1st Lt. ROBERT M. PISTOR - B Co. - (deceased)
"Coming into New York harbor on a hospital ship with the bands playing...tears rolling down my cheeks."
sitting on right
1. Medals and Special Honors I received while in the Army:
Purple Heart with Cluster
2. Some funny things I remember about the war:
I can't recall anything funny about the war.
3. My memories of the way we lived in Europe:
In North Ireland we were housed in comfortable facilities at Murlough House in Dundrum. After moving to Pewsey England we lived in tents and knee deep in mud. On the continent we were able to requisition housing from sometimes reluctant occupants, otherwise it was bed rolls under the stars.
4. My most vivid memories from World War II:
Coming into New York harbor on a hospital ship with the bands playing...tears rolling down my cheeks.
5. My memories about the conditions of the countries I was in during the war:
In Ireland the weather was bleak and cold. The people were friendly although their outlook on life mimiced the environment. In England we lived in tents and fought thr rain and mud. On the continent we seldom went through population centers. Our exposure was limited to an agrarian society raising crops, cows and pigs.
6. Something about the war that is difficult to talk about but, I'd like future Americans to know:
In my last action I lost 2 TDs and 6 men. It wasn't a pretty picture.
7. In spite of the hardships of war, I am proud to have served my country in World War II because:
One day when General Patton addressed our Battalion he challenged us... What would you want to tell your kids and grandchildren, that you shoveled "shit" at Camp Polk, or that you went overseas and contributed to winning the war. Yes I am proud.
8. My message to my lifelong Buddies in the 818th:
There is not many of us left, but those that are...God bless you all.
