Send Joe Back to Belgium
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Let’s Send Joe Back to Belgium for the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge
For 96-year old Joe Watson, one of the defining moments of his life began in June of 1943 when at the age of 20 he began basic training at Camp Hood, Texas. Like many other young men of his generation, Joe had answered the call to serve and enlisted in the United States Army. After a summer of basic training, he left Clemson College early in his senior year, before completing his degree in agricultural engineering, to attend officer candidate school. After receiving his commission as a lieutenant, he went to Camp Breckinridge, Kentucky, where he was given command of a mortar platoon training to go overseas.
Joe could not have known with certainty that one day he would return home to complete his studies at Clemson with the support of the GI Bill. He left behind in Ridge Spring his childhood sweetheart and fiancé Betty Steadman, who would become his wife of 64 years. In the face of the greatest war that the world had ever seen he had no way of knowing that he would survive to return home and develop a thriving pecan farm and the “Nut House,” which would contribute to the local economy for many years.
Joe would be the last to consider himself an exceptional man because of his service. Because of his faith, he had struggled with the ethics of war. He understood, however, that if he didn’t join to fight the threat posed by the spread of fascism, someone else would have to take his place. Duty called men like him to act and he did what his nation and the world asked of him.
Departing from New York Harbor aboard a converted ocean liner was one of many steps that would draw him closer to the Battle of the Bulge, the largest and bloodiest single battle of World War II and a turning point in the war. On the long ocean journey men, cramped in close quarters, struggled with sea sickness and the fear of the unknown as they approached Europe.
On December 10 of 1944 the 1st battalion of the 291st Infantry Regiment of the 75th Infantry Division arrived on the shores of France. They traveled to Belgium by train in unheated boxcars called “40 and 8s” because they held 40 men or 8 horses. During the bitter winter months, they first helped to stem the tide of German troops that were pushing west into Ally-controlled territory. Then the division went on the offensive to help liberate towns and villages that had been seized by the Germans. Joe was wounded by German artillery fire in one of these villages, but he recovered in France, returned to his platoon, and fought with them across the Rhine and into Germany.
The Americans suffered some 75,000 casualties in the Battle of the Bulge, many from effects of the severe cold. More than 19,000 lost their lives. Two American cemeteries in Belgium containing over 13,000 graves remain a reminder of the great sacrifice made by Joe’s generation. These sacrifices are not forgotten. People from across Europe and especially Belgium will gather in Belgium December 13th -15th of this year to remember and honor the bravery and contributions of America’s greatest generation. Joe has been invited to a formal reception for the 75th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge with the King and Queen of Belgium. He has also been asked to speak as part of a WWII veteran panel at the Battle of the Bulge Museum at Bastogne. In addition, he has been invited to a remembrance ceremony in a church in Grandmenil and the dedication of a new World War II museum dedicated to Joe Cal’s division, the 75th Infantry. He will share personal stories to connect with the people that so many American soldiers fought to liberate. He will visit the graves of America soldiers who lie buried in Belgium soil and walk the battlefields and villages where his platoon once fought and bled.
We humbly ask for your support to make this trip possible for Joe by collaborating with the cost of his airline ticket, hotel, interpreter/guide, and ground transportation. With the support and companionship of his daughter Mary and grandson Michael he will be able to make this trip and proudly represent the experiences and values of our greatest generation. If the fundraising goal for Joe’s expenses is surpassed all additional contributions will be donated to: Southeastern Guide Dogs, an organization that trains guide dogs, service dogs, and skilled companion dogs for people with special needs including veterans and children who have lost a parent in the military.
Southeastern Guide Dogs
For 96-year old Joe Watson, one of the defining moments of his life began in June of 1943 when at the age of 20 he began basic training at Camp Hood, Texas. Like many other young men of his generation, Joe had answered the call to serve and enlisted in the United States Army. After a summer of basic training, he left Clemson College early in his senior year, before completing his degree in agricultural engineering, to attend officer candidate school. After receiving his commission as a lieutenant, he went to Camp Breckinridge, Kentucky, where he was given command of a mortar platoon training to go overseas.
Joe could not have known with certainty that one day he would return home to complete his studies at Clemson with the support of the GI Bill. He left behind in Ridge Spring his childhood sweetheart and fiancé Betty Steadman, who would become his wife of 64 years. In the face of the greatest war that the world had ever seen he had no way of knowing that he would survive to return home and develop a thriving pecan farm and the “Nut House,” which would contribute to the local economy for many years.
Joe would be the last to consider himself an exceptional man because of his service. Because of his faith, he had struggled with the ethics of war. He understood, however, that if he didn’t join to fight the threat posed by the spread of fascism, someone else would have to take his place. Duty called men like him to act and he did what his nation and the world asked of him.
Departing from New York Harbor aboard a converted ocean liner was one of many steps that would draw him closer to the Battle of the Bulge, the largest and bloodiest single battle of World War II and a turning point in the war. On the long ocean journey men, cramped in close quarters, struggled with sea sickness and the fear of the unknown as they approached Europe.
On December 10 of 1944 the 1st battalion of the 291st Infantry Regiment of the 75th Infantry Division arrived on the shores of France. They traveled to Belgium by train in unheated boxcars called “40 and 8s” because they held 40 men or 8 horses. During the bitter winter months, they first helped to stem the tide of German troops that were pushing west into Ally-controlled territory. Then the division went on the offensive to help liberate towns and villages that had been seized by the Germans. Joe was wounded by German artillery fire in one of these villages, but he recovered in France, returned to his platoon, and fought with them across the Rhine and into Germany.
The Americans suffered some 75,000 casualties in the Battle of the Bulge, many from effects of the severe cold. More than 19,000 lost their lives. Two American cemeteries in Belgium containing over 13,000 graves remain a reminder of the great sacrifice made by Joe’s generation. These sacrifices are not forgotten. People from across Europe and especially Belgium will gather in Belgium December 13th -15th of this year to remember and honor the bravery and contributions of America’s greatest generation. Joe has been invited to a formal reception for the 75th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge with the King and Queen of Belgium. He has also been asked to speak as part of a WWII veteran panel at the Battle of the Bulge Museum at Bastogne. In addition, he has been invited to a remembrance ceremony in a church in Grandmenil and the dedication of a new World War II museum dedicated to Joe Cal’s division, the 75th Infantry. He will share personal stories to connect with the people that so many American soldiers fought to liberate. He will visit the graves of America soldiers who lie buried in Belgium soil and walk the battlefields and villages where his platoon once fought and bled.
We humbly ask for your support to make this trip possible for Joe by collaborating with the cost of his airline ticket, hotel, interpreter/guide, and ground transportation. With the support and companionship of his daughter Mary and grandson Michael he will be able to make this trip and proudly represent the experiences and values of our greatest generation. If the fundraising goal for Joe’s expenses is surpassed all additional contributions will be donated to: Southeastern Guide Dogs, an organization that trains guide dogs, service dogs, and skilled companion dogs for people with special needs including veterans and children who have lost a parent in the military.
Southeastern Guide Dogs
Organizer
Michael Edmonds
Organizer
Charleston, SC