Webmaster’s note: On September 15, 2006, the 713th
Veterans and their family members toured the TACOM Life Cycle Management
Command to inspect and observe various types of current Military vehicles. Below is a wonderful article written by Mr.
Randy Talbot, TACOM LCMC Historian, to tell the story of that day. Following the story are pictures of the Men
of the 713th and their day at TACOM.
World War II Tank Unit visits TACOM LCMC
by
Randy Talbot, TACOM LCMC Historian
Standing
in a parking lot of the TACOM Life Cycle Management Command, eleven veterans of
the 713th Tank Battalion (Flame Throwers) with their family members
stood in the shadow of the Detroit Arsenal Tank Plant. This is the facility
that made the Sherman tanks that carried them into the bloodiest and final
battle of World War II, Okinawa.
They
are all much older now, thinning and gray hair, and the eyesight starting to
fail. It had been fifty years since they had last gathered together in Michigan
to hold their annual reunion. They decided that if this was to be the last
reunion, then they wanted to go back to where it all started. Little did they
realize just how far back their journey would really take them.
It
was the beginning of a day devoted to these warriors and their historical
legacy. It was also a day where
Soldiers and Marines alike, thanked, honored and recognized an innovative group
of World War II tankers who had more in common with today’s fighting force than
they realized.
Welcoming
the group was Otis N. Cuffee, TACOM LCMC Command Sergeant Major, who then led
them to the TACOM LCMC New Equipment Training Center. Seeing a Command Sergeant Major was a first for the veterans. As
the “troops” fell in and followed Cuffee inside, the laughing quickly turned to
gasps as they came face to face with an Abrams M1A2 SEP, and another Abrams
behind the first with its barrel pointed inward. This was not going to be like
any other reunion!
Once
seated facing an array of flags from the LCMC, Cuffee again welcomed the group
as he shook every veterans hand and thanked them for their service to our
country. In his remarks Cuffee told the
Flame Throwers that they now had a place they could call home. Amid the
applause for such a gesture to these battle-hardened tankers, Cuffee introduced
the day’s host, Lt. Col. Ernest Reschke TACOM LCMC’s Inspector General.
“You
left a profound legacy on our nation, our military, and our community as well
as on each of us” Reschke began. “In one way or another, we all have been touched
by the Veterans of World War Two.”
Reschke
highlighted that the lessons learned and the tactical successes of the World
War II generation—the Greatest Generation—that left home over sixty years ago
to fight for our freedom and democracy, has allowed the workforce at the
Detroit Arsenal to continue our mission of building the finest vehicles and
weapons systems for our military fighting in foreign lands today.
“You
are a unique grouping of men; members of the Army’s only Armored Flame Throwing
Battalion,” Reschke said. “Unique in that you helped to design how your tanks
were to be equipped, but more importantly, the 713th determined how
their vehicles were to fight the enemy. And fight you did—guarding airfields or
supporting the Army and the 1st and 6th Marines in their fight and
occupation of the final battle of WWII. Your record in combat is a testament to
your skill and perseverance; your efforts greatly enhanced the Army and Marines
ability to destroy a determined and aggressive enemy.” Reschke’s remarks
generated many rounds of applause from the Flame Throwers. He concluded by
thanking them for their service and his freedom before turning the group back
to Cuffee.
“Fellows,”
Cuffee said as he motioned for them to stand up, “let’s go have some fun.”
The
first vehicle set up for display was the Stryker, and quite a few got to sit
inside while the remainder looked on in amazement at the technological
advancements that had taken place since they wore the uniform. As impressed as
they were by the Stryker, the Flame Throwers could not contain their excitement
as they watched a demonstration of the Remote Weapons Station. “Man, we sure
could have used that” more than one veteran commented, and not for the last
time on the day.
From
ten-ton dump trucks from the Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV), to a
Low Signature Armored Cab (LSAC), the Flame Throwers commented on just how far
vehicle systems had advanced. Next up was the Tactical Fire Fighter Truck
(TFFT) with lights flashing to Up Armored HMMWV’s. Cuffee told the veterans about the Improvised Explosive Device
(IED) problem in Iraq and how the new armor kits and production vehicles were
saving Soldier’s lives. A good relationship developed between the Soldiers that
were explaining the vehicle systems and these veterans. There was an immediate
connection between the two, one of understanding. And there was a sense of the torch being passed to the modern
warfighter from these old warriors.
While
the Flame Throwers expressed their pride in the equipment and Soldiers on the
Arsenal, they were about to receive another surprise. Marines!
Gunnery
Sergeant Jeff Jones from PM-LAV held the veterans attention as he compared the
Stryker and the Light Armored Vehicle with Marine Corps doctrine. Knowing the
Flame Throwers had supported the Marines on Okinawa, Jones thanked the veterans
for their service, relating that he had traveled their same paths when
stationed on Okinawa and his awe of the gathered tankers and the mission they
were given. Of course, there was good natured bantering between the Marines and
Army veterans, which both parties revered in and enjoyed.
It
was at about this time that the Flame Throwers were gathered together again for
a special visitor. Brig. Gen. John Bartley, PEO-CS&CSS, came by to thank
the veterans for all they had done for our country. He relayed stories of his
days as a tanker in the Army, which brought rousing cheers from the Flame
Throwers. There was good natured and lighted conversation between the general
and the veterans. But there was also a moment for honest reflection about the
legacy of these gentle men.
Bartley
was amazed at the combat record of Flame Throwers. The 713th lost
only eight men to the enemy during Okinawa, while killing over 4,700. He also
pointed out their ability at innovation which so many of our troops today are
doing. A great historical legacy! As he thanked the veterans for their service,
he called Cuffee forward and prepared a surprise for the Flame Throwers.
Bartley pinned every veteran with the Army Honorable Discharge Pin (aka
ruptured duck) and presented them with his coin.
Afterwards,
the Flame Throwers moved to the M1 Abrams tanks on display. They were amazed at
the sheer size of the tank compared with their old Sherman’s, and the firepower
and armor protection. A few even ventured to climb on the tank to look in the
turret.
With
the day winding down, Cuffie gathered the old tankers once again where he and
Reschke presented the veterans with one final thank you—a special pin that was
minted and given to World War II veterans at the dedication of their memorial
in Washington DC. Additionally, an
article that one on the battalion’s members authored for Armor Magazine in 1960
was presented as well.
But
the day and the surprises were not over yet.
Alvin Armstrong, a member of the 713th and Tim Weststrate,
the grandson of a 713th tanker presented a special plaque to Reschke
and Cuffie to honor the work and sacrifices of the TACOM LCMC. The plaque
depicts their motto, “First to Flame” along with an engraved photo of the Flame
Throwers in action.
As
they departed, we watched a piece of our legacy pass through our doors; a
unique piece of our past, a group of veterans that shared the horrors of combat
together, and remained close over the last sixty years. And as they shook hands
with the Soldiers, Marines, civilians, and contractors at the New Equipment
Training Center, you got a sense that their saying goodbye was a bit more
poignant, and carried a special meaning, similar to the poem “In Flanders
Fields” by John McCrae:
To
you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
