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Booklet details 99th Recon Troop years ago

Booklet details 99th Recon Troop


     My father, S/Sgt. Henry Gettman, joined the 99th Infantry Division at Camp Maxey TX, around Christmas 1943, as section sergeant for 1st Platoon, 99th Reconnaissance Troop. He became platoon leader after a battlefield commission, and served with the troop until the end of WWII.

     With the Army of Occupation he served with the 83rd Reconnaissance Troop, 83rd Infantry Division for a short time before becoming DP Officer for the 83rd Infantry Division, 42nd Infantry Division Artillery, and 4th Constabulary Regiment, in that order.

     I have a booklet he left me entitled, "Forever Forward - History: 99th Reconnaissance Troop," which gives an account of Dad capturing 14 POWs in Norf, Germany, while technically a civilian in the interim between being discharged as a staff sergeant and commissioned as a second lieutenant.

     CSM Gettman retired in December 1971, at Ft. Lewis WA, with more than 37 years active service. He held a commission as a major in the Army Reserves. He fought in three wars covering 10 campaigns, and during peace time won ore than 200 shooting medals, including a gold Distinguished Marksman's Badge, and several gold medals at the Camp Perry National Rifle Matches in 1931, 1934, 1935, 1936, 1947, and 1948. All this and much more, and Dad was only five feet tall, a full four inches under the minimum height requirement for the Army.

     I would be glad to help you with any more information. The booklet I have on the 99th Recon Troop is very detailed in troop members and activities from Camp Van Dorn until the end of World War II.

David Gettman

8432 McKinley Ave. E

Tacoma WA 98445-3231

E-mail: deddygetty1@attbi.com

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