West Long Brach, NJ (PRWEB) September 17, 2013
In mid-August 1942, when the 82nd Infantry Division was converted to an airborne division, the battalion was reorganized and re-designated as the 320th Glider Field Artillery Battalion. It was organized into two firing batteries of six M1A1 75mm pack howitzers each. However, prior to entering combat, the 320th was issued the M3 105mm howitzer. On January 5, 1943, Lt. Col. Paul E. Wright assumed command of the battalion and remained in command throughout the war.
“The Knot Will Hold” written by author Walter K. Tuzeneu (Sgt. Tuzzie) tells the heroic story of the 320th Glider Field Artillery Battalion (GAFBN) and the virtue of the 105 mm howitzer. The 320th Battalion was one of several battalions in the 82nd Airborne Division. This battalion was composed of six gun crews to man the 105 mm howitzers. Each crew consisted of a gun crew chief as well as five or six crew members. The 320th gun crew chiefs were Sergeant Tuzzie, the first gun crew, Sergeant Sackett, Sergeant Swain, Sergeant Sword, Sergeant Parker, and Sergeant Rehenquist. In each crew, there were two breech men and a soldier in charge of the lanyard.
The 105 mm howitzer was the only one adapted to fit a glider to make it airborne. It was at the infamous Mt. Casino in Italy which had a sharp cliff with a drop of about nine hundred to a thousand feet where the snub-nosed 105 mm howitzers were dug in, with their barrels pointing almost straight up. From this angle at the base of the cliff, the artillery shells of the 105 mm snub-nosed howitzers landed along the ridge which made the Krauts (as they were called) scrambled to get away from the devastating fire that accurately hit their positions. It was learned later that the Germans had no idea where the shelling came from or why it was so accurate.
“The Knot Will Hold” shares to readers the exploits of the brave men of the 320th Glider Field Artillery Battalion to which the author belong. Complemented with historic photos and images, this informational and entertaining read will raise awareness, understanding and appreciation among the present generation and the general public as well the problems, vicissitudes, and errors brought about by World War II.
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About the Author
Walter K. Tuzeneu (Sgt. Tuzzie) is an honorably discharged veteran of WWII and an honorable man. He paid all taxes, never cheated any man, always kept his word and earned the twinkle in his eye. He was discharged from military service on August 1945 and returned to civilian life after serving in the European Theater of Operations. Tuzeneu began writing the story of gliders in early 1980. The effort was put on the back burner until about Jan 2000 due to work, trials and tribulations, recitals, graduations, sickness and vacations. He lives alone since 2006 which gave him the opportunity to enjoy writing, kept him busy and active. He has been enthusiastic ever since.
The Knot Will Hold * by Walter K. Tuzeneu
For the 320th
Publication Date: July 29, 2013
Trade Paperback; $15.99; 146 pages; 978-1-4836-6796-6
Trade Hardback; $22.99; 146 pages; 978-1-4836-6797-3
eBook; $3.99; 978-1-4836-6798-0
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