Skip navigation

39 Replies Latest reply on Sep 8, 2020 8:48 PM by Brian Nicely

270th FA Bn. ETO. WWII

Brian Nicely Nov 26, 2018 9:59 AM

i have been doing some fact finding about the 270th for the last few months and am wondering if anyone on here has info about this unit? This was my Grandfathers unit during the war and I would like to learn a little more about it.

Also can someone tell me where this info is from? I have done so much digging/finding that I now know I did not keep my information in an orderly fashion. Thank you for any assistance you can provide.

Thanks. Brian

Re: 270th FA Bn. ETO. WWII

Rebecca Collier Nov 28, 2018 10:30 AM (in response to Brian Nicely)

Dear Mr. Nicely,
Thank you for posting your request on History Hub!
The document included in your post is a copy of an index card from the series titled Index to World War II Operations Reports, 1940 - 1948 in the Records of the Adjutant General's Office, 1905-1981 (Record Group 407). The card lists the records of the 270th Field Artillery Battalion that are available in the series titled World War II Operations Reports, 1940 - 1948 also in RG 407. For access to and copies of these records, please contact the National Archives at College Park - Textual Reference (RDT2) via email at archives2reference@nara.gov.
We also searched the unit records in the Records of U.S. Army Operational, Tactical, and Support Organizations (World War II and Thereafter) (Record Group 338) but were unable to locate additional records of the 270th.
We hope this information is helpful. Best of luck with your research!
4 people found this helpful
Like (0)

Actions
- Re: 270th FA Bn. ETO. WWII
  
  Brian Nicely Nov 28, 2018 9:31 PM (in response to Rebecca Collier)
  
  Thank you very much for the info. This will be very helpful when I visit Archives.
  
  Like (1)
  
  Actions
  - Re: 270th FA Bn. ETO. WWII
    
    Brian Nicely Feb 24, 2020 10:32 AM (in response to Brian Nicely)
    
    Over the last year or so, I have been able to come up with a decent amount of information about the 270th FA Bn, but seem to have come to a stand still.
    
    I am interested in any info someone may have about the unit, but am most interested in compiling a roster of service members that were assigned to the 270th during its short life. I have accumulated 237 names so far. (I am not a professional at this, and would love for someone to double check my handy work). I have gathered names from AARs, google searches, newsletters, etc...
    
    Below are some of the places that have helped me out with my research. If anyone has any additional places to look, please let me know.
    
    I have visited the Archives in College Park and the websites associated with it.
    Controvich Library
    Eisenhower Library
    Field Artillery Museum at Ft Sill OK
    Ft. Benning Library (Donovan I think)
    Ft Bragg Library
    NC State Historical Archives ( Camp Butner timeframe)
    Camp Butner Museum
    Of course a lot of Google searches
    
    I have a copy of the book "240" by Elmer Totsch
    I have a copy of a pamphlet labeled "The 270th FA Bn in the ETO (Controvich Library)
    I have copies of a newsletter they published while at Camp Butner (G.I. Hokum)
    I have copies of the AARs the Archives had for pretty much the whole time it was a unit
    I have a copy of the Medical Detachment post war AAR
    Some random info I got from my mother (her father was assigned to the 270th)
    
    More than happy to share this info with whomever may be interested in it.
    
    Like (0)
    
    Actions
    - Re: 270th FA Bn. ETO. WWII
      
      Rebecca Collier Mar 4, 2020 2:09 PM (in response to Brian Nicely)
      
      Dear Mr. Nicely,
      
      Thank you for posting your request on History Hub!
      
      In case you haven’t already requested them, copies of most of the monthly rosters from November 1912 - 1943 and 1947 - 1959 for Army units are in the custody of the National Archives at St. Louis, MO. For access to these records, please write to the National Archives at St. Louis, ATTN: RL-SL, P.O. Box 38757, St. Louis, MO 63138-0757 or via email at stl.archives@nara.gov. Rosters for units serving in World War II from 1944 - 1946 were destroyed in accordance with Army disposition authorities.
      
      We hope this is helpful. Best of luck with your research!
      2 people found this helpful
      
      Like (1)
      
      Actions
    - Re: 270th FA Bn. ETO. WWII
      
      Bill O'Brien May 5, 2020 4:35 PM (in response to Brian Nicely)
      
      Brian:
      
      My father was in the 270th FAB, Battery "C" on the survey team. I've been slogging through the unit history and would appreciate getting access to the AARs that you have. Are they something you could email to me?
      
      One item I would point out to you that you may not already have seen; the 270th FA Btn was attached to the 144th FA Gp for most of the month of August, 1944, so from the time that they were activated for combat on 5-Aug-1944 through the Falaise Gap and supporting the 79th ID Seine River crossing at Mantes-Gassicourt. The California Military Museum has a few good pieces of the history of the 144th FA Gp and, by connection, the 270th. You can find them at the link http://www.militarymuseum.org/HistoryWWII.html . I found the personal memoir by Charles Seneteney particularly interesting, especially for the month that the 270th was attached.
      
      I've also found reading the histories of the units the 270th was supporting to be good for providing background and context into their movements.
      
      Best of luck to you, feel free to reach out with any questions or comments.
      
      Bill O'Brien
      2 people found this helpful
      
      Like (2)
      
      Actions
      - Re: 270th FA Bn. ETO. WWII
        
        Brian Nicely May 20, 2020 7:17 AM (in response to Bill O'Brien)
        
        Thanks for the link, and the tips. What was your fathers name? I have accumulated 250ish out of the 450ish names for the Battalion so far, but do not have an O'Brien. I still have a long way to go with that. I can try to scan in the AARs once I go back to work. I just don't have the equipment to do it at the house. I will be happy to send you some of the things I have digitized.
        
        Like (0)
        
        Actions
        
        Re: 270th FA Bn. ETO. WWII
        
        Bill O'Brien May 22, 2020 6:29 PM (in response to Brian Nicely)
        
        Brian, thanks for your response. Hope you are able to safely return to work very soon.
        
        My dad's name was James O'Brien. He joined the 270th in February 1944 at Ft Bragg and, other than a couple detachments to the 243rd FAB, was with the 270th until July 1, 1945 when he was transferred to the 243rd.
        
        I am spending this time going through my Dad's letters to my Mother (fiance at the time) and have come across a few other names of soldiers who were with him in his Survey Section for Battery "C" in August 1944:
        
        Sgt Patterson
        Cpl Jim Graves
        Cpl Spradlin
        Cpl Dan Bloom
        Pfc Jim Kidwell
        Pfc Parker
        
        Also mentioned (not sure if these individuals were in Survey) are Lt Roslund and Sgt Lidgard.
        
        Here's a couple photos with caption on the back:
        
        First picture is "Early Dec, 1944 - Furweiler, Germany Oszusrulri (sp?) radio, JJ (My Father James J O'Brien), "Little Porky" and Venerable". My Dad is 2nd from the left, looks like he left one name off.
        
        2nd photo is "Betting France, Jan, 1945 Sgt Wolny posing with a 240 projectile"
        
        I'll pass along any other names I come across in my readings.
        
        Best of luck,
        Bill O'Brien
        
        Like (0)
        
        Actions
Re: 270th FA Bn. ETO. WWII

Brian Nicely May 25, 2020 6:44 PM (in response to Brian Nicely)

Bill

Thank you for the info and the photos.   I am truly thankful for the help.

Some things that may be of interest to you.

LT Roslund is   1LT Iver Roslund   He was the Asst Battalion S-2 (Intel section)
SGT Lidgard was Wounded in Action Aug '44 by enemy aircraft strafing. He was C Btry crane operator

Staff Sgt Jerome Wolney

I have a August Oprzadek listed as a cook for the Battalion. Wonder if that is him in the photo next to your dad with the knife and the pig. Maybe prepping dinner? LOL

if you would like, I can e-mail you my history document I have been working on. Its not very well organized, but has a lot of information about the Battalion. Its still a work in progress too.    I am headed into work tomorrow and hopefully will find some time to scan the AARs.

v/r
Brian
Like (0)

Actions
- Re: 270th FA Bn. ETO. WWII
  
  Bill O'Brien May 27, 2020 6:58 AM (in response to Brian Nicely)
  
  Brian:
  
  Your response is very interesting, thanks for fleshing these gentlemen's names out. No doubt you're right, August Oprzadek is the man with the knife and, like you say, they ate well that evening! Below find my Father's captions on the back of these photos.
  
  I would love to see your "history document", I'm also working on one that is, to put it mildly, a mess. I am attempting to put the Battalion's movements together with my Dad's letters to my Mom, along with any other detail from the 270th ETO pamphlet, "240", XX Corps docs, and any other pertinent histories like the 144th FA Gp info. With the censorship in effect my Dad's letters during the "Somewhere in ___" phases are light on details. But he put together a 16 page letter that goes from joining the 270th in Feb '43 through July 1, 1945 when he was transferred to the 243rd FA Bn. I would be happy to share what I have with you as well.
  
  Cheers!
  Bill O'Brien
  
  Like (0)
  
  Actions
  - Re: 270th FA Bn. ETO. WWII
    
    Brian Nicely Jun 9, 2020 9:20 PM (in response to Bill O'Brien)
    
    Bill
    
    If you want, shoot me an e mail and I will push some things I have digitally to you.
    
    between your stuff and mine, we may be able to piece together a pretty neat story.
    
    v/r
    Brian
    
    Like (0)
    
    Actions
Re: 270th FA Bn. ETO. WWII

Michael Mercier Jun 10, 2020 4:02 PM (in response to Brian Nicely)

Hello Brian,
Thanks to NARA's Facebook page, I just learned about HistoryHub. I wish I found it earlier. The Camp Bunter Society and Museum has been trying to acquire as many rosters of units that came through Camp Butner as possible. A lot of these have come from the pages of published unit histories but off the top of my head, I don't remember if we have anything on the 270th. Seeing that you have not come across any printed roster, I'm assuming we don't have one either.

I will take a look to see if we have anything and report back once I have.

I had a week-long trip to College Park scheduled for the first week they were closed for Covid and digging more into the units was one of the many things on my list. I have never been there before and I'm anxious for the day they open their doors to research again.
Like (0)

Actions
- Re: 270th FA Bn. ETO. WWII
  
  Brian Nicely Jun 10, 2020 10:23 PM (in response to Michael Mercier)
  
  Michael.
  Thanks for reaching out. I would love to see anything you guys have on the 270th. I would be happy to share what I have too.   I visited the Camp Butner museum about a year ago and hope to make it back again soon.   I live down by Fayetteville, so it’s an easy commute.
  
  I was fortunate to spend a day at NARA researching the 270th and wish I had more time. There is so much info there, that 1 day was not enough.
  
  Have you seen the newsletter the 270th wrote while at Butner?   GI Hokum was the name.    Not sure how many were written. I only have 1ea.     I got it from the NC state archives.
  
  v/r
  Brian
  
  Like (0)
  
  Actions
- Re: 270th FA Bn. ETO. WWII
  
  Brian Nicely Jun 16, 2020 8:01 PM (in response to Michael Mercier)
  
  Here is the roster I have put together so far. Still a long way from 475ea which was the units TOE authorized strength. Names mainly gained from AARs and Google Searches (mainly obituaries unfortunately).
  
  270th FA personnel as best as I can make it.
  
  CPT Bernard Adams (C Btry CDR)
  Margarito Alvarez
  Herman Anderson
  Freddie Andras
  1LT Eugene Anspach (Motor Officer, Liaison Pilot/Observer shot down over Germany KIA 2 Jan ’45)
  MAJ Luther Arnold (Bn XO)
  Merle Arnold (Ammo Handler A Btry)
  Edwin Atteberry Sr.
  TEC5 Frank Baker
  TEC4 Delbert Ballengee (HQ Btry FDC Instrument Operator)
  Morris Barker
  PVT Roger Baribeault
  TEC5 William Basham
  2LT William Battin
  TEC4 Herbert Baumann (Bronze Star)
  CPL Harry Bennett
  CPL Dan Bloom (C Btry, Survey Team)
  2LT Ambrose Boles
  George Bolton
  Henry “Cecil” Borne
  John W. Bradshaw
  Brewster Branz
  Charles Breeding
  John Bristow
  SGT William Brooks
  Raul Buentello
  Obadiah Burns
  George Canales
  Jack Carberry (Motor Sgt)
  Donald Carter (HQ Btry)
  _____ Catnell
  PVT Oscar Chandler (Taxicab robbery @ Camp Butner)
  Edwin Chastain
  CPT Angelo Cicciu (Btry XO)
  John Coke
  Norman Collins
  Charles Conrad
  TEC4 Charles Cormendy (Gun Mechanic)
  Loren Cook
  Raymond Couchman
  ____Croft
  CPT Paul Culberson (Hq Btry CDR)
  Merle Cummings (1SG)
  James Currie
  Frank Daly Jr.
  David W. Davis
  Adam Dittenbir
  John T. Doughty
  ______ DeMercy (Commo / Wire Section)
  PFC Roy Denman (Medic)
  Guy R. Dulin
  Daniel J. Dunn
  2LT Fidel Dunne
  Jesse Dyess
  Clovis Z. Edwards
  John Eitson
  2LT Duane Ellingham
  Calvin C. Elmore
  1LT LaVerne Emberts (Liaison Pilot shot down over Germany KIA 2 Jan ’45)
  2LT Frank Esosito (Asst. Bn S2 and Survey Officer, Aerial Observer)
  ______ Faircloth
  Walter Ferens
  Edward Fielder
  CPT Howard Fillmer (HQ Btry CDR and COMO)
  ________ Fletcher
  Luis A. Flores
  Edward E. Foster Jr.
  Bennie Foster
  Arlon Fowler
  2LT Louis Fulop
  LTC James C. Gabriel (Bn CDR)
  PFC Robert Gittinger
  Alfred H. Gonzales
  Raul Gonzales (Medic)
  Eddie Graham
  CPL James Graves (C Btry, Survey Team)
  John W. Greene
  Peter Giussago
  2LT Charles Gurganus
  2LT Louis Haberkorn
  Raymond Hall (Medic)
  PVT Hall (Field Survey Instrumentation)
  Lewis S. Hammonds
  MAJ Robert Hannah (Bn S3)
  CPT Stone Harris
  TEC5 William Harvey (WIA Aug ’44 enemy aircraft strafing) (C Btry Crane Operator)
  Lloyd R. Hawley (A Btry XO)
  TEC5 John Heath
  Eliot Herman
  Rojelio O. Hernandez (Machine Gunner)
  TEC5 Bernard Hillebrandt (Medic)
  John W. Hinton
  TEC5 Jack Hodges
  John Hollebeek
  Fred S. Hopson
  MAJ George Howze (Asst S3 and A Battery CDR) (Captured Bn’s first POWs 8ea on 8 Aug 44)
  Elmer Hughes
  1LT John Hummer (Asst. Bn S2 and Survey Officer) (KIA 1430hrs 15 Nov ’44 by enemy mortar fire near city of Thionville on the East bank of Moselle River)
  Paul Hummer
  Buell Hunter
  TEC5 Lavern Hunter
  Pablo H. Infante
  J.P. Issacs
  John F. Jett
  Esias J. Johnson
  Billy H. Jordan
  Louis Kawacha (Field Survey Instrumentation)
  C.P. Kelly
  PFC James Kidwell (C Btry, Survey Team)
  CPT Howard Kingston
  2LT Gerald Knackstedt
  Walter S. Kohl
  2LT Phillip Klatman
  Lester R. Kluting
  Gerald Knackstedt
  1LT Cyrille John LaBlanc (Aerial Observer / Liaison Pilot)
  CPT Dudok Langerak (Bn S4)
  James E. Langford
  2LT Arthur Larsen
  CPL Louis Leal (.50 Cal MG squad)
  William M. Lee
  2LT Alvan Levenson
  TEC4 Wayne Lidgard (WIA Aug ’44 enemy aircraft strafing) (C Btry Crane Operator)
  CPL William Loftin
  Phillip Loyacano
  _______ Luker
  2LT Charles Madden
  ______ _Manecia
  Tec5 George Marcak (Purple Heart wounded 31 July 1943 New Georgie Island PTO prior to joining unit 23 Nov 1943)
  CWO Robert Martin (Bn S1 / Adjutant)
  Francis C. Martines
  Bacilio V. Martinez
  PFC Marcos Martinez
  Estarislado L. Mauricio
  Anthony J. Mele
  Carlton L. McCray
  Charlie R. McClain
  S/SGT Robert McDonald
  Burl McGraw
  William A. Meyers
  Jerry Michalsky
  CPT Roger Michels (Bn Surgeon)
  2LT Gray O. Miller
  Johnie W. Morgan
  TEC4 Kenneth Moore (Medic)
  2LT Carrol N. Morris
  Perry Moye
  Bert A. Mullen
  Buck Mullens (Ammo SGT)
  Marion W. Mullican
  CPT Paul Murphy ( Svc Btry CDR and Bn Motor Officer)
  Benjamin Nale
  CPL Phillip Narcomy
  Billy J. Neal
  PVT Gilbert Nelson (Taxicab robbery @ Camp Butner)
  Harold F. Nickel (Motor Sgt)
  Ray F. Noble (A Btry)
  James O’Brien (C Btry, Survey Team)
  August Oprzadek (Cook)
  John Panks III (Field Survey Instrumentation)
  John Parker
  ______ Parks
  Roger A. Parsels (A Btry Clerk)
  S/SGT Aylmer Patterson
  Frank H. Patterson
  PFC ___ Parker (C Btry, Survey Team)
  CPT Fred B. Perry (A Btry CDR)
  Alvis E. Peters
  PFC Arthur Petri (Medic)
  2LT August Walter Pfluger (B Btry)
  Gilberto Pineda
  Lawrence R. Potts (Machine Gunner)
  Robert Presser
  Joe A. Pyle (AKA Muscles)
  Regino Ramirez
  Oscar R. Ramos
  S/SGT Edward E. Raetz (Battlefield Commisioned to 2nd Lt 17 Feb ’45)
  CPT Robert Ray ( Bn S2 and A Btry CDR)
  Archie Roberts
  Joe Rodriguez
  Simon Rodriguez
  Victor H. Rogers
  1LT Iver Roslund (Asst Bn S2)
  2LT James G. Rothrock Jr. (A and C Btry)
  1LT Charles Rothaermel (Btry XO)
  F.J. Roussell
  Antonio G. Ruiz
  Guadalupe Saenz
  PFC Armengol Saens (Medic)
  1SG Sahr (Btry 1SG)
  Santos F. Saldana
  Domingo Sanchez
  Robert S. Sanders
  Leroy Savoie
  Robert W. Sheegog
  Robert W. Sides
  S/SGT John Siepieranski (B Btry Motor Sgt and WIA Aug ’44 enemy aircraft starting)
  Israel Silva
  PFC James Sims (Medic)
  1LT Paul Sinclair (Aerial Observer)
  Ivan J. Slaughter
  Irby Earl Slaughter
  PFC Calvin Smith
  TEC5 James Smith (WIA)
  PFC Elliot Smith (WIA Aug ’44 enemy aircraft strafing)
  Robert H. Smith
  Toby Smith
  Bill Snodgrass (Ammo bearer B Btry)
  CPT Thomas Snyder (B Btry CDR)
  Willie E. Sofka
  Paul S. Soileau
  Ernest J. Sonnier
  Billy Spencer
  CPL ___ Spradlin (C Btry, Survey Team)
  _______ St. Clair
  Lowell Stamps
  Lawless A. Stelly
  PFC Gerhard Steppke (WIA Jan ’45)
  Jeff Stewart (Field Survey Instrumentation)
  Riley W. Stuckey Jr.
  Earnie E. Tedford
  Lee Testa
  Jack A. Thompson
  Joseph W. Thompson
  Elmer H. Totsch
  Dillard R. Tucker
  _______ Uel (Supply Sgt)
  Carlos D. Valadez
  Albert M. Van De Velde
  1SG Vic Velvecates (A Battery 1SG)
  Robert Vaughn
  ___ Venerable
  Israel Villarreal
  ________ Ward
  Adam E. Wadzinski
  1LT Carl A. Walker (Aerial Observer / Liaison Pilot)
  Harvey O. Walker
  Harry E. Wallace
  SGT Robert Wallace
  Willard Watts
  Robert “Barry” Weigert ( Medic Bronze Star and 2ea Purple Hearts)
  Ralph W. Wendt
  Ted Williams
  CPL Lester Williams (Medic)
  James M. Williamson
  2LT Richard Wilson (Liaison Pilot)
  S/SGT Alex Woitowitz (Medic)
  John (Jack) Wolf
  S/SGT Jerome Wolney
  John E. Woloszyn
  Lee H.Womack
  John R. Woolard
  Tommy L. Wright
  Margarito R. Ybarra
  ________Young
  TEC3 Frank Zaleski (Medic and designed an improved Pharmacy chest)
  Richard Zule
  
  As an amateur, there may be some errors in my findings, but it is to the best of my abilities.
  Brian
  
  Like (0)
  
  Actions
  - Re: 270th FA Bn. ETO. WWII
    
    Malcolm Atteberry Jun 17, 2020 6:06 PM (in response to Brian Nicely)
    
    Brian, et al,
    
    The 270th was my grandfather's unit. EE Atteberry Sr. is 8th down on your roster. If I could see the AARs for the unit it would help separate the fact from fiction. Grandpa Atteberry liked to tell stories, some true some not, so the unit history would be extremely helpful. I'll attach 2 photos. One is from a 270th unit reunion with a note on the back that gave me the unit name... which led me here. :-) The other is a photo from after the war when grandpa was in the Texas National Guard. He passed in 1976.
    Thanks for your help!
    
    -Malcolm Atteberry
    
    Like (0)
    
    Actions
    - Re: 270th FA Bn. ETO. WWII
      
      Brian Nicely Jun 18, 2020 6:25 PM (in response to Malcolm Atteberry)
      
      Malcolm
      i am very happy you found this post. Sharing the information I have is what keeps me interested in this research.
      
      I have a gmail account that I use for email traffic.
      
      i can be reached at dbnicely at that account.
      
      shoot me an email and I will forward you the AARs I have.
      
      Brian
      
      Like (0)
      
      Actions
    - Re: 270th FA Bn. ETO. WWII
      
      Malcolm Atteberry Jul 13, 2020 7:15 PM (in response to Malcolm Atteberry)
      
      Well look what I found!
      
      Like (1)
      
      Actions
      - Re: 270th FA Bn. ETO. WWII
        
        Brian Nicely Jul 14, 2020 1:16 PM (in response to Malcolm Atteberry)
        
        Awesome photo, thanks for sharing!
        
        Like (0)
        
        Actions
  - Re: 270th FA Bn. ETO. WWII
    
    Selma Saenz Sep 3, 2020 9:50 AM (in response to Brian Nicely)
    
    Hi Mr. Nicely,
    
    Thank you so much for putting the information together about the 270th Medical Detachment. My father, Armengol Saenz (last name is misspelled on the list) seldom spoke of the war. He was a medic (surgical technician) and received 5 bronze stars during the war. I recently came across some pictures that my father had tucked away. He passed back in July, 2001. Would it be ok to post some of the pictures? There are pictures of a couple of the commanders and various other medics and soldiers. Posting the pictures might aid others that are looking for their loved ones.
    
    Again thank you so much for what you've done. I've been able to add first names (on most) to the pictures I found.
    
    Sincerely,
    
    Selma C. Saenz
    
    Like (1)
    
    Actions
Re: 270th FA Bn. ETO. WWII

Michael Mercier Jun 19, 2020 9:34 AM (in response to Brian Nicely)

Wow, Brian. That list you've created is going to be much more than we have! I'm impressed with your dedication. In the past few days, I have started building a basic website for the society with the intention of having as many rosters available as possible for units that were at Camp Butner. It is a tedious process and slow going at times. It is to be expected when trying to use OCR software to convert 75 year old rosters to a spreadsheet.

I hope in the next week to start posting some starting with the 60th Med Bn/500 Medical Collections Company, three or so engineer battalions followed by the 89th Infantry Division and some of the 78th Infantry Division

Mike
Like (0)

Actions
- Re: 270th FA Bn. ETO. WWII
  
  Brian Nicely Jun 20, 2020 10:43 AM (in response to Michael Mercier)
  
  Mike
  if you run across any Morning Reports, rosters, heck anything related to the 270th please pass it my way.
  
  I found a newsletter from the North Carolina archives called GI Hokum. Written by the 270th while at Camp Butner for pre-deployment training. I have only found 1 edition, and am curious if there are any others.
  v/r
  Brian
  
  Like (0)
  
  Actions
- Re: 270th FA Bn. ETO. WWII
  
  Brian Nicely Jun 22, 2020 10:06 PM (in response to Michael Mercier)
  
  Mike
  
  Got 2ea more names added to the roster today (Thanks to Bill O'Brien for the names)
  John Bready and Ward Ashford Both were B Btry Survey Team members.
  
  Brian
  
  Like (0)
  
  Actions
Re: 270th FA Bn. ETO. WWII

Brian Nicely Jul 4, 2020 8:24 PM (in response to Brian Nicely)

I have seen a “Butner Battery” mentioned a few times while I have been researching the 270th. From what I have gathered it was captured Axis howitzers used by the Allies mainly during the rationing of gas/ammo period. I found it mentioned a couple of times in AARs. Mostly talking about round counts, etc. but not much more. Anyone know anything more about the unit?
Like (0)

Actions
Re: 270th FA Bn. ETO. WWII

Brian Nicely Jul 30, 2020 10:22 AM (in response to Brian Nicely)

Reading thru an AAR from XX Corps for the period of Oct ‘43 thru May ‘45 and they list the below numbers for the number of rounds fired by the Corps artillery units:

US Ammunition: 1,707,416
Other US ammo used in FA role: 150,826
Other Allied ammo: 8,647
Captured enemy ammo: 42,002

In Oct ‘44, While, I believe, under XX Corps Command and Control, the 270th reported firing 709 rounds of enemy ammo, compared to just 311 American rounds.
Like (0)

Actions
Re: 270th FA Bn. ETO. WWII

Brian Nicely Sep 3, 2020 7:27 PM (in response to Brian Nicely)

Selma
thank you for reaching out. I corrected the spelling. Thank you for that!!

i would love for you to post the photos. A picture is worth it’s weight and brings some personality to the Information about the unit.

I have a copy of the medical detachments After Action Review for the war. It was written by the Chief Medical Officer. More than happy to share it with you if interested.
Like (0)

Actions
- Re: 270th FA Bn. ETO. WWII
  
  Selma Saenz Sep 3, 2020 11:19 PM (in response to Brian Nicely)
  
  So happy to post. Please excuse the quality of some of these photos.
  
  I would love a copy of the AAR.
  
  The picture above is Lt. Col James Gabriel - Commander of the 270th Medical Detachment
  Captain Roger P. Michels - also listed as Commander July 8, 1945
  
  Armengol Saenz Salzburg, Austria
  
  Need help to identify
  
  I don't have any information on this picture.
  
  Like (0)
  
  Actions
- Re: 270th FA Bn. ETO. WWII
  
  Selma Saenz Sep 3, 2020 11:35 PM (in response to Brian Nicely)
  
  Here are a few more:
  Pictured are Medics Raymond Hall, Alex Woitowitz, Kenneth Moore, and Frank Zaleski June 1945
  
  Need help with names.
  The arrow shows my father and I notice a few others that look familiar from the previous photos.
  This is my father in front of what appears to be some type of medical transportation vehicle.
  
  This is my father at Bad Aibling, Bavaria.
  
  Like (0)
  
  Actions
- Re: 270th FA Bn. ETO. WWII
  
  Selma Saenz Sep 4, 2020 12:05 AM (in response to Brian Nicely)
  
  Pablo Infante and Carlos Valadez
  Armengol Saenz
  
  Chow Time
  
  Not sure where this is or what it is. If anyone can identify this, please let me know.
  
  This is labeled as German prisoners behind the fence. I know my father's unit went to the Dakow Concentration Camp, but I'm not sure if this is where this picture was taken.
  
  I have a few more of my dad and one or two of his buddies, but it is the same men that appear in other photos. I feel so lucky to have found all of these teeny tiny photos. You can't tell but most of these were 2" X 3" photos.
  
  I hope someone is able to place at least one person in these photos. It would make me so happy.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  Selma C. Saenz
  Daughter of Armengol Saenz
  
  Like (1)
  
  Actions
  - Re: 270th FA Bn. ETO. WWII
    
    Brian Nicely Sep 4, 2020 3:44 PM (in response to Selma Saenz)
    
    Selma
    The photos are amazing! Thank you so much for sharing. Your father was a combat Medic in the Medical Detachment of the 270th Field Artillery Battalion. The Battalion was a 240mm Howitzer unit that saw action in all the major battles in Europe. The Medical detachment was responsible for the care of the men assigned to the unit and did an exceptionally good job. They were praised by higher Headquarters on a few occasions.
    
    11 men made up the 270th Medical Detachment.
    Staff Sergeant Alex Woitowitz
    Tec-4 Kenneth Moore
    Tec-3 Frank Zaleski
    Corporal Lester Williams
    Tec-5 Raymond Hall
    Tec-5 Bernard Hillebrandt
    PFC Roy Denman
    PFC Raul Gonzales
    PFC Arthur Petri
    PFC James Sims
    and your Father PFC Armengol Saenz
    
    Below is some info you may find interesting.
    Significant Events: Jan ’43 to Nov ’45
    25 Jan ’43 - 270th Field Artillery Battalion constituted in the United States Army
    
    15 Mar 1943 - (Letter Order# A-169 2 Army File AG322.012-5   GNMBF) Unit activated as a 105mm Howitzer unit at Camp Butner NC. Lt Col James C Gabriel assumed command.
    Officers assigned at time of activation: CPT Stone Harris, CPT Robert Hannah, CPT Howard Kingston, CPT Robert Ray, 1LT George Howze, 1LT Bernard Adams, 1LT Howard Fillmer, 1LT Thomas Snyder, 2LT Arthur Larsen, 2LT Fred Perry, 2LT Louis Fulop, 2LT Charles Rothaermel, 2LT William Battin.     The initial compliment of enlisted men were assigned to the unit from the following: 100ea Camp Wolters TX, 119ea Camp Sam Huston TX, 70ea Camp Beauregard LA, and 99ea Fort Sill OK.
    
    29 Aug ’43 - Master Training Plans (MTP) tests for the unit were held by HQ XIII Corps in preparation to certify the Battalion “Combat Ready”. MTPs began with individual soldier skills and moved thru collective training at each echelon. Concluding with Combined Arms exercises at Regimental or Division level.
    
    Nov-Dec ’43 - Battery/Battalion and Corps tests were taken with the 105s.
    
    1 Jan ’44 - Reorganized as a 240mm Howitzer Battalion (War Dept File AG322 (OB-I-GNNGCT-M)
    
    Jan-Feb ’44 - MTPs started over, this time with the 240mm Howitzer
    
    Apr ’44 - Advanced Detachment in Bewdley Worcestershire England AKA Camp Burlish.
    
    2 Apr ’44 - 5 Apr - Transit from Fort Bragg NC to Fort Slocum NY
    
    6 April ’44 - Deployment Ship: RMS Aquatina   NYC to Scotland
    
    13 April ’44 – Arrived Firth of Clyde, Scotland
    
    30 April ’44 – Stationed at Pontllanfraith, Monmouthshire Wales
    
    31 May ’44 – Stationed at Packington, Warwickshire England
    
    24 July ’44 - Landed on/near Utah Beach near Carentan France D+48
    
    1129hrs 12 Aug ’44 - The first rounds were fired. A &B Btry fired Btry 1 round and C Btry #1 gun firing 1 rd at a separate target.
    
    5 Aug ’44 - Attached to 144th FA Grp   Supported 79th Div    Falaise Gap Sector
    
    Aug ’44 - William Harvey, Wayne Lidgard, John Siepieranski and Elliot Smith WIA by Aircraft strafing
    
    19 Aug ’44 - Mantes-Gassi Court (Seine River crossing)
    
    1 Sep ’44 - Detached from 144th FA Grp and attached to 203d FA Grp XX Corps
    
    9-15 Sep ’44 - Supported 5th ID (Crossing of the Moselle River at Arnaville) as part of the 83rd FA Brigade, XX Corps
    
    8 Oct ’44 - Butner Btry assigned to Bn. (Butner Btry was captured enemy guns used by Allied forces. Welcome addition due to rationing of American ammunition)
    
    1 Nov ’44   - Detached 203d FA Grp and Attached 195th FA Grp XX Corps
    
    4 Nov ’44 - Assigned Line of Communications(LOC) and security duty for TUSA/3rd Army for remainder of the war. (Occasional interruptions of this assignment)
    
    15 Nov ’44 - John Hummer (Asst Bn S2) KIA by enemy mortar fire.
    
    23 Nov ’44 at 1642hrs - First rounds fired that landed in Germany. Sinz Germany was the target and Prince Felix of Luxembourg pulled the lanyard of A Btry gun.
    
    Dec ’44 to Jan ’45 - Battle of the Bulge (Ardennes)
    
    25 Dec ’44 at 1830hrs - First firing of the Posit fuse.
    
    2 Jan ’45 - Eugene Anspach (Motor Officer and Liaison Pilot/Observer) and LaVerne Emberts (Asst Bn S2 and Liaison Pilot/Aerial Observer) shot down over Germany Both KIA
    
    Jan ’45 - Gerhard Elliot WIA
    
    30 March ’45 - Ordered to prepare equipment for indefinite storage and await further orders.
    
    1 Apr ’45 - Relived of defense of the Rhine bridge 270 (Boppard) and 271 (St. Goar) by the 276th Inf, 70th ID
    
    1 October ’45 – Departed Le Havre on troopship (? Possibly USAT Edmund B. Alexander or General Alexander E. Anderson, maybe even the Kingston Victory, but there are other possibilities)
    
    24 Oct ’45 - Arrived Boston Port of Embarkation
    
    25 October ’45 - Inactivated at Camp Myles Standish, MA
    
    13 June ’46 - Redesignated as the 198th Tank Battalion, Mississippi National Guard
    
    Once again, thanks for the photos!
    Brian
    
    Like (0)
    
    Actions
Re: 270th FA Bn. ETO. WWII

Brian Nicely Sep 4, 2020 8:27 PM (in response to Brian Nicely)

Page 1 of 9. More to follow shortly
Like (0)

Actions
Re: 270th FA Bn. ETO. WWII

Brian Nicely Sep 4, 2020 11:01 PM (in response to Brian Nicely)

Page 2 of 9
Like (0)

Actions
Re: 270th FA Bn. ETO. WWII

Brian Nicely Sep 4, 2020 11:02 PM (in response to Brian Nicely)

page 3 of 9
Like (0)

Actions
Re: 270th FA Bn. ETO. WWII

Brian Nicely Sep 4, 2020 11:03 PM (in response to Brian Nicely)

4 of 9
Like (0)

Actions
Re: 270th FA Bn. ETO. WWII

Brian Nicely Sep 4, 2020 11:03 PM (in response to Brian Nicely)

5 of 9
Like (0)

Actions
Re: 270th FA Bn. ETO. WWII

Brian Nicely Sep 4, 2020 11:04 PM (in response to Brian Nicely)

6 of 9
Like (0)

Actions
Re: 270th FA Bn. ETO. WWII

Brian Nicely Sep 4, 2020 11:05 PM (in response to Brian Nicely)

7 of 9
Like (0)

Actions
Re: 270th FA Bn. ETO. WWII

Brian Nicely Sep 4, 2020 11:05 PM (in response to Brian Nicely)

8 of 9
Like (0)

Actions
Re: 270th FA Bn. ETO. WWII

Brian Nicely Sep 4, 2020 11:05 PM (in response to Brian Nicely)

9 of 9
Like (0)

Actions
Re: 270th FA Bn. ETO. WWII

Selma Saenz Sep 8, 2020 4:05 PM (in response to Brian Nicely)

Thank you so much for posting the AAR. I noticed the Pharmacy also appears in one of the pictures that I shared earlier.

I found the original Visitor's Pass to Dachau (sorry I butchered the spelling previously) dated 24 August, 1945. I am also providing you with that copy.

Sincerely,

Selma C. Saenz
Like (0)

Actions
Re: 270th FA Bn. ETO. WWII

Brian Nicely Sep 8, 2020 8:48 PM (in response to Brian Nicely)

Wow! Thanks for sharing. That is a piece of history I would have never seen without you posting.
Like (0)

Actions

Go to original post

More Like This

Legend

Correct Answers - 10 points