Hellcat News, (Kirkland, Wash.), Vol. 31, No. 3, Ed. 1, December 1976 Page: 14 of 19
This newspaper is part of the collection entitled: Abilene Library Consortium and was provided to The Portal to Texas History by the The 12th Armored Division Memorial Museum.
Extracted Text
The following text was automatically extracted from the image on this page using optical character recognition software:
15
D/44
NAT CESARI — D/44
106 Riverview Pky. South
Rome, New York — 13440
On the front page of the Sept. — Oct.
issue of the "HELLCAT NEWS", in the
lower right hand corner, you may have
read how our President, WARREN E.
MAUE WAS ELECTED TO A
SECOND TERM OF OFFICE IN OUR
ASSOCIATION. My congratulations to
Warren, and to all the newly elected
officers. You may also have read how
Yours Truly, was selected to represent
the 44th Tank Batallion. I wish to thank
all the people involved for this honor.
Yes, I do feel it to be an honor, and a
privelege to write about the 44th TK.
BN. With your cooperation, I know that
in time the 44th will be a leader in the
number of members of the 12th A.D.
ASSOCIATION. In the lower left hand
corner of the HCN, notice that already,
the 44th has 15 members. We are in last
place, but not for long.
Now, wouldn't you know, after being
named as the Representative for the
44th TK. BN., who goes ahead and not
get his HCN column to the printer in
time for the November issue??? None
other than me. What with the fact that
our Executive Sec. moving out to the
West Coast, and me not getting my
directions correctly, I managed to miss
the Nov. issue deadline completely. I'm
sorry men, I will do my best so as it will
not happen again. That is a promise.
Once again, wouldn't you know our old
buddy Ben Frank came through with a
newsy letter. Ben, I would like to write
to you personally, and one of these days I
will, but until such time, I will keep in
touch through the 44th Tank Column.
Ben writes that he was not able to make
the Springfield Reunion for many
reasons, the most important of these
being that their daughter Marcela was
married in the month of July. At the
same time, Ben promises to make the
next reunion, God willing.
Ben, along with myself and others is
making a keen attempt to get a hold of a
copy of the 44th TK. BN. book that was
printed in Japan, named "TANK
TRACKS! TENNESSEE TO TOKYO."
It seems that Ben has a good buddy in
AGS, who just happens to be in the
printing business, who could, and would,
print up a bunch of copies at, and get
this, "WHOLESALE PRICES." Let's go
you 44th Tankers, wherever you are.
Somewhere there just has to be a copy.
Send it on to Ben Frank, APDO 466,
AGS, AGS, MEXICO. Ben also
suggested that we have a commercial
artist make up a guidean for the 44th. I
drew up a copy of the 44th guidean from
memory in the last issue of HCN, that is,
as well as I could remember what it
looked like. The one that I had drawn up,
was used in the Aug. '76 issue, but not in
the Sept.-Oct. issue. Could someone tell
me why not?
Ben Frank wrote how he had received
a letter from 1st Sgt. Ralph H. Hill of HQ
Co. It seems that Sgt. Hill's two sons are
married to wives with the same name,
known as JODY # 1, and JODY ft 2.
Ralph and his wife, also have a daughter
at home, that is unmarried. He and his
wife are still square dance instructors,
and Ralph is the dance caller. Wouldn't
you know, from 1st bull to square dance
caller — both take a huge amount of lung
power. Ralph and his family are located
in the Lawndale & Tarrence California
area, a suburb of Los Angeles. All of the
very best to you Ralph, and all of your
loved ones.
I also received from Ben, news of
Andy Brown. Andy has one unmarried
daughter, and three unmarried sons.
Andy, as you can see has been quite busy
over these past many years, what with
his family, and his "ANDY'S T.V.
SERVICE," in the Trenton, NJ area. We
are all very proud of you Andy Brown,
keep up the good work. Both Ralph Hill,
and Andy Brown are listed in their area
phone books, why not give them a call. I
know they would be pleasantly
surprised. Ben has again offered to be
Host, guide, or information director for
anyone who vacations in his area. Ben's
business phone number is 5-5241, or at
his home, he may be reached at 5-1069.
I have been very much made happy at
the number of former 44th Tankers who
have written. Got a letter from a James
E. Bennett of 809 Rambo Court,
Lansdowne, Md., with a zip code of
21227. It seems that Jim, who was better
known as "Pappy" has reached the
beautiful age of 73. He tells me in his
letter that he tires a little, but other than
that he gets around quite well. Pappy
who was in "E" Company as a bugler,
and as he tells it, also "K.P." every now
and then. He was transferred to the
band, and also taught at the bugler
school. Jim also got to beat on the bass
drum, and slam the cymbals. After 11
months, he was discharged, and
returned home. A snapshot of James E.
"Pappy" Bennett is enclosed. Stay with
us buddy, the best is yet to come.
As you may recall in the August issue
of HCN, I wrote in reference to a Lt.
Charles Woodward of P.O. Box 5,
Copenhagen, NY, zip code 13626, well
now, guess what? Just the other day, I
got a letter from Lt. Woodward. He
caused me to recall a very interesting
and impressive occasion. It seems that
on 19 Feb., 1943, Lt. Charles Woodward
and his wife were married in the base
chapel. Three, mind you, three medium
tanks awaited them after a large
military wedding to escort them all over
the base. The entire regiment then was
given the Friday afternoon off. Lt.
Woodward asked in his letter if I
remembered the event. How could
anyone forget the day? There it was a
perfect day, a happy Lt., and his radiant
bride, and one whole regiment of tankers
with a Friday afternoon off. Lt., you did
not send us any news, as to what all you
have been and are now doing. Please
send us more information, as to your
health, your family, your work, and etc.
How about a nice newsy letter that we
may all share? Charles also wished to
know if his dues are to be sent to me?
No, send your dues to 12th A.D.
Association, Inc. c/o Kenneth A.
Warnes, Sr., Executive Secretary, 12809
NE 84th Street, Kirkland, WA. — 98033.
All my good buddies in the Detroit,
Mich, area, when you are in need of a
taxi cab, or accounting & tax service,
don't fuss, don't cuss, just call Ray
Ablitz. It seems that our fellow tanker
Ray lives in Detroit, Mich, at 7693
Dalphin Street. With a zip code of 48239.
You may reach Ray by dialing 565-8812.
Ray was in Ser. Co. of the 44th, and
while we were stationed in Camp
Campbell, he was a tank mechanic. Ray
originally came to the 12th A.D., on
cadre from Ft. Knox. Ray said that he
intended to make at least one reunion
this year, but it seems that arthritis has
caused him to make other plans. He can't
do too much taxi driving because of it,
that is why he got into the accounting &
tax service business. This new business
is doing quite well, so that he may be
able to get by with it. As Ray puts it, "I
still hold my neck above water." It was
good to hear from you Ray, write again
when you can, and let's try and keep our
friendship going at top speed, even if it
has to be done by means of letters, and
the HCN.
On Sept. 1, I received a card from
Claude Spargur, of 520 Louise St.,
Manteno, 111. - 60950. Claude informs
me that he was the first member of the
44th TK. BN. to become a member
of the 12th A.D. Assoc. It seems that he
became a member approx. two years
ago, and since then, he and his wife have
attended two midwest reunions, and the
national at Rochester, N.Y., and
Springfield, 111. Claude and his Mrs. also
attended the 44th TK. BN. reunion at
Carlinville, 111., saw five of his old
buddies, that he hadn't seen in 30 years.
30 years, could that amount of time
really have gone by? It doesn't seem
possible, but then, when I shave every
morning, I get a close look at myself in
the mirror, and then I can really see
where the 30 years have gone
to, the same place that most of my hair
went to, wherever that is.
A great big "HELLO" to Herman
Brauner!!!!! I am indeed sorry that I have
not been able to answer your letter.
What with the column to write, the time
I have to spend in doctors' offices, and
the many trips that I must make to the
different hospitals, because of my
accident and spinal condition. I just do
not get to write to any of my old buddies
from way back when. The best that I am
able to do is to try and keep in touch
through the HCN. Herman Brauner, you
may recall, gave all of us a great deal of
pleasure by entertaining us with his
singing, while he was accompanied by
Jack Campbell at the piano. Jack
Campbell, at the time was pianist with
the Horace Heidt band. Man, those were
the days, big bands, fantastic music, and
beautiful lyrics by some of the best in
show business, and in that group, I must
put our good buddy Herman. Herman,
was more than just good, he was, and
still is GREAT. For that matter, Herman
still performs at night clubs, occasional
TV, and quite a few radio talk shows. He
was known as the "SONG MAN" on
WCAN RADIO, a CBS network station
for four years, from 1971 to 1974.
Herman was the tanker who wrote the
column "BLOW IT OUT YOUR
BARRACKS BAG." The article was one
of my favorites, in the "44th ARMORED
FORCE NEWS." He also wrote in a
more serious vein, and at the time was
honored by being named an associate
editor of the paper. The title was
bestowed onto Herman by a Steve Daly,
whom Herman is very anxious to locate.
Steve Daly, was the editor of the
newspaper "44th ARMORED FORCE
NEWS." Another of Herman's wishes, is
to locate Jack Campbell, Herman's
accompanist, that I mentioned earlier.
Herman sent word, that he had received
a letter from Leonard Tisdale, young
Tisdale sent word that his father, 1st
Sgt. Leonard Tisdale passed away on
June 25, 1976. Leonard Jr. may be
reached at 12055 Mt. Vernon Ave.,
Colton, Calif. — 92324, in the event that
anyone wishes to get in touch with him.
It was indeed sad news, please accept
our deepest sympathy.
Before I go any further, I would at this
time like to list the names of all the 44th
members who have paid their dues, for
the 1976-1977 season. In alphabetical
order, here they are: Ray Ablitz, dues;
Arnold E. Anderson, dues & $6.00
Booster; James E. Bennett, dues; James
Cittadino, dues & $4.00 Booster; Orval
M. Edwards, dues & $5.00 Booster; J.M.
Fitzibbons, dues; Clifton Griffin, dues;
A.C. Lones, dues. I wish to thank all of
these 44th tankers for getting their dues
in on time, and also for getting down into
their pockets and coming up with the
boosters for our 12th A.D. Assoc. Hellcat
News.
The holiday season will soon be upon
us, and I wish to send all who have
occasion to read this issue all the very
best of everything for the holidays
coming.
I have no more news to pass onto you,
and once again, I wish to tell you how
bad I feel that I did not get my write-up
for the month of November in on time.
My best regards to all of you, I remain
as ever,
Very Sincerely,
NAT CESARI-D/44th TK. BN.
Historian's Museum
of
Memories
Our great Association has lost a most
devoted and respected member. Major
General Carlos Brewer passed away on
September 30th rather unexpectedly.
Carlos Brewer was just another member
of the Association as are all of the rest of
us. However, there is little doubt that he
was senior Hellcat at age 85. As our
Division Commander for two years, he
had a terribly responsible mission as we
all know. If we can remember nothing
else of our training in the 12th, we won't
forget the lessons in discipline for which
many of us have been thankful for
countless times since.
I have had a strong desire to have
General and Mrs. Brewer see and read
many of the clippings, pictures and other
material in the two Big Scrap Books. On
Sept. 8 and 9 I had a greenhouse
conference at Ohio State in Columbus.
Realizing that this was an opportunity to
take the material to the General, I
dropped the .Books off on Sept. 8th and
picked them up the following afternoon.
I enjoyed a good half hour bull session
with the General reminiscing about the
clippings concerning his family, many
activities at Campbell and Barkley as
well as training, maneuvers, and
Herrlisheim. He expressed his apprecia-
tion and gratitude for the opportunity to
have seen the contents. He expressed his
sincere love and admiration for all the
Hellcats yet alive and those deceased
and stated that the 12th and its
personnel were by far his favorites of his
entire military career.
We had no clue as to his no longer
being with us only three weeks later. I
believe that anything that can be done to
enhance the spirit and feelings of a
person 85 years of age certainly can be
considered on the positive side. We
know that the dedication of the June
Hellcat News and the General and Mrs.
Brewer's attendance at the 30th Reunion
did much to give them a feeling of
exhilaration.
Warren and Edna Maue, past
Executive-Secretary Bill Hawkins of the
92nd and I, attended the Memorial
Service for General Brewer in Upper
Arlington, a suburb of Columbus, Ohio
on Sat. 9th. His eldest son, Ted, paid his
father a very moving eulogy which I
hope we can get a copy of and print in
the Hellcat News. We began to realize
how little we knew about this man. He
was a staunch student of the Bible, a
very sharp mathematician, and an
excellent chess player.The attendance at
the service was a tribute to a fine and
respected person for the church was
filled.
There is little more that can be said
than "may General Brewer rest in
peace." It was a privilege to have known
him.
Clint Seitz B 495
6274 Rapid Run Rd.
Cincinnati, Ohio 45238
Enclosed Yearly Dues to September 15, 1977
"HELLCAT BOOSTER" DONATION $.
NOTE! Contributions are Tax Deductable Total $.
$4.00
NAME _ UNIT
(Please Print)
Please change my address on reverse side.
NEW ADDRESS
_ City state Zip
| IMPORTANT NOTICE: Our Postal mailing permit requires your correct
| mailing address for delivery. It is not forwardable. It takes the Postoffice
■ several months before we receive your address correction, at a cost of
a 25* per issue mailed you.
"1
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
Upcoming Pages
Here’s what’s next.
Search Inside
This issue can be searched. Note: Results may vary based on the legibility of text within the document.
Tools / Downloads
Get a copy of this page or view the extracted text.
Citing and Sharing
Basic information for referencing this web page. We also provide extended guidance on usage rights, references, copying or embedding.
Reference the current page of this Newspaper.
Twelfth Armored Division Association (U.S.). Hellcat News, (Kirkland, Wash.), Vol. 31, No. 3, Ed. 1, December 1976, newspaper, December 1976; (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth410055/m1/14/?q=%22~1~1%22~1&rotate=180: accessed July 16, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu.; crediting The 12th Armored Division Memorial Museum.