During my 12 yrs in Germany i've had the great pleasure to know DAK Veteran Ricard Babik. Geb 1 JAN 1905
He was my Mother in-laws next door neighbor. A great friendship developed within the family as we spent many evenings at the house exchanging stories from one trooper to another over drinks with my wife partially assisting with interpretation.
When I first met Herr Babik he confronted me as I was in uniform and expressed his gratitude for the welfare provided by the USA during his internment during WW II.
One day years later I had to visit one of our detatched units at Ledford Barracks in Scweinfurt for a command & staff briefing. I arrived early with time on my hands, so I visited the library and came across the book "Camp Concordia"
As I reviewed it I recalled Herr Babik's assertion that he was in a POW camp in Kansas, but could not remember the name. As I viewed the index, it provided the names and assigned organizations of the POW's.
Then I thought that would be something to see Herr Babiks name here. True enough it eventually jumped out at me. With excitement I checked out the book.
When I presented the book to him and his wife. This book it brought tears to his eyes. Me and my wife suggested to finish reviewing in on his own as it exhumed many past memories and photos. I eventually paid the library for the book for the sake of his family's heritage. This continues to produce a great and personal self satisfaction for me.
Originally from Chemnitz, he migrated to my wifes town of Bartholoma after the Iron Curtain came down. Sadly he passed on in 2005 where we attended his funeral in the town of Bartholoma Germany. He lived a long hard and happy life of 100 years old. In reclusuion his wife pased on shortly after.
Here is a photo (copy) he had given me. I do collect tropical items but not up to high speed on the organization. I can recall that he asserted that he had cooked for FM Rommel on a few occassions. Is this Generalstab the DAK HQ's assignment? Would appreciate any additional guidance on the unit please?
His wound badge was awarded for shrapnel wounds to the leg during the French Campaign 1940. Thank you for your interest
-Ray-
He was my Mother in-laws next door neighbor. A great friendship developed within the family as we spent many evenings at the house exchanging stories from one trooper to another over drinks with my wife partially assisting with interpretation.
When I first met Herr Babik he confronted me as I was in uniform and expressed his gratitude for the welfare provided by the USA during his internment during WW II.
One day years later I had to visit one of our detatched units at Ledford Barracks in Scweinfurt for a command & staff briefing. I arrived early with time on my hands, so I visited the library and came across the book "Camp Concordia"
As I reviewed it I recalled Herr Babik's assertion that he was in a POW camp in Kansas, but could not remember the name. As I viewed the index, it provided the names and assigned organizations of the POW's.
Then I thought that would be something to see Herr Babiks name here. True enough it eventually jumped out at me. With excitement I checked out the book.
When I presented the book to him and his wife. This book it brought tears to his eyes. Me and my wife suggested to finish reviewing in on his own as it exhumed many past memories and photos. I eventually paid the library for the book for the sake of his family's heritage. This continues to produce a great and personal self satisfaction for me.
Originally from Chemnitz, he migrated to my wifes town of Bartholoma after the Iron Curtain came down. Sadly he passed on in 2005 where we attended his funeral in the town of Bartholoma Germany. He lived a long hard and happy life of 100 years old. In reclusuion his wife pased on shortly after.
Here is a photo (copy) he had given me. I do collect tropical items but not up to high speed on the organization. I can recall that he asserted that he had cooked for FM Rommel on a few occassions. Is this Generalstab the DAK HQ's assignment? Would appreciate any additional guidance on the unit please?
His wound badge was awarded for shrapnel wounds to the leg during the French Campaign 1940. Thank you for your interest
-Ray-
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