I am looking for anyone who served with my grandfather, Joseph Truman Blake, in WWII. The information I have about my grandfather is that he served from 1943-1945 in the 161st Infantry, 25th Division, Company A, Mortar Squad. My grandfather was a 30 caliber machine gunner. He was wounded in Luzon.

I know my grandfather served with a man named Newt Pritchett. I am especially looking for a man with the last name Butler who also served in the 161st/25th Division/Company A/Mortar Squad. This man, Butler, helped save my grandfather's life when he was wounded in Luzon. I would really like to find this man, Butler (or his family) to thank him for what he did for my grandfather. Please help me if you can.

Brittanie:

My father wasn't with the mortar squad but there's a chance he crossed paths with your grandfather or the others you mentioned. When I have more time, I'll share some stories with you. Below is my entry on the website.

Hello:

I was hoping that someone remembers my father, Leo J. Schmidt, and could provide me with more information about what he and the 161st went through in WWII. My father, who passed on in 1999, never spoke of the war. Using his discharge papers as a starting point (and your wonderful Web site), I have assembled the following information.

Leo John Schmidt, a North Dakota farm boy, was a member of the 161st Infantry. He was certified as a flame thrower and communications specialist. He participated in all the 161st’s campaigns (Hawaii, Guadalcanal, The Solomons, Luzon) until 25 January, 1945, during the battle for the village of San Manuel, Phillipines when he was felled by Japanese bullets to the arm and leg. On the last day of his life in 1999, my Father spoke with my mother about that day, saying that there was very close combat and Japanese snipers were always a terrifying possibility. He went on to say that he was running a spool of wire (following behind a jeep driven my Uncle Frank Barth) when he was hit. It took a while for medics to reach him. They covered two roles of gauze with Vaseline, placing one in each of his wounds (“they almost went right through” he said) and dragged him out of harm’s way. He received his Purple Heart and Philippine Liberation Medal (both of which I proudly have) and was shipped to Oakland, CA for recuperation. I am wondering if that same ship carried the rescued prisoners of the Battan death march (there is some video footage of that ship). The departure date suggests it very well might be.

My father kept his uniform for several years but I only saw it once. I didn’t know until recently what the lightning bolt patch (Tropic Lightning 25th Infantry Division) designated or that he was a part of the famous battles for Galloping Horse and Horseshoe Hill.

If there is anyone who could provide more information about my father and the 161st, I would be very grateful.

daleschmidt1@comcast.net

Hi Brittanie:

I'm piecing together a timeline of my father's service in the 161st, Company B. My father was also wounded on Luzon on Jan 16, '45 in the battle for San Manuel. Do you know the day and battle when your grandfather was wounded? Even just the day may tell the battle. Then I might be able to give you an idea of your grandfather's surroundings in battle that day and how he may have been wounded.

I still hope to find out who dragged my wounded father back behind enemy lines and saved his life.

Dale Schmidt

Hi Mr. Schmidt,

My aunt was able to locate the man, Butler, we were looking for. I forwarded your message to her. She has the information you inquired about. Thank you for your response and help.

Brittanie