Forward Supply and Maintenance, with duty station at Kitzingen, Germany. Shortly thereafter, the activity was designated as direct support point SP 774, Co. C. 504th Signal Bn. Our mission was to perform third and fourth echelon signal maintenance and provide signal supply support for area 7th Army units. We also served as backup for 703rd Maintenance Bn of 3rd Infantry Division.
Support Point 774 was located in Harvey Barracks, Kitzingen. The maintenance shops, supply point and barracks were all located in the same building. We shared the building, located by the air strip, with Post Transportation. Support Point OIC was 1st Lt. Robert D. Clement (I ran into CPT Clement later in Viet Nam. When I reported to the 128th Signal Company (Depot) in Cam Rahn Bay, in April 1967, CPT Clement was company commander). I think it was about September 1963 when 1LT Clement was reassigned and I was appointed OIC. My NCOIC was SFC Eugene Schwenn and the Supply Point NCO was SFC George F. Jerome.
Company C was located in Heilbronn. The CO was CPT Maurice (Mo) J. Orlando Jr. (I also ran into CPT Orlando in Viet Nam. If memory serves, he was with 1st Cavalry Division).
The troop population varied but I usually had about 40 to 50 enlisted men to man six maintenance shops and operate the supply point: Teletype, Radio, Radar, Generator, Avionics (to include Aerial Photo, Side Looking Radar and other electronic equipment related to the Mohawk aircraft), and Wire & Carrier.
In late 1965 the men in DSP 774 were absorbed in the 182nd Light Equipment Maintenance (LEM) Co, Fuerth when 504th Signal Bn. was deactivated under COSTAR II.
I continued to operate the support point in Kitzingen until January 1966 because Co. B., 71st Maintenance Bn was unable to assume Signal maintenance mission in the area. For the next three months the men of the support point were gradually transferred to the company in Fuerth.
In January 1966 I finally closed out the support point and me and the remaining EM were transferred to 182nd LEM Co. at W. O. Darby Barracks in Fuerth,
Most of the NCOs and enlisted men of the support point were skilled, motivated technicians who went about their jobs in a very professional manner, many times under very difficult conditions. Morale was high and there were few discipline problems. Following is a partial list of those who served with me in DSP 774, Company C, 504th Signal Battalion. I salute each and every one for a job well done:
SP5 Joaquin Arroyo-Peres SP5 Robert L. Collins PFC Earl Dressing PFC Barry E. Dwire PFC Juan A. Enamorado PFC Richard G. Felbar
PFC John L. Freeman PFC William C. Gunn Spc 5 Wesley J. E. Henry SP4 William E. Hill PFC Herman W. Jackson
SFC George F. Jerome SP4 Peter J. Lapczynski PFC William A. Maier SP5 Leonard A. Marin SP5 Dan T. Mangrum
SP5 Thomas L. Mikasobe Jr. PFC Alphonso P. Miles Sp5 James T. Miller SP4 Floyd Miller SP5 John Nutt PFC Clifford Palmore
PFC Alan C. Pratt SP5 Richard S. Rupert Sp5 Sanders SFC Eugene Schwenn SP4 Thomas D. Shadoan SP5 Joseph M. Smith
PFC Lawrence W. Tarbert PFC Ivory Triplett Jr. Sp4 Robert R. Wolter PFC Thomas R. Ziaya
I returned to the states in May 1966, assigned to the U S Army Missile and Munition School, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. After a couple of tours in Viet Nam, I completed twenty seven years service and retired as a CW4 in February 1972.
From Dick Nielson:
Googling around & found your website. Photos and names look familiar. I was at Spinelli in the 27th Engineer Co. Jan 1965 to June 1966 under CWO Walter Lemme, Property Disposal Officer (PDO). Worked with civilians in engineer depot office. Knew Sgt Danielson, Ben Leavell (ID), Ennis Adkins (CA), Robert Chaput (NH), Ed Hoar(MA), Emil Hough (FL), Tom (?) MailClerk (IL), and a few others whose names escape me right now. I remember the COSTAR re-organization you spoke of. We "floated" for several weeks without an officer in charge or assignment. Shortly after I rotated to Ft. Hamilton & out. Maybe more will come to me after I unpack my files/photos in storage. wagonmaster@verizon.net
From Carl Faflick:
I came upon your website while searching Käfertal. I was at the Signal Depot in Mannheim as a 2nd Lt Signal Corps from November 1945 to August 1946. We were 5 officers (OD every four days) and the officers club was in the basement of the Flakkasserne Offizier Klub, which was bombed out. We had a full orchestra playing for dinner and POWs in orange signal panel vests as waiters and cooks. I was billeted along with two other Lt's on Vogelstange Str. which is shown on your map. I did get back to the Depot (with my girlfriend of the occupation) on a trip to Germany in the seventies. It was hard to recognize most of it, but the Headquarters Bldg was unchanged. I thought you might be interested. faflick@rcn.com
From David Downing:
As a 1LT, in June 1962, I was assigned to SSP775, 54th Signal Company at Nuerenburg FRG supporting the 2ND Cavalry Regt. The 54th was a DS Company assigned to the 504th (though I don't see it mentioned). In September 1963, was promoted to Captain, took command of D Company in Mannheim and then was early-reassigned to the Signal Advanced Course in July 1964. While with the 504th, I served with Ken Fugate, Sid Faress, Pat Brennan, briefly Ramey Brandon, and several others whose names grace the Web page. I served under LTC Duffield(CO) and the redoubtable Major Cain(XO). I also remember well the visitations of MG William "Wild Bill" Harris - it was often inconvenient to be so near the Flag Pole. But, most of all, I will always treasure the memories of the BOQ and Bar at Coleman Barracks!!! Nirvanna!!!! A veritable paradise.
From there I was assigned to the University of Alabama to get an MBA, and then to MACV- J4 as MAP Program Officer serving a second time with Pat Brennan. Promoted to Major in 1967 and Awarded the Bronze Star Medal (Merit) in 1968. Subsequently, I served with the Institute of Land Combat of CDC (68-71) as an Operations Research Specialist. I left the active service as a Major in 1971. Reverted to Reserve as an Individual Mobilization Augmentee (IMA) with AMC's Mobility Equipment R&D Command (Ft. Belvoir). Promotion to LTC was in 1978 and to Colonel in 1984. Served in various IMA assignments with AMC. Retired from Reserve as a Colonel in 1988.
My civilian employment was with Office of Assistant Secretary of Defense (M&RA) 71-75, Office of the Secretary, US Dept of HUD 76-80, and Office of Secy Army (80-85). Subsequently went into private industry as an Information Technology consultant and retired to Williamsburg, VA in 2004.
My experiences with the 504th served me well in my nefarious career. I have a wife and three sons, the eldest of which is a Reserve IMA (Major QMC - ROTC Alabama) with CENTCOM and currently on active duty. I still have both of my 504th commemorative beer mugs.
From John Ballard:
I arrived in Co C, 504th Sig Bn somewhere near the end of Feb 65 and was further assigned to Det 2, Merrell Bks, Nurnberg. Det 2 OIC was CW2(3) Stovall, Det NCOIC was SFC(E6) Schwartz. I was in Tech Supply and a Deck Manager. My NCOIC was SP4 Klaus Mueller, the Editor was PFC Jules Ducharme. Other members of the Det were SP4 Dryer, Radio Rprmn, SP4 Jake Cryer, Radio Rprmn, SP4 Arlan Stone, Mechanic in Mtr Pool, SP5 Jerry Cox, Radio Rprmn (re-upped for Med Eq Rprmn),. Det 3 was in Vilseck, NCOIC was SP5 Val Varela. We deactivated in Sep 65 and I was assigned to Co D, 71st Maint Bn. We very rarely saw anyone from the company while I was there.
From Larry Forrester:
I was sitting here thinking of my career in the Army and when I thought about A Co, 504th Signal Bn., I did a search and to my surprise found your site. I was assigned to A Company in 1965 and stationed at the Panzer Kasern in Boeblingen. Sure was a long time ago but easy to remember the generator shop and the maintenance areas. At that time I was a 52D Generator Repairman.
After leaving the 504th, I went to HHC, 71st Maint. Bn. in Zirndorf and then eventually to Ft. Belvoir, VA. where I finished my active duty time of 4 years. I immediately joined the Army Reserve Program and after 42 years total, I am a CW5 Warrant and about ready to retire on June 1st, 2006. It has been a long career and I am sad that it is coming to an end. But smiles will be big as the first retirement check arrives. My three children are all grown and married. I am divorced but remarried and we live near Allentown, PA. Please feel free to add my name to your site and hopefully someone will respond. Thank you for your site!!!
From Jim Burden:
I was stationed with D Company, 504th from July 64 til Oct 65. I worked in the Teletype overhaul section, The guys I remember are CWO Mr Hermalik and CWO John Namath who claimed to be Joe Namath’s brother. SFC Sam Childs was my patoon Sgt and SSgt Ed Layman was my NCOIC and shift leader was Sam Ilae.
I have visited Germany several times since leaving the 504th and was able to revisit Sullivan Barracks during a trip in 1990 and 2002. Things sure have changed during that time. Just think, a Burger King at the main gate. I lived in Veirnheim and rode the strass back and forth to work.
After leaving the Army in 1965 I enlisted in the Air Force and retired in 1979 with 20 years combined service. Served in Vietnam in 66-67 at Phang Rang AB. Founded a Medical Equipment Repair Business in 1983 and sold it in 2003 and retired fully.
I will always remember some good old days from the 504th, two of my closest friends from Company D lost their lives in Vietnam, Howard Wagner and Dave Salter, along with my friend and NCOIC Ed Layman who is retired and lives in Augusta, Ga. who lost a son there. When I left at the end of Sept 65 we had become the 81st Light Equipment Company. Does anyone remember the Dog House that set outside the Depot? Well it was still there in 2002.....
From Ed Cottingham:
A couple of years ago I met a very young fellow in my work who was being called up for service in Afghanistan. We started swapping lies about the Army, and it developed that he had been stationed at Sullivan Barracks in Mannheim just a year or two earlier. I couldn’t even remember the name of the place although I definitely thought about it from time to time. I am kinda like those old guys from WWII who think more and more about their service as they get older. Of course, instead of thinking about invading a beach under withering machinegun fire, I think about staggering out of some club in Mannheim.
I also developed an even stronger interest in France in the last few years – they are STILL a pain in the ass – and I have made a few trips over there. I also tend to follow any "news" involving France and events like the Tour de France, which started yesterday in Strasbourg.
I fired up my European street atlas software today and was looking at the area where the race was being held. As has happened numerous times, I soon found myself panning eastward across the border to nearby Mannheim. I could not pinpoint anything with certainty…nothing on my map even acknowledged the presence of the U.S. military. I Googled something like "U.S. Army Mannheim" and was lead to a Wikipedia entry for Mannheim with a link to your excellent website entitled 504th Signal Battalion, 1961 - 1965!
I was really thrilled to see the photos, especially of the little PX/Commissary/Gas/Officer’s Club complex…really, all the photos. Some months back I did some searches on my old unit, 97th Signal Bn., and 7th Army Com Command. I found a forum and some info but very few photos. I really hit the mother load with your site! And our time there was pretty close (I was discharged in 1969). Do you remember that A&W Root Beer joint just off the autobahn as you headed north toward Frankfurt! I ‘bout crapped when I saw that thing sitting there! I hope I haven’t bored you to death. I just wanted you to know how much it meant to me to see these photos.
Ed Cottingham
Raleigh, NC
From Dan Samples (9/14/06):
I am Patrick Brennan’s son-in-law. I come to you as the bearer of bad news. Pat was diagnosed with cancer about 3 weeks ago. He was put in the hospital (Seaton Northwest Austin, Texas) last week and has gone down hill since then.Two days ago his Doctor informed the family it is terminal. On Sunday Sept.10th they put in a feeding tube since he can no longer swallow. As of last night he can no longer breathe on his own or talk. He is alert and can write notes to his family.Two of his daughters are in town and my wife who lives in town. More of his family are coming this weekend. His email is still the same as listed on your site pbren78750@aol.com it is checked by his wife Rosemarie daily. My email is samples_dan@yahoo.com, feel free to email either.
From Walter Bawell (4/29/09):
Many kudos and hats off for doing a fine job with the 504th Signal Battalion web site. It certainly brought back fond memories and compelled me to write about them in the attachment. I have written very candidly and hope no one is offended. You will find several names of officers and NCOs that are not yet in your web site, so I hope, at least in this way, to have made a small contribution to its success.
From Dennis Larson
:Thanks for providing Walter Bawell's 504th Signal memoirs; it recalls memories of my experiences and people I worked with, many of them good.
From Ramey Brandon:
Bob, good job on the 504th web site. I enjoy browsing through it and revisiting the old memories. Thanks for keeping me on your list with updates.
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