.

MY REMINISCES OF WW II

U.S. Army Signal Corps, 119th and 130th Signal Radio Intelligence Companies

 

Frank Lauderdale Saffarrans, Jr.
US Army 39701417

 

FORWARD

 

While I was growing up, I often heard my Uncles discussing their WW I experience. These discussions were usually held in moments of relaxation after a family dinner or funeral. My mother's brother was in France as was my father's two brothers. They had been neighbors, off and on, during their childhood but did not see each other except at those occasions where both families were together for a special occasion. They would get off by themselves and I would listen as they recounted their experiences in France. When I returned from WWII, there was such a dinner. I recall that after dinner they asked me a few questions about my experiences and then launched into discourses about their experiences and how it was in France. I can now remember only two stories they told during my childhood or at my homecoming. My mother's brother, Joe, who turned 17 while in France, told a story as to how he missed his first big battle. The evening before a scheduled dawn attack the older members of his unit compelled him to drink a quantity of soapy water. They restrained him and held his nose closed. When he opened his mouth to breathe, they poured soapy water from a wine bottle into his mouth. He had to swallow in order to get his next breath. He subsequently became violently ill and was sent back behind the lines and thus missed the attack the next morning. My fathers' brother, Tom, who was in France at age 26, told the story as to how he came upon a cemetery with an old monument with the name Saffarrans on it. It was the first time he had seen the name other that of his immediately family. He knew only his father name, nothing of any other Saffarrans other than his two brothers. He vowed to return some day to investigate. He never was able to return although with every telling the story he always ended with "I am going to return some day and see who he was." There were many, many other stories but I am sorry to say I cannot remember them.

 My story is not that of an assault landing combat soldier but that of a support soldier where, although overseas, the only combat I participated in was combating boredom and Army life. On the positive side, as a Radio Intercept Operator, I did have the satisfaction of daily engagement with the enemy, albeit at arms length via radio.

I am sure that my two daughters have heard most of my tales at some time or other. I am also sure that they will not remember them if my grandchildren should ask, "What did Opa do during the war." So, I am writing this for my children and grandchildren. Remember that when you are young and irresponsible you do irresponsible things. Fortunately, the Army was more interested in prosecuting the war than prosecuting me.

INDEX

The Early Years

Chicago and San Diego

Inducted into the Army

Fort Ord, 119th Signal Radio Intelligence Company

Two Rock Ranch Radio Intercept Station

O'ahu, Hawai'i

Guam Joint Communications Activity

Iwo Jima

More About Iwo Jima

Back To Guam after end of War with Japan

Return Home

Comments by readers

M/Sgt. Russell Wagle of 119th & 130 SRI receives Bronz Star Medal

World War II Photographs And Memorabilia Album

Roster of 130th Signal Intelligence Company at Deactivation , November 1945

UPDATE July 2001 - I was very surprised to find there was another SRI Co. on Guam with an RDF platoon on Iwo Jima at the same time the 130th SRI was there. Their presence was totally unknown to me. CLICK here to see article on 8th AAF Radio Squadron Mobile by Jack D. Braden , T/Sgt., USAAF.

UPDATE October 2001 - I have made contact with Herbert Cohen (New Jersey) who was a Radio Intercept Operator in the 119th and 130th Signal Radio Intelligence Co. on Oahu, T.H. and Guam in 1944 and 1945. CLICK here to see his photo album.

UPDATE November 2001 - I have made contact with William G. Sander. He is the son of Jack Sander (deceased) who was a Radio Intercept Operator in the 119th Signal Radio Intelligence Co. on Oahu, T.H. in 1944 and 1945. CLICK here to see his photo album.

 

Revised 23 April 2007

23 April 2007