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WINTER EDITION
| ALLIES ADVANCE IN THE ARDENNES GERMAN TIGER TANK THWARTED BY US RANGERS AT FORT INDIANTOWN GAP |
FOR SALE. M1 Helmets, clean
and in good battleworn condition,
fully restored with liner. I have
several to chose from. A bargain
at $75.00 each! Contact
ccolman@2ndrangerbattalion.org
for more details.
and in good battleworn condition,
fully restored with liner. I have
several to chose from. A bargain
at $75.00 each! Contact
ccolman@2ndrangerbattalion.org
for more details.
| LOOKING FOR A RIDE TO AN EVENT? CARPOOL! It's the economical and friendly way to get around these days. And it will save on your gas rations! Find a friend and share the ride. |
HELP WANTED. Restoring an
original Higgins Boat and we need
assistance. Everyone welcome,
experience in construction, elbow
grease, and engines a plus.
Contact Colonel Michael Roberts at
colonel@specialforcesus.com
original Higgins Boat and we need
assistance. Everyone welcome,
experience in construction, elbow
grease, and engines a plus.
Contact Colonel Michael Roberts at
colonel@specialforcesus.com
V- MAIL NEEDED. Looking for
people to write to our boys in the
infantry. Please contact
showell@2ndrangerbattalion.org
for more information.
people to write to our boys in the
infantry. Please contact
showell@2ndrangerbattalion.org
for more information.
Annville, PA - Soldiers of the 2nd Ranger Bn,
6th Cavalry, and 2nd Infantry division were deployed
north to participated in the 2008 Battle of the Bulge
event at Fort Indiantown Gap. Although outnumbered
three to one, and standing against a formidable
armoured foe, these men and their courageous allies
challenged Mother Nature's elements and the enemy
until the German commander surrendered his weapon.
"When the final shot was fired, the German Field
Commander sought (us) out and surrendered to the
members of Task Force Darby", states Lt Col Scott
Campbell. "He gave me his MP 40 and P-38 and actually
wanted us to march him through the Alled ranks. He
said he did so because of the fair play and
professionalism of our force. Job well done."
The event centered on the tactical re-enactment of the
Battle in the Bulge, but also honored those veterans on
both sides that fought in the Ardennes and elsewhere
during WWII.
.
6th Cavalry, and 2nd Infantry division were deployed
north to participated in the 2008 Battle of the Bulge
event at Fort Indiantown Gap. Although outnumbered
three to one, and standing against a formidable
armoured foe, these men and their courageous allies
challenged Mother Nature's elements and the enemy
until the German commander surrendered his weapon.
"When the final shot was fired, the German Field
Commander sought (us) out and surrendered to the
members of Task Force Darby", states Lt Col Scott
Campbell. "He gave me his MP 40 and P-38 and actually
wanted us to march him through the Alled ranks. He
said he did so because of the fair play and
professionalism of our force. Job well done."
The event centered on the tactical re-enactment of the
Battle in the Bulge, but also honored those veterans on
both sides that fought in the Ardennes and elsewhere
during WWII.
.
The barracks, and buildings surrounding them, also joined
in period festivities, and espirit de corps could be found
in one re-enactor to another. Comradeship abound
everywhere, with an open door policy at almost every
turn. Of course there was training and duties, but even
these were taken in the best of nature.
Combat Command Able has returned with a refreshed
sense of direction, and every man plays a major role in
that path. When speaking to the newly promoted Sergeant
Major Richard Killblane, he replied, "I know speaking for
Lt Col Campbell and Major (Toni) Antonnuci, none of us
in the battalion command group could be a success
without such a well disciplined and aggressive group of
men. They have the discipline to follow orders and have
the confidence in their battalion commander to get them
into the thick of it."
in period festivities, and espirit de corps could be found
in one re-enactor to another. Comradeship abound
everywhere, with an open door policy at almost every
turn. Of course there was training and duties, but even
these were taken in the best of nature.
Combat Command Able has returned with a refreshed
sense of direction, and every man plays a major role in
that path. When speaking to the newly promoted Sergeant
Major Richard Killblane, he replied, "I know speaking for
Lt Col Campbell and Major (Toni) Antonnuci, none of us
in the battalion command group could be a success
without such a well disciplined and aggressive group of
men. They have the discipline to follow orders and have
the confidence in their battalion commander to get them
into the thick of it."
| CHANGE IN COMMAND BRINGS NEW RANK TO BATTLE HARDENED NAME |
Combat Command Able has promoted Scott
Campbell to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Earning
the silver oak leaf was no easy task. Lt Col Campbell
has consistently shown unparalleled devotion to his
men on and off the field. Starting when as a sergeant,
he has moved his way up in the ranks from enlisted
man to officer, bringing with him the experience and
knowledge of a true leader. The new rank structure
will allow the commanding officer the ability to extend
his expertise in authority and responsibility to other
CCA units as well.
Campbell to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Earning
the silver oak leaf was no easy task. Lt Col Campbell
has consistently shown unparalleled devotion to his
men on and off the field. Starting when as a sergeant,
he has moved his way up in the ranks from enlisted
man to officer, bringing with him the experience and
knowledge of a true leader. The new rank structure
will allow the commanding officer the ability to extend
his expertise in authority and responsibility to other
CCA units as well.
| PROMOTION BOARD CITES MAJOR ZUKAUSKUS William Zukauskus is a name often heard at most living history events in the southeast. The commanding officer for the 6th Cavalry, troop B, has caused positive growth in WWII re-ennactor interests, |
clearly due to his infinite passion for living history and the
people surrounding it. With his kind and generous attitude
and leadership style, the Promotion Review Board has
unanimously agreed to promote William Zukauskus to the
rank of Major.
people surrounding it. With his kind and generous attitude
and leadership style, the Promotion Review Board has
unanimously agreed to promote William Zukauskus to the
rank of Major.
| TROOP B EXECUTIVE OFFICER GETS THE BOOT UP Michael Frye has been promoted to captain. His wealth of knowledge has assisted in the logistics of, not only 6th Cavalry Troop B, but the entire Combat Command Able organization. |
| THERE'S NO FOOL IN THIS LIEUTENANT Fox Company's executive officer Arthur Durshimer has been promoted to 1st Lieutenant, based on the outstanding work accomplished on (and off) the battlefield. When congratulated on his promotion, his reply was "I'll drink to that!" |
| LIRI VALLEY SECURED BY INVASION FORCE GERMANS SENT RUNNING ON THE ROAD TO ROME |
| Members of Combat Command Able pause briefly during the action to discuss strategy against the enemy, with Captain Banet leading the way. |
| A Well Spirited Word from the Company Commander I could be more proud of the fact that all of our objectives had been achieved. A coach is only as good as his players and a commander is only as good as his troops. That says a lot for your training. But there is room for improvement. Never be satisfied for being average. Always work to be the best you can be. We owe to the veterans and to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. I did not get to see everyone in action, I did hear some great stories though. We made memories to last a life time. Stay strong and true. I salute everyone of you. |
OCALA, FLORIDA - The WWII Historical Association of Florida sponsored
the 9th Annual Liri Valley Tactical event January 13th -16th. Captain John
Banet ,CO and Lt Mike Frye , XO were the allied command structure for
Combat Command Able. Through their efforts, German forces were driven
out of the lowlands and off of Monte Cassino and surrounding areas. Several
missions were completed, including the capture of a V2 rocket, the intact
capture of an enemy R.A.D.A.R. station, and the freeing of several POWs.
Of course, this was not without much resistance. The German command
made movement through the Valley difficult and bitter, offering a well armed
fight against the approaching task force. Mother nature also added her
profound touch to the mix, with torrential downpours, making footholds on the
hill slopes slippery and standing water every where. But when the battle smoke
was parted, the Allied command had clearly made an advancement, capturing
land for the sake of freedom.
the 9th Annual Liri Valley Tactical event January 13th -16th. Captain John
Banet ,CO and Lt Mike Frye , XO were the allied command structure for
Combat Command Able. Through their efforts, German forces were driven
out of the lowlands and off of Monte Cassino and surrounding areas. Several
missions were completed, including the capture of a V2 rocket, the intact
capture of an enemy R.A.D.A.R. station, and the freeing of several POWs.
Of course, this was not without much resistance. The German command
made movement through the Valley difficult and bitter, offering a well armed
fight against the approaching task force. Mother nature also added her
profound touch to the mix, with torrential downpours, making footholds on the
hill slopes slippery and standing water every where. But when the battle smoke
was parted, the Allied command had clearly made an advancement, capturing
land for the sake of freedom.
| Captain John "Bull" Banet Company Commander 2nd Ranger Battalion, Co. F |
by Sgt Cris Colman
Port Richy, Florida- Fox Company, 2nd Ranger Battalion
(re-enacted) joined family and friends of original Darby Ranger
Noel Dye to honor and celebrate his Ranger story. The festivities
were held at Remington's Steakhouse in a private room, set aside
for the special occasion. The event was a complete success due
to all that participated.
The festivities started with a formal salute for Ranger Dye as he
entered the room. He had no idea this event was going to take
place. He was accompanied by this lovely wife Theresa, his
daughter Rebecca and Granddaughter Stephanie, who helped
"trick" her grandfather into coming to the restaurant for a "school
function". Ranger Dye was totally surprised as he was formally
introduced to the crowd.
There were special guests in attendance as well. A hearty round
of applause broke out when LTC Robert Page Gary (retired) was
introduced. Gary was also known as PFC Robert Gary, Able Co.
2nd Ranger BN (Rudder's Rangers). Gary hit Omaha Beach on the
morning of June 6th, 1944. He was hit by machine gun fire as he
exited the LCA, fought his way up the beach to the seawall and
then collapsed. After evacuation and recovery, he rejoined the
Rangers for Hill 400, Hurtgen Forest, and the Battle of the Bulge.
Gary was accompanied by Edna, his wife of 56 years and other
family members. Ranger Gary is a close friend of Ranger Dye.
Port Richy, Florida- Fox Company, 2nd Ranger Battalion
(re-enacted) joined family and friends of original Darby Ranger
Noel Dye to honor and celebrate his Ranger story. The festivities
were held at Remington's Steakhouse in a private room, set aside
for the special occasion. The event was a complete success due
to all that participated.
The festivities started with a formal salute for Ranger Dye as he
entered the room. He had no idea this event was going to take
place. He was accompanied by this lovely wife Theresa, his
daughter Rebecca and Granddaughter Stephanie, who helped
"trick" her grandfather into coming to the restaurant for a "school
function". Ranger Dye was totally surprised as he was formally
introduced to the crowd.
There were special guests in attendance as well. A hearty round
of applause broke out when LTC Robert Page Gary (retired) was
introduced. Gary was also known as PFC Robert Gary, Able Co.
2nd Ranger BN (Rudder's Rangers). Gary hit Omaha Beach on the
morning of June 6th, 1944. He was hit by machine gun fire as he
exited the LCA, fought his way up the beach to the seawall and
then collapsed. After evacuation and recovery, he rejoined the
Rangers for Hill 400, Hurtgen Forest, and the Battle of the Bulge.
Gary was accompanied by Edna, his wife of 56 years and other
family members. Ranger Gary is a close friend of Ranger Dye.
After dinner, 2nd Lt Art Durshimer read a poem written by Ranger
Dye from a Army hospital bed as he recovered from one of his four
wounds. There were many tears and dry throats in the room while
this stirring poem was read.
The 2nd Ranger Battalion Living History Group presented Ranger
Dye with a shadow box of all his medals, including four purple
hearts, bronze Star and an original Fairbairn/Sykes Commando
dagger. Major Scott Campbell presented Ranger Dye with
miniatures of his medals that could be worn on his jacket. Everyone
also raised glasses in a toast to Ranger Charles Roby (Dye's Ranger
buddy) who was killed during a raid on November 4th, 1943. An
enlarged, framed copy of the two Ranger buddies was presented to
the Dye's by Fox Company as well.
LTC Gary was then called up with his wife, at which time he was
presented with a WW 2 Ranger helmet signed by all Rangers in
attendance. A framed photo of Ranger Gary when he was in the
2nd Ranger Battailion was presented to his wife.
After final remarks, both Ranger Dye and Gary autographed photos
and told stories to the guests. Ranger Dye stated, " This event was
the greatest surprise I've ever had, next to my wife saying she would
marry me!"
The two original Ranger veterans were now presented as honorary
members of Fox Company's living history group. Ranger Dye and
Gary said they looked forward to attending the Fort Desoto D-Day
event in March. These veterans told the story and lived it. It truly
was Fox Company's privilege to honor these men.
Dye from a Army hospital bed as he recovered from one of his four
wounds. There were many tears and dry throats in the room while
this stirring poem was read.
The 2nd Ranger Battalion Living History Group presented Ranger
Dye with a shadow box of all his medals, including four purple
hearts, bronze Star and an original Fairbairn/Sykes Commando
dagger. Major Scott Campbell presented Ranger Dye with
miniatures of his medals that could be worn on his jacket. Everyone
also raised glasses in a toast to Ranger Charles Roby (Dye's Ranger
buddy) who was killed during a raid on November 4th, 1943. An
enlarged, framed copy of the two Ranger buddies was presented to
the Dye's by Fox Company as well.
LTC Gary was then called up with his wife, at which time he was
presented with a WW 2 Ranger helmet signed by all Rangers in
attendance. A framed photo of Ranger Gary when he was in the
2nd Ranger Battailion was presented to his wife.
After final remarks, both Ranger Dye and Gary autographed photos
and told stories to the guests. Ranger Dye stated, " This event was
the greatest surprise I've ever had, next to my wife saying she would
marry me!"
The two original Ranger veterans were now presented as honorary
members of Fox Company's living history group. Ranger Dye and
Gary said they looked forward to attending the Fort Desoto D-Day
event in March. These veterans told the story and lived it. It truly
was Fox Company's privilege to honor these men.
| ORIGINAL WWII RANGERS HONORED IN SPECIAL CEREMONY All Participants Stirred with Emotion |
| CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS AND PERSONALS |
| LET ME BE YOUR PERSONAL TRAINER I offer the best instruction, because it comes from me. For more information, Contact Snake at adurshimer@2ndrangerbattalion.org. |
MISSING!
Have you seen
this man?
Please contact
HQ at
showell@2ndrang
erbattalon.org
Have you seen
this man?
Please contact
HQ at
showell@2ndrang
erbattalon.org
SKILLS NEEDED. Looking for
volunteers interested in building
authentic props for Florida based
events. Open to all persons,
Axis, Allied, doesn't matter as long as
there is a willingness to work as a
team to make great props! Call me.
Sam Howell
volunteers interested in building
authentic props for Florida based
events. Open to all persons,
Axis, Allied, doesn't matter as long as
there is a willingness to work as a
team to make great props! Call me.
Sam Howell
HAVE SOMETHING TO
SAY? Say it in the
Spearheader Classifieds!
Free for 25 words or
less. Don't delay, say it
today!
SAY? Say it in the
Spearheader Classifieds!
Free for 25 words or
less. Don't delay, say it
today!
GUNS FOR HIRE> The WWII Historical
Association of Florida is available for living
history displays, events and functions. We
work as an organized team to get positive
results. If you would like more information
on how we can benefit your
occasion, let me know! LtCol Campbell
Association of Florida is available for living
history displays, events and functions. We
work as an organized team to get positive
results. If you would like more information
on how we can benefit your
occasion, let me know! LtCol Campbell
| PREVIOUS SPEARHEADER ISSUES Autumn 2007 |
GEAR UP FOR
SUMMER! Join the
2nd Ranger
Battalion today. Don't
just read learn about
history, live it!
SUMMER! Join the
2nd Ranger
Battalion today. Don't
just read learn about
history, live it!
