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C-66 Letters of Appreciation
Dear Muscles: Congratulations on your fine book. I have read it completely. What a lot of detail, which I can appreciate. It is a great tribute to the men of C-66. It is wonderful that someone will take the time and money to tell the story of a small unit, for it is they that make a battle a success or failure. Many thanks for your autograph. Cordially, Unsolicited letter from Lieutenant General Howard D. Graves, Superintendent, United States Military Academy, West Point, New York 10996 (4 May 1994)
Thank you for the copy of C-66: A World War II Chronicle of an Armored Infantry Company. We are placing it in the Military Academy Library as an excellent resource for our cadets. It was impressive how often the words "for gallantry in action" were used to describe the combat heroism of the soldiers of C-66. Your work is especially important to us as we commemorate the 50th anniversary of World War II, the defining event of the 20th Century. We are pleased that General Knowlton asked you to include the book as part of our library collection. Your work graphically introduces the cadets to the "fog of war" and the character of leaders which frequently emerges from that fog. Sincerely, Howard D. Graves Unsolicited letter from Major General Larry R. Jordan, Commanding General Headquarters U.S. Army Armor Center and Fort Knox, Fort Knox, Kentucky 40121-5000 (23 May 1994) Dear Mr. Emery: Thank you so much for your gift of C-66: A World War II of an Armored Infantry Company. The quality of your work shows from the text to the photo selections. While studying past battles has always been an important part of military education, works of your caliber are especially important because of the personal history they convey. The stories of these soldiers must remain alive, or the knowledge will be lost for younger generations. I am placing your book in the Armor School Library, where I am sure it will become one of our more "thumbed-through" titles. Once again, thank you. Sincerely, Larry R. Jordan Unsolicited letter from Gerald B. Forrette, collector of military unit histories (5Dec1997) Dear Mr. Emery: Just a brief note to let you know that I read and thoroughly appreciated "C-66." I particularly like the unusual daily format that you used and thought that it gave a flavor of immediacy to Company-sized operations. The human element in the equation was always to the forefront while I was reading. As you probably know there are not many Unit Histories produced
at the Company level. This is the best that I have seen (armored
infantry or otherwise). And I feel qualified to judge as "C-66"
is logged into my system as Unit History No. 4196. That represents
nearly 30 years of collecting. I got started with a conversation
with one of my law clients who showed me his history...he had been
in the 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment (82nd The members of your outfit are fortunate to have such a book as a memorial to their World War II service. Best Wishes, Unsolicited letter from Linda C. Gerisch, daughter of C-66 rifleman. (30 Jun 98)
Thank you for writing the Chronicle of C-66. I finished reading it 12:30 a.m. My Dad, Karl H. Gerisch was captured 1/16/45 at Steinwald. He passed away 4/1/96. Your book really made me get to know my Dad in a very different light as he rarely spoke about all he had been through. You had called him one time and I believe he tried to help you find the whereabouts of Mr. Eustice. Were you able to locate him? On July 5th at our New Apostolic Church service for the departed I will surely pray for all soldiers in the beyond. I called Lt. Radichal's wife in Wyoming last week (thanks to your book) and she told me he passed away 6/13/93. He was one of the names I remembered Dad spoke of. Thank you again for writing that "great" book about our American heroes. Linda C. Gerisch. Unsolicited letter from a bookstore owner (4 Dec 1994)
I'm still reading your book -- I'm the type of reader who keeps at least six or eight books going at any one time. But I wanted to express my admiration for the monumental work that you put together in "C-66." I'm really enjoying the book -- painful as it is in spots. I just wanted to say what a great job you've done. I wrote your unit rep and told him that everyone in the 66th should buy a copy. My bookstore has hundreds of WW II books on the shelves, so I know a good one when I see one. Best regards, Unsolicited letter from a granddaughter of a C-66 antitank gunner. (19 Aug 00)
I just wanted to send a short note to thank you for the Book you wrote, it is very informative. Since my grandfather's (Curtis Levy) death there has been a space empty in my heart. This book somehow provides me with a piece of his life that I am both proud of him for, and wasn't a part of. Thank you for blessing both myself and my brother, Andy, with an extra piece of him to cherish. Thank you! Respectfully, Unsolicited letter from a man in another company (17 Jun 1994)
What a splendid book you've written! I thought your style was great, format wonderful, thoughtful and expressive poems, very interesting personal notes. My congratulations to all of the Emerys. You were not judgmental. If you had some doubts about your leader you kept them to yourself. Maybe that's great. Perhaps you didn't have any doubts. In a book like yours I suppose it's best not to have an angry recitation of complaints. On the other hand, I saw a couple of things happen in Texas that leads me to think that we were not well led. The first day in combat confirmed the Germans weren't the only ones we had to look out for. I wasn't in combat very long -- just a few days, and I did nothing to distinguish myself with the exception of trying to save the life of a young medic -- 18 year old Roland Gustefson. I was not successful. Your book is a great tribute to the people you served with, and of course to you as well. If you are ever out this way please let me know. Pat is a wonderful cook she'll fatten you up! Sincerely,
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