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Bill Stofer
During the war, Bill was in combat numerous times. His ranks in combat were private, corporal, and sergeant. He was in combat at a variety of different places including Naples Foggia, Rome Arno, the North Apenines, and the Po Valley campaigns. During combat, he and his men captured enemy troops and then turned them over to a local group called the partisans. The partisans took the prisoners to a prisoner of war compound. One of the most fascinating things Bill saw in the infantry was the clothing of the Berber women. These women wore men's uniforms and they had to slit the fabric down the legs. They did this because their legs were too chubby to fit in the pant legs. Another interesting story he told was about the artillery. The Germans used horse drawn artillery, while the Americans used mules. The U.S. had a man named "Texas Ed" who loaded the mules. He was called "Texas Ed" because he had a revolver by his side at all times. During combat, obviously, some of these mules died. The Americans gave these dead mules to the Italians to eat. Another story he told was about his trip home to the United States. When he arrived at Boston Harbor, he was greeted by German prisoners who were running the mess hall. Bill wondered what was going on. The German prisoners were asking what he wanted to eat and how he wanted his steak cooked. He was so surprised because these were soldiers that had previously been captured and now they were serving him food in Boston. While at war, the Americans had put all of the Japanese Americans in camps. Bill felt that this was a good idea. Some of the Japanese did volunteer for the U.S. Army. In fact, Bill said that the Japanese unit was highly decorated for their service. Bill was finally discharged after two years, seven months, and one day in the infantry. He was anxious to get home and eat his grandmother's home cooking and to see his family. He received two medals after his time in the infantry. One was the Soldier's Medal, and the other was for saving a life. After the war, Bill had many troubling feelings. He was disappointed to see that the countries, particularly Italy, the U.S. had liberated did not try to establish new democratic governments. He also said that he could do without the bad dreams and friends lost in the war. When Bill finally arrived home, things were a little different than when he had left. On the home front, the women were driving locomotives and growing "victory gardens" from which they canned vegetables, soups and other rations for the U.S. troops. One of the hardest things for him was to learn that most of his friends were still in the service. One of the most memorable stories told to me by Bill was the final breakthrough in Italy against the enemy, and the liberation of Rome, the "eternal city." He also gave some extremely good advice, "Our freedom and style of life are worth fighting for," and "support your country; there is a price for the type of freedom that we enjoy." After the war, Bill and his wife raised a family of two girls and two boys. He now has eleven grandchildren and resides in Littleton, Colorado.
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| Last page update: March 2, 2008 12:11 PM |
Bill
Stofer was nineteen when he was eligible to be drafted into the army.
He was born in Wray, Colorado on February 11, 1924. He graduated from
high school in 1942. After Bill was drafted, he went to basic training
where he learned about field communications, how to use a bayonet, and
how to shoot a rifle. Following basic training, he was sent to a replacement
pool in North Africa. A replacement pool was a gathering place to supply
soldiers for combat. While in the service, Bill served in the infantry.
