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As the thunder and debris of battle clear away and our journey is
eventually turned towards the dear old United States and the freedom
for which we have fought and won, each of us will carry memories that
will never be erased. Many of them will be bitter; those of our
comrades that are not returning with us, and those who have been
maimed physically or distorted mentally.
But we will also carry with us other memories. Ones
which we will cherish. The close friendship of those we have served
with. The interesting places we have visited. The good times we have
had together.
But there is still a different feeling in our hearts,
souls, and minds. We may have, at the time this feeling was being
moulded, thought that it also would be one of bitterness. But we see
it differently now, and, as the distance is increased by time, we will
see it even more
clearly. It is a feeling of patriotism that cannot be gained by
reciting the Oath of Allegiance in grade school. A feeling of
contentment and self-satisfaction. A feeling of self confidence, a
feeling of strength and toughness - not the cheap kind shown by
flashing our strength when we have the upper hand or flinging sharp or
profane words - but a tough inner fibre which enables us to stand
squarely on both feet and know that we can meet squarely any problem
that arises. A feeling that cannot be had by acting as a spectator but
only by being a participant. A feeling of proudness at having taken
part (an active part) in the greatest crises of history. And a feeling
of comradeship which is only gained by having suffered hardships
together, overcome fear together, won battles together. A feeling of
pride at having accomplished our mission gloriously. Thus, it is not
with bitterness that we look back on the gun drills at A.A.A.T.C. ;
the blazing sun at Camp Irwin; the lamb stew on the Aquitania;
the fog in England; the first smell of battle in France; the cold
slime of Hoeville; the freezing blizzards of the Ardennes; the mad
pursuit of the enemy across Germany. They are memories we will
cherish, and this history will serve as a pleasant reminder of them.
We owe our gratitude for the tedious job of assembling
data and the excellent writing of this history to Captain David B.
Scott, Jr. The dry-witted humor which runs throughout is expressed in
a style which can be contributed only by Captain Scott. With this as
an opportunity, I would like to express my personal appreciation for
the outstanding job each of you have done and for the splendid
Cooperation you have shown me since I have been with you. It requires
no deep thought for anyone to realize that you have put forth the
effort, the courage, and the loyalty to develop the best A.A.A.
battalion that I know of. And it is to you, each man and officer, that
this credit is due. It is with the greatest of pride that I can say
that I am and was a member of the 390th during their glorious
activities of World War II. Allow me the honor at this time to salute
you, every Officer and Man of the 390th.
ROY A. TATE
Munich, Bavaria, 7 July 1945. |
