I was looking at my statistics page today and noticed that somebody found my site through the search term: “Chaplain Andrews 1943”. Being that today is the anniversary of D-Day, it seemed interesting to research a little as well.
I found an official record of Chaplain Fred (no family relationship to me) who served in 1943.
I thought it was fitting to place this on my site today. He may not have been the first Chaplain Andrews–there maybe another before him, but he certainly has a reputation and example to live up to.
The official record was translated by Google Translate from a French site discussing the First Infantry Division in France. You can find the site including pictures here at the Assault Museum site.
I thank the Assault Museum for placing this information online–please visit there site to see the pictures available.
Official Record:
Fred E. Andrews Fred E. 0-404032 Captain Andrews (from Lancaster, Missouri) 0-404032 Captain (from Lancaster, Missouri)
Hq Company, 2nd Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division Hq Company,
Battles & Campaigns: Battles & Campaigns:
8 Nov. 42: Torch operation, The Beach Andalouses, Algeria (landed on the same field as the Brig.Gen. Roosevelt)
10 Juill.43: Husky operation, Beach Gela, Sicily
13Juill 43: Wounded in Action while approaching Ponte Olivo airport Sicily.
16Juill 43: Receives the Siver Star Barrafranca, Sicily.
“Throughout a fiercely fought battle, Chaplain Andrews encouraged and inspired the men of his battalion by his coolness under fire, indefatigable energy and firm spiritual beliefs. His compassion for the wounded moved him to remain in the positions of most hasardous without fear. His fearless actions won him undying admiration and respect of the officers and men he served “” Throughout a fiercely fought battle, Chaplain Andrews encouraged and inspired the men of his battalion by his coolness under fire, indefatigable energy and firm spiritual beliefs. His compassion for the wounded moved him to remain in the positions of most hasardous without fear. fearless His actions won him undying admiration and respect of the officers and men he served ”
6 June 44: Overlord operation, Colleville-sur-Mer, BLOODY OMAHA BEACH, Fox Green sector gave the last rites to dying until the next morning.
7 June 44: Movement of the beach until Colleville Russy, Etreham.
8 June 44: Movement Etreham of the Coix Mosles.
9 June 44: Tour en Bessin, direction AGY
10 June 44: Stationed in AGY, Noron Pottery
11 June 44: AGY towards St Paul du Verney
12 June 44: St Paul De Caumont
13 June 44: Andrews and battaillon lead the first assault on Caumont they release. Parking at Caumont 14 until July 44 while the front was stabilized.
14Juill 44: Movement of lorries in the Division jusqua Colombires
25 -28 Jul 44: Cobra operation (Marigny, Manche)
13 Aug 44: Ambrires the Gent and La Fert-Mac (Mayenne)
Then Mortain, Chartres, Etampes (Sept.44), Soissons and Ardennes where he was again wounded on 1st October and then returned to the U.S. Major and ends in 1945.
NOTHING IN HELL JUST STOP THE FIGHTING FIRST!
Stephanie says
We visited Normandy, specifically the landing beaches last September while my sister and her family were visiting. Our last stop was the American Cemetery. It was moving for all of us. Even the girls seemed to get that it was a very special place. It was an amazing trip, one I wish I had scheduled more time for. It is definitely a trip I would recommend if you are able to go. I even know a great B&B in the area that can host larger families (We had 8 people and plenty of room).