Ever since my father-in-law passed away in 1997, I have thought of him often and the many stories he told of his experiences in WWII. Always, these stories described the comraderie and lighter sides of the war; never delving into the horrific events which certainly were part of his daily existence as a member of such a distinguished unit as the 5th Armored Division. I have often wished that I had written these stories down. Now after having seen "Saving Private Ryan", read Tom Brokaw's "Greatest Generation", and having watched the History Channel's story of WWII through letters: I have been moved to action. This website is but a small portion of my attempts to build a lasting legacy of this great man and the giants he served with. I truly endeavor to forge something that can be passed on to future generations that will impress them with the sacrifice and achievements of what in my mind truly was the Greatest of Generations.
If you are a member of the Fifth Armored Divsion, first off I salute you and thank you for taking the time to visit this site. Secondly, I ask that you browse though the pictures I have attached which John sent back to his mother over the course of the war. If you can identify any of the men pictured, I would be extremely grateful. If you see one that you would like a copy of I would gladly provide you with one. I would also appreciate any information you could provide about the circumstances and locations depicted. Lastly, I am desparate to talk to anyone who remembers John from the war. I can't tell you how much it would mean to have stories and rememberances of those who served with him to include in my project. Without these I am afraid it will be a hollow and lifeless tribute. All my research and efforts can not match a single first hand account in bringing him to life for a future grandchild.
Humbly
Bill Becker