WWII Memories Thread

My dad was a gunner in a M18 Hellcat. Not his "tank" but just like it, but he was on the northern shoulder of the Bulge, pulled from the Hurtgen forest.

 

I appreciate everyone who shared here, especially recently. I just got back from my trip through France, Luxembourg, and Germany, and I can't even begin to describe how amazing the experience was. I have some neat stuff to share. Monuments and museums I visited and some suggestions if you want to do a trip like this.

I'll start with this one, which is probably my favorite before and after photos. After 6 days of driving through dozens of towns in France, each with their own church, we finally found the church of Saint Fiacre featured in my great uncle's photos, and were able to stand where he stood just over 80 years ago, before the his regiment crossed the flooded Moselle River under some of the worst possible conditions.

November 9th, 1944



March 13, 2025



It looks like the cross was moved at some point from inside the arch over the doorway, to on top of it, but the repairs to the corner of the church and the roof line of the surrounding building are undoubtedly the same place.

Town of Hunting:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hunting,_Moselle

Saint Fiacre Church:
https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q38580178

 

My Dad was in WWII and the Korean War. He passed away in 2016 at the age of 96. He was the reason I joined the Army. I miss him every single day.