872nd Airborne Engineers

[DanO]

Anyone have any knowledge, photos, documents, ANY piece of information.
My father served in the 872nd during the war, dates of service were roughly Mar 42 - Aug 45.
Entered the service Des Moines IA, served in Australia New Guinea, Phillipines.
Trained as paratroops, in gliders built airfields in New Guinea

 

[Jay P.]

Dan,

I've been doing some light research into my Grandfather's time in the Army during WWII, and stumbled across your post. My Grandfather served in the 872nd Airborne Engineers as a SGT if I'm not mistaken. He passed in 1998 but I have some of his things from his time in the Army, including his formal hat and a document that may be of interest to you. I have a multi-page (typed) list of everyone that served in the unit. I can share photos of the list with you, but I'm afraid to photo copy it given its age and delicate nature (very old paper). I can also share a few stories that he did share with us over the years. Not sure how much you know about the 872nd, but they had it pretty rough in South Pacific theater. You can reach me by email at jaybirdz4@yahoo.com

Sincerely,

Jay P.

 

[Peacoat]

I will tag @DanO so he will see your post. I have also sent him a PM. He is still around and checked in today.

@Jay P. that is a good first post. Thanks for taking the time to post the info.

 

[DanO]

JayP great to hear from you! My father passed in 2011 and did not talk much about his time in New Guinea(as most of our fathers and Grandfathers). What was your Grandfathers name? Do you know what company of the 872 he was with? My father was Donald L O'Neal, he was I believe with Company C. I have some of his letters home and photos and other stuff. There is a website called Pacific Wrecks that has alot of info, unfortunately the information on the Engineer Aviation Battalions EAB is rather scarce. I would be very interested in seeing the jpegs of the roster or anything else you would care to share either her or you can reach me at m2doneal@comcast.net