Tuesday, November 03, 2009

WWII Update

TBO.com - News From AP: "Even though it was 65 years ago, Al Tortolano clearly recalls the one thought, the only thought, that ran through his mind as his military unit was surrounded by German soldiers during World War II.

'About the only thing you could think of was family. Will I ever see my family again?' remembered the 88-year-old Tortolano, part of what was dubbed the 'Lost Battalion.'

It was October 1944 and Tortolano was part of the 1st Battalion, 141st Regiment, 36th Infantry Division - a Texas military unit that was surrounded by German soldiers in northern France's Vosges Mountains.

The prayers of Tortolano and the other members of the 1st Battalion were answered by the Army's 442nd Regimental Combat Team, a unit made up almost entirely of Japanese-Americans. The 442nd broke through the German ranks and was able to free the 1st Battalion."

Hat tip to Jeff Segal.

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