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64th  ANNUAL NATIONAL REUNION 43D INFANTRY DIVISION VETERANS ASSN. AUGUST 2010 Hosted by the Rhode Island Chapter Details to be announced.

This is a photo that was sent to me by a LTC Robert Cody, of the 118th Medical Battalion.  He and his troops were  staioned in Balad, Iraq and arrived home in February 2005. He had a local (Connecticut) alterations shop make up a dozen of the 43d's shoulder patchs in Desert Tan to match thier desert camoflage.  Once again, (unofficially) the symbol proudly worn by so many before him, has seen yet another Campaign on foriegn soil.

On September 13, 2003, it was my pleasure to host a slide lecture about the 43d Division in W.W. II.  I was fortunate enough to have Col. John J. Higgins (RET.)  as my guest speaker.  It was held at the Naval and Marine Corp Center in Plainville, Connecticut. After a short introduction and a little 43d Division history, I gave the floor to Col. Higgins.  I was provided with about 30 slides which I showed as the Col. narrated. Col.  Higgins joined the 169th Infantry Reg, 43d Division on May 23, 1940, stationed at the State Armory in Hartford, CT. After the National Guards were inducted into Federal Service in 1941,  Col.. Higgins followed the 43d from Camp Blanding, FL,  where training and outfitting was done, through the Campaigns of Guadalcanal, New Georgia, New Guinea, Luzon and even the Occupation of Japan. Upon returning to the USA, he was discharged from the Army, and rejoined the 169th Inf. National Guard.  After serving at many different posts, both here and abroad, Mr. Higgins retired on Jan. 17, 1976 after 35 years of distinguished service. Col. Higgins is also the author of "The First Connecticut Regiment - from 1672- 1963". Approximately 20 people attended the lecture which lasted just under two hours, and all found it interesting and educational.  Reading about history in a book is one thing, listening to history, with personal ancedotes included, really makes it come alive. I would like to thank:  Col. John J. Higgins for sharing his time and experiences with all of us; Lt. Denis Thiede, Commanding Officer,NSCC (Sea Cadets), Barque Eagle Division in Plainville, CT,  and Commanding Officer Andy DiPuccio, Naval and Marine Corp Center, Plainville, CT  for the use of the Center and for their help.

Col. John J. Higgins ( RET.) The Col. narrates as his slides are shown on a screen to his left.  September 13, 2003

The host of the 43d Infantry Division history slide lecture ( David W. Thiede), and  Col. Higgins after the lecture at the Naval and Marine Corp Center in Plainville, CT.  Sept. 13, 2003.