The story of the Anzio blanket (my new blankie) – Page 2 – ANYTHING WWII

Walts Daughter · 2008-08-09T11:44:53Z

Well, here is a fantastic story. I am still reeling a bit. Wait until you hear this. I am going to share all the correspondence between Verna and myself. And finally a Canadian soldier, Ken Paynter. ================================= Sent: Tuesday, July 22, 2008 11:51:08 AM Subject: World War II Blanket July 22, 2008 A Canadian World War II veteran was given an American blanket at Anzio, Italy. He was told that the American soldier didn't need it anymore as he had just been killed. This Canadian soldier brought it home with him and would like to see it returned to either the family of the American soldier that it once belonged to, but as that seems next to impossible because he doesn't have any names, perhaps to a veteran who served at Anzio or the family of a deceased soldier who was killed at Anzio. Any help from you would be very much appreciated ... as how to get this blanket back to the United States and into the hands of the above-mentioned. Thanks so much. Verna Zadow =============================== Dear Verna: Wow, that is really something, but I agree; without a name or serial number, it would be virtually impossible to track down this person, especially after more 60 years. My father served at Anzio, and did many of my veteran friends. I know I for one would be honored to have it within my collection. In fact my father was wounded during the breakout of Anzio, when he was hit by a mortar shell. He did survive, but spent some time at a hospital in Europe before returning to duty. I thank you for writing to me. May I ask how you found my name/website? I look forward to hearing from you. Regards, Marion ======================= Dear Marion: I work for The War Amputations of Canada in Ottawa and received a phone call from a Canadian World War II veteran who had fought in Anzio, Italy. He was in his platoon when a group of American troops came along in a hand car transporting a dead American soldier. They threw the blanket at the Canadian soldier with the words to the effect 'you will need this more than this poor fellow'. The Canadian soldier has kept the blanket all these years but would like it returned to the United States, perferably to the family of the dead soldier. He realizes returning it to the family may be asking too much, but he would like to see the family of a soldier who fought at Anzio receive it. I contacted the American Embassy here in Ottawa and they referred me to The National Museum of the United States Army in Virginia, the U.S. Army Center of Military History in DC, and The National World War II Museum in New Orleans. The museum in New Orleans gave me the VI Corps Combat Engineers' website and that's where I saw your name. I don't have the blanket in my possession but I will get in touch with the gentleman who has and get back to you with his reply. My contact will want to know if your Father is still alive. I'm assuming, yes, but I need to confirm. Also, what part of the United States do you live in? Any additional information you can give me would be appreciated so I can pass it on to my Canadian veteran. Thanks so much for replying. Hopefully this will all work out for the best. I'll await your reply before I contact my veteran. Sincerely, Verna Zadow ===================== One more thing... if he deems that it would be more appropriate, I can give him the names of several of my dad's buddies who are still alive, and who were also at Anzio. We will make sure that the blanket is held in a place of honor. Regardless, it would be nice to have it for our reunion this fall. I'm sure the surviving members would love to see it and hear the story. Warmly, Marion ==================== Tuesday, July 29, 2008 Thank you for your responses. I think the next step would be to obtain your mailing address and telephone number. I will pass it along to the Canadian veteran and the two of you will be able to communicate. I am not sure if he has e-mail as he did ask that I get your address and telephone number. Thanks for everything. I think he will be very happy with the end results of having the blanket returned to a family of an American WWII veteran. Verna Zadow ==================== Dear Verna: I am so thrilled, and I am sure my dad in heaven is smiling down on us. He would be tickled pink. Here's my information: Marion J Chard PO Box 147 1460 Joy St. Alger, MI 48610 USA phone number 989-859-8418 (this is my cell phone and has voice mail is I am not available. Thank you so much. I am so touched by all of this. Warmly, Marion ======================= Marion: Thank you for your quick reply. I'll call my contact this afternoon and I'm sure he will be in touch with you shortly. It was my pleasure to be the go-between. Verna ========================= Well, several days later I received this beautiful handwritten letter from Ken. I am attaching it as a PDF file. You best believe I am calling Ken today. Tell me what an hono...

Walts Daughter

(@marionjchardgmail-com)

Illustrious Member Admin

Joined: 2 years ago

Posts: 12626

Topic starter September 2, 2008 3:15 pm

Merci and gratias amigos and amies!

Just got another letter from Ken this morning. How sweet. I will share with all later, as well as that promised photograph.

Okay, here it is in all its glory!

Anzio%20Blanket%205.jpg

=======

September 2, 2008

Hi Marion. Just wanted you to know I really enjoyed listening to the Steve Madely show on CFRA last Thursday. You and Ken did a superb job. I am sure you are happy to have received the blanket. I do have a request ... I was wondering, if it is at all possible for you to send me a picture of the blanket. Every month The War Amputations of Canada puts out a Newsletter to our National Council of Veterans Association members here in Canada and we would like to include the Steve Madely interview. A picture would be the 'icing on the cake', as they say. Only if this isn't too much trouble. You can send it via e-mail or mail to:

Verna Zadow

The War Amputations of Canada

2827 Riverside Drive

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

K1V 0C4

Thanks Marion. Hope all is well with you. Talk to you soon.

Verna

Ken_Paynter_08_28_08001.pdf

Marion J Chard
Proud Daughter of Walter 'Monday' Poniedzialek
540th Combat Engineer - H&S Company

ReplyQuote

roque_riojas

(@roque_riojas)

Noble Member Registered

Joined: 20 years ago

Posts: 1078

September 2, 2008 9:22 pm

Sorry but I have never seen a blanket like this. ALL WE HAD WERE BROWN

WOOLEN PLAIN. Maybe the engineers or rear echelon people had them.

Hm, Grey with U.S. nice looking blanket. M-1, when you fold it, make

sure the U.S. is visible. Rocky

Roque J.(Rocky) Riojas

ReplyQuote

verow

(@verow)

Noble Member Registered

Joined: 20 years ago

Posts: 1224

September 3, 2008 4:02 am

Great interview ! :clappin: Marion, Nice to hear your voice and you have a very nice laugh !! :heartpump:

VEE

Under every white cross of American Cemetery of Colleville (Normandy), sleeps a piece of Freedom

ReplyQuote

Walts Daughter

(@marionjchardgmail-com)

Illustrious Member Admin

Joined: 2 years ago

Posts: 12626

Topic starter September 3, 2008 7:41 am

Oh Rocky, quick note; the blanket is green, it got washed out with the flash from my digital camera. It's definitely the standard army wool green. I'll upload another photo which shows the color better.

Marion J Chard
Proud Daughter of Walter 'Monday' Poniedzialek
540th Combat Engineer - H&S Company

ReplyQuote

roque_riojas

(@roque_riojas)

Noble Member Registered

Joined: 20 years ago

Posts: 1078

September 3, 2008 8:12 am

GREEN BLANKET?? 34th ID, reunion starts this comming Thursday thru Sunday, I will

ask if there were green blankets issued. Wednesday I will shut this down till Sunday

PM. Des Moines, lookout!! Rocky

Roque J.(Rocky) Riojas

ReplyQuote

Walts Daughter

(@marionjchardgmail-com)

Illustrious Member Admin

Joined: 2 years ago

Posts: 12626

Topic starter September 3, 2008 9:20 am

This is NOT a special blanket!

Blankets varied in color and could be anything from olive drab (green) to khaki (tan), etc.

Size: 62" X 67"

Color: Khaki Green

Material: Wool

Sometimes the color was even referred to as khaki green, as seen above.

Here's a good link which shows all the varying colors, including blankets stitched with the US emblem. All standard.

http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/ind...f=150&t=949

Here's another photo of my blanket.

Marion J Chard
Proud Daughter of Walter 'Monday' Poniedzialek
540th Combat Engineer - H&S Company

ReplyQuote

chambers

(@chambers)

Honorable Member Registered

Joined: 21 years ago

Posts: 581

September 3, 2008 6:50 pm

Neat, Marion. Things always have a special meaning when they're given to you from the heart.

B

God bless those heroes who suffered and died, for plain folks, like you and me.

War is a crime. Ask the infantry and ask the dead.

ReplyQuote

moose

(@moose)

Honorable Member Registered

Joined: 19 years ago

Posts: 482

September 5, 2008 2:32 pm

This is my little baby.. keep me as snug as a bug many a night.. :armata_PDT_37:
-- attachment is not available --

A Moose no longer alone in the Wolverine State.

ReplyQuote

Walts Daughter

(@marionjchardgmail-com)

Illustrious Member Admin

Joined: 2 years ago

Posts: 12626

Topic starter September 5, 2008 2:56 pm

I may find myself snuggled in my blanket one night. It's almost spooky knowing where it's been!

Marion J Chard
Proud Daughter of Walter 'Monday' Poniedzialek
540th Combat Engineer - H&S Company

ReplyQuote

Walts Daughter

(@marionjchardgmail-com)

Illustrious Member Admin

Joined: 2 years ago

Posts: 12626

Topic starter December 13, 2008 8:46 pm

Received a very nice letter from Verna Zadow this week, along with the latest issue of NCVA Newsletter. How nice! :armata_PDT_01:

Here's to our Canadian brothers! :drinkin:

Verna_Zadow___War_Amps_HQ001.pdf

NCVA_Newsletter_Dec_2008001.pdf

Marion J Chard
Proud Daughter of Walter 'Monday' Poniedzialek
540th Combat Engineer - H&S Company

ReplyQuote