The 242nd Field Artillery Battalion of WWII was formed and began basic training at Camp White, Oregon in August of 1942, then on to the snows of the 9th Corp Field Artillery Firing Range at Yakama, Washington over the winter.  In March of 1943 the Battalion was transferred to Fort Sill, Oklahoma where they spent over a year honing their skills, and training OCS candidates.       By May of 1944 they were ready. They sailed for Europe July 2nd,1944.

Follow these mostly farm boys from the Midwest as they go from Selective Service callup in '42  to the battlefields of Europe and back home again in December of '45.

"Serving the Pieces" is a true account of this journey written by Edward Walsh of Seward, Nebraska, truck driver, machine gunner, liason agent, Corporal, A Battery.  A photographic trip through the great war accompanies the text.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ed Walsh wrote this account in the early 1990's.  He corresponded with many of the old outfit by email and regular mail.  He enjoyed helping the younger generation locate military records of their departed loved ones who neglected to leave a paper trail! Continue with excerpts from his account of the 242nd Field Artillery Battalion of WWII by following the list at the left.