Here is a letter from my dad's files in 1980. I thought some of you might enjoy the bits of History in it and the good humor!


Sir,

In the Spring issue of 1980 of page 7, It's states "We extend our sympathy to the family of Harold B. Gustafson. 504 PIR who died last month. Harry Staruk, Geroge Leolis and Jim McNamara represented the Chapter at the funeral. Geroge Leolis was his Sergeant from Anzio to the Elbe River.


I was with the First Squad, First Platoon in Company "I" of the 504th PIR.--- From Sicily to the Elbe River. We had a George Leolis in our Sq. up to Anzio, He went to the Third Platoon which left us a very close, smooth intelligent platoon. Now this (George) as we knew as The Greek, the Crusso, the Lover, (Text left out). The George we knew, carried a pearl-handle 38 sidearm for at least five months, from Africa up to Hill 950 in Italy. He tried firing it while we were in the rest area. After many clicks pulls and poundings, he up and threw the gun away. We were glad, we didn't ever have faith in his backerupper anyway. The other thing I recall of George the most was, We had to tie him up, to get him aboard ship for England. He wanted to fight and retake Naples again from the M.P.s.

Now as for Harold B. Gustafson , I believe it was he who first in the picture, followed by Gougney, Blankenshed and Ed. Hahn. Taken from Arborne Carpet-Ballantine's Ill. History of W.W. II. If that is him, We knew him as a quiet honest, hansom Guy. Being in another Platoon I didn't get to Know him to well. I hope he rode a white chute to Heaven--Bless Him.

If by any chance it was the George Leolis of (I) Company I'd like to hear from him.

Yours Truly,

Bill "Flapper" Leonard



This is a copy of the photo he sent my dad. I had always thought this was C Company. I think Mr. Leonard was in Holland last year. Does anyone have any proof that this is or is not C Company or might be I Company. Walt I know you were I Company what do you think?

Regards,
Jim

The man second from the right has been identified many times as being SGT Ross Cart of C company.

Frank

Jim I may be wrong but I never seen Gustafson with a serious look on his face, He was a jokester, a comedian, never worried about a thing, that guy in front i don't believe is Harold I think he would have been smiling at the girls.and I can tell you the 3rd guy is not Blankenship. Blankenship was a football player, stocky, and always had a tommy gun and a map or document case hanging over his shoulder The guy I-Dent as Ed Hahn culd be him cause he has no helmet on, and Ed used to take his helmet off any chance he could, I can't say who the 2nd guy is. but like I say I could be wrong I have quite a few pictures of Gustafson and most with a big grin or smile on his face
walt

Walt and Frank,

Thanks for your input. It's especially nice to have it from someone that knew these guys.

Regards,

Jim