DEDICATION OF THE VERY FIRST
AIRBORNE MEMORIAL BRIDGE
RACINE, WISCONSIN, SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1988
From the left: Lester Schwarm, 'Doc' Stolp, Sol Marcado
It must be noted here that Sol Marcado, acting forcefully and well on the idea of the Memorial Bridge that Dr. Stolp originated, caused the concept to become a reality. It is to his dedication to the Airborne that we must commend Sol for his lifelong efforts to continue the Airborne Brotherhood in significant ways, not the least of which untiring efforts is the formation of the Badger State Chapter of the 82nd Airborne Division Association.
Perhaps the most telling accomplishment of the Chapter he founded in Wisconsin is the 'capture' of the first Memorial Bridge! It has gone on to inspire several others. There is one in Texas that is 18 miles long! And the one in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, is about to become 4 lanes! This will require moving the monument to the other side of the river. But as General Jim Gavin always said, "To take a bridge, take both ends at once." Well, we did, but just a bit longer than 'at once'. Here is another bridge for you and your guys, Jim.
Wisconsin's and the nation's 2nd Memorial Bridge
Located on Hwy 10, Clark St., crossing the Wisconsin River. It is on the west side of the river, but is soon to be moved to make room for a new bridge. It will be moved to the east side of the river at that time. It is a State Historical Marker and is marked by green and white highway signs on the bridge. The monument design clearly depicts all Airborne forces. The meditation benches rest upon a hand laid brick walkway, laid in a fully deployed pattern leading ones eyes to focus at the monument stone itself. Naturally the design is of a parachute.
[Map of Nimegen attack]
[Alternative version, clearer and larger -
pdf file.]
This photo of a typical English pub shows one of the treasured off duty haunts
of the boys from the 505th PIR 82nd, 'Camp Quorn', Leicestershire. There were
many others. This one was at 'Barrow-on-Soar', a small village about 4 miles
from the camp. It is still there and functional today. The good folks of the
area made all the boys welcome in their homes. Thus losing some of their
daughters to romance and marriage. Many of these folks are alive today and
correspond regularly with their wartime 'Yank' sons. Many bear the sad wounds of
those who did not come back. Just like we do.
The ship in this photo is a typical 'Victory Ship', which many of us came
home or went overseas on. They vibrated a lot and 'sprung' along their length
going over larger swells and waves. They were not comfortable, but going home made
it ok. No matter what vehicle we were in.
RAY CONKLIN
Right after the 'Bulge' battles. Note, he hasn't even had time to get his
'Combat Jump Stars' on his paratrooper wings! You can tell where he has been by
the drawn and fatigued look in this photo. It is better known as 'The Thousand
Yard Look'. You could hardly find a more clear example of what is meant by that
phrase! He was (and is) not alone in that appearance! Remember, at the date of
this photo he had been 'IN' since he ended basic training which started in
January 1943. Then he was shipped with the 509th to North Africa. Interestingly
enough, B.J. 'Mother' Bjelland was actually his platoon sergeant all the way!
Art Duebner, December 1995
Art Duebner on R & R in Paris. Late March 1945
[Many of the following scrapbook photos have handwritten captions.]
A Co. E, 504 Parachute Infantry Regiment Staff Sgt. in Germany - 1945.. Note
the captured German Officer's map case, behind which are my m-1938 wire cutters.
(82nd Airborne Division Association History) Art Duebner...
S/Sgt Art Duebner - photo taken on the east side of the Elbe River near Dann-Berg
Germany, May 7, 1945. This photo is in an 'Ospry' book titled: 'U.S. Army
Airborne 1940-1990'. How they got it is a mystery, as I thought I had the only
copy and the negative.
Aug 1944
Richard Halberstadt in front of the Dog Pub. Oadby, Leriester England.
Aug. 1944 between the Normandy and Holland invasions. The first picture of
Elizabeth and Richard Halberstadt.
Exhausted troopers catching 40 winks on the 'bulge' front line.
Their 'day' job - another Ardennes Mile
Some win ----- some lose
The Bulge ------ ready to attack
Another days work
Officers lead the way