The veterans of the 96th Infantry Division. nicknamed the "Deadeyes," will have their annual reunion in Branson, MO, July 23 to 27, 2009. It is our fifth reunion in Missouri, including the first one in 1958. We are sending this letter to reach out to veterans who served in the 96th and have lost touch with us. Relatives and friends of 96th Division veterans also are warmly welcomed. Since 2006, we have been joined with veterans of the 96th Ready Reserve Command, based in Salt Lake City. This active Army unit shares our shoulder patch and our history.
The 96th Division fought on the islands of Leyte and Okinawa. The division was awarded a Presidential Unit Citation for its actions on Okinawa; only four U.S. Divisions received that honor in World War II.
If this is your first reunion, or the first in many years, don't be surprised to find old friends or to make new ones. In recent years a son of a member of my company who died on Okinawa, and the brother of another came to reunions. Both were welcomed warmly and have returned to other reunions.
For more information on the events at the reunion, and for reservation forms, see our Web site at http://www.96th-infantry-deadeyes.org.
Marvin Margoshes,
Co. C, 382 Infantry Regiment, 96th Infantry Division
Hastings on Hudson, NY
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