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About
You might be wondering what the title of this web site, “First Voice Heard” means. “Prima Vox Audiat”, or “First Voice Heard”, was the motto of the 123rd Signal Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division. It was the communications (signal) unit of the 3rd Infantry Division. Since the 3rd Infantry Division was known as the “Rock of the Marne”, the 123rd Signal Battalion was also known as the “Voice of the Rock”.
The 123rd Signal Battalion was deactivated in 2004.
If you have photos from the 123rd Signal Battalion, please leave a comment. (Click on the Photos tab and leave a comment there.)
If you have some history of the 123rd Signal Battalion to add, click on the History tab and leave a comment there.
First Voice Heard 
I was the commander of B Co, 123rd in 1987 through 1988, at which point I assumed the S3 until 1990. Battalion Commander was John MacDougle and Jake Simmons. I do have some photo’s and video’s.
I was in Curry’s 2nd Platoon in B Co. from 1987-89, RATT Operator. I remember those morning runs as well. If we got to the river and turned right, short run; if we turned left toward Zell, then it seemed like it went on forever. One of the best things we got to do was the airmobile exercises in 1989 where we slingloaded the Humvees and flew to Kitzigen. I also remember a certain CO putting a crew chief up to not making sure my harness was secure before taking off in a Huey. That’s OK, he got his when the Chinook carrying HIS Humvee didn’t hover off to the side before dropping the clevis and landed it right on top of his FM radio and trashed it. All in all, aside from being at Hindenburg, had a lot of fun those 2 1/2 years.
I was a Bravo Hardleg 31m there from 1978-1981. I was a Spec.4. I have some fond memories of Germany. I am in contact with 2 guys i was stationed there with. I remember the 0400 alerts. I mostly remember the off duty times.
I was ahardleg to bravo company 3rd plt.1981-1982 I got there in jan.81hung out with sgt. Alfiche ; sgt. Joo, and spc4 serano
Hey remember sue mooney?
Email me soccerone@comcast.net
Or call us at 7172090500
Gillette this is SFC Vargas, I used to hang out with Serrano and Alfiche, drop me a line at soccerone@comcast.net
I was with B. Co 123rd Hardlegs…77-79….
I remember Tops Watson and the early am runs to the bridge and back…they use to call me “pineapple” or “apple” for short. Roomied with Spc.Ronnie felton, Spc.Dewitt King, Sgt. Williams “shorty” and Sgt.Henderson and Spc.”Gama goat”…Sgt Keo Ah-Hing the Samoan…
Spc. Cabrera, Spc.Figuero…Pfc Ortiz, SpcJoseph Diaz ..Spc Cousins (Sgt Hooks, Spc.Kirkwood “disco duck” and me (Cable team 36charlies)
Those were the days……..
I was there from 74-76 and Tops was a black man named Frank Sutton. Those were the days
hey henderson, this is chico vargas i wasat the burg from 75-82 then back 88-92 i remember sutton he retired in france and watson has a daughter looking for him. I retired in Pa. traveling the world.
Hey Chuck, this is Gary Parsons. Beezer and I have been try to find you for ever. We get together regulary and often talked about our time at Hindenburg. beez and I had some great times with you. I hope you reply so we can figure out away hookup again. By the way Tops name was Ernie Sutton.
I was in the second round of females to be stationed at the Hindenburg Kasern from November 1974 until April, 1976. B Company, 123rd Signal Battalion, 3rd Marne Division. My name then was Jane Andrews and was an 05C Radio/Morse Code Operator. I absolutely fell in love with Germany and would love to go back and see it now. I have retired in Pennsylvania after working in State Government for 25 years. I have a son, 36 and a daughter 34 and three wonderful grans. Being stationed in Germany was one of the best times of my life, next to raising a family. If anyone remembers me or just wants to share memories of this time period, feel free to contact me at jestiffler@gmail.com. Don’t wait too long as I have stage 4 breast cancer metastasized to the bone;however, it is moving rather slowly. Hasn’t hit an organ yet but sure does like to make my life painful…no complaints though…I’ve had a great life. It would make a bucket list item come true if I could find someone that remembers me and could share some good memories. Particularly looking for Captain Cecil B. Chesser who was our Commanding Officer and his wife, Donna. I was a volunteer Girl Scout Leader with her and took our group of girls to the Berlin Wall. A memory that made an incredible impact on me. I have looked in all social media group sites and have searched on every site I could think of in vain. Look forward to anyone that might have a memory to share.
Jane
Looks like you’re off to a great start with this site. I was with B Co. through March of 1988, at which time I began driving for the Battalion Commander (through my ETS in November of 89). I have lots of photographs, and am happy to share once you get that part of the site up & running. Just let me know.
C-co 3rd. plt. 1988-1990
After all these years,I still miss the times spent at Hindenburg Kaserne, especially the ones I can’t remember very well.
I know what you mean Kevin. I feel the same. It was sad to see most of the buildings torn down.
When I first arrived in Mar 1966 the cooks from each company lived in their respective barracks. Since we had different work hours (early a.m to after supper, including weekends) someone decided to put us together in one large room. They gave us an old storage room in one of the top floors of a barracks. All the other rooms were painted green but we painted the bottom half of our room blue, the upper half white with a 2 or 3-inch black stripe around the middle. On the sloped ceiling we painted a large 3rd Inf Div patch. There were about 12 or 14 cooks in that room – 6 or 7 bunk beds.
See my other comment in the “Photos” heading.
I was in company B of the 123rd. Arrived in November 1969 and left in December 1970. I was a SP4 and a team cheif for an ANGR124 rtty unit, o5c. The co was captin Collins, first sargent was SGT Reeves (?). I’ve got hundreds of 35mm slides of my tour in Germany but not sure if there are any of Hindenburg Kaserne. I had basic training at Fort Lewis, went to radio school at Fort Ord then onto RTTY school at Fort Gordon. Made SP4 at Gordon. Recently visited Wurzburg on Google Earth then a search on the 123rd to find this site. Thanks for your effort.
Doug, I was there same time, I was a SGT in 3rd Platoon, section chief for the radio section, (O5C). LT Brittenham was the PL, CPT Josephson was the B Co CDR, 1SG O’Shields was TOP, SSG Bailey was my PSG. I played in SFC Pike’s Country Band, off duty. Had a blast… traveled all over “FROG”. Went in the reserves after separation from active duty, (I was drafted) and returned to active duty retiring in 97′ with 29+ years. I saw LT Brittenham @ FT Gordon, I was going thru the 31Z course as an SFC, he was a CPT then in 74, and we talked for quite a while. He wrote me a letter of recommendation that helped me go to OCS. Saw CPT Josephson years later, he was a Major, S-3 at the Signal Battalion @ FT Gordon, I was then a 1LT, he remembered me and commented on our last conversation at the 123rd, where he was trying to get me to re-up, “Thought you told LT Brittenham and I you were getting out?” I smiled, said, “Guess Not”… I continue to serve the military in the Ohio Military Reserve, a reserve of the Ohio National Guard, as the Deputy G1. Had a ball in the 123rd. My youngest is a 1SG in the 3rd ID Aviation BDE @ FT Stewart. Send me an EMAIL: LTCBOBBYOHMR@AOL.COM Bobby
Hi all. I was stationed at the burg from 76 -79 in company C. I still think about the many adventures I had there. On post and off.Many good,and unfortunately many bad.I recently met up with an old friend.We were in the same platoon and roomies as well.In a way ,he was like a big brother to me.His name is Tom Crowder. I spent a weekend at his home,and I felt like I was transported back in time.Although it’s been 30 yrs, it felt like it was only a short time since I last saw him.A great time was had & I look forward to seeing him again.Such a great time traveling down memory lane.Hope to hear from others as well.
I was a Spec 4 in Company C of the 123rd Signal Battalion from Oct 1976 until Oct 1979. I was assigned in the “cable dog” platoon although I spent most of my time working the switchboard at ranger base in Leighton Barracks.
Some of the best times of my life
Joe – I remember you, we went through basic – AIT – and got stationed at the 123rd together. nice to hear from you
My name is Margaret Crowder. I came to 123d Signal Bn in March 79-Sept 81. Initially I was assigned with A Co. 123d in the supply room with Sgt Laura Rose & Pfc Gaither. I learned a great deal from Sgt Rose. I was then transferred to HQ 123D Signal. My CO was Cpt Mark Cross. He was a good commander. I met some wonderful people at 123d Signal.
I need to locate Edward Stewart, Pfc Gaither, Sp/5 Larson, Sgt Greg Johnson witnessing to the fact that I was in the room where a black soldier committed suicide in May-June 79.
I truly appreciate your time and effort on my behalf.
Cordially,
Margaret Crowder
I was in 123rd from 74-76 and there may have still been some people there that might have re-upped or had arrived the year I left. I knew a guy named Charlie and he had a last name that could have been spelled Gethers or Gaithers. Was his first name Charlie? I heard he died of a drug overdose… No surprise. Drug addiction was as common as drinking milk back then, especially if they had just arrived from Nam. I, on the other hand, have wonderful memories of my two years there. Feel free to contact me, just to talk if you would like to. Not many went through the experiences we may have gone through. Hope you are doing well, sister. Jane Andrews Stiffler
Hi Rich, I don’t remember you, but you may remember me. I was at Hindenburg Kassern from Feb 1964 to July 1966. I was with Headquarters and was a MOS 810 draftsman. Went out to the field with Systems Control. Used to plot the co-ordinates of the various signal sites on a map covered with plexiglass. Was kind of fun, providing it wasn’t snowing. You know we always went to the field when the ground was frozen. I have some pics of a winter thaw and duce and a half up to its axels in mud. Had to have tank retrievers pull them out. Oh the joy of army days!
I was with the 123rd from 1967 to 1969
Server as B company 2nd platoon Lt
Then A Company Commander
LTC Lewis was the CO
was also assigned to the Division Signal Office
Server with Lt Wilson
Had a great time
Also have lots of slides
I was with CO B from late 65 to early 67–Was CPT Ramerez the CO when you arrived? Do you happen to know where he is now?
hi peter–my dad was LTC Lewis–he’s passed on now, but i have some great photos of a pushball tourny–you may be in them! i’m trying to find out how to get them on this site—i need an email address–any ideas? dee
Hi Dee, I sent you a message with the email address. I guess you didn’t get it.
I sent it to the email address you used here. I also sent another message today.
Let me know if you don’t get the message or if you use a different email address than the one you used
here.
Thanks,
Ron (Ynot)
Hello Dee,
I just found this site. I was in many Push Ball tourneys when stationed in Co C, 123rd from 1966 to 1968.
Bobby Wilfert (golden gloves champion from L.a.), Robert Houston (logger from Yakima, WA), Juan Rivera (L.A. stud H.S. athlete), and many others were in those tourneys. We had a traveling team, but played mostly in the athletic field across the street from our barracks in Wuerzburg.
Wish I could find Wilfert and Houston. Roomed with them and have no idea where they are now..
would really appreciate you sharing any photos. I have none as we lost everything in our house fire years ago.
best wishes,
John J. Singerling, formerly Grand Haven Michigan now Naples, FL
Hi John, welcome!
Yes, I would like to get a collection of photos. The biggest problem would be finding a place to house them, but I think we could work that out. There have been several people who said they have photos they want to share, but nobody has sent any yet.
Ron
Dear Dee, My father-in-law, George “Patrick” O’Rourke was in the 123rd from 1959-61 and he is looking to reconnect with some of the guys he served with. In particular, he is looking for men by the names of Raymond Bruce, Mac Compton, Gene Cantwell, Al Longhi and Jerry Johnson. Would you have any information, photos emails, etc. regarding the 123rd during this time period or of these men? Your response is truly appreciated.
Thanks, Jeff Kurz
Dee,
I have a great PIC of your dad, LTC Lewis, reenlisting SFC M. Pike (69). I was a SGT in 3rd Platoon, B Co, 123rd (69-70). I just found this site. Send me an E mail address, I get it to ya. Bobby
I have some pictures of your dad at a Field Day events in 1968. I also have one of me sitting at his desk (you can see his name tag) holding one of his cigars.
Did you ever hear from Dee? I knew her brother and am trying to get in contact with him.
Thanks
Pete, Served there the same time (JUL 69 – 70) in B Co. Bobby
I was a Spec 4 in Company C of the 123rd Signal Battalion from Oct 1976 until Oct 1979. I was assigned in the “cable dog” platoon although I spent most of my time working the switchboard at ranger base in Leighton Barracks.
Some of the best times of my life
I was at Hindenburg 1967 – 1968 Co.C – I was a radio teletype operator. Would like to hear from anyone that might remember me.
Hello Wayne,
Sure I remember you. I was company clerk and radio teletype operator too. arrived in late 1966 left in 1968. I roomed with Robert J. Houston (ammo) and ran around with Robert Wilfert.
Did you stay in touch with anyone? I lost the few photos I had in a house fire years ago and often wonder what happened to the good guys in our company in 67 – 68. I remember you as one of the brightest guys I met in service, but my memory is blurred more than I want to admit.
Did you ever go on that NATO exercise when we were in northern Germany with NATO troops and they dumped Agent Orange on all of us. Houston and I were on a tent on a hill and we got hammered. I heard he passed away with a brain tumor. tried tracking him down, but no luck. as ammo guy I recall he could not account for every 50 cal bullet as he was drinking and shot a good size tree in half one night. Hopefully he did not end up in the brig. he was a great guy.
Hope this finds you in good health and happy.
thanks for posting. this is my first day on this site and typically do not do this.
regards, John Singerling singerling@aol.com.
John, I was in hindenburg around the same time, Aug 67 to Oct 68. Have been in contact with Wayne and Gary and John Andler from Michigan. I was in A Co. in radioteletype. Also remember playing pushball and flag football and had a short bout with the Division football team. Would love for any of the guys from that period start a chat group.
John, are the same person I went to New York City with while we were in transition at Fort Dix in 1967? Dick Prater (Willis R. Prater).
Hi Wayne, I already submitted a message on Hindenberg Kaserne.
Hi: I am Willis Richard “Dick” Prater. I served in the 123rd, Company C, from the summer of 1967 until mid-December 1968. I left Hindenburg Kaserne as a Sgt. E-5. Many great memories. I have seen many pictures of the Kaserne as it exists now. What a shame. I had basic training and radio school at Fort Knox. Radio teletype school at Fort Gordon. My wife joined me in 1968 in Germany and our daughter was born there. Many guys joined us for fun in our off-base apartment…Tichener, Swick, Chessen, Rawls, Rivera, Martin, Zuroff, Oliva, Koula, and so many others There were many base friends with people like Sgt. Gardner, Sgt. Joe Brown, Lt. Jere Huyck (with his obscene salute), Wayne, John, Danny (from the Bronx). I was 24 when I went in January 1967. 25 when I came out December 1968. I had 11 weeks of basic. 7 weeks of radio school (early out) and 11 weeks of radio teletype at Fort Gordon (anyone remember the snakes?). Went to Fort Dix for transfer to Europe (we narrowly avoided going to Vietnam). Went to New York City with John. Because of a phone call from my girlfriend (soon to be my wife) I missed a couple of flights and arrived in Germany behind many others. I am not a real nostalgia person (just kidding), but my wife and I would really would love to hear from those wonderful friends and comrades from over 40 years ago and about those wonderful friends and comrades who are no longer with us.
By the way, my email address is rprater1@neo.rr.com.
Wayne, Are you the Jazz freak that roomed with us, A Co., second floor, motor pool end of the hall? I was thinking his name was Feinberg but that was a long time ago.
Sgt William R. Dewberry Company B Hardlegs May 1975 – 1979. Played with a country band called The Fugitives. I have a few friends from that era that I communicate with often. Email me…
Hey Dewberry. Remember you played withy Craig Gray. SWrite me.
Hello Bill,
Thank you for writing. I was Company C. Pushball, Division football…good times. Nice to shake the brain cells up trying to remember you. Appreciate your contact. Hope all is well.
Did you ever go on NATO field exercises in northern Germany…war games. Our antenna and ammo guy were in a tent with me on a hilltop with our crypto, generator, etc…unbeknownst to the infantry and armor below. They called in air support with agent orange and doused us…defoliated the hill within a couple hours. Never thought much of it, til I learned the guys I was with died.
Army says they never used agent orange in europe. no problem for me, thank goodness.
I was assigned to C company from June 1983 – Dec. 1984 as a Multi-channel 31 Mike. I participated in 2 REFORGER exercises. Made many friends and learned invaluable lessons from some true Patriots while serving our country.
Great site, would love to connect with some lost friends.
Jon i was there durging that time do you remember emitt dover E8.
It has been almost 30 years since I served with the 123rd, B Company, 2nd Platoon. Yet in all these years that have passed I can still remember the faces of the men and women I served with, froze with, laughed and cried with. We had some good times in the field on two separate REFORGERS and numerous field exercises. The good times at the club, the Guest Houses and the park by the river for the 4th of July. Almost getting busted for throwing a cheater pipe at Sgt Keenan for being an idiot who hated the idea that I was the first woman to serve in B Co. But Major Youngblood threw it out for just cause. if you are out there- I loved serving with you, thanks for looking out for a fellow soldier: Big A Anderson, Sgt Clark, Sgt Reynolds, Spec Jackson, Spec Cartwright and all the rest.
Hi Kathy! Its Mike Wilson your former CDR at B Company (80-82). Yes, I remember you as the 1st female in B CO. Tom German was the CDR when you showed up and I came on board a litle later. I remember the good times too and tried to forget the bad times. My most memorable experience was when the plane flew into a 1st Platoon antenna. The most amazing thing about it was when Benny Hill came out of the van. He was actually wearing his helmet for a change. Funny, I never remembered him without it in the field again. I FB with Sue & Chico Vargas. Maj Youngblood and I went back several years. He retired and I lost track of him. The only B Company soldier I ever ran into again was SPC Mayo and he was a MSG at the time. I left 123rd before you gave birth. Boy or girl? Hope your husband is doing well too!
Hello Commander, I am glad to hear from you! I remember you as well, and Benny Hill. I always smiled at Benny Hill because I loved British comedy, and I loved Benny Hill! I gave birth to a little girl who is now in a Masters program for Oceanography here at USM. She has a sister who is an EMT,and a brother who is finishing college with a Theater Major (if he ever finishes!) Tell Chico and Sue hello, I am on Facebook as well. William is doing great, goes fishing in the Gulf a great deal since he retired for the second time. Mayo made MSG? Wow, now that is amazing, he was something back then, but he always had strength of character. Major Youngblood was a good man, and a fine officer. I lived my entire life within the confines of the military. My father was a soldier, his father before him was a soldier in Germany in WWI, and I know what it means for a non-com to call a man a fine damn officer! You sir, were one as well! I cannot say the same for a young LT. Johnson who served with us back then. He was stuck so hard to the BOOK, he forgot the pages were made up of living breathing men and women.
Hope you and yours are doing well, and continue to do so.
Hi, I left a post earlier in this string and then continued on reading and saw that you wrote about women being the first in B Company in the 80’s and I just wondered if they deleted the women that I was stationed with in the 70’s and assigned to B Co. as 05C’s and went on two Reforgers, and me, off the books. It kind of surprised me that we weren’t considered as being the first women to be assigned to 123rd Signal back then. Six of us were sent there after we were trained at Fort Gordon and then assigned to Wurzburg from the Replacement Center in Frankfurt. When we arrived to the Bahnhoff in Wurzburg, we were picked up and brought to a women’s barracks at the Leighton Kasern because there was no place to put us at Hindenberg. There were four women that had arrived a few months before us and they helped us find places to stay out in town and then we all had to get International drivers licenses and purchase old beat up vw bugs that had been left behind from other soldiers so we could drive ourselves to work. We never did get billeted to Hindenburg as they promised, but we had a great time anyway. So, either they forgot about us or they didn’t want to acknowledge we were there but I can guarantee you that my DD-214 indicates that I served there. It’s all water under the bridge now but I’ll always have the memories and they were better than any four year college could have been. Rodger – Out
Captain wilson do you remember me spc4 gillette I was in b company 81 and 82 serrano and reed were my roommate in the barracks I was the one that throwed another guys belonging out the window upstairs lol would love to hear from you im buddies with chico and alfiche on fb
Lawrence Reed Jan. 1984 SSgt Buck introduced me to AA it stuck 7 years later and still counting.
Hi All, I was in the 123rd in Wurzburg from 1967-1971. I was discharged just as they were sending people home for 30 days and then on to Vietnam. Missed that one by a hair. I had a great time, met a lot of nice people and have tons of photos and great memories. I am reminded every day since my wife has every thing I ever did there posted on the wall over the TV. Even my goofy just got out of boot camp photo. I still have my rooster pin though. And every Christmas I get a present to remind me. Last year a polo with the 3rd ID patch and this year I got a tee shirt with the patch on the front with Rock of The Marne and on the back a HUGE Id Patch with 3D in black letter all on olive drab. i don’t know where she gets this stuff but it suprises me everytime. It is great to have found this page. (Actually, she did)
i was there in 74 and 75.milatarily i hated my posting ,my off time was great,i,m the guy that was a buck private that courtmarshalled his company commander and won.this guy had a god complex,he made my life misrable,but in the end it cost him his commishion and he got kicked out with a bad conduct discharge,it cost me too.i never new what the real army was like ,and after what i went through ,i decided to get the hell out of dodge.i gave my rooster pins to a kid in fort lee new jersy,he said he never seen pins like it before.I told him hope you never see them again
Wow, I was there from 74 to 76 and don’t remember this. I would love to talk to you. Email me so we can chat…I bet we remember the same people. I went through a tough time with a Sgt at one point and I am curious if you remember him. I’m not gonna put any names here but in my private email, I don’t have a problem discussing it. Look forward to hearing from you.
Jane Andrews
Rich, I don’t know if you remember me, I was in B Co 3rd PLT 69-70. Good to see guy from our time here. Bobby
Richard
I was there the same time as you Jan ’69 to may ’69 until I was levied to Vietnam. I was in A Co motor pool and then transferred to battalion motor pool until I left. What company were you in?
Beezer, Gary and Chuck, 74-77 Monte Kingsbury I’m in Seattle I’m looking for Ray Burgee Email me monteerin@gmail.com
HI Monte, I live in Sparks, NV and Beez lives in Lake Forest, CA south of L.A. We talk often and see each other 1-2 times a year. Henderson tracked us down a couple of months ago. I also found John Sacramone earlier this year. We have bveen e-mailing each other every couple of weeks. I kinda remember the name, Ray Burgee, but that’s it. Glad to hear from you,Gary
Hey Monte,
I remember you, Gary, the Beez and Ray Burgee. Burgee was from upstate New York. I think Scenectady (probably spelled wrong). Might try googling the phone books up there.
Sad to hear Hindenburg was torn down.
Joe Weber
Co B, 123rd Sig Battn, 1975-76
I was assigned to B Co, 3rd PLT 1969 – 1970. Then a SP4 and SGT Radio/PLT Hqs SGT. LT Brittingham was the PL. Anyone out there from that time?
Does anyone out there know the whereabouts of Lt Jere Huyck? He was Commander of Company C, 123rd, in ’67-68.
Hi Joe, weren’t you in B Co. 3rd platoon with me (74′-76)? Sgt. Page was platoon Sgt. And I Believe your thinking of Mark Gray, he played bass for a country band. And Gary Dockery played lead for a while. I went to Cabo with Bruce(Beezer)Snyder and John Sacramone in Febuary, what a great time ! I hadn’t seen Sac since they Medivaced him home after falling out the 3rd floor window. Gary
I was there 74 – 76 and remember the guy that fell out the third floor window. It was awfull. Do you remember when we (the first six women) arrived at the Kasern and they didn’t have any place for us because they didn’t know we were arriving? We had a lot of great times. Would love to hear from anyone that was there at this same time period. I found a really cool site that has full videos of the kasern and even made a video that is an exact replica of the kasern that makes you feel like you are walking around with it exactly like it was…snack bar, motor pool, the club above the mess hall, even the movie theater. I’ll look for it again and let me know if you want it.
Hey Gary it’s me Sac- how are you? Found this web site by accident, had nothing to do and started searching for 123rd Signal stuff.
It was weird to see you posting stuff about me and Beezer and Henderson. Charlie called me up just the other day out of the blue. Told me to come down to Houston for a visit.
Hey Sac, I just sent you a e-mail earlier this morning! Gary
Randy Thomas, I was in Co. C From 1970 to 1973. I was a 72B20 and a Radio Teletype Operrator. I worked at the 3rd infantry Div. head quarters.
God Bless it is a great Divison and I reflect on all you guys alot. God Bless
Howdy! My name John Brito 123rd I worked at the gate as a Up. My ETS was Dec311971.
edward proctor lefted sp4,,,was there 75-77 then off to bragg 18th airborne…. ,,disable in 93 had to get out,,,,company c 123 sig wurzburg….miss it and the great times,,
sorry forgot 31m20 mos…..and 11b20…went on to 11h and 36k30…then to fort irvin california,,,tank school./….
Jane, where do you live in Pennsylvania?
thats where we retired. I was at Hindenburg 3 times, from 75-78, 79-82, 88-92
all in B co. I remember all the good times and of course the bad.
Hindenburg was a special place with a lot of odd-ball and interesting characters.
hope your feeling better.
Chico Vargas
I was in HQ Company at Hindenburg Kaserne from July 1990- May 1992. I was a 29S working in the COMSEC vault underneath the chow hall and have great memories from Hindenburg and Wuerzburg. I was on the reactionary force when Desert Storm kicked off, we had to sleep in the gym to be ready to respond to threats and I laid on the frozen rooftops of the line bays guarding who knows what for weeks…those are my worst war stories. I found this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uvg2bUXn_44 which was of course before my time but although the faces and uniforms are different the experiences, scenes of the pictures, comradery and kaserne are all the same. I was only 18 when I arrived at Leighton Barracks. I was then transferred to Hindenburg, living there until the shut down and move to Larson and Harvey Barracks in Kitzingen. I PCS’d back to Ft. Gordon in 92 for a G7 ASI and then finished my enlistment at Ft. Hood in the 161st CSD which became a part of the 504th Maintenance Battalion just before I ETS’d
I’m living back in Germany now, Munich, with my company and will visit Wuerzburg this upcoming Valentines weekend. I hope to find the HIndenburg kaserne area but have no idea what to expect. Such great memories and such a great time of my life. I’ve found some people on Facebook but would love to find more. Prost!! Jenn Dasher
Hi Jenn, I was at the Hindenburg from 1966-67. If you use Google Earth, you can see what has happened there. There is only one barracks left. The others have been torn down. I remember the vault under the mess hall. That’s where we
kept our equipment until we went into the field. I worked at the 3rd Inf. Div. HQ comm. center.
I use Google frequently to look around Wurzburg. Most of it still looks the same. I’m glad there are still some photos of how it looked when I was there.
I spent a few days in Munich on leave. It seemed like a nice city. They had a parade that looked more American than German, unless the Germans had cowboys.
Let us know what Wuerzburg and the Hindenburg Kaserne look like now. The last I heard is that it was being used as a training facility for their fire department.
Ron
Ron, I saw one of your posts referring to you assigned to the Div.Com-Center at Leighton. I worked a radio teletype net from the same location and at the same time you were there. I arrived at Hindenburg first week of July, 1966, accepted the 8 on 24 off Com-Center job with no KP, guard duty, inspections or morning/eveing formations. I never could figure out why they offered so many perks to take the job unless for the fact I had to work some weekends. At first we operated the net dirrectly from a deuce and a half parked at the end of the HQ building behind a tall wooden gate. Afterwards, we moved to the basement of the HQ building. After awhile, we moved back to the radio truck for some reason. The radio net was designated Charlie 1 with different call signs each week and using the Cripto coding machines. I put off getting debriefed to within two days of my discharge in Oct.1967 so I could continue working the net. It was a great job.
Hi Tom, I’ve had some health problems so I haven’t had a chance to respond. Yes, I enjoyed my time at Hindenburg, including the time I spent at the NCO Academy. If it hadn’t been for one bad company commander, I could say that it was a good experience, but then this clown really went out of his way to make life difficult for me. Long story short, I caused him to lose a bet on me on purpose and I let him know it. The only thing he could do was cause me to lose a promotion. I should have reported him but I just did my time and got out. I still have a lot of fond memories about Wurzburg.
Arlene (Leach) McKinney, Hindenburg January 1987 to July 1989. I met and married SPC Robert McKinney who used to DJ at the club. I loved driving my own deuce and a half because that was a big deal to an 18yr old! Great times there! FYI McKinney and I celebrated our 24th year of marriage this year!
Arlene,
I was the 1SG of Co C with CPT Laurie Redmond, she retired as a LTC lives in VA. I retired in 93 and live in SC. Give me a shout toprpw@gmail.com.
was there 71-74 31m40 leighton barracks switchboard
I was in Bravo from January 1983-June 1984. Spent most of my time there in trouble for one ing or another mostly related to my big fat mouth. I retired in 2010, but some of my strongest and longest lasting memories of military service are of Hindenburg Kaserne, and 123rd Sig. BRAVO’S BEST!
Does any one have information strictly from the years 73-75 at hindenburg Kaserne?
my name is ted walczak twkt@aol.com served hdqts co 123rd at hindenburg kascerne was barracked in A CO. 2nd floor 1966 & 1967 Sgt Crombie was our sgt in charge of our unit Sgt Fisk was Ncoic i”m from chicago and I still live there had a
quite a few friends who were o5 charlies good times : edinberry wine, double deck penochle
chow line EM club .05 slot machines my game could never play fuschball w the big guys Killiani Fest, Wine fest, the castle on top of the hill,Wurzburg hoffbrau at the guest houses for 1/2 a MARK LEARNING THAT DAMEN IS NOT THE MENS ROOM, DRINKING FROM THE GLASS BOOTwe were aminor relay at hqts and covered for wertheim a’burg kitsinggen etc wfc-wft wfa etc cant remember them all . left another msg om
on History so look for me on that page too tks great site
Ted, I was also on the second floor A co. from 7/66 to 10/67, last room on right, motor pool end. Sorry I don’t remember you. Remember the nickle slot though. Hit the jackpot once. Nobody told me you had to tell the person in charge to get the full payout. I thought the 20 or so nickles that came out was it. Roomed with Jerry Dichkoff, Tom Powers, Weinberg and a kid that came summer 67 that I can’t remember his name. Sgt. Stanton & Sgt. Farmer are the only NCO’s I can remember. Good to hear from someone who was there when I was.
Ted, thanks for posting. I wanted to do a lot more with the site but health problems have held me back. I was off of the site for about a year I think we were at Hindenburg about the same time. I don’t know if you remember but I was the guy from B Co. at the NCO Academy in first place until the last week. When I heard that everyone got promoted in my company to E5 but me, I deliberately failed the last test, which was a big part of the overall grade. I think I still finished 4th, won several awards and was also soldier of the month. I promised the guy in 3rd place that I would throw the test and help him finish in 1st place. I stayed up most of the night studying with him. (He did finish in first place.) Anyway, my idiot company commander lost a lot of money on a bet he placed with the other company commanders and he told me that would get even with me. This was before the ceremony at the Academy. I’m not sure how many people knew the real story but my company commander and the 1st Sgt tried to keep me under wraps for a long time after that. There’s still more to the story, but I was just glad to get out of there. It’s too bad when a couple of clowns can ruin an otherwise good experience. On the plus side, I met some great people and had some great experiences.
Ron
i was stationed 123 signal co 71-74 31m40 alphonzo yates is my name.
I was in B Co, 2nd plt 82-84. In 24 years of service it was the most depressing and miserable place of my career. Cpt Hill and that idiot CSM Johnson, worst of the worst. Met some some good hard working people though.
I know the feeling Dennis. I had an idiot for a company commander and an even bigger idiot for a 1st Sgt. If it hadn’t been for them, it would have been a great experience. It was worth being at the NCO academy just to get away from those two. I knew that these clowns weren’t typical of most of those in command of companies.
Dennis Woolen, you were my PSG back then, and I was one your pain in the ass PFC’s. You have no idea how awsome it is to read waht you had to say about CSM Johnson, and, to a lesser extent, CPT. Hill. In all of my years of Army service, I was never in a place as miserable or depressing, and with such a dearth of leadership and soldier care. Believe it or not, I actually recovered from being a shithead and went on to be what I hope was a pretty decent NCO. I learned a LOT about what NOT to do as a leader from that experience. I hope you are doing well.
Stephen, it was great hearing from you, thought I was the only one who felt that way. I am so glad you decided to make the Army a career and like you, having been in that place and time we were all a little better for it later of how not to be a leader. The experience garnered a strong work ethic as well as fine tuning leadership traits that helped in later endeavors. One of the moments I recall was standing in formation in the cold, at Marne Garden in front of that stupid bulldog singing Christmas carols. I thought I would never thaw out from that. I always tried to do the right thing for the platoon, and because of that Cpt Hill always volunteered us for everything because he didn’t trust the other PSGs. If you want to stay in touch I am on Facebook and my email is dennis_wollen@yahoo.com
Hello, I drove for CSM Alfred Johnson and I respectfully disagree with your comments. I worked in PAC with SFC Delorme & SGT Cardenas and we had a great group. We all cared for each other and did a good job. wish I could get a hold of SPC4 Rudy Zeyas or SPC Malone who drove for the battalion commander.
SPC4 Norman Parker “Parks as CSM Johnson called me”.
MAJ (P) Robert L. Myers II, I was in the 123 SB, 1969 – 1970, B Company 3rd Platoon as the PLT HQs Section Chief and Radio Section SGT. 1SG O’Shields was TOP and the best CO we had during that period was CPT Josephson. My PL LDR was 1LT Brittengham and PSG was SSG Baily. I enjoyed my tour and went into the USAR after getting off AUS status. (Drafted). Became a Detachment 1SG (SFC) for HHD 359th Signal Group, went to OCS, returned to Active duty and retired as a promotable MAJ in 1997. This was one of my favorite assignments over those 29+ years. God Bless you guys and Galls and merry Christmas. HOOAH! First Voice Heard!
My name is James Ham from Alabama. I served in C. Company and HQ between 1998-2000. My commander was Capt. Lock and 1st SGT was Elvin Smith. I worked in the motor pool as a 52C (utilities equipment repairman) but of course never once performed my MOS while serving. Instead I was the 1st SGT driver and tool room guy. Got to go on Operation Bright Star in ’99 to Cairo, Egypt. I have very fond memories of Ft. Stewart and the 123rd. Anybody serving during this time please feel free to get in contact with me.
Hi all I was in the 123 in the 80’s Sgt DiPane work down in the Company as a 31m then over to 3s. Great time all around
Sp4 Walter Denney, Co C 123 Signal Bn, 3rd ID, at Hindenburg Kaserne, Wurzburg from April of 1971 thru beginning of February 1972. Remember I think, 1st Sgt Inman, my platoon Sgt Smith drove a BMW, Sgt Danny Robinson from Georgia, Sgt Charles Stacey I believe from South Carolina, Thomas Smith from NJ I believe, Pennell an electronics repairman if I remember correctly. Several more, I have an old sheet of paper somewhere with names on it . Good memories of the place.
Sp4 Walter Denney, from Alabama. 05B Fort Ord, Ca, 05C Fort Gordon, Ga, also attended Commcenter School at Bad Tolz.
Long time guys i was in c co. From may 1982 till pcs November 1983 to bragg.. Big mistake should have stayed …. Email marc_sorrentino@yahoo.com
anyone from A co. 123rd. Arrived at Hindenburg Kaserne in January of 72 thru Aug. of 74. Some wonderful memories of Wurzburg.
Mac Johnson?
Was there 74-76
74-76, C company.Can’t say that it was a good time in my life. Hindenburg Kaserne sucked. Drugs, drinking and racial tension, 24/7. Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android
You were in B Co!