Documents and cassette recordings relating to John Epps Teel's military service as an enlisted man in the 359th Infantry Regiment, 90 Infantry Division, United States Army, in the Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland, and Central European campaigns during World War II.
John Epps Teel (born 11/5/1920, died 5/12/2002) was an enlisted man in the 359th Infantry Regiment, United States Army, during World War II. He was involved in the Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland, and Central European campaigns and was awarded the Bronze Star Good Conduct Medal, 90th infantry Victory Medal and a Campaign Medal with one Silver Star.
This collection contains audio recordings and transcript of an interview conducted in 2001 between John Epps Teel and his son, John R. Teel discussing John Epps Teel's involvement in World War II. Topics discussed in the interview include Teel's first knowledge of the war, basic training experiences, crossing of the Atlantic Ocean and the Utah Beach landing. Specific battles and maneuvers discussed include the Battle of Normandy (June 6-July 27, 1944), the Break Through (August 1-10 1944), Falaise Gap (August 10-22, 1944), the Reims (August 23-31, 1944), Reims to Thionville, to Metz (September-November 1944), Drive to the Saar/ Saar Crossing/Bronze Star Event (September-December 1944), The Battle of the Bulge, Siegfried Line (February-March 19450, from Moselle to Rhine (Mar 12-23, 1945), from Rhine River to Main River (Mar 23-31, 1945), Germany Splitting (Apr 1-18, 1945), Advance to Bavaria Aprils 6-May 20, 1945, the end of the war and his return home.
Also included are copies of several submission forms for material sent to the Library of Congress to include in their American Folklife Center's Veterans Historic Project, Teel's Order to Report for Induction, Award of Bronze Star, official honorable discharge, enlistment records and separation qualification record papers. In addition is a photograph of Teel in uniform dated 1944.
Gift of John R. Teel
Encoded by Lindsay Flood, March 28, 2008
Processed by Benjamen Meier 2008
Literary rights to specific documents are retained by the authors or their descendants in accordance with U.S. copyright law.