A 101ST AIRBORNE REUNION
“Mom and Dad went to many 101st Airborne reunions in and around the Chicago, Illinois area.
Dad was a radio communicator who served under Colonel Cole, Colonel Michaelis and Colonel Chappuis with the 101st Airborne, 502nd PIR, Reg. Hq.
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I had the good fortune of meeting Dick Ladd who served with Dad. He told me that they last saw each other as they were getting ready to jump into Holland, September 1944. All of a sudden, Dick glanced across a crowded room at a reunion in 1964. He immediately recognized Dad. Their eyes locked and walked quickly to greet one another after 20 years. Dick said that reunion took them right back to that day in Holland. Sadly, Dick Ladd passed away in 2015.
Mom and Dad are pictured here 3rd and 4th inset from the left. This picture was taken in the fifties. I remember that dress Mom has on. It was a beautiful beige lace. She had a wide brimmed hat that matched. She was stunning when she got all dressed up. Mom and Dad were so beautiful.
I miss them…”
~ Jenny Tharp La Sala
“I will never joke about soldiers who try to get to reunions to talk over the war again. To talk of old times with old friends is the greatest thing in the world.”
~ Will Rogers
