Ed & Ray Hersman in WWII - Robert Marks.org

4.19. BROTHER RAY Ed & Ray Hersman in WWIIcrossed the Rhine the Germans marched the prisoners almost back to theElbe River where we caught them.The supply sergeant of G Company who I had fought with, came lookingfor Ray and outfitted him completely in new clothes. He also gave him candybars and cartons of cigarettes.That night we had a hot supper and the mess sergeant really heapedRay’s mess kit full of food. Ray ate some of the food and instantly vomitedit up. His starved stomach just couldn’t stand decent food.Conley wanted Ray and I to spend the night with his company but thesection wanted them to stay with them which we did.Captain Overdite, the doctor from the aid station, inspected Ray andsaid he was going to send him to the hospital the next morning. The supplysergeant gave Ray a new sleeping bag and we slept in a German house thatnight.A German plane dropped a small bomb that night on the house G Companywas in. None of the men were hurt badly but they were shook up prettybad.Our section was holding some prisoners in the basement of the house wewere in.4.19.2 SouvenirsAfter the war at home I saw all the rings and small hand guns Ray had andasked him where he got them. He said the rings came from the prisoners inthe basement that night and that he took them because the Germans hadtaken his class ring the day he was captured. The guns were given to him bymen in the section and G Company.4.19.3 PartingThe next morning Ray decided he didn’t want to go back but wanted to staywith my section. I finally convinced him that it would be hard on Mom if82