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What unit(s) did you serve in with the 2d Cavalry?: Howitzer Battery, 1st Squadron

Where were you stationed?: Bayreuth, Germany

What MOS or job description did you have?: 51193, Field Artillery Officer. I

What was your rank/title?: Captain, Battery Commander

What years were you assigned to the 2nd Cavalry?: December 1965- December 1966

Tell us a little about your cav days.: Within 30 days of assuming command we left for Graf and 30 days training and sucessfuly passed the ATT. We then prepared to take a Technical Proficiency Inspection on the 155 mm nuclear round which we passed. We were the first 155 mm Battery to pass the test in the 7th Army. In the Summer we lost almost all our officers and NCO to Vietnam. We adjusted our personnel and continued to train. In the late Fall we were filled with green troops and provided an Armor Lieutenant for my XO. We went to Graf for an evaluation and after 30 days training successfully passed the test. We were the only Artillery Battery to pass that test. It was a year of first for our unit and a gratifying experience for me. BTW: we participated in Marne Mauler and a Delaying exercise with a passage of lines. I cherish my year with the Calvary and have fond memories of our times together.

Tell us a little about you now.: I left Germany for Vietnam and returned to Vietnam a second time in 1970 as an Artillery Adviser to the 18th ARVN Division. I was released from active duty in 1977, but was able to join the US Army Reserve and able to retire. I joined a Defense Contractor, Day & Zimmermann, which operated and maintained the Hawthorne Army Depot in Nevada, and was able to retire from them in 2005. I am a member of the VFW, American Legion and the Order of Elks. I still play at golf and am the State Treasurer for the Nevada State Elks Association.

Name a few buddies you served with that you would like to find.: 1SGT Ralph Shaffer, Lt. Butch Chabberty, Lieutenant Colonel Robert Rose. The other names escape me right now

Relocated to Hot Springs Village, AR in 2013 and live on one of the 7 golf courses. Play golf regularly. Still involved with the Elks Lodge, but enjoying total retirement.

Names that come to mind are Majors Pike, Redmond, Warren at Squadron level. As I remember, I will add to the list.

Joseph Robert Williams's Blog

Bindlach

Been reading posts about the Rock and stories about bunkers, Ammo storage, etc. The How Battery complex at Bayreuth (barracks, Mess, Offices and club building) had a fourth floor. The 1st Sergeant and I inspected it often to ensure it was clean and no female garments were there. Seems the previous 2ACR Commander had walked through once and wanted to see the whole building. He found a bra and panties on the fourth floor. That floor was off limits, but soldiers will be soldiers...

Posted on December 22, 2015 at 6:09pm

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At 10:00am on September 11, 2015, Dave Gettman said…: Good stories, Joe! That's what Dragoon Base is all about....locating old friends and sharing memories of our Cavalry days.

At 5:18pm on September 5, 2015, Dave Gettman said…: I don't have any Meisterbrau. Would you settle for a Maisel's Weiss? Made in Bayreuth!

The curator of the 2d Cavalry Museum, Ryan Meyer, had that stein custom made for me with my name engraved on the lid.

At 5:12pm on September 5, 2015, Dave Gettman said…: I lived right across the street from the Bayreuth Officer's Club with my parents, 1954-55. This is my mom and I in front of the club.

And this is me in front of the club in 2008.

At 10:50am on September 5, 2015, Dave Gettman said…: My pleasure, Joe, but the bier might be a little flat by now. Here's a fresh one....

At 11:59am on December 8, 2014, Dave Gettman said…: Happy Birthday, Joe!

At 9:54pm on February 16, 2013, Dennis K. Hansen said…: welcome to the base sir ,,enjoy ... I was at 3rd Squadron Amberg squadron maint. 72-73. thankyou for your service to our country. "Toujours Pret"

At 8:44pm on February 16, 2013, Michael Wayne Roberts said…: Welcome to dragoon base Sir, hope you enjoy the site as much as I do...Iwas in germany 1968-1970 S-2 Section The ROCK !