Texas Military Forces Museum hosts symposium on WWII's Lost Battalion
By Tech. Sgt. Gregory Ripps, Texas Military Forces Public Affairs
Jul 2, 2008 - 11:27:46 AM
Blackanthem Military News
CAMP MABRY, Austin, Texas - World War II history buffs are in for a real treat July 18 and 19, when the Texas Military Forces here presents "The Lost Battalion: A Study in Courage."
The symposium will focus on the courageous actions of World War II's Lost Battalion, a unit of the 141st Infantry (the Alamo Regiment) of the 36th Division, and the famous Japanese-American unit, the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. Among featured guests is award-winning filmmaker and graphic artist Billy Tucci. Pre-registration, which ends July 4, is only $10 for the entire two-day event.
The symposium offers the public a unique opportunity to hear harrowing stories of courage from noted authors and Soldiers, view newly recovered artifacts from the battlefield in eastern France, and honor inductees into the Texas Military Forces Hall of Honor.
The event will commence July 18 at 11 a.m. with an opening ceremony followed by the unveiling of battlefield artifacts from the Vosges Mountains of France. The museum will then honor Federal Express for its generous donation of funds to transport the artifacts from the battlefield to the museum. Finally, the day will conclude by recognizing new inductees into the Texas Military Forces Hall of Honor.
On July 19, the symposium will begin at 9 a.m. at the Texas Military Forces Museum and will feature noted authors, pilots, and Soldiers from the famous battle. Speakers will include Franz Steidl, author of "Lost Battalions: Going for Broke"; 2nd Lt. Erwin Blonder of the 131st Field Artillery; Lt. Col. Eliel "Arch" Archilla of the 405th Fighter Squadron; and Tech. 4 Yeiichi Kelly Kuwayama of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team.
Go to http://www.texasmilitaryforcesmuseum.org/symposium/lostbattalion.htm for the registration form. Please mail the form and the $10 fee to the address noted on the form by July 4, 2008. For more information on the symposium, contact Lisa Sharik at (512) 782-5394 or Jeff Hunt (512) 782-5770.