Feb 16

A Wounded Soldier and the 23rd Psalm

During WWII my dad, Herbert Miller, was assigned to the 333rd Infantry Regiment of the 84th Division. The 84th was known as the Railsplitters. You can see the Railsplitter pins on his lapels in the photo below.

Pfc Herbert M. Miller

My dad was proud to be a Railsplitter and over the years purchased many books about the Railsplitters and their role in World War II, in particular about their role in Battle of the Bulge. He subscribed to the Railsplitter magazine as well and that is where he read the letter I am posting below. The incident described in this letter really made an impression on my dad and he talked about it many times. He even cut the letter out of the magazine and tucked it away in one of his Railsplitter books. That is where I found it.

The incident below took place in Germany in December, 1944, probably just before my dad entered the war.

The letter was written by Army chaplain Harold R. Weaver. I am not sure when the letter was written but the writer may be referring to the Railsplitter reunion in Springfield, Illinois, in 2007.

Dear Railsplitters,

I attended the reunion in Springfield, first time I had seen many of the fellows for 40 years. It was terrific! I was a bit afraid that no one would know me—and that I might not know them—so I made a badge which I wore: a picture of me taken 40 years ago, with my name and “84th Div., Artillery Chaplain” under the picture. It helped every once in a while. I was sharing an experience with some of the fellows and they encouraged me to write it down on paper and send it to the RAILSPLITTER. I have done so and this is it! If you find it useful perhaps you might print it.

It was in Geilenkirchen in December, before we went down to the Battle of the Bulge. It might have been a bit earlier, I’m not sure of the exact date. But I do remember a black night when I was asleep in the basement of a house on the edge of town. This was part of the Siegfried Line so we felt somewhat safe in the thick-walled basement. Around 1:00 a.m. someone yelled into our basement, “Is there a Protestant Chaplain here?” I of course yelled back, “Yeh, I’m one,” to which he replied, “you are wanted by the medics.” We skirted past a long crooked trench the Germans had dug., feeling our way carefully in the dark and got into the man’s Jeep. I’ve wondered a 1000 times how the drivers ever survived, driving in pitch black darkness, a feeling most men in combat have experienced. We took only a few minutes to get to the village school house which was being used—in the basement—as a medic center at that time.

We pulled the tarp back so no light would get out and walked into the large room. Why was I called? A man was lying on a table with a plasma bottle hanging from a stand and with a needle attached to tubing. He was unconscious. He had been hit along with a number of others just a mile or so from Geikenkirchen and had been brought back to this aid station. The M.D. told me the man was in severe shock, that his blood vessels were flabby and that they could not get plasma into his veins. He was soon to die and therefore he (the M.D.) had asked for a chaplain. I admitted, at least to myself, that I hardly knew what could be done of any value in such a situation. I did suggest that we might read the 23rd Psalm and I would follow it with prayer. The doctor nodded approval and two or three of the medics gathered around the table as we surrounded the infantryman with our concern.

An amazing thing happened. I came to the part of the Psalm where the words are “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for Thou are with me,” and I was interrupted by the physician: “Chaplain,” he said, “the man is speaking” and sure enough he was repeating the words of the Psalm along with me: “though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me…” The medic said to me, “Ask him his name.” Then, “What is his dog tag number?” And not until then did I know that his dog tag was missing and that he was an “unknown soldier.” I wanted to engage in some kind of talk with him so I said, “Are you a Baptist?” It was a gamble. I thought I could rely on a Baptist knowing the 23rd Psalm! (I happen to be a United Methodist). I did not expect the quick and vigorous response, “No. I’m a Lutheran!” In a way it was the best thing that could have happened because it meant some adrenaline was shot into his system in a hurry. There was considerable vigor in his response, and most important his flabby blood vessels became resilient and made it possible for the medics to get the needle into his blood vessels and thus get the plasma into his body. It saved his life!

Later, the next day, I talked with the medics and found that he had been shipped on to the next medic station to the rear, but that it seemed likely that he lost an arm from the 88 shell fragment that hit him. But the thing that intrigued me was that here was an infantryman whose life was saved because he was touched deep down in his unconscious mind as he heard the familiar words of the 23rd Psalm and he returned to consciousness, thus releasing vital factors so that he could survive.

My thought about it all: somewhere there may still be a Lutheran infantryman with one arm whose life was saved by an Artillery Chaplain’s words from the Scriptures. The words had value to the man because somewhere his boyhood days—perhaps at Confirmation time—he had learned the 23rd Psalm. And I am impressed with the possibility that this man may not know that knowing that Psalm was important to his being alive today, if indeed his is still alive.

Is there a one-armed infantryman, a Lutheran, who got wounded at Geilenkirchen and was taken to the school house there for treatment? If so I’d like to hear from him. Maybe others would, too, so let us know—if such a man reads this article.

Chaplain Harold R. Weaver
(Div Arty)
5627 N. Moraine Hills Dr.
West Bend, WI  53095

I think one of the reasons my dad liked this letter so much is that fact that the soldier was Lutheran and my dad was a Lutheran as well. Of course a Lutheran would know the 23rd Psalm! My dad took his faith seriously and was an active member of Zion Chatt all of his life. He also attended church services throughout his basic training and while he was in Europe during the war. I have some of the church bulletins that he saved from those services during the war.

Below is the bulletin from the Protestant Worship service at Providence Church in Heidelberg on 6 and 7 April 1946:

Bulletin from 6 & 7 April 1946, Providence Church, Heidelberg, Germany.

Bulletin from 6 & 7 April 1946, Providence Church, Heidelberg, Germany.

More to come about my dad’s WWII experiences.

Feb 13

Tombstone Tuesday–Victor F. & I. Chloe (Douglas) Bollenbacher

Victor & Chloe Bollenbacher, Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Mercer County, Ohio. (2011 photo by Karen)

This is the tombstone of Victor and Chloe (Douglas) Bollenbacher, located in row 5 of Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Chattanooga, Mercer County, Ohio. The marker is inscribed:

BOLLENBACHER

I Chloe
1905-1998

Victor F.
1903-1985

Victor F. Bollenbacher was born in Adams County, Indiana, on 8 September 1903, the son of John Martin and Emma (Bollenbacher) Bollenbacher.

In 1910 the John Martin Bollenbacher family lived in Jefferson Township, Adams County, Indiana: John, 30; Emma, 31; Victor, 6; Helen, 4; Lucille, 2; Esther, 0; and Hulda Barron, 16, adopted daughter. Victor’s father John farmed. This enumeration reports that Emma had given birth to 5 children but only 4 of them were living. [1]

In the 1920 census Victor’s name is shown as Victor F.J. Bollenbacher. Victor was 16 years old and his father still farmed. The John Bollenbacher household in 1920: John, 40; Emma, 41; Victor, 16; Helen, 13; Lucile, 11; Esther, 9; and Ralph, 7. [2]

Victor Bollenbacher married Ina Chloe Douglas on 8 September 1926 at Zion Chatt.  Witnesses to their marriage were Audy Linn and Velma Linn.

Ina “Chloe” Douglas Bollenbacher was born 5 May 1905 in Adams County, Indiana, the daughter of Augustus “August” D. and Nettie E. (Sipe) Douglas. Zion’s records indicate that she was baptized on 24 June 1917 by Rev. Ezra Glenndening and her baptism record is listed with Zion’s confirmation records. I do not recognize the name Glenndining as being one of Zion’s ministers so she may have been baptized at another church. [3]

The August Douglas family in 1910, Blue Creek Township, Adams County: Augustus D, 37; Nettie, 34; Ethel, 9; Velma, 6; Chloe, 4; Beulah, 3; Herman, 1; and Elsie Thomas, 63, widowed mother. Chloe’s father August was also a farmer. [4]

The August Douglas family in 1920: August, 47; Nettie, 43; Ethel, 20; Velma, 16; Chloe, 14; Beulah, 12; Herman, 10; Thurman, 8; Russell, 5; and Martha, 2. [5]

Victor’s mother Emma died in 1934. His father John married Martha Gertrude “Minnie” Slusser (1896-1963) in 1936. [6] John died in 1958 and he and Emma are also buried in Zion Chatt’s cemetery.

I remember Victor and Chloe, such a nice couple who attended Zion Chatt. They were so pleasant and Chloe always had a smile on her face. I also remember going Christmas caroling at their home years ago. Once, in an effort to make it easier for the older members to come to church and take communion, we offered a special service one Saturday evening. Victor and Chloe were the only ones that attended besides the pastor, Joe, and I, but we still provided them with a complete worship service. I remember this because I played the organ for the service.

Victor & Chloe (Douglas) Bollenbacher, 1979.

Victor Bollenbacher died of a heart attack in Adams County, Indiana, on 4 February 1985, at the age of 81. He was a retired farmer and trucker. Victor was buried on the 7th and Yager-Kirchhofer, Berne, was in charge of the funeral arrangements. [7]

Chloe (Douglas) Bollenbacher died of congestive heart failure at Chalet Village Health Care Center, Berne, on 29 June 1998, at the age of 93. She was buried on 2 July and Downing Funeral Home, Geneva, was in charge of the arrangements. [8]

Victor and Chloe had three children:
Roger Wayne (1929-1929)
Alethea Mae
Olen Eugene

 

[1] 1910 U.S. Census, Jefferson, Adams, Indiana, ED 4, p.2B, dwelling & family 35, John Bollenbacher; Ancestry.com; FHL microfilm 1374351, NARA microfilm T624, roll 338.

[2] 1920 U.S. Census, Jefferson, Adams, Indiana, ED 4, p.7B, dwelling 141, family 51, John M. Bollenbacher; Ancestry.com; NARA microfilm T625, roll 420.

[3] Ezra James Glenndening was the pastor of the Ceylon church. The church burned down 1 April 1923 and was not rebuilt. He was the father of Phyllis Heller, Berne. [Thanks to Brian B for providing that information.]

[4] 1910 U.S. Census, Blue Creek, Adams, Indiana, ED 1, p.11A, dwelling & family 213, Augustus D Douglas; Ancestry.com; FHL microfilm 1374351, NARA microfilm T624, roll 338.

[5] 1920 U.S. Census, Blue Creek, Adams, Indiana, ED 1, p.1B, dwelling 19, family 20, Augustus Douglas; Ancestry.com; NARA microfilm T625, roll 420.

[6] “Ohio, County Marriages, 1789-2013,” database with images, FamilySearh.org, John M Bollenbacher and Minnie M Slusser, 12 May 1938; Mercer County Marriages, Vol. 15, p.119; FHL microfilm 2366956.

[7] Indiana, Death Certificates, 1899-2011, database on-line, Ancestry.com, Victor Bollenbacher; Indiana Archives and Records Administration, Indianapolis, Death Certificates, 1985, roll 2.

[8] Indiana, Death Certificates, 1899-2011, database on-line, Ancestry.com, Ina Chloe Bollenbacher 29 Jun 1998; Indiana Archives and Records Administration, Indianapolis, Death Certificates, 1998, roll 9.

Feb 09

Dear Mom & All–WWII Letters from Herb (part 16)

My dad, Herbert Miller, was trained as a replacement troop during the fall of 1944 and by the end of that same year he was in Belgium fighting in the Battle of the Bulge. He had been assigned to Company L, 333rd Regiment, 84th Infantry Division, known as the Railsplitters.

Pfc Herbert M. Miller

My dad wrote quite a few letters home during the time he served our country in Europe during WWII and I am grateful that his family saved most of them. During the first two months of 1945 he did not write many letters home, very likely because he was an infantryman fighting in the Battle of the Bulge and in Germany after that. In March of 1945 he found the time to write a few letters home to his parents and a couple to his sister Em and her husband Norval “Jack.”

Today I post two V-Mail letters that my dad wrote to his sister Em. V-Mail letters were the soldiers’ letters copied onto microfilm in Europe. The film was sent to America where the letter was reprinted on paper at about half its original size and then delivered.

V-mail from Herbert Miller in Germany, 1945.

These letters are from Pfc. Herbert Miller (35845400), Co. L, 333rd Infantry, A.P.O. 84, c/o Postmaster, New York, NY, to Mr. & Mrs. Norval Weitz, RR1, Rockford, Ohio.

V-Mail letter with no envelope:

10 March 1945
Somewhere in Germany

Dear Sis, Jack & all,

How is everything coming along back Chattanooga way? I imagine the farm work is pretty well underway by now.

I received your box of Lady Wayne Chocolate today and I mean to tell you they were really delicious. The squad thought they were good, too. There are twelve men in the squad and they are all regular fellows. When we receive a box we share alike.

I’ve now gotten the Combat Infantryman’s badge. I get $10 more per month. Now with $4 more for P.F.C. and $10 for overseas. That makes my paycheck $74 before deductions.

Well Jack I’ve got myself a Luger now plus a German paratrooper’s knife. They will make nice souvenirs.

I received the Rockford newsletter today. It’s got quite a bit of news in it. Must close for now and thanks again for the candy. Tell Mom not to worry. I’ll write tomorrow and hoping to see you soon.

Love,
Herbie

The Railsplitters Emblem.

Another V-Mail letter to Em and Jack:

25 March 1945
Germany

Dear Em & Jack,

Well today is Palm Sunday. It is about 3 o’clock in the afternoon. I slept till noon, ate dinner, then went to church.

I received a box yesterday from mom and a box the day before from Ruth. I sure was glad to get them.

I haven’t heard from Dorothy for quite a while now. I imagine she is busy or something.

I talked to Milton Schumm a couple of days ago. I still haven’t seen Rev. Arne’s [?] boy.

I imagine Norval is working in the ground now. The weather is just like summer over here now.

Guess I’d better close for now. Am feeling fine and hope that you are the same.

Love,
Herbie

[Note by kmb: Interesting that during the war he ran into someone he knew from the Willshire area! It was Milton Schumm, a relative from my mom’s side of the family. Perhaps they knew each other from Willshire School. He would not have known Milton from my mom because he was dating another woman during the war and had not met my mom yet.]

My dad collected quite a few books about the Battle of the Bulge and the Railsplitters over the years. He made notes in some of them and notes on some little pieces of paper that he used as bookmarks. Here are some notes he made in a book about the 84th, the Railsplitters:

[Note by kmb: I am not sure what town he was referring to below. It looks like Verdiene but that name does not appear to be a town. I wonder…]

Started 3:00 p.m., 12-24 by another battalion,
But Lost Verdiene [?] at about 9:30 P.
We started to fight for Verdiene.
At 1:00 A. we entered town.

In the book he made a note that he was in the town of Laroche.

My dad also made a notation on a photograph in the same book, a photograph of a snow-plowed crossroad captioned: “The capture of this innocent-looking crossroads was probably the turning point of the entire action. It deprived the enemy of the only two first-rate roads to the east, the Laroche Road and the Houffalize Road.”

My dad wrote on that photo: Sgt. David Uherka, Lakewood, Ohio, my squad leader was killed about ¼ mile from this crossroad.

[Note by kmb: Sgt. David Uherka, Find a Grave Memorial no. 55273528. He and my dad were both in the 84th Infantry Division, although Sgt. Uherka’s obituary and notes on Find a Grave.com show he was in the 82nd.      Sgt. Uherka’s grave marker indicates he was in the 84th Infantry Division.]

More WWII letters next week.

Feb 06

Tombstone Tuesday–Roger Wayne Bollenbacher

Roger Wayne Bollenbacher, Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Mercer County, Ohio. (2011 photo by Karen)

This is the tombstone of Roger Wayne Bollenbacher, located in row 8 of Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Chattanooga, Mercer County, Ohio. The marker is inscribed:

ROGER WAYNE
BOLLENBACHER
JULY-7-1929

Roger Wayne Bollenbacher was stillborn or died shortly after birth on 7 July 1929 in Adams County, Indiana. He was the first child born to Victor Fredrick and Ina Chloe (Douglas) Bollenbacher.

This tombstone may be the only recorded information about this child but the Bollenbacher family confirms that he was the son of Victor and Chloe Bollenbacher. Neither his birth or death is recorded in Zion Chatt’s records and I was unable to find his birth or death record on-line.

Victor and Chloe went on to have two more children, Alethea Mae and Olen Eugene.

Roger’s parents are buried in row 5 of Zion’s cemetery.

Feb 02

Dear Mom & All–WWII Letters from Herb (part 15)

My dad, Herbert Miller, was trained as a replacement troop during the fall of 1944 and by the end of that year he was in Belgium fighting in the Battle of the Bulge. He had been assigned to Company L, 333rd Regiment, 84th Infantry Division, known as the Railsplitters.

Herbert M. Miller, WWII.

My dad wrote quite a few letters home during the time he served our country in Europe during WWII and I am grateful that his family saved most of them. During the first two months of 1945 he did not write many letters home, very likely because he was an infantryman fighting in the Battle of the Bulge. In March of 1945 he found the time to write about 10 letters home to his parents and a couple to his sister Em and her husband Norval “Jack.”

After the Bulge my dad said that he spent 5 days in Holland and then went into Germany. Below are two photos that he took that look like they were taken at the same time and place. However, one is labeled Holland and the other is labeled Belgium.

57mm anti-tank gun, 84th Division, 333rd, labeled Holland.

57mm anti-tank gun, 84th Division, 333rd, labeled Belgium.

The letters I am posting today were written in March 1945, from somewhere in Germany. He was not allowed to say exactly where exactly where in Germany. All of these letters are from Pfc. Herbert Miller (35845400), Co. L, 333rd Infantry, A.P.O. 84, c/o Postmaster, New York, NY, written to his parents, Mr. & Mrs. Carl Miller, RR #1, Willshire, Ohio.

The people he refers to in the letters: Em, Helen, Kate, Vernie, Kenny, and Annie were his siblings. Norval was Em’s husband. Johnnie and Clara were his uncle and aunt. Homer Carr and his wife attended church at Zion Chatt with my dad. Kenneth Ellenberger was my dad’s cousin. Dot was the woman from St. Marys that he was dating at the time.

Envelope postmarked [?] March 1945. Passed by 38658 US Army Examiner [stamped], signed [?] J Bennett [?]. Letter stamped Berne, Ind, 7 Apr 1945.

84th Division, the Railsplitters, Hanover, Germany.

12 March, 1945
Somewhere in Germany

Dear Mom & All,

It’s about 7:15 and I have time for a letter before I go to bed.

I received the box of candy Kate sent, sure was glad to get it. Thanks a lot. That was the only box I received from youins. I received one from EM and Jack, one from Homer Carrs, and one from Johnnie and Clara.

My mail is coming through good and I hear from Dot regular.

I received a letter from Kenneth Ellenberger today and answered it tonight. I also received the V-mail Vernie sent. He sure can write a good letter. A lot better one than I can. What is the matter with Kenny? You don’t mention much about him and he doesn’t ever write much. I’ll bet he is tickled to death to be able to work and make money.

I had to laugh about Vernie and Kenny shooting that rabbit then shooting him again.

I’m going to send home some old German money as a souvenir to Kenny, Vernie, and Annie. They aren’t worth anything but the littlest one and the newest one is good. It is worth 10 cents.

Just heard Jack Benny over the radio. It was a good program.

Guess I’d better close for now. Am feeling fine and hope you are the same.

Love,
Herbie

P.S Please send me a package of cookies, cake, and popcorn. (We can pop the corn over here.)

Back of Sherman Tank, Germany.

[Note by kmb: Seems that my dad was a rather hard on his little brother Kenny for not writing. I had to laugh at that sentence. Kenny would have been about 11 years old at the time and, like most young men, probably had other things to do beside writing letters.]

Envelope postmarked 18 March 1945. Passed by US Army Examiner 38658 [stamped], signed Peter C. Agaisse, 1st Lt.

16 March 1945
Somewhere in Germany

Dear Mom & All,

It’s Friday afternoon and thought I’d drop youins a couple of lines. Have they started the farm work yet? Boy this winter sure did go fast. It won’t be long until spring is over with.

How are the kids coming along with school? Just a couple of months anymore and school will be over with. I’ll bet they will be glad.

I received the V-mail that Helen sent. Thanks a lot. The mail hasn’t come in yet today. I’ve been waiting for a couple of hours.

I imagine you wonder how Germany looks around here. The towns and city are very close together, not more than 2-6 miles from the next one. Then there are farm houses between the cities. Some of the small towns don’t even have a house torn down. The civilians in these towns would hang out white flags and their houses would be saved. Some of the towns, especially the larger ones, are really torn up.

We took shots today. I guess we never will get away from taking them.

Can’t think of much more to write so am going to close. I’m feeling fine and hope you are the same.

Love,
Herbie

84th Division Soldier with carbine, Belgium.

Postmarked 22 March 1945. Passed by US Army Examiner 33658 [stamped], signed Peter C Agaisse, 1st Lt.

20 March 1945
Somewhere in Germany

Dear Mom & All,

Received three letters from youins today. Sure was glad to get them.

It just got dark so am writing this by the electric lights we have in this town. We even have running water here.

The civilians are working in the fields and gardens around here. It sure has warmed up.

I was sitting on the steps watching the civilians plow. That ground worked up that way made me think of the farm. They do most of their work by oxen and horses. They have some of the biggest oxen I ever saw, about like elephants. They use two-wheeled carts, about half as long as our hay wagons and about the same height.

You have probably heard of the Cologne plain. It is just as flat as a board. If it wouldn’t be for the towns and trees you could see for miles. From the Ruhr to the Rhine we walked about 60 miles in about 5 days.

The buildings here aren’t like the wood houses at home. They are made of stone, brick, or cement from 1-2 feet thick. The house and barn are usually joined and surrounded by a high stone wall. About all of the farmers had some slave labor. And it tickles me to death to see them do their own work and being told what to do.

All of the German houses seemed to be pretty well supplied in meat, potatoes, and fruit. The fruit probably isn’t there anymore. Once in a while a bottle of wine or cognac is found.

On a lot of German prisoners you find American pistols and watches. I imagine they came off of our prisoners.

Can’t think of much more to write so I’d better close. Am feeling fine and hope you are the same.

Lots of love,
Herbie

P.S. I’m going to send home my paratroopers’ knife I have, when I can.

WWII German Paratrooper Knife sent home by Herb.

WWII German Paratrooper Knife sent home by Herb.

One page of a letter that has no envelope with it:

24 March 1945
Germany

[stamped] Berne Ind, 12 Apr 1945

Dear Mom & All,

It is evening and I have decided to write one or two letters and then go to bed.

You say you haven’t received the wrist watch yet. I had it insured and am sending the receipt in this letter. It is insured for $25 and the camp I sent it from is a secret P.O.E. in Massachusetts. I’m also sending a little French and some Belgium money home. You will also find a German postage stamp.

I haven’t heard from Dorothy for a couple of weeks. I don’t know…

[Note by kmb: Unfortunately, there are no more pages of this letter.]

Letter & envelope all in one, folded. Postmarked [?] March 1945. Passed by US Army Examiner 33658 [stamped], signed Peter C Agaisse, 1st Lt.

28 March 1945
Germany

Dear Mom & All,

I received your letter tonight. Sure was glad to receive it. I really was surprised today. I received two boxes of Hershey’s candy today. Em & Norval had them sent. I also got the Standard today.

I’ve received about 4 or 5 letters from Kenneth Ellenberger but I got 4 of them in 1 day about a week ago and 1 today. I answered the others and am going to answer it tonight.

I went to a show tonight, the first one I’ve seen since December. I went to a USO show the other day but it turned out to be the Division’s band. It is really a good band.

I’ll bet the kids are glad that school will be out soon. Well, Willshire didn’t do so bad this year. I would have liked to see them go farther.

Must close for now. Am feeling fine and hope you are the same.

Love,
Herbie

P.S. Please send me a box of cookies and peanuts.

[Note by kmb: Those home-baked items must have really been a treat and watching them farm in Germany in the spring surely made him long to be farming back in Mercer County. He always liked to farm and work outdoors.]

More WWII letters next week.