I am searching for anyone who has info,. photos, stories, etc. concerning my uncle (Capt.) Robert G. Essig, Chaplain 1st Special Service Force
I am searching for any info. on my uncle (my father's older brother) Captain ROBERT G. ESSIG, Hq. Co., 1stSSF.
Rob was an ordained CATHOLIC PRIEST and I am seeking any info about how he got involved with the First Special Service Force as one of the two CHAPLAINS, where and when he was trained, transported, stationed and was in combat theatres.
I know he definately served at ANZIO and finished with the 474th in NORWAY, but it's all the other bits in-between that I would like to fill in.
I think he enlisted after ordination from San Francisco and may have attended Harvard Chaplain's School, was somehow assigned to the 1stSSF early & trained in HELENA, MONTANA with the original group. I still have a set of bear-trap wood skiis marked "US ARMY 1942" in rafters of my dad's garage.
Anyone out there with any info. or photo's please contact me. Former mebmers of THE FORCE, the 474Th, or relatives, or anyone please send it on.
Attached photo is Rob Essig (in center) in France with the 474th Regiment after the disbandment of the Force. Left - Getty Page ( Red Cross (RCA) 1stSSF ) Middle - Capt. Robert G. Essig, HQ Co. (Chaplain 1stSSF) Oakland California Right - Lewis J. Merrim HQ Detachment (?????), Brooklyn NY.
Thanks
Bill Essig
email = <buildersservices@att.net>
mail 6833 Ridgewood Dr., Oakland CA 94611
510-339-1854
I am searching for any info. on my uncle (my father's older brother) Captain ROBERT G. ESSIG, Hq. Co., 1stSSF.
Rob was an ordained CATHOLIC PRIEST and I am seeking any info about how he got involved with the First Special Service Force as one of the two CHAPLAINS, where and when he was trained, transported, stationed and was in combat theatres.
I know he definately served at ANZIO and finished with the 474th in NORWAY, but it's all the other bits in-between that I would like to fill in.
I think he enlisted after ordination from San Francisco and may have attended Harvard Chaplain's School, was somehow assigned to the 1stSSF early & trained in HELENA, MONTANA with the original group. I still have a set of bear-trap wood skiis marked "US ARMY 1942" in rafters of my dad's garage.
Anyone out there with any info. or photo's please contact me. Former mebmers of THE FORCE, the 474Th, or relatives, or anyone please send it on.
Attached photo is Rob Essig (in center) in France with the 474th Regiment after the disbandment of the Force. Left - Getty Page ( Red Cross (RCA) 1stSSF ) Middle - Capt. Robert G. Essig, HQ Co. (Chaplain 1stSSF) Oakland California Right - Lewis J. Merrim HQ Detachment (?????), Brooklyn NY.
Thanks
Bill Essig
email = <buildersservices@att.net>
mail 6833 Ridgewood Dr., Oakland CA 94611
510-339-1854