This page was last updated on May 26, 2009
I am searching for information on my father's WWII units, the 755 Tank BN. and the 805th TD, in the Italian campaign. My dad was Lt.Col. Herb Fowler. Any stories or information on him would be appreciated.
During the war he was stationed at: Ft. Benning, Ga. the to Camp Bowie Tx., Then on to Camp Young Ca. He went on to Africa and helped train the French at Cassablanca, Morocco, and other places in Africa...
He spent the rest of the war in Italy with the 755 Tank Bn. 755 Patch The 755th was attached to the French at Castelforte on the Gustav Line. Then later to the British 8th Army which was part of the battle at Lake Comacchio, Italy, and the Po River Valley.
He was transferred to the 805 in June of 1945.
201
- Fowler,
Herbert B.,
0350231, Inf.
May. 7 37 Promoted to 1st.. Lt.
-- 1940 --
Aug. 30 40 Entered extend active duty Fort Benning Georgia Aug. 30 40
Maintenance Officer 67th Armed Regt.
Nov. 5 40 Promoted to 2nd. Lt.
-- 1941 --
Feb. 1, - Apr. 30 41 Armed force Tank Maintenance course #3 May 26 755 Tank Bn. Formed Camp Bowie Brownwood Texas
-- 1942 --
Apr. 13 755 Tank Bn. Received orders to move to Camp Young Mohave Desert Desert Center California
Jun. 1 Maintenance Officer 755th Tank Bn. Mar. 18 Company Officer Service Company 755th Tank Bn.
May 5 Promoted to Captain Aug. 6 Left Cont. U.S.A. for Tidworth England
-- 1943 --
Jan 43 receiver orders to invade African Landed Oran, Algeria, African-- Trained the French for nine months
Mar. 16 S-2 & S-3 Auth . Bronze Star for African Campaign at Tunisian from Apr. 29 to May 18 per WD Go # 75 1943
Jul. 19 Promoted to Major
Oct. 29 Left Oran, N. Africa Arrived Naples Italy
Nov. 4 43 Christmas 43 in Venafro Italy.
-- 1944 --
Auth. Bronze Star for Naples - Foggia--from Nov. 4, 43 to Jan 21, 44
Feb. 25 EX officer Auth . .
Bronze Star for Rome - Arena Campaign From Jan. 22 To Sep. 9, Croix de Guerre with (Silver Star) per GO #117 Officer awarded the Purple Heart Award for injuries received on 27 Aug. Officer participated in an award of Croix de Guerre with Vermilion Star to 755 Tank Bn. , for its distinguished action with the French Force es under General Juin Between 11 May and 23 July in crossing the Garigliano, captured Castelforte, Ausonia, Esperia, Pico and the pursuit of the enemy to Sienna Italy. Award Announced by French Expeditionary Corps on 22 July 1944 by CEF General Orders No. 127. Croix de Guerre with (Silver Star) per GO #117, French Expeditionary Corps,
20 July. Officer awarded the Purple Heart Award per par. 1, GO # 14, HQ. 755th Tank Bn, dated 16 October 1944 for injuries received on 27 Aug
The 755 tank Bn. Became most award wining tank battalion with more French Citation than any other tank battalion in the history of the United States Army.
Auth.. To wear 4 overseas Service Bars
Aug 5 10 Oct Officer Left Naples Italy arrived at Hampton Roads, Va. on 22 Oct. Oct. 5 44 to Mar. 18 45 attended 21st Class Command and General Staff School. This is the first time I ever saw may dad. The school was at Fort Leaven Worth Kansas, where I fell down the stairs to the basement.
Feb. 4, 45 Left US from Hampton Roads, Va. on 21 Feb 45 Arrived marseilles, France. 14 Mar. Marseilles France for Italy left. Mar 45. Arrived at Naples Italy on 16 Mar 19 -May 32 Commanding Officer 755 Tank Bn.. Mar 19 to Apr 4
Auth... Bronze Star for North Apennines Campaign Apr. 5 to May 8
Auth... Bronze Star for Po Valley Campaign from Auth... Bronze Star, Amphibious Operations At Lake Comacchio Italy With the British 8 Th. Army.
Auth... Bronze Arrowhead for Amphibious Operations,
Auth.. British DSO, DSO
OPERATION IMPACT
Italian Cross of War Merit, and Italian Military Valor Cross
.Jun 2 45 45 Commanding Officer 805 Tank Destroyer Bn..
Jul. 2, 1945 Promoted to Lt. Col. 31 Jul. 45 to Seep 2 45 Feb. 4, 45 Return USA
Elig to Rec AM Del Serv Medal
Auth. To Wear E-A_ME CAMPAIGN MEDAL
Citation
BRONZE STAR MEDAL
HERBERT B. FOWLER, (03503231), Major, Infantry (Armd, United States Army. For meritorious service in combat from 11 May 1944 to 2 May 1945 operation, executive and commanding officer of a tank battalion, Major FOWLER displayed outstanding leadership and resourcefulness in the performance of his duties. Working at times with both the French and British Forces, his unit accomplished its mission in an exemplary manner by virtue of his detailed training and supervision in combat. Participating in the advances from the Gustav to the Gothic Line and the Po Valley, He exhibited courage and exceptional tactical skill in commanding his organization in the face of fierce enemy resistance, over hazardous terrain and under sever weather conditions. As a result of his untiring efforts, he contributed vitally to the outstanding accomplishments of his battalion in combat. Major FOWLER devotion to duty and superior leadership ability reflect the highest credit to him and the United States Armed Forces. Entered military service from Sacramento California.
General (Mark) Clark has received a letter from Brigadier Cooke of the 9th British Armored Brigade, in which he mentions you and your outfit in flattering terms. I know you will be pleased to have Brigadier Cooke`s Commendation for your units record. Brigadier Cooke says:
"I was particularly pleased to have under my command the American 755th Tank Battalion and its fine commander, Major Fowler. I am much indebted to them for their splendid work in operations and great enthusiasm during training."
I am proud to pass this communication along to you, and to it I add my own congratulations for your outstanding performance of duty.
Sincerely,
Alfred M. Gruenther,
Major General, GSC,
Chief of Staff.
FROM Main EIGHT ARMY (British)
AC/110 . SECRET . Personal for Major Fowler from Army Comd. My best congratulations to 755 (US) Tk Bn on the splendid way you carried out your task with Eighth Army . The special equipment which your men manned played a big part in getting the right wing of Eighth Army through the formidable ARGENTA positions. The successful passage of this defile which was protected by strong defenses deep minefields and floods was a decisive phase in our present offensive. I appreciate your whole-hearted team work and cooperation with British troops and the splendid fighting spirit and determination to surmount all difficulties which all ranks showed and which alone made these difficult operations possible. All good wishes for future success
755 Tk Bn. (US) came under comd 9 ARMD BDE on 22 Mar 45 at LAKE TRASIMENE Italy and underwent a period of intensive specialized training until 8 Apr 45 when concentration South of lake Comacchio was completed. During this time Major Fowler , the Commanding Officer, showed great ability and a spirit of fine co-operation.. On Apr 11 and Apr 13 Major Fowler commanded a composite FANTAIL Unit of British and American Troops in amphibious operations during the assault, by 56 Div., on MENATE 4158 and the area 3362-3462, using a new technique which involved movements over flooded and difficult country, and which had been taught his unit only a very short time previously. He showed great skill and determination and it was to a large extent due to him that both operations proved most successful.
At all times Major FOWLER displayed a spirit of full cooperation which greatly contributed to the harmonious working of Units within 9 ARMD BDE and United States Army.
Captain
Fowler Writes
Home From Africa
Letter to Home
British
8th Army 15 May
1945
British 8th Army
THE
805TH TANK DESTROYER
BATTALION.
CAMP HOOD NEWS