Oral History: Walter Fischer 29-Sep-14, 20140929.

Format:

Book

Language:

English

Genre:

Internet videos.

Nonfiction films.

Physical Description:

online resource (video file 1:31:57) : Sound, Colour

Place of Publication:

29-Sep-14,

Summary:

Walter Fischer was born in April 1923 and grew up in St. Louis, MO. Shortly before his 20th birthday he was drafted, inducted into the army at Jefferson Barracks, and sent to Fort Leonard Wood, MO for basic training with the 75th Infantry Division. Fischer was trained to lead a 60mm mortar squad and was a sergeant and squad leader by January 1944 when he took part in the 1944 Louisiana Maneuvers. After the Louisiana Maneuvers were completed, about two thirds of the divisions men were detached and sent overseas as individual replacements to units already in combat. To reconstitute the division Fischer and the remaining NCOs went from Cap Polk, LA to Camp Breckenridge, KY to receive replacements from the USAAF and ASTP who had to be run through basic training. When this was completed, the 75th Infantry Division was sent to Camp Shanks, NY for overseas deployment. In November 1944 Fischer shipped out aboard the transport SS Alexander (most likely the USAT Edmund B. Alexander). Soon after clearing New York Harbor the Alexander joined a large convoy headed for Great Britain. Fischer was glad to see that during the first part of the voyage they were escorted by a US Navy blimp. Throughout the entire trip the convoy was escorted by numerous destroyers and a pair of escort carriers. Upon their arrival in England Fischer's unit was sent to Pembroke where they were billeted in a building that had previously been the barracks for female members of the British Land Army.

Notes:

Description based on online resource (viewed on 12 June, 2019).

Archive Reference: OH.3351.