Phil Mitchell, Everett, WA
on November 17, 2017 at 1:03 pm
Hello!
I just today came across a unit crest that I identified as being the 63rd Infantry Regiment. I can tell it is old because it is the old pin-back style. it is a dark blue background with a rising sun standing in relief, and 2 crosses in the upper left corner against a gold background. It was manufactured by the Meyer insignia company. Definitely an old piece. I would like to give it to any surviving veteran from that unit; I am sure is is a WWII-era pin. Interest?
How do I find out if any of the soldiers from this infantry are still alive from world war 2?
My father n law was in it and I want to surprise my husband with some memorabilia
Thankyou
Unfortunately, most of the members of the 63rd Infantry Regiment who served in World War II are no longer with us. Of those that are, few use the internet. Sadly, we do not have more than one living member whom I know of who was a member of the regiment. He is not easy to contact. But when you ask about “memorabilia,” I am not sure what you mean. If you explain, I might be able to direct you to where you might find it.
Rhonda Eckert
on November 27, 2023 at 12:49 pm
Anything as far as pics of 63rd infantry from that time frame. My husband has always been a history enthusiast and more so at the time his dad served
Thomas
on November 27, 2023 at 1:01 pm
Ms. Eckert,
The photo gallery regarding the 63rd Infantry Regiment members can be found here:
I’m researching for information on my Uncle {PFC Clarence Howard French SN 37065908} He was a member of the 63rd infantry regiment, 6th div. He was wounded feb 24 1945 and died the following day feb. 25 1945. His burial site is plot f, row 2, grave 31, [Manila American Cemetery and Memorial, Republic of Philippines], he was a cook. The info I’m trying to gain is when he joined the 63rd, which island he was wounded on.
Mr Harris,
If I’ve found the right Clarence H French, born May 18, 1918.
I found a draft registration card dated Oct 16th but the year is obscured.
The only thing I can be of help is pointing you to Feb 24, 1945.
In the website, go to Army Documents. On the right, under Categories, choose Luzon. The Battle for Luzon has a pretty good description. That particular day is contained in Chapter 7.
Hi everyone, i picked up a uniform today at an estate sale with one patch on the sleeve that is a gold sword and red flames. There was a drill training schedule too in the pocket dated march 1960 and the location was in Fresno,Ca. Can someone tell me more about it? Looked up the patch and it said 63rd infantry division
It is not associated to the 6th infantry Division..
Headquarters, 63rd Infantry Division
Inactivated 27 September 1945 at Camp Myles Standish, Massachusetts.
Assigned 1 March 1952 to the Sixth Army.
Activated 1 March 1952 at Los Angeles, California (reflagged from 13th Armored Division.
Reorganized and redesignated 31 March 1959 as Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 63rd Infantry Division.
Location changed 27 March 1960 to Bell, California.
Inactivated 31 December 1965 at Bell, California.
Danny is correct. A “Division” is different from a “Regiment.”
The 63rd Infantry “Division” was assigned to the European Theater in WW II.
The 63rd Infantry “Regiment” was a part of the 6th Infantry “Division.”
I hope that helps to answer your question.
I’m looking for any information or personal stories of my late father Raymond Joseph Reece he was in the 63rd infantry division but I know little else. I’m told he was a paratrooper. Thanks
Ms Rees,
The 63rd contained here is the 63 Infantry Regiment of the 6th Infantry Division. There were no paratroopers in the 6th Infantry Division
The paratrooper divisions in WWII are listed as Airborne; 11th Division, 13th Division, 17th Division, 82nd Division, and the 101st Division.
I suggest trying to find his DD form 214 discharge papers.
Thank you for sharing. Do you know what Company in which your grandfather served? If you know or have access to his service record, you might discovery even more about his history. Good luck in your search.
Mr. Bendein: The information that we have, which is on the website could help you, but you need to know the specific unit to which Gene L. Bendien was assigned. During the date that you have identified, all of the units of the 6th Infantry Division, were assigned to the Cordilleras Mountains in Northern Luzon. Since you have the same name as the veteran, I assume you are a son or grandson. If so, consider that next of kin of the deceased soldier would be entitled to apply for their service record using Standard Form 180. We generally do not have access to such records or information unless someone like yourself have honored our organization by sharing the records. Best of luck in your quest.
We are looking for any record, photos, or stories concerning Staff Sergeant Zuel Samson Yarberry (Company E), 63, Inf Regiment. He was awarded the Silver Star (OLC), the Bronze Star (OLC), and the Purple Heart (OLC). We have just about no record of him or his citations.
Mr Calabrese,
Thank you for contacting us.
We are a volunteer group that collects information for the preservation of the 6th Infantry Division. All material has either been researched by us or donated to us. I looked in Ancestry.com and found that he was wounded in the thigh by a grenade shrapnel in July 1944. I will email you an accountability of the 63 IR during July 30 thru August 31, 1944. I will also email you a casualty list for the 63 IR. It shows him wounded in action on 6 Apr 45.
Thank you SO much. Apparently, I misreported. He had three purple hearts. He was wounded severely in the neck (shelling?), so we now know about 2 out of three…
Thanks again,
Michael
I am looking for anyone that may know of someone named Otto Mullenbrook. He was a staff Sargent in the 63rd division and possibly from Chicago. I have a friend that fought in the war that is looking to see what happened to his best friend during that time. He says the last time he saw him, he had been shot in the shoulder.
Brian Clinkenbeard
on November 13, 2022 at 12:38 pm
My great-uncle was Pvt Jerome S. Clinkenbeard, KIA 19 March 1945 in Manila, Philippines. I was wondering if it would be possible to find out more specific information about what unit he served in (mainly company, but any other info would be appreciated).
Your Great Uncle is listed on our website at the end of the scanned book “The 6th Infantry Division in World War II,” among those killed in action with the 63rd Infantry Regiment here:
During March of 1945, the 63rd Infantry Regiment was engaged in battle, mostly, East of Manila in areas around Mt. Pacawagan and Mt. Mataba along the Shimbu line. Without your great uncle’s discharge papers, it is difficult to determine the particular unit (and it would be a company) of the 63rd Infantry Regiment in which he served. A regiment is about 5,000 men. Do you have access to his actual discharge papers? Next of kin are entitled to them. Those tell you in which company he served. Our organization only has access to such information, if and/or, when a next of kin shares that information with us, or we accidentally locate it through some other source. So you or a relative might have best access to such information. Our Treasurer, Danny Thomas might have some additional insight for you about how and where you might locate this information. If you are next of kin, you can submit a Standard form 180 to make the official record request. Here is a link to the form:
My great Uncle was Enos Wagner. The info I have is:WAGNER, Enos L, Private First Class, 63rd Infantry Regiment, 6th Infantry Division, U.S. Army, Service# 33483146, Enl: Pennsylvania, d. 18-Jan-1945, Plot: D, Row: 7, Grave: 46, World War II, Purple Heart.
From what my Father and Grandfather have told me that he was killed by a mortar shell and died instantly. His friend came to visit my Great Grandparents and told them this information. My Grandfather said they never received his Purple Heart medal. On this memorial day I think of him even never knowing or having seen him. Any information anyone could come up with would be appreciated.
Thank you for your contact. According to the book entitled, “The 6th Infantry Division in World War II,” your great uncle was killed toward the end of the battle on Luzon known as “The Purple Heart Valley Campaign.” You can find the account here: https://www.6thinfantry.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/0374.pdf. In that battle, fought soon after the landing at the Lingayen Gulf, the 63rd Infantry Regiment took very heavy casualties, but ultimately achieved its objective. Someone in your family either had a copy of his discharge papers, or is entitled to them via “Standard Form 180.” https://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/standard-form-180.html. Discharge papers would tell you the specific company in which he served as well as medals to which he is entitled. Next of kin would be entitled to those medals. A request for replacement medals can be made via his discharge papers. The name of the company would help you narrow the scope of your search for records including after action reports. After action reports may be obtained via a professional service searching the national archives.
On page 6 a picture shows GI’s casually sitting and drinking. The man drinking from the can is my late father Murray Sissenwein. He was transferred from the Army Air Forces into the infantry although I don’t know the exact date. He served as a Combat Medic in the 63d infantry regiment. He only referred to his combat service once. He saw some severe combat as a medic and didn’t speak of it. I also found a photo of him loading a casualty on a litter onto a jeep in a jungle clearing. It was on microfilm at the NY library and I couldn’t get a copy of it unfortunately.
I sent a message about a picture of my father. I also found him on page 17 in a group of guys on cots in a tent. He is second from left. They are gagging for the camera with their thumbs on their noses. 😀 Murray Sissenwein is his name.
Unfortunately, I cannot find either photo that you mention. Perhaps you can create a link to the location of the photo and include that with your comment.
Hello!
I just today came across a unit crest that I identified as being the 63rd Infantry Regiment. I can tell it is old because it is the old pin-back style. it is a dark blue background with a rising sun standing in relief, and 2 crosses in the upper left corner against a gold background. It was manufactured by the Meyer insignia company. Definitely an old piece. I would like to give it to any surviving veteran from that unit; I am sure is is a WWII-era pin. Interest?
Hi, my Uncle was in the 63rd Infantry
My father was on the 63rd infantry division
How do I find out if any of the soldiers from this infantry are still alive from world war 2?
My father n law was in it and I want to surprise my husband with some memorabilia
Thankyou
Ms. Eckert,
Unfortunately, most of the members of the 63rd Infantry Regiment who served in World War II are no longer with us. Of those that are, few use the internet. Sadly, we do not have more than one living member whom I know of who was a member of the regiment. He is not easy to contact. But when you ask about “memorabilia,” I am not sure what you mean. If you explain, I might be able to direct you to where you might find it.
Anything as far as pics of 63rd infantry from that time frame. My husband has always been a history enthusiast and more so at the time his dad served
Ms. Eckert,
The photo gallery regarding the 63rd Infantry Regiment members can be found here:
https://www.6thinfantry.com/photo-gallery/nggallery/infantry-members/63rd-infantry-regiment-members
Also, the pictorial review of the entire Division can be found here:
https://www.6thinfantry.com/6th-infantry-division-pictorial-review-1941/
I’m researching for information on my Uncle {PFC Clarence Howard French SN 37065908} He was a member of the 63rd infantry regiment, 6th div. He was wounded feb 24 1945 and died the following day feb. 25 1945. His burial site is plot f, row 2, grave 31, [Manila American Cemetery and Memorial, Republic of Philippines], he was a cook. The info I’m trying to gain is when he joined the 63rd, which island he was wounded on.
Mr Harris,
If I’ve found the right Clarence H French, born May 18, 1918.
I found a draft registration card dated Oct 16th but the year is obscured.
The only thing I can be of help is pointing you to Feb 24, 1945.
In the website, go to Army Documents. On the right, under Categories, choose Luzon. The Battle for Luzon has a pretty good description. That particular day is contained in Chapter 7.
Danny: Wow, how did you even find the draft registration card?!
Tom, I subscribe to Fold3. Most times, my searches come up with minimal, like this one.
My father, William Hawk, was in the 63rd 253rd Division, he was t4 surveyor who fought in the Philippines, not Europe.
He died young, but before that he Never talked much about it. Had PTSD symptoms.
I’m searching for any who had similar service in the Pacific—Luzon, Leyte. Looking for any narrative about what happened there.
Thanks.
wh
If you mean 63rd Infantry Division 253rd Infantry Regiment, they fought in the ETO.
Hi everyone, i picked up a uniform today at an estate sale with one patch on the sleeve that is a gold sword and red flames. There was a drill training schedule too in the pocket dated march 1960 and the location was in Fresno,Ca. Can someone tell me more about it? Looked up the patch and it said 63rd infantry division
It is not associated to the 6th infantry Division..
Headquarters, 63rd Infantry Division
Inactivated 27 September 1945 at Camp Myles Standish, Massachusetts.
Assigned 1 March 1952 to the Sixth Army.
Activated 1 March 1952 at Los Angeles, California (reflagged from 13th Armored Division.
Reorganized and redesignated 31 March 1959 as Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 63rd Infantry Division.
Location changed 27 March 1960 to Bell, California.
Inactivated 31 December 1965 at Bell, California.
Ms. Evans:
Danny is correct. A “Division” is different from a “Regiment.”
The 63rd Infantry “Division” was assigned to the European Theater in WW II.
The 63rd Infantry “Regiment” was a part of the 6th Infantry “Division.”
I hope that helps to answer your question.
would some one in company m 254th inf regiment be in second or third battalion
I believe it would be in the third battalion.
I’m looking for any information or personal stories of my late father Raymond Joseph Reece he was in the 63rd infantry division but I know little else. I’m told he was a paratrooper. Thanks
Ms Rees,
The 63rd contained here is the 63 Infantry Regiment of the 6th Infantry Division. There were no paratroopers in the 6th Infantry Division
The paratrooper divisions in WWII are listed as Airborne; 11th Division, 13th Division, 17th Division, 82nd Division, and the 101st Division.
I suggest trying to find his DD form 214 discharge papers.
Thank you for the info
My grandfather acquired 2 purple hearts during the the Pacific campaigns while serving with the 63rd. His name was Edward Phelps.
Thank you for sharing. Do you know what Company in which your grandfather served? If you know or have access to his service record, you might discovery even more about his history. Good luck in your search.
I’m looking for any information on Gene L Bendien died June 26 1945 Luzon.
Mr. Bendein: The information that we have, which is on the website could help you, but you need to know the specific unit to which Gene L. Bendien was assigned. During the date that you have identified, all of the units of the 6th Infantry Division, were assigned to the Cordilleras Mountains in Northern Luzon. Since you have the same name as the veteran, I assume you are a son or grandson. If so, consider that next of kin of the deceased soldier would be entitled to apply for their service record using Standard Form 180. We generally do not have access to such records or information unless someone like yourself have honored our organization by sharing the records. Best of luck in your quest.
Sincerely,
Thomas Price
We are looking for any record, photos, or stories concerning Staff Sergeant Zuel Samson Yarberry (Company E), 63, Inf Regiment. He was awarded the Silver Star (OLC), the Bronze Star (OLC), and the Purple Heart (OLC). We have just about no record of him or his citations.
Mr Calabrese,
Thank you for contacting us.
We are a volunteer group that collects information for the preservation of the 6th Infantry Division. All material has either been researched by us or donated to us. I looked in Ancestry.com and found that he was wounded in the thigh by a grenade shrapnel in July 1944. I will email you an accountability of the 63 IR during July 30 thru August 31, 1944. I will also email you a casualty list for the 63 IR. It shows him wounded in action on 6 Apr 45.
Thank you SO much. Apparently, I misreported. He had three purple hearts. He was wounded severely in the neck (shelling?), so we now know about 2 out of three…
Thanks again,
Michael
I am looking for anyone that may know of someone named Otto Mullenbrook. He was a staff Sargent in the 63rd division and possibly from Chicago. I have a friend that fought in the war that is looking to see what happened to his best friend during that time. He says the last time he saw him, he had been shot in the shoulder.
His last name may be spelled differently. My friend can’t remember how to spell it exactly. If anyone has any info that would be great.
My great-uncle was Pvt Jerome S. Clinkenbeard, KIA 19 March 1945 in Manila, Philippines. I was wondering if it would be possible to find out more specific information about what unit he served in (mainly company, but any other info would be appreciated).
Mr. Clinkenbeard,
Your Great Uncle is listed on our website at the end of the scanned book “The 6th Infantry Division in World War II,” among those killed in action with the 63rd Infantry Regiment here:
https://www.6thinfantry.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/0474.pdf
During March of 1945, the 63rd Infantry Regiment was engaged in battle, mostly, East of Manila in areas around Mt. Pacawagan and Mt. Mataba along the Shimbu line. Without your great uncle’s discharge papers, it is difficult to determine the particular unit (and it would be a company) of the 63rd Infantry Regiment in which he served. A regiment is about 5,000 men. Do you have access to his actual discharge papers? Next of kin are entitled to them. Those tell you in which company he served. Our organization only has access to such information, if and/or, when a next of kin shares that information with us, or we accidentally locate it through some other source. So you or a relative might have best access to such information. Our Treasurer, Danny Thomas might have some additional insight for you about how and where you might locate this information. If you are next of kin, you can submit a Standard form 180 to make the official record request. Here is a link to the form:
https://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/standard-form-180.html
Good luck in your research.
Sincerely,
Thomas Price
My great Uncle was Enos Wagner. The info I have is:WAGNER, Enos L, Private First Class, 63rd Infantry Regiment, 6th Infantry Division, U.S. Army, Service# 33483146, Enl: Pennsylvania, d. 18-Jan-1945, Plot: D, Row: 7, Grave: 46, World War II, Purple Heart.
From what my Father and Grandfather have told me that he was killed by a mortar shell and died instantly. His friend came to visit my Great Grandparents and told them this information. My Grandfather said they never received his Purple Heart medal. On this memorial day I think of him even never knowing or having seen him. Any information anyone could come up with would be appreciated.
Thank You,
Matt Wagner
Mr. Wagner:
Thank you for your contact. According to the book entitled, “The 6th Infantry Division in World War II,” your great uncle was killed toward the end of the battle on Luzon known as “The Purple Heart Valley Campaign.” You can find the account here: https://www.6thinfantry.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/0374.pdf. In that battle, fought soon after the landing at the Lingayen Gulf, the 63rd Infantry Regiment took very heavy casualties, but ultimately achieved its objective. Someone in your family either had a copy of his discharge papers, or is entitled to them via “Standard Form 180.” https://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/standard-form-180.html. Discharge papers would tell you the specific company in which he served as well as medals to which he is entitled. Next of kin would be entitled to those medals. A request for replacement medals can be made via his discharge papers. The name of the company would help you narrow the scope of your search for records including after action reports. After action reports may be obtained via a professional service searching the national archives.
I hope that this is of assistance.
Sincerely,
Thomas Price
On page 6 a picture shows GI’s casually sitting and drinking. The man drinking from the can is my late father Murray Sissenwein. He was transferred from the Army Air Forces into the infantry although I don’t know the exact date. He served as a Combat Medic in the 63d infantry regiment. He only referred to his combat service once. He saw some severe combat as a medic and didn’t speak of it. I also found a photo of him loading a casualty on a litter onto a jeep in a jungle clearing. It was on microfilm at the NY library and I couldn’t get a copy of it unfortunately.
Mr. Sissenwein,
I will look for that photo.
I sent a message about a picture of my father. I also found him on page 17 in a group of guys on cots in a tent. He is second from left. They are gagging for the camera with their thumbs on their noses. 😀 Murray Sissenwein is his name.
Mr. Sissenwein:
Unfortunately, I cannot find either photo that you mention. Perhaps you can create a link to the location of the photo and include that with your comment.