The History of the106th Calvary, an illinois National Guard unit from 1898 to the present

This chronicle of the 106th Infantry Division follows the unit into the Battle of the Bulge and recounts the stories of GIs who fought—even after capture. On December 16, 1944, as the European conflict of World War II was reaching its climax at the Battle of the Bulge, the 106th Infantry Division was fresh, green, and right in the pathway of the Fifth German Army. Warriors of the 106th chronicles the movements and combat operations of this significant unit while sharing individual stories of the heroism and sacrifice of these young Americans in the face of overwhelming odds. From this division alone, 6,800 men were taken prisoner. But their stories didn’t end there. For the ones who miraculously escaped, there was a battle to fight. With remarkable courage, they survived debilitating weather conditions and fought a determined enemy with superior numbers. And despite all adversity, they eventually prevailed. One 106th GI waged his own personal war using guerilla tactics that caused serious consternation amongst the German troops. Another GI’s main concern was recovering his clean underwear. These stories are heartwarming, heartbreaking, nerve-wracking, and compelling. Warriors of the 106th puts readers on the front lines and in the stalags during the final months of WWII.

General description of the collection: This collection contains a manuscript titled The 106th Cavalry's Story. The unit was part of the Illinois National Guard and began as the 1st Cavalry. During World War I, the unit was re-designated the 2nd Artillery and then the 122nd Field Artillery (FA) Regiment and was part of the 58th FA Brigade. The unit was back in the United States by June 1919. During the 1920's and 1930's the unit went through various reorganizations and became a mechanized squadron and eventually became the 106th Cavalry Group. In January 1942 the unit was sent to the Canal Zone, Panama and by March 1944 they had arrived in Glasgow, Scotland. The unit's World War II history has been covered in The 106th Cavalry Group in Europe, 1944-1945, written by Thomas J. Howard. After occupation duty in Austria, the unit returned to the United States and by September 1950 had been reorganized into the 106th Tank Battalion and, during the Korean War, was stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington to train replacements. In March 1959 the unit was reorganized again and called the 106th Armor. The unit went through various reorganizations and designations but was associated with the 1st Battalion, 106th Aviation as of April 2005.

Not even rural West Virginia can hide the talents of a modern-day Mozart. Stephen is a thirteen-year-old ward of the state and a runaway who knows exactly what he is and what he wants. He's a gifted musician who wants a career in music. Who he is doesn't seem important until his foster parents refuse to believe in his musical gift. Now, the lack of a last name and need for a solid identity hover in his dreams. He grew up in a small town orphanage. His foster home of the past few months was in another small town. He'd left one and couldn't go back to the other; the only place remaining was Clarkstowne the big city a few miles away. He knew no one in Clarkstowne, yet he'd go there and search for someone who might understand his need. Stephen's simple "I am what I am, I need what I need" will change the perceptions of many people, beginning with the conductor of a respected symphony orchestra, a lonely boy, the musicians with whom he interacts, the friends he makes along the way, and the caseworkers and state officials who must straighten out the controversy centering on him.