My Grandfather's encounter with General Patton (1 Viewer)

[wwiibuff]

My Grandfather, Sterling DuPree known to his close friends as "Duke" (which is where my name comes from) was a captain in Patton's 3rd Army during WWII. I've been thinking about him this weekend ever since I pulled up some old photos and memoribilia of his that I have. He was a man of many accomplishments, but what I always remember about him most is how the people who really knew him always speek of him having high character and genuineness. One of his close friends told me a few years back that he was named correctly by being named Sterling as this was a true indication of his character. He was a man of honor and a man of his words. He was a reserved man and enjoyed the simple things of life. He fought in WWII even though he didn't have to. I had lunch with my mom today, and I asked her some about him. She said that he didn't have to enlist but he volunteered anyway. He told my grandmother " I have to go" "It's for you and Barbara". My mom said my grandmother got down on her knees crying and begged and pleaded for him not to go. She just knew he wouldn't come home. But he did come home and with lots of stories. He would tell me these stories out on his side porch from his house in Athens, GA. I remember some of the stories he told me when I was a small boy (he kept the stories PG though even though he went through some really awful things). He was on the front lines for quite a while. I remember he would like to make a sound with this mouth/lips imitating a German MG42. He said that was one of the most frightening sounds of the war. "BRRRRRRRRPPPP" "BRRRRRRRRRPPPP" he would go. Anyway, I hope I'm not boring anyone with this, just reflecting on my grandfather. Here is an article (I believe from the Athens, GA Banner/Herald) from many years ago that I have where family friend Loran Smith did a write up on him that includes his encounter with general Patton. I've always liked that story. Also, a picture of him in uniform with my mom next to him. And finally the actual copy of the Christmas message and prayer that he kept with him that Patton had sent to the 3rd Army at Christmas 1944.

 

[larso]

An interesting post - do you know which division he served with?

 

[cruelios]

Very nice Duke, I had a lump in the throat when I read the words "It's for you and Barbara". (No kidding)

 

[Mitch]

Superb stuff. Its great when you have the history of ones family. I am fortunate that I have my own Grandfather's medals and nearly all of his belonging s from the RAF years he spent in WWII and after. I also have the same for both my Uncle Tommy a footslogger in the 8th Army and, my Uncle John who flew in Lancs in WWII.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading what you have posted
Mitch

 

[wwiibuff]

An interesting post - do you know which division he served with?

Here's a copy of the Bronze Star recommendation with his info.

 

[wwiibuff]

Superb stuff. Its great when you have the history of ones family. I am fortunate that I have my own Grandfather's medals and nearly all of his belonging s from the RAF years he spent in WWII and after. I also have the same for both my Uncle Tommy a footslogger in the 8th Army and, my Uncle John who flew in Lancs in WWII.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading what you have posted
Mitch

Thanks Mitch. It sounds like you had many relatives in the war. It makes you appreciate things to know what they had to do and brings it "close to home" when you have family involved.

Very nice Duke, I had a lump in the throat when I read the words "It's for you and Barbara". (No kidding)

Thanks.

 

[Mitch]

Duke...

It does and, that's my family history really Military and police as far back as I have researched them. Just fortunate to have been able to grow up with them still alive. Can't imagine not knowing or those who don't have interest in their relative's
Mitch

Thanks Mitch. It sounds like you had many relatives in the war. It makes you appreciate things to know what they had to do and brings it "close to home" when you have family involved.




Thanks.

 

[wwiibuff]

Here's a copy of the Bronze Star recommendation with his info.

This might be a little clearer.

 

[DMNamiot]

Nice that he met Patton! His unit was part of 12th Corps and was under 3rd Army. I think his unit the 945th was an independent unit that was attached to many units during the course of the war at least that's the jist of what I have found so far at the Army Center of Military History. They were attached to the 4th Armored Division on several occasions and it looks like they saw a lot of action during the Bulge and the fighting into Germany. Do you have any of his uniforms or patches he wore? These are easy to ID now on the web but if you need help with them post a scan here.

Dave

 

[wwiibuff]

Nice that he met Patton! His unit was part of 12th Corps and was under 3rd Army. I think his unit the 945th was an independent unit that was attached to many units during the course of the war at least that's the jist of what I have found so far at the Army Center of Military History. They were attached to the 4th Armored Division on several occasions and it looks like they saw a lot of action during the Bulge and the fighting into Germany. Do you have any of his uniforms or patches he wore? These are easy to ID now on the web but if you need help with them post a scan here.

Dave

Dave,

Thanks for this. I really have never checked the history part of his service in detail. It would be nice to know. I'm pretty sure my mom has some of his patches or other items that might be of some help. I will check with her in the next few days, and if so I'll photo them and post them here. Any more help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Terp152]

Great story Duke and thanks for sharing such wonderful memories of your grandfather. We all appreciate his service and sacrifice for our country. Chris

 

[wwiibuff]

Great story Duke and thanks for sharing such wonderful memories of your grandfather. We all appreciate his service and sacrifice for our country. Chris

Thanks for that Chris.

 

[DMNamiot]

Hi Duke,

I ment to mention this before but got side tracked by my kids. His unit was armed with 155mm Artillery. Not sure which guns they used. I will see if I can sort out some more info for you.

Dave

 

[wwiibuff]

Hi Duke,

I ment to mention this before but got side tracked by my kids. His unit was armed with 155mm Artillery. Not sure which guns they used. I will see if I can sort out some more info for you.

Dave

Thanks Dave.

I met with my mom today and went through some of his old things. Unfortunately she does not any part of his uniform and the only patch I could find is just a 3rd Army patch. I did find his dogtags, the Bronze Star, and another document from around the end of the fighting in Europe. Also, he brought back a German flag that is still in good condition. I spread it out across a pool table for a photo. Anyway, thanks for your historical help.

Duke

 

[RPZ]

Family treasures.

Not bashing collectors etc but I find it sad when I these kind of things wind up on eBay etc. Sure some people sell them off in real financial hardship, but it bothers me that some apparently sell them off out of indifference or complete lack of interest in their family past and history.

Some people do not leave heirs consigning these things to be sold off as well, or wind up in the trash. It is here that collectors can be considered custodians of history and the memories of those people.