This tall drink of water is “Bill” G.B. Wren.
He was a Texan, a member of Patton’s Third Army in the 704 Tank Destroyer Battallion during World War II.
He fought in the battles and campaigns of Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland, and Central Europe. When he came home to the States he caught the eye of a pretty nurse from North Dakota. They married and raised a family.
We don’t know much about his service in Europe as his records were burned in the National Personnel Records fire in 1973, but we do have his discharge papers and a small box of tiny photographs he had developed after returning to the States.
I scanned them all and made up a showcase for them here. Since the photos don’t have any captions on them I could only organize them into logical groups and make guesses as to where they might have been taken.
If anyone can offer us some information regarding the locations shown in the photos, his family would appreciate it very much.
They are not dead who live
In hearts they leave behind.
In those whom they have blessed
They live a life again,
And shall live through the years
Eternal life, and grow
Each day more beautiful“They Softly Walk” by Hugh Robert Orr
Have a thoughtful Memorial Day, everyone, and as we enjoy our barbecues and days off, never forget the sacrifices made by our men and women in the military.
(The Monday Morning Mojo will return next week.)
all my granparents proudly served… My daddy was in the Air Force during Vietnam and a long list of uncles and cousins who all served too!
Wish I could help w/ the picture info
Happy Memorial Day!
Amazing photograph.
It’s my favorite photo in that box, Buffy. I’m glad you like it, too.
Dennie, that’s a strong family tradition. A lot of sacrifice and honor.
Bonnie, I enjoyed the pictures so much! Thank you for sharing them. I hope that you find out all the info you are looking for.
The VFW has some great info available to family members about service members and where their companys/battalions were during combat. I hope you can take advantage of that resource for your family.
Have a great day!
Thanks, Laurie—you are always so thoughtful!
Amen to that sister!
What a wonderful tribute :o)
Bright and brave and beautiful,
Young and fierce and sweet.
Thank you, Bonnie.
They were more than units and battles, they were individuals.
Great Display! I believe I have some info on some of the photos you posted. In reverse order: The ship is probably the USS MarMorPort. It sailed from, Marseilles, France homeward to Boston.
The barracks areas were former German Army barracks called Schoch Kaserne, in Susice,Czechoslovakia. This is where the 704 was when the war ended.
The “castle” shots may be from a town called Gars, though I am not sure whether it is in Czechoslovakia, or Barvaria.
The guy at the desk shares facial features with a Headquarters Company clerk whose last name was Bailey.
My information comes from personnal photos passed down by my Father 1st Lt. John J. Preneta,(Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, Bronze Star and Purple Heart) Company A, 704 TD Bn and the publication MEN OF THE 704, edited by “Doc” Buchannon, Capt, Battalion Surgeon and later the 704 TD Association Historian.
Thank you for sharing your find.
Thank you, Jon, for this very interesting information! Wouldn’t that be something if the guy behind the desk really WAS Bailey? I wish I could put names to all the men in the photos.
I’ve been looking for a copy of that book, The Men of the 704th. It’s out of print and difficult to find. So if you ever come across a second copy, please let me know!
My grandfather was in the 704th Tank Destroyer Battalion. He was a driver.