Thanks so much. My father was in the 32nd Division and fought at Buna. It is a challenge to find an history on the battle. This video was very helpful!
Thanks for the video. My dad didn’t speak much about the war until his later years. He did tell me about those things mentioned in your video and that he fought In the bottles of Buna and Gona. One day while viewing a large group photo Take an account Livingston, he pointed out men That were killed while he was in New Guinea. He shared with me stories of traveling by Troop train to Baltimore when they thought they were headed to Europe only to be turned around put back on to trains and ship cross country to California. They then border ships And sailed to Australia for more training and them to new guinea.
My Dad’s cousin Peter Geelhoed was killed January 2nd 1943 during the battle of Buna. Here is his citation.
Peter Geelhoed Private First Class, U.S. Army __, __, 32D ‘Red Arrow’ Infantry Division Date of Action: 2 January 1943 Citation Needed – Synopsis: “Peter Geelhoed, United States Army, has been awarded the Silver Star under the below-listed General Orders for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with the 32d Infantry Division during World War II.” According to Papuan Campaign, Pfc. Geelhoed earned the Silver Star, posthumously, for gallantry in action on 2 January 1943 near Buna Mission, New Guinea. The citation, summarized in the Detroit Free Press on 24 Apr. ‘43, stated, “He openly exposed himself to the accurate enemy fire in order to get close enough to enemy positions to throw grenades into them. After having made possible the capture of two positions, he rushed a third and was killed only after he had thrown one grenade which killed two of the enemy and wounded others.” General Orders: Headquarters, 32d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 12 (1943) Born: 27 May 1919 at Michigan Home of Record: Byron Center, Michigan Death: 2 January 1943 near Buna Mission, New Guinea Interred: Winchester Cemetery, Byron Center, Michigan Status: KIA
My Dad remembers Pete being a big strong kid. he was 6’1″ and about 185 pounds. He was a farm kid and Dad said he was strong as an ox!
Thank you so much for this video. My father is one of the 2 men standing together in initial shot as well as toward end of video in group shot. We have been trying to gather information on where his Company G (126th regiment) served and where they went after Buna. Also if you know the other men in the pictures and are able to share names. My fathers name is Herbert Riessen. His nickname was “Dutch”. He did not share much about his time in the service so what little we know came from my Mother overhearing conversations at the reunions. Thanks again for this tribute.
Is it possible to contact Donna Wilson credited with photo “Soldiers in New Guinea” ? My father is in picture . Would like to know identities of others and/or any details concerning photo.
7 comments
Thanks so much. My father was in the 32nd Division and fought at Buna. It is a challenge to find an history on the battle. This video was very helpful!
Thanks for the video. My dad didn’t speak much about the war until his later years. He did tell me about those things mentioned in your video and that he fought In the bottles of Buna and Gona. One day while viewing a large group photo Take an account Livingston, he pointed out men That were killed while he was in New Guinea. He shared with me stories of traveling by Troop train to Baltimore when they thought they were headed to Europe only to be turned around put back on to trains and ship cross country to California. They then border ships And sailed to Australia for more training and them to new guinea.
I know – there’s not much information out here. Glad you liked it!
Thank you for your work on this site.
My Dad’s cousin Peter Geelhoed was killed January 2nd 1943 during the battle of Buna. Here is his citation.
Peter Geelhoed Private First Class, U.S. Army __, __, 32D ‘Red Arrow’ Infantry Division Date of Action: 2 January 1943 Citation Needed – Synopsis: “Peter Geelhoed, United States Army, has been awarded the Silver Star under the below-listed General Orders for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with the 32d Infantry Division during World War II.” According to Papuan Campaign, Pfc. Geelhoed earned the Silver Star, posthumously, for gallantry in action on 2 January 1943 near Buna Mission, New Guinea. The citation, summarized in the Detroit Free Press on 24 Apr. ‘43, stated, “He openly exposed himself to the accurate enemy fire in order to get close enough to enemy positions to throw grenades into them. After having made possible the capture of two positions, he rushed a third and was killed only after he had thrown one grenade which killed two of the enemy and wounded others.” General Orders: Headquarters, 32d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 12 (1943) Born: 27 May 1919 at Michigan Home of Record: Byron Center, Michigan Death: 2 January 1943 near Buna Mission, New Guinea Interred: Winchester Cemetery, Byron Center, Michigan Status: KIA
My Dad remembers Pete being a big strong kid. he was 6’1″ and about 185 pounds. He was a farm kid and Dad said he was strong as an ox!
Here is a link to his picture.
https://mediasvc.ancestry.com/v2/image/namespaces/1093/media/cf215d71-46cc-4865-a640-0463809aacd4.jpg?client=trees-mediaservice&imageQuality=hq&maxWidth=1329&maxHeight=605.25
Thank you so much for this video. My father is one of the 2 men standing together in initial shot as well as toward end of video in group shot. We have been trying to gather information on where his Company G (126th regiment) served and where they went after Buna. Also if you know the other men in the pictures and are able to share names. My fathers name is Herbert Riessen. His nickname was “Dutch”. He did not share much about his time in the service so what little we know came from my Mother overhearing conversations at the reunions. Thanks again for this tribute.
My Dad Herbert E Riessen is the taller guy in cover photo. Herbert was drafted in Iowa and sent to 132nd in Michigan.
Is it possible to contact Donna Wilson credited with photo “Soldiers in New Guinea” ? My father is in picture . Would like to know identities of others and/or any details concerning photo.