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Hal Silverman - 36th Cavalry Recon
I was with the 36th Cavalry Recon. Troop which was a small detachment of 3 line platoons plus HQs. A platoon was attached to a regiment, hence 3 platoons, 3 regiments. We rotated regiments every so often. Our main job was to go on patrols prior to any attacks and accompany the lead infantry company during an attack. Being Cavalry we never qualified for the Combat Infantry Badge even though we had over 135% replacements (wounded, killed, & MIA).
During WWII all Infantry Divisions had 1
troop of Cavalry as part of their table of organization. So much for that, now
to more important things.
Unfortunately I do not have any photos taken either in the "states" or overseas
so all my memories are mental. ...except for one incident.
During the battle of San Pietro there is one scene showing a left handed grenade
thrower...that's me.. my only claim to fame...
There were parts of the 36th ID that saw combat action before Salerno. This unit went with 1st AD and 1st ID in North Africa and Sicily. The special company that the division created was to send them to various units as combat observers. We (approx. 200 men were assigned to the 1st Armored and 3rd I.D. for the African invasion and the Sicilian as well. After Sicily we returned to our respective units and prepared for Salerno.
I have not heard anything about the controversy of the CIB but being so long ago they can keep it, if my memory serves me right. I think $5.00 a month came with it.
Insofar as my own military history it's as follows:
1...enlisted regular Army......1939
2...After horsemanship school Ft. Riley sent to Ft. McIntosh (Loredo, Tx.) 125th Cav,Sq.
3...1942..we got rid of the horses -- (mechanized) was sent to the 36th Cav Recon Troop
4...36th formed a special company to
accompany the forces staging for the North African
invasion (assigned to the 1st Armored Div)
5...hostilities end in May 43 prepared to go with the1st Inf. Div on the
Sicilian invasion. After Sicily we returned to North Africa to the 36th and on
to Salerno.
6...the rest is like Bennett's story.
1 Silver Star - 4 Purple Hearts - 1 Bronze
Star w/V.- 5 invasions - 9 campaigns
That's my story. Hope this tells you a little about the forgotten front.