Hmmmm. . . As soon as I read this I recalled my grandfather's log of his trip home.

How cool is that?

And if they are suggesting that's the best coffee between there and the China Burma India theater, it must have been great coffee!!

Oh my God, that is just great. Wow, never expected an answer, let alone an answer so quickly. Thank you Todd and thank you grandpa!

I'm going to look up this set of dates in my archives. Let's see what else I can find out...

Okay, this is what I am finding for this period. This should help us narrow down where "Joe's" was located.

Mannheim was battalion HQ for the 2832nd (originally 1st bn for the 540th). For those reading this, John C O'Brien was C.O. of the 2832nd. Looks like several officers and enlisted men were being sent to the 14th Reinforcement Depot at Neufchâteau, France on their way to the states.

Todd, your grandfather states that he left Thionville (and was heading back to Mannheim for forgotten documents) and stopped at GI Joes about an hour and half later. Of course depending on driving conditions, etc., that would put him approximately in the location of Saarbrucken, Germany, which is near the French and German border. Of course it could be anywhere in French/German vicinity, but again, we are narrowing down the location for the greatest cup of coffee. Now that we know the route, that limits the area.

Here's a revised public map I made up, so everyone can follow along...

Wow, this is wonderful news! Great work and thank you so much for the help! This is thrilling.

Marion I can't get to your map link though, access is denied

Here are some details about the 284th's trip south from Nuremberg to the Marseilles area.

Try again. Ya, the map was private. Ooops!

Thanks for the morning reports. Will look at them now.

That map is awesome, I've been meaning to finish up the ones that I have been working on for the 284th. I do have their original maps though but the interactive ones are fun because I can add notes / photos and etc.

http://284thcombatengineers.com/map.cfm

I plan to do this for the entire 540th travels through the ETO. Of course, this will take time, but it will be so worthwhile.

It is very time consuming, but will be such a blessing the families! Keep up the great work

Okay, this is what I am finding for this period. This should help us narrow down where "Joe's" was located.

 

Mannheim was battalion HQ for the 2832nd (originally 1st bn for the 540th). For those reading this, John C O'Brien was C.O. of the 2832nd. Looks like several officers and enlisted men were being sent to the 14th Reinforcement Depot at Neufchâteau, France on their way to the states.

 

Todd, your grandfather states that he left Thionville (and was heading back to Mannheim for forgotten documents) and stopped at GI Joes about an hour and half later. Of course depending on driving conditions, etc., that would put him approximately in the location of Saarbrucken, Germany, which is near the French and German border. Of course it could be anywhere in French/German vicinity, but again, we are narrowing down the location for the greatest cup of coffee. Now that we know the route, that limits the area.

 

Here's a revised public map I made up, so everyone can follow along...

 

 

Wow - great detective work!!

Ah, now if I only got paid to do this stuff.

Hey, Mike, had a chance to take a good long look at your original map from the 284th and indeed, it looks like I'm on the right track for "Joe's", as they made a few stops on their way back west right around the German/French border. So much fun.

Ah, now if I only got paid to do this stuff.

Ever think of talking to the Army Center of Military History? They might even have something you could do online. You never know.

The thought has crossed my mind before...who knows. Right now I put out an idea (not telling yet) to the WWII museum in New Orleans. Let's see where it goes... Details hopefully to follow in the future. That's all I'm saying for now. LOL!

Right now I put out an idea (not telling yet) to the WWII museum in New Orleans.

That's awesome!! That place is great!