Frank Lane, 1/39 Inf (M), 1966 - 1968

Here we are again, with news from Frank Lane who served in my old platoon (3rd Platoon, Alpha Co) but about twenty years before my day. He was a personnel carrier driver . . . probably using the same tracks we had, too.

Frank's in New York these days, and I have contact details for both email and letters.

AAAO!

Frank R Lane
3rd Platoon
Alpha Co
1/39 Inf
1966, 1967, 1968

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1LT George W. Lodge, 39th Infantry Regiment, 1956

Exciting news from a 1950s-era veteran of the 39th Infantry Regiment! 

Today I received an email from 1LT George W. Lodge, who was with Paddy's Gang during one of the big Operation GYROSCOPE movements. That was when the Army swapped entire divisions, separate regiments, or separate battalions between overseas locations and their permanent stations in the United States (see link below for more details.) On my understanding, the 1956 move saw Paddy's Gang ship from Fürth back to Fort Carson. That contrasts with the redesignations-in-place, like when the 39th Inf was re-created out of the 169th Infantry Regiment in Fürth (in '52 or '53).

Meanwhile, here's a note from George:

. . . I served in the Regimental Gyro Section under two Captains as the Lt. in charge of the Packing and Shipping Crew. My crew happened to be several members of my old platoon of Charlie Co, 1st Bn, 8th Inf. Regt, 4th Inf. Div. in Butzbach, W. Germany that were transferred later to the 39th Regt. under the Gyro operation. My tour of duty in W. Germany began with the 8th Regt. in May, 1955. In December, 1955 I was promoted to Bn. Comm. Officer, 1st Bn, 8th US Inf. Regt, 4th Inf. Div. My P&C crew and I were shipped out in early October, 1956. My assignment onboard was as Special Services Officer to entertain the troops and dependents onboard the ship for the journey home. I was honorably discharged upon arrival at Ft. Hamilton, NY. Great time serving our country!

1LT George W. Lodge
Regt. HQ. Gyroscope Special Section Officer/ Packing and Shipping
June 1956 -- October 1956

Thanks, George!

Here's more info about Operation GYROSCOPE: http://www.history.army.mil/documents/gyroscope/gyro-fm.htm

Eventually, I intend to write up some short historical overviews about the unit before our return to Germany in the early 1960s. Meanwhile, I'm always grateful for news about the unit during the 40s and 50s -- and, for that matter, during WWI and the Army of Occupation (more on that later, too).

AAAO!

Didn't find what you were after? Try looking in the 'previous posts' over to the right, or use the search tool at the top left of this page. Barring that, check back later to see if it's been added. You might also want to check out the Frequently Asked Questions.