6-24-11 - Thomas J. Netti 87, passed away.

AUBURN, NY - Thomas J. Netti, 87 formerly of 7 Wallace Ave., Auburn passed away peacefully Thursday morning June 23,2011, at the Cayuga County Nursing Home in Sennett. He was born in Auburn on Jan. 10,1924, the son of the late Francesco and Philomenia Batisti Netti and had been a life resident. Thomas was a WWII Army veteran, being part of the 299th Combat Engineers Battalion. He was involved in the Battle of the Bulge and the D-Day invasion. Tom was a communicant of St. Francis of Assisi Church and a member of the Knights of Columbus. Prior to his retirement, Tom had been self employed for numerous years as a contractor for many local homes and businesses. In his earlier years, Tom enjoyed bowling, golfing, archery and gardening. He was most happy the times spent with his wife, children and grandchildren. Tom will be sadly missed by all who were fortunate enough to get to know him. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Rose Larizza Netti; a daughter, Grace Ann Netti, three sons Frank and his wife, Deborah, Jim and his wife, Katie, Joe Netti ; a daughter-in-law Rose Marie Netti, all of Auburn, 12 grandchildren as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents, Tom was predeceased by two sons, John and Steven Netti; and two brothers, John and Pat Netti. There are no public calling hours. Friends and relatives are invited to join the family at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 25, in St. Francis of Assisi Church for Thomas's Mass of Christian burial. Interment will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery, where military honors will be accorded. Due to the great care and compassion for the past 13 years given to Tom, contributions may be made in his memory to the Cayuga County Nursing Home, County House Road, Sennett, NY 13021. Funeral services are arranged by the Pettigrass Funeral Home.

"Tom attended all 299th reunions while he was in good health. He was very active in the memorials that were held in Auburn for the 299ers KIA His efforts help bring together the 299th veterans through out New York State to attend the memorial services."

Mike Accordino

2-11-11 - Anthony DeTomaso 86, passed away.

Anthony DeTomaso 86, of Auburn, NY, husband of the late Elizabeth Audin DeTomaso passed away.

He was an Army veteran of WWII and a mamber of the 299th Combat Engineer Battalion. He was a communicant of St. Francis Church.

James H. Burke

James H. Burke (August 20, 1923 - May 6, 2010). a proud member of the 299th Combat Engineers, has passed away.

It is with great sadness that I inform you of the passing of Mr. James H. Burke...early in the morning today, May 6th, 2010.

Jim was a friend to me as I am sure he was to a lot of you.

He helped me in so many ways when it came to getting information for the www.299thcombatengineers.com web site. Jim spent countless hours and took many a trip over to the Bedford, Virginia D-Day Memorial to make sure the men of the 299th were not forgotten and that the information they had about the unit and it's D-Day KIA's was correct. It was important to him that the Memorial knew how much we all supported them in their efforts to remember all the brave soldiers who participated in D-Day. He was such a friend to so many of the veterans and their wives and families....staying in touch and calling them.

It was my honor to attend the "Battle of the Bulge" Reunion dinner, in Tucson, AZ, with Jim back in October 2009. I was very proud to be his guest and at the time he was in very good health and spirit. Here is a photo from that event.

My heart sank when I got the news today...I will miss him.

Please add Jim and his family to your prayers and know that he was ever proud to be a 299th Combat Engineer.

May He Rest in Peace,

Jeannie Tucker
www.299thcombatengineers.com
(webmaster)

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James H. "Jim" Burke, 86, of the Stuarts Draft Christian Home, and formerly of Skaneateles, NY, passed away Thursday, May 6, 2010.
He was born August 20, 1923 in Auburn, NY, to the late William John Burke and Marguerite Barry Burke.
An Army veteran of World War II, Mr. Burke took part in the invasion of Normandy on D-Day, fought at the Battle of the Bulge, and was captured by the Germans and spent 5 months as a prisoner of war.
After the war, Mr. Burke married June Marie Cady. He attended Syracuse University, receiving a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He retired with 35 years of service from The Eaton Corporation. A published author, his book 'Funf Mann' is an account of his time spent as a POW. He was a member of the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, American EX-Prisoners of War, and Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge.
He moved to Stuarts Draft in 2003 to be near children living here. Mrs. Burke died in December of that year. He stayed active as long as his health allowed, was a member of the Waynesboro Country Club, and enjoyed golfing and skiing.
In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by 2 sisters: Nan Burke and Marianne Emmi. Surviving are his children: Michael H. Burke and wife Ellen of VT, Kathy Scullion and husband Bill of Waynesboro, VA, Nancy Gannon and fiance Henry McNeil of Jordan, NY; a brother, Jeremiah "Jerry" Burke of Auburn, NY; a sister, Sheila Cisek of Phonix, AZ; grandchildren: Christine Burke, Michael Burke, Margaret Burke, Colleen Mastrandea and husband John, Maj.James Scullion and wife Maren, Patrick Gannon, Kate Gannon; and 4 great-grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be made to the National D-Day Memorial Foundation, P.O. Box 77, Bedford, VA 24523.

A funeral service will be held on August 2, 2010 at 9:30 AM at St Mary's Church in Skaneateles.

1-12-10 - Norb Mankiewicz of the 299th Combat Engineers, passed away.

Norbert J. Mankiewicz, of Grand Island, husband of late Irene Rose (Krawczyk) Mankiewicz.

Kaiser Funeral Home, 1959 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island, a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday at 10am (Jan 16th, 2010) at St. Stephans Church, in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Roswell Park Cancer Institute.

"Norb Mankiewicz landed on Omaha Beach assault Boat "F" He was wounded and never returned to the 299th. He was placed.with an Engineer Battalion in an armoured division. The 299th always was #1 with Norb. He served on the Buffalo Committee for years and with his efforts the reunions were always a success. I will miss him." Mike Accordino

12-25-09 - Andrew L. Miles. a proud member of the 299th Combat Engineers, passed away.

Andrew L. Miles, 85, of 1350 Jewell Drive, formerly of West Carthage, died in the emergency room of the Samaritan Medical Center after being stricken at his residence.

Arrangements are incomplete with the Bezanilla-McGraw Funeral Home, Carthage.

Funeral services will be Monday at 1:00PM at the United Comunity Church
with the Rev. Jane E. Wagner officiating. Burial with military honors
will be held in the spring at Sunnyside Cemiterey, Great Bend. Calling
hours at the Bezanille-McGraw Funereal Home will be today (Sunday) from
2-5 PM.

In lieu of flowers, Contributions in his memory may be made to United
Community Church, 112 N. School Street, Carthage, NY 13619 or charity of
choice.

11-5-09 -Leonce Whitey Haydel, (Sgt. "B" Company) & good friend of the 299th has passed away

Leonce (Whitey) Hadel was a Sgt. in B Company who Joined the 299th just
as we left for overseas from Camp Kilmer. We received several
replacements at that time and he became a favorite of many of us. His
Lousianna French made him an ideal interperitor in normandy and throught out France.

Condolences can be sent to his daughter:

Annette Le Friant - 800 Apricot Street. New Orleans. LA. 70118.
Email adgram@cox.net

and to his son:

Leonce Haydel JR. - 2201 East Canterbary LaPlace, New Orleans, LA 70068

Thank-you to all of you who sent him a card while he was ill & May God Bless Him...

Searching for 299er's that were in Painswick, England 1944 before D-Day... -

I have read with interest your web article about the 299th Combat Engineer Group. I was born and raised in a small Cotswold village called Painswick in Gloucestershire England and was in school when WW2 was taking place. A company of the 299th Combat Engineers was stationed at the Painswick House Park during 1944 and the lead up to the D Day landings I spent many hours as a young boy with them the troops were under canvas and the officers were billeted in Painswick House itself there was also a company of 164th Combat Engineers based there as well.

My elder sister who at the time was 19 years old married an American serviceman I think he was from the 299th his name was Francis Fazzalaro and he was from Fort Pierce Florida.

My reason in contacting you is that I wonder if any of your Veterans were stationed in Painswick and if so I would like to get in touch with them as I edit a magazine about Painswick and would like to include some memories of that time.

With kind regards,

David Barnes.

My e-mail address is: david-barnes@tiscali.co.uk

As a result of the great cooperation we got from all 299ers that participated we were able to honor the entire list of our men on the plaques at Bedford.

The total is 61 names and meant a total of $800 sent in.
Some help from the Post WWII men and a big help from the present Reunion
Committee made it all possible. I am proud to say that once again the
299th Engineer Combat Battalion reacted to the Motto of the Engineer
corps which is ESSAYONS. (we will try)

JAMES H. BURKE ESSAYONS 299THcombatengineers

I am Robert Frey, of Phila, PA. I served with Charlie Compan, 299th Combat Engineer Battalion in Kontum and in Bong Son, Republic of South Vietnam from October 20th 1968 to October 19th 1969.

Years later I attended a 299th Reunion in Niagara Falls, New York in June of 1996. I became friends with the WWll generation of the 299ers (sort of like a brother) and thus began my education of and appreciation for "The Battalion", it's History, It's accomplishments and most of all, it's himan component.

Befriending these brave american crusaders has been one of the greatest priveleges of my life. I broke bread with them, drank with them and was fortunate to dance with the lovely wives of these great american heros at these reunions. The men who proudly state their motto, "First on Omaha!" What incredibly brave and noble imagery is cast by such a motto. "Bloody Omaha Beach!" What an utter and complete honor it has been. I thank the great engineer above for the man I have become from my U.S. Army experience and my pioneer engineer training. It affects me and how I approach life on a daily basis and enriches my life's experience in almost every way.

Those of us who have proudly served in the 299th humbly welcome you who take an interest in us.

If I could have but one wish to come true from my total lifes' ambition it would be this: That every man, woman and child in every courner of every nation on earth should have it explained to them in the most basic, emphatic manner just what these men did. That way, all would praise God or Jehova or Allah or Jeasus or whatever name you call the creator, the almighty God of all men and thank him for such men. Men who, on June 6th 1944, crossed the storm ravaged English Channel and put a halt to Adolph Hittler's juggernaut that had as it's sole mission, the enslavement of the human race on planet Earth. Had these Noble men failed in that mission, none of what we know as life on earth would be as it is today. The "D-Day" invaders are the reason the sun rises on a free, abundant world and the reason our children can laugh and play, dream their dreams and live their lives!!!.

Yes, and on "Bloody Omah Beach" the gallant men of the 299th Combat Engineer Battalion led that invasion force that strode into deadly machine gun fire, dodging artillery and mortor rounds, only to have to break the hedgerow choked countryside and drive onward through the worst winter in European history through the "Battle of the Bulge", liberating towns, cities and nations on the way to freeing the people of the Continent of Europe and ultimately, the entire Earth.

These men whom Tom Brokaw dubbed "The Greatest Generation", created one hell of a legacy. A legacy that is monumental in nature for those of us who have been tasked with carrying on that mission. I might add that the torch has been taken by the next generation(s) of young American Combat Engineers and has been nobly carried forward in the same tradition, if not the same brilliance as that which is embodied in the movie of that episode of American history
known to one and all as "The Longest Day".

Paul J. Morawic, 85, of the Town of Niagara, died Saturday, April 11, 2009 at Our Lady of Peace Nursing Care Residence, Lewiston, NY, after a brief illness.

A World War II Veteran, Mr. Morawic served in the 299th Combat Engineer Battalion as a Corporal in all five European Campaigns including D-Day, where he landed on Utah Beach. He received numerous Military Decorations which included the Distinguished Unit Citation and Bronze Service Star for each of the following campaigns: Normandy, Northern France, The Rhineland, Ardennes and Central Europe.

To read the obituary in the Niagara Gazette:Click Here

Searching for GI's from 1960-1962/Mc Nair or Mike Nair Kaserne. -

My Name is marvin and I was in the 299th eng. Hochst germany 1960-1962 .I am searching for GI's from that period from Mc Nair or Mike Nair Kaserne or anything to do with the kaserne. I need maps of hochst and the name of the street McNair kaserne was on.

Barry E. Avent

My e-mail address is marvin.walters608@gmail.com

Ben Callard - Proud 299th Combat Engineer and friend to many has passed away.

He was drafted in the service at Rochester,NY. Ben was in the invasion of Normandy and participated in all the actions that followed. Ben and Doris attended most of the reunions and attended the 2007 reunion. He was always ready with his camera and took a lot of pictures. He will be missed,

Condolences can be sent to:
Doris Callard
10434 S.Clint Loop
Floral City,FL 34436

Charlie Company 299th - Ben Het

If you were part of our group that built Ben Het, please contact me.

My e-mail address is reedh922@aol.com

I served with the 299th Combat Engineers from Nov.1970-Nov1971 -

I was at Camp Humper, Phu Tai (Qui Nhon)and Cam Rahn Bay. Hq. was at Phan Rang. I live in the Greensboro, N.C. area.I'm hoping to find out my comrads from Nam. I'm trying to find out what citations were awarded to my unit. Thank you for your time.

Barry E. Avent

My e-mail address is ibtank4612@yahoo.com

299th (1969 - 1970) looking for other 299er's -

My Pal, Gary Collins and I were partners from the second grade, through all
the stuff adolescence throws at you, to enlisting in the Army, (you know
the buddy plan?). We saw each other once in boot. I'm not sure where Gary
was shipped for AIT but I went to "Little Korea" Fort Leonardwood, Mo. Both
going across the pond, I was assigned to the 169th. Engineer Battalion and
Gary was assigned to the 299th. Man I could go on but the point of this
letter is Gary doesn't remember much of his tour in country. Not even his
company. We've both got cancer, basically the same kind. I've been seeing VA
doctors for my Agent Orange, PTSD, and cancer. Gary needs to see a doctor
also. He served in country from 1969 to 1970. Born in Oregon on 8-22-50 to
Nora and Clarence Collins. Does anybody remember Gary? I'm sure just hearing
or reading how some cats from his company or unit are doing would help a
great deal. He does feel lost, you know those eye's don't lie. Thank you for
your time. Welcome Home Brother, Patrick (Jazz) Butler 916-722-2625

banjolito@surewest.net

Anthony Jefferson, age 84, of Lummi Nation, passed away October 2, 2007 at St. Joseph Hospital.

Born July 23, 1923 to Edward and Julia (George) Jefferson, Anthony was a lifetime fisherman and woodcutter who loved his community.
Anthony served from April 1943 to November 1945 in the U.S. Army. He was placed in the 299th Combat Engineer Battalion and was wounded in action during the WWII invasion of Normandy, later receiving the Purple Heart. In addition to Normandy, his service included campaigns in Northern France, the Rhineland, and Central Europe. He was one of the most decorated Veterans from Lummi Nation.

To sign the online guest book and leave a message...Click Here

299th Hoechst from 1961 - 1963 -

I was the Hq company clerk. Fondly remember two 1st Sgts. One was Sgt Tomzak. I do not remember the other who followed. I do remember Whiskey Joe's Traveling Circus and believe that was during Wildflicken I. I also remember several stints for "training" at Grafenwier? near the East German border. Anyone else there during that time remember the tall company clerk of Hq Co who organized trips with American Express to Paris, Brussells and our mountain ski retreat.

Hugh Reasin

Hughsusan2@aol.com

Mr. Edwin A. Palmer, Proud 299th Combat Engineer and friend to many, passed away the morning of July 5th 2007

Anyone wishing to send condolences can send them to:

Mrs. Edwin A. Palmer - 35 Harpending Ave. Dundee New York, 14387

Looking for Karl Madsen or Donald Latsch 299th HDQ company - My name is Donald L. Bannon and I was in Hoechst, Germany with the 317th Eng. from Dec. 57 till Feb. 60. We shared MCNAIR KASERN. I have been looking for a couple of buddies that served with the 299th in HDQ company. If anyone knows the where abouts of a Karl Madsen or Donald Latsch please contact me.

Thanks...donban1@verizon.net

Looking for articles on Desert Storm and Desert Shield - I am looking for information on my old unit, the 299th Eng. Unit and its involvement in the Iraq war from 1990-1991 (Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Liberation of Kuwait, and the Cease Fire). If you have any information you would be helping me out greatly. I am having some problems with my medical claim from the VA and I need some kind of proof that they, as I know they were, were involved in combat situations and helping those who where. We were assigning to the 24th Inf. Div and the 20th Eng out of Bragg. Please help me. I have looked every where and I am hitting a wall.

Thanks in advance for the help. - raymond.desalvo@us.army.mil

On this 11th day of the 11th month of 2006, I am filled with pride as I fondly recollect the history of the men of the 299th. I wish to acknowledge these men for all of their heroics, sacrifice and dedication. I, along with the world, honor them today with total appreciation.

I've always been a passionate consumer of WWII history and discussed often with my grandfather, his experiences during his service. I am however, always eager to learn more about this most dynamic period of history so if I could get in contact with some of my grandfather's surviving comrades, I would appreciate it very much. I have met several members of the 299th at reunions when I was younger and met a few more recently at my grandfather's funeral. I hope they will be open to getting in contact with me.

With sincerity,

Jeffrey A. Rosenthal - dr_feel_good66@yahoo.com

masotta.jean-marc@neuf.fr

Looking for information on Karl Madsen or Donald Latsch...

My name is Donald L. Bannon and I was in Hoechst, Germany with the 317th Eng. from Dec. 57 till Feb. 60. We shared MCNAIR KASERN. I have been looking for a couple of buddies that served with the 299th in HDQ company. If anyone knows the where abouts of a Karl Madsen or Donald Latsch please contact me. Thanks...Don

donban1@verizon.net

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