Hello to everyone. I am new to this forum and my name is Mike Norman. My Uncle was a 49th combat engineer. His name is Alfred (Fritz) Hufford. He passed away in January of 1998 at 82 years. In the years preceeding his death he spoke very little of his time and experience in Europe. Only when his temper flared, he sometimes would mention Hitler in a derogatory context. He was, it appeared, to be very proud of his service and the accomplishment that the armed services achieved at that time.

He was a member of VBOB and invited me to attend their annual meetings as a guest. I have attended a few meetings with his wife since his passing and still enjoy the company of the few men that are still living.

He and his wife never had any children, so I became sort of an adopted grandchild. His twin brother was my Grandfather. As a result, I inherited his belongings from his time in the Military. I have a blanket that he said kept him from freezing during the BOB, many pictures of Europe as well as a few other notables. One thing that amazes me is the amount of VMAIL that he had sent home to his wife. There are three five gallon buckets full of them. I also have a trophy he made from the tip of a German Aircraft propeller. I will post a picture if anyone is interested?

If anyone is familiar with the 49th and their objectives and achievements, please share.

Thank You, Mike Norman