T4 WALLACE D. WILKEN - A Co.
"While crossing the Rhine in Germany I thought the sky looked like the 4th of July... with shells exploding and airplanes flying overhead being the target for anti-aircraft tracer bullets and shells."
1. My wartime nickname:
Wilkie
2. Some funny things I remember about the war:
We were all dubbed with nicknames like: "Boot Nose", "The Pig", "La Moosh", the "Leach" and "Ol Man"-just to name a few. And then there was Eugene Colasacco who said one time, "Somebody told me one time that I looked like George Raft." Tony Pezzano then said, "With a nose like that you're a barge not a raft." From that day on Colasacco was known to us guys as "Joe Barge" or just plain "Barge".
3. My memories of the way we lived in Europe:
As we were moving through France our crew pulled up to a farm house in order to billet for the night. They cleaned out the stable for us by putting down clean fresh straw. Not only did we get to sleep inside that night, but it was nice and warm from the heat of the animals. It was my first experience with a European farm complex where the manure pile was in the center of it all!
4. My most vivid memories from World War II:
While crossing the Rhine in Germany I thought the sky looked like the 4th of July... with shells exploding and airplanes flying overhead being the target for anti-aircraft tracer bullets and shells.
Other memories:
- Eating K-rations that weren't that tasty-then came C-rations-and thank God for "5 in 1" rations.
- Taking a bath in your helmet.
- Digging a fox hole to protect yourself from flying shrapnel.
- The experience of not taking your shoes or socks off for over two weeks.
5. My memories about the conditions of the countries I was in during the war:
Ireland, with it's thatched roofed houses and stone walls really made an impression on me. And I wasn't used to seeing so many horse drawn vehicles. Ireland is called the Emerald Isle because everything is so green-no wonder because of how much it rains there. From our camp in Dundrum Bay we could see a hill. A guy explained to us, "It rains a lot here. If you can see the top of the hill it will rain in ten minutes-if you can't see the top of the hill it's already raining."
6. Something from the war that is difficult to talk about, but I'd like future Americans to know:
In Germany we drove by one of Hitler's "Death Camps" where there were still people there because they had no place to go. I saw starved people and an open common grave. It was something I never want to see again and hope no one ever will.
7. In spite of the hardships of war, I'm proud to have served my country in World War II because:
Believe it or not-I was glad to enlist in the Army because it meant I wouldn't have to go to school any longer.
I was one of the fortunate ones that only had to put in three years without any undue hardships and with just a few inconveniences.
I got a good education as to my fellow men, a chance to see parts of our country and the experience of seeing many different countries of Europe.
8. My message to my lifelong Buddies in the 818th:
Thank goodness for the reunions where we get a chance to see many of the buddies we never thought we'd see again.
I look forward to seeing each and everyone of you in the years to come-the Good Lord willing!
