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34th Signal Battalion
VII Corps
Looking for more information from military/civilian personnel assigned to or associated with the U.S. Army in Germany from 1945 to 1989. If you have any stories or thoughts on the subject, please email me (webmaster).

321st Sig Bn (19..-19..)

34th Sig Bn History (19..-19..)

Newspaper articles

Worn from ? to 1981

Worn from 1981 to 1991
 
321st Signal Battalion History
321st SIGNAL BATALION REUNION

October 2 - 4, 2007
Atlantic City, New Jersey

For more details contact the webmaster
321st Signal Bn DI
See Page 5 of the Jan 18, 1952 issue of the 7th Army Sentinel for an article that describes the organization and mission of the 321st Signal Battalion.
(Source: Email from Laddie Srahola, 321st Sig Bn, 1952-53)
I was stationed at Kelly Barracks, Stuttgart from 1952 to 1953. A group of us have been meeting in various parts of the country for 20 years. This year we will meet in Atlantic City, New Jersey. First time ever in NJ. A delagation of NJ vets are hosting. Dates are October 2,3,4.

Our group were men from the north-east, midwest, and southwest portions of the USA. The majority were draftees sent to replace National Guard men from New York and southern USA.
 
I was T & T CO (Telephone and Telegraph) and we used Radio Company to transmit a signal to get voice, telegraph, through. Aalen was simply a relay station because of the distance to Augsburg from Stuttgart. We had Line Companies also but radio was better, no way to cut wires etc. I'll see if I can get a better explanation because it has been quite a few years.

Our job was to maintain communications between VII Corps and the 28th and 43rd Divisions. We spent much of our duty in the field. We worked out of deuce and a half and three-quarter ton trucks. Corps equipment operated out of fourteen wheelers.

Permanent quarters were at Kelly Barracks (VII Corps), Aalen (relay site), Goeppingen (28th Div), and Augsburg (43rd Div). We qualified at firing range in Grafenwoehr (near Czech border). Our commander was Gen James Gavin. He was stationed at Kelly Barracks and he was quite an imposing figure. He was truly a "Soldier's Soldier" and I for one was proud to serve there with him.

I will ask all who attend our reunion in October to add their thoughts to this and forward it to you.
 
(Source: Email from Tom Cadell, 321st Sig Bn and 34th Sig Bn)
I was stationed at Kelley Barracks with the 321st Signal Bn. which later became the 34th Sig Bn.  As Jerry Mace states, we thought when they said the unit was going back to the States, that meant us.  I was as disappointed as he was to find that it was only the flags and insignias that were going. 
 
I was a team chief (corporal -- later Specialist 4th) in VHF Platoon of Company "E."  We also ran the radio circuits between VII Corp and the Divisions.  Spent a lot of time in the field in those trucks with the huts on them.  I ran a team for a while which used semi-trailer to run the radio circuits.  

Always appreciated the great barracks and the fine food in the Mess Hall.  I know we used to complain, but, in fact, it was really the best food I had in my two-year Army career.  Late 1955 and early 1956 I was team chief at out TDY outpost in Oberkochen (near Aalen, Germany). Just three of us; two PFC's and myself.  We had a great time.  The other two guys were electircal engineers in civilian life so we had no trouble keeping the radio relay station on air.
 
I would love to have a copy of the morning report from January, 1955, that Jerry Mace alludes to.
 
34th Signal Battalion History
1969 - 1970
(Source: 52nd Anniversary, 1918 - 1970. The JAYHAWK Anniversary Issue, August 19, 1970.)
34th Signal Bn DUI
Ordered to reactivate on January 28, 1955, the 34th Signal Bn has rendered signal support to VII Corps and its organic units.

Providing signal communications for all echelons of VII Corps Headquarters is one of the many functions of the 34th Signal Battalion.

In addition to providing signal communications, the battalion has these missions:
a. To install, operate and maintain multi-channel communication facilities to major subordinate tactical units
b. To install, operate and maintain multi-channel communication facilities between major headquarters of Corps Artillery
c. To operate the VII Corps ground messenger service
d. To provide photographic service for VII Corps Headquarters

The battalion is commanded by Lt. Col. John S. Tuck, who replaced Lt. Col. James J. Kouten on October 14, 1969.

The 34th Signal Bn has participated in various field training exercises during the past year. In September, it was the one-week maneuver near Abtswind, followed by Certain Check in the Kitzingen and Kulsheim areas. In January the 34th staged a reduced-distance Signal Field Training Exercise at Krabbenloch.

During April the battalion participated in the Signal Field Training Exercise Crusader near Kist and Kulsheim; and in May gave signal support to VII Corps during Exercise Front Centre '70.

German-American relations were emphasized at the battalion's Organization Day on June 27. Over 2,000 people, including 34th Signal troops, dependents and German neighbors and guests attended the ceremonies. The day included continuous sports competition between the battalion's four companies, the winner of which was awarded a training holiday in July.
 
(Source: STARS & STRIPES, Aug 23, 1968)
Jessup Relay Site, located near Reisenbach, Germany, is operated by a small group of men from the 34th Signal Bn. The relay site maintains a radio link between Schwaebisch Hall and Wuerzburg.

The site is manned by six men who work in three eight-hour shifts.
 
If you have more information on the history or organization of the 34th Signal Battalion, please contact me.
 
(Source: Email from Jerry Mace)
 
I was in Hq. Co., 34th Sig. Bn. at Kelly Barracks 1954 - 1958. I ended up operating the Ration Breakdown and supplying rations to 29th Car & 39th Truck, Hq. VII Corps & VII Corps Artillery & 34th Sig. Bn. Mess Halls.

I was in the parade we had when we changed from the 321st to the 34th Sig. Bn. The rumor was that we were rotating to the States. Yeah, on paper. That was a let down.

A & B Companies were at Flak Kaserne up to the time I left.

I have a small problem maybe someone can help me with. I was contacted by a guy named Ed Taylor. He lives in Washington State. He's been trying to find Sgt. Robert "Poncho" Garcia. He was in Hq. Co. 321st Sig. Bn.

I'm attaching a picture of Robert "Poncho" Garcia in hope that someone visiting this site may have some info on him. Ed sent me this pic and the Jan. 1955 morning report of the 34th Sig. Bn. If anyone has any info on him at all, you can contact me.

Believe me, it will be appreaciated.
Jerry Mace Sr.
 
(Source: Email from Carl Johnson, Jr.)
Maybe it was overlooked, but I never discovered any record of "A" and "B" Company of the 34th Signal being stationed at Krabbenloch Kaserne in Ludwigsburg, Germany during the years 1955-1956.

I served with "A" Company at Flak Kaserne. At this time, HQ Company of the 34th was located at Kelly Barracks near Stuttgart. Evidently, "A" and "B" Company of the 34th were moved from Flak to nearby Krabbenloch Kaserne. This must have taken place sometime after 1956. Flak was approximately two kilometers from Krabbenloch. Any history on this?
Carl D. Johnson Jr
 
(Source: Email from Chuck Hannen)
I was stationed at Kelley Barracks, VII Corps Headquarters, from January 1955 till my discharge in Sept 1956.

Company D, the Radio and Message Center company, was the communications for VII Corps Headquarters. We maintained radio teletype communication with various units of the VII Corps and a Morse code unit located in the basement of VII Corps Hq. Building. Company D also maintained the message center and the cryptograph center.

I have never seen this mentioned in any websites or information concerning 34th Signal Bn at Kelley Barracks. Was I there for a year and a half or was I dreaming? Any body else there??
Chuck Hannen

1. Chuck Hannen with his car, Zelda
2. D Co men in a local gasthaus


3. Berling and Deaton
4. Zelda and some of the guys from D Company 		   

5. Unidentified member of D Co
      
 
(Souce: Notes, July 1956)
Air Section, 34th Sig Bn performs various missions that include mail and courier runs, aerial photography, and ambulance service. The Air Section has three aircraft: a multi-passenger utility and cargo aircraft, a two-seater light observation plane and an all-purpose helicopter.

Each morning, days a week, mail and courier runs are made to all units of VII Corps. Regular stops are made at Goeppingen, Ansbach, Nuernberg, traubing, Augbsurg and occasionally Regensburg.

The unit's aircraft are given maintenance checkups at the end of every flight. After 30 hours of flying, the planes are xxx down and given a thorough inspection. This efficient upkeep is credited for the unit's no-mishap record since the 34th came overseas in 1951.
 
(Source: Email from Robert Cullums, "E" Co, 34th Sig Bn, 1956-58)
I was stationed at Kelly Barracks from July 1956 thru Sept 1958. I was in "E" Company, 34th Signal Bn. I was a Team Chief on a terminal team providing telephone communications from 4th Armored Division Hq. back to 7th Corps Headquarters. ( We used TQ 7 carrier equipment over TRC 35 radios.)
 
On training exercises I was assigned to 4th Armored Div Hq. and traveled with them thru the end of the exercise. We transmitted telephone carrier communications over VHF radio. We had a 2½-ton truck with radio hut (can't remember what it was called) with all the carrier equip and radio gear. We used a 50-foot antenna with a huge mast head. We had 2,4 cyl power units and 100 gal of fuel. In addition, we had a ¾-ton truck for supplies.

I was married and lived off post on the German economy. My son was born in the military hospital in Bad Cannstatt. Am I the only one left that was there? Would like to hear from anyone who was there during that timeframe. Oh yes, Hq. Company, E and D companies and a Car company were the only units I remember being there except for an MP unit. A and B companies were at Flak Kaserne.
Bob Cullums
 
(Source: Email from Bill Burton, A Co, 34th Sig Bn)
A Co, 34th Sig Bn, Flak Kaserne, Ludwigsburg.

1. Motor park (KB)
2. 2x4's for Spiral 4 poles (KB)

3. More 2x4's (KB)


4. USAREUR military demonstartion included this static display (KB)
5. (KB)
6. S/P at main gate (KB)		  

7. Volleyball in A Co quadranbgle (KB)
8. Visit to ROB PX (KB)
9. PFC Thomas (KB)		  

10. PFC Moreau (KB)
11. (KB)
12. (KB)		  

13. Pay Day corridor (KB)
14. VII Corps Honor Guard (KB)
15. (KB)		  

16. In the field (KB)
17. (KB)
18. (KB)		  
 
(Source: Email from Vern Gissel, Flak Kaserne Co. B 34th Sig, 1 Jan 1961-30 Sept 1961 (inactivated); Krabbenloch Kaserne  Co. B 34th Sig, 1 Oct 1961 - 26 Sept 1963)
I was very much surprised to find info regarding the 34th Sig. Bn. Yesterday out of nowhere the 34th Sig entered my mind so I located your site simply by entering,  " tatus of US Army 34th Signal Bn. Corps" and here I am.
 
Having entered the Army 17 Oct 1960 and completing boot and schooling in Fort Ord, Calif. In Jan 1961 I was transferred to Co. B, 34th Sig Bn. Corps located at Flak Kaserne in Ludwigsburg, Germany.  My MOS was 631.10 (Vehicle Mechanic) I suddenly learned the German countryside as I spent most of my time in field duty supporting the signal vehicles and related equipment.  Looking back,  I would say I spent most of my working hours in vehicle recovery and at the time it seemed a 24 hour duty as I was all over the fields, roads and autobahns in all directions from the Stuttgart area command. I towed many worn out vehicles from Ludwigsburg to Dachau for a direct exchange from a German operated US Army ordinance facility there.
 
Seemed we were in boot camp conditions the 31 months or so  I was stationed there as we responded constantly to various alert levels. As they say,  practice makes perfect and by doing so,  the 34th at that time earned # 1 signal support in Europe.
 
I took hundreds of photos while serving there as it was a hobby of mine.  The service club at Flak Kaserne had a fine photo lab for everyone to use.  There was a German National who operated it, and I assisted him in its operation as best I could when not on duty. I wish I could be of assistance with your photos of the area, however, when I packed up to ship back to the States, my box with the photos and negatives never made it, lost all the photos.
 
My resident billet at Flak Kaserne from Jan 1961 thru 30 Sept 1961 was the first building on the right as you enter the main gate. I have in front of me my copy of the inactivation notice from Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Dakin  which states,  30 Sept 1961 as being the eve of the inactivation of Co. B. 34th Sig. Bn. at Flak Kaserne.  Some personnel were to remain with the 34th Sig Bn,  while others were assigned to other organizations. 

The next day on 01 Oct 1961  I was transferred to Co. B,  34th Sig Bn Corps located at Krabbenloch Kaserne also in Ludwigsburg. My resident billet there was the last building to the left and rear on the property.(viewed from the main gate).  Behind it was our motor pool and an ex-red-cross building.  These Kasernes were quite close to each other perhaps 1 to 2 mile range as we continued to walk between the two to visit the photo lab and the bars. 

With a slight side step between the two we would frequent Ludwigs Castle.  This was a hang out for the guys for many photo ops with many of the nice looking gals. Also spending many hours at the cafe and the small zoo located at the rear of the grounds.  During the warm summer days near the Castle we also frequented the swimming pool which was near the Castle and next to the Neckar river.  Many special moments there with the gals and the camera.

We sometimes spent 3 months at a time in field duty to provide support for various training operations involving troops from many state side locations,  all this to show this is how we do it, while they kicked back as on vacation and observed.  This agenda was to see how fast they could deploy troops to various locations around the world.

Many changes started to take place during 1962/63.  Many problems came our way from "Bay of Pigs agenda" as well as lighting the fuse for the Viet Nam agenda.
 
When I arrived in Germany it was a 24 month tour of duty,  President Kennedy changed everyone to a maximum tour, not to exceed 36 months.   During this same time frame of 1962/63 the signal trucks changed from the fly-swatter antenna to the Microwave style antenna.  The Ford M-151's (Ford version of the jeep) were beginning to arrive in Germany, we received one. It was alleged this enabled Robert MacNamara, then Sec. of Defense, also key stock holder at Ford, to enjoy some revenue enhancement as both provider and purchaser of the M151.

"OK, back to the subject" !  1963 also gave us the first delivery of one multi-fueled 2 1/2 ton truck.  I recall clearly,  I was able to test drive and tow a vehicle to Dachau with it.  Was a nice experience as it was the newest vehicle its size in the Company.  All of our equipment was either rebuilt or used repainted ex Air Force vehicles from France, ( a little scratch of the OD paint would reveal the Air Force blue previous color).
 
During my tour,  I was also sent TDY to many Air Force sites pulling wrenches as needed to keep them happy.
 
The garages for vehicle maintenance were straight down hill from the main gate just past the flag pole on the left side.  Co. B shop was the door nearest the flag pole. (Inside that door on the floor was a steel plate covering one of the accesses to one of the many many underground tunnels on that post connecting the billets the mess hall the red cross building  as well as the other buildings on the post. There are/were much larger ones (between) Ludwigsburg to Stuttgart large enough to drive a vehicle through). (While on that subject, the Stuttgart / Heilbronn autobahn near Stuttgart the autobahn passes through a hill (small mountain) I was told that tunnel passes through what was the Germans main aircraft manufacturing facility during WWII era. Built them there, pushed them outside but no fuel to fly them.)  I often wanted to see for myself what was on the other side of the tunnel walls.  Perhaps it is still a shut down factory ???
 
Brought in New Years Day across the street from the main gate at a German Bar during both Jan 62 and 63. Many fond memories and tons of headaches during the tour in Ludwigsburg.

Hope some of this information may help clarify a date for someone. I throughly enjoyed browsing through the photos and reading comments from others having served the 34th Signal at Flak and Krabbenloch.

I was somewhat lucky I guess to be able to travel through so many cities, or burgs while towing and servicing breakdowns of our vehicles at so many sites.  When I surpassed 60,000 miles with the tow truck I quit counting.
 
1963 - 1966
(Source: Email from Dan Whitford)
Dan was assigned to Combat Support Pltn, B Co, 34th Sig Bn, from 1963 to 66. His detachment was located at Bleidorn Kaserne, Ansbach where it provided communications support to the 210th Field Artillery Group, a part of VII Corps Artillery.

Dan worked out of an old AN/MRC-73 and was assigned to the crashout alert team. First to go if the balloon went up.

The composition of the Platoon: (to the best of Dan's recollection,) two AN/MCC-6 Carrier Terminal rigs, two AN/MRC-54 Radio Relay Rigs, two AN/MRC-73 rigs, one AN/GRC-26D AM Radio CW & Teletype rig, one SB-685 Patch Panel, and all the Generators to run everything. They also had a Cable and Wire Team as well as a 5-ton Wrecker and several support vehicles.

The Pltn was about 30 to 35 strong with one 1st LT as Plt Leader, one 2LT as assistant, one SFC as PSgt. Team Chiefs were E-5 or E-6. The platoon operated in the VHF/UHF frequency range at that time. They were able to provide up to 12 Channels of Voice and up to 144 Channels of teletype per system.

An AN/MRC-73 could be used as a relay in an emergency.

There was most likely was a similar unit in support of the 35th Field Artillery Group (the other VII Corps Artillery unit). But I can not say for sure.

They did not have a mess section with them so most of the time that they were out in the field they subsisted on C-Rats. or would go to the supported units if they were close. Sometimes they would scout out a gasthaus to eat (unofficially of course) and at other times would trade C-Rations to the Kids in the area for beer, rolls, and wurst.

1. AN/MRC-73 of B Co, 34th Sig Bn, 1964 (KB)
2. Comm vehicles of Cbt Spt Pltn, B Co, at Bleidorn Ksn, Ansbach, 1964 (115 KB)


 
(Source: Email from Jim Nygard)
If you are still posting info on the 34th... I made the rounds from Ludwigsburg (1965) to Würzburg - Det 8 (1966) to Kelley at Stuttgart (1966-67).

VII CORPS ORGANIZATION - 1966
In 1966 the 34th Signal Battalion HQ, "B" and "C" Co were at Krabbenloch Ksn, Ludwigsburg. Only "A" Company was at Kelley Bks, Möhringen... and I do not know when "A" Co took up residence at Kelley... I know they were there prior to 1965 and still there in 1967.

Det-9 of the 34th Signal was at Leighton Bks or Emery Bks in Würzburg, my memory has gotten so I can't remember which.. I was on detachment there for a few months prior to coming to Kelley.

At... Co "A" 34th Sig. Bn. Corps...( I wish I had a nickel for every time I typed that out... I'd been retired long ago...) I was the Operations Clerk for a few weeks until SSGT Gutherie rotated back to the US and then I became the Operations NCO... We were under the command of Capt Steven T Schenk and 1st SGT Lamar G Schieb... the Morning Report Clerk was Douglas W Fick.. Doug and I both arrived on the same day as PFC's and left within a few days of each other as SGT-E5's... we were best friends at the time but lost contact in the early 1970's, so if you post this and anybody sees it that knows how to contact Doug please let me know.

A few years back I got interested in trying to track down some of my old service buddies and in the process I put together a Unit Roster for 1966/1967 based on data I received from the archives in St Louis. I thought I had it at hand but that was a computer or two ago and I am having trouble locating it. I should still have the hardcopy somewhere in my 'stuff' and hopefully a disc with the information. Now that I know your still posting I will make some effort to find it and when I do I will send you a copy.

I did notice that on your site you reference Det-8 in Würzburg... and my recollection was that for the 34th Signal it was Det-9... we manned the radio relay facility compound that was located up on the hill in what I recall was a park or maybe it just seemed like one because it was kept so neat and the locals like to stroll there on the weekends. I was only there for a couple of months, but have some good memories, before going to Stuttgart.

 
MISCELLANEOUS UNIT INFORMATION:

Reisenbach Radio Relay Site (Keiser Relay), manned by a detachment of the 34th Sig Bn in 1966
Reisenbach Radio Relay Site (Tampa Relay), manned by personnel from the 34th Sig bn in 1965 - according to Rich Spoley, webmaster of the Reisenbach Reunion Group web site, the relay site at Reisenbach was initially called "Tampa Relay," and then around 1964 changed to "Keiser Relay."

Det 8, Würzburg, 1968
Det at Schwäbisch Hall, closed around 1968
 
Newspaper articles
 
(Source: Ironsides (1st Armd Div newspaper), 3 Dec 1982)
34th Signal keeps the lines open for 1st AD

If a war broke out today and the enemy cut down all commercial telephone lines, communication would not cease in the 1st Armored Division.

There is a daily 24-hour telephone system parked beside the Headquarters building on Hindenberg Kaserne which is manned by Co. B, Signal Battalion (Radio). The rest of the platoon is on a crash-out status to deploy to the general defensive position at a moment's notice to keep the division talking. The soldiers work in mobile Commo Crash Shop rigs.

According to Sgt. Lee Norman, the platoon sergeant, the platoon provides the division commander with communication links to all other major commands in VII Corps.

He describes the Emergency Deployment Communication Network as a "tactical mode of communication," and the equipment used by the radio operators are secure.
The commo vans are mini telephone companies on wheels and they consist of radio equipment that can put anywhere from 12 to 24 channels on the air.

"I can have a minimum of 24 people talking at one time through this system," Norman explained.

Norman, who is in charge of the commo rigs, also explained that he and his soldiers can link the commander a mile down the road or 50 miles down the road to another rig.

"It's a direct line from one radio to another," he said. "We utilize a relay system to push the commo through and we can talk to everyone in VII Corps.

"The basic reason for our commo/radio system is for security," he added. "Instead of the commander picking up the telephone to tell another commander about an alert, a border incident or something classified, they use our system to talk freely to each other without worrying about security."

Going to the field is not uncommon for these radio operators. They spend five to seven months a year in the field which is essential, said Norman, because they also supply commo to other divisions within VII Corps.

"We are a go-to-war package for this division," Norman commented. "We have to work as if we are really in a battlefield condition because we have to make sure the commanders can communicate with each other."
"This is the least rewarding job in the Army, but it is the most important," noted Ist Lt. Gordon Grant, the platoon leader and liason officer. "Since we work inside the shelters, no one can see us work. The only time they hear about us is when the telephones don't work.

"We put in a lot of long hours and work hard keeping the telephones working," he added. "They aren't just radio operators; they are mechanics, generator operators, and most of all, soldiers.

"The jobs of these radio operators is a lot harder than people think," Grant explained. "It's a real time mission all the time. If we went to war right now, we would do the same thing we are doing now."
 
Related Links:
34th Signal Battalion - web page dedicated to the men and women of the 34th Signal Battalion at Krabbenloch Kaserne.
Reisenbach Reunion Group - Rich Spoley's great site dedicated to all those signal/communications personnel (Army and Air Force) stationed at the Reisenbach Signal Site - a composite unit consisting of the 34th Sig Bn (VII Corps), 123rd Sig (3rd Inf Div), 7th Army Sig Support and the 2060th Radio Relay Squadron (USAFE).