Robert Walker, Charlie Co Maintenance Section 1972-1974

Here's news from Robert Walker, one of the vets who helps keep the 8th ID group alive. In recent years, he's been making inquiries about the halftrack he and a few other fellows revived. I know that at least one of his tracks was still in working order back in the late '80s, because I saw them roll it out of the Brigade shed onto the parade field.

Robert served in Paddy's Gang as a SP/4 from March 1972 through September 1974 (later retiring as SSG). This is what he had to say about that track:

USA Number: US ARMY 1F9876
Unit: SP TRP 2-0
Bumper Number: EOD-8
Engine: WHITE, Straight 6, Flat head, Manufactured in 1951

This was the most complete one that was in the bone yard.

We loaded a 5/4 (M715) with all the tools we thought we would need and went to Graf. I drove and Krutzsch rode shot gun in the 5/4. Schaffer and Baldwin followed us in a POV. Upon arriving we were brought to a bone yard of old vehicles that were waiting to go down range to be hard targets. A lot of tanks, APCs, and a number of half-tracks.

We got as many spare parts as we could and they all came back with the half-track. It was painted and displayed at the Infantry Ball at the Officers Club in Baumholder. It was re-painted and some more work done to it and it went to Luxembourg for the Patton Remembrance Day. It was used in the parade to carry dignitaries.

Robert
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This photo above isn't the same track, but it's the same kind. It was parked outside the Wagonwheel Theater in the mid/late 1980s, and for all I know it may still be there.

Always First!

UPDATE: Ernie Krutzsch was there, and he dropped in to say hello.

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