The End—The Beginning
Subtitle: The End of the truck driver’s World War Two military service—The Beginning of the veteran’s civilian life.
Time: May, 1945 after surrender of Germany Places: Germany, France, USA War in the European Theater was finished. Hitler’s Nazi regime surrendered unconditionally on May 8, 1945. Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) was the cause for great celebration. The combat days of Cannon Company, 291st Infantry Regiment, 75th Infantry Division were over—in this part of the world.
The first critical Allied task was restoring law and order in occupied Germany. Troops were assigned Military Government (MG) duties. The 291st Regiment (including Cannon Company) was stationed near the resort city of Bad Driburg, famed for mineral springs and baths.
In taking over its assigned area of control, the Regiment issued orders and instructions for the Companies to follow in their respective areas. Units were to establish Military Government by: appointing non-Nazi officials; posting and enforcing proclamations, laws and ordinances; enforcing curfew 2030 to 0630 military time (8:30 PM to 6:30 AM); collecting arms and ammunition; maintaining road blocks; establishing camps for displaced persons and Allied POWs and permitting no circulation outside the town limits without Military Government permits.
The truck driver and his buddies read through the precise wording of their MG duties. Carrying out those orders and instructions appeared nearly as difficult as fighting a war. They realized strict security measures were needed to protect the troops from Nazi sympathizers. Appointment of non-Nazi officials was the top priority.
Cannon Company’s assigned area included a German brewery that continued to operate. A 24-hour military guard provided security at the brewery, security against the thirsty Allied soldiers.
The truck driver’s Company chow line was set up on trestle tables on a quiet street. The aroma from the cooking food spread over the occupied German neighborhood. At chow time the soldiers walked down the chow line, filled their mess kits to overflowing and ate most of the contents. When finished, nearly every mess kit contained scraps and bits of food. Those leftovers were to be dumped into a large barrel for disposal.
As the truck driver and his buddies approached the disposal barrel, several small German children met them. Those children were holding little pails, pleading for the soldiers to dump leftover scraps into those pails. Those big, pleading eyes, framed by gaunt faces, were heart-rendering sights. The truck driver vowed that he never wanted his children or grandchildren to ever be in a similar situation, begging for food scraps. He also vowed to share this experience upon his eventual return to civilian life.
The duties of Cannon Company and 291st Regiment were changed a few weeks later. The troops were assigned new responsibilities. With the conclusion of the war in Europe, all efforts were directed westward to the Pacific Theater of Operations. The Allied forces had moved from island to island, ever nearer to the Japanese mainland, suffering many casualties during bitter hand to hand combat. Fresh troops in large numbers would be required to wage a successful campaign against the Japanese Empire.
Those millions of troops in Europe must be transported to the Pacific without delay. To accomplish this momentous task, the Army established the Assembly Area Command (AAC). Seventeen camps were built near the French city of Rheims for this purpose. The camps were named for American cities, such as Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, etc. The 291st Regiment, including Cannon Company, was assigned to Camp New York.
The AAC camps collected European based troops and processed them for Pacific duty. Soldiers with long military service, especially the D-Day survivors, were granted furloughs in the States and then shipped to the Pacific. Troops with less service were immediately loaded on ships and sent directly to the war zone. Everyone was thrilled that the war in Europe had ended, but preparing for the Pacific journey was quite sobering. No one would dare speculate as to the end of that war. The Allies were making some progress, however slowly, across the Japanese-held territories. Every day was critical in moving troops from Europe to the Pacific.
The truck driver’s location, Camp New York, was a ninety minute drive from Paris. Every evening he and his driver buddies provided transportation to the bright lights of Paris, returning before midnight. He strolled through the streets of Paris, often standing under the Arc de Triumph, to absorb the atmosphere and magnetism of the “City of Light”. He climbed the stairs of the Eiffel Tower to view the vast panorama. German soldiers had carved their names into wooden areas of the breathtaking structure. Paris museums were retrieving their valuable works of art from secure war time locations. An occasional visit to the interior of historic Notre Dame was another point of interest for American troops. Of course Paris’s Place Pigalle and Folies Bergeres were favorite destinations for the soldiers.
July 4th, 1945 was a unique opportunity to celebrate American Independence Day in Paris. French citizens reminded the American troops that French General Lafayette played a major role in the battle for Independence, serving as General Washington’s personal aid and advisor. The day gave everyone the excuse for an inebriated celebration—as if an excuse was needed.
July 14th witnessed major celebrations throughout France. Bastille Day, 1945 was the first opportunity for the French to celebrate this event since the liberation of Paris from the Germans. The reveling was beyond description. The truck driver had considerable difficulty in getting his passengers back on the truck for the return to Camp New York. Reporting in before curfew was critical. Curfew breakers lost many privileges, including that important Paris pass.
In late July, the truck driver was ordered to report to his Commanding Officer. With considerable trepidation, he promptly responded to the summons. Sensing his discomfort, the CO put the truck driver at ease and handed him an armband containing sergeant’s stripes. A very surprised truck driver accepted the stripes which identified him as “acting sergeant”. The company’s long time motor sergeant, a career soldier, was being sent to the States on furlough. He had recommended the truck driver be selected to fill that position. Without saying, the truck driver was quite appreciative of the new assignment.
Even though the armband designated “acting sergeant”, the truck driver was officially a Private First Class. The CO stated that all promotions were frozen until further notice. So the truck driver had the authority without additional pay. Some benefits came with the armband, including private quarters and being relieved of driving his truck on that evening trip to Paris, now riding in the passenger’s seat. He also was on 24 hour duty as the chief dispatcher of the company’s trucks to meet incoming troops at the rail station. Although with new duties, the acting motor sergeant would always be a truck driver at heart.
In early August, 1945, the truck driver and his buddies heard welcome news: two week furloughs were announced. They had the choice of the French Riviera or Switzerland. The truck driver selected Switzerland because he wanted to buy Swiss watches for his family. The soldiers were permitted to carry a maximum of $100. The reason given for this limit was to avoid inflating the Swiss economy with a sudden influx of American dollars.
The vacationing troops entered Switzerland at Basel and had a fabulous journey on the famous Swiss electric railways. Beautiful snow-capped mountains, verdant valleys and brilliant blue lakes were beheld by the travelers. What a contrast to the war torn cities of France and Belgium! Their final destination was the resort city of Wengen at the base of the famous Mt. Jungfrau.
Those two weeks in the Swiss Alps were amazing in many ways. The food and accommodations in the resort’s chateau were more than first class. The picturesque Alps could not be described in ordinary language. The snowy summit of Jungfrau was reached by an underground two mile cog railway. The truck driver celebrated his 22nd birthday on August 9th, 1945 on the peak of the mountain. He and his friend, Floyd, were photographed holding snowballs in August. They were standing on “The Top of Europe”.
The most astounding event on this trip was earth shaking news from the Pacific. The vacationing troops heard that bombs as powerful as 20,000 tons of dynamite had been dropped on two Japanese cities! The secret atom bomb had been unleashed!
Speculation was rampant. Would Japan surrender? Would this war finally end? Would the troops come home soon?
Returning from Switzerland, the truck driver heard more news: JAPAN SURRENDERED! The official ceremony would be held on the battleship Missouri on the 2nd of September. The Army newspaper, The Stars and Stripes, contained pictures of great jubilation throughout the U.S. Times Square in New York City was the scene of parades, dancing in the streets and servicemen kissing available females.
Now the mission of the military quickly changed. A program for troops to return to the States for discharge from service was put in place. Points were awarded for total months of service, months of overseas service, designated awards and honors and specific battle campaigns. The truck driver learned that his Combat Infantryman’s Badge was worth considerable points.
With separation from service imminent, the troops realized they would be leaving their buddies. Tight bonds of friendship were formed when soldiers fought the enemy. They began discussing plans to continue those friendship ties as civilians. One method was to form an association of veterans that would hold reunions in years ahead. The truck driver was invited to participate in an association planning meeting of 75th Infantry Division troops. The two day meeting was convened at the French city of Chalons sur Marne. Returning to his Company, the truck driver explained the purpose of his trip. He began enrolling his buddies in the fledgling 75th Infantry Division Veterans Association.
Late December, 1945, found the truck driver on the first stage of his journey home. His accumulated service points placed him at the French port of LeHarve. “Camp Lucky Strike” was the assembly point for troops awaiting home-bound ships.
January 7, 1946 dawned. The truck driver boarded the “Gustavus Victory” for the Atlantic voyage. This Victory ship had huge rusty areas on its hull from many months of sea duty. Regardless of appearance, the vessel was heading in the right direction—home. Crossing the north Atlantic in January was an unforgettable cruise. Huge waves caused the small Victory ship to toss and tumble. The vessel seemed to ride over the top of every wave instead of slicing through the water.
Suffering considerable seasickness, the truck driver wondered if this journey would ever end. The troops had difficulty eating from their trays. Every time the ship rolled to one side, the food trays would careen to the low end of the counter. The next roll would bring them crashing back at high speed with food flying everywhere. The Army’s famous Spam was the main food item. The truck driver promptly lost his appetite for Spam—for years to come. He sought out a bunk in the deep hold of the ship. The pitching and tossing was tolerable in this location. Seasickness was soon forgotten. Next stop was the United States!
As “Gustavus Victory” approached the States, the truck driver yearned to see the Statue of Liberty again. He recalled “Wave Goodbye to the Lady” as his outfit departed New York harbor in October, 1944. He was prepared to lead more cheers upon sighting the Lady after fifteen months in Europe.
This Statue of Liberty sighting did not happen. The Victory ship came into port in New Jersey. Not seeing the Lady was just fine with the truck driver. He was now on American soil. Several hours later, he entrained for his separation center—Camp Grant near Rockford in northern Illinois.
Twelve hours on the Illinois-bound train afforded the truck driver considerable thinking time. Those thoughts first focused on his youth and the events leading to his military service. He recalled his father relating that World War 1 had not resolved the problem with Germany. While the Armistice of 1918 stopped that war, Germany was rearming under Hitler’s guidance. (Story #1.Bells of 11/11).
The bombing of Pearl Harbor and the launching of World War 2 was the second highlight. (#2. That Sunday in December). In a few months he was inducted into the military. His 75th Infantry Division headed for Europe. (#3. Wave Goodbye to the Lady). After arriving in Europe, that war took a turn. (#4. A Sudden Change of Plans). Hitler made a desperate move. (#5. Into the Heat of Battle). The war in Europe was finally over. (# 6. The Year 1945: More War? World Peace?) and finally (#7. The End…The Beginning) was in progress as the truck driver was approaching the end of his military service. (See Summary of Stories).
More recollections came to the truck driver while on that train. Crossing the Atlantic Ocean bound for Europe; driving into the dark and threatening Belgium battle front; freezing in the Ardennes cold and snow; retrieving the snow-covered bodies of fallen comrades; dining with Manny Knoops’ family in their Dutch home; milking the farmer’s cows in the war zone; seeing German children begging for leftover food; the trips to Paris; celebrating his 22nd birthday on the top of a Swiss mountain; the news of Victory in Europe and the surrender of Japan.
Completing several days of routine checkups, including physical exams, the truck driver was honorably discharged from military service. Length of service was three years minus five days. He boarded a train to Chicago, then another train to Springfield, Illinois. From there, a short Trailways bus ride brought the veteran to Jacksonville, Illinois where his family met him with open arms. His brother and sister had certainly grown in those three years. Brother Jim was now in high school, sister Evelyn was preparing to enter nurses training.
After a heartfelt family reunion with grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins, the veteran pondered options for his future. Should he resume his education at the University of Illinois? He had completed three semesters at Illinois in pre-veterinarian studies. Another option was to enroll at Illinois College in Jacksonville in a liberal arts curriculum. The “G I Bill” would pay for his education. College classes would start next fall, so it might be a good idea to find a job for the next seven months.
The veteran learned that two friends from a neighboring farm had recently received their discharges. On a cold January day, he drove over to see the Albers brothers, Russ and Jim. Russ had been stationed in the Pacific Theater for four years and most recently in the Philippine Islands. He had served those four years without having a home furlough since his induction in 1942. The bitter January weather in Illinois was a drastic contrast to the tropics of the Philippines. Russ spent several days hovering around the big heating stove in his family’s living room. His body was slowly becoming adjusted to the winter climes.
Russ’s brother, Jim, had returned from Air Corps duty in North Africa and Italy. The three veterans shared “war stories” and experiences while in the military. The Albers brothers’ goals were establish their own farming operations. Their father was an excellent farmer and had imparted those traits to his sons.
Back in the living room of his Illinois farm home, the ex-truck driver/veteran began the serious task of charting his future. His first goal was to purchase an automobile. To pay for this vehicle, he had deducted a war savings bond each month from his military pay. Perhaps the pages of his future would unfold in coming weeks. He was truly beginning a new life.
Finally, he was most thankful that the Lord has seen him safely through the events of the past three years.
Truck driver/veteran/narrator:
Frank Chambers, Cannon Company, 291st Infantry Regiment, 75th Infantry Division
Dates and places of military significance were verified in official records relating to the 75th Infantry Division.
Frank’s comments: This concludes seven stories relating to my military service in World War Two. I dedicate the series to my wife, Doris, to my daughter and son-in-law, Marjorie and Bruce Duffield, and to my grandsons, Andrew and Timothy Duffield and their respective families. This is in memory of our beloved son, John Chambers, 1956-1984.
I also wish to honor the memory of my father, Wm. J. Chambers, who served in France in World War One with the US 58th Balloon Company, American Expeditionary Forces (AEF). He, too, was a military truck driver.
Final personal comment: My wife, Doris (Albers) and I were married in 1951. Doris is the sister of my neighbor friends, Russ and Jim Albers, mentioned in this final story.