Hello and welcome!  Please read on... 

The research into my family's past military history primarily stems from my experiences as a young child.  Being curious, and quite impressionable, I was always amazed at the sacrifices my relatives had made during "The Great War" World War II.   Getting a box of old pictures, seeing uniforms, listening to conversations, and finally seeing gravestones with the lettering "Veteran of WWII" amazed me when I was young, and continues to do so today as an adult. 

During World War II my great grandmother Grace Aldrich and great grandmother Stella Robinson both had sons in World War II.  In total my family had 5 sons who partook in various roles in the military during World War II.  Grace Aldrich had 4 sons in the service Neil "Blackie" Aldrich who served as a ship gunner on military transports crossing the Atlantic, Carl "Red" Aldrich who served in the artillery with Patton, "Plink" Aldrich who was a B-24 Navigator in England, and Howard "Max" Aldrich, my grandpa, who served with the 45th Divison in Europe.   Stella Robinson had 1 son in the service, Arlie Robinson, who was a crew chief in the Army Air Force in Europe.  In total 5 sons seeing and making history that would forever change the world. 

My grandma, Ruth Aldrich, wife of Howard Max Aldrich was one of the primary players who captivated my interests.  Unfortunatly she died in 1984 and with her went a vast amount of history that I wish today, I had the opportunity to talk about with her.   She was preceded in death by her husband, my grandpa, "Max" in 1980.   I can remember a little about him, but not enough to really say I knew him.   This is where my purpose, intent, and motivation begin...

Being a beginning school teacher I find it hard to believe how so many people have become disconnected from their pasts.  The stuggles and experiences of my family during World War II I hope are never forgetten, at least not before great attempts are taken to preserve that history.  I personally take it as my duty to pass along for generations to come the experiences and roles of my family during the "Great War".

Howard "Max" Aldrich

Let me begin with my grandfather.  Howard "Max" Aldrich was drafted into the service in 1944 to fight for his country within the United States Army.  After completion of basic training he was swiftly sent to Europe as one of thousands of replacments for the war tattered and hardened 45th Infantry Division.  He served with the "Thunderbirds" (as the 45th was known) in the 180th Infantry Regiment, Company D.  He was primarily a heavy weapons crewman having qualified as a marksman in basic training.  To this day, I am unaware what his role was.  Gathering information from bits and pieces, I believe he was a member of a machine gun squad.   I know he was also proficient in the use of the M1 Garand, as were many GI's during World War II.

Only having been in combat for 3 weeks, my grandfather quickly found himself fighting for his life.  Having been sent to the 45th Division during March of 1945 he spent most of his combat time on the border of France and Germany, more specifally on the Siegfried Line near a small town named Worms.

As the story goes my grandfather had been fighting for 3 days to take an unknown town near Ballweiller, Germany.   Having successfully captured it after 3 days my grandfather was resting within the confines of a war torn building.  At 12:00 a.m. there was a sudden BANG and as he said it, "an incredible burning sensation" in his feet.  Realizing he had been injured in the feet he was quickly taken back to a Army field hospital.   Unfortunatly, and fortunatly, the man who was on guard during the time of the explosion was killed, according to my grandpa's letters home he only had 5 more minutes before it was his turn to take watch.  For us this unfortunate happening granted life...in spite of death.  Here is a picture oh him.

Neil "Blackie" Aldrich 

The stories of my relatives beyond this point get very very sketchy at best.  I know bits and pieces but nothing in great detail.  My Great Uncle Neil "Blackie" Aldrich was a gunner and guard on a series of military transport ships sending materials to England during WWII.  To the best of my knowledge he served from 1943 to 1945.  Having been able to talk with him quite often I can remember many little stories about his experiences, but nothing of great detail as I was not very old when talking with him.  I do remember stories of bringing back captured German prisoners of war, experiencing rough seas, and being lost at sea with the threat of U-Boats lurking all the time.

Carl "Red" Aldrich

Staff Sergeant US Army.  Served as a liason officier for General Patton in the 3rd Army.

Francis "Plink" Aldrich

Served as a radio and gunner aboard a B-24 bomber.

More to Come....Site Under Construction.  Last Updated 6.11.99  Look for more pictures soon!