T/5 OSCAR H. GINGRICH - Recon
"My most vivid memory from World War II was the evening we were bombed at Verdun, France. One fellow says "I'm cold." The other fellow says "You're not cold, you are scared just like I am." I also felt cold."
Medals and Special Honors I received while in the Army---
- Purple Heart
- Army Good Conduct
- American Camp.
- European-African Middle East Camp.
- W.W.II Vict.
1. Some funny things I remember about the war:
The fellows all went into the foxholes feet first. I always went into a foxhole head first. The remark was, all you could see was rump and shoe soles.
2. My memories of the way we lived in Europe:
Life in Europe was like being a Hobo. The difference was that we carried a loaded rifle instead of a walking stick.
3. My most vivid memories from World War II:
My most vivid memory from World War II was the evening we were bombed at Verdun, France. One fellow says "I'm cold." The other fellow says "You're not cold, you are scared just like I am." I also felt cold.
4. My memories about the conditions of the countries I was in during the war---
I don't recall a lot of damage in Germany or Czechoslovakia but France had a lot of damage. I was never in Luxembourg.
5. Something from the war that is difficult to talk about, but I'd like future Americans to know:
Seeing corpses lying along roads, in forests, and in buildings is not a very nice sight. It does leave a mark in your mind.
6. In spite of the hardships of war, I'm proud to have served my country in World War II because:
If the Axis countries had won the war, I shudder to think of what a country we would be living in. Lawrence Welk says that our country can stand a lot of improvement but it is the best there is. He is absolutely right.
7. My message to my lifelong buddies in the 818th---
Over the years, I have met a lot of the fellows that I served with. I wish that I could have met a lot more of them.
