192 – Co. B – After The War
LD Marrs transferred to the Air Force and remained in the military after the war. This photo was taken in Tripoli, Libya in 1962.
Courtesy of Larry Marrs
LD Marrs transferred to the Air Force and remained in the military after the war. This photo was taken in Tripoli, Libya in 1962.
Courtesy of Larry Marrs
LD Marrs poses for this picture in 1946.
Courtesy of Larry Marrs
LD Marrs poses for this picture in 1946.
Courtesy of Larry Marrs
Lew Brittan and his wife, Julie, at a reunion trip to Bataan and Corregidor.
Lew Brittan and his wife, Julie, at a reunion trip to Bataan and Corregidor.
Staff Sergeant Larry Jordan phones his mother in Chicago from Hawaii.
Staff Sergeant Larry Jordan phones his mother in Chicago from Hawaii.
Staff Sergeant Larry Jordan, on right, gets off a plane at Oahu, Hawaii, after being liberated from Nagoya #3-B in Japan. Jordan was flown home to testify, before Congress, about Herbert Hans Haupt, a German saboteur who had stolen his identity during the war. Haupt had gone to high school with Jordan in Chicago. The other man in the photo is Sgt. Sidney D. Schwartz.
Staff Sergeant Larry Jordan, on right, gets off a plane at Oahu, Hawaii, after being liberated from Nagoya #3-B in Japan. Jordan was flown home to testify, before Congress, about Herbert Hans Haupt, a German saboteur who had stolen his identity during the war. Haupt had gone to high school with Jordan in Chicago. The other man in the photo is Sgt. Sidney D. Schwartz.
John Cahill shows Japanese coins to Mrs. T. Harry Ryan during his recuperation at Vaughan Veterans Hospital in Hines, Illinois. Cahill’s two brothers, Jim and Joseph, both died during World War II.
John Cahill shows Japanese coins to Mrs. T. Harry Ryan during his recuperation at Vaughan Veterans Hospital in Hines, Illinois. Cahill’s two brothers, Jim and Joseph, both died during World War II.
Members of the 192nd pose for this photo after a Bataan Day Ceremony in Maywood, Illinois. From the left: Jacques Merrifield, Dr. Alvin Poweleit, Orrie Mulholland, George Dravo, Unknown, Nick Fryziuk, Jim Bashleben, Lester Tenney, and Mike Wepsiec. All the men in the photo, except Dr. Poweleit, were originally members of B Company
Courtesy of Jim Bashleben
Members of the 192nd pose for this photo after a Bataan Day Ceremony in Maywood, Illinois. From the left: Jacques Merrifield, Dr. Alvin Poweleit, Orrie Mulholland, George Dravo, Unknown, Nick Fryziuk, Jim Bashleben, Lester Tenney, and Mike Wepsiec. All the men in the photo, except Dr. Poweleit, were originally members of B Company
Courtesy of Jim Bashleben
Emmett Gibson on the motorcycle in his post-war days as a Maywood police officer.
(This photo was taken at the Northwestern training facility.)
Emmett Gibson on the motorcycle in his post-war days as a Maywood police officer.
(This photo was taken at the Northwestern training facility.)
The military honor guard fires a volley at the burial of Pvt. Felix Flores, of B Company, at Waldheim Cemetery, Tynan, Texas.
Courtesy of Hector Delgado
The military honor guard fires a volley at the burial of Pvt. Felix Flores, of B Company, at Waldheim Cemetery, Tynan, Texas.
Courtesy of Hector Delgado
The Honor Guard leaves the church during the funeral service for Pvt. Felix Flores, of B Company, in Tynan, Texas.
Courtesy of Hector Delgado
The Honor Guard leaves the church during the funeral service for Pvt. Felix Flores, of B Company, in Tynan, Texas.
Courtesy of Hector Delgado
George Dravo’s return home after the war.
Courtesy of the Dravo Family
George Dravo’s return home after the war.
Courtesy of the Dravo Family
Six of the surviving members of B Company stand before memorial on the west side of the old armory in Maywood during its dedication. Two who have been identified are William Hauser (bow tie and sunglasses) and Fr. Ben Morin, S. J. This was one of two memorials in Maywood dedicated to the company.
Six of the surviving members of B Company stand before memorial on the west side of the old armory in Maywood during its dedication. Two who have been identified are William Hauser (bow tie and sunglasses) and Fr. Ben Morin, S. J. This was one of two memorials in Maywood dedicated to the company.
Mrs. Theresa Cahill lays flowers on the grave of her son, Pvt. James Cahill.
It should be noted that Jim’s youngest brother, Joe, died, during the war, when his plane went down between Greenland and Iceland.
Mrs. Theresa Cahill lays flowers on the grave of her son, Pvt. James Cahill.
It should be noted that Jim’s youngest brother, Joe, died, during the war, when his plane went down between Greenland and Iceland.
A Catholic Chaplin leads prayers over the grave of Pvt. James A. Cahill, of B Company, at the new American Military Cemetery at Manila. In attendance are his brother, John, who was also a member of Company B, his sister, Mary McGovern, Major J. F. Buckley, Executive Officer (American Graves Registration Service – Philippine Zone), and his mother, Theresa Cahill.
A Catholic Chaplin leads prayers over the grave of Pvt. James A. Cahill, of B Company, at the new American Military Cemetery at Manila. In attendance are his brother, John, who was also a member of Company B, his sister, Mary McGovern, Major J. F. Buckley, Executive Officer (American Graves Registration Service – Philippine Zone), and his mother, Theresa Cahill.
The Gold Star mothers, of B Company, stand in front of the grandstand at Bataan Day on September 8, 1946. On the stand, from the center left are: Louis Nelson, Illinois Gov. Dwight H. Green, Brig. Gen. George May, Brig. Gen, James R. N. Weaver, and Rev. Martin Musik.
The Gold Star mothers, of B Company, stand in front of the grandstand at Bataan Day on September 8, 1946. On the stand, from the center left are: Louis Nelson, Illinois Gov. Dwight H. Green, Brig. Gen. George May, Brig. Gen, James R. N. Weaver, and Rev. Martin Musik.
Jim Bashleben and Mike Wepsiec after receiving medals at the September 12, 1999, Maywood Bataan Day Ceremony.
Courtesy Richard McMahon
Jim Bashleben and Mike Wepsiec after receiving medals at the September 12, 1999, Maywood Bataan Day Ceremony.
Courtesy Richard McMahon
On December 20, 2007, the Chicago Cubs honored Jim Bashleben with his name on their marquee at Wrigley Field. Jim Bashleben passed away on July 30, 2009.
Courtesy of the Bashleben Family
On December 20, 2007, the Chicago Cubs honored Jim Bashleben with his name on their marquee at Wrigley Field. Jim Bashleben passed away on July 30, 2009.
Courtesy of the Bashleben Family
Jim Bashleben and Fr. Ben Morin after receiving medals at the September 12, 1999, Maywood Bataan Day Ceremony.
Courtesy Richard McMahon
Jim Bashleben and Fr. Ben Morin after receiving medals at the September 12, 1999, Maywood Bataan Day Ceremony.
Courtesy Richard McMahon
At a reunion to the Philippines; Zenon Bardowski, Orrie Mulholland, Nick Fryziuk, Bill Hauser and Larry Jordan.
At a reunion to the Philippines; Zenon Bardowski, Orrie Mulholland, Nick Fryziuk, Bill Hauser and Larry Jordan.
Paul Vetter used a parachute, from a food drop, as clothing since his clothes had disintegrated, and all he had to wear was a G-string. After making contact with American troops and receiving clothes, he kept the parachute. At his request, his wife made a baptismal gown from it. Each of the couple’s children was baptized in the gown. The color of the ribbons was changed from blue to pink depending on the baby’s sex.
Courtesy of Virginia Becker
Paul Vetter used a parachute, from a food drop, as clothing since his clothes had disintegrated, and all he had to wear was a G-string. After making contact with American troops and receiving clothes, he kept the parachute. At his request, his wife made a baptismal gown from it. Each of the couple’s children was baptized in the gown. The color of the ribbons was changed from blue to pink depending on the baby’s sex.
Courtesy of Virginia Becker
Paul Pirnat and Andy Aquila visit with each other on one of Andy’s trips back to Cleveland. Both men joined the 192nd Tank Battalion from the 753rd Tank Battalion. Pirnat was assigned to HQ Company while Aquila was assigned to B Company.
Courtesy of Andy Aquila
Paul Pirnat and Andy Aquila visit with each other on one of Andy’s trips back to Cleveland. Both men joined the 192nd Tank Battalion from the 753rd Tank Battalion. Pirnat was assigned to HQ Company while Aquila was assigned to B Company.
Courtesy of Andy Aquila
Brigadier General James R. N. Weaver salutes the members of B Company, 192nd Tank Battalion, as they march in the Bataan Day Parade in September 1946. This was the first parade in which the members of B Company participated.
Brigadier General James R. N. Weaver salutes the members of B Company, 192nd Tank Battalion, as they march in the Bataan Day Parade in September 1946. This was the first parade in which the members of B Company participated.
General Jonathan Wainwright (center) shakes hands with 1st Lt. Ben Morin, B Company, 192nd Tank Battalion, at Hines Hospital in Hines, Illinois. Morin’s tank platoon fought the first tank battle, involving American tanks in WWII, at Lingayen Gulf, Philippine Islands, on December 22, 1941.
The soldier sitting on the left, in the photo is Sgt. Gerald J. Lundquist, HQ Company, 194th Tank Battalion. The soldier to the right and behind Morin is Sgt. Bill Kerins, also of B Company, 192nd Tank Battalion.
General Jonathan Wainwright (center) shakes hands with 1st Lt. Ben Morin, B Company, 192nd Tank Battalion, at Hines Hospital in Hines, Illinois. Morin’s tank platoon fought the first tank battle, involving American tanks in WWII, at Lingayen Gulf, Philippine Islands, on December 22, 1941.
The soldier sitting on the left, in the photo is Sgt. Gerald J. Lundquist, HQ Company, 194th Tank Battalion. The soldier to the right and behind Morin is Sgt. Bill Kerins, also of B Company, 192nd Tank Battalion.
In 1999, the memorials to the members of B Company, 192nd were moved and rededicated at a central location in Maywood Park.
Courtesy of Maywood Bataan Day Organization
In 1999, the memorials to the members of B Company, 192nd were moved and rededicated at a central location in Maywood Park.
Courtesy of Maywood Bataan Day Organization
Lester Tenney and Lew Brittan in a Chicago nightclub after the war.
Courtesy of Julie Brittan
Lester Tenney and Lew Brittan in a Chicago nightclub after the war.
Courtesy of Julie Brittan
The M3A3 Stuart tank and the plaque with the names of Illinois members of B Company, 192nd Tank Battalion who died in World War II. The M3A3 was a later version of the M-3 Stuart tank that the 192nd had in the Philippine Islands. Many of the problems the 192nd dealt with in the Philippines had been corrected.
Courtesy of the Maywood Bataan Day Organization
The M3A3 Stuart tank and the plaque with the names of Illinois members of B Company, 192nd Tank Battalion who died in World War II. The M3A3 was a later version of the M-3 Stuart tank that the 192nd had in the Philippine Islands. Many of the problems the 192nd dealt with in the Philippines had been corrected.
Courtesy of the Maywood Bataan Day Organization
A gathering of friends immediately after the war. Fourth from the left is Lester Tenney and seventh from the right is Lew Brittan. At this time, the other members of B Company have not been identified.
Courtesy of Julie Brittan
A gathering of friends immediately after the war. Fourth from the left is Lester Tenney and seventh from the right is Lew Brittan. At this time, the other members of B Company have not been identified.
Courtesy of Julie Brittan
A reunion of survivors from the 192nd. This photo was taken at a reception for President Garcia of the Philippine Islands in Chicago. At this reception, the men were personally greeted by Mayor Richard J. Daley. Clockwise from the lower right: Norm Goodman, Emmett Gibson, Bill Hauser, Bill Kerins, George Dravo, Nick Fryziuk, Bob Peterson, Herb Kirchhoff, Jim Bashleben, Lew Brittan
Courtesy of Julie Brittan
A reunion of survivors from the 192nd. This photo was taken at a reception for President Garcia of the Philippine Islands in Chicago. At this reception, the men were personally greeted by Mayor Richard J. Daley. Clockwise from the lower right: Norm Goodman, Emmett Gibson, Bill Hauser, Bill Kerins, George Dravo, Nick Fryziuk, Bob Peterson, Herb Kirchhoff, Jim Bashleben, Lew Brittan
Courtesy of Julie Brittan
The memorial at San Fernando, Pampanga, Philippines, to the Filipino and American soldiers who took part in the Death March.
Courtesy of Richard McMahon
The memorial at San Fernando, Pampanga, Philippines, to the Filipino and American soldiers who took part in the Death March.
Courtesy of Richard McMahon
The memorial at San Fernando, Pampanga, Philippines, to the Filipino and American soldiers who took part in the Death March.
Courtesy of Richard McMahon
The memorial at San Fernando, Pampanga, Philippines, to the Filipino and American soldiers who took part in the Death March.
Courtesy of Richard McMahon
This memorial plaque originally appeared in front of the memorial to the 192nd Tank Battalion at the original site of the memorial in Maywood Veterans Park at Fifth Avenue and Oak Street. In 1999, it was moved to the new memorial at Veterans Memorial Park. Five of the names listed on the plaque were non-National Guard members of the battalion.
Courtesy of Jim Bashleben
This memorial plaque originally appeared in front of the memorial to the 192nd Tank Battalion at the original site of the memorial in Maywood Veterans Park at Fifth Avenue and Oak Street. In 1999, it was moved to the new memorial at Veterans Memorial Park. Five of the names listed on the plaque were non-National Guard members of the battalion.
Courtesy of Jim Bashleben
West side of the old National Guard Amory on Madison Street in Maywood. The side of the building closest to the street was an addition to the original building made by the printing company that occupied the building.
Courtesy of Richard McMahon
West side of the old National Guard Amory on Madison Street in Maywood. The side of the building closest to the street was an addition to the original building made by the printing company that occupied the building.
Courtesy of Richard McMahon
A plaque containing the names of all the members of B Company, 192nd Tank Battalion.
Courtesy of Richard McMahon
A plaque containing the names of all the members of B Company, 192nd Tank Battalion.
Courtesy of Richard McMahon
Memorial plaque as it appeared before the two memorials were moved to a new location in the Veterans Memorial in Maywood Park.
Courtesy of Richard McMahon
Memorial plaque as it appeared before the two memorials were moved to a new location in the Veterans Memorial in Maywood Park.
Courtesy of Richard McMahon
View of the memorial from Madison Street. The front facade of the armory was of the building was redone in the 1960s after it became the home of a printing company.
Courtesy of Richard McMahon
View of the memorial from Madison Street. The front facade of the armory was of the building was redone in the 1960s after it became the home of a printing company.
Courtesy of Richard McMahon
Dedication of memorial to B Company at Veterans Memorial Park in Maywood. The money for the monument came from the surviving members of the company. The tank was originally located at Fifth Avenue and Oak Street. To build a police station, it was later moved to Fourth Avenue and Oak Street. In 1999, the two memorials, to the company, were moved to the east side of the park off First Avenue and Oak Street. Pictured at the dedication are, from left to right, Louis Nelson, Capt. John Stefanik, Col. Theodore Wickord, Gov. Dwight H. Green, Fr. Muzik, (partially blocked), Brig. Gen James Weaver, Sgt. Robert Peterson, Sgt. Jack Swinehamer, Capt. Emmett Gibson, (Back to camera), and behind Gen. Weaver, Sgt. George Dravo,
Dedication of memorial to B Company at Veterans Memorial Park in Maywood. The money for the monument came from the surviving members of the company. The tank was originally located at Fifth Avenue and Oak Street. To build a police station, it was later moved to Fourth Avenue and Oak Street. In 1999, the two memorials, to the company, were moved to the east side of the park off First Avenue and Oak Street. Pictured at the dedication are, from left to right, Louis Nelson, Capt. John Stefanik, Col. Theodore Wickord, Gov. Dwight H. Green, Fr. Muzik, (partially blocked), Brig. Gen James Weaver, Sgt. Robert Peterson, Sgt. Jack Swinehamer, Capt. Emmett Gibson, (Back to camera), and behind Gen. Weaver, Sgt. George Dravo,
LD Marrs and his father, William.
Courtesy of Larry Marrs
LD Marrs and his father, William.
Courtesy of Larry Marrs
LD Marrs and Willa Rae Ware after the war. The two would later marry. She was a member of the Women’s Army Corp. (WAC) and outranked LD when this photo was taken.
Courtesy of Larry Marrs
LD Marrs and Willa Rae Ware after the war. The two would later marry. She was a member of the Women’s Army Corp. (WAC) and outranked LD when this photo was taken.
Courtesy of Larry Marrs
Many of the liberated POWs were sent to Mayo General Hospital for additional medical treatment.
Mayo General Hospital