Does anyone have information about this group? My dad was a part of Company D, 342nd General Service Regiment , Engineers throughout most of WWII, but near the end of the war was transferred to the 49th Engineer Combat Battalion. I found some research which indicated that he was doing engineer work after D Day near Utah Beach then was a part of the Battle of the Bulge. He was also in charge of a German POW camp during the war. Where could I find out more about what he did during the war? Thanks, Peg
Wow, have tons of info on the 341st, but will have to do some exploring on the 324nd. Welcome to the forum, Peg!
Marion J Chard
Proud Daughter of Walter 'Monday' Poniedzialek
540th Combat Engineer - H&S Company
The 342nd Engineer General Service Regiment was activated in April of 1942 at Camp Claiborne, Louisiana and sailed from New York to England in July 1942. Arrived In France at Omaha Beach 12 June 1944. On the 17th June they repaired the rail line north of Carentan then assisted in thr repair & reconstruction of the port of Cherbourg. Later the regiment played a major role in the completion of the Cherbourg to Paris Railroad. The regiment also served in the Ardennes ? Alcase and Rhineland campaigns.
There is a book of the unit history, but you may have to search used book sellers to find a copy or do a WorldCat search to find it in a library.
A History of the 342nd Engineer Regiment (General Service), United States Army Reserve, 1921-1948
United States. Army. 342d Engineers, Charles Harvey Roe, 1958
Larry
"I'm proud to be an American, Where at least I know I'm free
And I won't forget the men who died, Who gave that right to me."
God bless the USA - Lee Greenwood
The New York Library has a copy: http://catalog.nypl.org/search/o40548407
Here's an article on a member of the 342nd - http://www.etypeservices.com/SWF/LocalUser/th3pampan3ws/Magazine18393/Full/files/assets/basic-html/page10.html
Joseph Mitchell Phillips
Marion J Chard
Proud Daughter of Walter 'Monday' Poniedzialek
540th Combat Engineer - H&S Company
War and Navy Departments V-Mail Service Penalty 1943 New York, N.Y. Grand Central Annex [A.P.O. 505] Tidworth, England 342nd Engineer Regiment V-Mail to Lemont, Ill. Army Censor.
http://www.postalhis...up=20&pagenum=5
Marion J Chard
Proud Daughter of Walter 'Monday' Poniedzialek
540th Combat Engineer - H&S Company
Found this after action report for the 11th Armored Division - It lists the 342nd as an attached unit. Enjoy!
http://www.11tharmoreddivision.com/history/after_action_report-dec_jan.htm
Here's history on the Battle of the Bulge. The 342nd is mentioned beginning on the Dec 22nd, along with several other engineer units.
http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/The_Ardennes:_Battle_of_the_Bulge/Chapter_XXII
Marion J Chard
Proud Daughter of Walter 'Monday' Poniedzialek
540th Combat Engineer - H&S Company
There is a mention of the role played by the 342nd in the history of Marvin Emmett FRYE
http://www.frontierfolk.net/ramsha_research/Notes/frye.html
Marion J Chard
Proud Daughter of Walter 'Monday' Poniedzialek
540th Combat Engineer - H&S Company
Thanks everyone for your help. Will be researching and reading sources which you have suggested. This means so much to me. Peg
Peg, My Dad was in the 342nd Engineers General Services Regiemnt...Hqtrs and Supply Company. Formed at Camp Claiborne, LA. If you can let me know your Dad's name, I'll be happy to check my Dad's files to see if your Dad is mentioned or if there are any pictures of your Dad. Austin
Great to have you hear Peg!
Marion J Chard
Proud Daughter of Walter 'Monday' Poniedzialek
540th Combat Engineer - H&S Company
Hello Peg!
You mention in earlier post that your Dad was in charge of a German POW Camp. Do you have any details on where it was or its name?
Jean
Mr. Abraham,
Would you mind checking your dad's files for a William Jennings Bell (went by Jennings)? He was in the 342nd, company B. I recently found some pictures and will post them as soon as possible. Most of the pics have several men in them, but no identification noted on the back. Thank you!
My dad was in the 342nd Engineers Company C. His name was Royal Burdette Langsdon. Does anyone have any photos or information that might include him? Thanks, Phillip
Winter is when I'll next have time to go through my Dad's pictures and files. I'll be happy to look for anything on William Jennings Bell and Royal Burdette Langsdon. Not sure I'll have anything as most of my Dad's pictures are of the H&S Company but you never know. The 2 volume album on the history of the 342nd in the New York City Library is a treasure for anyone looking for history on the 342nd Engineers in WWII. I was there and spent hours looking through this one-of-a -kind collection by Col. Roe. Many many pictures!
The book in the NYC Library is in their archives room and I believe you need to contact them in advance and make an appointment to view the books. Austin Abraham
