After crossing the Moselle River, units of the 95th battled for Metz. The city had been heavily fortified since the 1800’s and no army occupying the forts had ever been defeated. But after a fierce battle and capture of the German commander, Gen. Heinrich Kittel, 95th Soldiers defeated the Germans and liberated the citizens of Metz who had been under German control since France fell in 1940.
The reunion allowed veterans to rekindle the bond they shared during their tour of duty and remember those events that shaped their lives. Retired Col. John Komp, president of the Association said, “I recall with vividness the attack by the 377th Infantry to force a crossing of the Moselle River at Metz. I can see the boats as we crossed under smoke screen and receiving fire from the German positions.”
An equally important part of the reunion was the opportunity for current Soldiers of the 95th to participate in the festivities and meet the “Iron Men” who came before them. The veterans took a trip to the Fort Sill (Okla.) Museum where 1st Brigade soldiers were on hand to greet them. After viewing a short film about the history of the fort, veterans were entertained by a “Buffalo Soldier” re-enactor and toured the recently renovated cavalry barracks.
Spec. Walter A. Whitley, 1st Brigade, said that meeting the veterans was an historical moment which he will never forget. He said he was amazed when listening to veterans as they recapped past events of their missions in Europe.
Brig. Gen. Roger B. Duff, the current Division commander, spoke at the veterans’ formal dinner Saturday evening and talked about the differences and similarities of the veterans and current Soldiers. Speaking to the veterans about his visit to the 95th memorial earlier in the day, Duff said, “I’m in awe when I visit and see what you accomplished for the 95th and the United States. Your sacrifice, your glory and your valor will not be fleeting.”
The Division held its Staff Sergeant Andrew Miller Club (SAMC) challenge in conjunction with the reunion (See related story). The SAMC was named in honor of Miller, the Division’s only Medal of Honor recipient who served with the veterans. It was fitting that soldiers who successfully completed the challenge were awarded their medallions from retired Col. Vince Geiger and special guest, Henry Welsch, nephew of Miller.
Sgt. James D. Snipes, 3rd Brigade, and SAMC medallion recipient said, “It was a privilege to receive the medallion from the nephew of Staff Sgt. Andrew Miller. It was also a distinctive honor to receive the medallion during the reunion dinner with the World War II veterans from the 95th Division.”
Throughout the four-day event, Soldiers listened and were inspired by the veterans’ stories. They also were able to share their own stories with the veterans on Army transformation and current battlefield deployments. It gave both generations a better understanding of what the Army was and what it has become.
Membership in the association is encouraged and available to current 95th soldiers, any person who feels a sentimental attachment, and those who just want to know and preserve the history of the Division. To learn more about the Association or to join, visit http://www.95divassociation.com/.