Rock of the Marne - 3rd Infantry Division 91st Annual Reunion

“You will bring about the destruction of the German war machine, the elimination of Nazi tyranny over the oppressed peoples of Europe, and security for ourselves in a free world. Your task will not be an easy one. Your enemy is well trained, well equipped, and battle-hardened. He will fight savagely -The free men of the world are marching together to victory. I have full confidence in your courage, devotion to duty, and skill in battle. We will accept nothing less than full victory. Good luck, and let us all beseech the blessings of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking."

- General Dwight D. Eisenhower giving the D-Day order on June 6, 1944

Joseph Campbell wrote the words, “A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself,” those words give us the reason to celebrate, honor and appreciate all Veterans who so unselfishly sacrificed their lives for our freedom in this country and freedom for other allied countries as well.

The Society of the 3rd Infantry Division held its 91st Annual Reunion this past weekend with a total of 500 showing for the reunion and approx. 200 at the banquet. The reunion provided the opportunity for many veterans, family and friends to gather to uphold the traditions of the 3d Infantry Division, while paying tribute to several veterans of World War II, Korea, and the Cold War. Participants came from around the globe, to include two Mayors’ from France and Austria, who joined the revelries to say, “thank you” to the men who fought to preserve their freedoms on the European battlefields and to  drive out Nazi Germany’s invaders.

There were many Marne heroes who wanted to be present at the reunion but due to health reasons were unable to attend. One such WWII veteran was retired Major General Lloyd Ramsey. MG Ramsey, a young 92, is recovering from pneumonia in his Brandon Oaks retirement community. MG Ramsey envisioned that after 66 years, he could finally be reunited with the man who saved his life-- Technician Fifth Grade Robert D. Maxwell.  Maxwell’s acts of gallantry in saving the life of MG Ramsey were recognized and he was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.The last time the two saw each other was during the siege of Besancon, France when Maxwell’s selfless actions were highlighted. Without personal concern of bodily harm or death, he threw a blanket and his body on an incoming German grenade; absorbing a blast powerful enough to kill everyone around him and saving the life of MG Ramsey, a Colonel at the time.

Although MG Ramsey did not participate in the reunion, he received a surprise visit from Maxwell and a few other veterans at his Brandon Oaks residents. The emotional visit was the brain child of retired Captain Monika Stoy who finally brought the two together for the first time since that fateful day on the battlefields of France.

Another Medal of Honor recipient in attendance was Wilburn K. Ross. He served as a private in Company G, 350th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division. On a day, near St. Jacques, France, Ross manned a machinegun through repeated German assaults, holding off the enemy even after his supporting riflemen had run out of ammunition. For his actions during the battle, he was awarded the Medal of Honor six months later, on April 14, 1945.

Also present was Lt Col Sherman Pratt who came with his wife Anastasia and his grandson Alexander. Pratt was awarded the "Order of St Maurice" at the reunion.  He was also very proud as his Grandson, Alexander a mature and handsome 9 year old, walked in step with the Soldier who was part of the MIA/POW presentation. Lt Col Pratt is also the author of “Autobahn to Berchtesgaden”, A View of World War II from the Bottom Up, by an Infantry Sergeant - A Combat Soldier's View of His Role in World War II.

There were many incredible men present like Howard Swacina, George Berks, and John Petruska, all veterans of the Sicilian and Italian campaigns including the horrific Breakout at Anzio.  Along with many more so deserving of our gratitude and although not Medal of Honor recipients, they are, nonetheless, true heroes in their own right and deserve the respect and tribute they so justly earned. 

They were just your average G.I. much like the characters “Willie and Joe” created by Army Sergeant Bill Mauldin. “Willie and Joe” became enduring symbols of the American infantrymen who triumphed over the German Army and prevailed over their own rear-echelon officers in World War II. We must listen to all of their personal accounts and keep those stories as an invaluable contribution to understanding what the Soldiers of WWII endured and sustained. It is our duty to keep the words from these men alive for all time. Two awards given that night were the President's Award, and the Korean War Medal Award.

Remember that the men and women of the United States military have freely chosen to protect us and give us this gift. It is a gift that can never be reciprocated in full, and they only ask for remembrance in return.

In today’s all-volunteer force, there are over 160,000 men and women deployed around the globe conducting our nation’s business. Many of these warriors will not be home with their families and friends for the holidays. The all-draftee Army is a thing of the past but today’s warrior live on with the same commitment and sacrifice of those before them. They live to serve!

The American Soldier will stand steadfast and strong, continuing to protect us and fight for freedom in places around the world with conditions that we cannot even begin to imagine.

“We are the children of their sacrifice. We are the sons and daughters you saved from tyranny's reach. We grew up behind the shield of the strong alliances you forged in blood upon these beaches, on the shores of the Pacific, and in the skies above.”  President Bill Clinton

--Rock of the Marne

 2011 Reunion-September 7-11, Crown Plaza Hotel, New Orleans, LA

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