Edward L. Souder SN 17114499
Co. F., 405th Regiment
102nd Division (2nd Battalion)
United States Army
1942 - 1945
15 September 1943. Image of Edward L. Souder.
Group picture - Taken on Jan. 1, 1945 with Chaplain Damn holding services for Men of Co. F - 405th Reg 102 Div. In Geronsweiler, Germany
Here it is interesting to note that the chaplain has not been in any foxholes and is in a spotless uniform and with neatly trimmed hair. Contrast this with the men he is talking to -- in battle gear and freshly out of the mud and grime of the fox holes.
This picture first appeared in the Division history book published in 1946. There was NO caption as to what unit these men came from and it took 40 years for the identification to be made public. These men were in the crossing of the Roer River after the Battle of the Bulge in January 1945 and at the present time (2002)-- there are only 3 still alive. (in this picture).
10 September 1944. Pfc. E. L. Souder in New York City. Taken in infantry uniform five days before shipping out to England and to eventual combat.
6 June 1945. Pfc. E. L. Souder image taken at Walla Walla, Mn. hospital. In general hospital uniform 10 days before discharge from Army.
1600 Hrs: 28 November 1944
"...As we reached the outskirts of Geronsweiller, we speeded up and crouched lower to avoid the rain. I looked up to see something and saw men lying in the fields get up and make a dash for cover. It came to me too late that they were under an artillery barrage. Just then everything went boom, the Jeep jumped to the right and stopped. Sarge and Hairless jumped out as did Ross and Dowd. I saw Ross holding his left arm with blood coming thru his fingers. Then I tried to jump out but couldn't move my left leg, so I rolled to the right, off the Jeep and down into the mud by the right rear wheel. I tried to get up but couldn't. I reached down to feel for my left leg -- it felt as if it wasn't there but I touched it. Then I became aware of a terrible burning that I couldn't fight. God I was scared. Then Hairless ran up and crouched beside me and asked how I was. I told him I couldn't move and was paralyzed -- hit in left side. He said "hang on, and I'll get you help"..."
Above is an exerpt from the story of Edward L. Souder, Pfc., Co. F., 405th Reg., 102nd Division (Second Battalion).
You may care to read the entire story located in the Army Veterans Section of the World War II Stories -- In Their Own Words web site.
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Edward L. Souder, Pfc., Co. F., 405th Reg., 102nd Division
When piecing together a page on one of our veterans, we like to add a few interesting links that might add a little background to the story. You might want to look over the following information regarding the 102nd Infantry Division "Ozarks":
United States Army, 102nd Infantry DivisionHistory of the 102nd Infantry Division
Attack on Linnich, Flossdorf, Rurdorf - 29 Nov -- 4 Dec 1944
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