Clarksburg Ohio World War II Now and Then: St. Georges d' Elle

The tiny village of St-Georges-d’Elle France, nestled in Normandy's hedgerow country a few kilometres inland from Omaha Beach, is situated at the base of Hill 192, where fierce fighting between American and German soldiers resulted in terrible bloodshed in July of 1944. On the other side of the hill lay the significant crossroad city of St. Lo, which for Allied Forces, was a major objective following the invasion of Normandy.

The “Now” photo taken in June of 1999, features Nick Cleary in the foreground, son of Clarksburg Ohio World War II veteran Sgt. Willis Cleary – 23rd Infantry Regiment – K Company, standing near the 2nd Infantry Division’s monument erected to honor the many men from the division who lost their lives while liberating the village in pursuit of German forces atop Hill 192. Fortunately for our family, Sgt. Cleary was unscathed during the battle, which claimed the lives of many of his good friends and acquaintances within the regiment. St Georges d’ Elle’s chapel, pictured in both photos, was damaged severely by artillery fire during the battle, but repaired nicely following the war. A second plaque inside the chapel recognizes the American troops who fought for the village’s freedom.

Today in Clarksburg Ohio World War II history: The Clarksburg Star provides a detailed update on soldiers preparing for war!

Today in Ohio World War II history: Clarksburg Star Provides Detailed Update on Clarksburg Ohio boys preparing for World War II

On March 6, 1942 the Clarksburg Star provided an update on a number of Clarksburg Ohio's service personnel preparing for war throughout the U.S. The following notes were printed in the paper:

Bob Anderson is transitioning into different aircraft mechanic training and currently staying at the Edgewater Hotel in Santa Monica, California studying the P-38 Lightning at the Lockheed Aircraft Plant.

Bob Dawson is training with the 4th Pursuit Squadron, 52nd Fighter Group in Florence, South Carolina.

Forrest Hicks is based at Fort Sherman - Canal Zone - Panama attached to Battery K of the 1st C.A.

Harold Hoffman is based near Los Angeles, California with the 160th Infantry Regiment.

Herman Dinkler is based at Camp Shelby, Mississippi training with the 57th Quartermaster Regiment, Company C.

Jack Morris is based at Fort Sam Houston, TX part of the 504th M.P. Battalion, Company D.

Joe Ater has been reassigned to Baker Field, California.

John Martin is training at Camp Wolters, TX attached to the 63rd Infantry Training Battalion - D Company.

Kenneth Dean is based at McChord Field, Washington attached to the 505th Signal A.W. Regiment.

Lewis Garrison is trainnig at Camp Roberts, California with the 75th Field Artillery.

Mert Garrison is based at Camp McQuaide, Watsonville, California attached to the 168th Field Artillery, Battery B.

Murrell Prince is based at the Schofield Barracks with the 34th Engineers, Company D near Pearl Harbor – Hawaii.

Oscar Garrison is based at Fort Jackson, South Carolina - Field Artillery.

Ralph Anderson has been assigned to the 312th School Squadron at Sheppard Field, Texas.

W.A. Anderson is with the 7th Signal Company in San Jose, California.

Warren Whitehurst was recently promoted from 2nd Lieutenant to 1st Lieutenant while based in Biloxi, Mississippi.

Willis Cleary (pictured third from left on balcony at Fort Sam Houston, Texas) has been assigned to K Company, 23rd infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division located at Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas.

Today in Ohio World War II history: Cleary departs Monschau for Eupen, Anderson graduates air mechanic school and 3 years later leaves the ETO

This date in Clarksburg Ohio World War II history:

February 24, 1942: Bob Anderson graduates air mechanic school at Sheppard Field, Texas.

February 24, 1943: Darrell Templin, Dick Garrison, Dick Shanton, Howard Bryant, Jack Ater and Rolland Bookwalter depart Clarksburg for Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indiana to immediately report for duty to the U.S. Army. Harmon Jobe arrives the Asiatic-Pacific Theater.

February 24, 1945: Bob Anderson departs the European Theater of Operation bound for the United States. Charlie Jobe reaches the Roer River and the 82nd Airborne are relieved by the British. He returns with the 82nd Airborne Division to their Suippes, France base camp. Willis Cleary departs Monschau, Germany (pictured left) for Eupen, Belgium to reposition along the Siegfried Line.

World War II Now and Then: Exploring German's Network of Bunkers

I enjoy Now and Then photos from World War II. This is a classic example. On the left is a photo of a typical German bunker placed in a forested area to defend a specific sector of the German line. On the right is Vic Cleary and Nick Cleary examining a similar bunker just outside the twin Belgian villages of Krinkelt and Rocherath, that was part of the Siegfried Line defense at Heartbreak Crossroads. The 2nd and 99th Infantry Divisions attacked through this area and fought many days against a fierce and well defended German Army.

Even though they are oftentimes difficult to find without a map from the period, or a guide (like we had), there is plenty to see in the Ardennes Forest and it is amazingly preserved. If you enjoy studying World War II, it is well worth the trip!

Battle of the Bulge rages for the 2nd Infantry and 82nd Airborne, Satchell returns home

Today in Clarksburg Ohio World War II history the Battle of the Bulge continues to rage in Belgium for Clarksburg soldiers engaged in the fighting...

December 18, 1944: Charlie Jobe (325th Glider Infantry Regiment, 80th Airborne Artillery Battalion, F Battery) supports 82nd Airborne ground troops with artillery fire near Spa and Liege Belgium (photo: Jobe, far left holding helmet). Willis Cleary’s convoy departs Camp Elsenborn by truck toward the front line and ultimately the small village of Berg, Belgium to form a secondary line of defense to support retreating 2nd Infantry Division troops withdrawing from the forest, twin villages (Krinkelt/Rocherath) and Wurtzfeld to regroup.

December 18, 1945: Donald Satchell’s ship docs in the United States returning from the South Pacific, following his service with the 618th Engineer base Equipment Company as a motion picture projectionist in New Guinea and Australia.