Warren Harrison
My father died about five years ago and I'm trying to learn more about his military service in WWII. His name was Warren Harrison and he was a staff sergeant and squad leader with the 99th Division from 1943-46.
His military discharge papers indicate he was assigned to the 395th Infantry, 1st Division, Hq. Company. I contacted the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis and was saddened to learn that his military records, along with those of thousands of other soldiers, were lost in a fire back in 1973.
My understanding is that he fought in the Battle of the Bulge, Remagen Bridgehead, and Ruhr Pocket campaigns. He also played basketball and stayed on in Europe until March of 1946 competing in an interdivisional league.
I'm interested in learning more about his specific division and company activity during the war. From my research on the Internet I have found a good amount of information written about the 99th but very little specifically about the 395th, even less about 1st Division, and nothing about Headquarters Company.
I was hoping your newsletter archives or perhaps membership might be able to provide further details. My father spoke very little about his wartime experiences.
I've come to realize after reading several books like "The Greatest Generation," and "Flags of Our Fathers," that this reluctance to discuss was a fairly common occurrence among WWII veterans who saw major combat. I have two sons of my own now and I'd like to pass on an oral history to them about their grandfather.
Bill Harrison
3025 Chemical Rd., Suite 250
Plymouth Mtg PA 19462-1748
William.Harrison@citizensbank.com
