The Decoy Doughboy

Souvenir Edition -- Printed in Czechoslovakia

May 23, 1945. -- Publishes by and for the men of the 18th Combat Team. -- First Infantry Division, U. S. Army.

The Inquiring Reporter

Here are some reactions of men in the regiment following the announcement of VE- Day. To get a good cross-section we interviewed vetrans, new veterans, and those fresh from the states. All answered to the question: How do you feel now that war in Europe is over?"

T/5 John Siegel, mail clerk in 'A' Co. and veteran of six campaigns - - ,,Sure it's great not having to sweat out shells, but, for me, not knowing what the future holds. . well, it sort of takes the kick out of it. Hope my points are good for a discharge."

Pvt. Teelther C. Creech, rifleman in 'B' Co. and fresh from the states - - "I'm glad for the old-timers that will be able t6 get out now that V-E Day is here, and I reckon it's up to me to put in a couple years of rugged fightin like they did."

S/Sgt. Jimmie Frye, platoon guide in 'F' Co., who joined the outfit at Aachen. "Boy, a couple of months of garrison life will suit me fine. As for the future, well, I quit worrying about that a long time ago and I’m going to enjoy this "post-war-pre-war" period while I can."

Pfc. Paul Hurst, Cannon Co. driver who made the Normandy invasion, - - "In addition to an end of mass suffering over here, I especially thought of a hometown buddy who would be freed from a PW camp as result of V-E Day…."

Pfc. Dale V. Arend, one of the few surviving riflemen from the 2nd Battalion's Battle for Hill 350, and now a switch board operator in Regimental Headquarters Company-- - "Wish it had ended a couple of years ago, but at least the nightmare is over. Like everybody else I'm sweating out the point system, but until that great day, I'll be satisfied that we're out of combat."